DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own Ultimate Spider-Man or any related characters, Spiderman Noir or Pulp era characters and themes. Everything belongs to Marvel, Disney or Dynamite Entertainment ... apart from the story.
In short; I don't own anything in this story.
This is just for fun.
Enjoy
Chapter 20: Parley Between Worlds
S.W.O.R.D. Space Station "The Peak"
Commander Brand: Ok … who pushed what button?!
After receiving an urgent message to report up to the communication centre; the director of S.W.O.R.D. made her way up the levels of the station to meet her agents. However, as she entered the Com-Centre, her agents had already had on display a large holo-screen. On it, it showed the Earth system and the vast amount of UFOs stationing themselves on the very edge.
Commander Brand: How many are there?
Agent Anthon: Afraid that's only our last recorded sighting ma'am. Last we counted they were in their hundreds, roughly the same numbers as before. However, when they first reached Pluto, they held position for only a few moments before disappearing from our sensors.
Commander Brand: They must be using those damn cloaking technology.
Agent Joe: We've tried everything Commander, but nothing we have are picking these bastards up.
Commander Brand: They're waiting … get me Director Fury, on the double.
Bangalla – Bandar Village – Early Morning
Peter wakes up to find himself inside a makeshift hut, curled up on a hammock with his recently new wife Ava.
Err … couldn't give us a little privacy would you…
Suddenly Ava started to stir in his embrace and began to wake up.
Ah forget it … never get what I want…
Peter: Hey honey … how'd you sleep?
Ava: Peter, last night was … incredible. You really know how to keep my tiger side calm.
Hey! None of that … this is my wife here.
Peter: Good to know … to tell you the truth I was a little worried.
Ava: What do you mean?
Peter: I mean with you being… you know, and us about to… you know. I was worried I might scramble…
Ava: Peter, remind me to get you a book on the subject. It's perfectly safe to have sex during pregnancy; our baby is protected by my amniotic sac and a thick layer of my uterus's muscles…
Peter: Good … good. Cause you know … I didn't want him or her to grab…
Ava: Oh my god, reality just hit me … my baby's father is a complete idiot.
Peter: And you married him, don't forget that part.
Ava looked up at Peter and smiled warmly to herself.
Ava: No … let's not forget that part. That part was perfect.
Peter: Better than the very expensive version?
Ava: Defiantly.
Guys … you may want to take notes.
Ava: I only wish we can stay like this forever.
Peter: Well … we could you know; beach front property, privacy … just you, me and the baby.
Ava: Sounds like a dream.
She rolled over to lie on top of her husband and started making out with him for a few minutes, until the huts door burst opened, surprising the newlyweds that they both fell of their hammock and landed on the huts floor. Peter sat straight up and saw Kit standing by the open doorway.
Peter: A KNOCK WOULD HAVE BEEN WELCOMED!
Kit: Sorry guys but the honeymoons over … we just received word.
Peter looked confused for a moment, before realising what his friend meant.
Peter: How long?
Kit: Could be a matter of hours, so we better get moving.
He left the two of them alone and was nearly followed out by a hurried Peter until he was called back by Ava.
Ava: Peter!
Peter: What?
Ava: Pants!
She pointed down to his clothes on the ground and he looked below his waist to realise he nearly ran out without his…
Peter: Whoa! Thanks honey.
The entire Island was on red alert; troops began mobilising, defensives were being set up and transports were readying to deploy teams all over the world. Thankfully most of the superhero teams had already been deployed to their stations during the last week, the only ones remaining was the teams heading for New York. The transports containing the Avengers and their "recruits" had just left as the League begin boarding their own transports. Hornet and Kato are in one transport while Zorro, Phantom and Rocketeer in another along with squads of Jungle Patrol troops and other recruits.
Spiderman is already on his transport, dawning his Mark-III Spider armour and waiting for Tiger to arrive. However, the villains accompanying assigned to them showed up first along with soldiers; Domino, Absorbing Man and of course…
New Goblin: Peter.
Spiderman: Harry.
The Web-slinger noticed that his former best friend had traded up his old suit for a new sleeker looking design: similar to an Iron-Man suit but more green and goblin-like.
New Goblin: Like the new threads? I had it made especially for you.
Spiderman: Look, if we're going to have a problem…
New Goblin: Oh no, nothing like that; I mean since we're working together, I thought it best to bring out the big guns. After all, …
He looks over Spiderman's shoulder; curious the Web-Slinger looks behind him to see Tiger walking over towards the pair of them. As his back was turned, Goblin stepped closer and whispered so only Spiderman could hear him.
New Goblin: Anything bad could happen.
In a flash, Spiderman spun round to push Goblin and pin him up against the hull of the transport.
Spiderman: You stay the hell away from her!
Goblin flashed him a mischievous grin before Spiderman realised what he was doing and backed off.
Spiderman: You may not think so Harry, but I'm still your friend. But I swear if you try anything…
White Tiger: Hey!
Tiger moved swiftly to stand between her husband and his former best friend before anything could escalate further.
White Tiger: You boys need to play nice … settle your little spat after the world is safe.
The two former friends continued to stare each other down for a few seconds before Goblin just smirked and turned to step into the transport. Spiderman kept watching him until Tiger got his attention.
White Tiger: What was that about?
Spiderman: Nothing … Listen Tiger, maybe it'll be better if you stayed out of this one.
White Tiger: Yeah, like that's going to happen.
Spiderman: I'm serious … you remember what it was like last time. I just don't think it's a good idea for you to put yourself in that kind of danger, especially in your condition…
Before he could finish his point, Tiger took hold of Spiderman's hand and held it up to her chest to reinsure her husband. Unfortunately for Spiderman however, Tiger quickly extended her claws and sunk them into his hand, causing searing pain for the web-head and forcing him to his knees.
Spiderman: Ouch! OW! Sweetie … OW! Sweetie … retract the claws please!
White Tiger: Spidey, whose fault is it that I'm in this condition?
Spiderman: Mine!
White Tiger: And are you in a position to stop me from going?
Spiderman: NO!
White Tiger: I thought so.
She let go of his hand and made her way inside the transport, leaving Spiderman to caress his injured hand. She walks past Domino, who just smirks and nudges Absorbing Man.
Domino: I like her.
Ow … If you think she's hormonal now, imagine what she'll be like in labour?
Cutaway
Chibi doctors and nurses are running in and out of a hospital ward door. The cries of a vicious wild cat can be heard coming from inside along smashes, crashes and occasional yelps. The door slowly opens and Chibi Spiderman crawls out; bloodied, bruised and outfit torn to shreds.
Chibi Spiderman: Run … save yourselves…
He falls flat on his back, wincing in pain.
Cutaway ends
Maybe I'm not ready to be a father?
S.W.O.R.D. Space Station "The Peak" – Command and Control
Commander Brand: I want those satellites in position yesterday! Have all our forces armed and at their stations! What's the status of the Damocles?
S.W.O.R.D. Agent: Ma'am, the Damocles is in position and waiting for orders.
Commander Brand: Good … what about the Xandarian forces?
The door of the command centre opened and both Nova Prime and Iron-Man (in his space armour) hurried inside to speak with the stations commander.
Nova Prime: My fleet is in defensive position along with S.H.I.E.L.D.s Astro-carriers, and my Supernovas are ready at the front.
Commander Brand: Stark, those satellites of yours better do the job.
Iron-Man: Hey relax, Have I ever delivered anything less than 200%?
Commander Brand: Do you want me to answer that?
Iron-Man: Only if it's to agree with me.
The commander rolled her eyes at Iron-Man just as Nova Prime received a message on his communicator.
Nova Prime: Carrie, is everyone ready?
Nova Carrie: Yes, my Prime, the Supernovas have taken positions and are awaiting your instructions.
Nova Prime: Remember, we cannot have a repeat of the Skrull Throneworld; our ships will focus on their dreadnoughts while you and the others focus on any troop transports. They cannot be allowed to reach the surface is that clear.
Nova Carrie: Of course my Prime, we will not fail you.
Nova Prime: And … keep an eye on those "recruits" make sure they do their part.
Nova Carrie: As you wish.
Nova Prime: Just one last thing; stay safe out there Carrie, don't do something stupid like getting yourself killed.
Nova Carrie: You have nothing to fear, my love. You forget I saved you sixteen times so far.
Nova Prime: 15 times! … that … that incident at Knowhere didn't count.
Nova Carrie: So you say … I love you, Sam.
Nova Prime: I love you too.
The Emperors Reach – Bridge
As the Mongo fleet gathers in orbit around Pluto; General Kala stands on the bridge of the mother ship, studying a holo-projection of the planet Earth and its feeble defences.
General Kala: Look at them all; scurrying about in a desperate attempt to shield themselves. Just like NooNoo bugs digging deep into their mound … until they're burned out.
She then presses a button on the intercom right in front of her.
General Kala: Hanger Control, prepare my personal vessel. It's time to offer these humans the Emperors terms.
S.W.O.R.D. Space Station "The Peak" – Command and Control
Agent Anthon: Commander, I'm sorry to report that we still can't find a trace of the enemy fleet.
Commander Brand: They're out there … somewhere.
Agent Joe: Should we not raise the bloody shields!
Iron-Man: If we raise our shields it'll interfere with our long rang scanners. We need to know where they're coming from first. We need to be patient…
Agent Anthon: Commander!
The agent pointed towards the stations observation screen. Right in front of the station, for anyone to see, an unknown alien vessel began de-cloaking itself. It had the same design of the Mongo ships but this one seemed different, sleeker, heavier armoured and about the size of a medium frigate. It had four wings that expanded out and curled round the hull, giving the vessel a "claw-like" appearance.
Nova Prime: Raise shields!
Commander Brand: No! Tactical analysis agent!
Agent Anthon preformed a scan on the Mongo vessel from his console, but the results he got only made gulp.
Agent Anthon: Commander … if I'm reading this right. I'm seeing 52 disrupter banks, 27 photon torpedo bays, even primary and secondary shields.
Commander Brand: So … she's a predator.
The Mongo vessel slowly continued its course towards the Peak for a few moments before halting in position. A few members of the Supernovas, along with Crimson Dynamo, Titanium-Man, War Machine and even a detachment of Hammer Industries deep space solider drones began to surround the vessel. At first it appeared to do nothing, until Agent Joe started to receive a transmission from it.
Agent Joe: Commander, we're being hailed.
Commander Brand: On screen.
Joe followed his instruction and after a few seconds he allowed a hologram to appear in the control room. A large figure cloaked in a black and gold robe, its hood covered the figures face, with the exception of his lower jaw and mouth that shined a golden gleam.
Viceroy Krytis: "Humans … we are the Mongo warship Serpinator".
Commander Brand: And to whom are we addressing?
Viceroy Krytis: "I am Krytis … Viceroy to the God-Emperor of Mongo. We are here to discuss his majesty's terms."
Nova Prime: I've already seen the terms of your engagm…
Before he could finish his sentence; Nova Prime, Iron-Man and Commander Brand felt a strange sensation engulfing them. They examined themselves and watched in shock as their bodies slowly began to disappear. Before they knew what was going on, they found themselves in the middle of a dark room. The space they were in seemed completely empty, no furnishings, equipment … nothing but an eerily gleam of light coming from cracks below the wall in front of them.
Commander Brand: Stark!
Iron-Man: Don't look at me, I'm getting nothing but interference. Something is messing with my on-board sensors.
Nova Prime: Well then, let's knock.
He raised his gauntlets and began charging up his Nova Force energy, but just then the wall in front of them began to slowly slide open. Taking a chance, the heroes cautiously entered into a larger room. It wasn't much brighter than the room thy were just in, but they could tell it was some kind of grand chamber. A wide stair case was just ahead of them and it led up to the back wall that had on display the large insignia of the Mongo that Earth and Xandarian forces have come across; according to Nova Primes intelligence it was known as the "Eye of Ming".
Commander Brand: Bit over dramatic.
Nova Prime: I wouldn't say that in front of them.
He gestures over the Mongo troopers stationed around the sides of the chamber; their bright red armour contrasting the dark ambiance this place was giving off. At first Commander Brand reached for her weapon, but since the troopers never even flinched, she re-thought her choice. Then suddenly from out of the darkness; a commanding voice echoed throughout the chamber.
General Kala: I hope you don't mind the darkness … I'm never comfortable in the light. Too chaotic and distracting, there's something … peaceful about the dark.
Commander Brand: Yeah … well I'm more comfortable talking to someone I can actually see!
There was a brief moment of silence before the Earth representatives heard the soft echo of footsteps coming from the top of the staircase. When they stopped, they all looked up at the slender figure of a woman, her face obscured by shadows.
General Kala: Commander Brand … Abigail Brand.
The S.W.O.R.D. commander was taken aback slightly at hearing her full name, she just watched as the dark woman took a few extra steps towards them.
General Kala: Strange; I imagined humans to be a little … taller.
Trying not to draw attention, Iron-Man carful reached for his right arm and tried to activate the built in sensor unit, hoping it'll be more effective at close range.
General Kala: You may attempt to scan me … Iron-Man? But you may find your equipment to be of little use on my vessel.
On that remark, her troops began to move closer towards the three heroes but halted when the General raised her hand, then moved back to their previous stations.
Iron-Man: I have to admit; you're not how I imagined Mongo woman.
Despite saying that in his most suave tone; he was met with a complete stone walled silence from the General, until she responded with a "matter of fact" voice.
General Kala: I'm Omadrian.
Both Iron-Man and Commander Brand turned their heads to Nova as if expecting him to say something, but all he did was shrug his shoulders. Rolling her eyes, Brand turned back to the General.
Commander Brand: Why have you brought us here?
She didn't respond; instead the General just gazed at Nova Prime, which began to unnerve the young man.
General Kala: I've never met a member of the Nova Corps before.
Nova Prime: For your information; I am the reigning Nova Prime…
General Kala: Yes ... Sam Alexander of Earth … you embody a significant amount of the "Nova Force". Super strength, stamina, speed and hyper durability. All this I knew, but still, I expected a warrior of your reputation to be a little … older.
Nova Prime: Reputation?
General Kala: Grand Admiral Nemiss speaks of you with a certain degree of respect.
Seeing the smirk developing on her mouth, Nova Prime unintentionally started to charge up his Nova Force, creating an aura around him that illuminated the chamber. On doing so the three heroes could now see the General clearly; she wore a tight fitting gold and black uniform and her skin tone and silver hair highlighted her beauty for all to see … which only encouraged Iron-Man further.
Iron-Man: Well you seem quite familiar with us, but we still don't know much about you. Do you have a pretty name to match that face?
Commander Brand resisted the urge to slapped her forehead with her hand as the General glanced over to Iron-Man.
General Kala: I am General Kala of Daggog; Supreme Commander and Chief of the armed forces of Mongo.
Commander Brand: Well then, General … care to explain why you brought us here.
General Kala: Yes … of course, there is so much we have to talk about.
She turned to walk back up the stair case but Brand wouldn't take her eyes off her for a moment.
Commander Brand: I'm more interested in what you intend to talk about.
General Kala reached the top of the staircase then swiftly turned to face her quests with her arms raised up as if about to conduct a symphony to a vast audience.
General Kala: Unity! Tearing down the walls between us so that we can recognise that we are one.
The three heroes were confused to say the least, but they waited for the General to elaborate further.
General Kala: I'm talking of the very thing that makes us the same … peace … we want peace.
The heroes looked to each other; speechless and unable to comprehend with what is being presented to them … a chance to end the war before it begun.
General Kala: Right now you're thinking; "This is too good to be true". But you're also thinking; "the chance for peace is too promising to ignore" … am I right?
Her guests settled down and Nova Prime took a step forward to stand at the base of the stair case, looking up at the General.
Nova Prime: Yes.
General Kala: Then perhaps it is time to enlighten you about our Empire.
With a clap of her hands; their surroundings were suddenly lit up by a huge hologram that engulfed the entire chamber. It was a scaled projection of hundreds of galaxies … none that Nova Prime himself recognises.
General Kala: The forces that you previously encountered, like my soldiers presentt, were mostly comprised of the Mongovians; the highest tire race of the Empire, but not the only ones.
As she spoke, several galaxies began to highlight along with particular systems.
General Kala: Aboria, Tropica, Frigia, Coralia, Solus, Trono and even the entire Kast Collective have been given a place amongst the Empire, by the grace of the Emperor himself.
Iron-Man: I doubt they were brought in willingly.
General Kala: True … not everyone realised the might of our imperial majesty at first. Like rowdy children, they fought against their peers, only to be humbled by the Emperors power.
Nova Prime: And what about your people? I noticed you left out Daggog in that recount.
The General faced Nova Prime and began walking calmly towards him, constantly looking at him with an emotionless expression.
General Kala: When I was a young girl, my people were one of the most civilised in our galaxy. We were … how would you describe it? A female ordinated society. Women lead the people while the aggressive nature of men were focused on our defensive … "it was a utopia" I was told.
Commander Brand: "Was told"?
General Kala: One day, the Emperor of Mongo came. He invited us into his growing Empire, but we refused … willing to fight and secure our place in the natural order. Our armies were ready; every male willing to fight … but it was not to be. Instead of the army we were expecting there stood only the Emperor himself and in one single moment of demonstrating his power … they were obliterated … every male of my species … gone.
The heroes continued to listen to the Generals tale, wondering why she'd explain any of this to them.
General Kala: Only the women and children were left. We were renown for our beauty, so we were taken as slaves. I ended up being raised in servitude, along with others my age. For years my people dwindled until only few of us remain; but I swore to myself I wouldn't fade away into extinction. When the time was right, I murdered my Mongo master and escaped … only to be recaptured. As punishment for my crime, I was drafted into the military, into the front lines and expected to die. But I wouldn't allow myself to, I fought and clawed my way up the ranks until I was noticed by his esteemed majesty himself. Victory after victory I brought the Empire and for my efforts the Emperor bestowed onto me the rank of General. Now I stand here as the supreme commander of the Empires military might!
Iron-Man: But why serve them after what the Emperor did to your people?
General Kala: My people were stubborn, foolish and weak. The Mongo Empire respects only strength, cunning, ruthlessness and survival; traits that I demonstrated … that you demonstrated.
The heroes looked to each other, realising what the General was leading towards.
General Kala: No other race in this galaxy had achieved what you had done. The Emperor offers you this one chance … to join him. Let the people of your world become part of the greatest power to ever exist.
Commander Brand: You mean as slaves!
Nova Prime: You think that Earth would join you!? After everything you and your kind have done to the other races of the galaxies, after the billions of sentients who's blood your soldiers have spilled in the name of your so called Emperor. You believe we'd want any part of it!
Iron-Man: Not to mention the last time you lot were here, you more or less levelled every major city on the planet. This might surprise you but the people of Earth take it pretty personally when you break our stuff.
The three of them stood united against the Mongo General; they could see her trooper standing around them readying themselves for a fight. But General Kala merely smirked at them and spoke in a softer tone.
General Kala: I'm beginning to see why his eminence has taken an interest in your kind. Nether the less the Emperors terms are clear; accept his most generous offer … or die. You have 24 hours to decide.
With the sudden wave of her hand, the three heroes once again found themselves being engulfed in the same energy that brought them here. The moment they were gone, General Kala heard footsteps coming from the staircase and looked round to see Viceroy Krytis walking down to join her.
Viceroy Krytis: Well my dear, do you think the humans will accept the Emperors offer?
The General smiled and walked up to the Viceroy, caressing his metal chin with her hand before planting a kiss beneath his hood.
General Kala: Oh Krytis … it matters little. But remind me, why did the Emperor want me to present this offer when he clearly has no intention to spare these creatures?
Viceroy Krytis: You forget the very base nature of his royal majesty; he like to play with things before annihilation. And these humans may prove to be most … entertaining.
S.W.O.R.D. Space Station "The Peak" – Command and Control
Ever since their commander had been taken, the crew had been planning a possible rescue attempt. But that was before their commander, along with Iron-Man and Nova Prime suddenly reappeared on board. Before any of them could ask what had happened, Commander Brand yelled to her agents.
Commander Brand: RAISE SHIELDS!
They do so and Commander Brand watched the viewing screen as the Serpinator activated its cloaking device and disappeared from sight.
Commander Brand: Get Director Fury on the line we need to tell him…
Agent Anthon: He knows Ma'am.
Commander Brand: What do you mean he knows?
Agent Anthon: Everyone knows; your meeting on board the Serpinator … it was broadcasted all across the planet.
Nova Prime: You mean …?
Iron-Man: Everyone on Earth knows they only have 24 hours … guess we better get to work.
A/N: Sorry for the delay, hope this makes up for it. Comment and Review.
Thanks