Conclusion [A Few Months Later—K 'ai Capital]

Renewal eased its way across the planet. From former cities' rubble, wooden settlements sprang up. Innovation increased plowing acreage and potential yields. Domestication brought animal labor and husbandry into the fold. Trade flourished between the rebuilding places. Revenues were better invested and spent. Roads improved.

Even the so-called Isle of Assassins got involved. Krylar's successor, Ewalder, signed a mutual support treaty with the King and Queen. In exchange for scientific aid and assistance, the island received a cut from its implements' sales.

Thus all benefitted….

Banner stirred first on that early morning. Satisfaction spread a smile across his face. His heart warmed. He stretched and turned over in the new four post bed. "Mmm…." The previous months' activity wore on even the Hulk's enhanced constitution. Still he could relax and be content.

The spray of blonde hair on the next pillow played a big part in that.

He slipped out of bed (as much as he could manage in that regard) and pulled his robe on. He looked about the granite chamber. Guess the palace has to be the first building back in that regard. He knew that the people had thinned out with each new structure within the city walls. Even if wood provided stability, he wanted to restore the city to its former glory. While he understood that such things took time, Impatience and Concern ate at him.

He wanted the best for their subjects. He knew Jarella wanted the same.

I wish she'd sleep in more like this! He peered out into the hallway. There the usual fruit and berda cheese platter and juice container waited by the door.

"Galada already has that routine down pat." He chuckled to himself. He knew the Hulk liked the cheese for some reason. If he could throw his internal alter ego a bone, he would. Besides the Queen could not get enough of it as well.

Residian hustled toward him. "Sire?" He straightened his robes of state. "Good morning!" He bowed.

"Minister Residian, good morning." Banner smiled. The First Minister had left Expectations' standards well in the dust since the restoration. "How go the preparations?"

"Very well, Sire. The structure was completed last night according to your specifications. There are places for our guests within it. We will begin pumping water into it at your and the Queen's signal. If I may say, we're all excited about our guests' visit."

"Thank you, Minister. Friends and allies should be welcomed in such ways. The Queen and I will let you know." Banner picked up the fruit and cheese plate. "If you will excuse me, she needs her breakfast. Oh! How is Wifrida?"

Residian rolled his eyes. "She will not listen. She should be resting with the baby coming."

Banner nodded. "She only wishes to serve. Queen Jarella and I have our eye on her as well, my Friend. It will be all right. Thanks." He moved the platter and juice inside.

"You can never relax. Can you, Beloved?" Jarella considered him.

"Not where your treats are concerned. You work hard enough for our people. I want to spoil you. So sue me." Banner shrugged.

"I do not understand the concept of this 'sue' activity." She furrowed her brow. "I would want no payment save your continued presence." She kissed him. "Good morning."

"Good morning." He waved a piece of cheese in front of her face. "Ready for breakfast?"

"I am always ready to spend time with you. I know you are excited for our state visit." Her teeth crunched into a piece of fruit. "That is if you can pay attention while looking in on everyone?" Mirth shone in her eyes.

"I care about them too. Kind of like a certain someone taught me." Teasing gleamed in his eyes as well. "As for Namor, he's moody sometimes but he's a good ally. Even if we're in different places, I want his friendship." He drank some of the juice.

"A great sentiment indeed." She touched glasses with him.

[Mid-Day—In Front of the City]

Jarella marveled at the underground structure beside the city's walls. She paced off fifteen strides. Her eye estimated its floor to be ten strides beneath the surface more or less. Water glistened and rippled in the day's conditions. Beneath the surface, she took in waterproof bedding and furnishings. "Gods of K 'ai! Such a structure, Bruce!"

"You never saw one of my world's inground swimming pools. They're just like this. I borrowed the design. Ewalder, Lord Torla and the Pantheon helped. All part of the collaboration." Banner pointed toward the stairs on either side of the pool. He looked over the honor guard. "Is everyone in position?"

"We are." Residian bowed to them.

"And I suppose Porky wants to be part of your 'collaboration'?" She raised an eyebrow.

"He wants to say hi I'm sure. He'll remember Namor." Banner chuckled.

Lord Torla ambled over to the couple. "King Bruce, Queen Jarella, it is time. May we begin?"

"Of course!" Jarella nodded. "Bring our friends." She looked to Banner and then back toward the path.

The Pantheon assembled. They linked hands and chanted:

"In Time Renewed

Let barrier open

To see Friends True

By goddess' will spoken"

The air shimmered above the path. Within it, Namor and Dorma appeared. She wore the goddess' helmet with the water inside. They strode forward.

"Prince Namor, welcome to K 'ai!" Banner grinned. "It's great to see you."

"King Bruce." Namor let the name work around his tongue. "I see you have rebuilt your capital."

"As with Atlantis, everything is a team effort here." Banner turned to Dorma. "And you must be Princess Dorma? Welcome!"

"Thank you. I am eager to meet one of Atlantis' surface friends. I owe you thanks for helping to save my life." Dorma looked toward Jarella. "And this must be Queen Jarella?"

"It is indeed." Banner brought the guests over. "Prince Namor and Princess Dorma, you remember Queen Jarella?"

"Of course." Namor nodded to their hostess. "Thank you for receiving us. I've been meaning to see how you were doing."

"Bruce brings a great deal of innovation. We are unifying our world. Everyone is happy. What else matters?" Jarella nodded in return. "Until we received word from you, we worried about Dorma's situation."

"This is the very same helmet that saved my life. Your goddess deserves thanks, Queen Jarella." Dorma stared at the pool. "By the golden trident! Namor! Look!"

Namor paced about the pool's length. He saw the furnishings underwater. "You have outdone yourself. Thank you."

"We want our guests to be comfortable, Namor. It was but a small thing for your comfort. Besides it gave Bruce a chance to show me another of the Bigger World's inventions. What did you call it?" Jarella explained.

"It's a swimming pool. Sorry that it's freshwater. I know Atlantis is salt water but…." Banner apologized.

"Fresh water will be fine." The hosts' consideration floored Namor to be honest. Not that they weren't friends mind you. It was an unexpected surprise. "I will have to let Strange know."

"How are he and Clea?" Jarella asked.

"They are the same. They send their regards. We all hope for the Silver Surfer's happiness since there has been no word. The Valkyrie is well. The Defenders have recruited an Amazon named Thundra and another called Nighthawk. They will be fine. I was going to remind you that a ruler's first duty is to his or her people. From what I've heard, you are doing well in that regard." Namor squeezed Dorma's hand. "Perhaps we might see your palace? Then we have a treaty to sign."

"Those phalandrian rebaugs were excellent! I hope there is more?" Dorma requested.

"Indeed there are." Jarella bade them all down the path toward the city and the palace therein.

And with such collaborations, alliances and universes are built. From Chaos comes Creation and Innovation.

But those are stories for other days. Let us allow our friends their time. Shall we?

THE END