The Fantasy Initiative

David Banner carefully kept his distance from the other arrivals as they stepped off the seaplane. From what he had already seen, Fantasy island was everything he'd heard it rumored to be. He politely accepted a flower wreath from one of the native girls and watched as Mr. Rourke, the island's enigmatic host, formally welcomed the guests, his assistant called Tattoo standing at his side. Now comes the hard part, Banner thought, as he followed Roarke to the waiting mansion.

"You have no need to explain anything to me, Doctor Banner," Roarke said. "This is Fantasy Island, after all, and there is little about my guests that I do not already know before they arrive. I know about your very unique situation, and the constant struggle that you have within yourself."

"Then you must know that I've been trying to control it for the past six years without any success," Banner replied. "I've come close a few times, but then I've always had to go on the run again, even without Jack McGee on my trail. Fortunately he's a tabloid reporter, so nobody takes his stories seriously, but I always worry that sooner or later…"

"I do understand your fears." Roarke studied him closely. "I do have to warn you, if you are looking for a cure, a way to end the mutation, that may not be in my power to give. Fantasy Island is a place for those who gain what they need, not necessarily what they want."

"But if I can't ever control it…how can I ever hope to have a normal life again? And there's also my other fear-that the creature-the Hulk-might accidentally kill someone with his strength. Mr. Roarke, I couldn't live with something like that on my conscience."

"No decent man could." Mr. Roarke looked thoughtfully at him. "As I said, I may not be able to provide you with a direct cure. But have you considered that removing the mutation may not be what you really need?"

"I'm afraid I don't follow," Banner said.

"Consider all of the people you have been able to help as the Hulk," Roarke replied. "In his own way, the Hulk has become a hero. He has saved far more many people than he would ever harm, even accidentally. I know that you very much want to get rid of him. But have you considered that the world might need the Hulk as much as it needs David Banner?"

"I know I've saved people." Banner thought of all the people he had been able to help, in spite of himself. "I've usually tried not getting involved in other peoples' problems, but whenever someone was in real trouble, I couldn't just turn away. I know the Hulk has been a big part of that. But if I can't stop running, then what can I do? And…there are a few I couldn't save…"

"Yes, I know this as well. But I think they would have wanted you to find some way to continue what you have done. As I have said, removing the mutation may not be in my power, but there may be an alternative…"

Banner found himself walking down the streets of New York City, towards an elegant stone mansion. When he reached the front gate entrance, he hesitated at first before announcing his arrival to the intercom box.

"Yes sir," a proper butler's voice replied. "Mr Stark has been expecting you." The gate slid open.

Banner went in to meet the members of his new team.