Disclaimer: I do not own either properties, otherwise a crossover would have definitely happened by now.
Chapter 2: The Meetings
Minaka Hiroto is a man of many things. Despite his personality being considered as less than likable during his early years in college, there is no denying that the man was a genius, in both mind and body. However, few dare to admit nor accept such a fact, aside from Takami Sahashi. She saw something in him, a potential perhaps, or something else entirely.
Soon, despite their nature almost being like water and fire with the stoic and calm Takami, trying to handle the eccentric Minaka every now and then. Yet, they were not just a couple or duo, they were two pillars that bear the knowledge and wills to reach beyond the limitations of mankind. And they have done so, the day that their eyes laid on the hidden Sekirei ships. Technologies and hidden powers, far above anything that Earth could offer at that time.
In that ship, they found beings, god-like beings that could challenge an army and still emerge on top. Each of these possessed a great potential to shape humanity's destiny. Yet, at that particular moment, among one-hundred-and-eight of these beings, only one is in a full state, the rest is still nothing but eggs and embryos, waiting to be awakened like new flowers blooming during a new spring.
Minaka Hiroto realized something, the power to change the world is in his hands altogether. With all of these technologies laid in his hands, he could build a fortune to enact his ultimate plan, 'The Sekirei Plan'. Spending countless days and nights inside the ship, Minaka's hair had turned white due to the sheer stress he had experienced, but new breakthroughs were made.
Through it, he was able to reverse-engineer the technologies that the Sekirei held and used it for his own agenda. It merely took less than a decade for MBI to make a name for itself, joining the big league and competing against other powerful pharmacy companies. And yet, the corporation continued to grow at a rapid rate, expanded its influence across the world, and was even able to penetrate onto others markets.
Despite holding a limited amount of main research staff, Minaka truly believed that as long as his years-long companion was on his side, the only trouble for one to deal with is time. All answers would be revealed soon.
However, on the other hand, while fully aware of 'The Sekirei Plan' that Minaka was hatching for the past three years, Takami Sahashi never truly understands the reasons behind it nor bothered to ask it anyway. To her, Minaka's obsession with the Sekirei and their 'winging system' had always been there since the man first discovered it years ago. There was still much to understand about a Sekirei's physiology and the best person who could unlock those answers are Takehito Asama, the best researcher that MBI has and one of the smartest scientists in the new era.
Nonetheless, for Minaka, not everything is moving as smoothly as he had expected. Currently, he is facing a crisis that could tear down the new future that MBI is building. An unwanted guest, the famous superhero Ben Tennyson, had discovered the existence of Kamikura Island. To say the matter has become far more complicated is an understatement.
The CEO of MBI had reviewed all of the files that his lover could dig up on the Omnitrix-bearer for the past four hours. He had underestimated the networks and extensions of Ben Tennyson as a figure and symbol on the world. He silently cursed himself for making a fatal mistake, ignoring outside matters for many years while simply focusing on his own works. As MBI's status as one of the largest corporations in the world grows, so does Tenyson's esteem as the hero of the world.
His eyes, behind the thick glasses, gazed down at several pictures on the table. The presence of the superhero himself was quite profound. Status of him erected in some parts of the world, honoring the hero for his deeds. His face could be seen in almost every part of the world, from America to several European countries,as well as nearly a dozen nations in Asia. If there is someone in the world that could challenge the international authority of MBI, it would be Ben Tennyson.
Since the day Minaka first heard of the story of the shape-shifter years ago, a cruel realization dawned on his mind, followed by a newfound obsession with Ben. His plan to bring 'The Age of Gods' would never succeed, the Sekirei will never be able to take off with their wings onto this world as long as the great evil still remains on this world. He does not hate the sinners, he hates the sins and to the founder of MBI's eyes, Ben Tennyson is the embodiment of mankind's mortal sins.
A creature to call itself a man and yet dressed in the skin of monstrous brutes, possessed powers that could threaten the future of all Sekirei. Minaka holds a disdain for fools who try to fight against the inevitable rise of the 'Age of Gods' in their futile attempts. But Ben Tennyson? If his eyes could cry blood, it would do so by now. It will be one of the man's greatest pleasures to see the hero fall from his pedestal. At the bottom of his heart, the white-haired man truly believed that for mankind to ascend with the Gods in the new age, they must remove the shackle that was held by the devil Ben Tennyson.
The Sekirei have always been Gods in this world since thousands of years ago. Myths and legends are their legacy, humanity's belief is their legacy, the path that form humans like today is their legacy. Now Minaka simply wishes to reignite that road, to remind humanity that the Gods once walked among them. However, the existence of Ben Tennyson had changed humanity a great deal.
What would happen when the Sekirei are not the only beings from the stars visiting this green planet? It worried Minaka to no end. The invasions of countless alien armies, an entire hidden settlement of aliens lived under a town, and the news constantly reminding the world the name of Ben Tennyson. The Sekirei was supposed to be the one that would lead mankind, to free them from their naivety.
But everything now it had warped, twisted by Ben Tennyson. Some praised him as some divine being of the new age but Minaka never bought into such an idea in the first place. A Devil too could dress like a God and called itself with such a title but it could never change its nature. A deceiver, a faker, a wicked creature. He refused to let the Devil win this battle, to topple his own Tower of Babel in its infant state. Only the Sekirei are the true gods of this world.
However, despite the boiling fury and rage inside his stomach, Minaka know full well that he cannot fight the Devil in a direct battle, even when he has the Gods at his disposal. If his combat records indicated anything, Ben Tennyson is too powerful, with each form of his possessing a threat to MBI's foundation and the future of Sekirei as a whole.
All in all, there are two solutions that Minaka could come up with in dealing with this equation currently. He could remove the limiter that had been modifier on each Sekirei by MBI scientists, granting them significantly more powers to combat the Omnitrix-hero. However, it is held no guarantee that such an attempt could work. The risks of getting such a boost of powers could compromise a Sekirei's personality and mentality.
Moreover, if those fan websites were correct, then limitation in physical forms nor obeying the law of matters does not exist in Tennyson's arsenal. After all, to fight against radiation is futile, and fatal.
Or, he can play safe. He must extend the time for the rest of the one-hundred-and-three birds that were still sleeping to spread their wings, time for MBI to prepare itself for the upcoming final battle.
A new plan had been formed for the next generation of Sekirei. Granting them wings is not enough, he must grant them claws too, for this would be the battle for the future of humanity. To see who will be the victor in the end, whether the Gods or the Devil.
Perhaps for Ben Tennyson, it would be nothing but another casual mission in dealing with hidden aliens on Earth during his hero's career but for Minaka, it would be everything that he had built up. And the white-haired man doesn't intend to lose.
-OOOO-
Ben was shocked, to say the least. There is an entire secret facility built inside the island, covered by faked rocks and other masterful camouflage. In fact, the first thing that greeted his eyes when he first stepped into the center of the island is a spaceship, although the design is completely foreign to him. He had travelled the galaxy for many times but this vessel, it is old, even by alien standards no doubt. From the outer hulls, it is indicated that the craft have been on Earth for a while.
In fact, if his experiences in investigating alien techs proved any worth, this is hardly considered as a functional ship and more of ruined, with a secret facility built right beneath its. It is noted that some parts of the wrecked vessels had been dismantled completely, this only confirmed Ben's suspicion that MBI is related to this directly.
The CEO of MBI, Minaka Hiroto, had just disappeared all of the sudden, letting his second-in-command Takami Sahashi to guide the Omnitrix-bearer to the base. The white-haired women nor her associates spoke a word, all promised the hero that they would explain everything when they reach Minaka's office.
Behind him are five Sekirei, ever keeping an eye on their strange target. Aside from the number two Sekirei, what Ben had done unnerved them to no end. Relied solely on MBI as their information source to understand the world outside, the Sekirei have zero data about the hero, as with the company's intention.
Reaching the main chamber of the vessel, an elevator awaited for everyone, taking them deep into the facility beneath. Thinking in deep silence during the trip, an unidentified alien species on this island, the legal ownership of MBI, and the sudden army invasion out of nowhere, it's all coming together for Ben now.
He turned around, noticed the young white-haired man, Takehito Asama, was staring at him in a subtle manner. Ben furrowed his brow, decided to take the frontal approach as his memories failed to work correctly for him this time.
"Have we met somewhere before?" the hero asked.
Takehito blinked in surprise before flash a warm smile
"I believe we have, Tennyson-san."
"We have?" Ben scratched his head
"It is understandable if you don't remember our encounter, Tennyson-san. Perhaps there are more important matters for you to focus on than remembering something so trivial." the young man's smile never faltered.
For Takehito Asama, the first scientist who was recruited by MBI to study the Sekirei and their body, the man never shared the same viewpoint as Minaka nor Takami. The former with his questionable sanity held a deep hatred for the emerald hero while the latter became quite wary of Ben, viewing him as a dangerous being to be around. Unlike them, Takehito did not simply focus on the Sekirei's project, he had spent his own free time observing and analyzing Ben Tennyson for many years, to comprehend both the physical capability of the hero and 'who' is the man behind all of that transformations.
Like the Sekirei, Takehito genuinely believed that Ben Tennyson would be the bridge to help connect the Sekirei with the outside world. The superhero has proved over and over again that he will be the key to fix Takehito's mistake. In truth, he is not very proud of himself during his time with the MBI. His achievements, some of them were remarkable, others were tainted by Minaka.
Perhaps the biggest of them was the adjustment of the five Sekirei, making them a walking bio-weapon is something he regretted. Without Ben Tennyson's arrival today, the battle may have turned into a bloodbath. Furthermore, he knew that Minaka had some hidden agenda for all of the Sekirei. The white-haired CEO's secret had yet to be revealed but it doesn't take a genius to know what that plan is, it wouldn't end well.
Back to Ben, the beard-hero narrowed his green eyes, scanning Takehito's face until his memory finally clicked back to him. He snapped his fingers.
"Oh yeah, I remembered you. You're one of the main speakers in the International Academy Summit in New York last year, right? I was the one who gave you the medal."
"That's correct, Tennyson-san. I was representing MBI during that time." replied Takehito "While there was an attack by a religious group at the end of the event, you were there fortunately so no one was hurt, including all of the personnel of MBI. For that, you have my thanks."
"How could I forget?" said the Omnitrix-bearer, the details of that event now all came back to him "Those were not just any crazy religious organization by the way, they're The Forever Knight. I thought I destroyed them years ago, but it seems those guys are still active, and now become even stronger."
"I see … " the white-haired researcher nodded, he had never heard of such an organization before "Still, I'm delighted that you're still remembering it."
"Look, I'm really sorry about forgetting about that, my cousin Gwen was actually the one who wanted to visit that place. I'm just kinda tagged along for fun." Ben said sheepishly.
Meanwhile, Takami was silently absorbing the information from the talk between her colleague and the famous superhero. She was truly surprised to know that Takehito had met Tennyson before, the man never talked about nor provided much reactions that indicated he know the superhero. However, she could still tell that compared to Minaka, Takehito held a deep admiration for Ben, although still not a fanboy level like Jimmy Jones.
Her muse was cut short as the elevator's door opened, showing a long hallway, painted in white, with a single intricate door at the end. As everyone walked out, Ben's eyes began to dart around, there were other doors, leading to other chambers that were hidden behind the walls.
"Other floors must have a similar design like this too." Ben guessed, using his knowledge with associated structures to do so. Homogenous layouts for any kind of buildings or ships have always been a staple choice for the big people for some reasons, heck, even the interior of the new Plumber HQ has a, by all means, a boring look as well.
As they stopped before the door, Takami paused. There was a hesitation in her eyes, Ben saw it. The woman glanced down at her phone to check for the message as if she was reading permission from her own boss. Then, Takami opened the entrance.
-OOOO-
"Welcome to my personal office, Ben Tennyson." Minaka announced with a booming voice. Fortunately, the walls were soundproof.
The white-haired man, still in his ridiculous trench coat, was sitting on his chair, his hands resting on a white table in a reclined posture. Several holographic images were displayed on the counter's surface, showing a high level of technology that MBI possessed, certainly above what the current Earth had to offer at least.
Ben examined the chamber, it was quite impressive compared to his personal room back in his parent's house, he must admit. In terms of size, it was moderate, not too large but not too small at the same time. It wasn't flashy, with clean-cut corners and a smooth floor, although the majority of white color on the ceiling and wall became a little unpleasant for Ben's eyes. Seats had been set up for Ben and everyone that would attend this meeting.
"Please, take a seat. There is much for us to discuss." said Minaka, gesturing to one of the front chairs.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Ben settled down on the chair, with Takehito next to him, and Karasuba behind, awfully close to his back, easily within the range of her sword in case she needed to draw it out. Matsu and Kazehana, on the other hand, stood on the side, watching the event unfold while Mutsu and Miya chose the corner as their spot.
Pulling out a stack of documents under her lab coat, Takami placed them on the table before taking a stand next to Minaka. Ben was no fool, this kind of arrangement is not just a coincidence. The Sekirei had picked themselves a perfect position to take down the Omnitrix-hero instantly in case the situation may turn violent. They were good, Ben gave them that, but with years of experience under his belt, this would not be the first time he was in such a situation.
"Now, Ben Tennyson, as you already know, Kamikura Island, by all legal means, belongs to the MBI. That means whoever stepped foot on this place without any permission from me or Takami-kun will be considered as intruders." Minaka speaks up with an ominous tone, borderline threatening "And MBI's policy does not take kindly on any kind of trespasser. Do you understand the situation you are in, Ben Tennyson?"
"Are we playing good cop, bad cop now, Mister Hiroto? Are you gonna do the same to those soldiers? Have a nice talk to them and all?" replied Ben, his arms scoffing. Despite the tension in the room all putting on his head, the hero was undaunted.
"I assure you, our Sekirei could take care of those invaders. Your arrival is not necessary nor would it be appreciated here." Minaka said calmly, "If I was in your position, I would be more worried about myself than those men."
"With all due respect, Mister Hiroto, but I don't buy that one bit." Ben shook his head "If the situation were any different, I doubt those men would ever return to their family."
Both Miya and Karasuba's eyes widened, the man in black and white shirt was very perceptive. They cannot deny that to protect their siblings, they would butcher those soldiers like pigs in the slaughterhouse.
For Minaka, if he did feel any anger, his expression was masterfully shielded by a poker face.
"Perhaps so, but what happened to those men is not your concern now, Ben Tennyson. You have trespassed MBI's territory and there will be consequences for that."
"In normal circumstances, it would be so. But not for your case, Mister Hiroto." Ben leaned forward, his hand slightly gesturing to the Sekirei "I want to know the full story here. What is this company's affliction with these aliens? You will either give me an honest answer and we can think this through, or the Plumber will come here and dig this place to find that answer. "
"Plumber?" Takami echoed, the name did not ring any bells to her nor everyone in the room.
"Wait, you don't know the Plumber?" Ben blinked, surprised by this revelation "Everyone who deals with alien techs this extensively must have to known the Plumber."
Based on their reaction, it would seem this ignorance of the Plumber's existent is genuine
"I'll take that as a no then … " Ben sighed, finding the situation quite incredulous "Anyway, the Plumber is an intergalactic police force. Our mission is to protect Earth from any alien threats and protect any aliens from the world itself. We are here to make sure that dangerous and advanced technology is contained and returned to its correct owner rather than being exploited."
"And what is your proof for this 'Plumber', Ben Tennyson?" Minaka demanded, nearly sneered at the idea that secret police forces could exist like that on Earth. They truly are, then MBI would have know ages ago.
Pulled out from one of the pockets on the belt, Ben placed his personal Plumber Badge onto the table, the device hummed and flickered with a bright light before displaying the symbol of the Plumber, represented through a holographic image on top. This gained a shocked look from humans and Sekirei alike.
"While the Plumber is classified to the public, our appearance has been well know not only to the world government but also any entities that engage with alien activities. Your authority as the owner of this island has been overwritten due to your situation now fully under the jurisdiction of the Plumber."
Ben leaned back on his chair, his eyes closed while continuing with the explanation.
"Don't mistake us with the government force. The Plumber has fought against aliens since George Washington, the bigs, the smalls, the goods and the bads, we've all dealt with that before. We will take you down if it is truly necessary here, to protect the world and any other alien bystanders from you."
This immediately draws a new set of responses from everyone in the room. Minaka, despite the stone-cold stare, was sweating profusely, while Takami was mortified to say the least. Miya and Takehito found great interest in this 'Plumber'. Their records are practically non-existent to the world and if what the Omnitrix-hero's words are true, then this 'shadow organization' would be a far greater threat toward MBI than any countries in the world.
With Mutsu, Miya and Kazehana, the three have often wondered if there are still any Sekirei in the world, and it is possible that this 'Plumber' could provide them with the answer. Karasuba, on the other hand, simply scoffed. In her mind, she refused that the insects could have advanced that far or have such capabilities.
"Let us assume that this 'Plumber' is real for a moment, what makes you think we would grant you the request to investigate the MBI. Do you have international power to dictate here?" questioned Minaka. The white-haired CEO was forced to resort to using his company's dominant capability to forge a leverage here. He wouldn't mind of course, as long as he doesn't have to tell Ben the story of the Sekirei. The Omnitrix-hero must not know the truth, or at least the full version of it.
"We actually do." Ben responded with a smirk. The young hero placed a small touchpad, barely bigger than his palm, onto the desk and slid it toward Takami "Article Three, Chapter Sixty-one. According to the newly established law of the United Nation. One-hundred and eighty-five countries out of one-hundred and ninety-five countries have recognized and agreed to comply with the Plumber's authority. This includes Japan too and by technical legal means, this island is inside Japan's territory."
At this moment, something broke inside Minaka, the man's calm facade fractured, his teeth grind together and his fingers turned white underneath the gloves as he clenched both knuckles with all of his screaming rages.
For the Sekirei, the more Ben revealed about the outside world and hidden organization he is working for, the heavier the tension had become inside the room, where Mutsu and Kazehana felt like the sheer weight could collapse any moment.
Matsu glanced at Miya with anxious eyes, detected that the first Sekirei's hand was wrapped around her sword, prepared to withdraw the blade any moment, aiming for Ben Tennyson's neck. The situation is like a thin thread at this point, one more cut and everything would fall apart. Both sides would not back down anytime soon.
"Mister Hiroto. I will say this again, I want to know how the MBI gets their hands on a bunch of unidentified alien techs and the aliens themselves. You only make this situation worse if you try to withhold this information."
Takami slammed her fist onto the table with a loud thud after confirming the Plumber's legitimacy, she roared.
"This is absurd! We will not tell you anything. It is the MBI's right to protect our personal data from you or your shadow organization. International authority or not, you don't have the permit here."
"That's where you are wrong, Miss Sahashi." Ben shook his head gently. "Article Six, Chapter Forty-three. The Plumber has full rights to conduct an investigation on any individual or group if they find enough valid evidence to prove that unsanctioned alien technology being use on society …. "
The hero's gaze softened as he glanced at the Sekirei.
"... and I think I already have enough evidence already."
With a glare that could seemingly pierce metal and burn through woods, Miya took a few steps forward, Takami looked at the Sekirei then back to Ben Tennyson, fearing that hell would break loose.
"Miya, stand dow-"
"You will not lay a hand on my siblings, human. I do not care what kind of organization you are from but I can assure you that you and your comrades would suffer greatly if you step foot onto this island."
Despite such a threat, Ben replied calmly.
"I'm sorry, Miss but I have no clue who these 'siblings' you are talking about here. While I'm still in the dark about this whole situation, the Plumber cannot take any chances. You and the MBI could be a threat to the world, and it's my mission to prevent that threat from happening in the first place."
A deadly silence intoxicated the entire room, no one dared to make a move. Takami slowly moved her fingers onto the pistol hidden under her pants despite knowing the odds would not favor her and Minaka, even with the Sekirei help. Takehito remained impassive with neutral eyes of both parties. He know Ben Tennyson would not turn to violence if the man's records prove anything, and he was correct.
"Looks, I have no right to force you to tell the truth here. But as a representative and deputy of the Plumber, I have the authority to investigate you and this entire company at an extensive level. Just tell me the truth, and I'll see what I can do to help you and these 'Sekirei'." said Ben, placing one arm onto the table as his body leaned forward. "I don't think either of us would want this situation to end up with a fight here. So work with me here because I won't beg again."
Calculations began to form inside Minaka Hiroto's head, searching for any trickery from Ben Tennyson. The man could choose to not answer and risk an all-out war that would result in the collapse of MBI and the capture of the rest of the Sekirei. Or he could oblige Tennyson's request and give him a half-truth, half-lies story. It doesn't take long for a genius like Minaka to figure which option would be the better choice here.
"Very well, Ben Tennyson. I shall tell you the story of the Sekirei, of how I and Takami-kun first discovered this island and the ship that slumber beneath it. But be warned, it would be a long tale to listen to."
Ben tilted his body back, letting himself feel the comfort of the chair. He grinned slightly.
"Don't worry about it, I have time."
-OOOO-
35 minutes later
Ben groaned, feeling a huge headache coming up. The Sekirei's story was … wild, to say the least. Alien ship stuck on Earth for who-knows-how-long, over a hundred aliens sleeping inside the facility, completely defenseless and to make matters worse, only five individuals are considered as adults, and one of them already seen as non-combatant. Ben hated to admit this, but it seems the MBI is currently the best place for these Sekirei.
Moreover, this is not just your typical problem of illegal aliens hidden on Earth and abusing technologies for their own gain. This is, by all means, a refugee crisis, and a bad one at that.
The superhero is no stranger in dealing with these kinds of problems. These past five years had exposed him to the rest of the world and the dark side of the galaxy, making him realize that it's far more than just punching villains when one is a superhero. For this particular circumstance, the Plumber could have easily solved this if they had any information on the homeworld of these aliens.
The problem? They don't. In fact, the Sekirei as a species is just screaming 'problem' for the Plumber due to their nature which has never been documented to the records before. Ben had studied and met hundreds of species, but for a creature to resemble a normal man and woman in such detail, where was there little way to distinguish? That is almost impossible.
More questions popped up on the Omnitrix-hero mind as he closed his eyes, contemplating. Could these Sekirei come from a distant galaxy? Like the GN-z11? Or in a more far-fetch but still within the realm of possibility, another reality altogether? To travel from one dimension to another is no easy matter but Ben knows fully well that it can be accomplished, after all, he did experience the first-hand story with the nanite boy Rex Salazar.
Aside from the unknown homeworld, the MBI seems to intertwine deeply with these aliens in the first place since Minaka found them. The man stated that he built the company in order to protect the Sekirei and their technologies but Ben's gut told him that is a lie, plain and simple. The man had used whatever he could dig up in this ship, research and exploit them with every chance he got, to create this giant empire in the world economy's world. The hero has no evidence to prove so he would need to wait.
Furthermore, to say that these 'Sekirei' fall into the textbook definition of being a refugee would be a false conclusion. The oldest one, Miya, had no recollection of her planet whatsoever and the rest are barely a proper living beings to recognize the world they are living in during that time. An unidentified species held a close genetic match with humans from an unknown world? This is a problem that may require outside help, such as the Galvan or the New Highbreed Empire.
Of course, that doesn't mean Minaka is a saint for taking in these Sekirei or anything close to that. The man's story is skeptical and there were many details that were either being left out or simply too vague to form a conclusive answer. The man is hiding, that's for sure, and it must have something to do with the Sekirei. However, the Omnitrix-hero decided to not pursue for any further answer, not yet at least. He would need to take the 'friendly way' first to see how these people would like to test or play with him.
For Minaka, the tale of the Sekirei since their first descent onto Earth that was told to Ben Tennyson is merely a shallow cover, in a desperate hope to hide the true nature of the Sekirei as a whole. The white-haired man claimed that the archive in the ship was incomplete and most of the data about the Sekirei's biology is through constant examinations and self-discovery. That was partially true, of course.
The Jinki, powerful artifacts that connected all Sekirei and those who bear their blood, and the history of the aliens which have resided on Earth for centuries were not considered as necessary details to give out. In fact, what Minaka had given to Ben Tennyson is merely a tool to buy more time at best or a diversion at worst. Despite such risk being taken, the CEO of MBI could not dare to take a more liberal approach, not with the high chance that his Sekirei Plan and personal empire could crumble like a house of cards against Ben Tennyson and his secret 'Plumber' organization.
"What would you do now, Tennyson-san?" Takehito's voice suddenly brought the Omnitrix-hero out of deep thought.
"I … I don't know, to be honest. Assuming that your story is true here, then we're looking at a very complex situation. According to the Plumber's database, I would classify this as a 'refugee crisis' but those words alone don't mean much." Ben said "I will need to contact my higher-ups. This may need a lot of paperwork and even some outside help."
"And how long would that take, Ben Tennyson?" Minaka asked.
"Don't know. It may be weeks, months, or even years. No offense, but your story isn't the best source to look for clues about the Sekirei's origin. The Plumber is practically running in the dark here. We probably have to send expeditions into other sectors of the galaxy to search for any lead."
Everyone raised their eyebrows upon hearing that. None of them, especially Mutsu and Miya, expected that humans have already reached that far in terms of technologies.
"Does this 'Plumber' represent humanity as a whole? Have I underestimated their capability?" the First Sekirei wondered.
For Matsu, the orange-haired girl fully knows that whoever these 'Plumber' are, they must have stood above the rest of the world. She has studied humanity for months and the ability to interstellar travel at such a level is not yet within the realm of normal science.
"Anyway, I guess you guys are the best place for these Sekirei right now." the superhero acknowledged "The Plumber doesn't have the facilities to deal with problems like this in the long-term. Still, it is best I inform the Plumber as soon as possible."
With his hands covering his mouth, Minaka grinned widely, his teeth bare. The man had won, and he was able to conduct a successful negotiation in obtaining precious time for the MBI and his 'Sekirei Plan'. To him, to 'outwitted' a Devil like that is a brilliant move. Takami holds no such illusions though.
"Of course, take your time, Ben Tennyson. As the CEO and representative of the MBI, it would be my greatest pleasure to discuss this matter further with your superiors." stated Minaka "If there is nothing else then Asama-kun can escort you to one of our lounges. If there's anything else you need, you could ask Takami-kun for further information."
With that, the superhero disappeared behind the door, alongside the rest of the Sekirei and Takehito, leaving only Minaka and Takami alone in the room, which the latter immediately shot a glare at her superior.
"Minaka, what the hell was that story? You said you told him the truth but you and I both know half of that stuff is just make-up bullshit. We're dealing with something that could beat MBI black and blue here and your first move is to lie?"
"Takami-kun, you of all people should know that giving the total truth to a Devil is not a necessary sacrifice, it is a gratuitous self-condemnation. The MBI is close to obtaining heaven's gate, we cannot risk losing it now."
"And you think lying to Tennyson is a good way to do that? What if he finds out about this whole fiasco? What is your plan when the truth comes to him?"
"It won't come to that, Takami-kun. I can assure you. I have achieved a great victory over the Devil, defeated the creature with nothing but my wits and guts. It won't be long before I run circles around it."
"Victory? What the hell are you talking about?!" the black-haired woman snarled "Have you gone crazy, Minaka? Tennyson is just someone that MBI can throw money at and call it a day! The Sekirei is our only backup line of defense here. Do you understand the situation we are in?"
"Yes, I fully understand the situation we are in, Takami-kun. Please have some faith in me. The world is awaiting the Gods to return, and we're the only instrument to do so. Failure is not an option." Minaka proclaimed proudly, almost in a maddening manner.
Takami collapsed onto her chair, a long tiring breath escaped from her nostrils. She needs a drink.
"I hope you know what you are doing here, Minaka? If this house of cards falls down, I hope it will only take you and me."
As the woman stood up and strode to the door, Minaka called out one last time
"By the way, Takami-kun, I want you to search for anything that is related to this 'Plumber'. Declassified documents, old news, conspiracy discussion, infiltrate the international databank if you have to. I want to know what kind of organization this 'Plumber' is, its technologies, its history, everything. A shadow group like this can become a dangerous threat to MBI's existence in the future, it is best for us to have the knowledge of the enemy before they have us."
"I'll do what I can, but no promise though." the black-haired woman gave out her final words, letting Minaka cackle while slowly sinking into his own fantasy world where the Gods return alone.
However, unknown to the so-called 'Mastermind' and his assistant, Ben Tennyson had secretly recorded the entire previous conversation with the Omnitrix.
-OOOO-
Standing alone in the living room, Ben Tennyson carefully examined every crack and corner of the place. Despite resembling a typical office sitting room, the hero highly doubts that this 'ordinary' is merely a fake surface. For all he knows, the longue could be a huge 'bug', watching and recording his activities like a hawk.
Decided to be on the safe side, the hero raised the watch near his face, whispering into the device.
"Omnitrix, scan for any hidden cameras and bugs in this room. Command Code: DE200527."
++ COMMAND CODE CONFIRMED. INSPECTION PROCEDURE ENGAGED.++
The Omnitrix flickered with amber light, its AI voice is simply a robotic version of Ben.
++ INSPECTION PROCEDURE COMPLETED. FOURTEEN HIDDEN SURVEILLANCE DEVICES DETECTED.++
"Fourteen? Either that Minaka guy is paranoid or he is trying to hide something here." Ben frowned "Omnitrix, I want you to disable all of the cameras and bugs in this room."
++ AFFIRMATIVE. ANTI-SURVEILLANCE PROTOCOL M20A2013Y ACTIVATED. ++
Several streaks of emerald lights consumed the room, signaled Ben that the system in this room had been paralyzed, and shielded the hero's private talk from any unwanted ears and eyes. Ben moved his fingers onto the faceplate, prepared to switch on the comm, yet suddenly paused.
"Still, I can't take any chances though. It most likely would be far safer to contact Grandpa from the surface."
A new idea formed in Ben's mind. The young hero tapped the button on the faceplate's side to activate the core. With a quick turn, picking the alien form he chose, Ben slammed his palm down on the watch. This was immediately followed by an enormous green flash, illuminating everything around it.
Standing (or floating in this case) now in the hero's place is a cycloptic phantom-like being, with a gaseous appearance, accompanied by deeply carved lines across his body, and claw-like hands. His skin is greenish-white shading while his arms have cuffs on each side. Connected to the Omnitrix symbol on his torso are three green chains.
"Alright, this should be quick. They wouldn't even know that I'm gone in the first place." Ghostfreak whispered eerily.
Defying all physics know to men, the Ectonurites easily turned intangible and phased through the hard metal of the facility like they were never there in the first place. Flying at a breakneck speed, Ben reached the surface in mere seconds.
His single green optic ran through the black lines on his body, cautiously glanced back and forth to ensure that no eyes were on him. Still in his invisible state, the hero tapped the Omnitrix dial, activating the call.
"Ben Tennyson to Plumber HQ, do you read me over?"
[We read you loud and clear, Ben.] a familiar voice spoke up.
"Rook, is Grandpa Max there?"
[I'm here, Ben. What's the situation on the island, Ben? Our satellite lost any visual tracks with you after you went into those rocks.]
"Those rocks are not real, Grandpa. Their purpose is just to hide a spaceship."
[A spaceship? So there are more than just those five aliens we saw?]
"Yeah, and it is a little more complicated than we expected too. The soldiers I talked with, it seems they are here for secret alien techs. From what I see, those guys are some kind of black-ops working for a bunch of countries."
[Strange. Many countries have encountered alien techs before, while there have been attempts to secure the technologies for their own, I have never seen the government of Earth conduct an operation at such scale.] Rook said.
[You're right, Rook. They don't. That means whatever is inside the spaceship, it must be a treasure of knowledge. And everyone wants to have a piece of its before the Plumber finds out.] Max answered. [But that still doesn't explain the five aliens though.]
"Yeah, about that. Like I said, stuff gets messy after I talk with the guys in charge."
[How 'messy' are we talking about here, Ben?] the Magister asked.
"Really messy to say the least. I'm afraid that we gonna need Azmuth or Reiny help." Ghostfreak replied, "We're dealing with a completely unknown alien species with zero background information."
[That is indeed quite 'messy'.] Rook admitted. [Based on the Plumber's archive, we have rarely encountered such a problem before.]
"Anyway, I'm gonna send you guys my recorded conversation with the top boss in this place through the Plumber's channel. It could help us in something." said the Omnitrix-hero, tapping the dial again to transmit the information.
[It certainly could, Ben. Now, how about you tell me what happened after you walked into that spaceship? Rook and Patelliday will try to analyze what you have sent us.]
"I should still have time for now. Better be quick before they notice I'm gone though." the hero thought "Alright, so first of all, you know who is the CEO of that company, MBI, right? Crazy stuff but he is actually the guy who is in charge of … "