X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach
Chapter 25: In A Galaxy, Far, Far, Away; Part 2
…
The suns of Tatooine cast their golden hue, painting the landscape in a warm glow. The streets that were once bustling with activity had fallen into an uneasy hush, the events at the marketplace a topic of hushed conversation in every corner.
The group, led by Mando, were quickly ushered into the temple, a massive structure with tall spires that touched the clear blue sky. Its walls bore the scars of countless battles, a testament to the turbulent history of Tatooine and its people. Inside, the cool air offered a reprieve from the desert heat, and they were met with a maze of corridors lined with guards and underlings of various species.
The guards led them through the temple's winding hallways, passing intricate mosaics and old-world architecture. Despite the tense atmosphere, some couldn't help but marvel at the history etched into every stone. Deadpool, in particular, made a few quips about the decor, earning him a few sideways glances from the more serious members of their group.
They eventually came to a grand chamber, its ceiling lost in darkness and walls adorned with the banners of the Mandalorians. In the center, on a raised dais, sat a figure cloaked in Mandalorian armor. The silver T-shaped visor of his helmet reflected the dim light, giving nothing away.
"Baba-Fett," Mando greeted, nodding slightly. The name was spoken with a respect that everyone in the room could feel.
The figure rose, his armor making soft metallic sounds. "Mando," he responded, his voice echoing slightly through his helmet's modulator. "And...guests," he added, taking in the diverse group before him.
Logan stepped forward, the tension evident in his stance. "We're here to discuss matters of great importance, not to cause a scene. What happened earlier was... unforeseen."
Baba-Fett tilted his head, his visor now focused on Derreck. "So I've been told," he replied dryly. "And while we are always wary of potential threats, it seems we have much to discuss."
With that, the Mandalorian leader motioned for them to take a seat. This was going to be a long day.
…
A short while later…
Baba-Fett listened attentively as Mando and the others relayed their experiences with the breaches, the countless worlds intertwined in the vast omniverse, Baba-Fett listened attentively as Mando and the others relayed their experiences with the breaches, the countless worlds intertwined in the vast multiverse, and the looming threats they've encountered. His face remained unreadable behind the visor of his helmet, but the stillness of the room conveyed the gravity of their words.
"And these breaches," Baba-Fett began, leaning forward, "They're random? There's no pattern, no predictability?"
Deadpool chimed in, "Well, there is one pattern: they're a major pain in the ass." This elicited a few chuckles from the group, breaking the tension momentarily.
Letho continued, "While there may be some pattern we have yet to discern, for now, they seem to open randomly. Different worlds, different times, different places."
Baba-Fett took a moment to process the information. Then his gaze shifted to Derreck, the young man with unnaturally sharp teeth. "And him?" Baba-Fett inquired, pointing with a gloved hand.
There was a brief pause before Mando answered, "That's Derreck. He's... unique."
Carlos added, "He has the ability to mimic, well, everything… Appearances, abilities, you name it. We've seen him adapt to numerous situations. And he's virtually invulnerable."
"He can't feel pain, can't be harmed. Doesn't need food, water, or sleep," Logan supplied, watching Baba-Fett's advisors closely. "Might sound like a dream, but it's more of a curse. And on a more personal note, if he could feel pain, he would relish in it, though it doesn't last that long, since he adapts to it and when you take that from him, word of advice, you'd be getting on his bad side so it's best not to do that."
Baba-Fett's advisors exchanged glances, attempting to remain stoic, but the undercurrent of apprehension was there. Their eyes kept darting back to Derreck, who simply stood there, looking mildly curious about the conversation happening around him.
Finally, as Baba-Fett broke the silence and his lingering stare on Derreck, he said, "I've seen and heard many things in my time, but this... it's beyond comprehension. However, if we're to navigate this new reality, we must work together. Your knowledge and experiences are invaluable."
Logan, with a half-smirk, responded, "That's what we're here for. Let's figure out our next steps."
The discussion continued, delving into strategies, shared experiences, and future plans. Baba-Fett's seasoned experience, combined with the diverse expertise of the team, made for a productive dialogue. They discussed everything from potential hotspots for breaches to interdimensional alliances.
Yet, as the conversations ebbed and flowed, Baba-Fett couldn't help but notice Derreck. The young man's gaze kept drifting, not out of disinterest, but as though he was continuously observing multiple facets of reality. Every so often, Derreck would cock his head slightly or furrow his brow, appearing as if he was trying to decipher a puzzle only he could see.
"Derreck," Baba-Fett interrupted, "What do you see?"
The entire room turned their attention to the young man, who blinked a few times, as if snapping back to the present moment.
"Everything," Derreck replied, his voice distant. "Atoms, energy, the flow of time, and... midi-chlorians. I've heard of them, but experiencing them is... different."
Logan raised an eyebrow, "Midi-chlorians?"
Mando explained, "Microscopic organisms that reside within all living cells. They're the reason the Force exists in this universe."
Derreck continued, almost whimsically, "It's like they're talking, having a conversation. Not in words, but in feelings, vibrations... It's a unique song. Each one is distinct."
Looking intrigued Boba-Fett leaned forward, "You can interact with them?"
Derreck nodded, "In a way. It's like whispering to a breeze. They sense me, and I sense them."
The room went silent, processing the enormity of Derreck's unique perspective. For Baba-Fett, this revelation opened up an entirely new realm of possibilities, both thrilling and daunting.
After a few more minutes of absorbing the information shared and the myriad discussions, turned his attention back to Derreck. The weight of his question was resonated next. "Can you ask the midi-chlorians to do something for us? Something we can all witness?"
Derreck looked thoughtful; his eyes distant for a moment as he communed silently with the entities. "With their permission, of course," Boba added, realizing the importance of consent with such powerful entities.
After a brief whispered exchange to seemingly empty air beside him, Derreck nodded slowly. "They are willing," he stated simply.
What happened next left even the most experienced and battle-hardened individuals in the room dumbstruck. The ambient energy of the room seemed to concentrate, to coalesce, until a small, shimmering orb of light formed on the table, before it became like translucent matter. Within moments, the light condensed, revealing itself to be a swirling mass of pure midi-chlorians. Every eye in the room was transfixed by the spectacle.
Then, to further underscore the profundity of the moment, one of the eating utensils levitated gently from its resting place, held within the magnetic pull of the midi-chlorian ball. It hovered for a few seconds, turning and spinning as if being inspected, before being set back down with the utmost care.
The room was silent, save for the breaths of those present. No Jedi or Sith had ever demonstrated such a direct, tangible interaction with midi-chlorians before. It was as if they had just witnessed the very essence of the Force in its purest form.
Boba Fett, usually stoic and unreadable, showed a hint of astonishment in his eyes that was visible behind his visor. "That... was beyond anything I've ever seen," he admitted, his voice laced with genuine respect.
Around the table, nods of agreement echoed his sentiment. Even for a galaxy that had seen its share of wonders, this was a moment that would be etched into memory.
Boba Fett's trusted advisor, a stern Twi'lek named Kaela, rushed into the room, her lekku twitching with urgency. She quickly whispered something into the ear of a guard, her face grave.
The guard straightened and moved to Boba's side. "Sir, we've just received word... it seems someone has placed a bounty."
Derreck, with a casualness that belied the gravity of the news, interrupted before the guard could finish. "Let me guess... someone put a bounty on my head?"
The room went silent, and all eyes turned to Derreck. His tone was unsettling - not of fear or surprise, but more of an acknowledgment, almost... expectant. For a moment, he almost seemed slightly intrigued, as if a game was afoot. But underlying that was a sense of preparation, a readiness for potential disappointment.
Boba Fett, ever the observer, felt a chill down his spine. There was a certain kind of coldness, a detachment in Derreck's gaze that was almost alien. "Yes," he confirmed, his voice measured, "quite a substantial amount, in fact."
Derreck just nodded; his eyes distant. "Figured as much," he muttered, almost to himself. It wasn't the bounty itself that seemed to occupy his thoughts, but rather the implications behind it - the hunt, the challenges, and the potential, however remote, of feeling something. Anything.
Boba Fett's advisors exchanged uneasy glances. It wasn't often they were caught off guard, but this was one of those rare moments. One of them, a grizzled Weequay named Horro, leaned in and whispered, "There's something not right with that one."
Boba nodded; his gaze fixed on Derreck. "Yes. It's as if his life has become... monotone. As if he's seen and done so much that nothing truly surprises or affects him anymore."
Derreck's unnerving calmness stood in stark contrast to the mounting tension in the room. Whatever game was unfolding, it was clear that Derreck was a player in a league of his own.
Then his eyes turned black and they started going back and forth like he was reading a really, really, really long book.
Derreck's eyes darted with an intensity that made everyone in the room feel the weight of his insights pressing down. Boba Fett shifted in his seat; unease evident even behind his helmet. The various bounty hunters and warriors exchanged glances as Derreck began to list off the factions and individuals after him, his voice distant but eerily calm.
"The Black Sun Syndicate, several Hutt clans, including the Desilijic, Besadii, and Kajidic. The Pyke Syndicate, Crimson Dawn, the Nihil... Death Watch remnants, the Nightbrothers from Dathomir, the Kanjiklub, Guavian Death Gang..." Derreck began, his voice not wavering for a second.
He continued, drawing out even more obscure names from the far reaches of the galaxy, "The Veiled Sorority, the Night Fangs, the Mourning Star, the Nikto Cartels, the Amaxine warriors..."
The list went on, "Durga the Hutt, Moralo Eval, Ziton Moj, Lady Proxima from the White Worms, Azmorigan... the Zygerrian Slave Empire, the Crymorah syndicate, Black Spire Outlaws."
Deadpool interjected with a whistle, "Man, that's a lot of Christmas cards you're gonna have to send out."
But Logan looked far more grave. Speaking lowly to Letho and Mando, he murmured, "He always said he could glimpse every future, every possibility. But this is something else entirely."
As Derreck continued, naming more notorious individuals like "Cad Bane, Embo, Aurra Sing, Dengar, about half a dozen IG-88, Zuckuss, 4-LOM, Bossk, Jango Fett's old associates, even Enfys Nest's Cloud-Riders..." the room's atmosphere grew increasingly tense as derreck finished listing off the bounty hunters after him.
Boba Fett finally broke the silence. "This is more than just a bounty. It's an all-out galactic crusade against you. We need to figure out our next move."
Derreck's eyes focused again, settling back into the present. "They want to dissect and understand what makes me... me. But trust me, based on what my future self said tomorrow and the next day after that, and the day after that, they won't…. especially that one imperial guy who losses his mind when he realizes what I am when we're back home tomorrow…"
Letho's eyes narrowed as he processed Derreck's words, his usually unwavering demeanor showing a hint of disbelief. He had faced many foes in his time, but never had he encountered a being of such enigmatic power.
Mando's posture stiffened, the way he held his rifle a bit more rigid than before. He had been through countless skirmishes, battles, and stand-offs. But the sheer magnitude of the force they were up against, and the realization of just how potent Derreck truly was, began to weigh on him.
Paz Vizla, one of Mando's most trusted allies, adjusted the grip on his heavy blaster, a slight tremor betraying his feelings. "This... is bigger than anything we've ever dealt with," he whispered, almost to himself.
The Armorer, always a figure of calm and wisdom, took a deep breath. "Our Creed has faced countless challenges, but this... We must stand united."
Logan, the seasoned warrior who had faced gods and monsters alike, found himself surprisingly uneasy. The depth of Derreck's power was unsettling, even to him. "I've been around a long time," Logan murmured, "Faced gods, monsters, you name it. But this kid..." He shook his head, searching for words and finding none that would suffice.
Deadpool, ever the jester, tried to inject some levity into the tense atmosphere, "Well, I've always said I wanted to meet someone more messed up than me!" But even he couldn't entirely mask the trepidation in his voice.
As everyone grappled with the enormity of the situation, the atmosphere in the room grew more disturbing, Boba Fett, renowned throughout the galaxy for his fearlessness, found himself in unfamiliar territory. While he wouldn't outwardly show it, inside, he felt a stirring of unease, a feeling he hadn't encountered in years.
It was clear to everyone in that room that Derreck wasn't just another player on the galactic stage. He was a force of nature, an entity beyond comprehension, and they were just starting to grasp the tip of the iceberg. The realization made them uneasy, but it also bound them together in a newfound sense of camaraderie. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was for sure: they would face it together.
Logan and Mando exchanged a quick glance, uncertainty evident in their eyes. Boba Fett, despite his initial shock, was quick to recover. "Hold on," he called out, standing up swiftly. "No need to handle this alone."
Deadpool, ever the thrill-seeker, was already heading for the door. "Popcorn, anyone?" he quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm, though the weight of the situation was not lost on him.
Letho gave a nod to Logan, signaling his readiness to assist, while Paz and the Armorer prepared their weapons, knowing that despite Derreck's abilities, they couldn't just sit idly by.
By the time they arrived at the entrance, the mechanical hum of the IG-88 droids filled the air. These were not just any assassins; they were reputed for their relentless efficiency and had been upgraded with the latest weaponry. They were locked onto their target, weapons raised, sensors detecting any possible threat.
Derreck stepped into the open, the twin suns of Tatooine casting long shadows behind him. The droids immediately fixed their gaze upon him, but he just stood there, arms relaxed at his sides, seemingly unbothered by the deadly machines in front of him.
The other members of the group followed suit, positioning themselves behind Derreck but keeping a safe distance. They were ready for a fight but were also keenly aware of the unpredictable nature of their ally,
As the group watched in horror and astonishment, the first blaster shot from an IG-88 hit Derreck square in the chest. There was no explosion, no dramatic reaction. Instead, the energy seemed to disperse around him, leaving him utterly unharmed. For a split second, the world seemed to hold its breath.
And then Derreck moved.
Casually strolling towards the IG-88 droids, he nonchalantly uttered, "Bang," with each step. With every utterance, an IG-88 was blown apart, reduced to a smoldering wreck. It was as if he was destroying them with his sheer will.
The remaining droids, unable to comprehend or counter this new threat, increased their rate of fire, but their blasters had no effect. One by one, they fell as derreck said, Bang… bang, bang, bang, bang, each time shattering them into smoldering wrecks, until a single IG-88 tried to crawl away, its circuits sparking and malfunctioning. Derreck approached it, tilting his head in what could be construed as curiosity or perhaps pity. With a mere gesture, the droid was compressed into a tiny, marble-sized sphere which he casually flicked away with his finger.
Silence followed, but it was short-lived. From behind the rocky outcrops surrounding the area, a series of blaster shots rang out. Various bounty hunters, hoping to cash in on the sizable bounty placed on Derreck's head, had been lying in wait. But even they weren't prepared for Derreck's seemingly impervious nature as the energy blasts just bounced off of his form no matter how many they fired.
As one of the bounty hunters lobbed a thermal detonator towards him, Derreck, with surprising quickness, caught it mid-air. Without missing a beat, he tossed it into his mouth. There was a muffled "pop," like someone bursting a small paper bag. A moment later, he commented with a bored tone, "Nope... still can't taste it... or feel it."
The next moment, with an effortless motion, he then approached a massive rock, larger than most buildings, and shoved it aside with one swift motion, sending it crashing into a cliffside before falling over on the ground, revealing more bounty hunters in front of him who had been using it as cover. Their blasters still hot and their faces masked by fear, they either stood frozen in sheer terror or scrambled to retreat. Those still trying to fight, did so while retreating, their shots becoming increasingly erratic.
Some shouted in panic, "We're outmatched!" "Get out of here!" and "He's not human, he's like a God!"
Derreck simply regarded them with an air of indifference and nonchalantly stated, "Beat it." Those that hadn't already started running now joined their fellows in a hasty retreat.
The battlefield soon fell silent once again, with only the occasional distant blaster shot or shout piercing the quiet. The group, who had watched in both awe and horror, slowly processed what they had just witnessed.
Mando, after a moment of contemplation, spoke, "We've seen a lot of things in our time, but that... was… surreal.
Logan nodded slowly, his usually sharp eyes wide, "Guess we know who not to pick a fight with."
Deadpool, in his usual irreverent style, chimed in, "You think? I mean, I've got regeneration and all, but that was like watching a god in action. Can we record it next time?"
Derreck's momentary annoyance grew evident across his face as he paused, his body tensing up. He let out a slow sigh. "Hold on," he began, addressing the group, his voice carrying a hint of weariness, "they've called in their ship this time... an airstrike. Just... stay here. I'll be right back."
Without waiting for any response, Derreck turned around and jumped. He soared into the sky, covering the half-mile distance in mere seconds. His trajectory targeted one of the incoming ships, which was hovering just off the ground. With a powerful crash, he rammed into the cockpit, his form tearing through the ship's controls effortlessly.
Inside, the bounty hunter pilot could only gawk in terror. But Derreck simply met his gaze and calmly said, "Just... stop already. I can't feel any of this. You're wasting both of our times." Then, grabbing the ship's controls, he forced it downwards, sending the ship crashing into the desert below.
…
A few minutes later…
By the time the group arrived, sand was still settling from the crash. Derreck was ripping open the hull of the destroyed ship with his bare hands, extracting himself from the wreckage. As he emerged, brushing off the residual sand and debris, he simply remarked, "Okay... now I'm done."
Mando, always one for maintaining a composed exterior, was the first to respond. His visor never shifted from Derreck, the reflective T-visage offering no emotion. Yet, the subtle tensing of his posture gave away a mix of respect and unease. "I've fought with Jedi. I've seen the dark saber in action. But this... You're something different," he remarked, his voice laced with a hint of admiration.
Paz, whose loyalties were deeply entrenched with his Mandalorian creed, tightened his grip around his blaster but kept it lowered. "There's a saying among our kind," he began, hesitating slightly. "A warrior is measured not by the number of his enemies but by the weight of his deeds. You carry that weight effortlessly."
The Armorer, her stoic nature ever present, nodded slowly. "Our history speaks of legendary figures, beings of immense power. Today, I've witnessed such a legend." She tilted her head, acknowledging Derreck's strength.
Deadpool, never one to maintain solemnity for long, quickly chimed in, "Hey, big guy! Next time you decide to take on an entire fleet solo, mind giving me a heads up? I had a great one-liner ready!" Despite his jovial tone, the slight widening of his eyes betrayed his genuine astonishment.
Letho, the Kingslayer, crossed his arms, looking Derreck up and down. "I've killed kings, fought mages, but I've never seen a creature such as you. It's humbling." His tone was one of rare sincerity, a testament to Derreck's feat.
Logan, who had seen much in his long life, was visibly taken aback. The wheels in his head turned rapidly as he recalled their first encounter with Derreck years ago. "All these years... How the hell did we miss this guy?!" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. Looking up, his gaze met Derreck's, a mix of reverence and a slight hint of challenge. "Guess there's always something new to learn."
…
"…10 minutes later…"
Deadpool sifted through the rubble, every now and then picking up an interesting-looking piece of tech and examining it with a mix of curiosity and mischief. "Ooo, shiny!" he exclaimed, holding up what appeared to be a targeting device. "This would look good on my suit, right?"
Letho was more methodical in his search, looking for anything that could provide further insight into the bounty hunters' plans or reveal more about the syndicate that might be backing them. "These guys were well-equipped," he remarked, lifting a high-grade blaster and inspecting it. "Someone invested heavily in this operation."
The Armorer, always attuned to craftsmanship, was particularly interested in the ship's hull materials. Her fingers brushed over the metal, gauging its quality and potential use. "Mandalorian steel is superior, but this could prove useful," she mused, her voice thoughtful.
Logan, meanwhile, took a step back from the wreckage. He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. He could almost hear Jeans voice in his head, guiding him, advising patience. It was hard, though. This mission was unlike any they'd ever undertaken. But Logan was a survivor, and he'd adapt. He always did. Still, explaining this back home would be... interesting.
A short distance away, Boba Fett and his men were deep in discussion with the settlement's leaders. They seemed to be in negotiation, with Boba Fett making gestures towards the ship and the area around it. It was clear that the presence of such a diverse group, not to mention the demonstration of power by Derreck, had unsettled the local populace. Boba Fett, ever the diplomat when he needed to be, was working hard to alleviate fears.
But one thing was clear… there really was no-one like Derreck.
…
That night…
The cool, familiar atmosphere of Titan greeted them as they emerged from the portal, but the immediate sight of Thanos and Jean Grey brought an instant tension in the air. Their expressions were a mix of curiosity and concern, especially as they caught the wild-eyed look on Logan's face.
Logan's usually steely gaze seemed frazzled, the weight of the recent events clear on his face. Without wasting a moment, he motioned for Thanos and Jean to step aside. As they moved to a more secluded spot, Logan began recounting the events on Tatooine, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Carlos, eager to provide a visual aid, activated a built-in projector. A series of holographic images played out, showcasing Derreck's incredible feats. From effortlessly neutralizing incoming threats to the comical yet horrifying display of consuming a thermal detonator, the footage spoke volumes.
As Logan continued, the initial shock and tension turned to bemusement and then laughter. It was absurd, the sheer level of power Derreck wielded, was in stark contrast against his perpetual boredom and the antics of the universe they had just visited.
As the tale concluded, Logan's chuckles echoed through the area that died down from the full-blown laughter he just got through. "I swear," he gasped, wiping tears from his eyes, "if someone had told me we had a god-level being, that is as close to being well, you know who…" he said as he pointed up, "just hanging out in an alley back home for all that time, I would've thought they were mad!"
Thanos, despite his stoic nature, had a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. Jean's eyes were wide, her hand over her mouth in amazement. "It's hard to believe," she murmured.
Logan, still shaking off the last remnants of his laughter, clapped a hand on Thanos' massive shoulder. "You know," he said, grinning, "after all that, I've worked up quite an appetite. How about some grub?"
And with that, they set off, the weight of reality temporarily set aside for a shared meal and something else, reflection that there's always a bigger fish out there.