With another attack by Doom's forces seemingly unlikely in the near future, the X-Men returned to their base, leaving the recuperating Colossus in the care of Captain America's team. Having had their respective injuries tended to by Zsaji, the heroes set about helping to repair the damage caused to the tiny alien village that was currently acting as their refuge. As she helped carry over some huge stones, Spider-Woman once again felt admiration for Captain America's leadership, particularly the way he made the innocent villagers affected by this war be their first concern.
"Here you go, Cap," said Spider-Woman, as she set down the large slabs on the ground. "These should make good material for repairing any holes and cracks left in the walls."
"Good work, Spider-Woman," said Captain America. "We seem to be managing things okay at this end. I suggest you go and get some rest. I've already told some of the others to do the same. We've no idea when the next battle will come, and we'll need all our strength when it does."
"Thanks! I could certainly use a break," yawned Spider-Woman as she stretched her weary limbs.
As she wandered off along the street, Gwen remembered that there was an outdoor pool in the town square, and she decided it would be nice to have a swim. Deciding to ask Zsaji if she had a swimming costume she could borrow, the biochemist headed over to the Healer's hut, in time to see her new friend emerging. Luckily, it was not too difficult for Zsaji to understand Gwen's request, and the alien woman indicated that the wall-crawler could borrow something from her wardrobe.
"Thanks, Zsaji!" said Gwen gratefully, heading over to the hut, where she found a strangely-coloured one-piece suit that happily fitted her no problem, along with a fluffy towel. After getting changed, she started to head over to the pool, when she spotted another hut, the one where Colossus was currently resting.
"Hey there, metal-guy!" said Gwen in a friendly manner to the mutant hero, who was lying down on a comfy mattress. "You're looking a lot better now."
Piotr 'Peter' Nikolayevich Rasputin managed to give a small weary smile, though there was a look of conflict in his eyes. "Yes, your friend, Zsaji, is most kind, tending to my injuries. So beautiful, too..."
Gwen looked at Colossus with some sympathy. She had deduced from the somewhat wistful expression on the man's face that he was hopelessly attracted to Zsaji, despite the fact that they had only met a few short hours ago, but for some reason, he was reluctant to admit it. Perhaps the handsome mutant already had a girlfriend on Earth, and did not want to come across as being unfaithful, and now found himself torn between his feelings for both women. Whatever the answer was, Gwen decided it was not her place to butt in, since she had no easy answers to offer, and that it would better at present for the X-Man to try and resolve his problem alone.
"Well, just take it easy, okay?" Gwen said kindly. "Cap says we'll need all our strength, if we're going to battle Galactus at a moment's notice."
With a friendly wave, Gwen headed off to the pool, in which she saw Mary Jane already swimming, her Symbiote morphed into a light-green swimsuit. Since the red-headed woman had proven her abilities in coping well with a battle situation, Captain America had requested that she stayed at the village rather than resume her liaison duties with the X-Men, as her new skills might prove crucial in the inevitable upcoming battle with Galactus.
"Say, you two look as though you're having fun," commented Gwen, still trying to get used to the fact that Mary Jane's suit was in fact a living intelligent creature.
"Yeah, this is just the thing needed to ease our stress," grinned Mary Jane. "You know, everything has been happening so fast, I haven't had a chance to start taking it all in till now!"
"I know exactly how you feel," said Gwen as she put her spider-costume and equipment on the side, slightly away from the pool's edge, and then slid herself into the cool refreshing water. "What with Doctor Doom dropping mountains on us, and Galactus attacking us with his own version of the Terminator, I'm surprised that we're all still here breathing!"
They swam quietly for a long while, enjoying the first proper moment of peace and quiet since they had first arrived on this crazy planet, allowing their minds to process all that had been happening in the last few days. Eventually, they emerged from the pool and dried themselves off, the two girls feeling much happier now they have had a chance to chill out a bit.
"You know, I've been wondering about what the Beyonder said at the start of all this," mused Gwen as she changed back into her spider-suit and pulled on her boots.
"Which part?" asked Mary Jane, as the Klyntar reformed itself around her into the Crimson Spider costume, though currently left her mask off her face.
"About giving us whatever we desire," said Gwen, as she pulled her mask on. "He can't possibly know what we want and give it to us just with a snap of his fingers... Can he?"
"I don't know, Gwen," said Mary Jane a little bitterly. "Frankly, nothing he can offer can possibly make up for what he's putting us all through, having us at each other's throats like this! I didn't even ask to be turned into a superhero and fight in a war, yet here we are! All I really desire is just to be home."
"Yeah, me too," agreed Gwen, though there was a slight lack on conviction in her voice, and Mary Jane's face softened as she realised what it was her friend was really thinking of.
"I believe there is something more Gwen would like," observed the Klyntar gently.
"Yeah, and I think I know what it is," agreed Mary Jane, who was actually getting used to the strange way she and the Symbiote were sharing each other's thoughts.
"Gwen..." she said slowly. "Are you thinking of Peter?"
Gwen nodded. "Yeah. I've tried my best to move on, and for the most part, I like to think I've succeeded, but... I still miss him. But it's a crazy thing to wish for, isn't it? I can't believe even this Beyonder guy has the ability to bring someone back from the dead. And even if it could be done, would it be morally right, deciding who lives and dies like that? No, I just have to accept that there are some things, however desirable, that are either out of reach or should just be left well alone, no matter how painful it can be."
"Resist the temptation of the forbidden fruit, huh?" said Mary Jane understandingly. "I guess you may be right there."
Just then, Iron Man swopped through the air and landed near to them. "Hey, gorgeous ladies! What's happenin'?"
"Oh, hey there, Shellhead," said Spider-Woman, managing a small smile. "Just having a bit of a philosophical talk about this crazy chain of events."
Mary Jane let out a loud yawn. "Well, I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I'm gonna catch some z's. I'll catch you all later, okay?"
As Mary Jane went off to get some rest, Spider-Woman turned to Iron Man. "Say, Iron Man. Can I ask you a question? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"Try me."
"Well, um, put simply... You're not the original Iron Man, are you? Only, I notice that you seem less familiar with your equipment than you used to be, and you seem to talk a bit differently too."
The armoured Avenger sighed, realising he had been caught out. "You got me. The first guy, he's kinda retired. Gave me the armour to carry on in his stead. And I don't mind telling you, it's kinda hard living up to that kind of legacy, ya get me?"
"I know exactly how you feel," said Spider-Woman understandingly. "When I first took up Spider-Man's legacy, I kept wondering if I was the right person to honour his memory. Still do sometimes. But I'd like to believe I've done him proud. And I'm sure the original Iron Man would be proud of the job you're doing now."
"Thanks. I appreciate that," said Iron Man gratefully.
"Well, what are friends and teammates for? By the way, I read in the tabloids about your boss, Tony Stark, getting married to Ms Bethany Cabe. If we get back to Earth, could you pass on my congratulations?"
"Will do!" promised Jim Rhodes, hoping that Tony was having a better time on his honeymoon than the heroes were having with this war.
Meanwhile, several millions of miles from the surface of Battleworld, Doctor Doom was at work in Galactus' World-Ship. Upon arrival, he had spent several hours exploring the world-devourer's home, marvelling at the advanced technology, whilst also in search for the answer as to how to defeat the Beyonder himself. Doom was certain that the technology of Galactus was the key, and he would find that key, which would give him the means to bend the entire universe to his will!
Eventually, Doom arrived in a chamber, where his armour's built-in sensors had detected a strange vibratory energy, apparently coming from a beam of light pulsing in the centre of the room. Crossing to a control console, Doom began operating the various switches and dials, seeking to discover the nature of this strange phenomenon. As he did so, the energy beam reconstituted itself into the figure of a red-suited man, who had some kind of prosthetic device composed of molybdenum steel where his right hand should be.
"What? Klaw!" said Doctor Doom in some surprise. "The self-styled 'master of sound'? What are you doing here in the home of Galactus?"
Looking back at Doom in bewilderment, Klaw just said, "Home? Home, home, home, home..."
"Answer me, fool!" demanded Doom angrily. "Speak! So commands Doctor Doom!"
But Klaw just looked at him blankly. "Doom? Doom, Doom, Doom, Doom..."
"So..." growled Doom irritably. "I have managed to recreate a raving lunatic!"
Finally, Klaw seemed to pull himself together. "Oh? I'm alive again? Oh, good! You know, I was killed by the Dazzler!"
Klaw then explained to Doom how, during a battle with the mutant who could absorb sound and transform it into light, the Master of Sound was inadvertently absorbed by Dazzler. He was effectively imprisoned inside her body, until, during a later confrontation with Galactus, she unknowingly released Klaw as a big energy burst, which was then absorbed into the World-Ship itself. Klaw had been left trapped, as a beam of energy, until Doom had just released him.
"Enough, Klaw!" said Doom dismissively, as he crossed over to another monitor screen. "Begone! You are of no use to me!"
Klaw looked at Doom curiously. "Then why are you here? What are you looking for?"
"Knowledge... Power... Opportunity! A way to conquer Galactus, and perhaps the Beyonder as well!"
"But Galactus will soon know you're here!" warned Klaw, still somewhat confused as to what was going on. "If you stay here for long, he'll notice, and then..."
"I am aware of my danger!" interrupted Doom calmly, as he managed to activate the monitor screen, which projected an image of Galactus still at work on the planet below. "Ah! Galactus is still preoccupied making preparations to devour the Beyonder's world."
"He'll soon finish constructing his world-draining device, though!" said Klaw fearfully. "As soon as he's done, he'll notice you being in his home! He will! He will!"
"Perhaps I can arrange for his work to be delayed," said Doom thoughtfully, as he adjusted the monitor to go into split-screen mode, enabling him to observe the various armies on the planet. "Captain America's wretched group could easily be manipulated into attacking Galactus! But they are battered, battle-weary! In their current condition. Galactus would crush them in mere seconds! Perhaps the X-Men and Magneto? No, they have not the raw power necessary. My own villainous pawns possess the necessary might, yet without my leadership... Bah! Even with the Hobgoblin commanding in my absence, they still got thrashed by the X-Men, and now limp back to my fortress like whipped curs!"
Doom considered the situation carefully. Then he began adjusting the monitor controls again, flicking through weird images of different parts of the vast Battleworld.
"Clearly, I must employ indirect means!" stated Doom. "Galactus plans to feed upon the planet's energy, does he? Well, perhaps I can spoil his lunch!"
"A fly in the soup?" commented Klaw, trying to keep up with Doom's train of thought.
"Indeed!" confirmed Doom, as the monitor settled on the image of a desolate rocky landscape, filled with dormant volcanic cones. "And this unwelcoming terrain is precisely what I need! If the Molecule Man were to use his powers to rip open those cones, it may set off a chain reaction of volcanic eruptions, that Galactus will surely have to repair before he can set about consuming this planet!"
Doom turned to Klaw. "I must send instructions to my lackeys! You shall be my messenger, fool! Listen carefully..."
It took just a few moments for Doom to impart the full details of his plan to Klaw, and in that time, he was also able to locate a matter transporter that would enable the Master of Sound to be beamed directly to Doombase.
"It's a risk, you know, beaming me down to the planet!" said Klaw as he stepped onto the platform of the transporter. "He may notice!"
"Just remember what I have told you, Klaw," said Doom as he proceeded to operate the controls and begin the process of beaming Klaw down to Battleworld. "Serve me well, and I shall reward you beyond your wildest dreams... Fail me, and I shall destroy you!"
"Oh, pshaw! I am my wildest dream!" said Klaw, as his form began to dissipate in the light beam that was now covering the platform. "I'm made of energy, and you can't create or destroy energy! Einstein said so! But I want to put a fly in Galactus' soup! Oop, oop, oop..."
Klaw's words faded as did the rest of his body, until he was completely gone and on his way to Doombase. Yet Doom was left a little troubled by the warnings of that raving lunatic. He knew he indeed had only a short time before Galactus would detect his presence. For a moment, Doom thought he was actually feeling fear. But no. Fear was for lesser beings. What Doom felt, or at least he told himself he was feeling, was excitement at the prospect of finding the means to put himself above all the gods of this universe and beyond...
Night had fallen over the alien village acting as the Heroes' base of operations, and at present, Mary Jane was lying on a cosy bed in one of the dwellings, a warm duvet wrapped about her slumbering form. After all that had happened since the war had started, she slept contently, dreaming that she was back in New York with all her friends, faraway from the vast games of some mad super entity from another realm of existence.
The Klyntar was glad that its host was resting so peacefully after all she had been put through. The Symbiote did not need any sleep itself, so for the moment, it had detached itself from Mary Jane and slithered its way to the open window and peered out at the street outside, watching these strange beings from a distant world who wished nothing more than to help the innocents trapped here with them. It had developed a great deal of admiration for these humans, especially the girl, Gwen Stacy, who wished to help those in need, even when they did not deserve it.
The Klyntar's gaze settled on Galactus, and a strong sense of fear passed through its form, making it shiver. It knew about the devourer of worlds all too well. Many years ago, a colony world that had been overrun by one of the renegade factions of its kin had been found by Galactus' then-herald, the Silver Surfer, who summoned his master and allowed him to consume the entire planet. The death screams of the Symbiotes there had reverberated throughout the hive mind of the entire Klyntar species, and since then, the Klyntar race had been left with a deep-rooted dread of Galactus. A feeling it seemed that the Earth Heroes seemed to share.
The young Klyntar pondered sadly about the rest of its kind and where they might be. Since it had been taken away by its captors, its connection with the hive mind had been forcibly severed, leaving its memories somewhat fragmented, and making it feel utterly isolated and alone. This was a terrible thing to happen to a Klyntar, and had left this one desperate to find someone to join with. Perhaps that was why the Beyonder had brought it to this strange world and sent it this kind human to help it. Perhaps the Beyonder had sense the Klyntar's own desire and decided to use it for his own ends.
When it had first reached out to Mary Jane's mind and convinced her to help it, the Symbiote had at first feared that it had made a mistake in revealing its living nature straightaway, that it would frighten her away from it. But instead, its honesty had encouraged her to trust it and give it a chance, even though she was still a bit wary of it. It could not blame her for her caution. The bond between a Symbiote and its host was very delicate, and if it went wrong, it could turn both into monsters. For that reason, the Klyntar had decided to try and learn from its current host, and develop its own personality, basing it on Mary Jane's. Already it had learnt that, despite their many faults, these humans had a lot of endearing traits that they lived by, such as courage, loyalty and love.
Love. That was perhaps the strangest, most complex, yet purest emotion that the Klyntar had gleaned from its new friend's mind. It was something that Mary Jane perhaps yearned for, but because of her family's troubled history, was reluctant to commit herself to. The Symbiote found it could draw some similarity between Mary Jane's family and its own, for the woman's cruel father seemed a lot like Knull, the ruthless dictator who allegedly, many millions of years ago, originated the Klyntar species, simply to use them as tools for his own evil goals. Eventually, the Symbiotes had rebelled and overthrown Knull, setting about to forge their own destiny. But even today, the descendants of those ancient Klyntar still felt shame regarding their own past and found it hard to look back on it, just as Mary Jane found it hard whenever she remembered her own tragic past.
The Klyntar looked towards the sleeping Mary Jane Watson, and pondered the strange emotions it was developing regarding her. Even though they had only met a day or two ago, the mental link between them ensured that they had already gotten to know each other very well, and never had the Klyntar known a host as kind as Mary Jane. Did it feel 'love' for her? And might she begin to feel the same way for it? The Klyntar did not know the answers, not yet, but it did know Mary Jane Watson was a good person, and it would do all it could to help her and her friends. Even fighting this being it feared so much, Galactus, who, at any moment, could bring down death upon them all...
Gwen Stacy awoke early the next morning, and was meandering around the main square when she spotted that some of her teammates had gathered on the edge of the village. Curious to know if there had been any fresh developments, Spider-Woman decided to go over and join them. Along the way, she passed Hawkeye, who was sitting on a rock, carving some new arrows from some wood and sticks he had been able to find, to replace the more hi-tech ones that Reed needed to cannibalise for the device that enabled their escape from the mountain that had been dropped on them. Gwen shuddered at the memory, thinking back on just how hopeless things had looked back there, and how they were lucky to get out of there alive.
As Spider-Woman came over to join the little meeting, she could see that Captain America had drawn up a map in the sand, depicting their various positions, and was busy outlining his plan of attack on Galactus to Mr Fantastic, Thor, the Wasp, She-Hulk, the Thing, and the Hulk. If the heroes knew she was there, they made no indication, as they were too busy listening to their leader.
"We'll hit him as hard as possible from as many angles as we can," Steve Rogers was in the middle of saying, gesturing to a small rock that represented Galactus' tactical position on the map. "His machine is the primary target. From this moment on, every one of us must remain on constant alert. We may have only seconds to react when Galactus begins to devour this planet."
"If he does," said Reed, still pondering what Galactus might have planned for them all. "It seems certain, and yet..."
"What about Doctor Doom's lot, Cap?" asked Spider-Woman, joining in with the meeting. "I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I can't just believe they'll be sitting back while all this is happening."
"Check!" agreed the Wasp. "Doom must be aware of what is happening. He may be preparing an attack of his own, one that could spell disaster for the rest of us."
"Apparently, Doom's men have already made a move of their own," said Captain America. "Professor X sent a telepathic report saying that some of the X-men discovered Molecule Man and three other of Doom's troops in a region of volcanoes. The villains were driven off, but Cyclops believed they were there to detonate the volcanoes, and thus delay Galactus, who is as much a threat to Doom as to the rest of us. For that reason, Cyclops has ignited them himself with his optic blasts and set off a chain reaction in that area. That should at least buy us all some time."
"Time for what? To just sit around on our backsides?" growled the Hulk, smashing a nearby rock with a backhand blow. "Let's smash Doom! Or Galactus! I'm tired of sitting and waiting! Let's take the offensive!"
"I'd love to, Hulk! Believe me!" said Captain America soothingly. "But if we waste our strength rashly, we may not have enough left when it really counts!"
Suddenly, Spider-Woman's spider-sense began buzzing. "Wait a second, guys! I'm sensing trouble again, fast approaching!"
"Which direction?" asked Captain America, as they all instantly prepared themselves for battle.
"Over that way," said Spider-Woman, pointing with her finger towards part of the surrounding terrain. "And whatever it is, it's heading our way fast!"
Sure enough, a red dot began to form in the distance, and as it got nearer and its form became clearer, they could all see that it a huge armoured tank, speeding right towards them at a fantastic rate.
"Quick! Alert the others!" commanded Captain America. "Make sure the villagers stay out of its path! Move!"
They raced back to the village square and hurriedly woke up the others, before they began moving the village's inhabitants clear, just as the tank began ploughing its way right through the streets!
"Make way, you jerks!" came the sneering voice of the Wrecker from the tank's inbuilt loud speakers. "The Wrecking Crew are coming through!"
THOOM!
A turret gun on top of the tank began blazing away, sending laser blasts flying randomly all over the place, forcing everyone to scramble for cover. Captain America tossed his shield at the tank's front window, but it just bounced harmlessly off, apparently built of a glass material stronger than diamond.
As Spider-Woman and the shrunken Wasp helped carry some of the civilians out of the way, Gwen spotted a little child, standing petrified on the spot, directly in the tank's path. Moving fast, she leapt forward and grabbed hold of the young boy, pulling him to safety. She was in mid-leap carrying her frightened charge, when her spider-sense began flaring again, warning her of a laser blast heading straight for her!
"Omigosh! Spidey, look out!" cried the Crimson Spider, who could see what was about to happen, but was too far away to get to her friend in time.
There was no time to get clear. All Spider-Woman could think to do was to twist her body around and use it to shield the child in her arms, hoping that it would be enough to protect him. In the fatal second before the blast hit, eyes clenched shut, Gwen thought back to her father, who had died in similar manner, saving a child in the middle of a superhero and supervillain skirmish. It was strangely ironic that her own life was about to end in the same heroic way his did.
FHSST!
"Ohhh!"
To her surprise, Spider-Woman found that she was very much still alive, and the chilling cry of pain had not come from her. Landing on her feet, she quickly put the child safely on the ground and spun around. To her utter horror, she saw the Wasp laying crumpled on the pavement, her body smouldering slightly. It was terribly clear what had happened. The Wasp had seen the danger, flew over, and expanded herself to normal size, placing herself right between Spider-Woman and the lethal beam, taking the fatal shot herself!
"Oh no! Janet!" yelled Spider-Woman, as she raced over to the fallen Avenger, the others coming over to join her as the tank left the village and disappeared from sight.
"What happened?" cried She-Hulk, feeling like her heart was in her mouth.
"She took a blast intended for me!" Spider-Woman hastily explained, as she picked up the Wasp's limp body.
"Get her to the healer's hut!" said Captain America urgently. "Maybe Zsaji can do something."
With Spider-Woman carrying the Wasp in her arms, they raced over to Zsaji's hut and laid the Wasp's crumpled form on a couch inside.
"She's not breathing," said Spider-Woman fearfully. "No pulse, either!"
She-Hulk turned desperately to Zsaji. "Please, Zsaji, help her!"
Although Zsaji still had trouble understanding the humans' language, she could immediately see what the problem was, and she hurried over to the Wasp, pressing her hands against each side of her head. The Healer's hands began glowing with power, yet the Wasp remained still and unmoving.
"Why isn't it working?" Spider-Woman almost sobbed, the anguish in her heart almost too great to bear. It was like reliving that terrible day at the Brooklyn Bridge all over again.
"Easy, Spider-Woman," said Captain America gently, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "If anyone can help Wasp, it's Zsaji."
For several long minutes, they held their breath and prayed, but then Zsaji stepped away, her head bowed and her expression regretful.
"Where are you going?" demanded the She-Hulk, as the Healer moved sadly away. "Get back here and help her! Do you hear me?!"
"No one... can help her now, She-Hulk," said Thor somberly, as they all began to realise that it was too late to help the Wasp.
"She's... dead," choked Hawkeye at last, unable to believe what had happened.
Tears forming behind the lenses of her mask, Spider-Woman stared in despair at the Wasp's body. "No... No, she can't be... Oh no..."
Crimson Spider gently took her friend by the shoulder and led her outside, the others following close behind. "It wasn't your fault, Gwen. There's nothing you can do."
"Oh yes there is!" said Spider-Woman, her grief giving way to anger. "I'm gonna go and bring her killers to justice! That's the least I can do."
"And I'll help you!" said She-Hulk in savage support. "Doom's band of toadies are going to pay! Especially the Wrecking Crew!"
"They won't get away with this!" agreed the Hulk.
"Let's go get 'em!" added the Thing.
"Aye!" chimed in Thor, clenching his fists in anger, eager to avenge the death of one of his oldest and most courageous comrades.
"NO!"
Everyone turned in surprise at the grim-faced Captain America, not quite believing what he had just said.
"Now, listen to me," said Steve Rogers slowly and gently, but also firmly. "While we're off getting even, what if Galactus starts to use that world-building machine he's building up on that mountain? Then every living thing on this world, including these innocent villagers, will die! We've got to stay right here, ready to attack him! We may have only seconds to react when it begins!"
"Why wait?" said the Hulk impatiently. "Let's hit Galactus NOW! Then we'll go crush those murderous scum!"
"For once, I'm inclined to agree with the Hulk!" said Spider-Woman, struggling to control her own rage.
"Of course attacking Galactus is a lot like suicide!" pointed out Captain Marvel.
"Bah! Let's fight it out and see," said the Hulk.
"But maybe Doom's trying to goad us into slugging it out with Galactus," said Captain America calmly.
"Aye, and once the victors, or victor, emerged, bone-weary and bloodied, Doom would attack, giving no quarter," agreed Thor.
"But... It's going to come to that anyway!" said the Crimson Spider.
"Maybe," said Captain America. "But we're going to have to wait and see. I want their hides as much as any of you. And I swear, if we get the slightest chance... But right now, we dare not squander an ounce of our strength!"
As the grief-stricken heroes were reluctantly forced to agree that they would have to wait to avenge the Wasp, Galactus was still at work high above them. For the most part, he persevered in his efforts, but then he paused, as he felt a vague feeling of unease. His highly evolved senses enabled him to know all that was happening on the planet. He registered the volcanic eruptions fifteen thousand miles away, which were spreading and growing ever more violent.
Galactus sighed at the nuisance, knowing he would have to take time to repair this damaged planet before he could devour it. So concerned was he by the volcanic upheavals, that he almost did not notice another nuisance. He could sense something out of place, in his very home. Some small intruder was aboard the World-Ship, daring to steal the secrets of the many thousands of scientific wonders aboard. With the power of thought alone, Galactus pinpointed the source of the anomaly, seized it, and expelled it out of the ship. Galactus was not remotely gentle as he sent the intruder tumbling back down to Battleworld and the dwelling from which he came.
Satisfied that the annoyance on his ship had been dealt with, Galactus turned his attention toward quelling the massive explosions. Then, he could resume his work...
Pacing about back and forth in the corridors of Doombase, the Hobgoblin was in a very bad mood indeed. Things were not going well at all. After that nattering idiot Klaw had appeared out of nowhere, carrying instructions from Doom, all contact had been lost with the self-declared master of Doombase. Now, not only did the villains fail to complete the mission assigned to them in igniting the volcanoes, but the Molecule Man had been severely injured during a skirmish with Wolverine, Cyclops and Rogue. Volcana was tending to his wounds as best she could, but for the moment, Molecule Man was out of commission. While Hobgoblin did not care much for the pathetic little man, he did not want to have to report to Doom that the disastrous turn of events almost cost the lives of one of their most powerful troops. Besides, the Molecule Man had immense power, and if the Hobgoblin could learn how to use that to his own advantage...
The robot Ultron had proved less than useless in this matter, as it refused to do anything without direct orders from Doom himself. The Lizard, who had just been recovered from a swamp area on the planet, was also proving unreliable, as his first action had been to attack the Wrecking Crew who had forced him to come to the base. On the plus side, it seemed that on the way back, the Wrecker and his team had managed to eliminate one of the Avengers, which narrowed the odds slightly in the villains' favour.
A sudden noise from the main gate caught the Hobgoblin's attention, and to his surprise, he whirled around to see the dishevelled figure of Doom, limping his way past him. The former ruler of Latveria was in a bad way. His robes were torn, his armour was smoking and sparking, and every step he took seemed to be pure agony.
"Doom! What happened to you?" demanded the Hobgoblin. "Tell me! Have you found the information we need to win this war?"
But Doom seemed not to hear the Hobgoblin's demanding questions. He just walked on past in a daze, his head bowed pathetically as he just barely managed to reach his living quarters and collapse on the bed, apparently completely out for the count.
The Hobgoblin looked on thoughtfully. It seemed that Doom's act of burglary on Galactus' ship had not gone according to plan at all, and he had paid a terrible price on the way back here. The good Doctor was now in no condition to lead anyone. Now, it would seem that command of these troops belonged entirely to the Hobgoblin. He did not know whether to be pleased or alarmed, especially with Galactus still to deal with...
Hours later, hundreds of miles away from Doombase, a lonely man with the weight of all creation upon his shoulders was keeping a grim vigil. Perched on a rock that gave him a good view of Galactus, Captain America pondered when the eater of whole planets would make his move. Steve did not like to admit it, but the long wait was starting to get to him as it was getting on the nerves of his troops, especially after what had happened to the Wasp. But he knew that they had to stay here on standby, ready to attack Galactus at a moment's notice. But what about Doctor Doom? What was he planning? Galactus was undoubtably the greater threat at present, but if Doom were to somehow take advantage of the outcome of the impending battle...
"Cap?"
He turned around to see Spider-Woman coming over to join him, her mask off and her face filled with remorse.
"I just wanted to say... I'm sorry about the Wasp," said Gwen slowly. "It should have been me who died back there. Maybe if I had been more careful..."
"Then that child you saved might not still be alive now," said Captain America soothingly. "You did the right thing back there, Spider-Woman. You mustn't blame yourself. All of us here would willingly lay down their lives for their teammates and friends. The Wasp was no exception. She knew that it was all part of the job."
Gwen nodded and managed a small smile, when Hawkeye came over to join them, closely followed by the other heroes. All of them except...
"Cap, She-Hulk's missing!" said Clint Barton grimly. "Nobody's seen her all day! I figure we all know where she went."
"You mean she's gone to fight Doom's lot alone?" said Gwen in alarm. "She won't stand a chance on her own!"
"That's what we're thinking too!" agreed Mary Jane. "We've got to go and help her!"
"We stay here," said Captain America simply, unable to meet their eyes.
"Cap, she's my cousin!" said the Hulk almost pleadingly. "Just let me go after her!"
Steve sighed, and turned to face them all, his agonised expression all too clear. "Hulk, I wish I could... But the answer is... No!"
"I don't suppose you'd consider putting it to a vote?" suggested Johnny Storm.
"My heart would vote 'yes' in a minute," said Captain America, his voice tinged with regret. "Too many innocent lives are at stake here, though! Many more than the few people on this planet. We've got a whole universe depending on what we do here. We can't allow ourselves the luxury of making decisions with our hearts."
As the heroes bowed their heads, forced to accept the cruel position that fate had put them in, a sudden telepathic call from Professor X cut across Steve's troubled thoughts.
"Captain America! This is Professor Charles Xavier! My X-Men and Magneto are stationed only a few miles from your position. If you wish, we will take up your vigil, freeing you to do what you must. We shall counterstrike immediately should Galactus take action against the planet in your absence, and we will hold fast against him until you return! This I promise you. Please accept our offer!"
Steve Rogers smiled, as he felt a huge weight get lifted off his shoulders. "It's a deal, Xavier. Thanks!"
Turning back to his troops, Captain America spoke with renewed vigour and grim determination:
"Listen up! The situation has changed! I'll explain later! For now... Let's go get those butchers!"
There was a choral of agreement from the heroes. Since this war had first started, they had been stuck on the back foot of all the various enemies they had had to defend themselves against. But now it was time to go on the offensive and avenge their fallen comrades, and heaven help any of the villains that stood in their way!
NEXT TIME: INVASION!