- Marvel: "what if... Rick Jones was hit by the gamma bomb instead" (The Incredible Hulk) [given by 3mtsims AO3]
Rick was able to look back and see the gamma explosion just before he and Banner got to the shelter, in a split-second choice he pulled away from Bruce and pushed him into the bunker just as it closed, he was hit and changed, becoming A-Bomb.
at first general ross tried to have Rick classed as a monster and be forced into the military, but the government and shield refused this due to Rick still being himself despite his appearance, Bruce wanted to undo what was done but Rick didn't and instead helped him in learning to master his new abilities and learning more about gamma mutations, this lead to working with Reed Richards and Tony Stark.
Ross wasn't happy so he tried using D.N.A samples to create mutant solders, which went wrong as they all either broke loose or turned on him, he then went on to changing himself, but when he did Betty tried to stop him only to be changed herself, ross was to be locked up but was released to help fight against the threats he helped create, Bruce, not wanting Betty to be alone in her change, used his new knowledge with Reed and Tony to change himself into a smart hulk.
together, with a later changed Jennifer (she hulk) they became a good team that took on high level threats and gamma related issues.
