To get this massive object to Camp Lehigh, three steps are needed!
The first step is setting up a large teleportation matrix here. Once they arrive at Camp Lehigh's underground facility, another identical matrix must be established.
Only then can they position this big guy onto the teleportation platform. When activated, it will materialize at Camp Lehigh.
It sounds straightforward, but in practice, it's a logistical nightmare.
Arthur put in a tremendous amount of effort.
After working tirelessly inside and out for most of the night, they finally convened an on-site meeting at Camp Lehigh.
The attendees included Arthur, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, and Darcy Lewis, Jane Foster's friend.
Her intern friend, however, was absent. Arthur later learned that Natasha had discreetly sent him away long ago.
Also present was Dr. Erik Selvig.
As the meeting began, Arthur explained his latest operation.
He gave a brief rundown of the process, culminating in the successful transportation of this colossal object.
Tony examined the behemoth with keen interest. "Dark Elf tech? With this ship, we should be able to get a much clearer picture of how their systems function."
"That's exactly why I insisted on bringing it back," Arthur replied, glancing at Dr. Selvig with a slight smile. "We're no strangers, are we?"
"I thought this was a SHIELD operation," Selvig said, casting a look at Natasha.
Natasha smirked. "Explaining our connections would be... complicated."
"But one thing's certain: Now that I know about this, I probably won't be free to walk away, will I?" Selvig sighed.
Darcy blinked in surprise. "Wait, seriously? That sounds a lot like kidnapping."
Arthur chuckled. "Trust me, no one's forcing you to stay. And I'm being transparent with you. If that weren't the case, you wouldn't even be here."
He continued, "Besides, I need your help with something."
Selvig glanced at the massive object beside him and shook his head. "Not sure how much use I'll be with this."
"The research at Camp Lehigh goes far beyond just this ship," Arthur said as he activated his wristband. A holographic interface sprang to life. "In fact, I've been compiling data on celestial bodies surrounding Earth. If the galaxy, if the universe, is a vast, dark jungle, then we need to chart our own little corner of the forest. And you, Dr. Selvig, are exactly the kind of expert who can make sense of it."
As he spoke, a detailed star map appeared. "This is an interstellar chart I acquired elsewhere, including Earth's precise coordinates. The data points connect in ways I think will be invaluable for your research. But this map doesn't just help lost travelers find their way home, it highlights something far more concerning."
Everyone turned toward Arthur.
He shrugged. "Sure, wanderers might use this to find Earth. But what about others? The ones who are hostile, ruthless, the ones who've left a trail of destruction across the galaxy. If they get their hands on this map, what happens then?"
"There are things we can choose to ignore," he added, his voice serious. "But we can't pretend they don't exist."
Arthur let out a slow breath. "The Battle of New York was a year ago. Everyone here, except for this young lady, was involved in that fight. And let's be real, that wasn't a one-time event. If we can't even step outside our own front door, then there's only one thing left for us to do… sit back and take the hit."
Dr. Selvig's expression shifted slightly.
He frowned. "But is all of this really true?"
"Every word of it," Natasha said firmly. "That's why we came together. And Camp Lehigh, where you're standing now, is one of our key bases. Above us is an entire research division working across multiple fields, developing, innovating, preparing. The world may not realize it yet, but we've been getting ready for the next battle."
"That's so cool."
Darcy let out a stunned gasp. "So, you guys are like Earth's ultimate defense force? Humanity's elite fighters? However you put it, the fact is, you're protecting the planet. And that's something I want to be a part of. Count me in."
"Glad to hear it," Arthur said. "That's actually part of the reason for this meeting."
"I get it now."
Dr. Selvig gave a small, knowing smile. "If everything is as noble as you claim, then I have no reason to refuse. But if I find out that this is all just an elaborate fabrication…"
Tony, who had been silent up until now, suddenly spoke in a cool, measured tone.
"A man who was willing to carry a nuclear bomb into a wormhole to save millions of lives? I'd say his word is about as good as it gets."
Dr. Selvig hesitated, clearly caught off guard.
Arthur, equally surprised, glanced at Natasha, who quickly covered her mouth to hide a smirk.
After a pause, Dr. Selvig exhaled and said, "So… you're the Instructor?"
That was a tricky one to answer. Arthur could only nod.
"My apologies, then."
Selvig's expression shifted once again, this time to one of conviction. "In that case, I'm staying. I'll do whatever I can to help."
Arthur nodded. "I'm glad to hear that."
He exchanged a look with Natasha, who stood up and stretched. "We've got a lot to prepare. But first, let me show you where you'll be staying, probably for a long time."
"Lead the way."
Darcy was already on her feet. "But fair warning, I need to bring my stuff. Especially my pillow. I swear, I can't sleep right without it."
Now, only Arthur and Tony remained, standing in front of the massive spaceship.
Tony looked up as the last of the concealment was removed, fully revealing the towering alien vessel before them.
"Why even bother?"
Arthur smirked. "Doubt and skepticism are normal. Honestly, if he'd agreed immediately, that would've made me suspicious."
Tony scoffed. "You know, some people, just because they're older, shouldn't be written off so easily."
He glanced at Arthur, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "What you've done for this world… no one knows. They only see the tiniest fraction of it. They have no idea that just moments ago, you literally saved the planet. Doesn't that piss you off?"
Arthur clapped a hand on Tony's shoulder. "Once you step into this role, fairness stops being part of the equation."
He turned his gaze back toward the ship. "I don't care how the world sees me. And honestly? I'm not saving the world just for the world. It's simpler than that… If this planet gets destroyed or swallowed by darkness, it'd be a pretty terrible place to live."
(End of chapter.)
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