Crisis In The Sky's Two

Tennyson Industries Main Headquarters 

Angela Green strode into the Tennyson Industries headquarters, her heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floors of the lobby. The vast space buzzed with energy—engineers huddled over schematics, executives engaged in quiet yet intense conversations, and assistants hurriedly typing away on tablets.

Despite the impressive efficiency on display, Angela's mood was anything but calm. Ben had vanished—again. Or, more accurately, taken an abrupt leave. She wasn't surprised; this wasn't the first time he had left the company in her hands with barely a moment's notice. But that didn't mean she had to be happy about it.

She stepped into the elevator, rubbing her temples as she pressed the button for the executive floor. Two and a half years. That's how long it had been since she sat across from Ben in that rundown diner, listening to him pitch a future that sounded just shy of insanity. She had been skeptical, of course. A 17-year-old promising to shake up the world of consumer technology? It sounded like a pipe dream. And yet, here they were. Tennyson Industries was no longer an ambitious startup—it was a force to be reckoned with.

By the end of the next quarter, the company's assets were projected to reach $78 billion. If everything went smoothly, their revenue could approach $200 billion by the following financial year.

As the doors slid open, Angela walked briskly toward her office, barely acknowledging the respectful nods from her staff. The glass walls of her office gave her a panoramic view of the city skyline—a fitting reminder of how far they had come. She exhaled, pushing aside her irritation as she settled into her chair and scanned her agenda for the morning.

Tennyson Industries wasn't just another tech giant; it was different. Everything they built was made right here at home. That had been Ben's mandate from day one—no outsourcing, no reliance on overseas factories. Every device, every component, every piece of hardware was manufactured in the United States. It had been a logistical nightmare to set up, but the payoff was undeniable: complete control over their supply chain, unmatched quality assurance, and a brand identity built on American innovation.

Her office, designed by Ben with her input, was a perfect reflection of her—elegant, efficient, and undeniably modern. The minimalist aesthetic masked the sheer amount of cutting-edge technology woven seamlessly into the space. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offered a commanding view of the city, allowing natural light to spill across sleek, dark surfaces. A smart tint could activate at her command, turning the windows opaque for privacy.

At the heart of the room sat her custom-designed Omni-Desk, a masterpiece of Tennyson Industries' innovation. Its seamless surface functioned as a touchscreen display, capable of transforming into an interactive workspace with a single tap. Documents, holographic data charts, and live security feeds could be summoned with a flick of her fingers. Integrated with Olivia, the company's AI assistant, the desk responded to her voice with crisp efficiency—adjusting lighting, pulling reports, or connecting her to video calls instantly.

At first, the system had been overwhelming, but alongside Olivia, she had adapted quickly. Now, the technology felt like second nature.

Despite the high-tech environment, personal touches grounded the space. Beside her sleek wireless charging dock sat two framed photographs—one of Josh and Juliana, caught mid-laughter on a beach trip, and another from their first day of school, their backpacks oversized against their small frames. They were her anchor, the reason she pushed herself every day.

The room carried an air of quiet authority. The polished black floors and dark wood accents contrasted with soft, indirect lighting that adjusted throughout the day. A discreet holo-display was embedded into the wall behind her, often set to calming nature scenes—rolling waves or sunlit forests—offering a brief mental escape between meetings.

A single, carefully chosen piece of artwork adorned the wall: an abstract metal sculpture of sharp lines and curves, evoking motion and ambition. No clutter, no excess. Just like Angela herself—sharp, focused, and always looking ahead.

Settling into her leather chair, she opened her laptop, which she still preferred to use over the Omni-Desk. Some habits died hard.

First up: supply chain logistics. The Omni-Phone's latest model had been a runaway success, but with demand at an all-time high, their factories were struggling to keep up. Scaling production without compromising quality was a delicate balance, one she had to manage carefully. A meeting with their key manufacturing partners was already on the agenda—late nights and long calls were nothing new.

Next: the sustainability division. SolarSkin, their cutting-edge photovoltaic technology, had gained traction, with several cities exploring integration into urban infrastructure. On top of that, their partnership with Stark Industries to build a network of EV charging stations was in its final stages. Negotiating with Stark's team was like playing chess with grandmasters—Pepper Potts was a formidable opponent when it came to business talks. But Angela wasn't a pushover either; she thrived on the challenge.

A chime from her computer interrupted her thoughts. A meeting request from the R&D department—approval needed for a new BioSync 2 feature that improved stress detection. She made a mental note to remind them that marketability mattered just as much as functionality. Groundbreaking tech was great, but it had to be something people actually wanted to use.

Angela pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling slowly. Normally, she could handle all of this without breaking a sweat. But Ben's sudden departure gnawed at her. He had the luxury of being the visionary, of disappearing whenever he felt like it to focus on the next big idea, while she was the one left keeping the wheels turning. She understood his role—hell, she admired it. But without her, Tennyson Industries wouldn't run. Someone had to be here, making the tough decisions, keeping the company from descending into chaos.

Honestly, she wondered if Ben sometimes forgot she was also a single mother. At least he had provided her with great assistance—support she had come to rely on more than she cared to admit.

The intercom buzzed. "Ms. Green, you have a call from Mr. Nelson at the legal department." Olivia's southern drawl cut through her thoughts.

Angela closed her eyes briefly before tapping her desk. "Put him through."

She squared her shoulders. There was no time to dwell on frustration. Tennyson Industries wasn't going to run itself, and if Ben wasn't here to steer the ship, then she'd damn well make sure it stayed afloat herself.

And when he finally decided to show up? Oh, she had a few choice words for him. Honestly, what could be more important than helping run the company?

HELICARRIER OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN –

The Hulk's breathing was deep and ragged, his massive chest rising and falling with barely contained fury. His green eyes locked onto Ben, nostrils flaring as he loomed over him like a force of nature barely restrained.

Ben kept his stance neutral, hands raised. The Omnitrix's dial was warm against his wrist—ready. But he wasn't about to make the first move.

Behind Hulk, Natasha shifted ever so slightly.

A microscopic movement. The faintest twitch of her boot against the metal floor.

But it was enough.

Hulk's head snapped toward her, and in an instant, his massive hand swung.

"HULK, WAIT!"

Ben moved.

A streak of green light flared as he slammed the Omnitrix, his form shifting in an instant.

XLR8.

Everything slowed.

The world stretched into slow motion as Ben blurred forward, his body accelerating at supersonic speed.

Hulk's enormous fist came down like a meteor.

Ben intercepted.

His clawed fingers skidded against the sheer force of Hulk's strike. Even with XLR8's incredible speed, redirecting Hulk's blow was like trying to stop an avalanche with a gust of wind. His feet scraped against the metal floor, absorbing the momentum, twisting the trajectory just enough—

SLAM!

Instead of flattening Natasha, Hulk's fist crashed into the wall, denting the reinforced steel like aluminum foil.

Ben exhaled sharply. XLR8 wasn't his strongest transformation, but speed gave him an edge. Against Hulk, however, one miscalculation—one slight misjudgment of force or trajectory—could shatter every bone in his body.

He barely had time to register Natasha's wide-eyed stare before Hulk let out a deafening roar, shaking the entire room.

Oh yeah. That got his attention.

Hulk's massive fist lashed out.

Ben blurred back, narrowly dodging the strike. Hulk's punch slammed into the floor, buckling the steel and sending debris flying.

"Yeah, okay," Ben muttered, keeping his distance. "I see why people are afraid of you."

Hulk turned to him fully now, nostrils flaring, shoulders rising and falling like a charging bull.

Ben's mind raced. Speed is my only advantage here. Strength-wise? Not even close. XLR8 was fast, but one clean hit from the Hulk would be game over. People underestimated it, but Hulk could move fast. One lapse in concentration, and it'd be over.

Gotta keep him focused on me.

Ben darted across the room in a blur, zipping past Hulk and tapping the side of his massive arm.

"Over here, big guy!"

Hulk swung.

Ben was already gone, leaving only a gust of air behind.

Natasha took the opportunity to slip away. There wasn't much she could do in this fight. Leaving Ben to handle Hulk was their best move.

Ben flicked up his visor, grinning. "You're gonna have to do better than that, Big Green."

Hulk growled—low, deep, and dangerous. But there was something else in his gaze now.

Something almost... amused.

And then—

The wall behind them exploded. A massive shockwave tore through the equipment room, sending metal debris flying.

Ben barely had time to react before the floor collapsed beneath him.

The last thing he saw was Hulk's massive form plummeting into the darkness.

"Great. At this rate, the whole thing is coming down," Ben muttered, his voice slightly raspy through XLR8's visor.

He tapped on the Omnitrix symbol on his chest. "Thor, do you copy?"

No response.

Ben took off in a blur, chasing after Hulk.

Hallway – Helicarrier

Thor and Loki tore through the corridors, their battle leaving a trail of wreckage in its wake.

Loki smirked, summoning a dozen perfect illusions of himself. "Yes, I hear you, changeling friend. What is it?"

Thor hurled lightning into the horde of Lokis, striking them down in crackling blue arcs.

Ben zipped around a collapsing support beam, dodging falling debris. "Was that you with the massive explosion?" He paused, "You know what? Never mind."

Ben skidded to a stop just in time to grab a SHIELD agent before they were crushed under a collapsing bulkhead. Setting them down safely, he glanced below—Hulk had landed in the weapons storage bay.

Oh, great. That's gonna end well.

He clicked his earpiece again. "Thor, we can't keep this fight going on the Helicarrier. Too many people on board. If this thing crashes, it's a disaster. Get Loki off the carrier—take him somewhere safe, away from civilians. I'll handle Hulk."

Thor gritted his teeth, deflecting another energy blast from Loki's scepter. "I—"

A flash of green light cut him off as Loki vanished, reappearing further down the corridor with a smug grin.

Thor growled in frustration. And with that, he launched himself at Loki, determined to end this fight.

Helicarrier – Port Side

Chaos reigned.

Captain America shoved open the hatch, stepping into a disaster zone—flames, thick smoke, and SHIELD technicians in oxygen masks struggling to contain the damage. Engine 3 was completely offline, a massive chunk of the hull torn away, exposing the open sky beyond.

Iron Man rocketed in, scanning the wreckage. His HUD flooded with red warnings—cooling system offline, rotors jammed, debris clogging critical components.

"I gotta get the superconducting cooling system back online before I can clear the rotors," Tony muttered. Landing by the engine, he grabbed onto the jammed machinery, metal groaning under the strain.

"Cap, get to that control panel. I need to know which relays are overloaded."

Steve leapt over a shattered railing, landing beside the control panel. He yanked it open, revealing a tangled mess of circuits and wiring.

"It... runs on some form of electricity?" he muttered, frowning.

Tony sighed. "Well, you're not wrong."

Main Hallway – Helicarrier

Thunder cracked through the ship as Thor and Loki clashed, their battle shaking the walls. Sparks rained from shattered light fixtures, and the metal beneath them groaned under the force of their blows.

Loki smirked, his emerald eyes glinting with mischief. With a flick of his wrist, a dozen spectral copies of himself flickered into existence, encircling Thor. Their voices overlapped, taunting.

"You never did have the mind for sorcery, dear brother."

Thor tightened his grip on Mjolnir. "Enough of your tricks, Loki!"

With a mighty swing, he unleashed a chain of lightning strikes, arcs of energy dancing across the corridor. Several illusions shattered into mist—but the real Loki had already moved.

A dagger whistled through the air, aimed straight for Thor's throat. He twisted at the last second, the blade slicing his cheek instead of striking true.

Loki lunged, using the distraction to drive his scepter into Thor's ribs, sending the God of Thunder crashing through a reinforced door.

Thor skidded across the metal floor, the impact rattling through his bones. Before he could rise, Loki pressed the glowing tip of his scepter against his chest.

"Face it, brother," Loki purred, his voice silk-smooth with triumph. "You're always too slow."

Aircraft Port – The Helicarrier

The Helicarrier trembled under the force of the rampage. Structural alarms blared across the deck, emergency lights flashing as the green behemoth tore through reinforced walls like they were nothing. The sound of twisted metal and shattering glass filled the air as terrified SHIELD crew members scrambled for cover.

Then, in an instant, a streak of blue light zipped past the Hulk, moving faster than the human eye could track.

Ben, in XLR8 form, weaved through the wreckage with precision, his clawed feet barely touching the floor before propelling him forward again. Hulk swung wildly, but each devastating punch hit nothing but empty air, smashing through what little remained of the Helicarrier's interior.

Ben had a plan. He couldn't stop the Hulk head-on, but he could guide him—use speed and precision to steer him toward the open aircraft hangar.

A sharp turn. A calculated sprint. Hulk followed.

The gust of wind from the open hangar doors howled as Ben skidded to a stop on the expansive flight deck. Emergency lighting cast an eerie glow over the vast space, illuminating rows of parked fighter jets, scattered cargo crates, and a damaged control tower.

Then Ben transformed back into his human form.

A green glow flickered over his body as the Omnitrix deactivated, leaving him small—insignificant—compared to the raging titan before him.

Hulk's thunderous steps shook the floor. His breathing was ragged, fists clenched, his entire body coiled with raw fury. He was moments from attacking.

Ben held up a hand.

"Wait."

His voice wasn't loud. It wasn't commanding. But it carried something else—something that made Hulk hesitate for the briefest of moments.

Ben's heartbeat slowed as his mind raced. He had read the reports on Banner, seen how people treated the Hulk—like a bomb waiting to go off. But Hulk wasn't just a monster.

"I know you can understand me," Ben said, his voice steady but calm. "You're not just some mindless creature."

Hulk snarled, muscles tensing, but something flickered in his eyes—a flash of recognition beneath the anger.

Ben took a careful step forward.

"I get it. You're angry. You're always angry." His tone softened. "But this? This isn't just about anger, is it?"

Hulk's massive hands twitched. His breathing shifted, no longer just raw fury—there was something else there. Something… conflicted.

Ben nodded slowly. "People run from you, don't they? They call you a monster. A danger. They want to control you or stop you, but they don't listen."

For the first time, the Hulk's expression changed. The snarl didn't disappear completely, but something beneath it shifted.

"You don't have to be alone in this," Ben continued, unwavering. "You're not just the thing they see when you're angry. You're more than that."

Hulk's breathing slowed.

For a second, the storm in his eyes dimmed.

And then—

A gunshot.

A blast from a SHIELD turret.

The high-powered round struck Hulk's shoulder. Firing continuously, at Hulk's back Ben jumped for cover.

The moment was lost.

Hulk roared in fury, his eyes snapping back into blind rage. His muscles tensed, veins bulging as he slammed his fists into the floor, cracking the metal beneath him.

Ben cursed under his breath, pivoting backward. Great. Almost had him.

Hulk charged, and this time, there was no hesitation.

Ben's hand shot toward the Omnitrix—Plan B.

The Helicarrier trembled as Hulk barreled forward, his enraged roar shaking the hangar. The sheer force of his steps splintered the ground beneath him.

No time to think. Only to act.

Ben's fingers slammed down on the Omnitrix. A green glow flared across his body, engulfing him in light as his form twisted and expanded.

Muscles bulged. Fur erupted across his skin. His teeth sharpened into fangs, and his hands morphed into massive, clawed paws.

The Omnitrix symbol gleamed on his chest.

Ben bared his fangs, eyes blazing.

"RAAAATH!"