The World Divided
The observation deck of the GDA headquarters offered a panoramic view of what had once been a familiar skyline.
Now, that skyline stretched impossibly farther, with duplicate landmarks visible in the distance –
a second Empire State Building, another Eiffel Tower, a duplicate of the Great Wall of China, all existing simultaneously on what scientists were now confirming was a planet nearly twice its original size.
Original Cecil and alternate Cecil stood side by side, their identical features set in matching expressions of concern as they surveyed the new world below.
"The merger's reversal was incomplete," original Cecil stated, his voice carrying that characteristic clinical detachment.
"While the dimensional barriers have been restored, preventing further incursions, the physical merger of our worlds has become... permanent."
"Two Earths fused into one," alternate Cecil agreed, his tone slightly less rigid than his counterpart's.
"Two versions of every city, every landmark, every person - except for those who were pulled through to the Emperor's dimension."
Behind them, Nolan Grayson stood with his arms crossed, his imposing figure silhouetted against the morning light. "This is a total mess," he observed. "Two governments, two militaries, two economies – all crammed together overnight."
"And don't forget the identity crisis," original Mark added, "People are freaking out, finding their other selves living just a few hundred miles away. The social media meltdown alone is insane."
Original Eve approached with her own tablet, her expression grim. "It gets worse," she said, "News outlets from both worlds are sharing everything across what used to be dimensional barriers.
Our media's blasting footage of Omni-Man's attack on the Guardians everywhere, Mark." She glanced at Nolan. "That video's gone viral."
Nolan's jaw tightened, but he nodded in acknowledgment. "Was bound to come out eventually," he replied with resignation. "No keeping that buried forever."
"We need to get ahead of this," original Cecil decided, turning to face the group. "A unified statement, explaining what happened with the dimensional merger and clarifying Nolan's... situation."
"You mean explaining that in one dimension he's a murderous alien invader, and in another he's supposedly reformed?" original Mark asked, unable to hide his irritation, that familiar quick temper flaring.
"Mark," Nolan began, his tone unexpectedly gentle.
"No, he's right," alternate Cecil interrupted. "The distinction is crucial. People from original Mark's dimension have legitimate reason to fear you, Nolan. Their Omni-Man slaughtered the Guardians and nearly killed his own son."
"While your Nolan chose a different path," original Cecil added. "Thanks to Sukuna's intervention. A detail we should emphasize."
Original Eve set down her tablet. "We need to come clean about everything," she said suddenly, "Not just what happened, but what's coming. We can't keep the Viltrumite threat classified anymore, not with duplicate governments all holding pieces of the puzzle."
"Let's do a press conference," original Mark suggested, "Broadcast worldwide – which means something totally different now. We lay it all out: the merger, the variants, Nolan's story in both worlds, and the Viltrumite invasion."
The two Cecils exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them. "It's risky," original Cecil cautioned, his perpetual caution evident. "Mass panic is a genuine concern."
"People are already panicking," original Mark countered, gesturing wildly. "At least this way, they'll know why they're freaking out."
After a moment of consideration, both Cecils nodded in unison. "We'll arrange it," alternate Cecil said. "The United Nations - both of them - have established a joint emergency session. That would be the appropriate forum."
"Tomorrow morning," original Cecil added. "That gives us twenty-four hours to prepare our statement and coordinate with global leadership - all of them."
As the group dispersed to begin preparations, original Mark found himself standing alone with Nolan.
The tension between them remained palpable - the echo of betrayal from another dimension coloring their interaction.
"This won't be easy for you," Nolan acknowledged, breaking the silence, his speech less formal than usual. "Standing up there with me, when another version of me hurt you so badly."
Original Mark met his gaze steadily. "No, it won't," he replied bluntly. "But everyone needs to understand the difference. They need to see that choices matter – that even a Viltrumite can change course."
Nolan's expression softened slightly. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry for what he did to you. What I might have done, if things had played out differently."
"I know," original Mark replied. "That's why I'll back you tomorrow. Not because I've forgotten what happened in my dimension, but because I'm not letting it happen in this one."
---------------------------
In a modest apartment in Queens, New York, the Rodriguez family gathered around their television in stunned silence. The news had been playing non-stop coverage of what reporters were calling "The Dimensional Fusion Event."
"It's insane," Miguel Rodriguez muttered, shaking his head as satellite imagery showed the expanded Earth from orbit. "Two worlds smooshed together like clay."
His wife, Elena, clutched his hand tightly. "And two of everyone. They're saying there's another you, another me, another Sophia somewhere out there." She glanced at their teenage daughter, who was scrolling through her phone with wide eyes.
"I already found her - I mean, me," Sophia announced, turning her phone to show her parents.
"The other Sophia Rodriguez. She lives in what used to be the other Queens. We've been texting. It's... weird. She likes all the same things I do, but she's on the volleyball team instead of debate club."
Miguel ran a hand through his hair. "This is going to take some getting used to."
The television cut to footage that made them all fall silent - Omni-Man, Earth's greatest hero, brutally murdering the Guardians of the Globe.
The anchor's voice was grave: "This footage, originally from what experts are now calling 'Earth-1,' shows the hero known as Omni-Man executing the Guardians of the Globe approximately eight months ago in that timeline.
Government officials from both former Earths are emphasizing that this Omni-Man is not the same individual currently working with the Global Defense Agency in our merged world."
"How can they be sure?" Elena whispered, horror evident in her voice as the sanitized-for-broadcast footage showed Omni-Man's rampage. "If they're the same person, just from different dimensions..."
Miguel shook his head. "They're saying there will be a global address tomorrow morning. Maybe we'll get some answers then."
Sophia looked up from her phone, her expression troubled. "The other me says her parents are talking about moving. A lot of people are. They're afraid of what happens when two identical people live in the same place for too long."
"We're not going anywhere," Miguel assured her, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes. "This is our home. Both of us, all of us. We'll figure this out."
---------------------------------
In a high-rise apartment in Tokyo, Dr. Yusuke Sato watched the same news coverage with clinical interest.
As a theoretical physicist, he found the dimensional merger fascinating from a scientific perspective, even as he recognized the societal chaos it would cause.
"Remarkable," he murmured, making notes on his tablet. "The conservation of mass and energy on a planetary scale, yet with duplication of matter. It defies our current understanding of physics."
A notification pinged on his phone - a message from his department head at the university, calling an emergency meeting of the physics faculty. Apparently, he wasn't the only one seeing research opportunities in this crisis.
As he prepared to leave, his gaze fell on a news alert: "Omni-Man: Hero or Villain? Conflicting histories emerge as worlds collide."
Dr. Sato paused, reading the article with growing concern. He had always admired Omni-Man, even modeled some of his theoretical work on observations of the hero's capabilities.
The idea that in another reality, that same being had been an advance scout for an alien invasion was... disturbing.
"Two versions of the same person, making different choices," he mused aloud. "The philosophical implications alone..."
His phone rang - his counterpart from the other Tokyo, a man identical to himself in every way except for a few divergent life choices. They had connected almost immediately after the merger, both driven by scientific curiosity.
"Are you seeing this, Yusuke?" his doppelgänger asked without preamble. "About Omni-Man?"
"Yes," Dr. Sato replied. "I'm trying to process the implications."
"If what they're saying is true, Earth has been under threat of invasion for decades without knowing it." The other Dr. Sato's voice was tense. "And now we have two Earths' worth of resources to defend - or for them to conquer."
"We should attend the global address tomorrow," Dr. Sato suggested. "Perhaps together. I believe our perspectives as scientists might be valuable in helping others understand what's happening."
A pause on the line. "Agreed. Though I wonder... how many other pairs are having this exact conversation right now, across this new double-Earth?"
The question lingered in Dr. Sato's mind long after the call ended.
----------------------------------
In the Oval Office - one of two now existing on the same planet - President Davis rubbed his temples, feeling a headache building as he listened to his advisors debate the implications of the dimensional merger.
"Mr. President, we need to address the chain of command issue immediately," the Secretary of Defense insisted.
"We now have two U.S. militaries, two sets of nuclear codes, two of everything. The potential for confusion or conflict is unprecedented."
"Not to mention two Presidents," the Chief of Staff added. "You and President Wilson have agreed to coordinate for now, but constitutionally speaking, this situation is impossible.
We have two legitimate governments claiming authority over what are now overlapping territories."
President Davis raised a hand, silencing the chorus of concerns. "I spoke with President Wilson an hour ago. We're in agreement that tomorrow's global address must come first.
Once the world understands what's happened - and what's coming - we can address governance issues."
"What's coming, sir?" asked a junior aide, her voice small.
The President's expression darkened. "According to the briefing I received from both versions of Cecil Stedman, we're facing a potential alien invasion.
The Viltrumites - Omni-Man's people - may be on their way, and they don't have peaceful intentions."
Silence fell over the room as the implications sank in.
"Is that information being made public tomorrow?" the Secretary of State finally asked.
President Davis nodded grimly. "Full disclosure. The dimensional merger has made secrecy impossible - too many people from the other Earth already know pieces of the truth.
Better to present a united front with complete information than allow rumors and panic to spread."
"The public will be terrified," the Chief of Staff warned.
"They should be," the President replied. "I certainly am. But fear can be channeled into preparation. If what the GDA tells me is true, we'll need every resource from both our former worlds to have any chance of survival."
-------------------------------
In a small fishing village on the coast of Ghana, Kwame Mensah sat with his family and neighbors under the community's single satellite dish, watching the news unfold on a television powered by a generator.
"They say the world is twice as big now," his daughter Ama translated for the elders who didn't speak English. "Two Earths have become one."
"How can this be?" Elder Tetteh asked, his weathered face creased with concern. "Is it the work of gods or demons?"
Kwame shook his head. "They say it was science and magic together. Dimensions collapsing, worlds merging."
On screen, shaky phone footage showed what appeared to be two identical men embracing in the street of a city, both crying with shock and joy at finding their duplicate.
"And there are two of everyone?" Elder Kosi asked. "Two of me somewhere?"
"They say so," Ama confirmed. "Though some people were... lost. Pulled into another dimension during the event."
The broadcast switched to the disturbing footage of Omni-Man's attack on the Guardians, causing several villagers to gasp or look away.
"This hero - he is a villain?" Elder Tetteh demanded.
"In one world, yes," Kwame explained carefully. "In the other, he chose differently. They say he is helping us now, preparing for when his people come."
Elder Kosi snorted in disbelief. "And we should trust this? A killer who wears a hero's face?"
"There will be an address tomorrow," Ama said, reading the scrolling text at the bottom of the screen. "The heroes will explain everything."
"Heroes," Elder Tetteh repeated, the word heavy with new skepticism. "Let us hope they are what they claim to be."
As the elders dispersed, Kwame remained watching the screen, where scientists were attempting to explain the physics of what had occurred.
His village had always been remote, largely untouched by the superhero conflicts that dominated news from America and Europe. But this - this affected everyone, everywhere.
"Father," Ama said quietly, "if there are two Earths now, does that mean twice as much fish in the sea?"
The question, so practical and yet so profound, startled a laugh from Kwame. "I suppose we'll find out tomorrow, little one. I suppose we'll find out."
The preparations for the global address continued through the night. In the GDA's main conference room, original Mark practiced his speech, with original Eve and Nolan offering suggestions and revisions.
"We need to hit the unity angle hard," original Eve insisted, her practical nature showing through. "Yeah, we're now a planet of duplicates, but we've got a common enemy."
"Without freaking everyone out," Nolan cautioned, "The Viltrumite Empire is no joke, but mass panic won't help us get ready."
Original Mark tossed his notes down, frustration evident in his gesture. "How do I explain that you're not the same guy who murdered the Guardians," he demanded,
"when you look identical and have the same backstory? How do I make people get that one choice can create such different outcomes?"
"Just tell it straight, Mark," Nolan replied simply, "Tell them what went down in your world. Tell them what happened in this one. Let them see that choices matter, and come to their own conclusions."
Original Mark studied his alternate father's face, searching for any trace of deception. Finding none, he nodded slowly. "Alright," he said, "I'll give them the truth. The whole truth."
--------------------------
In a lavish penthouse in Dubai, billionaire tech mogul Rashid Al-Farsi hosted what he was calling a "Dimensional Doppelgänger Dinner" - bringing together himself and his counterpart from the other Dubai, along with several other wealthy duplicate pairs.
"I propose a toast," Rashid announced, raising his glass. "To new opportunities in a doubled world!"
His counterpart, identical in appearance but wearing a slightly different designer suit, raised his glass as well. "And to the fascinating discovery that even with identical genetics and similar upbringings, we've made different investment choices!"
Laughter rippled around the table, though it held an edge of nervousness.
These were people accustomed to being unique, to standing at the pinnacle of their respective industries. Finding an exact duplicate of oneself was unsettling, even for the ultra-wealthy.
"I've been thinking," the second Rashid continued, setting down his glass. "Rather than competing, we should combine our companies. Twice the resources, twice the innovation - and with our identical minds, we'd be unstoppable."
The first Rashid's smile tightened slightly. "An interesting proposal. Though I wonder if identical minds would provide the creative friction necessary for true innovation."
"Oh, we're not truly identical," his counterpart countered.
"I chose to invest heavily in renewable energy five years ago, while you focused on artificial intelligence. Different choices, different outcomes - but complementary expertise."
A waiter approached with a tablet, interrupting their conversation. "Excuse me, sirs, but you asked to be notified. There's breaking news about tomorrow's global address."
Both Rashids reached for the tablet simultaneously, then shared an uncomfortable laugh as the first Rashid withdrew his hand, allowing his counterpart to take it.
"It says here the address will confirm rumors of a potential alien invasion," the second Rashid read, his expression growing serious. "Apparently, Omni-Man was an advance scout for a race called Viltrumites, and they may be coming in force."
The first Rashid's entrepreneurial mind immediately began calculating. "If that's true, defense contracts will be the priority investment moving forward. Military technology, planetary security systems..."
"Or evacuation technologies," his counterpart suggested. "If Earth - even a doubled Earth - faces an invasion by beings with Omni-Man's capabilities, escape might be the only option for some."
The other wealthy duplicates at the table had fallen silent, the reality of their situation suddenly overshadowing the novelty of meeting their doppelgängers.
"Perhaps," the first Rashid said slowly, "our combined resources would be better directed toward planetary defense than corporate competition, after all."
His counterpart nodded, the earlier tension between them giving way to shared purpose.
"Tomorrow's address will tell us more. Until then, let us continue our dinner - not as competitors, but as allies in an unexpectedly larger world."
------------------------------
Dawn broke over a changed Earth, the sun rising on landscapes that had been rearranged by the dimensional merger.
In some places, the transition between the two former worlds was seamless - identical neighborhoods blending into each other without obvious boundaries.
In others, the joining was more abrupt - deserts meeting forests, mountains abutting plains where no such geography had existed before.
Satellite imagery confirmed what scientists had been calculating throughout the night: Earth's diameter had increased by approximately 1.9 times, with corresponding increases in mass and atmospheric volume.
Gravity remained consistent with pre-merger levels, suggesting that fundamental physical constants had adjusted to accommodate the new planetary reality.
In homes across this expanded world, people prepared to watch the global address.
Schools had been canceled, businesses closed, as humanity collectively held its breath for explanations of what had happened - and what might come next.
At the United Nations headquarters - now one of two such buildings existing in the same world - original Mark stood backstage, adjusting his Invincible costume.
Original Eve approached, her own costume immaculate.
"The place is packed, Mark," she reported, "Every nation from both Earths sent someone. Never seen anything like it."
"Nothing about this situation is normal," original Mark replied with that characteristic attempt at humor that often masked his anxiety.
Nolan joined them, his Omni-Man costume drawing wary glances from security personnel who had seen the footage from the other dimension. "We're good to go," he informed them in that deep voice. "Broadcasting worldwide, translated into 137 languages."
"Any trouble brewing?" original Mark asked, that protective instinct evident in his voice.
"Nothing specific," Nolan answered carefully. "Though security from both Earths is on high alert. Lot of people aren't buying that I'm not a threat."
"Then we'll have to convince them," original Mark said, squaring his shoulders as a UN official approached to inform them it was time.
The three heroes walked onto the stage together, facing an audience that represented the entirety of human governance - doubled. The silence that fell was absolute, the weight of expectation almost palpable as original Mark stepped to the podium.
"People of Earth," he began, "I'm here today to talk about the crazy situation we're all dealing with. As you've figured out by now, what happened was a dimensional merger – two parallel Earths, with parallel histories and parallel populations, smashed together into one planet."
The camera panned across the assembled delegates, capturing expressions of solemn attention.
"I come from what they're calling 'Earth-1' – a world where Omni-Man," he gestured to Nolan, "revealed himself to be an advance scout for the Viltrumite Empire, aliens planning to take over our planet.
In my world, he killed the Guardians of the Globe and nearly killed me - his own son - when I stood up to him."
Murmurs spread through the assembly at this direct confirmation of the footage that had been circulating.
"But the guy standing beside me today isn't that Omni-Man," original Mark continued, his voice gaining conviction. "He's from 'Earth-2,' where something crucial changed his path.
In his world, Nolan Grayson chose his family - chose humanity - over the mission he was sent to complete."
Original Mark paused, allowing the distinction to sink in.
"The difference between these two versions of the same man came down to one thing - a hero called Sukuna, who confronted Nolan at a critical moment and made him rethink everything.
This intervention stopped the tragedy that happened in my world and put Earth-2 on a different track - preparing instead of being conquered."
Original Eve stepped forward. "As someone with scientific training," she began, her voice more casual than the formal setting might typically demand, "I can tell you this merger is permanent.
Our planet's now about twice its original size, with doubles of nearly every person, place, and thing from both former Earths. This isn't temporary - this is our new reality."
She activated a holographic display, showing the merged planet from orbit. "While physically things seem stable, we're facing huge social, political, and economic challenges.
Two governments for each country, two of each person - except for those who got pulled into that other dimension during the final phase."
Original Mark took over again. "Which brings me to our biggest problem right now. During the dimensional event, three people from Earth-2 were pulled into another reality by another version of - yes, there are apparently various versions of me.
That is why - and this is addressed to people from Earth-1, there were so many invincibles that destroyed so much.
I know you all probably realised this too, since you have most definitely seen multiples of them together, but to explain.
They were from alternate realities and came here to defame me. But that is currently besides the point.
Back to these individuals, the ones lost to us currently - they include the Earth-2 versions of myself and Atom Eve, as well as Sukuna, the very person who changed Nolan's path."
He looked directly into the cameras, determination evident in his expression. "We're working on finding a way to get them back. But meanwhile, we need to prepare for what's coming - the reason Omni-Man was sent to Earth in the first place."
Nolan stepped forward, his imposing presence causing a visible tension in the room. When he spoke, his voice was less formal than his usual manner, more direct and personal.
"I am Nolan, known as Omni-Man. I was born on Viltrum, sent to Earth to scout for eventual conquest. This was my mission in both timelines - the only difference is the choice I made when confronted with what that mission really meant."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. "The Viltrumite Empire spans galaxies. My people have strength, speed, and durability far beyond human capabilities.
For thousands of years, they've expanded by conquest, absorbing or wiping out civilizations they encounter."
The holographic display shifted to show an artistic rendering of Viltrumite warriors in flight.
"Earth was marked for conquest decades ago," Nolan continued, his tone resolute but less formal than his counterpart would have used.
"I was sent to check out your defenses, resources, potential for resistance. In one timeline, I followed orders, taking out the planet's strongest defenders as step one toward takeover.
In another, I chose to betray those orders, to stand with humanity against my own kind."
Nolan's expression remained composed, but his voice carried emotion. "That choice was possible because someone helped me see what I'd lose - my wife, my son, the life I'd built here.
Now, I'm not here as a conqueror, but as a defender. Because the Viltrumite Empire will come, whether I finish my mission or not."
Original Mark returned to the podium. "We don't know exactly when the Viltrumites will show up," he said, his practical nature evident.
"Could be months, could be years. But we know they're coming, and we need to get ready. That means working together - all of us, from both former Earths - to prepare our defenses."
Original Eve joined him. "The merger has actually given us an unexpected advantage," she noted with practical optimism.
"Twice the resources, twice the brainpower, twice the potential defenders. If we can get past the integration challenges, we might actually stand a better chance against the Viltrumites than either of our worlds would have separately."
"This isn't the time to divide ourselves," original Mark emphasized, his passion evident. "Not between countries, not between duplicates. We're one world now, facing one threat. And we'll face it together, or we'll fall together."
He took a deep breath, preparing for his conclusion. "I know this is a lot to take in. Finding out you have a double somewhere on the planet.
Learning that one of Earth's greatest heroes was originally sent to conquer us. Facing an alien invasion.
But I also know that humanity - across both our former worlds - has faced huge challenges before and overcome them. We adapt. We survive. We fight for our home."
The chamber remained silent as original Mark's words hung in the air. Then, slowly, applause began - first from a few delegates, then spreading until the entire assembly was on its feet.
As the broadcast concluded, the three heroes exited the stage, aware that they had taken only the first step in a long, uncertain journey.
"That went better than I thought it would," original Eve observed cautiously, her analytical mind already assessing outcomes.
"That was the easy part," Nolan replied "Now comes the real challenge - turning words into action, getting a doubled world to work together against a threat most still can't really grasp."
Original Mark nodded, his expression determined. "One step at a time. First, we help people adjust to this new reality.
Then we build our defenses. And somewhere along the way, we find a path to the Emperor's dimension and bring our friends home."
Reactions to the global address varied widely across the merged Earth.
In a military base outside what had once been Beijing - now one of two such cities - General Li Wei watched the replay with his counterpart from the other China, both men wearing identical uniforms with identical expressions of concern.
"If what they say is true," the first General Li observed, "our combined forces would still be insufficient against beings with Omni-Man's capabilities."
"Perhaps," his counterpart agreed. "But we now have twice the manufacturing capacity, twice the research facilities, twice the personnel. And we have something else - knowledge of what's coming."
The first General Li nodded slowly. "The Central Committee - both of them - will want a unified defense strategy. We should begin coordination immediately."
"Agreed. Though we must also address the domestic situation. Two identical populations, two identical governments - it creates potential for confusion, even conflict."
"Then we must ensure there is no confusion," the first General Li stated firmly. "As these heroes said - we are one world now. We must act accordingly."
--------------------------------
In a classroom in São Paulo, Brazil, Professor Carvalho had gathered his students despite the official closure of schools, feeling it important to discuss the global address in an educational context.
"What do you think?" he asked after the broadcast ended. "Do we trust this Nolan , knowing what his counterpart did in the other world?"
Hands shot up around the room, opinions clearly divided.
"I think we have to judge him by his own actions, not his counterpart's," argued Maria, a thoughtful student in the front row. "If we start holding people responsible for what their duplicates did, where does it end?"
"But they're the same person," countered João from the back. "Same genetics, same background, same mission. The only difference was this Sukuna person intervening. Without that, he'd have done exactly what the other Omni-Man did."
"That's the point, though," Maria insisted. "One choice, one intervention, changed everything. It proves we're not just our programming or our orders. We can choose differently."
Professor Carvalho nodded encouragingly. "An excellent philosophical observation. The merger has forced us to confront questions of identity, free will, and moral responsibility in entirely new ways."
"But what about the practical issues?" asked another student. "I found my other self online. We look identical, have the same parents - technically the same parents, just from different dimensions - but she chose different subjects in school.
Now we're both here, competing for the same future spots at university or jobs. How is that supposed to work?"
The professor sighed, recognizing the legitimate concern. "That's a question being asked in every school, every workplace across our new world.
There are no easy answers yet. But perhaps, as we face this external threat, we'll find ways to turn our duplication from a challenge into a strength."
----------------------------
In a small apartment in Moscow, Dmitri Petrov watched the address alone, his counterpart having chosen to remain with his family in the other Moscow.
Unlike many duplicates who had immediately sought each other out, Dmitri had kept his distance, unsettled by the very concept of meeting himself.
The broadcast left him with mixed emotions. On one hand, the confirmation of an alien threat was terrifying. On the other, it provided a focus beyond the existential crisis of duplication.
His phone rang - his counterpart, calling for the first time since they'd exchanged contact information.
"Did you watch?" the other Dmitri asked without preamble.
"Yes," Dmitri replied, still finding it strange to hear his own voice coming from someone else. "What did you think?"
"I think we can't afford to stay separate anymore," his counterpart said bluntly. "This Viltrumite threat - if it's real - means we need to pool our resources, not maintain two parallel lives."
Dmitri considered this. As a software engineer, he had valuable skills that could contribute to planetary defense. So did his counterpart. Together, they might accomplish more than either could separately.
"You're suggesting we work together? Professionally?"
"To start with," the other Dmitri confirmed. "I've already been contacted by representatives from both governments.
They're establishing a joint technological defense initiative and seeking specialists. With our combined experience..."
"We'd be more valuable as a team," Dmitri finished, the logic undeniable despite his personal reservations.
"Exactly. We can keep separate personal lives if that's more comfortable, but professionally - two minds with identical training but different project experiences - we could be an asset."
Dmitri found himself nodding. "Send me the details. I'll... we'll consider it."
As he hung up, he realized he had unconsciously shifted to thinking of himself and his counterpart as a unit - a "we" rather than separate individuals. Perhaps that was the first step toward the unity the heroes had called for.
--------------------------
In the Oval Office, President Davis concluded a video call with President Wilson, their conversation having covered the immediate steps needed to begin governmental integration.
"The Joint Chiefs are coordinating now," his Chief of Staff reported. "Both sets of military leadership agree that a unified command structure is essential, especially in light of the Viltrumite threat."
"And Congress?" the President asked.
"That's... more complicated. Constitutional scholars from both former Earths are debating whether we need a merged legislative body or can maintain parallel structures with coordinated voting."
President Davis sighed. "The legal and governmental challenges are unprecedented. But they pale in comparison to what we'll face if these Viltrumites arrive and find us divided."
"Public reaction to the address has been surprisingly measured," the Press Secretary noted, reviewing real-time data. "The alien threat seems to have provided context for the merger - a reason beyond random cosmic accident."
"People need meaning," the President observed. "Even in chaos, especially in chaos. The idea that this merger might have a purpose - preparing us for an existential threat - gives them something to hold onto."
He moved to the window, looking out at a Washington D.C. that now existed alongside another version of itself, separated by a few hundred miles of newly merged geography.
"Schedule joint cabinet meetings with President Wilson's team," he instructed. "Daily, to start. And I want direct lines to every major world leader - both versions. If we're going to face this as one planet, we need to start acting like one."
As night fell across the merged Earth, the initial shock of the global address began to settle into a new normal. In homes across the expanded planet, families discussed what they had learned, what it might mean for their futures.
-------------------------------
In the GDA headquarters, original Mark stood once again at the observation window, watching the lights of the doubled city below.
"This is just the beginning," original Eve said, joining him, her practical nature evident in her tone. "People are still processing, still adjusting. But at least now they know what's going on."
"Most of it," original Mark amended with characteristic directness. "We didn't tell them about Battle Beast absorbing his counterpart, or what that might mean for other duplicates."
"One crisis at a time," she replied pragmatically. "They need to get used to the merger before we hit them with complications about what happens when duplicates... merge more permanently.
Though that is if it happens in a way not like this - we won't tell them otherwise. We don't want people to start eating each other." Original Eve finished with a disgusted expression.
Original Mark nodded, his own expression showing his agreement, before turning more calm, his thoughts turning to their missing friends. "I wonder how they're doing - our counterparts and Sukuna. Stuck in the Emperor's dimension."
"We'll find them," original Eve assured him, her voice carrying problem-solving confidence. "Just as I said before, the dimensional barriers were broken once. We can break through again."
"And meanwhile, we get ready," Nolan added, entering the observation deck, his deep voice less formal than his usual manner. "The world knows what's coming now. That's a start."
Original Mark turned to face his alternate father, still wrestling with the complex emotions his presence stirred up. "Do you think they buy it?" he asked bluntly. "That you're not the same Nolan who betrayed Earth in my dimension?"
"Some will," Nolan replied with the perspective of centuries. "Others won't. Trust has to be earned, especially when your other self gave people every reason for suspicion.
Especially since we are the same unlike your variations that everyone could see were completely different than you." He met original Mark's gaze directly.
"Still, again, I don't expect everyone to accept me right away. I just want the chance to prove through actions that I've chosen a different path."
Original Mark nodded slowly. "Fair enough. Actions, not words."
As they stood together, watching over a world forever changed by the dimensional merger, the weight of what was to come hung in the air between them -
a challenge that would test not just their strength, but the very concept of identity, choice, and redemption that now defined their doubled existence.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!
So, this was difficult chapter to make. I had to think of the logistics and everything and whether it would be even logical to reveal the invasion incoming since in the show they didn't-
But I believe it is here, since with double governments and countries, war can easily happen for resources and control if people don't have a common threat.
So yeah, do tell me how you found it and I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)