The sky above Sakaar remained its familiar shade of gunmetal gray, heavy clouds pregnant with the promise of storms that would never come. Those thick, leaden formations weren't natural weather patterns—they were interdimensional gateways, cosmic arteries that connected this remote world to every corner of the universe. The endless cascade of debris that fell through those portals had once been Sakaar's primary source of survival under the Red King's brutal regime, but now they represented something far more valuable: hope for genuine renewal.
The planet bore scars that would take generations to heal, but already signs of recovery were emerging. The great totem tower, which had nearly collapsed during the final battle against the Red King's forces, was being rebuilt with meticulous care. Where once only championship totems and symbols of tyrannical rule had adorned its surface, now a new emblem hung prominently for all to see.
It was an elegant design—black and green geometric shapes arranged like an hourglass, the colors separated yet unified in their message. The symbol of the Omnitrix, transformed into something that represented hope rather than just power.
Inside the Reconstructed Totem Tower
Ben sat at the head of a long silver conference table, still adjusting to the surreal reality of his new position. The title felt strange on his tongue: King of Sakaar. It had been bestowed upon him by popular acclaim rather than conquest, the unified voice of a planet's worth of beings who had witnessed his victory over the Red King and felt the touch of Sakaar's planetary consciousness flowing through him.
The eternal power that had manifested during that final confrontation remained frustratingly elusive now. Like trying to recapture lightning in a bottle, Ben could sense the energy's presence but couldn't quite grasp it again.
Ben wasn't particularly concerned about the temporary loss. Seeds took time to grow, and he could feel the power's roots taking hold in his soul. When the time came for him to truly master Sakaar's ancient gifts, he would be ready.
For now, he had more immediate concerns.
"Ladies, gentlemen, and assorted space friend," Ben said, rising from his chair with theatrical formality, "I hereby declare the official establishment of the Plumbers [Planetary Law Enforcement for Unnatural, Multiversal, Biological, and Extraterrestrial Response & Surveillance]!"
The assembled group turned their attention to him, though their expressions ranged from eager anticipation to barely concealed skepticism. A few weeks ago, none of them would have believed that this seemingly ordinary human could orchestrate the liberation of an entire planet. Now, they were prepared to follow him into whatever madness he proposed next.
"Looma, Brunhilde, Bill, Caiera, and Loki," Ben continued, his tone becoming more businesslike as he outlined his vision. "For the foreseeable future, you five will serve as our senior member and planetary coordinators."
"Wait, what?" Loki, who had been staring off into space with the expression of someone contemplating existential questions far beyond normal comprehension, suddenly snapped to attention. "Did you say something about me?"
His interruption drew immediate disapproval from the rest of the group. Looma cracked her knuckles meaningfully, the sound echoing through the chamber like small explosions. The threat was unmistakable: interrupt the proceedings again, and discover firsthand why Tetramands were feared across the galaxy.
Loki raised both hands in a gesture of surrender, his usual smirk replaced by genuine nervousness.
Ben gestured for calm and continued his explanation. "The ultimate goal of our Plumbers is to maintain peace and stability throughout the universe. However," he paused, his expression becoming more serious, "Sakaar is currently in a state of extensive reconstruction. We can't effectively help other worlds until we've properly restored our own."
He could see the uncertainty in Bill's features. Ben addressed those concerns directly.
"Bill, I want to make something absolutely clear: finding and ensuring the survival of the Korbinite is one of our highest priorities. As soon as we have the resources organized, you'll lead a dedicated rescue team to locate and liberate your people."
Beta Ray Bill's eyes filled with tears. He started to drop to one knee in gratitude, but Ben quickly waved him back to his feet.
"The gladiators who fought alongside us in the arena understand what it means to be locked up," Ben added. "I'm confident they'll volunteer for rescue missions to help find your people."
"I can contribute too!" Looma interjected eagerly, her four arms gesticulating with enthusiasm. "Don't forget that Tetramand engineering produces the most advanced starship engines in the known universe! Our technology could cut rescue mission travel time by seventy percent."
Her expression shifted from professional pride to something more personal, and she began fidgeting with her fingers in a way that would have been endearing if she weren't a seven-foot-tall warrior capable of punching through starship hulls.
"Actually, I have some personal business to attend to as well," she admitted, her voice taking on an uncharacteristically shy tone.
"Personal business?" Ben asked, though he suspected he already knew where this conversation was heading.
"We still haven't completed the collection of engagement gifts!" Looma announced, as if this were a matter of cosmic importance. "The first few items were relatively simple to acquire, but we need something from an ice-based lifeform. Unfortunately, Sakaar's climate doesn't exactly support frozen creatures. I'll need to leave the planet to find suitable specimens."
At the mention of ice creatures, Loki's entire demeanor changed. He sat up straighter, his eyes narrowing with obvious suspicion as he studied Looma's face.
"Ice creatures?" he repeated carefully. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
"Nothing complicated," Looma replied with a shrug. "Just any living being that naturally exists in sub-zero temperatures. Preferably something with interesting crystalline structures or unique metabolic adaptations."
She noticed Loki's intense scrutiny and tilted her head curiously. "You wouldn't happen to know where I might find such creatures, would you?"
"Absolutely not," Loki said quickly, shaking his head with perhaps more vigor than was strictly necessary. "I have no knowledge whatsoever of any ice-based lifeforms. None at all. Never even heard of such things."
Ben rubbed his temples, feeling a familiar headache developing. "Looma, I've told you repeatedly—I'm still a minor. This entire engagement discussion is premature by several years."
"Oh, there's no rush," Looma said airily, propping her feet up on the conference table with casual disregard for protocol. "But the betrothal gifts should be prepared in advance. Besides, I don't want to just grab random objects that technically meet the requirements. For something this important, only genuine treasures will suffice."
She began counting off on her fingers, her expression becoming more animated as she outlined her shopping list. "I need a golden arm—preferably one with historical significance or advanced technological components. The blue object must be a truly spectacular gemstone, something that would make the Crown Jewels look like costume jewelry. And the object of conquest needs to represent a substantial achievement..." She paused thoughtfully. "Perhaps conquering an entire planet would be appropriate?"
"Have you completely forgotten the fundamental purpose of our Plumbers?" Ben asked, his voice rising slightly in exasperation. "We're supposed to be maintaining peace, not conquering worlds for wedding gifts!"
The irony wasn't lost on him that Looma's enthusiasm for violence was both one of her most valuable assets and one of his biggest headaches as a leader trying to promote galactic harmony.
Hoping for support from a more rational quarter, Ben turned to Brunhilde. Surely the legendary Valkyrie would bring some much-needed stability to their organization's leadership structure.
His optimism lasted exactly three seconds.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Brunhilde asked, her expression displaying the kind of cheerful obliviousness that suggested she had missed several important parts of the conversation. "I agreed to help fight the Red King because there was excellent alcohol involved and some truly spectacular battles to enjoy. If you think I'm going to sit through boring administrative meetings and actually work for a living, you're delusional."
Ben stared at her for a long moment, processing this revelation. "You're telling me that your entire motivation for joining our rebellion was... recreational?"
"Pretty much," Brunhilde confirmed with a shrug. "Though I'll admit, watching you punch that tyrant into paste was worth the effort all by itself."
"I really can't rely on any of you, can I?" Ben muttered under his breath.
"Ahem!" Loki cleared his throat pointedly, straightening his shoulders and puffing out his chest like a student eager to be called upon by the teacher. His entire posture radiated an almost desperate desire to be acknowledged and assigned important responsibilities.
Ben found this sudden display of enthusiasm deeply suspicious. "What's gotten into you? Shouldn't you be rushing back to Asgard to impress Thor and Odin with tales of your heroic reformation?"
"Oh, I'll return to Asgard eventually," Loki said with careful nonchalance, "but certainly not immediately. Sakaar is clearly in desperate need of qualified leadership and expertise during this crucial reconstruction phase. Fortunately, I possess extensive knowledge in numerous fields of endeavor. It would be irresponsible of me to abandon this world in its hour of greatest need."
His righteous speech might have been more convincing if he hadn't kept unconsciously reaching up to touch his drastically shortened hair.
"Besides," he added in a much quieter voice, "that barber gave me what can only be described as a military crew cut. If I show up in Asgard looking like this, Thor will laugh himself into a coma..."
Ben bit back a smile. Apparently, Asgardian vanity was a more powerful force than he'd previously realized.
Caiera watched the entire exchange with the patient amusement of someone who had witnessed far stranger behavior during her centuries of life. "With assistance from all of you," she said diplomatically, "I have complete confidence that Sakaar will not only recover its former prosperity but surpass it entirely. This world has the potential to become a beacon of hope for displaced peoples throughout the galaxy."
"Absolutely!" Loki agreed with perhaps excessive enthusiasm, then fixed Ben with a sly look that suggested mischief was brewing. "But that raises an important question, Your Majesty. What exactly will your role be in this grand endeavor? Are you planning to serve as some kind of inspirational figurehead for the Sakaarian people? A living symbol of hope and renewal?"
"Well, obviously..." Ben began, then paused to make sure his next words carried the full weight of their absurdity. "I'm going back to Earth to finish high school. Did you think my summer vacation was going to last forever? If a certain mad scientist hadn't accidentally destroyed the school building with his dino transformation, I wouldn't even have had this extra month of freedom!"
He felt a brief moment of gratitude toward Connor. his rampage had been traumatic for everyone involved, but at least it had given Ben the time he needed to go to Sakaar without failing his sophomore year.
The room fell into stunned silence. It was difficult to process the cognitive dissonance of hearing "I need to finish my homework" from someone who had just conquered an entire planet and established an interstellar peacekeeping organization.
The silence stretched long enough to become uncomfortable before Loki finally spoke.
"I have one more question," he said, raising his hand with mock formality. "Are you aware that time flows differently on Sakaar compared to most other regions of the universe?"
He leaned forward, clearly enjoying the opportunity to deliver what he considered devastating news. "You might think you've been here for a few weeks, but it's entirely possible that a full year has passed in Midgard during your absence."
Ben felt his stomach drop as visions of angry parental lectures danced through his mind. Before he could spiral into full panic mode, however, Caiera shook her head reassuringly.
"Actually, the temporal distortions are primarily concentrated near the Portal Gates," she explained. "The chaotic time streams are caused by the gravitational effects of so many intersecting wormholes. Here in the planet's interior, time flows at essentially the same rate as the rest of the universe."
The relief that washed over Ben was almost physically palpable. "Thank god. I really don't want to disappear for a year and then have to explain to Dad and Mom why I missed my year of high school..."
"In that case," Ben said, clapping his hands together with renewed energy, "let's get this operation moving."
He began delegating responsibilities with the efficiency of someone who had been forced to learn leadership skills under fire. "Caiera, Sakaar's reconstruction and government are in your hands for now. Work with the surviving Shadow People to establish proper administrative systems, and give all the displaced aliens a choice—they can either settle here permanently or receive safe passage to whatever destination they prefer."
Caiera nodded, already mentally organizing the massive logistical challenges involved in rebuilding a planetary civilization from scratch.
"Bill, I want you to coordinate the Korbinite rescue operations. Use your connections with the other former gladiators to assemble volunteer teams, and work with Looma to develop the fastest, most efficient starships we can build."
The Horse Man's frame seemed to straighten with newfound purpose. After being forced to fight for others' entertainment, he would finally have the chance to save his people.
"Looma, focus on upgrading our fleet's propulsion systems. If we're going to be operating across galactic distances, we need ships that can make the journey in reasonable timeframes."
"And try to keep your engagement gift hunting to a minimum," he added with a pointed look. "At least until you find specimens that aren't currently enjoying their freedom on their home planets."
Looma grinned unrepentantly. "I make no promises, but I'll try to be diplomatic about it."
"Loki," Ben continued, "contact Heimdall and ask him to open the Rainbow Bridge so I can return to Earth. I've been away long enough that people are probably starting to ask questions."
Loki looked skeptical. "I seriously doubt he'll respond to me, but I suppose I can try."
He closed his eyes and extended his consciousness toward the cosmic awareness of Asgard's all-seeing guardian. To his surprise, the connection formed almost immediately—clearer and stronger than he had dared hope.
After a few moments, he opened his eyes with an expression of genuine amazement. "Well, I'll be damned. Not only did Heimdall respond, but he's actually willing to transport a you via the Rainbow Bridge. When did the Nine Realms become so accommodating toward Midgardian?"
What Loki didn't mention was the profound relief he felt at Heimdall's willingness to communicate with him. It suggested that Odin's anger over his past transgressions might not be as permanent as he had feared. With luck, his eventual return to Asgard would result in nothing worse than a few month of imprisonment—a sentence he could handle with his usual theatrical flair.
Ben, meanwhile, was already focused on practical preparations for departure. He designed a series of uniform specifications based on classic plumber aesthetics—practical, professional, and immediately recognizable across different cultures. Each member of the Plumbers received their own custom-fitted badge, a sophisticated communication device that would allow instant contact across any distance, no matter how many light-years separated them.
"The badges will let us coordinate our efforts no matter where in the universe our missions take us," Ben explained as he distributed the devices. "Think of them as spave walkie-talkies with unlimited range."
"What about the uniforms?" Brunhilde asked, examining the design specifications with obvious distaste. "They look like something a maintenance worker would wear. Couldn't you have designed something with a bit more style? Maybe some dramatic flowing capes or intimidating armor plating?"
"The uniforms are optional for senior member," Ben conceded. "Consider them more of a suggestion for field operatives who want to be immediately identified as Plumbers personnel."
As he made his final preparations to leave Sakaar, Ben found his thoughts turning toward Earth and the life he had temporarily left behind. "I wonder how Peter's been handling things while I've been gone..."
Meanwhile, on Earth...
"I wonder how Ben's doing..." Peter Parker muttered to himself as he webbed up another group of bank robbers, their unconscious forms dangling from a streetlight like a very unconventional art installation.
He pulled out his phone to check for messages, only to remember that the screen had been completely shattered during his last encounter with his new ememy. The device was now held together mostly by wishful thinking and several layers of electrical tape.
"Really need to invest in a more durable phone," he grumbled, shoving the electronic corpse back into his backpack.
The past month had been a whirlwind of chaos and confusion. On the positive side, Oscorp had announced a revolutionary partnership with a small company called Primus Technologies, resulting in the development of a genuine healing serum that promised to help millions of injured and disabled people worldwide. Norman Osborn's stock had gone from worthless to stratospheric practically overnight, and Peter was genuinely happy for his best friend Harry's family.
Unfortunately, that good news had been overshadowed by the emergence of a new supervillain calling himself the Green Goblin. The armored maniac had made his debut by attacking Norman and Harry during a live television interview, forcing Peter to abandon his secret identity concerns and intervene as Spider-Man in front of the entire city.
Since then, he'd been locked in an escalating conflict with the Goblin, trying to protect innocent civilians while figuring out what the villain's ultimate goals might be. The fact that the Goblin seemed specifically focused on tormenting the Osborn family suggested personal motivations rather than simple criminal enterprise.
Meanwhile, Hell's Kitchen had been experiencing its own surge in criminal activity, with new players moving in to fill power vacuums left by various superhero interventions. Peter found himself pulled in multiple directions, trying to maintain his normal life while keeping up with an ever-increasing workload as Spider-Man.
"Being a solo superhero is exhausting," he complained to the empty alley, his voice muffled by his mask. "I could really use some backup right about now."
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