Kapitel 138: C129(1)
Stan's Pizza – Inside
Old man Stan, the owner of the pizzeria, left Anton, Batman, and Banner to their private discussion, choosing not to interfere. His trust in Batman was unwavering, and he firmly believed the Dark Knight would help solve the problem that Banner faced.
After all, in the superhero voting held by Daily bugle, Stan had cast his vote for Batman without hesitation.
"How are you going to help me, and what do you want from me in return?"
Banner's gaze shifted between the two men in front of him.
Even though he knew Batman wasn't an ordinary superhero, a part of him hesitated. After a moment's pause, he asked, "You're aware of who's been hunting me, right?"
"Lieutenant General Thaddeus Ross," Batman replied coolly. "You don't need to worry about him anymore. He can't threaten you."
"What do you mean?" Banner's brow furrowed, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face. A sudden, almost unthinkable thought struck him.
"He's dead," Anton interjected before Batman could respond. "At a military flying base in Brazil."
"Ross is dead?!"
Banner's eyes widened in shock. He sat there, dazed, muttering to himself. "Thaddeus Ross is dead?" Then, snapping back to reality, he asked, "How did he die?"
"Ross died of his own stupidity," Anton said calmly, stepping in for Batman once again.
He continued, "Dr. Banner, you haven't forgotten how you came back to the United States, have you?"
"Teleportation," Banner answered hesitantly, his mind flashing back to that unforgettable event.
That moment, etched in his memory, replayed vividly. After being relentlessly pursued by the military and transforming into the Hulk, he had stumbled upon a mysterious group. Before he knew it, he had been transported back to the United States.
As a top scientist, Banner had quickly deduced that the device responsible for his transportation was a groundbreaking piece of technology.
"Teleportation technology," Anton explained, "is achieved using a transmission device. The device has three components. When all three parts are combined, stable and directional teleportation is possible."
Banner listened intently as Anton outlined the situation.
"One of those components was the device that transported you back. At the time, you were in your Hulk form, and the group you encountered was from the foot clan. They were in the tropical rainforest searching for the teleportation device. They were competing against the military."
"So I... I inadvertently snatched part of the teleportation device from them?" Banner said, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Exactly," Anton confirmed with a nod. "You now have one part of the teleportation device. That's one of the reasons I'm here to find you."
After a brief pause, Anton continued, "The other two parts of the device are controlled by the foot clan. After you escaped with one fragment, Ross tracked down the foot clan and captured them. Through torture, he forced them to reveal details about the teleportation device."
Anton's expression shifted to one of amusement as he looked at Banner. "You're well aware of Ross's greed, aren't you?"
"Yes," Banner said, nodding slowly. "It's impossible for him to pass up such technology."
Anton said, "Ross attempted to activate the teleportation device, but things went wrong. The entire flight base was destroyed, and neither Ross nor his army survived."
"An accident?"
Banner frowned, still confused. With a hint of shock in his tone, he asked, "What kind of accident could destroy an entire base, wiping out Ross and his army?"
"Aliens," Anton replied, dropping a bombshell. "Do you really think Earth's current level of technology could create teleportation on its own?"
"This..."
Banner was speechless, stunned by the revelation. Anton's explanation hit him like a hammer, leaving his mind reeling. As a scientist, it was difficult to accept such an extraordinary claim—it felt completely out of the realm of science.
Aliens?
Was Anton implying that teleportation technology originated from extraterrestrial sources?
"You'll believe it in time," Anton continued. "But for now, the key issue isn't aliens—it's you, Banner."
"Me?"
"With Ross gone, along with his entire army, who do you think the military will blame for their deaths?" Anton shrugged. "The destruction of the base left no evidence. The aliens erased everything, leaving no clues to explain what really happened. So, do you think the military will focus on far-fetched alien theories, or pin the blame on you, the man Ross was hunting and who just so happens to be capable of such destruction?"
Banner's face tensed.
He instantly understood Anton's point.
The military would never entertain the idea of aliens. Instead, they would conclude that he, the Hulk, had destroyed the base, killing Ross and his army in the process.
This would escalate the situation dramatically. The death of a lieutenant general was no trivial matter, especially someone like Ross, who wielded significant power in the military. It wasn't just a loss of personnel; it was a direct affront to the military's authority.
The hunt for Banner would intensify, making his already chaotic life even more perilous.
"You're not just telling me all this to mock me, are you?"
Banner took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on Anton and Batman. "You must have a plan!"
"Correct," Anton replied, smiling as Banner calmed down. "It's simple: if the military refuses to believe aliens were involved, we'll give them irrefutable proof. We'll make the alien threat undeniable."
"The key is... the teleportation device," Banner said, a flicker of realization crossing his face.
"Exactly," Anton nodded. "If we recreate Ross's experience, the truth will reveal itself. People will have no choice but to accept it. And once that happens, Bruce Banner, your name can be cleared, and you can shed your status as a fugitive."
"But there's a catch," Anton added meaningfully. "Once your innocence is proven, you'll still need to align yourself with someone powerful enough to force the military to back off. Otherwise, even if the truth is out, your value—or perceived threat—will keep them from admitting they were wrong."
"What do you mean?"
Banner shifted his focus to Batman, sensing that Anton was deferring to him.
Batman stepped forward, his imposing presence filling the room. Mystery surrounded him like a shroud, radiating power and authority.
Finally, Batman spoke, his voice low and deliberate.
"I can help you," he said. "Banner, I'm forming a team—a group of individuals with unique abilities. Whether or not you choose to join, I'll still help you reclaim your freedom. But I have one request."
Banner's brow furrowed. "What kind of request?"
"You have a brilliant mind," Batman continued. "Someone needs your help."
"Needless to say, I promise you!" Banner declared firmly, without hesitation.
For him, finding a reliable lifeline was a rare opportunity, and there was no room for pretended reluctance.
….
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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