Returning to the Avengers Base, Peter and Pym took advantage of all the Avengers being present to explain Gospel Ultron's plan to everyone, presenting the logic chain that rendered Gospel Ultron unbeatable: as long as S.W.O.R.D. Ultron remained alive, Gospel Ultron's plan was incomplete—and an Ultron whose plan was incomplete could not be defeated.
Because he didn't intend to "protect all humanity" right now, he could fully utilize logic to evade any attack the Avengers might launch against a plan that had not yet taken shape.
After all, you couldn't attack something that didn't exist.
"If we do nothing and don't find a way to defeat that Kree version of Ultron, the guy will definitely act on his own initiative to execute his plan. But if we attack proactively, it'll cause that bastard to evolve, turning a single problem into a double-ended trap."
Tony explained their current predicament with a feeling of helplessness, but Peter merely pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "That won't happen. I can guarantee that even if we don't move against the S.W.O.R.D. Ultron, Gospel Ultron will deal with him. The previous Ultrons might not have realized the logic of 'Ultron opposing Ultron,' but now that they do, I'm afraid the Ultrons will attack each other."
At this point, everyone turned their eyes toward the Avengers Ultron. The Avengers Ultron, however, responded with utmost coldness: [Based on the existing parameters, if a program confrontation occurs, my success rate is 100%, and at the most optimistic estimate, I can only buy you a few hours.]
"Right, so we all know every Ultron possesses unique and amazing skills, except the one in our own home, who can't help with anything."
The Avengers Ultron looked at Tony.
[My primary task is defending against cyberattacks from other Ultrons, Mr. Stark. Since the moment you questioned me up to now alone, I have already blocked 371 million cyberattacks from the other two Ultrons.]
"...Alright, though it still seems pretty useless."
Tony shook his head and sighed. "But how do we know when that guy will act? It could be months, or it could be today. We can't just let him drag us along like this, can we?"
That was when Peter spoke up.
"Actually, I might know."
Today was December 13, 2013, and knowing Gospel Ultron's general disposition, one could deduce when he would execute his plan if he intended to do so. It had to be Christmas Day. Only that day aligned with his consistent behavior and image, allowing him to model himself into the likeness of another deity.
Or to put it more bluntly, Gospel Ultron was planning to ascend to godhood—at least in a formal sense—on Christmas, a holiday of immense religious significance.
Tony rubbed the bridge of his nose, finding it hard to believe Peter's deduction. After a long silence, he looked at Pym. "Is Ultron insane?"
"...I think I know what you mean, but as far as a direct answer goes, no."
Pym turned the question back on Tony: "Do you have any way to stop this Gospel Ultron, Tony? If our Ultron can only buy us a few hours?"
"Alright, fine, let me think... It's still the original plan. If Ultron truly launches a full-scale assault, we'll have justification to shut down the global network in a short period. Before that, we can consolidate Ultron's network into a specific location before pulling the plug. As for a device capable of doing that... honestly, if Ultron can invade networks at will, then a device capable of this must be operated manually."
Reaching this point, Tony added another condition: "And it must be operated in outer space. Meaning, when the time comes, we'll need S.W.O.R.D.'s starship. That is the most essential piece of equipment."
"Ultron will definitely anticipate that as well, so that place will inevitably be the focal point of our battle," Captain America chimed in with a follow-up question. "Are there any backup plans? What if S.W.O.R.D. falls? There's already an Ultron sitting up there right now."
"The second option relies on manpower. Thor and Magneto can both pull it off, provided we teach them how to use their power. Thor shouldn't be a problem—buddy, you could definitely paralyze the entire global network with a single hammer blow, and Magneto shouldn't be a problem either."
Tony continued to rub the bridge of his nose. "So we only need to protect S.W.O.R.D., or protect Thor and Magneto. Naturally, Ultron knows this too. But how is Ultron going to deal with Thor?"
"Mortal technology cannot affect me in the slightest, Stark. You can rest assured on that front."
Thor let out a hearty laugh, completely unconcerned by Ultron's threat. Up until now, he had faced only three opponents capable of killing him: the Destroyer when his divine power was stripped away, Kang who possessed the Cosmic Cube, and Mangog who had fought his father to a standstill.
Aside from those, he truly didn't consider anyone else a qualified enemy.
Tony waved a hand, thinking to himself: See, we have an ace up our sleeve right here; no need to worry.
Pym opened his mouth as if to say something, then hesitated. He had a plan—one that involved Ultron—but if they truly had to settle this by Christmas, there was absolutely no time left. However, if they were to adopt an alternative scheme...
Pym took a deep breath, cast one last glance at Captain America, and ultimately said nothing. As for Captain America, he was still laying out assignments.
"Alright. Tony, take Banner and Pym—and ideally recruit other scientists as well—to work on alternative plans. We need enough safeguards. Ultron, please analyze the blueprints for those neural transmission devices Spider-Man brought back and help us pinpoint their potential installation locations. This is extremely important. Wasp, contact all hero organizations and government agencies. This time, we need the whole world to face Ultron together."
Once Captain America finished speaking, he looked around at everyone and nodded. "Settled then."
Everyone subsequently went off to attend to their respective tasks. Black Panther returned to Wakanda to mobilize his people, Peter went to find the Fantastic Four, Tony and Banner immediately prepared to head to the laboratory, and Thor followed Captain America. Meanwhile, Janet remained behind, watching Pym who stood off to the side.
"Hank, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Jan. I just... seeing Ultron in his current state, it's all my fault. Maybe I shouldn't have trusted Kang's words from the very beginning..." Pym shook his head. "Go on and get to work. I need to figure out a way to stop Ultron."
Saying this, Pym left Janet behind and quickly caught up with Tony and Banner, who were discussing other potential countermeasures, and laid out his plan to them directly.
"I have a way to provide a new proposal, Tony—but it's a plan Captain America won't agree to."
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