"This place is really crowded," Gwen said, taking in the sheer variety of aliens from every corner of the galaxy. In their Plumber suits, she and Jack didn't stand out at all. Everyone here was dressed in something futuristic or strange in its own way.
Jack's attention, though, was elsewhere. The moment he got close enough to other aliens, the Omnitrix started flooding him with notifications.
[New species not available in database detected. 100 meters.]
[New species not available in database detected. 200 meters.]
[New species not available in database detected. 10 meters.]
[Do you wish to add?]
[Do you wish to add?]
The constant notifications finally made him stop.
"System, mute these notifications. And yes, add all of them," Jack muttered.
Most of these forms wouldn't actually help him in a fight. His human body, enhanced by the X-serum, was already stronger than the average alien anyway, just like his Zehoberei form, which hadn't helped him much. But since there might be some special aliens with useful abilities among them, he decided to copy every DNA sample he could.
While the Omnitrix quietly worked in the background, Jack spent the rest of the time sightseeing through Xandar's capital with Gwen.
"We're probably the first couple from Earth to ever go on a date on an alien planet, right?" Gwen said, half-joking.
"Yeah, we are," Jack said, looking into Gwen's eyes with a soft smile before gently taking her hand.
After taking in the city for a while, he purchased a universal translator device, standard tech in this part of the galaxy, so Gwen could understand what the aliens were saying, as she could currently only understand the Zehoberei language with Red Queen's help. The two of them then stopped at a nearby restaurant to try some local food. While waiting for their order, Jack spotted something on the table.
"Gwen, look. Cosmic TV channels."
He reached toward the holographic screen embedded in the table.
[Entertainment] [News] [Sports] [Music] [Movies] [Documentaries]
He swiped through. A comedy show featuring a group of bizarre-looking aliens. Swipe. A music program featuring an alien band performing on a floating holographic stage. Swipe. A cooking show. Swipe. Some kind of sporting event inside a massive arena.
He kept flipping through dramas, game shows, ads, documentaries, cartoons, and all kinds of other programs. All of it was strangely familiar in structure, almost identical to television back on Earth. Only the faces, and occasionally whatever was being cooked, looked completely alien.
One more swipe landed on a serious-looking news anchor seated behind a desk, with a rotating holographic map of the galaxy floating beside him.
[GALACTIC NEWS NETWORK]
"Good evening, citizens and travelers. Here are today's major developments across the galaxy."
[KREE–SKRULL CONFLICT ESCALATES]
"Fighting has intensified across several disputed sectors between the Kree Empire and the Skrull Empire. Multiple inhabited worlds have reported increased military activity near their borders, with both sides accusing the other of violating established treaties."
Footage rolled of massive fleets exchanging fire in open space.
[NOVA CORPS INCREASES PATROLS]
"The Nova Corps has deployed additional patrols along several major trade routes following a rise in attacks against civilian vessels. Travelers are advised to avoid unregistered routes and report suspicious activity to the nearest Nova Corps outpost."
A holographic map lit up, highlighting trade routes around Xandar.
[RAVAGER ACTIVITY REPORTED ACROSS OUTER SYSTEMS]
"Several Ravager crews have been accused of smuggling, piracy, and unauthorized salvage operations across multiple sectors. Authorities have yet to identify the individuals responsible for the recent incidents."
Images of Ravager ships flickered across the screen.
[MYSTERIOUS WARLORD EXPANDS INTO OUTER SYSTEMS]
The anchor's tone became more serious.
"Several remote civilizations have reported attacks by forces belonging to an unidentified warlord."
A holographic figure appeared, massive and purple-skinned.
"Witnesses have identified the individual as Thanos. The Nova Corps has not confirmed the full extent of his forces. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution when entering the affected regions."
The image faded out.
[XANDAR ANNOUNCES NEW INTERSTELLAR TRADE AGREEMENTS]
"The Xandarian government has announced several new trade agreements with neighboring civilizations. The Nova Corps has simultaneously increased security around major commercial routes throughout Xandarian space."
[KNOWHERE REPORTS INCREASED TRADE ACTIVITY]
A holographic image of the enormous Celestial head appeared beside the anchor.
"The independent mining and trading settlement known as Knowhere has reported a significant increase in visitors from across the galaxy. Authorities have issued warnings concerning illegal trade, unregistered weapons, and the trafficking of dangerous extraterrestrial specimens."
[UNEXPLAINED COSMIC PHENOMENA DETECTED]
"Astronomers across several civilizations have reported unusual phenomena in distant regions of space. The origin of these events remains unknown. Authorities have advised civilian vessels to avoid the affected sectors until further information becomes available."
Huh. Didn't expect to hear about Thanos already, Jack thought. Guess it won't be long before he earns that "Mad Titan" reputation.
"It seems the universe really isn't very peaceful. Compared to this, Earth's problems were really nothing," Gwen said, watching the broadcast with a faint edge of unease.
"Yeah. And this is probably just the part of the galaxy we can actually hear about. All the more reason we need to get strong enough that none of this can touch us," Jack said, half to her, half to himself.
They stayed at the restaurant a little longer before eventually making their way back to the spaceship.
By the time they arrived, the rest of the crew had already gathered, each having finished their assigned tasks. Jack looked over the compiled reports before glancing around the room at the five core members waiting for his next move.
"I'm very satisfied with everyone's work. I also noticed that some of you suggested making Xandar our headquarters since its laws allow organizations like ours to operate here."
Jack paused for a moment.
"I agree that Xandar is safe, and having the Nova Corps nearby would be helpful. But there's something we need to consider. If we make Xandar our headquarters, other civilizations might start seeing the Plumbers as an organization that belongs to Xandar."
He looked around at everyone.
"That's not what I want. The Plumbers need to be independent. Some of Xandar's laws would also restrict our freedom. We'd have to follow their regulations, report certain activities, and get permission for some operations."
"That won't work for an organization that's supposed to operate across the universe. We need a headquarters in a place where the Plumbers can operate freely and answer to no government."
Jack leaned back slightly.
"So, Xandar can still become an important Plumber branch, but it shouldn't be our main headquarters."
"So, does the leader have somewhere else in mind?" Zeyara, the Zehoberei princess, asked.
"Yeah. I think I know the perfect place for a temporary HQ."
A/N: The Patreon version is already updated with 20 advanced chapters. If you'd like to read ahead of the public release schedule, you can join here: