SHIELD Cosmic Cube Research Base-
Nick Fury took the elevator down to the underground laboratory. Agent Coulson reported by his side:
"Dr. Selvig detected an energy surge from the Cosmic Cube four hours ago."
"The space agency didn't authorize Selvig to run any tests."
Nick Fury asked, "So he didn't test it?"
Coulson replied, "No, he wasn't even here at the time."
"The energy surge was triggered naturally."
Agent Hill, following behind, asked, "It just turned itself on?"
"What level is the energy at now?"
"The energy is still rising. Selvig can't shut it down, so we ordered a full evacuation."
As Nick Fury walked towards the laboratory, he asked, "How long until the full evacuation?"
Coulson responded, "Half an hour."
"Make it faster."
Coulson immediately turned to accelerate the evacuation procedures.
The underground research lab for the Cosmic Cube was massive. As Nick Fury continued down, Agent Hill commented, "Sir, perhaps evacuation won't help."
Nick Fury retorted, "Should we just send everyone back to bed then?"
Hill explained, "If we can't control the Cube's energy, the impact radius could be beyond our imagination."
Nick Fury glanced at Hill and instructed, "I need you to ensure the transfer of all prototype devices for Energy Block 2."
"Sir, do we really need to worry about that now?"
Nick Fury stopped, looking at Hill seriously, "As long as the world hasn't ended, we need to be prepared."
"Clear out all technical equipment from the underground and load all Energy Block 2 devices onto transport vehicles."
Hill had no choice but to comply with Fury's orders, nodding, "Yes, sir."
She headed in the opposite direction, telling two agents, "Follow me."
Nick Fury watched Hill leave and continued to the Cosmic Cube's central laboratory.
Upon arrival, he saw Dr. Selvig working at the machine and asked, "Doctor, what's the status?"
Hearing Fury, Selvig looked up from his work.
"Director."
Nick Fury got straight to the point, "Do we have any concrete information?"
Selvig replied, "The Cosmic Cube has already been activated."
Fury frowned, "Are you kidding me? This isn't funny."
Selvig explained, "The Cube isn't just activated; it seems to have gained consciousness."
Though confused, Fury asked, "Have you tried cutting off the power?"
In his mind, removing the power supply should stabilize the Cube.
"The Cube itself is an energy source. Even if we cut the power off, it can restart itself."
"If its energy reaches the peak..."
Nick Fury interrupted, "We've been preparing for this, Doctor."
"Utilizing energy from the cosmos."
Selvig moved to the computer and said, "We haven't mastered that power yet."
"My calculations are far from complete. If we had another dose of that Felix Felicis, it might speed up my progress."
"Moreover, now it's emitting interference and radiation."
Hearing "radiation," Fury looked alarmed at the Cosmic Cube on the instrument.
Selvig clarified, "It's harmless, just low-level gamma rays."
Nick Fury looked at Selvig seriously, "That's harmful enough."
Clearly, Selvig was unaware that Fury was referring to Bruce Banner, the Hulk.
"Where are Agent Barton and Yakushi Kabuto?"
Selvig gestured to the high platform, "The hawkeye and the ninja? The hawkeye is in there, and the ninja is beside him."
Nick Fury followed Selvig's direction and saw Barton hanging on the railing and Kabuto standing nearby.
"Agent Barton, report."
Barton, hearing Fury, quickly came down using rope. Though he could have jumped, he avoided causing a disturbance that might affect the Cosmic Cube and other equipment.
Fury said to Barton, "I assigned you to monitor the situation closely."
Barton replied, "I can see better from up high."
"Did you see what activated the Cube?"
At this moment, a researcher called out, "Doctor, the energy is surging again."
Barton answered, "No one came in or out. Selvig is clean, no contacts or messages."
They approached the Cosmic Cube. Fury glanced at Kabuto on the high platform, "What about Yakushi Kabuto?"
"He was with Selvig, not in the lab when it happened."
"If someone's behind this, it's not one of us."
"What do you mean?"
Barton looked at the Cube, "It's a door to the other side of the universe, right?"
"And doors open both ways."
On the high platform, Kabuto thought, "I've already reported the Cube's disturbance to Lord Charles. I wonder what his plans are."
Initially, Kabuto had suggested to Charles that they seize the Cube directly. Even if Charles couldn't take action, the Akatsuki could easily attack the base with their current strength. But the instruction was to wait for a better opportunity.
Kabuto now believed this might be the opportunity Charles mentioned.
As Fury and Barton conversed, the Cube suddenly emitted a massive energy surge, startling them. The entire base shook, jostling Coulson and alerting Hill in the parking lot.
The Cube's energy output intensified, and a beam shot out, creating a portal on the ground. Through it, Fury and Barton saw the stars of another universe.
The beam ceased, the portal exploded in a bluish glow, and the two braced for impact but were unharmed.
A figure appeared where the portal had been. Agents cautiously approached the stranger—Loki, the Norse god of Mischief. He surveyed his surroundings with a sly smile.
Everyone stared at the unexpected visitor. Kabuto, frowning slightly, thought, "Is the Cube a space-related artifact? It resembles the Kumo Village's Heavenly Transfer Technique."
The Cosmic Cube must be in the hands of Lord Charles, Kabuto thought to himself.
At this time, Fury addressed the newcomer, "Sir, please put down your spear."