NASA Headquarters, United States
The entire NASA facility was in a state of panic. On the big screen, a familiar spaceship was hurtling toward Earth.
"Dr. Reed, Dr. Reed…!"
"Any contact yet?" asked a researcher in a white lab coat, staring at the screen with furrowed brows. The spaceship was approaching Earth's atmosphere with no signs of slowing down. Worse still, all NASA's communication channels had failed to reach Reed and his crew on board.
"What on earth happened?"
An older scientist hurried over, instantly grasping the gravity of the situation as he saw the spaceship on the screen. Grabbing the mic at the console, he began calling out, "Reed! Susan! Ben!…"
No matter how loudly he called, there was no response.
"Can we retrieve the onboard footage?"
"No, Doctor, it's completely inaccessible."
"What's going on!" The senior scientist pushed the researcher aside and sat down at the console himself. As he reviewed the ship's data, beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Reed, what did you all go through?"
The spaceship's data showed that Reed and his team had diverted every bit of available energy into the propulsion system. Now, only the oxygen supply was still operational. Worse yet, even the propulsion energy was about to run out.
"Doctor, what's the situation now?" asked a female researcher, her face full of worry.
The elderly scientist spoke gravely, "If this continues, the ship will crash directly onto the surface."
"Reed and the others…"
Everyone knew the terrible implications of his unfinished sentence. The observation room fell into a heavy silence.
With all functional power drained, the onboard systems were down, which meant there was no way to contact Reed and his team. There was nothing they could do.
After a moment of silence, the senior scientist finally spoke. "Right now, Reed's safety isn't our biggest issue."
"Doctor, are you saying…"
The female researcher's expression shifted as she turned to the others. "Quickly, calculate the crash location!"
"Prepare to contact law enforcement...get ready to start evacuation efforts."
The most pressing concern wasn't Reed and the others on board but rather where the spaceship would crash if left on its current trajectory. If it fell into an uninhabited mountain range or into the sea, it would be a blessing. But if it were to crash in a populated area…
The researchers quickly realized the gravity of the situation and began calculating rapidly. Data cascaded across the screen.
After about five minutes, one researcher jumped up from his seat, his face drained of color.
All eyes turned to him as he tapped a few keys, saying, "Based on the current speed, remaining energy, and trajectory…"
The map on the big screen flickered and then marked a location.
Everyone's faces went pale as they saw the marked spot.
"Central Bridge, New York…"
"This is… What do we do…?"
The senior scientist's eyes lost their sparkle, and his arms fell limply at his sides. The spaceship's crash site was one of the busiest parts of New York City. Evacuating the area in such a short time was practically impossible. It was a pipe dream.
If they announced it publicly, it would lead to mass panic and a stampede on Central Bridge, and few would escape in time. But if they kept it quiet, they would all bear the responsibility for the catastrophe.
"No… there's one person who might help us," said a female researcher suddenly.
The senior scientist's eyes brightened. "Who?"
"Tony Stark."
"While we don't know if he has the means to stop it, he's the only person I can think of who might stand a chance. Besides, he has a good relationship with Reed."
"Yes, exactly. Tony Stark is Iron Man—he might have a way."
"And if not, he might at least be able to minimize the damage."
With a renewed sense of hope, the senior scientist straightened up. "You, get in touch with the NYPD and inform them of the situation. Begin evacuating civilians as best as you can."
"The rest of you, head out and assist the police with the evacuation."
"I'll get in touch with Tony Stark."
...
Inside Tony's Workshop
In the open workspace, the digital model of the new Mark 7 suit was projected by Jarvis. Tony stood before the Mark 7 hologram, meticulously examining each piece of data. Beside the hologram of the suit were two wristband-like devices.
"Jarvis, adjust the alignment system," Tony instructed.
"Switch to infrared laser scanning."
"Understood, sir," Jarvis replied. The center of the wristband model displayed a dark section.
"This area will use retractable materials," Tony said, pointing. "And add a..."
Fully immersed in the development of the Mark 7, Tony knew that once it was perfected, his suit technology would enter a new era. With it, he could equip himself independently without Jarvis' assistance.
Just then, Jarvis' voice interrupted him: "Sir, something is falling towards Earth."
"What?" Tony was startled by Jarvis' choice of words—falling. Was it a meteor?
He quickly turned to the screen behind him, where Jarvis had captured a satellite image.
"That's a NASA spaceship?" Tony instantly recognized the logo.
"Jarvis, what's going on?"
"Unclear, sir, but it appears the spaceship is entering the atmosphere without control. Its fuel is completely depleted."
"Who's on the ship?"
Jarvis brought up another screen. "According to the records, the captain is Dr. Reed Richards, with assistant Susan…"
Seeing the data Jarvis displayed, Tony quickly responded, "Jarvis, calculate the spaceship's crash site. Prepare Mark 6 for deployment."
"Right away, sir."
"Sir, the Director of NASA is calling."
Grabbing some gear, Tony answered, "Put him through."
"Tony Stark," the senior scientist's voice came through.
"I already know what you're going to say," Tony replied brusquely. "Tell me everything."
Slightly taken aback, the director quickly summarized the spaceship's status. Tony's mind began piecing together a rescue plan.
"Jarvis, is the backup arc reactor ready?"
Since the Obadiah incident, Tony had several backup reactors on hand.
"Yes, sir," Jarvis confirmed. "It's embedded in the Mark 6, ready for use."
"Looks like you and I were on the same page, buddy."
Jarvis gave another update: "Sir, the ship has entered the atmosphere. Predicted crash site: Central Bridge, New York."
"With the current power, the arc reactor can only correct its trajectory slightly."
Tony stepped onto the platform, spreading his arms. "Jarvis, find a safe landing spot."
"Yes, sir."
In seconds, flames burst from beneath him, propelling him skyward like a meteor.
---
In New York City
Gwen swung from building to building, occasionally giggling to herself, still pleased with her earlier teasing of Alan. Suddenly, she stopped on a skyscraper, sticking to its side. "Red Queen, is that a meteor?"
In the distant sky, a fiery object was falling slowly with a long tail of flames. Thanks to the Red Queen AI embedded in her suit, Gwen had some enhanced visual capabilities, but her range was still limited.
"No, Miss Gwen," Red Queen replied. "Based on its speed and color, it's not a meteor."
Though the distance obscured the object, Red Queen's analysis was conclusive.
"Then what is it?" Gwen asked.
Red Queen immediately scanned global networks and quickly retrieved images from NASA's database. "It's a spaceship, Miss Gwen. A ship in freefall."
"And its crash site is set for Central Bridge, New York!"
In Gwen's augmented view, Red Queen pulled up video feeds, including live footage of the bridge. Police were working to evacuate people, but Central Bridge, located in a bustling area of New York, was packed with civilians. The roads were already jammed, cars stuck in place as people tried to flee on foot.
Above them, the fiery object grew larger as it descended.
Without hesitation, Gwen swung around and sped towards Central Bridge.
---
Back at the apartment, Alan sat on his couch, watching as Red Queen retrieved data. His computer screen displayed not only basic information about the spaceship but also Reed and his crew's details.
"It seems the Fantastic Four are about to make their debut."
"Master, Miss Gwen is heading towards Central Bridge."
"Tony Stark is nearing the spaceship…"
A smile crept onto Alan's face. "Looks like I'll join the fun too…"
...
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