When Optimus Prime saw Tony and Ratchet, he was taken aback. "What happened to you two?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Tony now sported deep, dark circles under his eyes, and his face was gaunt. If one didn't know better, they might think he was on drugs. Ratchet, on the other hand, was fine, though his paint was a little dull.
"Optimus Prime, you've arrived at the perfect time," Ratchet said. "Tony and I have just completed the Ground Bridge. Come and see."
Optimus was surprised. "Didn't you say construction would take some time due to energy constraints? How did you finish so quickly?"
"Optimus Prime, let me tell you, Tony and his father are both geniuses," Ratchet explained excitedly. "His father discovered a new element, and Tony and I were able to synthesize it based on the clues he left behind. This element is perfectly suited for spatial devices, which allowed us to complete the Ground Bridge ahead of schedule."
Optimus Prime nodded. "That's incredible. The timing is perfect. Last night, I sensed the vibrations of the Bifrost Bridge opening on Earth, and a powerful energy signature arrived. I was planning to borrow a plane from Tony, but now we can use the Ground Bridge to go directly."
Tony couldn't help but ask, "The Rainbow Bridge? Is that the thing related to Odin?"
"Tony, you know of the Bifrost," Optimus said, "It seems Ratchet has been filling you in. Yes, it is the bridge of Asgard."
"Optimus Prime, are you going to investigate the area where the bridge appeared?" Tony asked. "I'll go with you. Perhaps we can gather some data to improve the Ground Bridge."
Optimus Prime didn't object. "Then you will come with me, Tony. Ratchet, you will remain at the base and operate the Ground Bridge. It requires an operator, if I remember correctly." He hesitated for a moment. "But, are you truly alright in your current state? I think you should rest first."
At Optimus's reminder, a wave of exhaustion washed over Tony. He thought for a moment, then took off the Spark watch from his left wrist and handed it to Ratchet. "Ratchet, come and help me. Steal my fatigue."
Ratchet took the device, which transformed back into a glove in his hand. "Tony," he asked, "can it even steal something like fatigue?"
"Of course," Tony replied. "I've tested it. It's not just fatigue; it can also steal abstract concepts, like emotions." Optimus listened, completely baffled, having no knowledge of the Spark Glove's abilities.
Ratchet's left hand, now clad in the red glove, twisted counter-clockwise. Tony's eyebrow twitched, but nothing happened.
"It seems to have failed," Ratchet said, scratching his head. "Stealing fatigue is truly difficult."
"Not everyone is as talented as I am, Tony Stark. It's normal to fail. Just try a few more times," Tony said, taking the opportunity to boast.
Ratchet tried again, and again. On the fifth attempt, he finally succeeded. Tony's fatigue was stolen away.
Tony stretched and said with a sigh of relief, "So refreshing!"
Optimus Prime's mechanical eyes widened in disbelief. "How did you do that? Tony, you look much better. It's as if your fatigue has vanished."
"It's just a little prop," Tony said nonchalantly, "but it is very convenient."
Optimus Prime nodded. "Now that you've recovered, let's go. I'll get Bumblebee. He's perfect for exploration missions."
In the New Mexico desert, S.H.I.E.L.D. had established a three-tiered perimeter around Thor's hammer, Mjolnir. Next to the hammer, several agents, all wearing identical monocles, were gathered in discussion.
"So this is the legendary 'Meow-Meow' Hammer. It doesn't look very intimidating," one commented.
"Hey, strange wizard," another asked, "can you pick it up?"
The "strange wizard" Amon clone was speechless. "Are you serious? Didn't you see that the ancient scholar couldn't even lift it?"
The "ancient scholar" Amon clone retorted, "Who said I couldn't lift it? My original body just didn't want to help. She said if a historical projection lifted it, it wouldn't count as me lifting it. That's why I can't summon her historical projection."
"So you still can't lift it," the "deceitful mentor" Amon clone said with disdain.
"What about you?" the ancient scholar shot back. "You don't seem to be able to lift it either."
The deceitful mentor clone said proudly, "Of course I can pick it up. But that would trigger the runes Odin placed on the hammer, and he would detect the anomaly. That would be very troublesome to deal with."
"Empty words," another clone chimed in. "If you say you can get it, then get it. You're just like the rest of us. You can't."
"We agree," several others chorused.
The deceitful mentor clone felt a headache coming on. He had nothing to say to these bickering versions of himself. He took out a small notebook and said, "The plan is proceeding smoothly. Optimus Prime is on his way. I have already notified the clone within Leon to bring him here. There have been no incidents with Thor, so arranging their meeting will not be a problem."
"Just make the arrangements," one of the clones said with a shrug. "We're just NPCs following your script." The corners of the deceitful mentor's mouth began to twitch again.
In the New Mexico wilderness, a bridge of blue light materialized out of thin air. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Iron Man emerged from it. Bumblebee's door opened, and Leon stepped out.
The Iron Man armor's faceplate retracted, revealing Tony's mustachioed face. He looked at Leon, who was gazing around curiously. "I really don't know why you decided to follow us," he said. As a senior executive of Marvel, Tony was aware of Leon, the company's newest superhero recruit.
Leon scratched his head. "My ability told me something important was going to happen here. I came out of curiosity." In reality, he had asked the voice in his head, "Mr. Star, why are we here? What's so special about a desert?"
The range of Leon's ability was only a few hundred meters. He had followed Tony based on the instructions of "Mr. Star," the old grandfather persona Amon's clone had adopted.
"Something interesting is going to happen here," Mr. Star's ethereal voice had sounded in his mind. "Don't you see yourself as a protagonist? A protagonist should involve himself in events like this."
But you still didn't tell me what's going to happen, Leon wanted to complain.
Tony just pursed his lips, deciding not to question the wannabe mystic any further. He found people who pretended to be charlatans incredibly annoying. He turned to Optimus Prime. "Is that the energy anomaly you're looking for, Optimus?" he asked, pointing to an area surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel, which had been converted into a temporary base.
Optimus Prime looked at the fenced-off base, his sensors scanning the area. He nodded. "Yes, it is right here. There is a strong residual energy signature."