Bronze Mettle (MCU/DC SI)

[Xavier Bronze]

It's Thanksgiving. Jack is with his mother. Phil is with Audrey. Natasha and Clint are at his place. Which would have left me alone.

If Jane and Erik hadn't invited me to spend the holiday with them.

I convinced Phil to let us borrow the Avengers house, where we held the party. Apparently, SHIELD just bought it, even though they only needed it for that one occasion. And since there are no operations going on in this area, we're free to use my credentials to crash here for a day or two.

The only bad thing about this is, Jane and I haven't talked about that night since… that morning. And it's become increasingly clear that she's not thinking about it like she said she would. She's not thinking about it. At all.

But she's still flirting with me.

If things were moving at all with Jack, none of that would be a problem. I'd just tell her I'm seeing someone else and we could both move on. But that's stalled out too. He turns evasive whenever things look like they might heat up.

Which wouldn't be a problem if he weren't still hitting on me too.

I'm getting mixed messages from both of them. Which makes me seriously consider choosing neither of them and just going clubbing instead.

Erik has noticed. He knows what's going on. He has to. He was awake when we both came inside that morning. I assume he's talked to her about it, because that's the only reason he wouldn't have talked to me about it. And at least he hasn't turned hostile.

Bo crawls around my torso, and I lift my arms to give her an open path. Jane looks a little creeped out, "And you're sure that thing is safe? Even though it's got this... Extremis thing?"

I smile as Bo finds her way down my arm and into my outstretched hand, "Yes. I'm sure."

Ever since we found each other I can't help but feel like Bo and I are… not destined. That's the wrong word. That we will be there to support each other. Maybe even forever. It might be an Avatar thing, but, I had kind of thought that that could only happen with particularly spiritual animals. Or at least ones the Avatar was already attached to. Why Bo? Why not that cockroach Ike smashed a few weeks ago? Or the horse that Mike taught me to ride on? Not that I'm complaining.

The doorbell rings and Jane runs out of the kitchen, "That must be dad! I'll let him in."

I look at Erik with dread, "Her father is coming?"

He smiles and nods, without looking away from the bowl of stuffing he's been working on. I hear the door open and close, and a strange voice. Erik sets aside his work, washes his hands quickly and walks out to greet his old friend.

...Can I just hide here?

Jane comes running back, "Come on, Xavier! I have to introduce you!"

Apparently I can't. I hesitantly follow her out to the front room.

He's tall, muscular, probably mid sixties with a well trimmed gray beard that any man would be proud of. He looks like the most distinguished character that could step right out of a Western film. He carries himself like someone who knows how to fight. He shifts his feet when he sees me and I can amend that to someone who knows how to swordfight. Nice hat.

He walks slowly over to me, "And you must be Xavier. I've heard a lot about you, from both of these two." He holds out his hand, with eyes that I would believe can shoot lasers.

I meet his eyes, smile, and shake his hand, "I'm flattered to be mentioned."

His grip is stronger than mine. After a second he decides not to crush me, "Call me Hank."

Bo crawls all the way onto his hand and smells him with her tongue. He regards her with curiosity, "I haven't heard anything about this one." He lifts his hand and looks her over, "I don't think I've seen this species before. What is she?"

I extend my hand, and Bo jumps to it and climbs back to my shoulder, "I don't know. Of all known species, she most closely resembles Draco Dussumieri, Dussumier's dragon. It's a kind of gliding dragon from southern India. But her camouflage is much better than most."

He nods, "And if I'm not mistaken they don't usually have six legs. Mysterious. Does she have a name?"

"Ouroboros. I call her Bo for short. She has a bad habit of chewing on her tail."

He chuckles at the name, "The universe had no need of eyes, because outside of herself to be seen there was only the eternal reason of which she already knew. Nor of ears for there was no-one other than herself to converse with. Nor was there any air to be breathed through lung or skin or any other organ. For a being which was sufficient to itself would surely be far more excellent than one which lived lacking."

I nod for a second, feeling stupid, "Erik told me about Jormungandr earlier. But that didn't sound Norse."

"Greek. Plato's all-encompassing serpent is sometimes credited for the inspiration of modern monotheistic philosophy."

Somewhat later, I find myself alone with Hank in the kitchen while Jane and Erik are setting the table. There's a sudden silence.

I'm mashing a bowl of vegetables when he starts looming, "What are your intentions with my daughter?"

I drop the potato masher in the bowl. I'm more than a little shocked to hear that question, "What do you mean?"

I can't look him in the eye, "I've seen how she looks at you. I've heard how she talks about you. And I've seen how you look at her."

Have I even looked at her while he's been here! How the fuck! I don't think I'm covering up my panic well. Bo smells my face to make sure I'm okay.

He grabs my unoccupied shoulder with one hand, "So I will be clear. If you hurt her in any way, I won't kill you. I won't put a finger on you. But you will regret taking her for granted."

I sigh and finally look up at him, "If I ever hurt her, I would deserve it." Deep breath, lay it all out, "We're friends first. We met under… scientifically interesting circumstances. I won't lie to you. I'm interested in her. But I'm not letting it go farther until I'm sure she's not just interested in me because I'm interesting, intellectually."

Bo crawls across my back and observes his hand for a moment. He's not letting go.

Might as well finish the story, "We… kissed a while ago, and I told her all of this. My concerns. She said she needed some time to think, and I said that was fine. But, since then nothing's changed, and I get the feeling she's ignoring that it ever happened. When I said time I didn't mean forever... It's not healthy for her to... default like this. We're friends first. That means I want her to be happy, and safe. I'm just trying to find out what's best for her."

I can't help but fidget. I just basically admitted to wanting to bang his daughter. I stare into the bowl of mashed roots for a while, and then look back up into his eyes, "So I think the real question, is what are her intentions with me?"

He lets go, "I'll talk to her."

And his footsteps are pounding down the hallway. Bo moves to the spot where his hand used to be.

Fuck, that was terrifying. How can one man without superpowers be more oppressive than a Ten Rings prison?

A few minutes later Erik comes in, "Is that done?"

The bowl's contents are almost a liquid by now, "Yeah, I think I kind of overdid it."

He laughs, "He's a great man, isn't he?"

I rub my eyes, "He certainly loves his daughter. He made that very clear."

Erik smiles sympathetically, "He doesn't know you like I do. You would never intentionally hurt Jane."

"Intentionally."

He waves off my worry, "Come on. Bring that out. The table's done."

So I come out and sit down across from the Fosters. Bo crawls down my body and goes to sleep between my feet. Erik sits next to me.

I put the bowl down and Jane looks at it, "What's that?"

I answer on autopilot, without looking at her directly, "Potatoes, carrots, beets, artichokes, half an onion, some garlic and ginger. It's called earthmash. It was a Thanksgiving tradition on Earth Prime." Or at least for Alex's family.

She smells it, "It looks amazing."

I look at her father, who seems like he's not paying attention, "The color is mostly the beets. I just hope I got the recipe right." No-one except us has said anything since I came in. This conversational ice is going to kill me, "So Hank, what are you a professor of?"

"Anthropology, Fencing, and 19th Century History." Fencing. Nailed it.

I look again at his outfit, "I guess Indiana Jones was your childhood, huh?"

He smiles, "It was more my teenage years."

And then we're eating. And for a while, the only sounds are satisfied mumbles from full mouths. This is only my second time having turkey, and I'm still not sure if I like it or not. But no-one else looks to be going for seconds, so.

I point, "Can you pass the turkey, Mr. Foster?"

He chokes on his beer and laughs, "That's not my name."

I look between him and Jane, "What do you mean?"

He chuckles, "Her mother and I separated on friendly terms before she was born. Once it became clear that she would be spending most of her time with me, I suggested she take her mother's name." He takes a bite of food.

I nod, "Okay. So what's your name, then?"

He finishes chewing, "I'm sorry, I thought you knew when you mentioned my father." What? When did I do that? He reaches across the table for another handshake, "Henry Jones. The Third."

WHAT?

Age him down by fifty years… Shia? Is that you behind the gray? Harrison Ford doesn't exist here.

I realize I've left him hanging, and immediately shake his hand, "Sorry, yes. Very nice to meet you, Professor Williams."

And the table is silent. I realize a second later what I said.

"Um, sorry, again. Professor Jones. Henry… Jones, The Third..."

He asks me, still holding my hand hostage, "How do you know my mother's name?"

Wait, so in the original timeline, Indiana Jones would've been Thor's grandfather-in-law?

No, focus. Think fast, "Didn't you say?" No, that's horrid. Try again, "I mean, I think Erik said at one point. Or maybe I read it somewhere? I definitely remember that name from somewhere."

Smooth. They will absolutely never see past that. My mastery of deception knows no bounds.

The former Mutt Williams leans in and points at me sternly, "Don't lie to me." And then he breaks into a smile, "You're a fan of my father's!"

Take it! "Yep! You got me! The Indiana Jones stories were always my favorites."

He lets go of my hand and passes the turkey with a laugh, "Mine too. We'll have lots to talk about."

 

[Jrin]

Ho that's a shock! He sure have a presence considering how much Xavier talked.
Would be interesting to see her team up with him regarding one of Indy's thing.

 

[Travisplo]

It's Thanksgiving. Jack is with his mother. Phil is with Audrey. Natasha and Clint are at his place. Which would have left me alone.

If Jane and Erik hadn't invited me to spend the holiday with them.

I convinced Phil to let us borrow the Avengers house, where we held the party. Apparently, SHIELD just bought it, even though they only needed it for that one occasion. And since there are no operations going on in this area, we're free to use my credentials to crash here for a day or two.

The only bad thing about this is, Jane and I haven't talked about that night since… that morning. And it's become increasingly clear that she's not thinking about it like she said she would. She's not thinking about it. At all.

But she's still flirting with me.

If things were moving at all with Jack, none of that would be a problem. I'd just tell her I'm seeing someone else and we could both move on. But that's stalled out too. He turns evasive whenever things look like they might heat up.

Which wouldn't be a problem if he weren't still hitting on me too.

I'm getting mixed messages from both of them. Which makes me seriously consider choosing neither of them and just going clubbing instead.

Erik has noticed. He knows what's going on. He has to. He was awake when we both came inside that morning. I assume he's talked to her about it, because that's the only reason he wouldn't have talked to me about it. And at least he hasn't turned hostile.

Bo crawls around my torso, and I lift my arms to give her an open path. Jane looks a little creeped out, "And you're sure that thing is safe? Even though it's got this... Extremis thing?"

I smile as Bo finds her way down my arm and into my outstretched hand, "Yes. I'm sure."

Ever since we found each other I can't help but feel like Bo and I are… not destined. That's the wrong word. That we will be there to support each other. Maybe even forever. It might be an Avatar thing, but, I had kind of thought that that could only happen with particularly spiritual animals. Or at least ones the Avatar was already attached to. Why Bo? Why not that cockroach Ike smashed a few weeks ago? Or the horse that Mike taught me to ride on? Not that I'm complaining.

The doorbell rings and Jane runs out of the kitchen, "That must be dad! I'll let him in."

I look at Erik with dread, "Her father is coming?"

He smiles and nods, without looking away from the bowl of stuffing he's been working on. I hear the door open and close, and a strange voice. Erik sets aside his work, washes his hands quickly and walks out to greet his old friend.

...Can I just hide here?

Jane comes running back, "Come on, Xavier! I have to introduce you!"

Apparently I can't. I hesitantly follow her out to the front room.

He's tall, muscular, probably mid sixties with a well trimmed gray beard that any man would be proud of. He looks like the most distinguished character that could step right out of a Western film. He carries himself like someone who knows how to fight. He shifts his feet when he sees me and I can amend that to someone who knows how to swordfight. Nice hat.

He walks slowly over to me, "And you must be Xavier. I've heard a lot about you, from both of these two." He holds out his hand, with eyes that I would believe can shoot lasers.

I meet his eyes, smile, and shake his hand, "I'm flattered to be mentioned."

His grip is stronger than mine. After a second he decides not to crush me, "Call me Hank."

Bo crawls all the way onto his hand and smells him with her tongue. He regards her with curiosity, "I haven't heard anything about this one." He lifts his hand and looks her over, "I don't think I've seen this species before. What is she?"

I extend my hand, and Bo jumps to it and climbs back to my shoulder, "I don't know. Of all known species, she most closely resembles Draco Dussumieri, Dussumier's dragon. It's a kind of gliding dragon from southern India. But her camouflage is much better than most."

He nods, "And if I'm not mistaken they don't usually have six legs. Mysterious. Does she have a name?"

"Ouroboros. I call her Bo for short. She has a bad habit of chewing on her tail."

He chuckles at the name, "The universe had no need of eyes, because outside of herself to be seen there was only the eternal reason of which she already knew. Nor of ears for there was no-one other than herself to converse with. Nor was there any air to be breathed through lung or skin or any other organ. For a being which was sufficient to itself would surely be far more excellent than one which lived lacking."

I nod for a second, feeling stupid, "Erik told me about Jormungandr earlier. But that didn't sound Norse."

"Greek. Plato's all-encompassing serpent is sometimes credited for the inspiration of modern monotheistic philosophy."

Somewhat later, I find myself alone with Hank in the kitchen while Jane and Erik are setting the table. There's a sudden silence.

I'm mashing a bowl of vegetables when he starts looming, "What are your intentions with my daughter?"

I drop the potato masher in the bowl. I'm more than a little shocked to hear that question, "What do you mean?"

I can't look him in the eye, "I've seen how she looks at you. I've heard how she talks about you. And I've seen how you look at her."

Have I even looked at her while he's been here! How the fuck! I don't think I'm covering up my panic well. Bo smells my face to make sure I'm okay.

He grabs my unoccupied shoulder with one hand, "So I will be clear. If you hurt her in any way, I won't kill you. I won't put a finger on you. But you will regret taking her for granted."

I sigh and finally look up at him, "If I ever hurt her, I would deserve it." Deep breath, lay it all out, "We're friends first. We met under… scientifically interesting circumstances. I won't lie to you. I'm interested in her. But I'm not letting it go farther until I'm sure she's not just interested in me because I'm interesting, intellectually."

Bo crawls across my back and observes his hand for a moment. He's not letting go.

Might as well finish the story, "We… kissed a while ago, and I told her all of this. My concerns. She said she needed some time to think, and I said that was fine. But, since then nothing's changed, and I get the feeling she's ignoring that it ever happened. When I said time I didn't mean forever... It's not healthy for her to... default like this. We're friends first. That means I want her to be happy, and safe. I'm just trying to find out what's best for her."

I can't help but fidget. I just basically admitted to wanting to bang his daughter. I stare into the bowl of mashed roots for a while, and then look back up into his eyes, "So I think the real question, is what are her intentions with me?"

He lets go, "I'll talk to her."

And his footsteps are pounding down the hallway. Bo moves to the spot where his hand used to be.

Fuck, that was terrifying. How can one man without superpowers be more oppressive than a Ten Rings prison?

A few minutes later Erik comes in, "Is that done?"

The bowl's contents are almost a liquid by now, "Yeah, I think I kind of overdid it."

He laughs, "He's a great man, isn't he?"

I rub my eyes, "He certainly loves his daughter. He made that very clear."

Erik smiles sympathetically, "He doesn't know you like I do. You would never intentionally hurt Jane."

"Intentionally."

He waves off my worry, "Come on. Bring that out. The table's done."

So I come out and sit down across from the Fosters. Bo crawls down my body and goes to sleep between my feet. Erik sits next to me.

I put the bowl down and Jane looks at it, "What's that?"

I answer on autopilot, without looking at her directly, "Potatoes, carrots, beets, artichokes, half an onion, some garlic and ginger. It's called earthmash. It was a Thanksgiving tradition on Earth Prime." Or at least for Alex's family.

She smells it, "It looks amazing."

I look at her father, who seems like he's not paying attention, "The color is mostly the beets. I just hope I got the recipe right." No-one except us has said anything since I came in. This conversational ice is going to kill me, "So Hank, what are you a professor of?"

"Anthropology, Fencing, and 19th Century History." Fencing. Nailed it.

I look again at his outfit, "I guess Indiana Jones was your childhood, huh?"

He smiles, "It was more my teenage years."

And then we're eating. And for a while, the only sounds are satisfied mumbles from full mouths. This is only my second time having turkey, and I'm still not sure if I like it or not. But no-one else looks to be going for seconds, so.

I point, "Can you pass the turkey, Mr. Foster?"

He chokes on his beer and laughs, "That's not my name."

I look between him and Jane, "What do you mean?"

He chuckles, "Her mother and I separated on friendly terms before she was born. Once it became clear that she would be spending most of her time with me, I suggested she take her mother's name." He takes a bite of food.

I nod, "Okay. So what's your name, then?"

He finishes chewing, "I'm sorry, I thought you knew when you mentioned my father." What? When did I do that? He reaches across the table for another handshake, "Henry Jones. The Third."

WHAT?

Age him down by fifty years… Shia? Is that you behind the gray? Harrison Ford doesn't exist here.

I realize I've left him hanging, and immediately shake his hand, "Sorry, yes. Very nice to meet you, Professor Williams."

And the table is silent. I realize a second later what I said.

"Um, sorry, again. Professor Jones. Henry… Jones, The Third..."

He asks me, still holding my hand hostage, "How do you know my mother's name?"

Wait, so in the original timeline, Indiana Jones would've been Thor's grandfather-in-law?

No, focus. Think fast, "Didn't you say?" No, that's horrid. Try again, "I mean, I think Erik said at one point. Or maybe I read it somewhere? I definitely remember that name from somewhere."

Smooth. They will absolutely never see past that. My mastery of deception knows no bounds.

The former Mutt Williams leans in and points at me sternly, "Don't lie to me." And then he breaks into a smile, "You're a fan of my father's!"

Take it! "Yep! You got me! The Indiana Jones stories were always my favorites."

He lets go of my hand and passes the turkey with a laugh, "Mine too. We'll have lots to talk about."

Click to shrink...

Wheeeeeeeelp, was not expecting that one. Though, I probably should have expected something, considering TF.

 

[jjosua]

So in a world with Superman, we know there are aliens. And now we know that Indy is a guy. Does that make Nuking the Fridge cannon?

 

[Xavier Bronze]

So in a world with Superman, we know there are aliens. And now we know that Indy is a guy. Does that make Nuking the Fridge cannon?

Click to shrink...

The first, third, and fourth movies are all-in canon. So yes it does. But, unknown to anyone at the time, a technicality in a previous adventure had left him slightly immortal at that point. So Captain America wouldn't be able to do the same. The more impressive feat is fighting a tank with a horse and a rock.

 

[Senevri]

Huh. Caught up.

You're not supposed to think when you're meditating, right?

Click to shrink...

That's a common misconception, yes.

"That's funny, I didn't take you for a racist. Because that's what this is. Racism.

Click to shrink...

Nononono. That's Speciesist.

Phil Coulson. God of Thunder.

Click to shrink...

...Well, I can see it. Being pseudo-military could mean he has the killer edge that's the secret sauce combined with the general determinator nice-guyness.
Superman and Captain America could do it too, if they're in the proper mental state.

'And I'm an Avenger!' But it's not required."

Click to shrink...

Wow, AA meeting vibes.

"John." Constantine looks at me, "At some point there might be a situation involving a little girl and a demon. You might think it's a good idea to summon a bigger, badder demon to scare it off. Think again. That's a massively stupid plan that gets the little girl banished to hell. I'm fucking disappointed you didn't get that right the first time. Don't fuck it up this time."

Click to shrink...

...Uh. Constantine isn't like he is here without the Newcastle incident. Or something similar.

The former Mutt Williams leans in and points at me sternly, "Don't lie to me." And then he breaks into a smile, "You're a fan of my father's!"

Click to shrink...

...Dinner. With the Actual Cannibal. Oh dear.

 

[HVulpes]

So what else is in the mix?

Are there psionic monks in a galaxy far away?

An old man and a teen kid with a time machine we should be watching?

Is Isabelle Hartley of S.H.I.E.L.D. the descendant of a warrior princess, a mighty man who knew the warrior princess and/or a roman wife?

Also which Hercules is Hercules? Marvel, DC, an actor in California, or someone who can go the distance?

Also can you guess the references?

 

[Seylerius]

Are you thinking of Raza? Or Abu Bakaar? There was no Mandarin in Iron Man 1. Just notable underlings.

Click to shrink...

Definitely Raza. Learn something new every day.

 

[Seylerius]

Side note: is there a ship name for Jane and Xavier yet? They deserve a cute ship name.

 

[Xavier Bronze]

So what else is in the mix?

Click to shrink...

Most of the sources will be revealed in the next few plot arcs. As we integrate more the chances of any new material being incompatible increase exponentially. The general guideline is that everything in Earth XSI-1 is a childhood classic.

Are there psionic monks in a galaxy far away?

Click to shrink...

Not on Earth XSI-1. Not even a long, long time ago. There's one Force Adept on Earth XSI-3.

An old man and a teen kid with a time machine we should be watching?

Click to shrink...

Probably not the ones you're thinking of.

Is Isabelle Hartley of S.H.I.E.L.D. the descendant of a warrior princess, a mighty man who knew the warrior princess and/or a roman wife?

Click to shrink...

No. But that doesn't mean elements of that show won't be adapted very loosely into Themysciran history.

Also which Hercules is Hercules? Marvel, DC, an actor in California, or someone who can go the distance?

Click to shrink...

None of the above, exactly. Hercules on Earth XSI-1 is probably dead.

Side note: is there a ship name for Jane and Xavier yet? They deserve a cute ship name.

Click to shrink...

Nope. Not yet anyway.

 

[Ash19256]

... Does the Doctor exist in the XSI-1 universe?

 

[Xavier Bronze]

... Does the Doctor exist in the XSI-1 universe?

Click to shrink...

His name is Rip Hunter.

 

[Krazyfan1]

Nope. Not yet anyway.

Click to shrink...

hmmmm...
what should it be?
Javier? Xane?

 

[Seylerius]

Nope. Not yet anyway.

Click to shrink...

hmmmm...
what should it be?
Javier? Xane?

Click to shrink...

Fronze? Broster? Janevier? !!SCIENCE!!?

 

[Amrynel]

...Dinner. With the Actual Cannibal. Oh dear.

Click to shrink...

What?

 

[happydeath]

What?

Click to shrink...

 

[Traiden]

I love how you can catch a mild case of immortality in this hodgepodge world of DCMarvel

 

[Joshua Coffin]

Nononono. That's Speciesist.

Click to shrink...

Hmmm, not if the human race is a thing. But we confuse our language in that regard. Arguably, the use of the term race as applied toward the various human ethnicities could be considered racist (or would that be ethnicist?) by implying that they are actually separate species. But then, one could also consider the term race a generic grouping term - the human race consisting of several races (the human race containing the Caucasian race containing the English race. Or the Scottish race containing the race to Scotch...)

Either way, bias against another sentient race would be racism. Speciesism, I believe, includes the non-sentient species.

 

[Xavier Bronze]

Wow, AA meeting vibes.

Click to shrink...

I'm going to rewrite that chapter in the next few days to rephrase the declaration of membership. I'm usually the one who catches the writing faux pas, and for some reason that one slipped through. It didn't seem like a priority to fix when it was first pointed out, but left as it is it's just pretty weird.

Edit: I just hung a lampshade on it. That's enough, right?

...Uh. Constantine isn't like he is here without the Newcastle incident. Or something similar.

Click to shrink...

He's superficially similar enough post-Newcastle that people who knew him from before and haven't seen him since assume he's unchanged, even if they heard about what happened. Note, I'm working off the tv show here. I don't know how different he is in the comicbooks.

The big difference is that his ego is completely unchecked at this stage. "Master of the Dark Arts". No petty dabblers to be seen. Which is bad. It's what killed Astra. Very bad for an Avenger. The ego that SI convinced Fury against inviting because it created Ultron? is humble in comparison. And that's not helped by the whole Earth's Mightiest Heroes thing.

 

[Senevri]

Edit: I just hung a lampshade on it. That's enough, right?

Click to shrink...

Probably.

The big difference is that his ego is completely unchecked at this stage. "Master of the Dark Arts". No petty dabblers to be seen. Which is bad. It's what killed Astra. Very bad for an Avenger. The ego that SI convinced Fury against inviting because it created Ultron? is humble in comparison. And that's not helped by the whole Earth's Mightiest Heroes thing.

Click to shrink...

Point. Post-Newcastle Constantine probably wouldn't even join the Avengers.

 

[Evil Plan]

I nod, "Okay. So what's your name, then?"

He finishes chewing, "I'm sorry, I thought you knew when you mentioned my father." What? When did I do that? He reaches across the table for another handshake, "Henry Jones. The Third."

Click to shrink...

Pfftthahahaha! Oh dear. Did you--. how long--. Hmm. Hold that thought a moment.

For those who didn't know, there was a while when Marvel Comics was publishing Indiana Jones comics. On a vague-ish level, these were set in the same 'verse as all of Marvel's other publications at the time. So there's that precedent at least. I have no idea if there's anything about the movies having a relationship (outside of this thread).

So Xavier, my question from earlier is something like-- How long have you known about this? When did you find out Indy would be appearing/canon? Did you know this was coming?

(And while I'm at it, I wonder if this was based on the comics, or just a case of "eh, throw it in".)

He lets go of my hand and passes the turkey with a laugh, "Mine too. We'll have lots to talk about."

Click to shrink...

And that just sort of backfired, didn't it.

An old man and a teen kid with a time machine we should be watching?

Click to shrink...

Back to the Future? They're not due for another ~4 years in-story, I don't think. Assuming I correctly guessed who you're thinking of.

 

[Jrin]

Hmm ship names:
Avatar science, elemental science?

Anyway it would be a great way for Xavier to ice break the conversation with Jane by explaining her reaction and how popular Indiana Jones is back in her world with Harrison Ford thing with Star Wars.

 

[Xavier Bronze]

For those who didn't know, there was a while when Marvel Comics was publishing Indiana Jones comics. On a vague-ish level, these were set in the same 'verse as all of Marvel's other publications at the time. So there's that precedent at least. I have no idea if there's anything about the movies having a relationship (outside of this thread).

Click to shrink...

Did not know there's actually an Indy in Marvel canon. That does make for a happy excuse though. Maybe that reboot the news loves to put a new actor on every six months will eventually wind up taking place in the MCU. They are both Disney.

But just because GI Joe and Power Rangers have also existed in Marvel canon at some time, don't expect much to come of it. Ultimately we write what we like.

So Xavier, my question from earlier is something like-- How long have you known about this? When did you find out Indy would be appearing/canon? Did you know this was coming?

Click to shrink...

Indiana Jones has been in Earth XSI-1 longer than Transformers, since the very first mention of Jane's family sometime during the Puente Antiguo Arc.

And of course, in true Alex fashion, the reference timeline that we use to keep track of lore has several Indiana-fashion adventures in the history section, including one involving the Spear of Destiny.

 

[Xavier Bronze]

I've been debating with myself if this is the right thing to do or not. What the best way to handle the situation is.

Bruce Wayne has the potential to become one of the single greatest protectors the universe would ever know. If I let his story play out, he would save doubtless thousands of lives. Possibly even billions.

But unlike Stephen Strange, I don't know for certain. He might save the entire universe. Or he might just be the next Daredevil. A neighborhood stop-gap measure for the people of Gotham. And right now, he's just a kid. And his parents are alive. And however much I try I can't justify letting him become an orphan.

So here I am, in the shadows of Gotham. I know the Waynes are going to be walking through this street in approximately two minutes. My face is covered with a scarf. I'm wearing eye contacts and a throat compressor to distort my voice. And I'm carrying a fake pistol.

It took a lot to talk Phil into greenlighting this operation. But I can't just warn them and trust that they'll take my word. I would sound crazy. If I'm going to prevent this tragedy, I need to do it right. That means making certain that they stay careful from now on. No Joe Chill, no Jack Napier, no Mario Pepper.

Instead, they'll have me.

I see them turn onto my street. I give the camera SHIELD set up to monitor the op a nod. Then I step out of the shadows and raise my gun, mentally reminding myself that it's not real.

"Give me your money. Now."

I see the fear in Bruce's eyes. In contrast Thomas isn't scared. His eyes are full of compassion.

He struggles out a smile, "No problem." He puts a comforting hand on his son's shoulder, "It's okay, Bruce. We'll cooperate with this gentleman and then be on our way." He takes out his wallet and holds it out.

This is really hard. I'm close to crying. But I have to play my role convincingly.

I grab the wallet and point the gun at Martha, "The necklace too." She hesitates. I lift the gun to the sky and fire a warning blank before returning it to her face, "Quickly."

She rushes to unlatch the pearls, and when they're off her neck I grab the string with enough force to break it. Pearls scatter to the damp pavement below.

I look at Bruce. He's already going to remember this forever. Is this going to be enough? Do I need to go any further?

I look back at Thomas and Martha. Their lives depend on this. If I don't represent the very worst that Gotham has to offer, they could still die, and all this would be in vain. I need to get it right. I need to finish the plan.

I point the gun at Bruce, "Your watch."

He pales and freezes.

Thomas calmly kneels and helps Bruce take off his watch. And then hands it up to me.

I take it. And then Thomas says to me, on his knees, "Please. You've got what you came here for."

My hands are shaking. I don't know if I can say it.

I click the lever. It's not a real gun. There's no real danger. The next shot is going to misfire and jam the gun, "Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?"

And then Thomas Wayne realizes that I'm planning to murder his family. And then his fist is travelling towards my face.

I have to intentionally prevent my training from kicking in so that the punch connects. I do tilt my head so I can avoid a broken nose. I allow the gun to fly out of my hand, and hear it go off when it hits the ground. And even though his punch wasn't powerful enough at its awkward angle, I stagger backward a few steps before I turn tail and run.

I wasn't expecting him to fight back. But I guess it makes sense. He'd already tried reason, and I hadn't shown any signs of mercy.

That was by far the hardest thing I've ever done. I just hope it's effective.

I throw open the doors of a van and go inside, quickly shedding the scarf and stolen pearls. I dropped the wallet and watch back in the alley.

I sit down and take deep breaths. Bo crawls up my leg to check on me, but I can't even bring myself to give her a pet right now. I just need... I don't even know what I need.

Mike puts a hand on my shoulder, "Hey. Are you okay?" I remember Thomas comforting his son in a similar way, when I was pointing a gun at them.

I look up at the camera screens covering one wall of the van, "I want to see the tape. Play it again."

Ike is sitting at the computer controls, doing nothing.

"I said play it again."

He hesitantly does so, and I see someone very much not me robbing the Waynes and threatening their lives. It plays out just like it did so many times, in so many medias back on Earth Prime.

Up until the point where Thomas Wayne punches out their attacker, scaring him off and saving his family's life.

I was certainly convincing. I feel like a terrible person. I was a lot more sure that that was the right thing before I had to actually do it.

I take another long, deep breath, "It's going to be okay. We saved two lives today. And we stopped a young boy from becoming an orphan."

Ike shakes his head, "It doesn't feel like it."

I retrieve the giant bottle of scotch that I made sure to pack especially for this mission, "No it doesn't." Let's see how much of this bottle I can down in one minute. I'm going to need it for a while.

 

[Hakazin]

Ooh. That's... Wow. Good job. I'm at a loss for words.