“Ignatius, you must understand something,” Selvig said. His tone was careful and considered. He didn’t want to escalate the situation. “The Water of Sight is an overwhelming cosmic force. A human being simply cannot step—”
“I know what it is, Erik!” Bixby yelled. “You led me right to it. Anoki isn’t the only rich kid with a jet.” The Crescent’s purr grew louder. “I’m protected. You have no idea.” He pointed at Selvig and winked. “Catch you on the flip side, suckers!” Bixby plunged himself into the Water of Sight, which erupted in a web of electricity. Deafening thunderclaps echoed through the cavern. Bixby’s body was sucked up out of the pool and into the storm of heat and light. His eyes bulged. His body shook. Raw cosmic power coursed through his body, and then it spat him out against the cavern wall. The unforgiving Water of Sight swallowed the Crescent completely before returning to its natural state. The once-boiling liquid was calm anew. The group surrounded Bixby’s body as it lay motionless on the ground.
“I’m not touching him,” Felix said.
Jane knelt down and took Bixby’s pulse. “He’s alive. His vital signs are surprisingly regular, but we need to get him to a doctor.”
“Um, I need to ask you guys something,” Darcy said sheepishly. “We just witnessed a lot of crazy stuff in that cosmic cloud thingy, but did you also see a tree person and a raccoon with a gun at one point?”
“Yes,” the group answered in unison.
“Cool, cool. Just checking.”
Selvig stood at the edge of the water, struggling to comprehend everything he’d just witnessed. Though Bixby’s appearance and sudden collapse were unexpected turns of events, prior to that an amazing thing had happened. After years of theories, questions, and endless wondering, Erik Selvig finally had answers. They were beautiful, confusing, and incomplete. It would take time to piece them all together. New resources needed to be tapped. There would be discussion, inquiry, and a collision of ideas. The Infinity Stones were to be fully investigated. Selvig felt energized. A new mystery had taken shape, and he was ready to seek the truth. He looked around the cavern and felt at peace. He was surrounded by friends. People who stood by his side despite his flaws. He quietly vowed never to take them for granted again.
“Are we finished?” Anoki asked, arms folded. “I don’t mean to be insensitive, but keeping a jet fueled and ready for takeoff at a moment’s notice is costly.”
“Cheapskate,” murmured Banyaga.
“Oh! Hey!” Darcy exclaimed. She pulled out the bag of test tube key chains she’d gotten at the Dollar Holler and passed them out to the assembled team. “For a job well done.”
“Question everything. Learn something. Answer nothing,” Tan said. She put her arm around Selvig’s shoulders and squeezed. “Euripides said that, not me.”
Felix tapped Selvig on the shoulder. “What’s on your mind, Doc?”
Selvig grinned. “The future.”
One Month Later
Selvig had been standing outside the large, rusty metal dome for the past fifteen minutes. Once used as a military facility, it sat vacant on the outskirts of Puente Antiguo for years until Anjelica Tan snatched it up at a discount for reasons that still remained murky. Selvig circled the structure, waiting for his tardy lunch companion to appear. The heat was causing him to sweat more than usual, though—surprisingly—he didn’t find the discomfort annoying.
After the incident at the Water of Sight and the revelation of the Infinity Stones, Selvig took a step back to reorganize his life and work. Solving the greatest mystery mankind had ever faced required immense focus. Now Selvig could see things clearly and was taking the proper steps to make sure his mind remained sharp. Though he hadn’t anticipated a return to Puente Antiguo, Selvig had also learned to expect the unexpected.
“YOOOOOOOOO!” a voice screamed from above. “What’s up, Doc?”
Selvig looked up to find Felix hovering in the air, wearing a pair of homemade gravity boots.
“How ya like me now?” Felix said.
“Bisi told me you were in your element here, tinkering with his devices and such.”
Felix rolled his eyes. “Understatement of the century.” He adjusted the controls and powered down his boots, landing safely on the pavement. “Made my ‘skywalkers’ the first day. They’re a little wonky on the takeoff, but I’m working on it. There’s so much I can do with all Doctor Banyaga’s junk.” He carefully glanced over each shoulder. “I’m not supposed to call it that, but whatever. Next up I want to design something totally crazy, like cybernetic rhino armor. This old place can be super boring some days, but having access to all kinds of tools and materials to build with is straight fire.”
“I’m pleased to see you’re adjusting to your new circumstances with vim and vigor.”
“What’s up with Bixby?” Felix asked. “Saw a story online about him ‘hitting his head while on an expedition to uncover the secrets of the universe.’ His dummy fans think he’s a hero now. I almost vomited all over my computer.”
“Ignatius is in a coma at the moment, being well cared for by a team of trusted doctors. He’s expected to make a full recovery.”
“Hope he rots—”
“Human beings can be selfish, cruel, and violent. They can also be rehabilitated. It’s my sincere hope that when Ignatius wakes, he chooses the latter. Only time will tell.”
“Don’t bet on it. The dude is slime.”
In the distance, a shiny silver sports car approached, recklessly swerving through the open desert, leaving a cloud of dirt and dust to swirl in its wake.
“A lot of joyriders out here in the middle of nowhere,” Felix said. “Stupid kids.”
Selvig stifled a chuckle as the car loudly screeched to a stop. Its door flung open. Darcy stepped out wearing a tasteful black dress with a short gray sport coat, brand-new designer sunglasses, and a bright smile.
“You’re late,” Selvig scolded.
“Let me have a dramatic entrance, old man,” said Darcy. “You owe me.”
Felix circled the sparkling vehicle in awe, checking out every detail. “Nice whip! There’s definitely no way you could ever in a million years afford this on what you make.”
“It’s a rental,” replied Darcy. “Erik still needs to buy me a new car.”
“Ah yes,” Selvig said. “I keep forgetting about that.”
Felix eyed Darcy suspiciously. “You’re dressed for either court or church.”
“Awww. This ol’ thing?” Darcy said, giving a playful twirl.
“Which is it? If it’s court, can I come and watch you get sentenced? I promise I’ll be quiet as long as I can come visit you in jail. If it’s church? Hard pass.”
“I almost missed you, Felix,” replied Darcy. “Unfortunately, I need to bail on lunch. A work thing suddenly sprang up, and I’ve got to turn around and go back to the airport.”
“But you just got here,” Felix whined. “I haven’t even shown you my workshop!”
“Relax. I know what a teenage boy’s bedroom is like,” said Darcy. “I’m sure yours is fairly disgusting.”
“Darcy has taken on an enhanced role in our outfit,” Selvig said. “One that utilizes her skill set to the fullest.”
“And takes up every ounce of my free time. Go figure. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good. My working title is Head of Science-Based Initiatives, which is a fancy way of saying I’ll be asking people for money to fund important research projects. Not only that, but I’m also designing science-based programs for schools and communities in need. I’m heading to Washington, DC, to meet with Senator Harrison about making these programs a reality.”
“From basic to boss,” Felix said. “I like it.”
“Just putting my major to good use. Finally,” she said. “The bad news is most of Harrison’s political campaigns have been funded by science deniers. He’s not the kind of legislator who respects what we do. Unfortunately, he also heads a committee that decides who gets the money, s
o I have no choice but to deal with him. I’m putting my best foot forward and keeping my fingers crossed he sees things our way.”
“Senator Harrison is an idiot,” Felix growled. “That guy thinks the earth is flat!”
“Don’t worry, I’m bringing along a packet of, let’s call it, opposition research. If he gives me a hard time, I’ll just politely show him the photographs I acquired of him on the beach smooching a red-haired woman who is not his wife and hope it changes his mind.”
“Darcy, we agreed. No blackmailing,” Selvig warned. “We fight our fight with merit.”
“Chill out, Erik. I’ve also got stacks of data on the benefits of embracing scientific pursuit. Science isn’t just about Super Hero craziness and new technology. It’s about enhancing people’s ability to solve practical problems and make informed decisions. If Harrison says no, he’ll literally be saying no to the future. If he does that, then, well, you’d best believe I’ll make him regret it for the rest of his life.”
“Ooooo, she likes to get her hands dirty,” Felix said. “I’m impressed.”
“And what I am is a professional,” Darcy said. “A professional who needs to get going.”
A hatch atop the dome flung open. Bisi Banyaga’s head poked out. “Erik, I know you’re not here distracting my student when he’s got things to do.”
“Oh yeah. So. I kind of can’t do lunch, either,” admitted Felix. “I’m really behind on an experiment and need the time to work. Doctor Banyaga will kill me if I miss another project deadline.”
“Felix…” Selvig began.
“I know, I know, I know.”
“We’ve discussed this….”
“Doc…”
“If you plan on attending the Wakandan Outreach Centre….”
“I need to raise my game!” Felix shouted. “Got it! Thank you! Heard it before! Will you please get off my back?!” Obviously embarrassed by his outburst, Felix recalibrated. “Sorry. The heat has me shook.”
“Mmhmm. Blame the heat for your slacking,” Banyaga said, shaking his head. “We’re all melting, boy. Handle your business.”
“How goes it, Bisi?” Selvig asked. “Enjoying your new accommodations?”
Banyaga cackled wildly. “You’ve got a lot of nerve asking me that question, Erik Selvig. A lot of nerve.”
“He’s still unpacking. Oh, and the toilets in this place aren’t exactly functional,” Felix whispered. “We’re still working out the kinks.”
“I can hear you!” Bisi shouted. “The toilets are just fine. When I’m done upgrading them they’ll be top-of-the-line sanitational experiences. Believe it.”
“Your resources will increase soon enough, old friend,” assured Selvig. “Our grand plan is taking shape. Give it time.”
“Ticktock, Erik,” Banyaga said. “Tick. Tock.” He descended into the depths and slammed down the hatch.
“Well, I suppose I’ll just have to enjoy a nice cheeseburger on my own, then.” Selvig shrugged.
“What’s this grand plan of yours, and do the other Science Avengers know about it?” Felix asked. He clearly knew the name would get a rise out of Selvig.
“I’d prefer you not use that moniker to describe our gathering of minds,” Selvig said, avoiding the question.
“Anoki says hello. They’re back in school finishing their degree,” Darcy replied. “They’ve also graciously donated a big chunk of change to build our new—”
“We needn’t go into those details, Darcy,” Selvig said, cutting her off. “Doctor Foster sends her regrets. She wanted to be here but her work—”
“Took precedence. I know,” Felix said. His voice quieted. “I’ve been thinking about the Infinity Stones. The patterns and possibilities. I’ve got a new theory that might blow this whole thing wide open. Tell Doctor Foster I’m emailing her. You want me to copy you?”
“I’d be honored.”
“Seriously though, Doc. What’s this dome all about? Talk,” Felix pressed. “I’m a part of this team now so throw me a bone. I’ve earned it. You know, I thought after our mission ended, you were gonna chill out for a while, but I know you’re planning something. What?”
Selvig smiled. “Expansion, Felix. That’s what’s required now more than ever. Like the universe in its infancy, a scientist’s work must grow and keep growing. We mustn’t give up. Not when there are so many new mysteries to solve and battles to fight. The odds may be stacked against us, but that’s why we’ll surround ourselves with individuals who inspire our work and keep us in check. I’d forgotten that for a time.” He looked up to the sky and took a long, deep breath. “The end is never really the end, is it? There’s always more to be done.”
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Writing the Cosmic Quest series filled me with a huge amount of joy (and stress!). I’m grateful Mary-Kate Gaudet helped me keep it together. She’s a supportive, encouraging editor who values creativity. Who could ask for anything more? My favorite part of the process was when she’d text me lines that made her laugh. Russ Busse, meanwhile, is an unstoppable force of positive energy who will rule this world one day. Just you watch. Regan Winter? She’s totally on top of it. As the MCU’s secret weapon, Will Corona Pilgrim really knows his stuff. His guidance and knowledge were invaluable resources. There’s lots of science in The Cosmic Quest: Volume Two: Aftermath, and it came together because of Amy Brown and the Science & Entertainment Exchange. They’re an amazing organization everyone should check out. Thank you to James Kakalios, Nureddin Ashammakhi, and Frank Macabenta, for providing me with official science-y talk that I’m still trying to understand. Thank you as well to Sandra Cohen, Siena Koncsol, Amanda Marquez, and Stefanie Hoffman at Little, Brown; Elana Cohen at Marvel Press; Eleena Khamedoost and Ariel Gonzalez at Marvel Studios; and MaryAnn Zissimos and Cindy Malouf at Disney Publishing. Travis Kramer, your patience is legendary. Terry and Jean Snider, thank you for birthing me. Jeff Goldblum, can you get in touch, please?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRANDON T. SNIDER has authored over one hundred books featuring a host of pop culture favorites, but he’d give it all up to write the Collector’s and Grandmaster’s adventures for the rest of his days. Brandon lives in New York City, where he’s a member of the Writers Guild of America. Visit him online at cootiekid.com.
MARVEL's Avengers: Infinity War: The Cosmic Quest, Volume 2 Page 12