It quitting time!
Anton checked the time—it was nearly midnight. If he didn't leave now, it would soon be time to start work again.
Before leaving, he glanced at the Men in Black agents bustling about in the headquarters.
The lunar base project had the Men in Black organization working non-stop, along with the task of screening intelligence on the interstellar network.
These were crucial tasks tied to the survival of Earth, and everyone was vigilant.
Except for Anton, who orchestrated it all.
"Fortunately, your efforts will see tangible rewards. I'm not exactly a heartless leader."
Anton smiled, just as he was stepping out of the base.
"Anton, don't go."
Z voice halted the step Anton had taken.
Anton turned around with extreme reluctance.
"Please, it midnight. You're not expecting me to stay here till early morning and start work again, are you?"
"I know you've tried your best, especially since you've never been one to clock in and out on time."
Z rolled his eyes.
Though Anton was his boss, most of the Men in Black work, if not all, was actually managed by Z. In the organization, Z, the Deputy Director, seemed more like the actual Director than Anton.
"The World Security Council meeting—you can't escape it this time."
Z said, "At the meeting, Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers, who just appeared, raised a concern that made the representatives eased hearts tense up again."
"Oh?"
Anton was surprised, but his expression turned serious, "What did she say?"
Carol had just returned from space, and she might indeed possess critical information, especially since Thanoss adopted daughter, Gamora, was with her.
Gamora knew more about Thanos than anyone else on Earth, including Anton himself.
Although Anton could speculate on Thanoss actions based on previous plot knowledge, he didn't truly understand Thanos as a person.
In both the comics and the film universe, Thanos is portrayed as a tragic, complex character.
Marvel did a decent job of crafting Thanoss image. Without overemphasizing his past, focusing instead on his objectives and actions, they managed to reveal much of Thanoss charisma.
"According to that alien woman with Carol, Gamora, Thanoss forces include not just interstellar fleets and soldiers but also powerful sorcerers."
Z continued, "Our approach of blocking the atmospheric routes to stop Thanos from landing on Earth and forcing him to battle us on the moon won't work… Thanos can use teleportation magic to enter Earth."
"Teleportation magic?"
Anton queried, "If I'm not mistaken, teleportation magic can't just transport an army from one end of the universe directly to Earth, can it?"
"There are range requirements, but as long as it within the same star system, teleportation magic can work wonders."
Z explained, "That alien woman said Thanos has special technological means and magical artifacts to enhance the range of teleportation. So, once they enter the Milky Way, they could potentially use a space gate to appear on Earth at any time… much like the Chitauri did during the Battle of New York."
Anton frowned this was indeed a problem.
But not without a solution.
A thought flashed through his mind.
He nodded to Z, "Go back to the World Security Council and tell them we've considered this issue. Thanos won't be able to teleport to Earth. Tell them not to worry unnecessarily."
"Huh?"
Z looked surprised.
He had never known that Anton had considered the issue of magical teleportation.
But Anton actions often baffled others, so Z didn't question further.
Anton might seem unreliable, but he was the soul of the Men in Black organization.
As the only member of the Justice League who liked to appear publicly and never hid his identity, Anton had played crucial roles in many events, not as a superhero, but akin to one.
Moreover, as a renowned director whose works were known globally, Anton capabilities had been recognized by countless people.
To the Men in Black, their organization was built on foundations laid by Anton, so even though Z was the hands-on man, everyone understood that Z was essentially the butler of the Men in Black.
The master of the Men in Black, always, was Anton.
This master only flaw, perhaps, was his reluctance to work regular hours, often arriving late or leaving early…
"Don't worry, it not a big problem."
Seeing Z concern, Anton smiled, stepped forward, and patted Z on the shoulder, speaking nonchalantly, "Don't forget, it not like the Justice League doesn't have any sorcerers. We certainly considered this issue."
He paused, then added, "Besides, the sorcerers on Earth are much more formidable than you might imagine… Never underestimate this planet we stand on."
With that, he turned and left.
"Anton, don't rush off, the World Security Council is still waiting for you to explain the situation!"
Z was not about to let Anton go so easily.
"You go explain to them, just say we are prepared," Anton waved his hand dismissively as he walked away.
"In a few days, let them see the results for themselves, then they will naturally realize that teleporting to Earth is absolutely not a feasible route."
With that, he drove off.
"This…"
Z stood at the door, watching the taillights of Anton car disappear into the night, then stiffly walked back into the base.
Inside the office.
At the virtual meeting convened by the World Security Council, Z cleared his throat,
"Anton had some urgent matters and couldn't attend the meeting, but I relayed the concerns about Thanos possibly using teleportation magic to land on Earth to him.
He pointed out that the Justice League has sorcerers, and everyone should remember, there is also a branch of the Justice League focused on magic, called the Dark Justice League…"
"As I understand, they are currently handling this matter, and in a few days, everyone will see satisfactory results…"
The representatives from various countries exchanged glances.
The people from S.H.I.E.L.D., as well as Carol, Gamora, and Nick Fury, who were mixed in at the meeting, looked fairly composed.
They had anticipated many scenarios before returning to Earth.
Now, it seemed, things were far better than they had expected.
Earth was fully preparing for battle.
In Gamora view, Earth was still a very weak civilization, despite possessing some advanced technology, it had not fully realized the potential of these technologies.
Therefore, it still had a significant gap to close with most of the advanced civilizations in the universe.
However, Earth had a unique advantage.
This seemingly weak planet had produced a large number of individuals with extraordinary abilities.
These beings, even by universal standards, were no small matter, let alone just on the small, remote planet of Earth.
With such individuals on their side, in Gamora eyes, Earth and Thanoss forces were not without the strength for a fight.
The meeting ended somewhat inconclusively.
Carol and the others did not get their wish to see Anton appear.
The people from S.H.I.E.L.D. left the meeting room.
"Our current specific task is to build the lunar base…"
Coulson said, "The overall responsibility for the base lies with Anton, and among the other responsible parties, the most notable is Tony Stark, who is also a superhero known as Iron Man.
Tony is very smart, a genius inventor. Not long ago, he even almost caused a crisis due to his inventions, an AI rebellion that led to significant consequences…"
"AI crisis, AI rebellion?"
Nick Fury was taken aback.
Even Carol and Gamora were somewhat surprised.
They certainly had heard of AI capable of causing a crisis.
In the universe, with its countless civilizations, an AI crisis is not a concept first introduced in the universe in fact, it considered a threshold that any technology-driven civilization must eventually face.
"With the current level of Earth technology, to be able to create AI capable of triggering an AI crisis… This Tony Stark is a genius."
Gamora said.
"Indeed."
Coulson nodded, "He should be counted among the smartest humans, if not the smartest."
"Speaking of which, let go to the moon and see for ourselves,"
Carol, reverting to her workaholic nature, said, "I didn't return to Earth to visit friends.
I've met everyone I needed to, and now I just want to see if Earth is really prepared to face Thanos in battle…
You know, I've survived in the universe for a long time, I know a thing or two about wars."
"I also think we should go have a look."
Nick Fury nodded, "Tony is probably at the lunar base now, right?"
"That right."
Coulson nodded and without hesitation, he submitted a request to the World Security Council, receiving approval from the staff within a minute.
They then boarded the spaceship that Carol had used to return to Earth.
This spaceship was highly equipped, combining various technological and design features suited for aliens and humanoid beings.
Interestingly, this was spoils of war that Carol and her companions had brought back from Sakaar.
It was a prized collection of the Grandmaster.
The fact that this ship had ended up in Carol and her companions hands was also thanks to Superman contribution.
They were headed to the lunar base.
Carol and Gamora didn't have high expectations for the lunar base.
However, the ideas Anton and perhaps the Justice League had for the lunar base were indeed very creative.
If it was true, as Anton had said, that the Justice League could block Thanoss forces from landing on Earth by any means, then Thanos would have to stop at the moon and face a decisive battle with the Earthlings.
And for Thanos, this wouldn't be a difficult choice to make.
His inherent paranoia and pride exuded from his very bones, ensuring he would never question his own decisions.
Once a decision was made, he would steadfastly see it through.
A battle on the moon was inevitable.
"I've only been away from Earth for about a decade or two, not even twenty years, and humanity has already officially entered the space age..."
Carol stood at the edge of the spaceship, watching as it gradually moved away from Earth.
Remembering the scene from when she last left Earth, she couldn't help but remark, "The development of Earth is indeed rapid and impressive, even by universal standards."
"Believe me, our performance is even better than you imagine."
Coulson spoke with a smile from the side, "You've come back at just the right time, the lunar base just received a new batch of people, they are extraterrestrial allies of the Justice League from outside Earth… They might not participate in the final battle, but they brought a shipment of supplies, very helpful supplies for us."
"Really?"
Carol was curious, "Knowing that Earth will face Thanos, these people still dared to come and deliver supplies… What race are they?"
"You'll know when you see them."
Coulson kept them in suspense.
Nick Fury looked thoughtful, feeling that even though he had only been away from Earth for a little over a year, Earth had undergone transformative changes.
Justice League extraterrestrial allies…
He pondered for a moment, a glint of realization flashing in his eyes.
Carol and Gamora exchanged glances, both feeling a greater sense of anticipation for what Coulson had described about the lunar base.
In truth, although they thought building a lunar base to combat Thanos was a good idea, given the short amount of time, they doubted the preparations could be very comprehensive.
Even if not perfect, achieving even sixty to seventy percent would be miraculous.
But from Coulson response, the preparations for the lunar base seemed to far exceed everyone expectations.
Soon.
Half an hour later, the group arrived just outside the moon.
From the spaceship, Carol and others witnessed a breathtaking sight.
What was once a desolate world of silence, devoid of wind, water, sound, life, and with extreme temperature fluctuations, was undergoing a radical transformation under the efforts of countless soldiers and engineers.
The first thing that caught their eye was a huge protective dome spreading out from four corners, forming an inverted bowl that isolated the harsh conditions of the lunar environment.
At the highest point of the dome was an artificial sun, providing heat suitable for human habitation within the base.
Below the dome, a grand steel structure was nearly complete.
Along the edges of the dome, structures reminiscent of the Great Wall were being rapidly assembled by some, flowing smoothly as if the moon was meant to be this way, completely shattering Carol previous understanding of the moon.
"Is that…"
Gamora suddenly widened her eyes, spotting several massive, robot-like beings.
"Those are life forms…"
Gamora looked astonished, murmuring, "Mechanical life, the rumored destroyed civilization of Cybertron, which should now be wandering the universe… No, there are rumors that Cybertron is beginning to rebuild… The Autobots have won the victory… What exactly is going on?"
Gamora eyes lit up, staring at the lunar base, as if she could already see the moment of decisive battle, the dawn of human victory, and her wish for revenge being fulfilled.
"Cybertron…"
Carol, having wandered the universe for so long, honestly, this was the first time she had heard of this civilization.
However, from Gamora reaction, it was clear that Cybertron was no ordinary matter.
No, she didn't need Gamora reaction to tell.
Carol could see for herself that the level of construction of this city far exceeded Earth technological capabilities...
"Cybertron civilization, are those robots the extraterrestrial allies of the Justice League?"
She couldn't help but turn to Coulson.