Exiles: Endless (Marvel;Re)/Issue 1

This is the first issue of the Marvel;Re ongoing series, Exiles: Endless, part of the Dawn of Darkness story arc. This issue is written by Jacky 50A, preceded by Exiles: New World #13 and succeeded by Exiles: Endless #2.

Synopsis
An infinite amount of universes reside within the massive system that is the Multiverse, containing numerous different stories and sagas, which sometimes either intertwine with one another or are derailed from the outcomes they are meant to tell. When these worlds stray from destiny for whatever reason there is, the Exiles are sent to repair their path by any means necessary, maintaining the stability of the Multiverse. The Multiverse's chosen defenders have saved universe after universe... until they went missing in action. Their disappearance does not go unnoticed, however, and their handlers, the Timebrokers, seek to discover their fates... by assembling a new team.

Nowhere, Nowhen
Inside a pristine chamber, the fingers of an unknown figure is seen quickly typing buttons across a console. The figure's hands stop for a moment and a dialogue ensues between the typist and another unseen being. The typist presses a sizeable blue button with the word unhinge written on it and the scene immediately switches perspective to the Desert Beyond Space and Time: an infinite sea of sand outside of time and space. The Desert's silence is soon broken when a flash of light appears and a figure drops from the skies and rolls down a dune whilst screaming hysterically. Laying on the ground on his back, the individual incessantly breathes, gasping for air and trying to comprehend what's happened to him. And so, the first being who has entered the Desert Beyond Space and Time is identified: Magneto of Earth-2149. Magneto walks up a dune and levitates from it to see where he is. Upon reaching the skies, Magneto notices how endless the Desert is. Back in the control room, the two unknown beings converse with one another further about Magneto. Another flash of light appears in the distance, dropping another figure to the Desert and attracting Magneto's interest. Magneto levitates to the site where the next figure is dropped. Upon seeing the person, Magneto mutters to himself a piece of sentence whilst the summoners discuss the individual. Approaching the female, Magneto turns aside her body to identify who she is. Magneto keeps shaking her body until she slowly opens her eyes. Her visions still blurry and her body still weakened, she allows herself to be cradled by Magneto, whose outline is still vague within her eyes. Warbird shakes her head and gradually regains her full concentration. When she processes the information she has received, Warbird turns her head towards Magneto and stares at him for a moment. Silence reigns over the situation until Danvers' eyes widen and she realizes who he truly is. Magneto is taken aback by her shout and gets shot into the air by Warbird's twin photon beams. Shouting in pain, Magneto immediately defends himself while flying by erecting a magnetic shield around him. Warbird continuously assaults him, unleashing photon blasts and energy-infused punches that end up forcing Magneto to bounce around the Desert. While screaming and striking, Danvers' identity is soon revealed as Warbird of Earth-7192. With a firm determination, Magneto gestures forward and takes control of the iron within Warbird's blood, immobilizing her. Warbird struggles to free herself, but Magneto stops her by stating his point. Magneto releases his grip on the iron in Warbird's blood. Danvers stands up and folds her arm, awaiting Magneto's explanation. Instead of punching Magneto, Warbird simply stands still and raises an eyebrow at him. Whilst Magneto and Warbird continue their conversation, the two unknown beings comment on the situation.
 * Unknown Being: "Are you prepared for this?"
 * Typist: "Sweet f**k, you've repeated that for the last five minutes, you blind b****h."
 * Unknown Being: "I am simply expressing what is on my mind, human. Although I have approved those you have chosen, I am still intrigued by your willingness to truly accomplish the task you are given. You are unfamiliar with the Multiverse, yet..."
 * Typist: "Look, I was drafted into this thing I didn't want to have anything to do with all these 'Multiverse' stuffs, but give or take a few of 'excursions', I realized that this f*****g war is something I can't miss out. Gotta do what I'm best at doing."
 * Unknown Being: "And what is it that you do exactly?"
 * Typist: "You're really blind, aren't you?"
 * Unknown Being: "I can see through my cosmic--"
 * Typist: "Okay, then shut up. We're not here to talk about philosophical bulls***. We're here to get things done. Now, are we good?"
 * Unknown Being: "You may unhinge when ready."
 * Typist: "Pulled him out just seconds before he died. Reminds me of someone else."
 * Unknown Being: "Yes, that would be you and half of your recruits."
 * Typist: "Got that right, for once. So, this guy's thing is manipulating metals?"
 * Unknown Being: "Magnetokinesis, if you will. There is a reason he is called..."
 * Typist: "Yeah, Magneto. F*****g dweeb."
 * Max Eisenhardt / Marvel Zombies Magneto (Earth-2149): "Bloody hell, where on Earth am I?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Oh dear, am I dead? What manner of afterlife have I entered? Is this some unknown trickery those flesh eaters conjured? (Pauses) No. No way. If this was their doing, I would have been infected by the time I landed here. (Lands and walks through the Desert) I was nearly bitten by that Avenger, Wasp when I was... taken here. Someone must have carried me here to safety. Was it my Acolytes? Was it... (relents and sighs) no matter. I am grateful that I have been delivered from certain death, but I believe whoever has done this owes me a great amount of explanation..."
 * Unknown Being: "You would want to make him the leader of the team, despite how easily he matches the profiles of those you hunted in the past?"
 * Typist: "He knows his s**t well. After watchin' his profile, I reckon he'd have both the initiative and sanity to take charge of the entire group. Not everyone in the team's gonna trust him, but they'll know for sure that he ain't the same 'terrorist' they knew from way back."
 * Unknown Being: "You imply you lack initiative and sanity to lead the team?"
 * Typist: "You don't pick a gun-totting lunatic on a team unless you want 'em to screw some s**t up."
 * Unknown Being: "Very well. What about the next recruit?"
 * Typist: "Should be landing in just about now."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "... (continued) and not just me, apparently."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "It can't be..."
 * Unknown Being: "I know many of her counterparts throughout the Multiverse. This one is far less... confident, to say the least."
 * Typist: "Ain't gonna be a problem considering the situation. We don't have therapists, but she'll find herself capable of channeling her rage in more useful ways. She was USAF, right?"
 * Unknown Being: "Homeland Security and CIA, as well."
 * Typist: "Good. Her universe may have been blown up to bits, but she'll find a new purpose here."
 * Unknown Being: "You seem to be very welcoming to vulnerable women."
 * Typist: "Shut the f**k up."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Ah, this... woman. She had many names in my home, but the last time I saw her, she was... Miss Marvel, I think? She seems unconscious. (Tries to wake her up, staggering to call her name) M-Miss Marvel? Are you alright? Miss Marvel?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Ms. Marvel?"
 * Carol Danvers: "(Grunts) N-Not Ms. Marvel... Warbird."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "I see. Are you hurt?"
 * Warbird: "(Stammering) Head... hurts... like hell. Last thing I remember was everything... going white. W-Who are you?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "I am Max Eisenhardt. You may call me Magneto."
 * Warbird: "Magneto?"
 * Warbird: "MAGNETO?!"
 * Carol Susan Jane Danvers / Exiles Warbird (Earth-7192): "YOU'VE GOT A LOT OF GUTS TRYING TO COMFORT ME, YOU FREAKING TERRORIST! WHERE HAVE YOU TAKEN ME TO?!"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Warbird, please, stop this! I am as confused as you are in this! I was just trying to help you!"
 * Exiles Warbird: "HELP ME? HELP ME?! YOU SICCED ROGUE ON ME AND RUINED MY LIFE, YOU PIECE OF SH-!"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "ENOUGH!"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Assuming we both operate within the same period of time, I will tell you this: I did not lead the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants when Rogue was recruited. I had no idea who you were until I heard of what Anna Marie did to you, which, frankly, I could not care less about! Even then, the last time I saw the two of you, you were both infected!"
 * Exiles Warbird: "I-Infected?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "You must promise me first that you shall not attack me when I release you."
 * Exiles Warbird: "(Sighs) Fine!"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Thank you. Now, you see, a few months ago, the superhuman known as the Sentry crashed in the middle of Manhattan. When the Avengers responded to the situation, the Sentry infected them with some sort of disease that converts everyone into zombies."
 * Exiles Warbird: "So, you're telling me that you're the survivor of some sort of zombie apocalypse?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Yes. Though --(sighs) you may punch me after this revelation -- (pauses) I was partly responsible for allowing the Sentry to infect the Earth."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Wait, you do not intend to..."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Look, your world's your world, alright? I've gotten the whole shtick that we're from different universes by the time you mentioned zombies. (Pauses) Besides, I'm not unfamiliar with the whole alternate reality thing, you know. Also, judging from your tone, you seem to regret doing the whole thing, anyway."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Indeed. It was the reason why I decided to descend from Asteroid M to protect the last vestiges of humanity. Alas, I failed, for the undead discovered the position of my underground hideout, leaving me as the sole survivor... until I was ambushed by the Wasp."
 * Exiles Warbird: "T-The... the Wasp? As in Janet van Dyne?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Yes, she was zombified. Believe me, you would not like to meet any of these infected, mutant or otherwise."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Man, you've been through a lot yourself, huh?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "That would be an understatement, but yes, I have."
 * Exiles Warbird: ""Well, (shrugs) so have I. My Earth went to kingdom come one day because... (stammers) because I was too busy minding my own business. Next thing you know, I was thrown into a bunch of other universes, where I went about killing Rogues for what they did to me. One day, I was thrown into this other world where my counterpart forgave her stinkin' Rogue. She beat my ass real good and I was imprisoned... or so I thought until I ended up here with you."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "I... see. After such an experience, do you regret killing those Rogues, Warbird?"
 * Exiles Warbird: "(Thinks, glancing aside for a moment) My Rogue's dead, so that's that. You got a problem with that?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Considering our circumstances, I suggest you to not perceive individuals you encounter in the future based on your presumptions. I have no right to restrain you from committing murder, for I know I have gallons of blood on my hands, but please think thrice before you act."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Hmph. At least I know you're tru- I mean, you're a far better person than the Magneto I knew."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "But does that mean I won't refrain from killing?"
 * Exiles Warbird: "You won't kill me because it's useless, that's what I know."
 * Unknown Being: "They are able to handle the situation better than I expected."
 * Typist: "They ain't seen nothing yet. It takes a whole lot more than relating to traumatic experiences to bond. I can attest to that."
 * Unknown Being: "Of course. Shall we summon the next recruits?"
 * Typist: "You got that right."

The typist punches the "Unhinge" button twice, prompting two more flashes of light to appear above the Desert Beyond Space and Time. Seeing this and noticing the figures dropped from the skies, Magneto and Warbird are instantly alerted.

Magneto and Warbird fly to the landing site closest to them and meet a rather iconic black-suited figure. The figure, clearly conscious but confused, scans the horizon and quickly notices Magneto and Warbird. The figure is then revealed on-panel, identified as Spider-Man of Earth-90213. Spider-Man glances aside. Even though his expression is obscured by his mask, both Warbird and Magneto know well that he has no intentions of explaining what his words meant. The trio turn their attention to another being, who flies into the scene with a body surrounded by a multi-colored spectrum of light. A colorful gem can be seen glowing on the man's right forehand. Landing to approach the trio, the man is immediately identified as Doctor Spectrum of Earth-31916. Warbird, Magneto, and Spider-Man look upon Dr. Spectrum with expressions of shock and confusion on their faces.
 * Exiles Warbird: "Oh great. And I thought we were about to get cozy."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Stay close to me. We don't know who these new arrivals may be and the threat they could pose."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Got it. (Mentally speaking) And you were the one who approached me first..."
 * ???: "(Sits down, looking at his wrists and costume) I am pretty sure I was in a cop car, handcuffed, just a few minutes ago... (notices Warbird and Magneto flying in the distance) Whoa, (enters combat stance) it's Magneto! And... Carol Danvers?"
 * Exiles Warbird: "Ease up, Spider-Man, he's with me."
 * Peter Parker / What If? Back in Black Spider-Man (Earth-90213): "Well, this is interesting. I'm guessing I'm in some kind of alternate dimension or something? 'Cause even though I can tell that you're Danvers from your hair, I don't know why Magneto seems to be a nice guy."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "How do you know I am a 'nice guy'?"
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "You're flying with Danvers and she's not complaining."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Believe me, we were trying to kill each other just a few minutes ago until he mentioned that he was the survivor of a zombie apocalypse. By the way, what was that thing about you being handcuffed and in a cop car?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "A tragedy has recently befallen upon him: something we don't need to know."
 * Exiles Warbird: "And we told each other what happened to us. (Addressing Spider-Man) Does it have anything to do with the black suit, Spidey?"
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "(Pauses) You can say that."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Whatever your problem was, you need not to be suspicious of us. Not even one of us knows what has occurred to us, aside from the fact that we are from different worlds and we are not in our homes."
 * ???: "Huh. So that explains I don't recognize most of your faces."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "Something about this guy just feels familiar. That thing on his hand''... I swear I've seen it before."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "I have never seen him, as well. But, this does not call for hostilities."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Uh, you don't happen to be one of the Squadron Supreme, do you?"
 * Joseph Ledger / Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum (Earth-31916): "Great. Just a few minutes after getting abducted by aliens and somebody knows the name of America's premier death squad."
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "You know, I was about to say that that was sarcasm, but remembering all the things we've done, I think the description fits us well."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "You've done a lot of messed up things, haven't you?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Now, now, Spider-Man..."
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "Quite a lot. Can't say I can free myself from being involved in a f**k ton of weird s**t, even 'fore I got this (displays his Power Prism) thing. By the way, aren't you supposed to wear red and blue?"
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "You know me?"
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "If that was you who we saw in Washington DC, then we may have met."
 * What If? Back in Black: "Nope. Never went to DC and met the Squadron Supreme."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Hey, I was wondering, are you that guy called Doctor... Light?"
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "Doctor Spectrum, actually. Hey, how the f**k do you even know all this?"
 * Exiles Warbird: "When I was with the Avengers back in the 90s, we fought against the Squadron Supreme for reasons I can no longer care to remember. The Doctor Spectrum I saw wore a fancy get up..."
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "Does he look like a rainbow?"
 * Exiles Warbird: "YES, EXACTLY!"
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "Oh, he blasted my head in DC."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "Hey, fellas, if we're done swapping phone numbers, maybe we should start discovering what the heck's happening with all of us now. Whaddaya say?"
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "This desert is infinite, boyo, and there's nothing but sand around here. My Power Prism has confirmed that. Oh, by the way, have you noticed how there's no sun in the sky, even though it look like it's twelve in the afternoon?"

The heroes look up the skies and notices exactly that. The typist and the unknown being also notice this.


 * Typist: "How the f**k did I miss that?"
 * Unknown Being: "Intriguing..."


 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Interesting. Wherever we are, we are not on Earth. Whatever the case is, I suggest we look out for other arrivals like us."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "That would be one heck of a mission. I mean, hey, this place is huge! Finding other folks around here is like finding needles in a haystack."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Or maybe we're meant to be the only ones here for the time being. I mean, look at us! We arrived just minutes apart from each other and found one another in no time. I think if anyone else was supposed to be dropped here, they would have found us here."
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "Sounds good, but there's still a whole lot of stuffs we don't know, so..."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "So what? Are we going to stay in this spot and wait ourselves to death, or what?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Funny you should mention that, Spider-Man. Somehow, I do not feel hungry or thirsty whatsoever."

The rest of the group concur and the two unidentified beings decide on another initiative.


 * Unknown Being: "Your ploy is working well, Timebroker. For this group, at least. The... other batch is... quite revolting, I should say."
 * Typist: "All of 'em will get their fair share o' trials and tribulations, Watcher. For now, let's give 'em a little... R&R."

The typist presses a button labelled with the symbol of a moon hanging over an oasis. Seconds later, the Desert Beyond Space and Time's skies turn as dark as night. As much as how surprised the quartet are at this turn of events, their shock is swiftly replaced by awe when they see a sky full of stars above their heads.


 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Quite a beautiful sight, isn't it?"
 * Exiles Warbird: "Quite a mystery, as well."
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "You know what's more mysterious? (Points somewhere else) That."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "Oh, snap. Well, I guess our arrival was expected, huh?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "This... is unexpected."

Meters away from where they are standing, a magnificent oasis appears out of nowhere. On one of the branches of a palm tree overlooking a pristine lake, four sleeping bags tagged with the names of the heroes themselves hang. In addition, a signpost with the words sleep tight can be seen near the said tree.


 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "I don't think we have any other options but to play along with this entire thing. Any of you sleepy?"
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "Honestly, I'm not. You?"
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "I'd kill for a good night's sleep."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "That sarcasm or..."
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "Just because I've killed a lot of people doesn't mean I'm insane, you f-"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Enough. We will rest in those sleeping bags for the time being. If any of you do not wish to do so, then stay put and stay together. We're still unable to comprehend what we are going through as of now."
 * Exiles Warbird: "You know, you're beginning to sound a lot like Cyclops."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Unlike him, I do not gargle my words or hunger for the flesh of the living."
 * Exiles Warbird: "(Sarcastically) Oh, right, everyone is practically a zombie on your planet. Yeesh."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "Hey, quick question: does anyone object to Magneto's leadership?"
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "Do you object?"
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "Aside from him being the former leader of a terrorist mutant organization? No."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "(Chuckles) I do not appoint myself leader, Spider-Man. But, if you have any bright ideas, I will be willing to let you lead the charge."
 * Exiles Warbird: "Hey Mags, you wanna give Spidey that piece of advice you told me earlier?"
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "What's that?"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Don't judge people according to what you perceive."
 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "Good thinking. Not that I recognize the folks you all know..."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "Fair enough. I wouldn't have known that you're a lead zombie movie actor if it hadn't been brought up, anyway."
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Very funny. Now, let us rest, acquaintances. We do not know when light breaks again, but it is well for us to recuperate our strength for the time being."
 * What If? Back in Black Spider-Man: "Man, you sound as if you're reading from a script!"
 * Marvel Zombies Magneto: "Oh, stop flattering me, will you?"

The four proceed to take their sleeping bags and lay them down in separate locations, but in sites where they can be in each other's lines of sight. Magneto quickly enters the sleeping bag with his entire costume (including helmet) on, as does Spider-Man, who sleeps with his mask half open. Warbird, using her own power, transforms her attire into a casual one before entering the sleeping bag and trying to clear her head. Doctor Spectrum takes the initiative to detect the safety of the lake's water with the Power Prism after setting up his sleeping bag. After scanning the lake with the Prism, Mr. Ledger decides to drink from it despite a prior warning from the Prism.


 * Supreme Power Doctor Spectrum: "(Drinks from the lake and washes his face) 'Temporal anomaly' my ass."

The panels return to the two mysterious individuals' perspective, who look upon Dr. Spectrum's deed with curiosity.


 * Typist: "You know, I can't tell if that guy is either stupid or pragmatic. He's drinking from a portion of the f*****g River of Time itself!"
 * Unknown Being: "To be fair, no one has told him or his 'comrades' about it, anyway. They still know not of our involvement. It is safe to drink from the River, right?"
 * Typist: "Oh great, you don't know about it, as well. (Ponders) They'll live. Now, how are the other folks doing, baldy?"
 * Unknown Being: "The... warrior woman you recruited tried to kill the others two minutes ago with extreme prejudice. Now, it appears, that they are sitting down, facing one another. It is a gesture of peace, I observe."
 * Typist: "Good. Let's see how good they are at killing things that aren't themselves."

The typist quickly types across his console's keyboard, pressing and holding the "Unhinge" button before releasing it. - The panels switch views to the Field Beyond Space and Time, where four distinct individuals can be seen sitting around a circle and looking at one another. Judging from the looks of it, every single one of them are somewhat tense. The panel later displays the faces of the individuals themselves, who all can be seen staring forward in silence as their identities are revealed in order: Nova of Earth-14026, Loki of Earth-94001, Silver Surfer of Earth-77119, and Caiera Oldstrong of Earth-7121.
 * Richard Rider / What If? Annihilation Nova (Earth-14026): "Alright, so are we good now?"
 * Loki Laufeyson / Lord Loki (Earth-94001): "I can never accept the fact that I, a god, was beaten by..."
 * Norrin Radd / Requiem Silver Surfer (Earth-77119): "Your schemes have been foiled by mortals for well over a dozen times, Loki. I know of this, even if I am not of your world."
 * Lord Loki: "Seal your tongue, Herald of Galactus! I, Loki, rul-"
 * Caiera Oldstrong / What If? Planet Hulk Caiera (Earth-7121): "Your rulership over 'Asgard' means nothing without any true authority, magician."
 * Lord Loki: "And what do you have, Oldstrong?"
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "I have killed lords greater than you, slain the smartest fools in the universe, annihilated avengers and defenders alike, subjugated Earth. and become one with my husband."
 * Lord Loki: "Become one with your husband? What does that even mean?!"
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Guys, can you please stop with the dick-measuring contest? We've got a bigger situation to handle here. Namely figuring out what the hell happened to us and why we are here."
 * Lord Loki: "(About to yell at and attack Nova, but cancels the act along the way, his trident still aimed at Nova) I have a great many outrages to unleash, but for now, I shall restrain myself."
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Okay, good. Now, how about we start from telling one another what happened before we all got here? Here, how about you first, Surfer? Do you mind doing that?"
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "No, I do not mind, Nova. (Stands up) I have -- or more accurately had -- been Galactus' Herald for thousands of years. I have witnessed the birth of stars, the rise and fall of civilizations, signaled the death of worlds, rode the cosmic winds, surfed through st-"
 * Lord Loki: "(Annoyed) Can't you just get to the point?!"
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "Very well. A Terran month ago, I discovered with the assistance of Reed Richards that my body was breaking down. After over a thousand years, I was finally beginning to die. I decided to make the most of my remaining life. I gave Mary Jane, a friend of the hero known as Spider-Man, the freedom of knowing the universe, before granting such a privilege to the rest of Earth, as well, even for just a scant few minutes. I stopped a pointless war of fifty generations before I returned home. I gifted my people a mark that could end wars and grievances, and when Galactus returned... (pauses) he told me to let go the burden of my flesh... and be at peace. That was when I saw nothing but darkness... before light illuminated my vision, and I found myself here in this... garden."

Nova looks up to Norrin with awe in his face, while Caiera stares at him blankly and Loki raises an eyebrow, expressing confusion.


 * Lord Loki: "So you were supposed to be dead?"
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "An accurate assessment, Asgardian."
 * Lord Loki: "Tell me, Surfer, do you mind returning to life? To once again embrace the burden of the flesh?"
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "(Pauses) No, I do not mind. I sense that I have been given a new purpose; a new life. This body of mine... I feel as if it shan't break down once again. How about you, Loki? Do you mind returning to life yourself?"

Nova and Caiera turn their attention towards Loki, who looks at them and Surfer back, puzzled.


 * Lord Loki: "Bah! I did not die! Unlike you, I was alive before I got stuck here with you clueless herons! I was... I was..."

Loki's eyes widen in disbelief as he remembers what happened before he was transported to the Field.


 * Lord Loki: "I was about to be killed by Thor..."
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "Who is Thor?"
 * Lord Loki: "Thor is my pompous adoptive brother who wields the storm and lightning as his instruments of oppression!"
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Don't listen to him. Thor is the noble Asgardian God of Thunder."
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "Who this 'Thor' is is a matter of perspective, Nova, and you are a fool for thinking that what Loki has stated of him is false. If I ask you of what you think of the Hulk, what would you say?"
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "He's a big green guy who likes to smash."
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "And what of Loki? What do you think of him?"
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "A trickster who has blighted humanity..."

Nova's response prompts Caiera to gracefully rise from her sitting stance into a combat stance, kicking Nova up. Before Nova can reach flight altitude, Caiera jumps back and slams him to the ground, choking him.


 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "You think those you call 'heroes' and 'villains' can be oversimplified into one sentence? Your very words offend me, human. It was well that I did not encounter you on my Earth. Otherwise, I would have killed you for knowing how much of an overblown, pompous child you are. You might be thinking that I am under Loki's mind control. I will tell you this: the Old Power within me does not allow for such a thing to happen. I will also tell you this: unless you have the opportunity or wisdom to relive the lives of those you encounter and understand their plight, do not judge them as anything but what you see or know from mere predilections. Understand?"

Nova struggles to catch his breathe, gasping for air even though he does not need any oxygen as Nova Prime. For once, Caiera's Old Power is actually counteracting the Nova Force's functionality, disrupting him. Fortunately, Nova's suffering stops due to Loki's words.


 * Lord Loki: "I thank you for what you have said, Caiera, but now, I must ask you to let him go."
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "He has learnt his lesson, and he shall not repeat such a mistake."
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "(Looks at Nova after looking at Loki and Silver Surfer) What say you, human?"
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "(Choking) Alright! Alright!"

Caiera jumps back and lets Nova go, allowing him to breathe once again.


 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Blue blazes! I didn't know you were that strong!"
 * Lord Loki: "Lady Caiera, I do not wish to take my chances, but why did you find it necessary to do such a deed?"
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "Earth's so-called heroes exiled the Hulk to space, saying he was a threat to everything and everyone despite his many acts of saving his world. After he had arrived on Sakaar, he liberated everyone from the rule of the Red King and united the planet as the Sakaarson. Then one day, the engine of the ship that brought him to Sakaar exploded, killing him and many more. Do you understand, now? Defining a person merely by how 'good' or 'evil' they are is folly and a judgment that lacks depth."
 * Lord Loki: "I concur, but I am not a hero, Caiera."
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "So? You have been saved from being delivered certain death by the brother you so hated. Your people see you as an unworthy ruler, but now you stand alone without any deserving to judge you. Knowing that, do you not wish to make yourself the best incarnation of yourself?"
 * Lord Loki: "(Brief silence) I am Loki, the God of Lies. You do not know me."

A longer moment of silence ensues between the four. However, Loki immediately breaks the silence after two panels of stillness.


 * Lord Loki: "But you have a point. I seek to be the best version of myself. One who is not to be tormented by a deathless snake for the rest of eternity. But I am the God of Lies, Caiera. Yes, I am technically free from my fate. But of who I am to become in this so-called 'new life' is up to me."
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "Good. Prove everyone that you are indeed who you claim yourself to be. But do not let them think that they are as they heard, saw, or witnessed of you."
 * Lord Loki: "(Smiles and speaks sarcastically) How wise of you to suggest that."

Just after that, the Silver Surfer suddenly boards his surfboard and hovers above the ground, seemingly detecting something.

Nova, Surfer, Loki, and Caiera all prepare for battle as sixteen flashes of light appear in the skies, dropping a group of Mindless Ones. Loki's description of the Mindless Ones is quickly proven wrong.
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Surfer, what is it?"
 * Requiem Silver Surfer : "My cosmic senses are going wild... it's as if a disaster is coming!"
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "(Speaks to the Worldmin) Worldmind, what you got?"
 * Worldmind: "It is critical you pay attention at this time, Richard. I'm detecting sixteen translocation signatures, seven meters away from your position!"
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Oh, great, we've got company!"
 * Lord Loki: "(Sarcastically) Oh dear, a warband of Mindless Ones! I wonder if the Dread Dormammu has anything to do with this!"
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "Who are these 'Mindless Ones'?"
 * Lord Loki: "What would describe the best, dear Caiera, and I kid you not on this one. They are brainless, unthinking creatures who possess incredible strength akin to your husband."
 * Mindless Ones: "(Together) Unthinking? We think not!"
 * Lord Loki: "(Sighs) They usually don't do that."
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "It matters not. Did you notice their speech pattern? They spoke in unison. That means that they must have a hive mind."
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "The more we eliminate their ranks, the more mindless they will become. That leaves us with no other option but to kill them all."
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Good thing there aren't any civilians around here. You guys ready to-"

Nova's words are interrupted when the Mindless Ones unleash a massive collective energy blast that blows away the entire group. In the aftermath of the blast, the four are seen laying on the ground with burn marks all over their bodies, groaning in pain.


 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Ugh... everyone alright?"
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "I felt that. That blast was potent."
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "So did I. (Immediately gets back on her feet) But they are not done yet, and so are w- wait, where is Loki?"

Loki, who in the previous panel can be seen laying on the ground with the others, suddenly disappears from plain sight. At the same time, the Mindless Ones, who were advancing towards the group, suddenly stopped. Seconds later, the Mindless Ones argue with one another.


 * Mindless One #1: "One of them has disappeared."
 * Mindless One #2: "It is the Asgardian!"
 * Mindless One #3: "He has infiltrated our ranks!"
 * Mindless One #4: "There are seventeen of us..."
 * Mindless One #5: "... united in the Collective!"
 * Mindless One #6: "Were there not sixteen of us?"
 * Mindless One #7: "The Collective makes no mistakes!"
 * Mindless One #8: "We know who among us is the impostor..."
 * Mindless One #9: "But we can do no harm to one another!"
 * Mindless One #10: "We can root out the shapeshifter!"
 * Mindless One #11: "But how? There is nothing wrong with the Collective..."
 * Mindless One #12: "We must examine each and every one of our souls..."
 * Mindless One #13: "Then it is decided."
 * Mindless One #14: "We will destroy the shapeshifter!"
 * Mindless One #15: "But what about the adversary?"
 * Mindless One #16: "Unity is of utmost importance!"
 * Mindless One #17: "We must strike them down before they destroy us all!"
 * Mindless One #1: "There is the impostor!"

The Mindless Ones immediately turn to the seventeenth Mindless One, who is standing behind them, blasting it with another combined beam. Nova, Silver Surfer, and Caiera observe with curiosity.


 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "This is Loki's doing..."
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "I sense that this is the best time to strike, my friends."
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Wait, we can't tell who among them is Loki! That guy they just blasted is definitely not Loki!"
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "I agree. He wouldn't be so stupid to let himself be known that early."

True enough, the Mindless Ones are unable to advance towards the trio, for they are still wracked with indecision.


 * Mindless One #2: "That was not the impostor... I can feel our united mind weakening!"
 * Mindless One #4: "This! This one is the impostor!"
 * Mindless One #1: "Impossible!"
 * Mindless One #3: "Two impostors?!"
 * Mindless One #10: "No! It is true that one of us has fallen!"
 * Mindless One #5: "How can thou speaketh like that?"

The Mindless Ones turn to the fifth of their number.


 * Mindless One #5: "This is preposterous! The Asgardian is dead! See? His charred corpse...

The Mindless Ones open fire on their fifth. True enough, the creature's form transitions to those of Loki, who can be seen burnt into ash within seconds of being blasted upon.


 * Mindless One #1: "There! It has died!"
 * Mindless One #3: "No! He is still alive!"
 * Mindless One #4: "Is he, though?"

The Mindless Ones unanimously decide within a split second to kill the fourth of their number. Preposterously, Loki's form is also revealed by killing it.


 * Mindless One #1: "Impossible!"
 * Mindless One #11: "Could it be that we all are..."
 * Mindless One #13: "No! We are..."
 * Mindless One #16: "... unstoppable!"
 * Mindless One #7: "We are weakening by these executions!"
 * Mindless One #9: "We are beginning to be dumber!"
 * Mindless One #6: "If we do not..."

Before the Mindless Ones can continue their conference, Caiera suddenly throws her sword, guiding it with the Old Power and decapitating the entire horde of Dark Dimension creatures in a single onslaught. The Silver Surfer flinches back in disgust while Nova screams out in disbelief.


 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "Enough of this charade."
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "NO! Caiera, what the f**k were you thinking?! Loki was still among them!"
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "You think he wouldn't survive that?"
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "You are annoyed by this little game he is playing. Ironic."
 * Lord Loki: "Ha! You were simply panicking over what you have witnessed."

Among the Mindless One corpses, Loki's headless body rises, standing and flexing before materializing his head in a puff of green smoke and reconnecting it with his body.


 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "That was disgusting!"
 * Lord Loki: "I may not be as strong as Thor, but my magical prowess is rivalled by few!"
 * Requiem Silver Surfer: "Loki, what did you do to the Mindless Ones?"
 * Lord Loki: "For a cadre of bruisers united by a hive mind, their collective intelligence is still horrifyingly simplistic. It does not take me long to take control of the hive mind and instill doubt, eventually making them kill themselves. If it was not for Caiera, you would have seen the beautiful results of my handiwork!"
 * What If? Planet Hulk Caiera: "It is inefficient. Perhaps, if we are dealing with a longer term situation, your tactic could have worked wonders."
 * Lord Loki: "You.. have a point."
 * What If? Annihilation Nova: "Okay, okay, now that we're done with the Mindless Ones, what are we supposed to do now?"

Nova's question is answered by the sound of the ground rumbling, heralding the arrival of an earthquake. Soon enough, a fissure opens up beneath the four. Despite their efforts to fly (except Caiera, who has to be carried by Loki), they are all sucked into some sort of void that the fissure leads to. Within moments, their disappear amidst the shadows and the Field Beyond Space and Time returns to its initial condition: a silent yet peaceful locale of infinite space. - TBA