The Coming of Galactus 2099UG #1

Deep Space

A million stars burn brightly in the blanket of space, like a million twinkling candles floating in a sea of darkness. Scattered among these stars, a billion lives of a billion races some only beginning their glorious existence as part of the universe others as ancient as the stars themselves. Out here drifting in the ether everything seems peaceful, beautiful, and pure. A closer look would reveal that this is not so - something is occurring out here in the depths of space. A call for action rings out among the planets - those old enough to remember that which angers them so. It is incredible that one tiny world among the vastness of the stars could provoke such interest throughout the universe - even more incredible is that the tiny world of which is speak is our home - Planet Earth.

The ancient peoples of the universe cry out for retribution against the taint of humankind - and God help us all... their call has been heard.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Arctic Circle

In the whipping, howling winds and flurries of snow which rage over this icy plain, the tiny building is nothing but a speck in a sea of whiteness. However, the primeval savagery of nature outside is a sharp contrast to the sophisticated luxury of the man-made compound within the building. The Stark-Fujikawa's Space Awareness Center is one of the most sophisticated and cutting edge plants in the world. Hidden out here in the icy wasteland, S/F's best astronomers and scientists have been probing the depths of our solar system and beyond for years - with limited success. That is - until today.

Niko Hasahama is the youngest of the fourteen scientists who man the desolate outpost. He was flown out here nine months ago, recommended by Stark-Fujikawa's top minds as their foremost expert on pulsars, quasars, and other deep space phenomenon. Niko had expected the job to be exciting and challenging - unfortunately there is little excitement in sleeping on his leather control chair with his feet up on the control panel - Niko's been on night-watch for the past month, he still hasn't quite grasped the concept. Apart from Niko's irregular snoring and the light hum of the equipment the compound is deathly silent - all of the other scientists sleeping comfortably in their beds.

The silence is suddenly interrupted by a siren which blares from one of the control panels, flashing green lights illuminate the room like a twencen disco. Niko, oblivious to the first action there's been since he's been here, sleeps on.

"Mr. Hasahama!!"

He is suddenly jolted awake by a loud voice in his ear, he looks up to see the yellowish face of the compound's holo-agent which the scientists jokingly named Newton. The hologram is a basic human male format with very little features - such intellectuals thought the previous 'Bambi' persona of the holo-agent was a bit juvenile (Doctor Neugent has her now - just for safe-keeping of course). Niko is about to yell at the hologram for waking him up when he notices the sirens and lights. Snapping fully awake he leaps from his seat and dashes across the room. His fingers dance over the control panel silencing the siren - as a holo-representation of our solar system appears on the panel in front of him. His eyes suddenly widen and his mouth drops open as he notices the large, vague shape hovering just above Pluto at the edge of the hologram. As he watches the blot slowly but surely moves forward toward the Sun - toward Earth.

"Newton, get me Doctor Neugent," says the young astronomer his eyes still transfixed on the hologram.

"I'm afraid he is sleeping, Mr. Hasahama," replies Newton in a bland electronic voice.

"Then wake him!" snaps Niko whirling around to glare at the holo-agent. Newton vanishes, and a moment later a hologram of a stout, bald, grey bearded man appears where Newton was standing.

"Do you know what shocking time it is, kid?!?" booms Neugent, wrestling to put his glasses on.

"Sorry to wake you, sir, but our probe...." Niko swallows the lump in his throat and continues, "It's picking up some activity."

"What kind of activity?" asks the Doctor brashly, a scowl on his yellowish hologram face.

"It's hard to make out, the resolution is kind of vague," replies Niko, "but it's big, and fast, and coming this way."

Neugent makes a noise like a rabid dog's angry growl, "You woke me for that?! It's probably a meteor or a comet - it'll probably melt or break up long before it reaches us."

"I don't know, sir, it looks kinda too big and spherical to be a meteor," replies Niko looking back at the holo-display.

"Look, kid, if I want your opinion I'll give it to you!" snaps Neugent. "Now, I'm going back to bed - and don't wake me again unless there's a shockin' Martian invasion!"

With that the hologram disappears, leaving Niko feeling somewhat dejected. He turns back to the holo-display and stares at the advancing blot with a sigh, "I got a bad feeling about this."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Space

Pluto - smallest planet in our solar system, furthest from the sun, a perpetual world of ice. A lifeless and desolate planet - devoid of any activity - why then is Pluto shaking like a frightened child? Perhaps it has something to do with the mammoth shadow which suddenly falls across the planet's dark surface. Far above, an awesome, gleaming metal sphere passes over its horizon, blocking out the sun's light as it continues on its path toward the sun.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earth

This is the Chicago Reserve, where all of the dangerous treasures which man has discovered throughout the years are stowed away for safe-keeping. A modern day Pandora's box of apocalyptic proportions. All of mankind's greatest secrets are hidden within the bowels of the Reserve, under the watchful eye of the enigmatic man named Herod. He sits in his darkened office, his fingers laced in front of his face, his feet up on his desk, pondering over the events of the past few days and where he should go from here. His somber silence is interrupted by a young man dressed in dark suit who bursts into his office calling his name.

"Mr. Herod, Mr. Herod!" cries the youth as he rushes up to Herod's desk panting.

Herod swings his feet down off the table and leans forward putting his hands on the desk, his dark eyes boring into the young man's. "All my employees learn to knock," he says, his voice filled with menace, "They often find it much ...... safer."

The young man swallows hard and replies, "S-Sorry, sir, b-but I have important news."

"What is it?" demands Herod impatiently, sitting back in his chair. "Speak boy!"

"O-Our instruments have detected a rather large object at the far edge of our solar system. It's moving in this direction at a very rapid pace. W-We also believe we have detected some kind of ....... life signs."

"Life signs?" muses Herod raising an eyebrow, a wicked glint in his eye.

"Yes, sir."

"How soon before it is within range of Earth?" asks Herod.

"We approximate it will reach Earth within four hours," says the young man.

For a moment Herod just sits still regarding the young man as if he had never seen anything like him before, a wry smile playing on his lips. Then the smile becomes a scowl and waves a hand dismissively, "This is of no concern to me. Let the Corps and the - heroes - worry about it. I have much more important things on my mind."

"Yes, sir," replies the young man, turning and almost running for the door, as he reaches it Herod calls to him and he turns around.

"Next time, don't forget to knock - I am not a forgiving man," hisses Herod.

The young man closes the door and Herod turns his chair around to look out the tinted widow of his office at the city below. Through the murky glass it looks like a dark foreboding place, just the way Herod likes it. He laces his fingers before his face again and grins. "Life signs. How very interesting..."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Space

The gargantuan sphere carries on its course, its path sure, almost purposeful. Its shadow falls over Saturn, plunging the ringed planet into murky darkness. Its outer shell glints in the brightness of the sun revealing ridges and lines on its metallic surface. It begins to look more and more like the work of some genius craftsman and less like the rough surface of a comet or meteor.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Titan

The control tower of Titan city - home of a race of demi-gods who have populated the satellite of Saturn for millennia. Gathered on the balcony of the tower is the current ruler of Titan, the enigmatic Krimson, and a few of his loyal Royal Circle. His loyal friend, and confidant, Fleet and Fleet's sister, and Krimson's one-time lover, Mia along with a robotic vessel of Titan's sentient computer Isaac.

"So, Krimson, are you having second thoughts about allowing the humans to set up their mining colony here on Titan?" asks Fleet staring down at the dome-shaped buildings below which make up the TitanCorp human mining colony.

"Perhaps, there are those who are rallying against the decision - not least young Cymin. However I believe it is a discomfort worth suffering for the dethroning of Isiah," replies Krimson, with his usual brashness.

"Yes, it was long in coming," says Mia sullenly, "as were you, Krimson."

He turns to Mia with a sympathetic look, putting his hands on her shoulders, "I told you I would come back Mia, I am here now so - - Arghhh!"

Suddenly Krimson drops to his knees grasping at his chest as intense pain surges through his body. Fleet leaps to his aid.

"Krimson, what is it? What's wrong?" he demands.

"The - - pain - urggh," Krimson struggles with every word the pain exploding in his chest, "The - crimson star - - to which - - my life-force - is - bonded - something - - argggh!"

Krimson drops to the ground at their feet, writhing in pain his body burning what energy his body has left without the light of the red star to sustain him.

"Isaac, what is happening to him?!?" cries Mia, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Before Isaac can reply a gigantic shadow consumes the sky above them and all light from the sun is blotted out. All of the citizens of Titan stare up at the sky as their world is filled with a terrible rumbling as the mammoth sphere passes over above their heads. The shaking of the ground and the rumbling of the sky goes on for what seems like an eternity before the massive shadow passes them by and the sun once again blazes in the sky above them. They watch the shadow's progress until it is drowned by the light from the sun.

Krimson ceases his writhing at their feet and a groan escapes his lips. Fleet looks up at Isaac who is still watching the sky where the shadow had been. "An eclipse?" he asks.

"I fear not, Fleet, not an eclipse," replies the robot, "but something far more sinister."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earth

Halo City, the home of every discard, degen, mutant, fringer, and outcast who ever strode the Earth under the oppressive fist of the 'ordinary' people. Here the celebrations for the coming new year are well under way in advance, the streets throng with people enjoying the flashing lights and sights of the big city.

However, within the anti-gravity chamber of the mutant known as Book the outside world is swapped for a collection of floating view-screens showing a tamer altogether more comfortable view of the world. The tall, grey-skinned figure is completely engrossed with the information flashing on the view-screen in front of him that it takes him a while to notice the awesome sight on the screen floating just behind him. Out of the corner of his eye he notices his screen which shows him a view of Mars, suddenly blotted out by a large moving shape. He turns himself around to look at the screen, his incredible mind sizing up and analysing what he sees on the screen. How very intriguing - it is much too perfectly formed to be either a comet or a meteor. A craft of some kind? An alien craft? Perhaps Timothy and the others should be informed of this. Just then a flash of information on the screen he was looking at previously, catches his attention and he turns back around to view the scrolling data. He looks back longingly at the view of the awesome craft passing over the surface of the red planet.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elsewhere

High above the busy streets of Halo City, a silent and somber figure crouches atop a tall building regarding the scene below with a almost regal air. His long dark locks hang about his handsome face, his eyes burn with fierce intellect as he stares at the crowds below. From his back protrude two large angelic wings which move rhythmically, enjoying the brisk breeze.

Suddenly his expression becomes a frown, his brow furrows and his eyes penetrate deep into the cloudy sky above. His wings cease their playful dance in the wind.

"What is this? Something terrible this way comes. A presence, the danger that I had been forewarned... mayhap the reason I am here? Yet I sense something familiar in the dark shadows which gather over the ConvenantHome. Terrible danger - I must warn the X-Men - Something ....... or someone, is coming!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Space

The awesome craft's journey from the edge of the solar system to high above Mars has taken less than three and a half Earth hours, the mammoth sphere has been travelling at an awesome rate. Towering with foreboding menace above the planet's of the solar system, but now - it seems to be slowing. The gigantic craft is slowing down, a feat impossible for any comet or meteor - to perform such a feat requires some kind of intelligent life. The awesome craft rumbles onward toward what appears to be it's final destination - the third planet from the sun - Planet Earth.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Haven

In a darkened and gloomy apartment stands a cloaked figure dressed all in black, his masked face hidden in the shadow of his hood. In his hand is a staff glowing with a strange ethereal light as he twirls it in his hand. The staff moves in his hands like something alive, dancing between his fingers as he lunges forward thrusting and slashing. He wields the staff with all the prowess of an expert swordsman, his moves are fluid - his hands moving quicker than the eye can trace. Such prowess is a must in his line of work - for he is Salem, self-proclaimed protector of mankind. Protector against those things which dwell in the dark recesses of the world, all that is dark and malevolent - all those things which are like him.

It is not often he has time for these practice sessions, he normally has a real live (or quite often undead) target on which to hone his skills. So he is not at all surprised when his workout is interrupted by the prickling of a magickal sixth sense... an urge within him.

"A disturbance, it's not like anything I have ever sensed before - it is not a magickal disturbance. A presence, an incredible presence, invading on every plane of reality. It's close and coming closer still."

Salem thrusts his staff into his belt and walks to the window, wiping the murky pane, he looks out at the darkened city of New Haven. There is not much celebrating going on in these dank streets, the new year festivities won't reach New Haven, this year or any year. What's to celebrate in another year of misery, poverty and despair?

"Hmmmm, maybe I won't have to get involved this time I don't sense anything demonic or magickal about this presence. It's just power, raw power - somewhat out of my league. Maybe this time it's not my problem, maybe it won't affect me."

Just then the sky is plunged into darkness and the light of the sun is blotted out by an awesome shadow looming across the land. The world is filled with a terrible rumbling sound which shakes the foundations of the building beneath his feet. Those in the streets of New Haven stop to look up at the sky awe-struck and speechless.

Salem on the other hand simply grunts in disgust, "This sort of thing is growing rather old..."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile

Timothy Fitzgerald stands in the Halo City center staring agape at the crowds which jostle about in the streets, shopping, or just plain loitering. He listens to the deafening sound of a million voices talking in unison not to mention to buzzing, banging, and humming of the New Year's festival decorations which are strewn about the Center Square.

"Just how the shock are we supposed to monitor this crowd?" asks Tim, bewildered, "There's got to be a hundred people out here."

"Try a thousand, Tim, I don't know how he expects us to control the New Year's festivities either," replies Krystalin.

Two white-skinned arms fall around Tim's neck and he feels hot breath on his neck. He turns around to look into the eyes La Lunatica, refugee from the Theatre of Pain, fellow X-Man, not to mention his main squeeze. "How about you an I go and enjoy some festivities of our own," she grins, planting a kiss on his lips, "What do ya say sweet thing?"

"No way Luna, you're not leaving me out here on my own to control this mob," snaps Krystalin, giving the tall white-skinned female a look of distaste.

"Krystalin's right, Luna, we're supposed to be the guardians of this place," replies Tim nodding responsibly, then he nudges Luna and with a wink he adds, "Of course later on - that's another story."

"X-Men!" cries a voice suddenly, a voice so powerful it drowns out the babble of the rest of the crowd.

The three mutants look up to see the man they have come to know as Omen drop from the sky to land gracefully in front of them, his majestic wings folding behind him.

"Archangel, what's up?" asks Tim.

"I have come to warn you... great danger looms on the horizon. The Earth is in dire peril, we must act now before it is too late," booms Omen, his voice demanding the attention of all present.

"What kind of danger?" asks Krystalin.

"I fear my recollection about the exact kind of danger is far from perfect. All I know is that the world is in grave danger, a threat from above. We must hasten to New York City and meet this threat head-on."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down there. We've got a city to look after here - we can't just go flitting off to New York on a wild hunch," argues Luna, her eyes cold and suspicious.

"Gather your X-Men Timothy Fitzgerald," booms Omen, ignoring Luna, "The fate of the ConvenantHome hangs in the balance. Something is coming."

Suddenly the Earth beneath their feet begins to shake and a thundering rumble fills the sky. As the dark shadow from the awesome craft spreads itself across the landscape, engulfing Halo City in darkness. All activity stops and every citizen in the city looks up at the sky.

"Holy Shock," breathes Tim.

"By Thor - " whispers Krystalin.

"No," hisses Omen, "He is here!"

The city is gripped suddenly in a deathly silence, not a whisper can be heard in the whole of Halo City. Tim is the first to tear his eyes away from the awesome spectacle, he turns to Krystalin and says, "Krys, go get Shakti and the others - we're going to New York City."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York

It is odd how, no matter the petty differences which divide us, when people are confronted with something which is different again those across the divide are united in awe and united in fear. The city of New York has never been so quiet since the day it was built, every person be they in Uptown or in the underbelly that is Downtown - they all stare up at the sky to this incredible thing which has shattered their every belief.

Then suddenly there is movement in the craft above the whirr of an incredible motor, among those below there is a collective intake of breath. There is a hiss which blows like a gust of wind through the city as a giant panel of gleaming metal , bigger than the Washington Bridge, slides aside revealing a blinding rectangle of light within. Those below raise their hand to shield their eyes against the light.

Then there, in the light, is a shadow. An awesome shadow. The figure of a giant. It's limbs bigger than a skyscraper. Staring out from the shadow are eyes, brimming with power and authority which make every man, woman, and child below shiver under their glare.

Then a voice, loud enough shake the world, a deep voice filled with menace, anger and power. The voice speaks and it says:

"I HUNGER!"

To Be Continued.....

NEXT: Galactus has come and he's hungry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



	Comments go here!!!