The Necessity of Heaven and Hell

At Ian's request, Black Box sighed—a very human sort of sigh, carrying the helpless resignation of I knew this would happen.

"Fine. Give me a few minutes."

As the crystallization of technology from the Marvel world, invading the network of a universe only required that much time. It was the ultimate fruit of a technological civilization's development.

"No problem."

Ian found a flat rock and sat down. The little Xenomorph had worn itself out chasing sand mice and ran back to leap onto his knees, curling into a ball. Little Dragon also landed on his shoulder, folding its wings and preening its scales with its beak. Sunlight shone over them, over Ian, warm and cozy enough to make a person sleepy.

He did not sleep. He closed his eyes and extended his senses in every direction. He felt the city in the distance—the skyscrapers, the endless traffic, the clamoring crowds. He felt the emotions of ordinary people—some laughing, some crying, some angry, some afraid.

Ian felt the pulse of this Earth, slow and steady, like a beating heart.

"Download complete," Black Box's voice rang out. "Technological data: forty-three thousand six hundred seventy-two files. Culinary recipes: eight thousand one hundred fifty-three files. Specialty product information: three thousand four hundred ninety-six files. All stored in your God Kingdom database."

Ian opened his eyes. "Anything special?"

Black Box was silent for a moment. "Yes. This Earth's energy technology is at least fifty years ahead of Earth in the DC universe. Their clean energy technology—especially nuclear fusion and miniaturized energy cores—is very valuable. There are also some materials science items your Construction Corps in the God Kingdom can use."

"And the food?"

"The food—mm—there's a dish called 'Star Flame Roast' that uses alien spices passed down by the Jupiter Family. The recipe is very