The Plan Begins

Half an hour earlier, Earth, some unknown small sanatorium.

Asgard's prince, the valiant Thor, stared blankly at Richard, who had suddenly appeared before him a dozen seconds earlier. "What did you just... say?"

"I said I might need your help," Richard said. "I just came back from the other side of the universe, and there's a situation... some things that aren't easy for me to handle alone. I need your help."

"Of course, of course, no problem." Thor nodded, then asked doubtfully, "But what do you need me to help with? Or rather... what can I help with?"

Thor was the typical sort of friend who would take a blade in the ribs for you. You only had to tell him you were in trouble; you did not even need to tell him what kind of trouble it was, and he would gladly help.

But even as Thor agreed, he was somewhat suspicious. If Stark or another Avenger had asked for his help, that would have been one thing. But if it was Richard, he could not imagine what use he could possibly be.

In Thor's mind, Ultraman was practically synonymous with omnipotence, especially after even his own father had been defeated by him. If even Richard could not handle something, what good would Thor be?

"It's fine. I already have a plan; I just need an assistant," Richard said. "If you're free now, we should get moving right away. I'll tell you the details on the way."

"No problem. But wait a moment. I need to let my father know first."

Come to think of it, Thor had specifically come to Earth today to keep his stubborn old man company.

Thor turned around. "Father, I need to head out for a bit. Richard needs my help with something. I'll