Tony could only fiddle awkwardly with the instruments, but the readings on them gave him a huge shock!
"What a terrifying energy source! Who knows how many reactors it would take to match that energy."
Captain America had never learned exactly how much energy Tony's reactor contained.
But a single Arc Reactor could supply everything a small town needed to survive. As far as Captain America was concerned, having that much energy in one person was already more than enough.
Steve gripped his shield, ready to charge at any moment.
Tony grabbed Steve and held him back. "What are you planning to do? Charge into battle like you're on a battlefield?"
"Exactly. Look, that man looks a lot like Thor, and the one on the other side is this world's version of me."
Tony cut Steve off. "How can you be sure this world's Avengers are really on the side of justice? Don't tell me you haven't asked what the towns along the way think of them."
"But maybe there's been some misunderstanding..."
"I don't think you can judge whether someone is just by going on gut feelings alone, but those feelings can at least give you a useful basis. If so many people think the Avengers are bad news, that has to count for something."
"I think we'd be better off waiting and watching," Tony said gravely. "Besides, our mission is to witness the Phoenix Force's arrival. Obtaining it isn't mandatory."
"All right." Steve sighed and returned to their hiding place.
"The Phoenix Force is almost here!"
"How is that possible? According to my tests, it shouldn't arrive for several more days!"
"Could the mutants' appearance have strengthened the pull on the Phoenix Force?"
"Isn't the Phoenix Force the greatest divine power in the universe? Why would mere