Chapter 24: Power Outage

Cecil! We've got incoming hurtling through the atmosphere!

What is it?

It's not a what, it's a her.

She doesn't look like she's from around here. She's gonna be trouble.

Well, so are we. Go see what she wants and make sure she doesn't get it.

This world courses with energy. And so much of it is being wasted.

It should belong to me and my people.

I, Universa, will siphon the power of this world, with my Staff of Leadership!

You come here and talk about taking what's ours? You'll have to get past us first.

She's down but not out.

Damn, she nearly took all of us out on her own! She needs to be stopped.

Donald, get everyone on finding her.

Yes, sir.

I've got a ping on Universa.

She's gone underground to get at the power generators under the city.

Go stop her for good this time!

She's not alone. I've got reports of Machine Head lackeys and clones of those lackeys helping her.

This power vacuum is forcing people to work with anyone, isn't it?

Universa is the only power vacuum I'm concerned about right now! Stop her!

I will not be stopped! I am Universa! My planet hungers for this energy - it needs it! And with my Staff of Leadership, I shall not be denied!

Oh yes you will.

Universa is heading towards the nuclear power plant outside of Chicago.

Do not let her reach that plant!

Invincible! Hey, it's me!

Allen?! What are you doing here?

What the hell is this alien doing here?

Uh, trying to help.

Don't you know who that is? That's Universa. The Coalition knows all about her. She's not someone you can just beat into submission!

But she might be someone you can make a deal with...

I'm not interested in deals right now.

It might be our only chance to stop Universa.

You all talk too much! Get moving, and stop her in any way you can!

Universa! Stop! Just listen to us!

I shall never cease in my quest for this power! My world depends on me! And I shall not fail it!

We understand your world needs power! But this isn't the way to get it!

I will get it and you all will die by the tip of my Staff of Leadership!

Listen to us! We'll give you the power!

...

We can share power. As you said, we waste a lot of it. We can give you enough that you can help your people, save them, while we work out a more long-term solution.

See?

...very well. I will allow you to give me power, people of Earth. And I will leave you for now. I will do what I must for the immediate survival of my people.

I guess that's a win. Whatever it takes to get her off this planet. Donald, you work with Universa to figure out the details.

Me?

Thanks for the help, Allen. Hey, uh... what were you doing on Earth anyway..?

Just doing my job... and my job miiight have given me a little tiny really small craving for Burger Mart, maybe!

By the way, while I was coming here, I noticed some strange activity on Mars. You guys might want to check that out.