Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a typical day at Plumber HQ. The intergalactic police force operated like clockwork, agents communicated across galaxies, alien technologies buzzed in the background, and the constant hum of operations gave the base an air of both urgency and purpose. Among those stationed at the HQ was Rook Blonko, an ever-vigilant Revonnahgander who prided himself on his discipline and observational skills. While others might overlook the subtle changes in behavior, Rook had a keen sense for noticing when something wasn’t quite right.

And today, something about Ben Tennyson was definitely not right.

Ben stood off to the side of the room, staring intently at his phone. At first glance, he appeared to be his usual self, relaxed, carefree, and casually leaning against the wall. But Rook had noticed something strange in Ben’s demeanor over the past few days. The boy who typically radiated confidence and energy now seemed… preoccupied. His eyebrows were furrowed in concentration, and every so often, he would glance around as if checking to make sure no one was watching him.

Then, just as Rook thought he might approach Ben to chat, Ben’s phone buzzed. The sudden change in his body language caught Rook’s attention, Ben quickly glanced at the screen, a look of surprise and concern flashing across his face. Before Rook could move closer, Ben pressed a button on the phone and, without saying a word to anyone, slipped out of the room and around a corner.

Rook followed silently, moving with the stealth his training had taught him. He stopped just short of the hallway where Ben had disappeared, his sharp hearing straining to catch the hushed conversation. Ben was speaking, but his voice was low, too low to make out clearly. Rook’s ears twitched as he tried to listen, but Ben was careful, deliberately keeping his words inaudible to anyone who might overhear.

The conversation didn’t last long. After a minute or two, Ben hung up and casually returned to the room, his expression once again calm and carefree as if nothing had happened. But Rook couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. This was the third time this week that Ben had stepped away to take a mysterious call, each time with the same secrecy.

Rook narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. Ben Tennyson was rarely this secretive. He had always been open with his friends, especially when it came to their missions with the Plumbers. Whatever these calls were about, they weren’t part of any official business.

Deciding not to confront Ben just yet, Rook made a mental note to keep an even closer eye on him in the coming days. Something was going on, and Rook wasn’t the kind to ignore his instincts.

Bellwood had been unusually peaceful in the last few weeks, a rare respite from the typical chaos that followed Ben Tennyson around. But something was off. Despite the calm, Rook, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going on behind the scenes, specifically, with Ben himself. For the past several days, Rook had noticed odd behavior from his friend. Ben had always been the type to share everything, from battle strategies to trivial daily plans. But now? Now Ben was being secretive.

It started with the phone calls. Every time Ben’s phone buzzed, Rook watched him tense up, his entire demeanor shifting. Instead of answering like usual, Ben would mumble an excuse and move to another room, always making sure to stay out of earshot.

It happened again that morning. They had just wrapped up a routine patrol when Ben’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, and his expression changed instantly.

“Uh, I gotta take this, Rook. Important Plumber stuff,” Ben said, his tone dismissive as he stepped away.

Rook narrowed his eyes, suspicious. “Ben, I am also a Plumber. You can speak freely in front of me.”

But Ben was already halfway across the room, waving his hand dismissively. “Yeah, I know, I just, just give me a second. Back in a minute!” He slipped out the door without further explanation.

Rook watched him leave, a deep frown settling on his usually calm features. Something was definitely wrong.

Chapter Text

It was a rare moment of downtime for Gwen and Kevin. The duo had been running non-stop for weeks, dealing with Plumber missions, College classes, and the usual array of alien threats that never seemed to give them a break. But today, they were in Bellwood, enjoying some much-needed relaxation at one of their favorite spots, Mr. Smoothy’s.

Kevin leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink as he regaled Gwen with stories about the latest modifications he was making to his beloved muscle car. “I’m telling you, Gwen, with the upgrades I’ve added, this thing is gonna be unstoppable. Plumber tech combined with classic American muscle? No one’s going to stand a chance.”

Gwen smiled, rolling her eyes playfully. “You realize you say that every time you add something new to that car, right? It’s a miracle it still looks like a car at all.”

Kevin shrugged, smirking. “Hey, as long as it runs better, I don’t care how it looks. Function over form, you know?”

“Seriously, Kevin, if you add any more gadgets to that thing, it’s going to be more Plumber tech than actual car,” Gwen teased, taking a sip of her smoothie.

Kevin grinned, tapping his fingers against the table. “It’s called making sure I’m prepared. If something goes wrong, I’ve got a solution.”

“Or you’re just paranoid,” Gwen countered playfully.

Before Gwen could respond, the familiar jingle of the shop’s doorbell rang, and both turned to see Ben strolling into the shop. He looked as casual as ever, wearing his usual green jacket and sporting his signature cocky grin. It was a sight they had grown used to over the years, Ben, the hero of Bellwood and beyond, acting as if saving the world was just another day at the office.

“Ben! You’re just in time,” Gwen called out, waving him over to their table. “We were about to order you your usual smoothie.”

Ben started to wave back, but as he reached for his phone, it buzzed. Instantly, his smile faltered. His hand froze mid-wave, and his expression shifted from relaxed to something more serious, something Gwen and Kevin weren’t used to seeing from him.

Without a word, Ben glanced at the phone, his brow furrowing in concentration. He glanced up at Gwen and Kevin, flashing a quick, almost awkward smile. “Uh, actually, I’ll pass on the smoothie. I’ve gotta take this.”

Gwen blinked, surprised. “What? You’re passing on a smoothie?”

Kevin raised an eyebrow, setting his cup down on the table. “Since when do you pass on a smoothie, Ben? You’re practically addicted to these things.”

Ben didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he stepped toward the door, already lifting the phone to his ear. “Sorry, guys. I need to take this, I’ll catch up with you later.” Ben said, his voice tight.

Before either Gwen or Kevin could protest, Ben was out the door, phone pressed to his ear as he hurried out of earshot. The two sat there, frozen in confusion for a moment.

Kevin broke the silence first. “Okay, what the hell was that?”
Kevin frowned, watching Ben as he moved outside the shop and began pacing, talking quietly on the phone. “Ben never turns down a smoothie. What’s going on with him?”

“I don’t know,” Gwen said, her voice tinged with concern. “That’s not like Ben at all. Ben never refuses a smoothie, he always has time for smoothies.”

Gwen’s brow furrowed. “This isn’t the first time he’s done something like this. The last time I tried to call him, he said he was busy and couldn’t talk. I figured he was just tied up with something Plumber-related, but now I’m not so sure.”

Kevin crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair with a frown. “Rook said Ben’s been acting weird lately too. He told me Ben’s been sneaking off to take calls for the past few days.”

Gwen’s concern deepened. “You think something’s wrong? He’s been really distant lately, even when I try to reach him. He keeps saying he’s busy.”

Kevin snorted. “Busy? With what? If there’s something big going down, we’d know about it.”

The two exchanged a glance, and Kevin’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever this is, I don’t like it. Ben’s hiding something.”

For a moment, they both sat in silence, watching Ben through the window. He was clearly engrossed in his conversation, his back to them as he paced and gestured slightly with his free hand. It was almost as if he didn’t want anyone to see or hear him.

Kevin’s suspicion grew. “He’s hiding something.”

“We should talk to Grandpa Max,” Gwen said. “Maybe he knows what’s going on.”

Kevin nodded. “Yeah. If anyone can give us some answers, it’s Max.”

Chapter Text

The next evening found Gwen, Kevin, and Rook standing in Grandpa Max’s office at Plumber HQ. The office was lined with alien artifacts and mementos from Max’s long career, but also picture’s from his immediate and extended family, notably the picture of the Tennyson cousin when some day after discovering the Omnitrix was on his desk. It had always been a place of solace for the group. Max Tennyson, known to the Plumbers as Magistra Tennyson, was a veteran of countless battles and intergalactic missions, and his wisdom had guided them through more than one crisis. If anyone knew what was going on with Ben, it was him.

Max sat behind his desk, his hands clasped as he listened intently to his granddaughter, Kevin and Rook recount the strange behavior they had observed from Ben. As they spoke, his eyebrows furrowed, his normally warm expression becoming more serious.

“So,” Max said slowly after a moment of silence, “you think Ben’s been hiding something from all of you? And he’s been sneaking off to take phone calls?”

Gwen nodded, her voice tinged with concern. “It’s not just that, Grandpa. He’s been acting really strange lately. Taking calls in secret, avoiding us when we ask what he’s up to. He’s been distant. He turned down a smoothie, for crying out loud. Ben never turns down a smoothie.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “That is unusual, I’ll give you that.”

Kevin nodded as he added his two cents… “Yeah, that’s what threw us off. Ben never says no to a smoothie. Plus, every time we see him lately, he’s glued to his phone and sneaking off to take calls.”
He leaned forward, his arms crossed, “And it’s not just with us. Rook said Ben’s been acting weird at HQ too. Sneaking off to take calls, talking all hush-hush. He’s definitely up to something.”

Rook, standing off to the side, added, “I have also observed these behaviors, Magistra Tennyson. Ben is normally open and forthright, but he has been… evasive as of late.”

Max leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. His years of experience as a Plumber had taught him to trust his instincts, and while he believed Ben would never intentionally harm anyone, the secrecy surrounding his actions was troubling. But he couldn’t immediately piece this puzzle together. “Ben hasn’t said anything to me. We’ve had a couple of missions lately, but nothing that would explain this kind of secrecy. He’s been busy, but that’s nothing new.”

“You’re sure there’s nothing dangerous going on?” Gwen asked, her concern deepening. “No secret Plumber mission that we don’t know about? Nothing that would explain why he’s acting this way?”

Max shook his head slowly. “I haven’t heard anything. If there was a mission or an alien threat, Ben would have told me. He wouldn’t keep something like that from us.”

“But that’s just it,” Rook chimed in, his voice steady but firm. “Ben has been evasive for days. He typically shares his plans, but lately, he has been deliberately moving out of earshot when on the phone. It is… suspicious.”

Max’s brow furrowed further. “I don’t like the sound of this. But I know Ben, he wouldn’t be keeping secrets unless he had a good reason. Whatever he’s doing, he’s not acting out of malice.”

Kevin let out a frustrated grunt. “Then why all the cloak-and-dagger stuff? If it’s not a mission, and it’s not a threat, what else could he be hiding?”

Max sighed, leaning forward and resting his arms on his desk. “I don’t know, Kevin. But if Ben’s being secretive, maybe he’s working on something important that he’s not ready to share yet. Or maybe… he’s trying to protect you all from something.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” Gwen admitted softly. “But whatever it is, we’re not going to just sit around and wait. We need to find out what’s going on.”

Max nodded in agreement. “Just… be careful. If Ben’s involved in something bigger than it seems, I want you all to tread lightly. Let me know if you find anything out.”

The trio exchanged uneasy glances. If Grandpa Max didn’t know what Ben was up to, then something was definitely going on.

“We’ll keep an eye on him,” Gwen said firmly. “If he won’t tell us what’s happening, we’ll find out ourselves.”

Chapter Text

Two days later, Gwen, Kevin, and Rook found themselves sneaking through the high-tech halls of Plumber HQ, trying to keep their footsteps as quiet as possible. They had spent the last few days on edge, unsure what Ben was up to and too worried to confront him directly. With Grandpa Max’s words in mind, warning them to tread lightly, they had decided to take matters into their own hands.

They didn’t have to wait long. Just after a routine Plumber briefing, Ben’s phone buzzed again. This time, he quickly excused himself from the conversation and slipped down one of the side hallways.

“There he goes again,” Rook whispered.

“Let’s follow him,” Kevin said, determination in his voice. “Maybe this time we’ll catch him in the act.”

Rook, with his heightened senses and Revonnahgander instincts, took the lead. His movements were silent, barely a whisper of air as he crept ahead of Gwen and Kevin. Ben had been called to the Plumber HQ for a meeting that he had been vague about. They all knew something was off, and now was their chance to figure out what was going on.

The trio stopped at the corner of a hallway as Ben slowed his pace. He glanced around cautiously, ensuring he wasn’t being followed, before stepping through a doorway into one of the secure conference rooms. The door hissed shut behind him, leaving Gwen, Kevin, and Rook to exchange worried looks.

“I told you,” Kevin muttered, keeping his voice low. “Something’s going down.”

“I agree,” Rook added. “Ben’s behavior has become more suspicious by the day.”

“I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation,” Gwen whispered back. Chewing her lower lip thoughtfully, glancing toward the door. “We need to know what’s going on in there.”

Rook nodded and pulled out a small Plumber-issued device. “I can hack into the room’s security feed. We can see and hear what he’s doing.”

Kevin raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Not bad, Rook. Let’s see what Ben’s hiding.”

It took only a few moments for Rook to access the room’s internal cameras, linking the feed to their Plumber communicators. The small screen on Rook’s device flickered, and soon, the grainy footage of the conference room came into view. There, standing at the head of a large table, was Ben, looking unusually serious.

But that wasn’t what caught their attention. No, it was the people on the conference call displayed on the large monitor behind Ben that had their jaws dropping.

“Wait a minute,” Kevin whispered, squinting at the screen. “Is that… Edwin Grand Smith? Kai Green? Lt. Steel? And -holy crap, is that Azmuth?”

Gwen blinked in surprise. “What are all of them doing here?”

Rook’s eyes narrowed, his voice calm but tense. “Ben is working with some of the most powerful and influential people we know. And he didn’t tell us.”

The conference call continued, and their curiosity only deepened as they listened to the conversation.

Inside the room, Ben was addressing the group, his voice steady and focused. “Thanks for taking the time to meet, everyone. I know this has been a long project, but we’re almost there.”

Azmuth’s sarcastic tone came through first. “Almost? Do you know how much time and resources you’ve requested from me, Benjamin ? The level of technology you’re proposing is groundbreaking, unprecedented, even. I need more time to perfect the systems.”

Ben smiled a little, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know, Azmuth, and I appreciate everything you’re doing. But we’re on a tight timeline here. If we wait too long, we’ll miss the opportunity.”

Lt. Steel, his face stern and authoritative, nodded. “Ben’s right. We’ve secured the location, but it won’t remain off the radar for long. We need to move soon, or there’ll be too many eyes on the project.”

Edwin “Eddie” Grand Smith, wealthy entrepreneur and friend of the Tennyson's cousin’s, chimed in with a confident smile. “Don’t worry about the money, Ben. I’ve got the funds you need, and I’ll make sure the legal side is covered. No one’s going to shut this project down.”

Ben nodded, relieved. “Thanks, Eddie. With your backing, I know we’ll be able to get this done.”

Kai Green’s voice cut in, her tone excited but measured. “I’ve been working on the environmental and social integration plans. We’re going to make history with this, Ben.”

The group listening outside exchanged puzzled glances. Rook leaned in closer to the screen. “What is this project they are talking about?”

Kevin scowled. “I don’t know, but it sounds big.”

Just as they thought they had heard everything, a familiar, chilling voice entered the conversation.

“I’ve finished the defensive wards,” Charmcaster said with her usual tone. “This place will be shielded from magical and technological threats alike. But don’t expect me to be on call for every little crisis.”

Gwen’s face paled. “Charmcaster? Ben’s working with Charmcaster? What the heck is going on?”

Before they could process any of this, Kevin accidentally shifted his weight, his elbow colliding with the door. The loud thud echoed through the hallway, and the door creaked open just a little. The trio’s eyes widened in horror as they tumbled into the room in an unceremonious heap.

Ben looked up from his conference call, his face a mix of surprise and amusement. “Uh… what are you guys doing?”

Chapter Text

Ben looked up from the conference call, his face a mix of surprise and amusement. He muted the call but didn’t hang up. “Uh… what are you guys doing?”

Gwen, Kevin, and Rook scrambled to their feet, all of them flustered. Gwen was the first to speak, her tone laced with accusation. “We could ask you the same thing! What’s going on, Ben? You’ve been sneaking around, taking secret phone calls, and we just overheard you talking with some pretty suspicious people.”

Kevin, still brushing off dust from the fall, crossed his arms and glared. “Yeah, like, what’s with Charmcaster? Since when are you buddies with her? And what’s all this talk about a project near Mount Rushmore?”

Rook, more composed, added, “You have been acting suspiciously for weeks. We were concerned.”

Ben sighed heavily, knowing there was no way out of this now. He gestured for them to sit, though they remained standing, staring at him expectantly.

“Okay,” Ben began, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know I’ve been acting weird lately, but I swear, it’s not what you think. You guys are blowing this way out of proportion.”

“Really?” Gwen eyes narrowed, crossing her arms. “Then explain.”

Taking a deep breath, Ben leaned against the table and faced them. “I’ve been working on something big. Something good. I’m planning the construction of a new city, a place where humans and aliens can live together. Omnitrix City.”

The room went quiet. Gwen blinked in surprise, her arms slowly dropping to her sides. “A city? You’re building a city?”

Confused, Kevin said. “What does that even mean?”

“Yeah,” Ben confirmed. “Omnitrix City. A place where humans and aliens can really live together, side by side. Right now, aliens are confined to isolated zones or hidden enclaves. Sure, they’re on Earth, but they’re not really part of our world. I want to change that.”

Kevin, still skeptical, folded his arms. “And how do you plan to pull this off? We’re talking about a massive project here, Ben.”

Ben grinned, a hint of pride showing in his eyes. “I’ve got help. Eddie, Azmuth, Kai, Lt. Steel, and Charmcaster are all in on it. They’re helping me with everything, from funding and tech to defenses and integration. This isn’t just some idea. We’re actually making it happen.”

Rook, who had been quiet, finally spoke, his tone calm but concerned. “Why did you keep this from us, Ben? We are your teammates, your friends. We should have known about something this important.”

Ben winced, guilt flashing across his face. “I didn’t mean to keep it a secret. I just... wanted it to be a surprise. I wanted to show you when it was closer to being finished, but we’re still in the planning stages. I didn’t want to get your hopes up too soon.”

Gwen frowned. “Ben, we’re your friends. We should have been part of this from the beginning.”

“I know,” Ben admitted. “But I’ve been working with these people for months. I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure it would actually work.”

Chapter Text

Kevin’s suspicious nature kicked back in, his eyes narrowing. “Okay, but explain this, how the heck are you funding this? I know Eddie’s rich, but building a city isn’t exactly pocket change.”

Ben smirked, finally getting to the part of the reveal he had been itching to share. “Oh, that? I’m kinda rich, too.”

Gwen’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?”

Ben laughed a little, rubbing his neck sheepishly. “Yeah, I’m kind of loaded. Remember the whole ‘Ben 10 Live’ incident with Albedo? After that, i realize people started using my name and image without asking to promote their own business and product. I didn't want my face being advertised across the galaxy, so i trademark ‘Ben 10. I’ve been making sure anyone using my image has to pay up.”
“Retroactively, too.” he adds sheepishly.

Kevin’s jaw dropped. “You trademarked yourself?”

“Yeah,” Ben said, chuckling. “I had to, after seeing how many people were making action figures, T-shirts, and all sorts of stuff without my permission. I figured if people were going to use my name and face, I might as well get paid for it. So, I’ve been raking in royalties from all the Ben 10 merch out there and use it to fixes the damage I cause when I fight, and now this project too”

Gwen looked stunned. “You’re… rich?”

“Not ‘buy my own planet’ rich,” Ben clarified, grinning. “But definitely ‘build my own city’ rich. And I’m putting that money to good use.”

Kevin stared at him, speechless for a moment, before letting out a low whistle. “I guess I underestimated you, Tennyson.”

Rook, always practical, nodded in approval. “Using your wealth to build a city where aliens and humans can coexist is a noble goal. But next time, include us in your plans from the start.”

Ben smiled, a little embarrassed. “Yeah, something like that. I just figured with all the crazy stuff we deal with every day, maybe I could do something that would last longer than just saving the day. But you’re right. I should’ve told you guys sooner. But now that you know, I could use your help to make Omnitrix City a reality.”

Gwen smiled warmly. “I guess we owe you an apology. We thought you were… up to something more suspicious.”

Kevin, ever the tough guy, smirked. “Yeah, we thought you were planning world domination or something.”

Ben laughed. “World domination is way too much work. I’ll stick to city building, thanks.”

Gwen and Kevin exchanged a look, both finally understanding the magnitude of what Ben was trying to accomplish. Gwen stepped forward, her tone softening. “We’re in, Ben. Just… don’t shut us out again, okay?”

Ben nodded gratefully. “Deal.”

As the group finally began to relax, Ben unmuted the conference call, turning back to the monitor. “So, where were we?”

Azmuth’s voice crackled through the speakers, sounding as impatient as ever. “Are we done with the interruptions now? Some of us are trying to create groundbreaking technology over here.”

Chapter Text

With the truth finally out, Ben invited the group to join him on the rest of the call. Azmuth’s dry, sarcastic tone came through the speaker. “Are we done with the interruptions now? Some of us are trying to create groundbreaking technology over here.”

Ben grinned. “Yeah, sorry about that. We’re all good now. So, where were we?”

With the tension in the air easing, Gwen, Kevin, and Rook settled into chairs around the conference table. They were still processing everything Ben had revealed, Omnitrix City, his surprising wealth, and the major players he had enlisted for this ambitious project. Though the initial shock had worn off, they were now ready to hear the full details.

On the monitor, the faces of Ben’s allies, Eddie Grand Smith, Kai Green, Lt. Steel, Azmuth, and Charmcaster, were focused intently. Each of them was an essential part of the operation, and Ben had clearly chosen wisely. Gwen admired how Ben had quietly pulled all these powerful figures together without anyone noticing.

Azmuth’s voice broke the silence. “Now that your friends are aware, Ben, let’s continue with the specifics. You were about to address the construction timeline.”

Ben nodded, shifting back into his confident, leadership role. “Right. We’ve got the site secured near Mount Rushmore, and the initial phase of construction will begin within the month. Eddie’s company will handle the logistics of building the city’s core, with the infrastructure to support both human and alien populations.”

Eddie Grand Smith smiled confidently from his screen. “We’ve already drawn up the plans. State-of-the-art architecture, energy-efficient systems, and enough space for humans and aliens to live and work together. And we’ve got permits in place, so no red tape will slow us down.”

Kai Green chimed in, her tone thoughtful. “My focus has been on creating social programs for the integration of both species. There’ll be schools, cultural centers, and public spaces designed for collaboration between humans and aliens. We want to make sure both sides understand each other better.”

Kevin raised an eyebrow, finally allowing himself to get a little excited. “And the Plumbers are cool with this? I mean, a place where aliens are just… walking around? Out in the open?”

Lt. Steel answered him, his deep voice commanding attention. “We’re establishing a high-level Plumber presence in the city from day one. We’ll have special task forces to keep order, monitor alien activity, and ensure that the population feels safe. Omnitrix City will be a beacon for peace, but we’re not taking any chances.”

Charmcaster’s voice came through next, her tone tinged with annoyance, as always. “And the magical defenses I’ve set up will ensure that the city won’t fall prey to any mystic attacks. Don’t expect me to babysit, though. The wards should hold for decades if they’re maintained properly.”

Gwen, who had a particular interest in magical defenses, leaned forward. “What kind of wards are we talking about? Is this a full-spectrum barrier, or are you focusing on specific types of threats?”

Charmcaster rolled her eyes. “Full-spectrum, obviously. You don’t build a city for aliens without accounting for every kind of threat, physical, magical, or otherwise. I’m good, Tennyson, but don’t think I’m going to hold your hand through this.”

Ben gave a half-smile. “Thanks, Charmcaster. I appreciate your help, really.”

Charmcaster’s face softened ever so slightly. “Just don’t screw it up.”

Gwen smirked, impressed despite herself. “I have to admit, that’s pretty smart, Ben. You’ve thought of everything.”

Chapter Text

As the details of the project unfolded, the air in the room grew a little lighter, though Gwen, Kevin, and Rook still couldn’t shake the enormity of what Ben was trying to accomplish. They had fought countless battles alongside him, faced down intergalactic threats, and protected Earth on more occasions than they could remember. But this? This wasn’t just another mission, this was an idea. A dream. And Ben was determined to make it real.

Gwen leaned forward, her brow furrowed with thought. “I understand what you’re trying to build, Ben, but why now? You’ve had the Omnitrix for years. What changed?”

Ben rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes momentarily flicking away from his friends. It was clear that this question struck at something deeper. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but honestly? It’s because I’ve seen enough to know that fighting isn’t always the answer. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ll keep saving the day, and I’ll keep fighting when I need to, but… all these battles, they’re just stop-gaps. We’re dealing with the symptoms, not the cause.”

He paused, his voice growing more impassioned as he continued. “Look at the world, guys. Every time we save it, we stop one crisis, every time I defeat someone like Vilgax, or stop some alien war, but how much really changes? Aliens still live in the shadows. Humans are still afraid of them. And even though we know there are good aliens out there, people who just want to live their lives peacefully, most humans never get to see that. I realize we’re only fixing part of the problem. Aliens and humans might not be at each other’s throats, but they’re not exactly living together, either. They’re separated. Aliens are still forced to stay in hidden communities or go back to their home planets. Humans still think of them as threats.”

Kevin crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair, skeptical but willing to listen. “And you think this city is gonna change all that? Make everyone suddenly get along?”

Ben met Kevin’s gaze, his expression serious. “Not overnight, no. But it’s a start. Omnitrix City won’t just be a place, it’ll be a symbol. A place where humans and aliens can live together, side by side, every day. It’s not about forcing them to get along; it’s about giving them the chance to know each other, to see that they’re not so different.”

Rook, ever the idealist, nodded thoughtfully. “Integration, then. You are aiming for true integration, not just tolerance. Humans and aliens working, learning, and living together as equals.”

Ben smiled, appreciating Rook’s clarity. “Exactly. And we’ve already seen that it can work in small pockets, there are a few places on Earth where aliens live in human cities, but it’s never on equal terms. Omnitrix City is going to change that. No more hiding. No more separation. It’s time for us to build a future where species don’t have to live in fear of each other.”

Gwen’s eyes softened as she took in her cousin’s words. This wasn’t just about bricks and mortar, or even politics. Ben was trying to change the way people thought, the way they saw the world. And in her heart, she understood that this was exactly what the world needed, even if it seemed like a massive challenge.

“But Ben,” Gwen said, her voice quiet, “why didn’t you tell us about this from the start? We’ve always had your back, and we could’ve helped.”

Ben looked down for a moment, guilt flickering across his face. “I know. I should’ve told you sooner, but I didn’t want to drag you into something that might not happen. I mean, this idea? It’s huge, and I wasn’t sure it was even possible at first. I didn’t want to get your hopes up, or mine, if it fell through.”

Kevin scoffed, shaking his head. “Tennyson, we’ve fought alien warlords and saved galaxies. If anyone can handle ‘huge,’ it’s us.”

Ben chuckled, appreciating the support, even in Kevin’s usual blunt way. “Yeah, I know. I guess I just needed to prove to myself that this wasn’t some crazy dream. I needed to get the pieces in place before I brought you all into it.”

Rook, ever the calm voice of reason, leaned forward. “And now that the pieces are in place, you need our help to finish the puzzle.”

Ben nodded, his tone more confident now. “Exactly. This isn’t just about me. This city, it’s bigger than any one person. It’s about building something that’ll last. Something that can stand on its own, long after we’re gone.”

Chapter Text

Gwen, Kevin, and Rook stood in silence for a moment, processing everything Ben had shared. This wasn’t just a whim or a side project, this was Ben’s vision for a future where humans and aliens could live together in peace. A future where they didn’t have to keep fighting the same battles over and over again.

Kevin, ever the pragmatist, broke the silence first. “Alright, Tennyson. You’ve sold me. But just one thing, how exactly are you going to pull this off? We’re talking about a city for both humans and aliens. That’s a logistical nightmare.”

Ben smirked, glad that Kevin was finally starting to come around. “It won’t be easy, but I’ve got help. Eddie’s taking care of the construction and finances. He’s one of the best in the business, and with his company on board, we’re not cutting any corners.”

Eddie Grand Smith, still on the conference call, chuckled. “You’ve got that right, Ben. Omnitrix City is going to be the most advanced, sustainable city on the planet. I’ve got investors lining up to be a part of it. When we’re done, this place will be a model for the entire world.”

Kai Green, who had been relatively quiet up until now, spoke up. “And I’m making sure we don’t forget about the people. This city isn’t just about buildings and infrastructure, it’s about the community. We’re designing schools, parks, and cultural centers where humans and aliens can interact on equal ground. This is about more than just coexisting. It’s about truly understanding each other.”

Rook nodded approvingly. “You are creating a society, not just a space. That is an important distinction.”

Lt. Steel’s stern voice came next, cutting through the conversation. “And I’m overseeing security. We’ll have a strong Plumber presence in the city, along with advanced surveillance systems. I won’t lie, there will be risks. Not everyone’s going to be on board with aliens living openly among humans. But we’ll be ready to handle any threats.”

Gwen raised a hand, her tone more cautious. “What about magical threats? I know you’ve got Charmcaster setting up wards, but are we prepared for the kind of attacks we’ve seen before?”

Charmcaster, her face appearing on the screen, rolled her eyes. “I’m not exactly thrilled about being part of this, but Ben’s paying me enough to make it worth my while. I’ve already set up full-spectrum wards around the entire city. No dimensional breaches, no magical interference. I’ll even throw in a few extra surprises for anyone stupid enough to try.”

Gwen nodded, satisfied for now, though she made a mental note to double-check those wards herself. “Alright, then. Looks like you’ve got the bases covered, Ben.”

Kevin crossed his arms, still looking a little skeptical but now more invested. “So, what’s the next step? What do you need us for?”

Ben turned to each of them, his expression serious but hopeful. “I need you guys to be a part of this. Gwen, you’re the best when it comes to anything magical. I need you to work with Charmcaster to make sure the city’s protected on that front.”

Gwen nodded, her eyes lighting up at the challenge. “You can count on me.”

He turned to Rook, his expression growing serious. “Rook, I need your help managing the Plumber side of things. I know you’ve got the respect of the troops, and you’ll help keep everything organized.”

Rook gave a firm nod, “It would be my pleasure, Ben.”

Finally, Ben turned to Kevin. “And Kevin, I need someone who knows how to handle the tougher side of things. If there are problems, especially from people who don’t like the idea of aliens living with humans, I need you to handle it.”

Kevin cracked a smile, clearly liking his role in all of this. “Now that I can do.”

Ben looked at all of them, his friends, his family. He knew this was a massive undertaking, but with them by his side, he believed they could make it work. “This isn’t just my project anymore, it’s ours. Together, we’re going to build something that’ll change the world.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, and for the first time, they all truly understood the scope of what Ben was asking of them. This wasn’t just another mission or a battle to be fought. This was about creating something lasting, something that could outlive all of them.

As Ben unmuted the conference call and the discussions about logistics and planning resumed, Gwen, Kevin, and Rook exchanged glances. They had fought with Ben through some of the toughest moments of their lives, but this? This felt different. It felt like the beginning of something bigger.

Azmuth’s voice cut through the silence. “Finally. Now, let’s discuss the energy source you’ll need to power an entire city without drawing unwanted attention.”

And just like that, the work of building Omnitrix City truly began.

Epilogue

Months later, the construction site near Mount Rushmore buzzed with activity. Human and alien workers moved side by side, building the framework of a new city that would soon be the first of its kind. High above, drones and Plumber ships monitored the progress, ensuring everything remained on track.

Ben stood on a hill overlooking the site, his arms crossed as he watched the buildings rise. The city was still in its early stages, but the foundations were solid, and the vision was clear.
Gwen, Kevin, and Rook stood beside him, each of them wearing proud smiles.

They had helped make this happen, and the reality of Omnitrix City was finally taking shape.
“This is just the beginning,” Ben said quietly, more to himself than anyone else.

Gwen smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Yeah, but it’s a pretty amazing beginning.”

Kevin smirked. “You think we’re gonna need to fight off a few alien invasions before it’s finished?”

Rook chuckled. “I would not be surprised.”

Ben grinned, his gaze never leaving the city below. “Maybe. But this time, we’re building something that’ll last. Something that’ll change the world.”

As they stood there, watching the future unfold before their eyes, they knew that this was more than just a city. It was a symbol, a promise of a new era for both humans and aliens. And together, they were going to make it a reality