Right in our own backyard!

*Talbot rushes into Ross' office with an urgent report from Captain Clendenon.*

I'm afraid I'll have to call you back, Miss Hand.

*Grabs Stark and practically yanks him to the floor.*

Keep that empty skull of yours down, Stark! They'd cut you down like ripe wheat!

I KNEW it! Feckless, hedonistic son of a bitch!

*Major Talbot quietly leaves the invitation on Ross' desk as the General yells at his phone.*

What do you mean he has to postpone?!

...

Important business engagement, my scar ridden ass! I swear, if I find out Stark has blown me off again for one of his bimbos of the week, there'll be Hell to pay!

Frankly, Sir, I'm still not sure what to make of them, myself. I don't know whether they're some-kind of superhero team or a cult, but I don't believe that they represent an immediate threat to national security. From what I saw, their offensive capability is quite limited.

That said, I would strongly advise keeping a close eye on them.

*Hops back on his tank*

Major, I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you.

Now, let's move out!

We were sent here to find out everything we could about this dome, Major. I'd say we've accomplished that objective. Have all units ready to move out for McMurdo station.

Don't thank me just yet, Mr. Pendragon. Frankly, I'm not entirely convinced you lot aren't a bunch of complete lunatics.

Still a soldier and scholar, eh Colonel? I'd stay and catch up more but I better get back before Talbot blows us all to smithereens.

*Salutes the Colonel*

Yes, Major, I'll be with you shortly.

Well, no one was quite sure what we'd find down here. The Pentagon wanted someone who had experience dealing with... unconventional opposition.

But how did you end up down here?

Well, I can hardly expect you to just nip up every Sunday from way down here, can I?. How are you, man? You're looking remarkably well preserved.

You bet we do!

*Vigorously shakes Stacy's hand*

Do I...

*Eyes widen*

Colonel Stacy!?

*Gives Arthur a look of what might be amusement, respect or some combination of the two*

Thank you for the tour, Mr. Pendragon. I think I've seen enough for now.

*Admires the Master Matrix control center.*

All over the world you say? So if "something big" were to happen in say... Paris?

*Takes Nick's hand*

Quite a set up you have here, hard to believe you put all this together in a few short months.

By all means, lead on.

Thaddeus Ross, U.S. Air Force.