Reconciliation

Chapter 10

“Making the Choice”

Ben had hoped to get some good advice from his grandmother and Azmuth and had no idea that they had a history.

As it turned out they each had laid out the choices he already knew he had.

This whole trip was turning into a big disappointment, he phased through the hull and sat outside pondering his options for a while. In this form, he was able to live without benefit of a spacesuit in vacuum for a short time.

They had both made their opinions clear, even though Azmuth’s sounded more like an order than an opinion. But Ben knew that for all his thorny exterior, Azmuth actually did care what happened what happened to him.

He noticed the omnitrix flashing, it wasn’t because it was about to time out but because someone was trying to call him. Of course, out here, no sounds could be heard. Decision made, he phased back through the hull.

“Ben,” exclaimed Kevin and Gwen. She clasped him in a hug, while Kevin clapped a hand on his shoulder, “Don’t ever do that to me again, Ben.”

“To you, Kevin?”

“I... I meant us,” Kev said quickly trying to back pedal.

Gwen cocked her eyebrow in that particular way she had when she didn’t quite believe someone.

“I’ve decided to go back and help Albedo with his problem, and I know you guys each have problems with idea, so let’s hear ‘em.”

“I still think he’s trying to manipulate you Ben,” his cousin said, “You shouldn’t trust him.”

“Gwen is right Ben, Albedo cannot be trusted, and you must not attempt to create a Human/Galvan hybrid with him” said Rook.

“I think you guys are overlooking the real issue here,” Kevin said, now adding his two cents, “To make this whole thing happen, if it’s even possible, Ben is going to have to sleep with Albedo!”

“We don’t actually know if that’s what’s going to have to happen, Kev.” Ben explained, hoping he was right about that.

“It could be something as simple as a blood transfusion, right Rook?”

“I am not sure, Ben.”

“Well, when we get back to Earth, I’m going back in there to talk to him and find out exactly what he needs me to do, and I won’t disable the mikes this time. Everyone will be able to see and hear what’s happening.”

“So, you have made your decision Ben Tennyson,” Azmuth said, once again appearing out of nowhere.

“I haven’t decided anything yet, Azmuth,” Ben explained, “But I think I am going to give Albedo the help he needs.”

“I expected you would Ben, that is why I have asked your companions to carefully observe all of Albedo’s behavior while he is with you, if his doing anything that could be harmful to you they are to intervene.”

“Alright fair enough Azmuth.” With that the creator of the Omnitrix once again disappeared.

They landed back in the hangar at the Plumber’s base a few days later, and were greeted by Max Tennyson.

“Grandpa,” Gwen and Ben exclaimed rushing to him. Even though they were now young adults, every moment with their grandfather was a gift to be cherished.

“Grandpa, I’ve decided, I’m going to help him.”

“Are you really sure about this Ben?”

“I am, Grandma Verdona and Azmuth actually got into an argument over this but eventually they saw eye to eye, sort of.”

“I’ve decided to give Albedo the help he needs, if he needs to reproduce to survive, and if they’re my kids, so be it.”

“Alright Ben I’ll arrange Albedo’s transfer to a Plumber safe house well outside of town. It’ll have security measures, you’ll be able to come and go but he won’t.”

He looked to his team-mates, Gwen and Rook were nodding their heads yes; Kevin shook his head no.

“Sorry, Kev but my minds made up,” Ben told him.

“Fine just watch your back”

“I will Kevin”