Max Tennyson

## Maxwell "Max" Tennyson

* OA
* OS

**Maxwell "Max" Tennyson** is the grandfather of Ben Tennyson and a deuteragonist in Ben 10 and Ben 10: Omnitrix Awakened.

## Abilities

* **Plumber Training**: Max spent many years with the Plumbers before retiring, training to be one of their best recruits and eventually being a team leader on several missions. By the time Max retired, he was one of the highest ranking officers. His combat training during his years as a Plumber makes him exceptionally knowledgeable and skilled when it comes to combat and strategy.

* **Air Force and Astronaut Experience**: Max was an extremely gifted combat pilot in the United States Air Force, which eventually made him the prime candidate for NASA's space program. Max spent several years preparing to traverse space, originally intending to be the first man on the moon. This goal was short-lived, however, as Max was soon recruited by the Plumbers after they saw his skill, forcing him to choose between his aspirations with NASA and a greater purpose.

* **Technological Know-How**: Max understands the ins and outs of alien technology, having encountered hundreds of different kinds of tech over the years. While his knowledge is limited to technology he encountered while with the Plumbers, Max is capable of thinking on his feet, never underestimating how useful or dangerous a new piece of tech can truly be, and never being afraid to tinker or experiment.

* **Alien Knowledge**: While his years as a Plumber had him encounter a vast number of alien species threatening the Earth, it's what Max did during his off-duty hours that really let him explore the galaxy. Max often took short vacations with his romantic partner at the time, Xylene, exploring worlds and environments that he never could have dreamed of. It's during these vacations and trips that Max had a newer appreciation for life across the universe, seeing aliens not just as threats, but as people.

* **Strong Leader**: With Max's incredible portfolio and experience, it's no surprise that he is also a cunning and charismatic leader. His ability to form bonds and relationships with almost anyone is thanks to no lack of talent, and his ability to lead comes naturally. Whether it be his fellow soldiers or simply his grand-kids, Max has always stood out as a prime example of what a leader should be. After his disappearance, his absence was clearly felt by all, forcing Ben to step up as a successor to the leadership Max once provided.

* **Exotic Chef**: With all his years in space, Max picked up a few recipes along the way. His taste for Earth-based food has diminished over the years, much preferring savory meals straight out of science fiction.

## Weaknesses

* **Old Age**: Max isn't in his prime, and that's a fact that he struggles to accept. The glory days truly are behind him, forcing him to come up with new, out-of-the-box ways to finish a mission.

* **Family**: Max's family, and in particular, Ben and Gwen, are the dearest things that Max has in his life. He is willing to put his life on the line to see them safe, no matter the cost or sacrifice necessary.

## History

* **1945**: Max was born during the Summer of that year.

* **2005 (OS)**: In the Summer of 2005, Max was forced to leave retirement due to his grandson's discovery of the Omnitrix. During this Summer, he met many people from his past such as his former partner, turned criminal Phil Livingston and Xylene, an old flame of his, all while trying to instill in his grandchildren the right values. The events of the **Original Series (OS)** and the movie **Secret of the Omnitrix (SotO)** took place during that same Summer.

* **2010 (OA)**: Max disappeared in the March of 2010, following his investigation of a string of disappearances, which led him to discover the plot of the Highbreed.