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"They're still alive, just dreaming."
"Dreaming..." Fury gritted his teeth. "Deprived of their lives, lying in coffins dreaming? That's truly merciful."
"Then what is your purpose now?" Fury questioned. "If you just wanted to live, wouldn't hiding in Chernobyl be enough? Why infiltrate the government? Why replace those high-level officials?"
"For the future."
Talos's tone was firm.
"We want to change humanity's perception of the Skrullss from the top down by infiltrating the leaders of various countries."
"We create public opinion and modify policies."
"The ultimate goal is to have governments recognize the existence of Skrullss and designate a legal permanent residence for us on Earth."
"When the time is right, we will reveal our identities. By then, humans will have grown accustomed to our existence, and the law will protect us."
"We will establish a nation on this Planet, integrate into its political system, and eventually achieve peaceful coexistence with humanity."
"This is my plan, Fury. A bloodless revolution."
"Motherfucker! You're damn well crazy, Talos!"
"If this method of yours succeeds, I'm afraid it won't be as simple as peaceful coexistence with humans, will it?"
"When you hold power and become the masters of this Planet... by then, I'm afraid it won't be as simple as 'designating a piece of land', will it?"
"Humans will become your second-class citizens, slaves! Or even worse!"
"This is called colonization, Talos. No matter what nice words you use to wrap it up, this is colonization."
Talos fell silent.
Perhaps he really hadn't thought that far, or perhaps in his subconscious, this was exactly what he wanted.
"I want to shoot you dead right now," Fury growled.
Talos didn't dodge, just looked at him quietly.
"Do it, Fury. If it makes you feel better."
Fury's finger was on the trigger, trembling slightly.
Twenty years of friendship, countless times fighting side by side.
It made him hesitate to pull the trigger.
Those million Skrullss were still there. If he killed one Talos, they would just elect a new leader. If the new leader was more radical, things would take an even worse turn.
Ultimately, he didn't pull it.
"Phew..."
Fury let out a long breath and lowered his arm.
"We've known each other for so many years... You indeed helped me a lot. I owe you."
He looked at Talos, his gaze becoming resolute.
"Listen, Talos. This is the last time I'm helping you."
"Now, there are only three things you need to do."
"First, immediately release those replaced humans. Send them back, by whatever means necessary, and let them return to their own lives."
"Second, stop all infiltration operations and have all your people withdraw to Chernobyl."
"Third..."
Fury pointed outside the door.
"...Come with me to see Homelander."
"Homelander?" Talos frowned. "That caped super-human?"
"Yes."
Fury nodded.
"Though I hate to admit it, on this Planet right now, he calls the shots."
"And, he already knows about your existence."
"If you let him strike first, your entire race will be burned to ashes! Even I won't be able to protect you!"
"Only now, before he truly makes a move, can you go and confess your crimes and follow his arrangements."
"This is your only chance to survive."
"Trust me, Talos."
"Compared to facing him..."
"...You'd rather face Ronan's fleet."
...V.G.D. Global Defense Headquarters, Strategic Command Hall.
A massive Holographic Globe rotated slowly in the center of the room, marked with dense data streams.
But at this moment, no one cared about those jumping numbers.
The air was filled with a tense and solemn atmosphere.
Vought's superheroes were gathered together.
Except for Wanda, who was currently tasked with guarding the God seed, everyone had arrived.
Whether they were former members of the Avengers or the old guard of The Seven, everyone's face was written with the will to fight.
"We're ready, Anthony."
Steve Rogers was the first to step forward. He had put on that deep blue tactical uniform again, and the Vibranium shield in his hand was polished bright.
"No matter what that thing is, and no matter if it's a so-called 'God'," Steve's gaze was resolute, a steadiness born from being tempered by countless fires of war. "As long as it threatens Earth, the Howling Commandos will be at the very front."
Bucky Barnes stood by Steve's side, with a brand-new mechanical prosthetic limb loaded with a Vibranium Mantis Blade and Nanowire—the result of Tony Stark working through the night. He cocked the gun with a click, "Whether it's HYDRA or an alien Planet, I just need to know where to shoot."
"Count me in." Tony Stark leaned against the table, his fingers unconsciously tapping the surface. "Though I said I'd stop being a hero for a while, I am Iron Man."
Meanwhile, Natasha, Banner, Thor, and other former Avengers responded one after another.
"Oi oi~"
A slightly exaggerated voice came from the other side.
Pietro's eyebrows shot up, a look of indignation on his face. He pointed at himself and then at the group of "The Seven" members behind him.
"I say, senior veterans, have you forgotten about us?"
"We are the official members of The Seven, Homelander's gold-medal partners. For a big scene like saving the World, isn't it a bit inappropriate to leave us out?"
"Exactly." Angela, Robbie, and Shabby also chimed in. "We want to go to space and see, too."
Two groups of people, one the veteran Avengers and the other the up-and-coming The Seven. At this moment, they were all looking at the man draped in the star-spangled Banner, waiting for his command.
Homelander stood with his back to everyone, listening to the passionate requests for battle behind him, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.
This feeling of being followed by everyone and being seen as the core was indeed intoxicating.
"I'm touched, really. Everyone."
Homelander slowly turned around, looking at this group of high-spirited heroes, and spoke slowly.
"I see your courage; it's the most precious quality of humanity."
"But, sorry."
"This time there is no 'we'."
"Only 'me'."
"Why?" Steve frowned. "One more person is one more bit of strength..."
"But, Steve. This time is different."
Homelander interrupted him. "What we are facing is not an army, not a group of alien monsters, not even a powerful individual."
"The enemy this time is a Planet."
"Its volume is even larger than the moon. In a battle of this level, numbers have no meaning."
Homelander pointed out the reality cruelly.
"You will only become its nutrients. Every inch of land there, every rock, even the air, is the enemy."
"If I take you with me, I not only have to be distracted to fight Ego, but also distracted to take care of you, to save you."
"That would tie my hands."
Everyone fell silent. They understood that what Homelander said was the truth. Before a colossus, their attacks were not even as good as a flea's.
"What about me?"