The Way of Cooperation

"Sorry," Phil Coulson, who had been sitting quietly to the side, finally spoke for the first time. "Melinda is just concerned about everyone's safety, Mr. Stark, Mr. Zod. We at S.H.I.E.L.D. don't have any prejudice against you. It's just, you know, your powers are too immense, so we have to be a little more careful sometimes."

His words, delivered without subservience or arrogance, made both Tony and Melinda feel much better. They exchanged a glance and, in unspoken agreement, fell silent and sat back down.

"Alright," Aeo Zod said impatiently. He and Bruce had been quietly minding their own business in Gotham City, waiting for Wayne Manor to be renovated before moving in. Suddenly, both of them received an invitation from Hill, asking them to visit the Washington headquarters. S.H.I.E.L.D. had some questions about security and cooperation they wanted to discuss. After Bruce considered it, they decided it was best to go, lest S.H.I.E.L.D. and the US government remain suspicious of them.

However, upon arriving, the one-eyed old fox and some other agents beat around the bush, never getting to the point. Annoyed, he interrupted them.

"You don't need to say anything else. I know you're worried about me, about us..." He swept his gaze over Iron Man, Captain America, and Batman. "Those of us with special powers. But since we exist, you have to face this issue directly, rather than thinking about control or restrictions, because..."

He said calmly but firmly.

"You will never control us!"

"..."

Every superhero, every Superman, possessed powers beyond mortal comprehension. These powers were their responsibility, their pride, and their unique advantage. Without these powers, they were just ordinary humans. This was unimaginable for anyone who had ever wielded such strength... And control, for those with power, was an extremely difficult thing to accept, as it meant the loss of their freedom! Without freedom, wasn't this power rendered useless? Thus, when the reborn person twisted the concept to encompass everyone, Iron Man and the others all wore grim expressions.

Nick Fury seethed inwardly but dared not admit it, instead arguing, "No, we never intended to control you. We just want a deeper level of cooperation. Yes, cooperation. This world is dangerous. War, conspiracy, viruses, poverty – any one of them could destroy our country, our civilization. This might happen even without you..."

He looked earnestly at the four known superpowered individuals present and said sincerely, "It's just that your existence complicates and amplifies the dangers, making it easier to cause irreparable harm... That's why we handle issues concerning you so rigorously..."

"On a personal level, none of us have any issues with you. Do you believe that?" The Black director looked at everyone with sincerity, using his remaining eye.

Aeo shrugged. "Your assurances mean nothing to me anyway..."

It was Iron Man and the others' turn to express their displeasure. "What did you say..."

"Listen to me," the son of Krypton interrupted them first. "I know that no matter how friendly or accommodating you or I act, you will always have reservations about me. This has nothing to do with trust; it's inherent flaws and shortcomings in your genes. So..."

"Why don't we be straightforward, Nick Fury?"

Aeo Zod said sternly.

"I can cooperate with you, but when I feel my interests and my freedom are threatened or harmed, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"When I have sufficient energy and development, I will not leave Earth! Whether you like it or not, this will not change! Do you understand?"

No one expected this alien youth's words to be so blunt. Not only was his attitude tough, but he even threatened war if Earthlings threatened his interests. How could the self-proclaimed world police, the Great American Empire, tolerate this? They slammed their fists on the table, shouting.

"What did you say!"

"You want war? Then we'll give you war!"

Only Bruce and Natasha had grim expressions but didn't immediately lose their tempers. One had spent time with the alien and knew he wasn't a warmonger; he said this simply because he genuinely didn't trust Earthlings. The other, with a complex background and difficult experiences, didn't have much faith in the Great American Empire, so they were the most composed, aside from the old fox Nick Fury.

As for the old fox Director Nick Fury, who had started this conversation, no one knew what he was thinking. But as everyone was verbally attacking the 'arrogant' alien, he coldly asked.

"Then what kind of cooperation are you talking about?"

"Director!" Melinda was anxious. She, along with Captain America, who, while not entirely disliking the alien, was more patriotic, said, "Is this person worth cooperating with?"

Director Fury waved his hand, stopping the commotion from his subordinate and Captain America. He looked expressionlessly at the son of Krypton. "Tell me, what can you offer in exchange for the right to develop peacefully within the Federation, within our world!"

Aeo smiled.

"Please allow me to introduce a companion from my homeland! A personal Smart Terminal, an AI Life, Eiffel!"

... ...

As they left the magnificent headquarters of S.H.I.E.L.D., Bruce looked at Aeo thoughtfully.

"You'd already anticipated this day, hadn't you?"

"Why do you say that?" Aeo was in a good mood because he had resolved one of the major issues in this life. He dangled the bag on his finger, containing his driver's license, social security card, passport, and S.H.I.E.L.D. consultant ID. "I wasn't hiding anything from you; you just didn't ask."

Aeo slyly twisted the meaning.

"..." Batman.

"Hey, isn't this good?" Not wanting to fall out with this super hero who was steadfast and determined to uphold public order, after a little trickery, Aeo looked at Bruce sincerely. "S.H.I.E.L.D. got what they wanted, and I got their assurance that they won't bother me anymore. We'll stay out of each other's way, isn't that great? Bruce, you have to understand, all I'm doing is protecting my own interests..."

Aeo's gray eyes were calm and sincere. Batman didn't know whether to believe him. After a pause, he shook his head. "I hope so..."

.