Changing Allegiance: S.H.I.E.L.D. Walks into the Trap!
Fury was actually quite tempted by Alvin's proposal, but—he wasn't stupid; they were both shrewd and experienced, how could he not understand Alvin's intentions?
To put it nicely, it was like sending charcoal in snowy weather.
However, to put it bluntly, Alvin was taking advantage of the chaos to seize power. Once S.H.I.E.L.D.. agreed to his "investment," it would be tantamount to cutting off his own escape route!
From this day forward, without the support of the Security Council, they are essentially bound to Alvin's chariot, with no turning back.
On the other hand, Fury personally admires Alvin's behavior and attitude, especially when dealing with "aliens" and things that may pose a threat to humanity. His solutions and intentions are often much better than those of the politicians.
This is precisely why Fury didn't immediately refuse.
"We need to think about it." After a moment's thought, the head of S.H.I.E.L.D.. offered a statement that left some room for maneuver.
On the one hand, he still wanted to try to gain the support of the Security Council. After all, no matter what, those few people, although they were insects, still deserved some respect, and he also wanted to show his subordinates what he was capable of.
"I have no objection."
Alvin shrugged, seemingly unconcerned, and said calmly, "I'm only helping you from a fellow human perspective. If you disagree, I'm free to leave this planet. As for humanity—well, I can only wish you well."
That's all I have to say.
If Fury and the Avengers still can't see the situation clearly, he doesn't mind. At worst, he'll just let the Avengers handle it. After all, with the "Sorcerer Supreme" around, the worst outcome would be nothing more than heavy losses.
That night, everyone was preoccupied with their own thoughts and found it difficult to fall asleep in their rooms. Steve, in particular, tossed and turned, his mind replaying the day's events. Every word Alvin had spoken felt like a sharp knife slicing through his heart!
Was I really wrong?
Steve stood on the deck, the cold wind blowing, trying to clear his head.
"Can't sleep?" As a Captain America fan, Coulson naturally noticed his psychological problem and followed him.
"I've been thinking about what happened during the day—" Steve looked unusually lost, sitting on the cold deck, letting the night wind whip his blond hair, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Coulson, was I really wrong?"
"I don't think you're wrong." Coulson shook his head, comforting him, "Your intention to protect the people is not wrong."
"So, you agree with me?" Steve asked, his eyes gleaming with hope, as if he had grasped at a straw.
However, Coulson fell silent, avoiding Steve's hopeful gaze, and sighed deeply, "No, personally, I agree more with Mr. Alvin's plan."
"Why--"
Steve's pupils dilated. He couldn't understand. Did no one else care about the lives of those millions of people?
"Mr. Rogers, from a soldier's perspective, you are undoubtedly very qualified." Coulson felt a little sorry for him, but he couldn't stand by and watch his idol like this. Besides, they needed Captain America's strength for the final battle to come.
This is also why Fury asked him to comfort Steve.
"Have you considered the chances of us reclaiming Loki, seizing Laufey's Frost Shard, and taking Loki back at the same time?" Coulson looked at the distraught Steve and said slowly, "Strength? Personnel? Intelligence? We don't have the upper hand in any area. Agreeing to Laufey's demands would put us on the defensive."
"I understand, I understand everything you're saying!"
Steve clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying, "But I just feel that it's so unfair that we did nothing and just gave up the lives of millions of people. No one is born to be abandoned."
"Yes, you're absolutely right." Coulson was calm, but also cold. "Have you considered what we'll face once Loki leaves? Most likely, the Asgard army, and the Frost Giants, those mythical beings!"
Steve remained silent, his eyes lowered.
Yes, he couldn't put it into words. This is a classic trolley problem, not something that can be solved with a few grand words like "believe," "think," "feel," or "friendship"!
"Mr. Alvin once said something to Natasha that I think is very apt for the current situation." Coulson seemed to have thought of something, a glint of light appearing in his eyes. "He said: 'There is no sacrifice too great to accept, nor betrayal too small to tolerate.'"
"We can certainly criticize him for not caring about the lives of millions, but—he has even less right to make billions of people around the world risk their lives to try a plan with extremely low success rates."
Steve couldn't sleep that night.
He thought a lot, from past wars to every battle against the Nazis, until finally, as the sun rose and the warm sunlight shone on him, Steve finally understood!
"Yes, so-called courage and friendship alone cannot solve the problem." Gazing at the rising sun, he became even more convinced that Alvin was absolutely right. "Only sacrifice can forge victory, and only by sacrificing a few can victory be achieved."
Only then can we protect more people!
At that moment, he understood!
"I was so naive before—" Steve's inner conflict suddenly cleared, a fierce glint appearing in his eyes. "There has never been a war without sacrifice. To protect humanity, this is a necessary choice!"
Everyone gathered in the conference room again.
However, the atmosphere was unusually heavy this time, because Fury brought the Security Council's final warning: Loki must be released today.
Otherwise... they will be disbanded!
It's hard to imagine what those parasites on the Security Council were thinking to make such a foolish decision!
Disbanding S.H.I.E.L.D.. and the Avengers —what's the difference between that and surrendering outright?
"Everyone knows what happened, now—let's share our thoughts." Fury sat in the chair, seemingly having lost all his strength.
He never imagined that the Security Council members could be so foolish as to agree so readily after being threatened by Laufey.
"There's nothing to say."
At this moment, Steve, who had been silent, revealed a chilling aura, as if he were completely different from yesterday. His voice was deep and sinister. "We absolutely cannot let Loki go. Since the Security Council doesn't support us, then we'll find someone who is willing to support us!"
Everyone was stunned by these words.
Looking at Steve's menacing face, they were filled with questions. How could his attitude change so drastically in just one day?
Even Alvin was shocked. He swore to the Emperor Lord that he really hadn't done anything to him!
Seeing the surprised look in Alvin's eyes, Steve smiled faintly on his cold face, "Don't be surprised, I should thank you—if it weren't for what you said yesterday, I'd probably still be that naive 'Steve' from back then!"
Having said that, he looked at Alvin with considerable gratitude. "I didn't sleep a wink last night, I kept thinking about what you said. No sacrifice, no victory—that's true for the Nazis, and it's true for those aliens too!"
"I agree." Tony hesitated for a few seconds, but trusting his friend, he nodded in agreement.
I agree.
Barton cast his vote in favor without hesitation.
He showed great appreciation for Alvin yesterday, so naturally he won't change his mind today.
Seeing this, Natasha and Banner, who had been hesitant, could only agree in the end.
"Heh, looks like—from now on, you'll be my 'boss'." Fury wasn't bothered at all; in fact, this suited him perfectly. Why bother cooperating with those insects when you could work with anyone?
And so it went.
Unbeknownst to many, S.H.I.E.L.D.. was forced into Alvin's clutches due to the Security Council's foolish actions.
"Now that the decision has been made, what's the next step—what should we do?" Fury and the others all turned their gazes to their new "boss."
"First, before the war begins—we need to go to a place." Alvin's lips curled slightly. He had wanted that place for a long time, and now he finally had the opportunity to openly and legitimately occupy it.
Where are we going?
"Africa, Wakanda."