Alvin's icy warning humiliated Carol...
As someone bearing the hopes of countless people, Carol lowered her head in humiliation and said, "I represent 200 million people in India. I've come to seek a fair judgment."
Then Carol looked up at Raymond and said, "But this man, this despicable scoundrel, must pay for what he's done.
"He destroyed an entire race and caused countless conflicts in India, leading to the deaths of countless innocent people."
Alvin dug at his ear and looked at Carol contemptuously. "Wasn't everything I just said a load of crap?
"Raymond is one of my people. I'll give you one chance to choose your words again..."
Indignation flashed in Carol's eyes, but when she caught the faintly amused look on Alvin's face, she shuddered. Lowering her head, she sighed bitterly and said, "The 200 million people of India need to be treated fairly..."
Alvin waved a hand indifferently. "There's no point telling me that. I'm not the president of Earth. If you're looking for help, you've come to the wrong person."
Then Alvin patted Raymond on the shoulder and said with a smile, "If you need a political broker, I personally recommend Raymond. If you want to win fair treatment for your people, you'll need to offer the right bargaining chips.
"Oh, one more thing: Raymond only went to India because of you, and more Indians died because of you.
"And you should know what the Skrulls did. If you still think someone needs to pay for their deaths, then I suggest you get off Earth.
"Right now, Raymond is your savior. Do you disagree?"
As Carol hesitated, Agni, the Fire God, extinguished the flames billowing above his head. He stepped forward, pressed a hand to his chest in greeting, then said gravely, "Is this how the