Nick Fury's lone eye widened beside him, his face twitching violently.
With just two snaps of his fingers, in the time it took to drink some water, Chen Xiao had remade a dying mortal into a formidable super-agent.
"Mr. Chen..."
Coulson drew a deep breath, bent at the waist, and bowed deeply to Chen Xiao.
"You gave me this life. Everything I owed you before, everything I owe you now-I, Phil Coulson, will remember it in my bones. From now on, anything involving Kamar-Taj..."
Chen Xiao waved a hand and gave a languid yawn, cutting him off.
"Enough. Spare me the empty formalities. Kamar-Taj isn't subject to the laws of the three-dimensional world. I'm just tired of those flies in suits sending requests for an audience every day. Once New S.H.I.E.L.D. is up and running, just do your job as the gatekeeper. Understood?"
"Understood, sir," Coulson replied solemnly.
Tony stepped forward and patted Coulson's solid chest. His tone was teasing, but shock and contemplation lurked in his eyes.
"Good, Phil. Very solid. Given that you're now in charge of the government's top security agency, I think the Avengers Alliance charter could use a few revisions."
Tony pointed at Steve, then at himself.
"We don't want the Pentagon and the World Security Council treating us like a SWAT team they can summon at will anymore. New S.H.I.E.L.D. needs a binding agreement with the Avengers, on equal terms. You'll also serve as the Avengers Alliance's strategic coordinator and executive director. We'll handle smashing the tough targets, and you'll handle signing and stamping the paperwork over the rubble. Agreed?"
Holding his toolbox, Coulson met Steve's gentle, trusting gaze and nodded firmly.
"I couldn't ask for more, Tony."
Just then, Chen Xiao's phone vibrated, notifying him that his takeout had arrived at the Sanctum.