Washington, D.C., Triskelion.
This magnificent building, once the symbol of the world's most privileged institution, still stood on the banks of the Potomac River.
Inside an office, Alexander Pierce leaned back in his chair, calmly watching the television.
A press conference was playing on the screen.
"...Following a thorough joint investigation by Vought Group and the Federal Department of Justice, we have confirmed that the series of accusations against former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury were all carefully fabricated by Skrulls who infiltrated Earth's governments in an attempt to dismantle humanity's defenses."
"The President has personally signed a pardon, fully restoring Nick Fury's reputation and revoking all warrants issued for his arrest..."
The broadcast switched to footage of Nick Fury shaking hands with President Ellis on the White House lawn.
Listening to the whitewashing rhetoric on the news, Pierce's lips curled into a mocking sneer.
Beep.
The office's electronic lock emitted a soft unlocking sound.
A figure dressed in black walked in.
Nick Fury was still wearing his ever-unchanging all-black attire.
Neither man spoke at once. They merely stared at each other across the desk.
"I saw the news," Pierce said, breaking the silence first. "Congratulations, Fury. You crawled back out of Hell again, and cleaner than a sheet of white paper."
"I'm surprised, Pierce." Fury gave a derisive laugh. "You're still sitting in this building. I thought Homelander would throw an old fossil like you into the Potomac River to feed the fish on his first day taking over S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Looks like Homelander has a higher tolerance for parasites like you than I expected."
"Homelander needs order, and I just happen to be best at creating and maintaining it." Pierce did not mind Fury's words. "Besides, Fury, we're both working for him. You're no better off than I am."
Fury