"Now, tell me the identities and locations of every Skrull."
Hermione's voice was soft, yet carried an irresistible pressure. Talos's eyes instantly went blank, as though his soul had been sucked out.
"Beto has infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. He's a senior agent..."
"Pagon is posing as a university professor. He teaches at New York University..."
"Carl is a doctor. She works at a hospital in Los Angeles..."
Like a marionette, Talos mechanically answered Hermione's questions, spilling every Skrull secret without so much as a stutter.
Beside them, a chill ran down Sitwell's back.
The witch could even control people's minds?
Good thing I was smart enough to jump ship early. Otherwise, my eventual fate probably wouldn't have been much better than this goblin's.
Sitwell silently counted his blessings.
The move he had made tonight was probably the best decision of his life.
Sitwell couldn't help touching the Metal Bracer on his wrist again. Only then did he feel a little more reassured.
Late that night.
"Secretary Pierce has ordered us to take this alien away."
Heavy footsteps sounded in the corridor as Rumlow led several fully armed agents toward Talos's cell.
The guard frowned. "Sir, please show us the secretary's written authorization."
A prisoner transfer? We haven't received any notice.
"No problem. Give me a moment."
Rumlow made a show of searching his pockets, but his eyes kept flicking toward his men.
While the guards were distracted, the agents suddenly struck. Cold steel flashed, and the guards fell into pools of blood.
Inside the cell, Talos froze.
"What are you..."
With a click, the cell door opened.
The faces of Rumlow and the other agents twisted, revealing green skin and pointed ears. They were Skrulls!
"Talos, let's go."
Rumlow-or rather, the Skrull who had been posing as him-urged him on.
Talos