The old fox leaned forward slightly, looking neither at Captain America nor Tony. Instead, his gaze locked firmly on Lucian, his voice carrying viciousness and resolve that ran bone-deep. "You're all too naive."
Everyone turned to Pierce.
He straightened his collar and took half a step forward, staring intently at Lucian. He had long since gone over every word Lucian had said during the global broadcast, again and again. That young man's attitude was cold and ruthless, certainly not something a moral exemplar like Steve could sway.
Hydra believed in absolute order, and the first step toward absolute order was a purge.
Pierce swept his hand sharply and declared without hesitation, "On behalf of the World Security Council, I state that S.H.I.E.L.D. will fully cooperate with Vought International. Once the three-day ultimatum expires, kill every Skrull on Earth, radical or moderate! Grind their bones to dust and scatter their ashes. Not a single cell can be allowed to remain on Earth! Only by rooting them out completely can we secure true safety for all humanity!"
Having declared his loyalty, Pierce spun around and looked down at Fury, who sat in the steel chair, his venomous gaze carrying a measure of satisfaction. "As for our great Director Fury... harboring alien invaders and abusing S.H.I.E.L.D.'s highest authority! Nick, you're not just an incompetent spymaster. You're a criminal against all humanity! If you hadn't let the snakes through our door, how would the world have fallen into such panic?"
Tony snorted and twisted the knife. "Exactly. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s annual budget could build ten Helicarrier groups, but One-Eye spent it all handing out relief rations to alien refugees in exchange for intelligence. Fury, did they scratch that eye of yours out?"
In the corner, Nick Fury's face was as dark as the bottom of a