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Now it was Nick Fury’s turn to speak. From Talos’s opening remarks, he had already picked up on certain undertones.

The Skrulls were not an easy group to tame—but that was only natural.

For a people who constantly changed their appearance, infiltrated enemy factions, and lived under the threat of powerful pursuers, how could they possibly be submissive, waiting for orders in everything and afraid to make their own decisions?

People like that wouldn’t last three days—they’d end up hanging in a cage.

Not to mention, they came from a civilization far more advanced than Earth.

Fury had no intention of changing that nature or turning them into obedient soldiers who followed orders without question. He wasn’t a general, and he didn’t need blind followers.

What he intended to do was far more difficult.

"Friends," Fury began in a relaxed tone—very different from how he had spoken to Gravik. "The first time Talos and I met...

"Well, the first friendly meeting, at least—I believed that humans and Skrulls could build a strong partnership, based on fairness and mutual benefit.

"Because we both know we’re not the kind of people who are bloodthirsty, ruthless, and willing to do anything—no matter the cost to others—to achieve our goals.

"Of course, at the beginning, we probably did think that about each other. We just didn’t know each other well enough yet. Thankfully, we both proved we weren’t that kind of bastards."

Fury’s humor was picked up smoothly by Talos, who chuckled along. The uneasy Skrulls below gradually relaxed and joined in the laughter.

"But friends!" Fury suddenly raised his voice, drawing everyone’s attention back.

"What you’ve been through tells me one thing—the universe is dangerous.

"Earth, still behind in technology, cannot stand on equal footing with you, let alone fight an interstellar war. We don’t even have a unified global government. We’re divided into hundreds of nations—some allied, some hostile."

"Both Carol Danvers and I have promised to help you find a new, safe home. But that’s not something that can be achieved overnight. Whether it’s us or you, it will take time and effort.

"That’s why you’re here today. Why you’ve come to Earth. These are necessary compromises—for a better future."

"So here, I ask for your help.

"Help me reduce the conflicts on this planet. Help resolve meaningless disputes. By helping us, you’re also helping yourselves.

"Maybe you won’t be able to walk under the sun in your true forms. Maybe you’ll have to wear disguises to blend into this world.

"But I still ask you to stand with me—to work together for tomorrow, for a future we can all believe in."

---

As the leader of the Skrulls, Talos couldn’t speak at this moment—it would look like he was making the decision for everyone.

But his wife, Soren, had no such restriction.

She stepped forward simply and said, "I’m willing to help you, Fury."

As she spoke, her green Skrull form shifted into that of a brown-haired human woman.

"Thank you," Fury said sincerely.

With one person stepping forward, others followed—then more, until all the Skrulls Talos had brought transformed into human appearances, signaling their willingness to support Fury’s cause.

The King of Agents on Earth had officially stepped onto the stage.

No one would have imagined that such a title would be built on the foundation of a group of shapeshifters.

---

On the first day of their alliance, Fury had no intention of treating them like expendable labor and scattering them across the world immediately.

There were too many things to organize—assignments, communication channels, roles. Though he had prepared several contingency plans, only real execution would determine what worked.

So the first day—perhaps the last day these Skrulls would truly relax—was spent settling them in.

Good food, good rest.

Calling it a "last meal" before execution would be excessive—but if you wanted a horse to run well, you fed it first.

Expecting results before providing support? That was how you got failure.

Barbara Morse assisted Fury in handling the Skrulls’ affairs. She was familiar with them, having dealt with them before—regardless of whether those encounters had been friendly.

But she was no longer the naive college student she once was, tricked into doing black ops work while thinking she was officially employed.

She knew very well—Fury’s dealings with the Skrulls were completely off the books.

After spending time entertaining and reassuring the group—forcing smiles until her face nearly stiffened—Barbara finally approached Fury and complained:

"If it weren’t for your old man’s dying wish telling me to look after you, I wouldn’t be dealing with this mess."

Mention of that old man made Fury frown slightly. "Don’t use him to pressure me. Building my own network was his idea too.

"And these people were sent over by Carol. What was I supposed to do—ignore them?

"Better they operate under my watch than infiltrate Earth without us knowing. I’ve made it clear with the Skrulls—how many come, who they are—I keep track of all of it.

"If they break that agreement... well, an angry Captain Marvel isn’t something anyone wants to deal with."

Barbara asked bluntly, "When you find them a habitable planet, will they really leave? And can you even find one?"

Her distrust of the Skrulls was still evident.

Fury replied, "Anything the Skrull Empire can find, the Kree Empire can find too. That’s why they’ve been running—and the Kree keep hunting them.

"Compared to those two empires, do you really think Earth can discover a habitable planet neither of them has found?"

Barbara caught the implication immediately. "You think they’ve set their sights on Earth?"

"Even if not for immediate colonization, it’s probably on their list of options."

"Then why haven’t they acted?"

"Because of Captain Marvel," Fury said flatly. "What other reason could there be?

"Without her protection, they can’t stand against Kree pursuers. So they have to comply with her demands.

"As long as she remains important, they won’t risk angering her by targeting Earth."

Barbara narrowed her eyes. "So if her importance changes... their stance might change too?"

"Exactly."

Fury resisted the itch beneath his eyepatch and continued, "But that possibility is small. You saw what Carol can do—destroying alien missiles with her bare body, taking down an entire warship alone.

"Power like that is rare even in the universe. Talos and his people know it too.

"That’s why they’re holding onto her so tightly."

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