Ten minutes later, James held a Skrull by the throat, its green skin glinting. "Turing, record," he said coldly.
"Recording, sir," Turing replied.
James faced forward, golden eyes blazing. "I'm Superman. These," he shook the Skrull, "are Skrulls, aliens invading Earth, able to mimic your family, your friends."
The Skrull roared, its face shifting through human forms. "Imagine waking up to find your loved ones replaced," James continued. "What would you do?"
"Recording complete," Turing said.
"Post to all platforms," James ordered, tossing the Skrull down.
Within minutes, the video went viral, sparking global panic and outrage. "Support Superman!" "Kill the alien monsters!" "They've infiltrated governments!" Social media erupted, governments scrambled, and citizens raged.
James's vision dissected the Skrull's cells—DNA, shapeshifting mechanisms clear. "Memory replication and cellular mimicry," he murmured. "They can even copy abilities."
Wanda approached, scarlet energy binding more Skrulls. "Next?"
"Space," James said, opening a portal. "Time to claim their ship."
They emerged in the Skrull mothership's command center. Adam floated, blue energy swirling, dozens of Skrull bodies at his feet. "You're here," he said, landing. "Survivors are contained."
James nodded, super hearing scanning the ship. "No stragglers." He touched the console, the entire ship vanishing into his system space.
They appeared in space, James's bio-field shielding them, though they could survive without it. Adam's eyes widened. "What was that?"
"A trick," James said, opening another portal. "Let's go."
Long Island Villa, Evening
James stood on the terrace, sunset gilding the sea. "Turing, invite Tony and the Avengers for dinner. I've got news."
"Invitations sent, sir," Turing replied. "Mr. Stark says he'll bring wine."
Wanda approached, red hair swaying. "What're you telling them?"
James smiled, gazing at the horizon. "Time the world knows its true guardian."
Night fell, the villa glowing warmly. Tony arrived first, two champagne bottles in hand, followed by Banner, Natasha, Clint, and Adam.
Tony pushed open the door, spotting Wanda at the dining room entrance, scarlet magic floating a perfectly seared steak to the table. "Whoa!" he grinned. "James's little witch cooks too?"
Wanda rolled her eyes, the steak landing neatly. "Think I only wreck houses, Stark?"
Natasha smirked. "Looks like someone found a hobby beyond blowing up labs."
Clint snagged an apple from a floating tray. "Fancier than S.H.I.E.L.D.'s delivery."
Banner smiled. "Safer than Hulk serving."
Adam crossed his arms, a rare grin. "Efficient."
Tony sighed. "Should've hired James as my chef."
Natasha stuffed bread in his mouth. "Shut it, unless you want to be a pretzel."
Laughter broke the tension as they sat. Tony mumbled through the bread, "Tastes good, but the delivery's rough."
James emerged from the kitchen with a salad, golden eyes scanning them. "You're getting along."
Tony raised his glass. "Billionaire charm, irresistible."
Natasha smirked. "Hope it saves the world."
"Enough," James said, sitting. "Eat first, then business."
They dined, the mood shifting subtly. James raised his glass. "To a new era."
Tony set his down with a clink. "Alright, James, what's the big talk?"
Natasha rubbed her temples. "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s a mess. Fury's gone, Skrull infiltration's worse than we thought."
Clint chewed bread. "Dropped a few hundred green-skins today."
Banner grimaced. "Hulk had fun."
Adam leaned back. "Your plan?"
James tapped the table. "Eat."
Tony rolled his eyes. "Classic."
Wanda giggled, floating a steak to James's plate. After eating, James spoke. "Fury's gone, but that's not the issue. An ordinary man controlling a superhuman team is unrealistic."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "So?"
"S.H.I.E.L.D. needs a new director," James said, eyes on Tony. "You."
"Pfft!" Tony sprayed wine. "What?!"
Banner nodded. "You're strongest. You decide."
Natasha and Clint shrugged. "No objections."
Adam added, "Same."
Tony pointed at himself. "Me? I'm a playboy, billionaire, philanthropist, inventor, occasional savior—not a bureaucrat!"
"Your father co-founded S.H.I.E.L.D.," James said. "You're the logical choice."
Tony raked his hair, standing. "I hate red tape!"
"But you hate screw-ups more," James countered. "If extremists run S.H.I.E.L.D., what's next?"
Tony sat, sighing. "Fine. I want full autonomy, budget control, personnel picks, and no desk job. Deal?"
"Deal," James said.
Natasha leaned forward. "Next steps?"
James's eyes chilled. "Root out S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Hydra and Skrulls." He waved, a hologram showing S.H.I.E.L.D.'s structure, red-marked names. "Especially Alexander Pierce, Hydra's top dog."
Tony whistled. "This'll be fun."
Banner frowned. "Kill him? Too extreme?"
"Efficient," James said.
Adam nodded. "I'll handle Europe."
Natasha and Clint said, "We've got headquarters."
Tony groaned. "What about me?"
"Be director," James said. "And scrub S.H.I.E.L.D.'s database for stragglers."
"Grunt work," Tony muttered.
James smirked. "Jarvis can help."
Tony rolled his eyes. "My butler's now S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secretary."
James stood, eyes sweeping them. "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s power is shifting. You're the enforcers."
Tony raised his glass, grinning wryly. "To the new era."
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