457

[Howard Stark]

"Hello, Director Carter." Forseti sat down, then said, "shield... ah no, the Strategic Science Corps took two of my friends, and I came here hoping to secure their release. I don't believe they've committed any crimes?"

"Indeed, they're both polite and law-abiding individuals." Carter nodded, then shifted the conversation, "But from what I understand, they're not from this planet, and I gather neither are you?"

Forseti didn't deny it.

Carter continued, "Therefore, even though they haven't committed any crimes, it's necessary for the Strategic Science Corps to question them. It's our duty."

Forseti interjected, "In a civilized society, apprehending individuals requires legal grounds, correct? Has the Earth government amended its 'Alien Entry and Exit Management Regulations'?"

Carter was momentarily speechless, but quickly formulated a response, "While there haven't been amendments, we do have laws governing aliens. You and your friends aren't Earthlings, nor are you American citizens."

Forseti pondered for a moment, "So, how does the U.S. government typically handle cases of illegal alien entry?"

Carter remained silent.

Typically, handling illegal entries would involve deportation, making the Strategic Science Corps' arrest of the Starkas somewhat unreasonable.

Forseti continued, "Since my friends haven't violated any laws, please adhere to legal procedures and release them."

"...Or perhaps the United States isn't a civilized nation, but rather a rogue state? If that's the case, then I may have to take measures against this rogue behavior."

As he spoke, he reached behind him, retrieved a bullet from his suit's bullet hole, and held it between his fingers, "By the way, your agents fired at me over a dozen times and ruined the clothes I purchased at your establishment. They need to be replaced."

With a flick of his fingers, a flame erupted, instantly melting the bullet into molten copper, sparking a blinding light.

Witnessing this, Carter's smile froze on her face.

As Director of the Strategic Science Corps, the precursor to S.H.I.E.L.D., Peggy Carter had encountered many individuals with extraordinary abilities. However, none had left an impression as profound as the flame before her.

This slender flame, no thicker than a finger, seemed akin to a part of the sun itself, carrying unimaginable energy.

Carter had no doubt—

If the man before her chose to, he could reduce the entire Strategic Science Corps to ashes.

She composed herself, attempting to appear composed, "May I inquire where you're from?"

"In a manner of speaking, I'm actually from Earth." Forseti extinguished the flame.

"What?" Carter thought she had misheard.

Forseti smiled, "I first arrived on Earth two thousand years ago and have spent hundreds of years here since then... Compared to most humans who live for only a few decades, I'm more akin to an Earthling than you."

"..." Carter was at a loss for words.

Forseti stood up, "Now, may I retrieve my friends?"

Both legally and physically, the Strategic Science Corps was at a disadvantage. Carter was in no position to refuse, remaining silent for a moment before conceding, "Very well, follow me."

With that, she rose and led Forseti out of her office.

In just a few minutes, escorted by Carter, Forseti descended to the basement of the Strategic Science Corps building. The area was heavily guarded, with security stationed at regular intervals, indicating it housed high-profile individuals.

They arrived at a secure chamber, where noises could be heard before the door was opened—clearly, several people were engaged in conversation inside.

Upon pushing open the door, Forseti was momentarily stunned by the scene before him.

Inside the chamber, Starka and Aletta were watching a color television—a rare sight in this era of Earth—with the classic film "Gone with the Wind" playing. They seemed engrossed in discussing the plot.

"Ah, you're back so soon?" Starka finally noticed Forseti and turned towards him.

"..." Forseti paused for half a beat, "We should return."

"Of course." Starka sensed the inappropriate nature of their leisure, politely stood up, and left the room, saying, "My apologies for the inconvenience."

As they walked, Forseti couldn't help but ask, "How did you get captured by human agents? Even though you're much weaker now, that shouldn't have been possible."

The Strategic Science Corps, precursor to S.H.I.E.L.D., lacked the advanced technology and hero support of later generations. Capturing the Starkas should have been nearly impossible for these agents, and if they did manage it, it would likely have come at great cost.

Aletta explained, "We recently received assistance from humans, so we couldn't retaliate against them. Moreover, the agents of the Strategic Science Corps harbored no ill intentions towards us."

Forseti said nothing, and the group took the elevator back to ground level.

Upon their return, a tall, slender middle-aged man with a mustache approached from a short distance away, holding a document in his hand. He strode directly towards Carter, his eyes locking onto Forseti in astonishment, rendering him momentarily speechless.

Carter regarded him quizzically, "What is it, Stark?"

Stark? Could this be Howard Stark, Iron Man's father? Forseti couldn't help but wonder.

It seemed plausible. From what he knew, Iron Man's father had been one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D., and he was also a friend of Carter's. His presence here was not unexpected.

"Who is he?" Howard Stark pointed at Forseti, his gaze still filled with wonder.

"A visitor from afar," Carter replied.

Stark hesitated briefly, then unfolded the document in his hand and extracted a printed photograph. It depicted Charles, Eric, Mystique, several mutants, and Forseti on the Cuban coastline, shortly after his return.

"These are the documents I just received regarding the Cuban missile incident from the past." Stark glanced at Forseti, his disbelief palpable. "Is this person in the photograph you?"

Forseti affirmed bluntly, "Certainly. I would think it's rather evident."

Stark exclaimed in disbelief, "New York is two thousand kilometers away from Cuba. Even with a supersonic aircraft, you'd still be en route. If this really is you, what brings you here?"