A/N: Now everything is a bit different since I added a few new characters and so if you want to know this isn't the same exact episode as it said In the title chapter if you watch the series you'll see Thor Destroy the Satellites and save everyone.
Meanwhile on Earth...
At a covert AIM facility on Earth, preparations were underway for the most ambitious project that was masterminded by their very own Scientist Supreme.
Nearly a dozen yellow-suited drones manned computer terminals and data consoles as the images of multiple satellites orbiting the planet appeared on monitors before them.
Drone: Sir, the satellite at coordinates C-Twenty-One has been hacked.
A drone reported.
Drone: G-Zero-Five is ready, sir. That's the last one.
Another announced.
Drone: The planet's entire satellite array is AIM's, at your command.
From his position above, the Scientist Supreme oversaw the mission.
Scientist Supreme: Excellent.
Lyle Getz mused in a satisfied tone.
Drone: Scientist Supreme.
a drone called out as he approaced with a clipboard in hand.
Drone: I was running the numbers on these frequencies.
Scientist Supreme: And?
Drone: Once the satellite array we've modified is activated, it'll wipe out every human on the planet.
The drone stated worriedly.
Drone: Everyone. There's no defence against it.
Lyle seemed undisturbed by the evaluation, turning and walking as if nothing were wrong with that analysis.
Scientist Supreme: That is correct.
He affirmed. Now the drone was really worried.
Drone: But... won't we get wiped out, too?
He asked as Lyle pulled off his helmet.
Scientist Supreme. Yes.
Was all Lyle had to say, turning around and aiming a handgun at the drone. He wasted no time pulling the trigger, shooting the drone point blank and knocking his body off the observation deck and down into the terminals below. Showing no hesitation, Lyle proceeded to gun down the other AIM drones, shooting them one by one until their bodies lay still on the floor of the observatory. With his grisly work completed, his face began to transform, morphing like clay from the appearance of Lyle Getz into his true form: that of Skrull agent X'iv.
Agent X'iv: As it is written.
The alien pronounced.
Around the Planet...
We see that the Skrull plan was coming to fruition.
Aboard Damocles Base orbiting the Earth, Agent Jaketch in the guise of SWORD director Henry Gyrich took command of the chronal drive deep within the inner workings of the confiscated warship, priming it to detonate in three minutes.
Down on the planet below, Agent Pitt'o Nili in the guise of Captain America planted explosives through the lower levels of Avengers Mansion in all the important wings the superhero team made good use of.
Within the Baxter Building, Agent De'Lila in the guise of the Invisible Woman accessed the building's particle generator in the lab of Reed Richards, priming a quantum surge set to go off in three minutes.
In the skies over New York, Agent Kreddik in the guise of Agent Clay Quartermain of SHIELD strode calmly onto the bridge of the Helicarrier. He began accessing the vessel's sub-systems via the primary terminal.
Maria: Quartermain.
listening to something Acting-director Hill called from behind him. He refused to respond.
Maria: Agent Quartermain.
Maria called out again, and still he did not respond. He was determined to finish his work.
Maria: Clay!
Maria barked. Then she stopped short as the monitors across the bridge flashed red and announced SYSTEM OVERRIDE. At once, a countdown began underneath it, boiling down from three minutes.
Maria: What did you do...?
Maria gasped.
Agent Kreddik: The Skull Empire has taken possession of your planet. I will require SHIELD's full surrender.
Kreddik announced, turning on Maria and drawing his sidearm. And he wasn't the only one.
Over the Planet...
Above the Earth, light began to swirl in the middle of space, rings of color breaking up the darkness of the universe. Exiting from within, a stolen Skrull shuttle advanced on Damocles Base. On board, the impersonated heroes and villains, free from Skull captivity, were hellbent on getting to Earth to warn everyone.
Captain America: Nice work, Clay. Can you get us down to the surface? We have to warn the world.
Captain America urged.
Clay: We can dock with the SWORD space station and send a warning from there. They may be compromised, but it's the closest option we've got.
Clay replied.
Captain America: Good. Make it so.
Steve affirmed. Straightening up, he turned around to check on the other escapees.
On-board fabrication tech helped them spruce up their otherwise damaged costumes and uniforms, ensuring they were spruced up and ready for an inevitable fight. Among them, Jennifer Walters and Susan Storm had sufficiently recovered. Bobbi Morse had repaired her Mockingbird costume and was itching for action. Henry Gyrich was still muttering about what could be going wrong and why he had to have been nabbed. King Cobra and Lyle Getz were still out cold. But Markus, Toxzon and Viper were awake, conversing quietly together. Cap had his suspicions, not trusting either of the villains but knowing their cooperation would help in dealing with the Skrulls.
They would have to be dealt with afterwards. They had bigger problems at hand.
Aboard Damocles, Sydren picked up proximity alarm first.
Sydren: We have a new contact. Damocles is beginning analysis.
He announced to the bridge. Then the terminal began bringing up alarming internal diagnostics. He quickly keyed up a report breakdown and the data that flashed before him was horrifying.
Sydren: Damocles Base, teleport all SWORD personnel off the station now!
He yelped, desperate to save his own skin just as much as he was the skin of his fellow SWORD agents.
Back on Earth...
We see the Helicarrier and onboard we see Maria back-stepping in shock as Jasper Sitwell stood, removed his glasses, and transformed into Agent Hag'r and stood beside Kreddik. The face of Clay Quartermain was exchanged for that of a long-eared, striated-chinned, green-skinned alien and Maria found herself all alone. She acted quickly and decisively.
Maria: Maria Hill to all Helicarrier personnel. Omega priority, if there are any humans left on this crate, evac right now!
She ordered into her comms.
Kreddik: How disappointing.
Kreddik mused.
Kreddik: I liked you, Maria. You could have had a position of power among the human slaves.
Maria shot him a simple smirk.
Maria: When all this is over, I'm going to get a t-shirt made. Know what it's going to say?
She asked nonchalantly. But Kreddik wasn't having it.
Kreddik: Eliminate her.
At once, he Hag'r and the others opened fire simultaneously with their sidearms, punching holes clean through Maria and knocking her to the deck. Sparks flashed, circuits fizzled, the Life Model Decoy had taken irreparable damage, but had enough juice left to raise its head as the image of Maria continued to smirk.
LMD Maria: It'll say... 'Nick Fury was right'.
She stated before the LMD shut down.
Back in Fury's safehouse...
Black Widow, Quake and Nick Fury were still unconscious on the floor. Tony Stark was just barely alive, still sealed in his malfunctioning Iron Man armor, his lifespan reduced to a matter of seconds.
He needed help, now.
Unfortunately, someone was still here who was going to deny him help for the foreseeable future.
Queen Veranke: It won't be long now, can you feel it?
Veranke hummed as she stroked his face with the back of her hand. Her Mockingbird disguise had long since been discarded, now she wore the robes of the Skull Queen; ornate, expensive, and revealing.
Queen Veranke: I know you do. After all, we couldn't have done this without you, Anthony. You were what held the Avengers together, and without you they were so easy to eliminate, one by one.
In Space...
We see the Hijacked Skrull ship commandeered by the Escapees was preparing to dock when Damocles exploded and were flown away as Cap sees the damage to the ship and everyone saw it gasped.
In the Baxter Building...
We see Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm playing a video game as Johnny was winning as he laughs and Ben was losing mostly because of his big rocky hands were big for the controller.
Thing: Stupid Controller!
Then the building alarms went off in the building and was wondering what was happening as Reed went into the main center of the alarms and covered his ears as they were extremely loud and was shocked to find Susan there next to the Princess as she had her hand in the console.
Mr. Fantastic: Susan what-
As Reed looks at her he notices her eyes were green then blue and had a bad feeling as she said this...
Agent De'Lila: As it is written.
On the outside we see the Fantastic Four building disappear in a flash.
Meanwhile, in New York...
We see the SHIELD Agents evacuate from the Helicarrier before it explodes and fall in the bay where we see Agent Jamie Rhys watching the ship fall and walking beside him was Acting-Director Maria Hill as she wore a device on her head before taking it off and leans on Rhys.
Maria: It was a good idea to repurpose the LMD's to match my looks.
Rhys: I got that Idea from Fury. Still... I'm mad.
Maria: Why?
Rhys: I left a lot of my clothes and favorite things in the carrier. It was basically my home.
Maria: I know what you mean. I've had the same car since I was 19-years-old, never had a problem.
As she complained with Rhys crossed arms at the destroyed Helicarried.
Maria: Yet this thing falls out of the sky every other Thursday.
Rhys: Oh my god me too! I thought I was the only one who thought that. Now where are we going?
Maria: To find Fury...
As she turned around and Rhys followed her to a SHIELD vehicle awaiting them.
Avengers Mansion...
The explosives placed beneath Avengers Mansion set off with immense force, so much so a glow could be seen within the Mansion proper. We see Ann-Fel in her human form was on recon, and looked over the Mansion and was quick to notice a sudden energy spike thanks to an alarm from her wrist-cuff. She checked the statistics, realizing it was not the Avengers' doing as she looks at the Mansion
Ann-Fel: Well... looks like there's some Skrulls that need to be dealt with.
Back a Fury's Safe house...
Queen Veranke was not done gloating as she mentioned one certain Avenger that almost told them about the Skrulls.
Queen Veranke: I must say we were almost found out and blew out our plans and tell you and the Avengers... I believe his name was Generator Rex.
As Tony stared at Veranke as she continued her rant.
Queen Veranke: He followed my agent to the warehouse where we have been meeting for some time he found us and was going to tell the Avengers about us but unfortunately for him, he never got the chance to... he died because of you.
She gloated in a soft, silken voice. Leaving Tony on the floor disheartened that Generator Rex the rookie hero he had bonded with over vehicles and armor repair or even did high risk to himself for the sake of the World was dead as she strode over to Fury's array of computers, where the monitors were frozen on the image of Captain America. She realized Nick Fury had learned the truth but had yet to make it known.
Worse yet, his centralized radar system was picking up an incoming target.
Veranke checked the vital statistics and frowned. She triggered her personal commlink.
Queen Veranke: There is a Quinjet approaching, and our Wakandan contingent isn't reporting. The remaining Avengers must have survived. Divert them to Washington. I want them to witness this.
She ordered.
Pitt'o Nili: (On communication Device) I understand, my Queen. Captain America, out
Pitt'o Nili responded.
Down on the floor, Iron Man's eyes shot wide open as he recoginzed the voice and cursed himself for having not realized it sooner.
Meanwhile on the Quinjet
Rex was explaining to them what has happened to him for the last few days as he was preparing to tell the remaining Avengers about the Skrulls.
Rex: Guys before we get into this there's something you should know.
Hawkeye: Yeah, and what is it? Besides the fact that you have been kidnapped by a Kree Captain and she told you about the Skrulls locations of where their attacking.
Rex: It's about Captain America he's–
Then there was a beeping noise as Rex and Generator knew it was a communication and they were being hailed.
Miss Marvel: We're being contacted by Captain America.
Wasp: Wow. He must've heard you
Wasp said as a joke as she turned to see Rex then glowered at the mear mentions of Cap.
Rex: Don't mention Cap in here I want to surprise him.
Hawkeye: What? But he needs to know that–
Rex: Please everyone I know you want to tell him but trust me... don't tell him I'm alive yet...
Wasp and Marvel and Hawkeye were a bit confused by his change in demeanor as they did what was asked as he hides behind the chair seat. We see Captain America's hologram shimmered to life on the central console. As Generator pops out and shared his anger with the fake cap in front of them but they needed to surprise the fake Captain America.
Captain America: Avengers, do not make landfall in New York. You have to go to Washington.
He commanded.
Wasp: Washington?
Wasp repeated quizzically.
Miss Marvel: We're five minutes out from D.C.
Carol reported from the pilot's chair.
Hawkeye: What's happening?
Hawkeye asked.
Captain America: Another Skrull ship just touched down. I'm on my way now. Cap out.
His hologram faded out and Carol immediately adjusted course, kicking the jet's twin scram engines into gear.
Rex: It's a trap...
Miss Marvel: And how do you know that?
Rex: Because that wasn't Cap... he is a Skrull by the name of Pitt'o Nili.
Hawkeye: What? That's insane. Cap, kept us together when Tony and the rest of the Avengers bailed. No offense Carol.
As she stares at Hawkeye as Generator hooked up his senses to the hologram and searching his memory files to show them.
Miss Marvel: None taken.
Rex: Trust us. Generator do you have the file?
Generator: Yep here...
As Generator used the Hologram communications for a video of what happened as they stares at the Recording of Captain America and Mockingbird in the Warehouse that night when the Avengers split as Hawkeye was confused why she was there.
Hawkeye: Bobbi? What's Bobbi doing there?
Rex: Just watch.
Mockingbird: And how did it play out?
Captain America: Exactly as you predicted. Soon, Earth will be ours.
Then we see Captain America then kneels before her with his arms out.
Captain America: As it is written my Queen.
Miss Marvel, Wasp, and Hawkeye had their eyes wide open as they stare at Cap as Mockingbird put her hand out and he kissed her hand as his skin went green and ears long and multiple chin bumps and it was clear that he was a Skrull... but he wasn't the only one to change we see Mockingbird hair and skin change with Bobbi's blonde hair to Black and her eyes to purple.
Skrull Queen: As it is Written...
Wasp: No...
Wasp was disheartened to learn the truth their time together and keeping the Avengers together was a Ruse made by the Skrull cap as Hawkeye got mad as not only Cap was a Skrull his friend Bobbi was one as well.
Hawkeye: I should've known! I should've seen it!
Hawkeye said as he slammed his fist in his Quinjet chair angry with himself for not seeing it beforehand.
Miss Marvel was shocked and Angry at the Cap on the hologram was actually a Skrull and poses as her friend.
Miss Marvel: He fooled us all...
Rex: Yeah don't beat yourself up he fooled me for a while...
Wasp stayed quiet as she then had an idea on what to do next.
Wasp: We need to call Iron Man.
Janet determined, sitting between the Hawkeye and Miss Marvel.
Wasp: We need to bring in Hank, and the Fantastic Four, and-
Hawkeye: And what?
Hawkeye cut in.
Wasp: And if they help us, then they're the good guys!
Janet explained, desperate for reinforcements.
Miss Marvel: Sunny optimism will only get us so far, Jan.
Miss Marvel dourly commented.
Rex: We got no choice we gotta keep up our act for our Fake Cap. Let's land in Washington first and assess the ship. If it's bigger than the last one, we'll call for backup.
Rex suggested as he made his way to the weapons terminal.
Rex: The Skrulls from the last one weren't that hard to take out. Once we got our heads screwed on straight. We...
Rex muttered. Suddenly, an alarm began to ping.
Rex: Carol! Bogey, ten o'clock!
Rex cried, moments before a bright light engulfed the forward viewscreen. The Avengers shielded their eyes, unable to react in time as a sudden energy bolt sheared off the left wing of the Quinjet. Immediately the aircraft began to nosedive, smoke trailing from the smouldering remains of the left wing. Miss Marvel struggled to regain control of their downfall.
Miss Marvel: Hang onto something!
She growled, fighting with the stick to try and bring their wounded ride down as safely as possible. She aimed past the Potomac, dragging the nose as high as it would go to clear the Lincoln Memorial while aiming right for the Reflecting Pool stretched out in front of the building, Crashing into the water, the Quinjet pirouetted across the surface until it hopped the edge and slid to a halt on the grass behind the Capitol Building.
The Avengers within were shaken and rattled but otherwise unharmed, all of them breathing a collective sigh of relief.
Rex: Any landing you walk away from is a good landing.
Rex quipped.
Rex: Now what the hell shot us down?
Miss Marvel: Time to find out.
Rising from her seat, Carol punched out the cracked forward glass and led the way out, the other three following close behind as they scanned their surroundings. At first, the grounds appeared empty, almost desolate.
Hawkeye: Nice Landing.
Clint quipped as it annoyed Carol as she powered her hands in yellow energy.
Miss Marvel: Thanks...
Wasp: Where is everyone...?
Wasp wondered as the Avengers prepared for combat.
Hawkeye: Stay sharp.
Hawkeye fitted an arrow and pulled his bowstring taut as Miss Marvel charged up her fists with photon energy.
Miss Marvel: You reading anything, Generator?
Generator: Negative.
Generator answered as he went around and scanned the area with his eye.
Generator: It's just us. There's nobody here.
Despite the emptiness, Wasp charged her stings just in case. It was then that Hawkeye turned around and turned his gaze to the sky... and his eyes grew wide.
Hawkeye: Then they're smarter than us.
The Avengers turned and were just a speechless as he was. Looming over the Capital, a massive alien vessel blotted out the sun as it loomed menacingly in the sky. It was far bigger than anything they had seen so far, and Miss Marvel would've guessed it could've been the same size, if not bigger than, Damocles.
Rex: If what landed in Wakanda was just a shuttle... I'd say that's a battleship.
Rex said quietly, awed by the enemy.
Miss Marvel: They want a war.
Miss Marvel realized.
Wasp: And they'll get one.
Wasp stated confidently as Generator went into Rex's chest.
Shapes began to descend from the battleship, growing into bipedal forms the closer they drew.
They were Skulls, adorned in all kinds of colorful, hauntingly familiar costumes. They were the elite, the best warriors the Skrull Empire had to offer. And they had drawn inspiration from the powers and abilities of Earth's mightiest heroes and terrifying villains: kI'rt, the premiere Super-Skrull, led the charge. A metal patch covered his left eye as he flexed the quadruple powers of the Fantastic Four. With him was an entire squad of Super-Skrulls; the muscular Z'reg with the combined powers of Whirlwind, Abomination, and Griffin. The athletic KIer with the combined powers of Grim Reaper and King Cobra.
The menacing Paibok embodying the powers of Thor. The cunning RI'nnd combining the powers of the mutants Wolverine, Cyclops and Colossus. The devious Khn'nr fusing the abilities of Mr. Fantastic, Iron Man and Black Bolt. The massive Criti Noll combining the powers of Giant-Man, Crimson Dynamo and Klaw. The lanky Pagon taking the abilities of Black Panther, Iron Fist and Spider-Man.
The cruel Jazinda using an erratic combination of the powers of Wasp, Generator Rex and Toxzon.
The four Avengers were completely surrounded by nine Super-Skrulls, each worth the power and presence of three of the world's most notable heroes put together. They would be in for the fight of their lives and they knew it.
Wasp: Well... at least we know they're Skrulls.
Janet mused as she and Carol moved back to back with Clint and Rex.
Rex: The four of us against the world.
Rex remarked.
Hawkeye: Looks that way.
Clint agreed, drawing his bow taut.
Rex: Well, I couldn't have asked for better people to do this with.
The technopath added.
Hawkeye: Anyone wanna surrender?
Hawkeye asked the Skrulls as they didn't speak. It was an Eerie silence.
Hawkeye: Didn't think so.
He surmised then cast a glance over his shoulder at Carol.
Hawkeye: Told ya I wasn't a Skrull.
Miss Marvel: If we survive this, I'll apologize.
She retorted.
Hawkeye: Good enough for me.
The archer affirmed.
Hawkeye: NOW!
He shouted, loosing an arrow. The other Avengers bolted forward, engaging the battle-ready Super-Skrulls...
Meanwhile, in New York...
Despite a mess being made of the lower levels, the Mansion-proper of Avengers Mansion remained standing. For now.
The main doors flung open, multiple Skulls morphing out of their civilian appearances to take the shape of a highly-trained shocktrooper unit.
Shock Trooper Leader: Agent Nili has already dealt with the lower levels. Plant demolition charges across the surface level, reduce it to rubble.
The team leader ordered. His men moved to obey... but were suddenly halted.
???: Now that's not very nice.
A feminine voice called to them. Emerging into the foyer, and it was Ann-Fel as she made her presence known.
Ann-Fel: People live here, you know.
she added. At once, the Skulls trained their weapons on her.
Shock Trooper Leader: Who are you?
The team leader demanded.
Ann-Fel: Building security.
She remarked with a smirk, toggling her wrist-cuff. Her clothes shimmered and were immediately replaced by her dark Kree uniform, the only thing left to identify her being her grinning mouth. The Skulls were shocked.
Shock Trooper Leader: Kree?!
The leader exclaimed in disbelief.
Ann-Fel: And don't you forget it!
Ann retorted, her transmogrification gauntlets forging a pair of pistols that appeared within her hands. She wasted no time attacking the Skulls, shooting them point blank as she hurried to close the gap. By the time they had come to their senses and formulated a counterattack, she was already upon them. Her pistols transmuted into a pair of knives and Ann took to cutting the Skulls left and right, slitting throats, gouging skulls and gutting bodies with the deadly skill of a black ops agent.
A dozen Skulls had entered Avengers Mansion. After less than ten minutes, all twelve lay dead on the floor.
Ann-Fel: Hoo boy... haven't worked out like that in a while.
Ann mused as she stretched, standing proud atop a pile of disemboweled skulls. Forging a pistol from her transmog-cuff, she withdrew a small canister from her belt and slotted it into the rear of her weapon. Taking aim at the bodies underneath her, she pulled the trigger and engulfed the lot with a fast-acting dissolver. The Skull remains were slowly reduced to a mere pile of liquid and Ann deemed her work here done.
Ann-Fel: JARVIS, erase all security camera footage from the past forty minutes... and direct self-repair functions to the foyer, there's a stain on the floor.
She ordered the house AI.
Ann-Fel: Oh! Here's Rex's Avengers card and delete all information about my existence from your memory banks, okay?
Jarvis: Understood, ma'am.
JARVIS dutifully responded. As she dropped the Avengers ID card to the floor the Avengers Mansion was secure for the time being. Nick Fury's safehouse, not so much...
Nick Fury Safe house...
The undercover SHIELD director was only just coming to, the effects of the point-blank shot from Veranke finally wearing off. He was just awake enough to take notice of Veranke making use of his database... and Veranke noticed him as well.
Queen Veranke: Nicholas... I've enjoyed watching the master spy fail so badly at his own game. You let your enemy know everything you knew, every move you made...
She whispered, strutting over and kneeling beside him.
Queen Veranke: ...but now it's over.
Veranke withdrew a pistol from her robes and primed it to maximum charge.
Queen Veranke: You and your Secret Warriors have played your part.
Fury: Glad... to help.
Nick rasped, trying to move his limbs. Veranke chuckled and stood, taking aim at his helpless form.
Queen Veranke: Good-Bye.
All of a sudden, a breaching charge blew the door wide open. A shocked Nick and Veranke could barely comprehend the fact that Agent Rhys had brought Maria Hill with him. The two opened fire on the Skrull Queen with the matching twin pistols, successfully shooting Veranke's firearm out of her grip as well as the bomb she had planted to destroy the subdued heroes. The two chased her across the warehouse until Veranke threw herself through a window.
Maria: For some kinda royalty, she's not half-bad.
A surly Maria quipped.
Rhys: Gawk later! Help Fury, I'll track her down.
Shooting open one of the boarded up windows, he lunged through and gaze chase. Maria holstered her weapons and turned to find a fully-revived Nick crouching over the disabled Iron Man.
Fury: How did you find me?
He asked.
Maria: I found you two months ago, I brought in the one I trusted the most. I'm just lucky my partner was smart enough to keep an eye on you.
Fury: Save it. Status report.
Fury barked. Reverting back to all-business mode, Maria was quick to give him a brief description of the unfolding problem.
Maria: The Skulls have taken down the Helicarrier, SWORD, a few dozen military installations around the globe, and something really bad happened to the Baxter Building.
She told him in one breath.
Maria: Oh, and the remaining Avengers? They're about to get taken out in D.C.
Fury: Not good. About what I planned for, but still not good.
Fury grumbled as he opened a panel on Iron Man's gauntlet and toggled the security release code.
Maria: Do we even have a plan?
Maria wondered.
Fury: Right now, Iron Man's the plan.
Fury answered.
Fury: All we have to do is save his life.
Reaching up, he loosened Tony's helmet and peeled it off, freeing his jaw.
Iron Man: How... H-How did you-
He spluttered.
Fury: Focus. What now?
Fury cut in.
Iron Man: Take it out.
Tony rasped.
Fury: Take what out?
Iron Man: My... My heart.
Nick Fury immediately began peeling off his chest plate in order to access the ARC reactor.
Maria: Don't you need that to, you know, live?
Maria wondered.
Iron Man: Won't... live much longer...
Tony responded between breaths, loosing a cry of pain as Nick pulled the ARC reactor from his chest.
Elsewhere around the warehouse we see Rhys chase after Queen Veranke as she had a ship waiting for her with her guards as Rhys turned a corner he was then blasted at by two Skrull guards and was forced behind the building. As Veranke got on board Rhys turned and fired a shot which got the two guards as they fall dead as the third blast only hit the closed Skrull shuttle and Rhys continued to fire in order to bring it down but it didn't work as it escaped.
With a sigh Rhys turned back and ran back to Fury's safe house.
In Washington, D.C...
Miss Marvel blasted Paibok and RI'nnd with twin photon beams just before Z'reg took flight behind her and punched her out using the gamma-enhanced strength of Abomination. Carol hit the deck hard, but blasted him out of the air in retort.
She turned and laid KIrr out flat before he could attack, only for the heroine to be struck from behind by Paibok's fake Mjolnir.
Hawkeye moved to intercept, loosing three arrows towards the Thor-inspired Skull. Two were shot out of the air by RI'nnd's optical force beams, but a third ice arrow struck the Super-Skrull and coated Paibok head to two in inches of solid ice. Drawing his heaviest explosive arrow, Hawkeye shot Kl'rt at near-point blank range and sent him flying. Hawkeye was then also sent flying as Rl'nnd attacked him from behind and shot him in the back.
The mutant-inspired Skrull turned his attention on Wasp, attempting to shoot her out of the air as she nimbly ducked and rolled around his crimson bolts.
Khn'nr attempted to aid, using the elasticity to stretch his body across the gap in an effort to snag the heroine. But Janet moved far quicker and riddled the back of his head with bio-stings. With him dealt with, she made to move, only to be caught in the sizeable hand of Criti Noll, who used the electro-conductors in his armored hand to shock Janet unconscious and drop her to the ground next to Miss Marvel.
Seeing the trouble her friend was in, Carol tried to make a break for it and engage the Super-Skrulls again. But the supersized foot of Criti Noll came crashing down upon her, knocking her out cold and burrowing Carol into the dirt.
The Super-Skrulls turned their attention to the remaining Avenger. With three down for the count, only Generator Rex remained. The technopath finsihed beating Jazinda black and blue, knocking the she-warrior down with a barrage from his fist.
Rex: Want a tip? You don't look good in yellow.
He remarked, as he looked up to see who was next, only to find all of the Super-skrulls ready for him.
Rex: Oh, you wanna play rough? Fine then. TANK MODE!
He growled. Went into his strong and heavily armed mode as he aimed all his weapons at them.
Rex: Let's play rough.
Missiles from his back went up and attacked which exploded and bowled over RI'nnd and Paibok. Rex then took flight, shooting another pair of Energy bullets from his mini gun on his shoulder that struck Criti Noll right in the chest. He dove in, using the Skull's disorientation to his advantage, and drove his into the ground as he made a pathway. It was some time as he lifted its face as we see it's teeth were missing Criti Noll toppled over and Rex touched down, bolting towards the nearest Skull.
All of a sudden, Pagon bolted in and kicked him in the ribs, throwing him off course. KI'rt moved in next, hammering Rex across the face with fists made of rock-like skin. Khn'nr then stopped up, using the faux-ARC reactor in his chest to blast Generator Rex away, the hero skidding across the grass as he went back into Base mode.
Until he slowed near the steps of the Capitol. With a grunt of pain, he righted himself, clutching bruised ribs as he forced himself to his knees. The Skrulls converged, kl'rt at the forefront.
Kl'rt: Give up, slave. You are one. We are many.
He sneered.
Kl'rt: Surrender, and this ends.
Rex looked up, his eyes flashing with energy brightly beneath his helmet.
Rex: You'll never stop with just me.
He retorted, standing straight up.
Rex: I don't care if I'm the only one left... I'll take you all on!
Breaking into a sprint, Technopath duo rushed them headlong. Rex went into Strength mode and knocking Paibok and Z'reg down as his body weathered blows from Rl'nnd's force beams. He closed in on the X-Men Skull, beating him with his huge fists over and over as the clang of metal on metal rang out. The organic steel skin of Colossus was a formidable defence, but Rl'nnd was not used to its power. Rex smashed his jaw in with his big fist before rolling over the Skrull and moving on another, clashing with Pagon. The agility and prowess of three hand-to-hand combatants made him lethal, but Black Panther himself had trained Rex, and the technopath knew what to look for.
He beat the Skrull across the face with his big strength mode right foot before changing into base mode sending a flying right roundhouse kick and striking Pagon in the back of the head. The Skull doubled over, right into Rex's rising knee.
Pagon was knocked out the Avenger changed into his Tank Mode, just in time to withstand a bolt of lightning from Paibok's hammer. His Anti-Tank/Aircraft cannon blasted him away and then blasted Khn'nr away too. Rex was ready to keep going...
Rex: I can do this all day!
Suddenly a collar was suddenly clamped around his neck.
All at once, he felt shocked as he reverted back to Base Mode and fell to his knees still in pain but for some reason his powers go silent as did Generator.
Generator was deathly silent, like he never even existed. Rex stumbled to his knees, struggling with the fact he had been rendered powerless. He was nothing without Generators help...
???:That's enough, Rex.
A voice softly encouraged him. His eyes when wide. He knew that voice.
Rex looked over his shoulder, meeting the gaze of the one who subdued him, and entire being was enraged by who it was.
Rex: You...
He breathed, horror, rage and despair swelling within him. There stood the Skrull Captain America, grinning smugly above him.
Kl'rt strode over, grabbing Generator Rex by the arms and forcing him to his feet. Nearby, Z'Reg had Hawkeye gripped in a similar position, RI'nnd had the unconscious Miss Marvel draped over his shoulder, and Paibok held the recovering Wasp in one hand. As they were lined up as Hawkeye struggled to break free.
Pitt'I Nili: Easy. Take it easy. We're all friends here.
Pitt'o Nili remarked. Clint's eyes shot open at the realization and his voice helped Janet come around. When she discovered all her friends were held prisoner, but Captain America stood amongst the Skulls, and thanks to Rex's video of Cap it was now confirmed to her.
Wasp: So it is true!
She gasped in Anger.
Hawkeye: It was YOU! All this time, you were the Skull!
Hawkeye angrily snarled and Pitt'o allowed his smug grin to remain. At last, Hawkeye broke free of Z'Reg and bolted towards Pitt'o, ready to punch his lights out.
But Paibok channeled a bolt of lightning from his fake Mjolnir and took Clint down, the archer falling to his knees before the fake Captain America. Pitt'o never flinched. He then turned to the small crowd of local reporters covering the battle and pointed to one of the cameramen.
Pitt'o Nili: Khn'nr, bring him to me.
The Super-Skrull obeyed, stretching over to the terrified crew and snatching the designated cameraman and his equipment up in long, tendril-like arms. He brought him to the foot of the steps, where the trembling human stared up at Captain America.
Pitt'o Nili: Broadcast this.
Pitt'o ordered.
The man nodded slowly, lifting the lens and putting the fake Avenger into focus. As the attack on Washington was bring broadcasted live around the world, Pitt'o Nili found himself with a captive audience of several million humans.
Around the World...
Captain America (Pitt'o Nili): (On all forms of communications) This message is for all of humanity. My name is Captain America. I'm one of you. I've spent my life fighting for freedom, for liberty, for the human right to live. But something has happened. An alien race has travelled across the universe to come here.
As all the humans look to Cap in wonder why he was on the TV screen.
Captain America (Pitt'o Nili):They've made contact with governments all around the world, and they're not here to hurt us. They're here to save us from ourselves.
He lied. Everyone around the world was watching. From students in schools, to families in their homes, to people on streets watching televisions in shop windows, to civilians in restaurants and coffee shops watching on their phones.
Captain America (Pitt'o Nili):They see that our planet is on the brink of disaster, but they also see the potential in us. And these people, the Skulls, they want to help. Where we've failed, they'll succeed. They'll eliminate hunger, poverty, war, disease, and the Skulls will save the Earth itself... all we have to do is let them. This is what they offer. Our ways aren't working. I ask you now, my friends... embrace change.
He urged them all.
Fury's Safehouse...
Fury: They're good, I'll give 'em that.
Nick Fury remarked as he too witnessed the broadcast. His efforts getting his secret database up and working were not proving successful, and words of Skrull Cap's global transmission were further dampening his mood.
Fury: I've lost access to all SHIELD satellite communications. The Skulls must've overridden them.
He stated with a frustrated sigh.
Fury: How we doing?
He asked, looking over his shoulder as Maria worked feverishly with a circuit-solder on Tony's ARC reactor.
Maria: Metal shop wasn't my strong suit.
She replied, doing her best. Beside her, Tony was sweating and struggling to stay conscious. He had managed to coach her through the entire virus-repair. Now it was just a question of putting everything back together.
Iron Man: Almost there... just... bypass the last wire...
He groaned, just before he lost his grip on reality and passed out. Unfortunately his instructions were vaguely incomplete and left Maria holding two wires and not knowing which one he was referring to.
Maria: Which wire?
She asked, starting to sweat herself.
Maria: Stark?
But Tony was out cold and unresponsive.
Maria realized now that her decision was a matter of life or death... Tony's life or death.
Maria: Which one... which one?!
She took a guess, jamming the wire in her right hand into the ARC reactor core.
Sparks erupted from the connection. A blue glow swelled within the device. She'd done it.
Maria wasted no time slotting the reactor back into Tony's chest, plugging everything back the way it had been until she managed to seal the focusing lens overtop. The moment she did, Tony came to with a gasp.
Iron Man: That one!
He spluttered, coughing as his body was wholly rejuvenated.
Iron Man: Thanks.
With his back to normal, Maria helped him to his feet.
Maria: What now?
She asked.
Iron man: Whst now?
Tony repeated, slapping his chest plate back int place.
Iron Man: Now we go take out every single Skrull on this planet.
He stated determinedly, slipping his Iron Man helmet back on
Iron Man: Right after I call a friend.
Back in Washington..
Just as Pitt'o Nili finished his address, a Skrull transport shuttle made landfall on the grounds of the Capitol. The Avengers were forced to turn and look as Mockingbird emerged from within.
Hawkeye: You're gonna pay for this.
Hawkeye angrily growled as he struggled against Z'reg's hold on him while the other Skrulls bowed in reverance.
Hawkeye: If you've hurt Mockingbird, or any of the people you've taken-
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): What? What will you do?
Veranke retorted, mocking him.
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): You saw Captain America's message. We're here to help.
She continued, striding up the steps to stand by Pitt'o Nili.
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): We'll give humanity the option; the ones who surrender to us will live, those who resist... they won't.
She stated coldly.
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): But your people, they believe in Captain America. They trust Captain America. And Captain America will deliver this world to me.
She promised. The Avengers, all of the conscious and revived, had had enough.
Generator Rex most of all.
Rex: You bunch of low-life, lying cowards.
Rex snarled, struggling against Pagon's hold on him.
Rex: Screw this phony. You listen here, lady, and listen good: I normally don't like hurting ladies but when I get out of this collar, I'm gonna mess you up so bad the only way anyone will recognize you is by testing your DNA!
He threatened. At once, Paibok wound up and drove his hammer into Rex's gut, knocking the wind from him.
Paibok: You dare threaten the sovereign Queen?!
He bellowed. And with Another blow to the gut again we see Rex crumpled to his knees with a groan.
Wasp: Rex!
Janet cried in alarm. Veranke snickered.
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): My my, you're hard to kill. Twice we meet and you're still alive and have such fire. You will make a very fine example for the humans, Alexander Caden. If any share your spark of rebellion, they will marked for immediate execution.
The word rang loudly in the ears of the Avengers. Janet especially. From her imprisoned stated, she did her best to turn and glare at the Skrull Queen.
Wasp: You wanna kill him? You're gonna have to get past me first!
She stated loudly. At that Veranke laughed aloud.
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): You pitiable creature. We know everything about you.
She sneered. At that, Janet smirked.
Wasp: Funny... I flattened the last guy who said that.
She replied... as her eyes glowed blue.
Reversing the stream of Pym Particles flowing through her veins, Janet began to grow... and grow. and grow.
Snapping free of Paibok's hand, Janet grew to her giant size and promptly kicked him away, sending him skittering across the grass. She then channeled two supersized bio-stings from her hands and bowled over half the Skrulls.
Hawkeye: Alright!
Hawkeye grinned.
Miss Marvel: Atta girl, Jan!
Miss Marvel whooped.
Rex: Way to go! Show'em why they shouldn't mess with us Avengers!
Rex complimented.
Wasp: I wanted to surprise everyone with this new power I have now. I was working on this in the lab. I'm stabilizing the Pym Particles in me so I can stay bigger for a lot longer!
She told him, now towering five times his own height. Using the shock of the Skrulls to their advantage, Hawkeye, Miss Marvel and Generator Rex broke free of their captors.
Miss Marvel: Hold still!
Carol urged, blasting a narrow stream of photons aimed at Rex's neck. They evaporated the collar and Rex breathed deeply as his powers came to life again and so did Generator.
Generator: (Groans) What happened?
Rex: The Skrulls sneaked attack us and shut you down and took away my powers for a brief moment.
Rex said as Generator had received that piece of information.
Generator: Then let's kick some Skrull But!
Rex: Yeah!
Generator triggered his shields for Rex, and Rex went into battle mode as he looked in a certain direction.
Rex: Now then...
He turned and looked Veranke dead in the eye.
Rex: I've got a face to mess up.
Without waiting a second, he rushed towards Queen Veranke... only to be intercepted by Pitt'o Nili. His holo-shield flashed to life and he batted Rex aside, pouncing him shortly after. The technopath tried to hold him at bay, but the Skrull was far stronger.
Captain America (Pitt'o Nili): I have all the skills and powers of Captain America. I'm every bit the supersoldier he is... which makes me twice the man you are!
He sneered, attempting to crush Rex beneath his shield. Rex own held, but only just.
Rex: If only it weren't for that big fat weakness on your arm.
The Avenger retorted, reaching out with Generator and powering down Pitt'o signature weapon.
The Skrull froze in shock and Generator Rex took the opportunity to punch him in the face with right hook and left hook. Pitt'o recoiled with a cry and Rex bolted after him, laying into the Skull with his Hands amplifying every punch with cosmic energy. He beat Pitt'o back and forth and was enjoying every second of it, until Veranke dropped him with a lunge kick that sent Rex tumbling back down the stairs into the arms of Hawkeye. The archer picked him up and he, Miss Marvel, and Wasp, stood back to back as the Skrulls closed in on them.
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): No matter what you try, your efforts are pointless. I offered you a chance to live... but you have chosen death. Kill them!
The Super-Skulls began to close in, surrounding for the four Avengers.
???: I don't think so, Skrull!
A new voice thundered.
Pitt'o and Veranke looked up in frightened shock, the Super-Skrulls and Avengers turned. And the heroes broke out in smiles.
Rex: Steve!
Rex cried in rejoice.
There, just beyond them, stood the real Captain America. Flanked by the real Mockingbird, the real Viper, the real Quartermain, and the real Toxzon along with Mark Moran as he helps out.
Captain America: This is our world, and you can't have it!
Steve Rogers announced.
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): And who do you think the humans will believe?
Veranke retorted.
Mockingbird (Queen Veranke): The damage is already done, I think, because you humans believe what you see.
All of a sudden, a shrieking bolt of violet energy struck from above, slamming into the midst of the skrulls and blanketing the steps of the Capitol with a purple mist. A flash of red and gold made landfall beside Captain America.
Iron Man: Let the people see you now!
Iron Man called out.
Iron Man: For the alien scum that you are!
His beam had managed to perform a genetic reset on the Skrulls, revealing their true green-skinned appearances.
Veranke and Pitt'o looked down to see their transformed hands and realized there was no turning back.
Queen Veranke: It does not matter, for none of you will leave here alive! You are outnumbered and out-matched.
Veranke declared, determined to maintain her control over the situation. The clouds grew dark overhead, churning into a stormfront as the battle lines were drawn. The Avengers quickly closed ranks.
Hawkeye: Getting the whole gang back together, are we?
Hawkeye wondered.
Rex: I always had a distinct feeling that we were coming back together again.
Rex quipped.
Rex: Let's not go breaking up the band again, okay Tony?
Iron Man: Yeah yeah, we'll lick our wounds later. I'm just glad you're still alive.
Iron Man responded.
Miss Marvel: How are we gonna deal with that battleship?
Miss Marvel asked as the Skrull warship began to turn on them.
Hawkeye: That thing's gonna acquire a firing solution. What's the plan, Stark?
Hawkeye asked.
Iron Man: A little patience, and a little help from a friend.
Tony cryptically answered. From her position, Veranke activated her personal commlink.
Queen Veranke: Commander, open fire on the humans. Leave none alive.
She ordered. Her gaze remained on the human force, looking so frail compared to her warriors in her eyes.
Queen Veranke: Between my Super-Skrulls and my armada, none of you will survive.
She promised grimly. Suddenly, a lightning strike ripped through the Skull battleship. Multiple successive strikes rolled across the hull as sheet lightning crippled the Skull's air support. Overloaded and unable to remain afloat, the hulking cruiser began to drop from the sky, veering away from the brewing battle until it crashed into the Potomac River.
???: Is that so, creature? We shall see.
A commanding voice boomed from above. The Skulls looked up... and realized they were in deep trouble. Descending to land amongst his comrades, he was adorned head to toe in armor befitting a warrior, chainlink mail keeping him protected from any harm and giving him a new dark and serious look that matched the storm clouds above.
Landing heavily on the ground, lightning crackled with his arrival, outlining the hammer he raised high.
Thor: Avengers! ASSEMBLE!
Thor roared. Lightning obeyed his command, striking at random among the Skrulls as the conjured storm heeded Thor's indomitable will.
With some muscle backing them, the chances of the humans took a turn for the better.
Captain America: The Skrulls want to turn Earth into their new home.
Steve told them all.
Captain America: Let's kick 'em out!
Iron Man: You heard the man, Avengers! Attack!
Iron Man agreed as he took flight. The heroes wasted no time responding, rushing the Skrulls as one with Thor, Iron Man and Captain America leading the charge.
Thor: FOR MIDGARD!
The Asgardian bellowed, hammering Z'Reg and Criti Noll into the air with bone-crushing swings from Mjolnir.
He took flight, flinging Mjolnir ahead of him to demolish Paibok who was attempting to attack Iron Man from behind, as the armored Avenger blasted KIrr with his repulsor rays.
Thor: Ho, Iron Man! T'would seem my return to Midgard was timely!
He greeted.
Iron Man: What? You mean this? This is nothing.
The multimillionaire casually replied.
Iron Man: But, since you're already here, you might as well stick around and help out. Good to have you back, Thor.
The thunder god grinned and dove back to the ground, creating a shockwave with his hammer to bowl over lazinda and kI'rt as they attempted to attack Generator Rex, the technopath beating up Pagon in his Strength mode.
Thor: Ho, son of Caden!
Thor called out, back to back with the Rex.
Rex: Nice to see you again, big guy.
Rex called over his shoulder as he punched Pagon away.
Rex: Neat new set of armor, too.
Thor: Aye, 'tis Asgardian mail. Forged by the finest smiths in all the nine realms.
Rex: I see you went with a different color scheme. It almost looks like my Stealth Suit from when I fought Loki.
Rex added, gesturing to the way Thor's black and grey motif mirrored his own grey and black bodysuit.
Thor glanced down and noticed the similarities.
Thor: Um... I assure you, friend Generator Rex, that was not my intention..
He promised, sounding embarrassed and apologetic. Rex and Generator chuckled and elbowed his arm.
Rex Ah, we're just messing with you- DUCK!
The two dove low as energy beams from Khn'nr sizzled overhead, reminding the two they were definitely still on a battlefield.
Rex: Tell you what, we'll compare outfits later, after we bash in a few more alien skulls.
Thor: Verily.
Thor agreed with a smile, taking off to do just that.
Meanwhile, Hawkeye and Miss Marvel stood back to back, blasting away at Skulls left and right. The heroine suddenly noticed kI'rt making a beeline for Hawkeye and flew to intercept, driving her fist into his jaw with a bone-shattering right hook coupled with a left-handed uppercut that pitched the Super-Skrull high into the air. Hawkeye turned just in time to see her save him and Carol shot him a look.
Miss Marvel: Are we even now?
She asked.
Hawkeye: No.
Hawkeye stated flatly, drawing and loosing an arrow that whizzed over her shoulder to trap Criti Noll in a net before he could get the drop on Carol. The heroine turned and blasted him out of the air with her photons.
The battle sprawled out across the grounds as the humans took the fight to the Skulls. Wasp in her giant-sized form (or perhaps 'Giant Woman' form) kicked and punched her way through the Skrull ranks, landing super-sized biostings that sent the aliens tumbling. Mockingbird and Quartermain fought back to back, the heroine using her bo staff to beat the Skrulls converging on the SHIELD agent down while Clay used his sidearm to snipe Skulls at range.
Very similarly, Viper and Markus fought back to back as well, the Hydra operative taking great pride in killing the Skulls one by one as Markus did likewise, using his subatomic powers as he entombed, trap and crush the aliens with ease.
But of all these heroes, there were some who had not yet joined the fight.
Jennifer Walters cowered in the shuttle some distance away, watching the fight unfold. The lawyer still felt very out of her element, like a fish out of water, as superheroes, villains, and aliens brawled in an all-out war.
Jennifer: I can't go out there...
She murmured to herself.
Jennifer: I-I'll be killed! There's no way... I'm not a hero.
Henry: Oh get over yourself.
Henry Gyrich snapped from behind.
Henry: You can turn into a Hulk! And you're scared about getting killed.
Jennifer: Look, just... just shut up.
Jennifer grumbled.
Henry: You're stronger than all of them combined. You'd make them all look like pre-schoolers. What a lousy waste of potential.
Gyrich continued.
Jennifer: I said shut up, you overpaid pencil-pusher.
Jennifer huffed.
Jennifer: I'm not trained, I'm not qualified. I'm a lawyer! Not a superhero. End of story.
Henry: So you're just gonna stand by and watch them all be killed, huh? And what will you do when they come for us?
Gyrich pressed.
Jennifer: Probably do what you do and hide under a rock.
Jennifer retorted bitterly.
Jennifer: Look, just leave me alone.
Henry: You should be out there with them. Instead you're being a coward.
Jennifer: I am not a coward!
Jennifer cried. Gyrich was beginning to remind her of her abusive father... a man she hated.
Henry: Says the little girl curled up in the safety of this ship.
Gyrich retorted, puffing out his chest.
Henry: If I were in charge of SHIELD, I'd have your court-martialled for desertion.
Jennifer: Desertion?!
Jennifer exclaimed.
Henry: You're leaving your fellow humans to die when you should be helping them!
Gyrich explained.
Jennifer: Why do you care so much?! What are you doing to help them?!
Henry: I'm not the problem here! You are! You cowardly, weakling, useless lawyer!
Gyruch snapped, levelling an accusatory finger at her. That did it.
Jennifer: I AM NOT USELESS!
Jennifer screamed, her eyes glowing green as her rage consumed her. Her body transformed, skin turning green as Jennifer bulked out, her muscles growing to sizeable proportions as she gained over an extra foot in height. Hulking out into her mighty strongwoman form, Jen barged out of the shuttle with a livid look in her eyes as her anger ran hot.
She-Hulk: Come here, skrulls! I need to vent!
She bellowed, charging into the battle.
The alien invaders were completely unprepared for her appearance, Criti Noll and KI'rt bearing the brunt of her rampage as Jennifer effectively buried their heads in the dirt. The heroes turned their heads and were astonished by her presence.
Rex: Woah! Is that... Hulk?
Rex wondered, confused.
Thor: Nay! 'Tis some sort of... feminine version?
Thor stated, equally confused.
Wasp: A She-Hulk?!
Janet realized.
Wasp: When did we get a She-Hulk?
She asked. No one could answer her. That said, everyone appreciated the extra help.
Away from the fighting, Captain America was embroiled in a battle all his own. Jumped by Pitt'o Nili, the two tumbled down the steps of the Capitol until Steve threw him to the ground.
Captain America: You! You lied to the Avengers, to the whole world, all using my face!
He roared.
Pitt'o Nili: I didn't do anything!
Pitt'o sneered, catching his fist.
Pitt'o Nili: You did!
Rearing his feet back, he kicked Cap in the chest and threw him off.
From her perch, Veranke watched the brawl unfolding, ther humans tireless in their battle against the Skrulls. She refused to allow any form of failure and outright refused to let her kind be bested by an inferior race. She withdrew her communicator.
Queen Veranke: Agent X'iv, Washington has been compromised. Your queen is at risk.
She radioed.
Queen Veranke: Activate the failsafe, that should teach these primates a lesson.
Her orders seemed to fall on empty static, Veranke waited but her patience waned quickly when X'iv did not respond immediately.
Queen Veranke: Agent X'iv, respond.
she demanded. Silence ensued.
At AIM Secret location...
Queen Veranke: (Through Communication device.) X'iv.
Veranke's cries could be heard and the Lyle Getz Skull would have responded... were the air not being squeezed from his neck.
A cloaked individual stood in the secret AIM base, a hand around the Skull's neck as he hoisted X'iv off the floor. He was clad in a silver-blue armor that concealed any trace of who he was underneath. In fact, all X'iv could see were his gauntlets and boots.
With the Skrull in one hand, he lifted his communicator in the other.
???: Your agent is unavailable.
He growled in a synthesized voice. It took a moment for Veranke to respond.
Queen Veranke: Who is this...?
She breathed.
???: This is not your planet to rule.
Was all he said before crushing the comm in his hand. Then he snapped X'iv's neck with a vicious squeeze and discarded the body like a piece of trash. The cloaked figure strode over to the central console and laid his hand against it. At once, data and programming flashed across the monitors, erasing the corruptive command strains AIM. Had implanted into Earth's satellites. One by one, they were reverted to normal... and one by one, Veranke lost control.
Meanwhile back in Washington, D.C.
With a growing horror as static rippled across her commlink, Veranke began to realize that things had taken a turn for the worse. Her invasion was failing.
Years of preparation wasted. Efforts gone nowhere.
Down below, Captain America tackled Pitt'o Nili to the ground again, brawling with the Skrull as the alien used his holo-shield to his advantage. Smashing into Cap's jaw to stagger him, Pitto flung the him across the grounds and into a bannister.
He stalked over with murderous intent.
Pitt'o Nili: You can't possibly think you can beat me. We're the same.
He growled, lashing out with his shield. Cap rolled his head just in time for a concrete-shattering blow to narrowly miss him.
Pitt'o Nili: I have your strength, your skill, I know every thought you have!
Another blow, another miss. Winding up, he struck Cap in the guts, forcing the human to double over to the ground. But even then, Captain America refused to give in.
Captain America: There's more to humans than our bodies and minds. Something you'll never understand...
Snatching a debris from the ground, Cap rolled as Pitt'o drove his shield down and into the ground.
Captain America: ...our spirit!
Swinging his hand around, Steve shattered the holo-shield projector, pieces of metal tumbling away from the Skull's arm.
Pitt 'o gasped in shock, realizing he was down a weapon.
Captain America: We never give up!
Captain America cried, lashing out with a kick that caught him on the side of the knee. Pitt'o staggered. Steve rose.
Captain America: We never surrender!
Two quick haymakers sent spittle flying the from the Skrull's lips.
Captain America: EVER!
An uppercut knocked Pitt'o flat on his back, and Cap pounced on him. The Skull only managed a wide-eyed look before Steve began pummeling his face with blow after blow, venting months of stress and instances of rage of passionate fervor, green blood quickly staining the ground and the knuckles of Steve's gloves as he beat his imposter to a pulp.
The heroes mopped up the Skrulls in short order.
Miss Marvel knocked Z'Reg unconscious. Paibok fell into a coma as Hawkeye landed three electric arrows.
Iron Man toppled Criti Noll for good with a unibeam blast. Wasp zapped Pagon into submission.
Generator Rex laid out Khn'nr with twin plasma blasts and a staff to the head. She-Hulk beat KIrr into the ground until only his arms stuck out of the dirt.
Jazinda fell dead as Markus crushed her skull between two concrete-covered fists. Kl'rt collapsed in an unconscious heap as Thor knocked him out with a heavy thunderbolt. Rl'nnd's neck snapped as Viper trapped his head between her legs and gave a vicious twist.
And all the while, Captain America beat the living snot out of Pitt'o Nili.
At last, bruised, broken, and a bloodied mess, his face barely recognizable beneath a mass of swollen bruises and split skin, the battered Skull looked up as Captain America raised his fists high over his head and brought them down hard in a double-axehandle, crushing Pitt'o's nose and knocking him out for good to the tune of a monstrous thunderclap.
Only Veranke was left.
Everyone started moving, chasing the Skull Queen and cornering her on the far corner of the Capitol.
She was backed into a corner, alone against a mob of humans who had decimated her forces.
Queen Veranke: No... no...
She gasped, drawing a pistol to defend herself. She was hopelessly outnumbered. Hawkeye, Miss Marvel, Captain America, She-Hulk, Mockingbird, Generator Rex, Wasp, Clay Quartermain, Toxzon, Markus and Viper advanced on the ground as Thor and Iron Man hovered above her. Everyone had their weapons ready.
Iron Man: it's over. Surrender.
Iron Man ordered.
Queen Veranke: I-I don't understand, it was written!
Veranke cried.
Queen Veranke: The prophecies foretold it, they said Earth would be ours! How can this be?
Rex: Personally, I don't get prophecies. I rather choose my own fate then listen to anyone else's prophecies. Write your own fate then listen to stone.
At once, her weapon faced at Rex for annoying her with his philosophy what would make this human say that to her what gave him the right to speak to her this way if she was going to kill him before anything else but her gun was shot from her hands courtesy of Generator as he used his flipper to shoot it out her hand.
Generator: Write that.
The technopath remarked. Veranke was alone and weaponless now. Her situation had turned dire.
All of a sudden, her feet were encased as the very floor came alive and ensnared her. Suddenly all the heroes found themselves snared, the concrete ground coming to life and snaring their arms and legs to hold them in place. Only Toxzon and Viper remained free.
Markus Moran stepped forward, one hand raised.
Captain America: What're you doing, Mark?
Steve demanded as he writhed in vain against the powerful concrete hold on him.
Markus: Making sure you all stay out of my way... while I do what needs to be done.
He answered, advancing towards Veranke. He flexed his other hand, portions of the ground rising up to take the shape of walls on either side of her.
Queen Veranke: W-What are you doing?
She begged.
Queen Veranke: You wouldn't dare kill me!
Markus: I've been a prisoner of your kind for the past three months.
Mark retorted with a growl.
Markus: Ask me what else 'wouldn't dare' to do.
Viper watched with a growing smile, licking her lips as Toxzon just giggled like a madman as Markus flexed incredible power.
Queen Veranke: I know you humans. You would rather keep your enemies alive and imprisoned than do something so unpleasant to them!
Veranke cried, trying to manipulate her way to safety. Mark seemed to pause, watching her for a moment as the others struggled to free themselves.
Markus: Heroes might. But I'm no hero.
He replied, savouring the subtle look in Veranke's eyes.
Markus: I'm a Villain. And I'm alright with doing unpleasant things.
Veranke's eyes shot wide open and watched as Mark curled his fingers into a fist.
Queen Veranke: No, no! NOOOOOO-!
Her screams were abruptly cut off as the concrete walls snapped shut with a heavy thud and a wet skritch.
All of a sudden, Iron Man burst free of his bonds, using an altered harmonic resonance from his unibeam to shatter the concrete holding him. He turned and blasted the same frequency full-bore, shattering the bonds holding his allies down... as well as knock Viper and Toxzon out in the process. Seeing the sudden change in events, Markus dove, the concrete floor rippling beneath his body as it engulfed him entirely.
He vanished without a trace as the heroes came to their senses.
Clay: Secure Viper and Toxzon! Clay shouted and Mockingbird moved with him.
Miss Marvel: Where did he go?
Miss Marvel wondered, staring at the spot where Mark had been. It was as if nothing had changed at all.
Captain America: I don't know... but he's one more villain on the loose.
Steve decided, glancing back and forth between the spot and the floor and Veranke's tomb... faint streams of green blood bubbling between the two halves of concrete.
Later that day...
As the day drew to a close, the Avengers gathered with Nick Fury in Avengers Mansion to debrief the conclusion of the Skull's attempted invasion.
Fury: SHIELD bases were hit hard worldwide by sleeper agents. We've got reinforcements coming in to secure the world's capitols.
Fury described.
Fury: The Skrull prisoners Cap brought back to Earth have been secured at a temporary SHIELD compound, working to get back to normal. Jennifer Walters is currently undergoing existensive testing... looks like we might have another Hulk on our hands. King Cobra, Lyle Getz, Toxzon and Viper have all been detained, but there's no sign of Mark Moran anywhere.
Iron Man: The Baxter Building was sucked into another dimension, but Invisible Woman was able to get in and help the Fantastic Four reverse it.
Iron Man reported.
Miss Marvel: Brand was able to evacuate all the SWORD personnel before the Skrulls took down Damocles base. They're prepping a temporary base now to start the search for any Skrulls left on Earth.
Miss Marvel told them all.
Iron Man: I passed my detection tech to their man Syren. They're mass producing it now. The Skulls won't be able to hide.
Tony added.
Generator: Aw man, not Damocles! All my hard work down the drain.
Generator bemoaned.
Thor: What of these Super-Skrulls? Their power is great.
Thor queried.
Iron Man: Agreed. We're holding them in a special section of Forty-Two until we can figure out what to do with them.
Iron Man explained. That seemed pretty well summed-up for the group and the rest of the heroes relaxed... all of them, save Captain America.
Miss Marvel: So, bottom line? We just saved the world from an alien invasion.
Miss Marvel determined with a happy smile.
Miss Marvel: We won.
Rex: Just your average Thursday for the Avengers.
Rex determined, who was nursing a few cracked ribs.
Wasp: We really need to celebrate. Especially now that we've got the team back together.
Wasp decided, her left arm in a sling.
Hawkeye: After today, I could use a drink.
Hawkeye agreed.
As they conversed, Cap took his leave, walking solemnly and silently out of the room.
Miss Marvel: Cap?
Miss Marvel called after him. But Steve did not heed her. The weight of his reality suddenly settled in over them all.
Fury: Yeah, we won. But not without paying a price.
Fury mused. Of them all, Cap had certainly suffered the worst, with his name and reputation horrifically defaced thanks to Pitt'o Nili.
Thor: The Skulls turned you against each other. Broken bones, destroyed buildings, these things are easily repaired.
Thor declared.
Thor: But broken friendships, broken trust... wounds such as these take much longer to heal.
Deceased: Queen Veranke, Super-Skrull Jazinda, Super-Skrull Rl'nnd,Agent X'iv, Skrull Shock Troopers,