After that, the discussion went absolutely nowhere.
European leaders demanded that the Soviet Union be "held accountable" and brought "in line with international law." Andrei responded by going completely nuclear. He dropped the polite act, personally attacked several leaders, and then started leaking embarrassing information about them and their families. Thankfully, the KGB had plenty of material just sitting around.
Andrei exposed how many right-wing Western leaders were secretly gay, how many had taken massive bribes, and how many had set up offshore shell companies to siphon money away. Even worse, private accounts were leaked, some caught watching lesbian porn while cheating on their wives.
Western leaders were furious. They all knew the same thing: the moment they went home, the opposition would weaponize every single detail.
The conference hall quickly degenerated into something resembling a vegetable market. Eventually, a mechanical voice announced the session's conclusion.
Most delegates stormed out immediately, shooting Andrei one last venomous glare on their way. The media followed suit.
Only representatives from the permanent members of the Security Council remained behind.
"I think that's enough antagonism for one day, don't you, Mr. Bush?"
"Hahah what a show! Uhm... Yes. They did get a bit carried away," Bush said, speaking to a tall black man who had somehow appeared beside him without anyone noticing when.
Andrei noticed him instantly.
The eyepatch.
The posture.
The logo.
The moment Andrei saw him, a grim sense of recognition settled in.
The man walked over, extending his hand.
"This is our first meeting," he said evenly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kornilov."
Andrei shook his hand.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Nick Fury."
Despite himself, Andrei studied him more closely. As a lifelong Marvel fan, it was impossible not to feel a strange sense of unreality. Natasha had been impressive goon material, sure but this was different.
This was Nick Fury. his favorite character now standing in front of him.
No wonder why those idol fans are so determined.
Suppressing the urge to ask for an autograph, Andrei spoke calmly.
"Although it's not my favorite topic," Andrei said, "I believe S.H.I.E.L.D. has some explaining to do. Don't you think?"
Founded in the aftermath of World War II, after the defeat of the Axis and HYDRA, S.H.I.E.L.D. had been established to protect Earth from all conceivable threats. Stalin and Roosevelt had jointly approved its formation.
With advanced technology and extraordinary agents, S.H.I.E.L.D. was arguably the most powerful organization on the planet. After Captain Marvel, it was run by Nick Fury and the World Security Council.
Fury didn't flinch.
"Mr. Kornilov, you need to understand something," he said calmly. "We do not judge the internal politics of nations. I can assure you S.H.I.E.L.D. had no involvement in the recent crisis. Our duty is the protection of humanity."
"Protection," Andrei repeated slowly. "Interesting word. Sometimes it means protecting people from external threats. Other times, it means protecting someone from themselves. So tell me what exactly are you protecting right now?" Andrei continued. "My country is on the brink of collapse, and you expect me to blindly renew agreements written when I wasn't even born?"
Bush cut in. "Kid, stop acting like one. You're the leader of the Soviet Union now."
"And that is exactly the problem. Most of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s personnel are American. Even if you claim neutrality, bias doesn't need intent to exist."
Andrei turned his gaze toward him. Pugo had already warned him that disrupting the shadowy cabal of world governments was basically impossible, none of the allies would approve it but Andrei still wanted to squeeze every last drop out of this.
"I will not renew the agreement unless it is significantly revised."
What followed was a long, tense back-and-forth between bureaucrats of both sides . Eventually, a compromise was hammered out. Western powers would formally recognize Soviet sovereignty, while the Soviets would offer a few symbolic concessions, just enough to calm public opinion and let everyone save face.
That part didn't matter much.
The real prize was the reaffirmation of Soviet legitimacy. If bullies publicly recognize each other as bullies, the mere prestige is enough to scare the normies and nerds into thinking twice before trying anything stupid.
With this Andrei can finally have the long cherished goal of all governments, stability.
After the signing, Andrei casually tossed out a remark. "So… was it really democratic?"
The room immediately burst into laughter. Everyone except Fury.
"And now," Andrei said, folding his hands, "is it time for you to assign a liaison?"
He already knew the answer. Every major power had one.
"I have an agent in mind," Fury said cautiously. "A capable operative. Experienced. His name is—"
"No," Andrei interrupted. "I want Agent Maria Hill."
"That would be… difficult," Fury replied after a brief pause.
In the two minutes he had known Andrei Kornilov, Fury had already learned enough. A man like this didn't stumble onto classified information by accident. He could guess his thought patterns from secondary brain.
Of course, Andrei wasn't Andrei if he hadn't planned this carefully.
"Oh?" Andrei tilted his head slightly. "You don't trust your own agent?"
"That's not what I said."
"She's American, isn't she?" Andrei continued calmly. "Mr. Bush?"
"She's no longer an American citizen," Bush said flatly. "Not my responsibility. "
Just like that, Fury's room for maneuver vanished.
Andrei spread his hands, as if being reasonable. "I am the leader of the Soviet Union. And I may or may not approve the increase funding of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the next meeting. Your choice."
He smiled, mild and almost innocent.
"Besides, she's a professional. What are you worried about? We in the Soviet Union believe in gender equality."
Fury stared at him for a long moment.
Andrei met his gaze with a perfectly composed expression, as though he had suggested nothing unusual at all.
A good capitalist knew when to cut his losses
Finally, Fury exhaled.
"…Sorry, Agent Hill," he muttered under his breath. "Looks like you're being sacrificed."