S.H.I.E.L.D. Laboratory
Holographic projections flickered with the Power Squadron's activity logs. James leaned against the console, fingers tapping lightly.
"So, they still won't cooperate?" he asked.
"Most are open to it, but Power Princess insists superhumans need centralized control. Last week, she submitted a draft for a 'Superhuman Registration Act' to us," Tony shrugged.
Wanda frowned. "Sounds like an upgraded version of the last one?"
Kara, arms crossed, floated midair. "Need me to persuade them?"
"Hold on." James waved, opening a golden portal. "Let's chat with these order-keepers."
They stepped through into a hemispherical chamber. At its center stood a transparent cylindrical cell, made of vibranium and alien alloy, its inner walls etched with glowing blue suppression runes.
"This is our only cell capable of holding superhumans," Tony said, tapping the glass. "Cost $2.7 billion. Shame we could only afford one."
James stood before the glowing glass, eyeing the Power Squadron members inside, each in adjacent transparent cages.
"This their usual state?" James tapped the glass.
Tony pulled up holographic logs. "Doctor Spectrum's cooperating with psych evals, Nighthawk's written three psychology books, and the others are leaning toward compliance."
The projection showed Nighthawk writing at a desk in his cell. "But Power Princess? Same old story."
Deep in the cell, Power Princess Zarda sat cross-legged, her golden hair dim but her eyes unyielding. Sensing James, she met his gaze, her stare like that of a judge eyeing a criminal.
"You can't imprison truth," her voice echoed through the speakers. "Order will prevail."
Wanda's brow furrowed. "She's like this every day?"
"Six times daily," a duty agent sighed at the console. "Starts preaching her absolute order theory at 5 a.m. sharp."
James chuckled, disabling the cell's sonic barrier. "Zarda, care to talk?"
"Superman?" Her voice carried a metallic edge. "What new trick this time?"
James stepped closer. "Heard you want to collar all superhumans?"
"It's regulation," Zarda stood, muscles flexing under her suit. "Unrestrained superhumans like you are the world's greatest threat."
"Interesting." James glanced at Tony. "Didn't Thanos say something similar in their universe?"
Adam stepped forward. "Ever wonder why your universe collapsed?"
Zarda stiffened. Adam's eyes glowed faintly. "Got it. Your Squadron's extreme control sparked global rebellion, leading to civilizational collapse. Now you want to bring that disaster here?"
Zarda lunged, fist slamming the barrier. "You know nothing! We prevent superhumans from breaking the balance!"
"Save it." James's fingertip glowed orange as the Mind Gem's power spread. Zarda froze, eyes widening, then collapsed, clutching her head as if something exploded in her mind.
Mindscape Illusion
In another universe, the Power Squadron weren't fanatical enforcers but true heroes. Zarda lifted a collapsing building, saving trapped civilians, who cheered her name. Doctor Spectrum's energy shield blocked a tsunami, saving a coastal city. Nighthawk fought crime in the shadows, a city's guardian. Hyperion sacrificed himself, using absolute strength to stop two worlds from merging at their barrier.
They were beloved, called Light Warriors, not cold regulators.
Illusion End
Zarda gasped, sweat soaking her suit. She looked up, golden eyes no longer icy but shaken and confused. "What… was that?"
James dimmed the Mind Gem. "That's your Squadron in another universe, undistorted by extremist ideals."
Tony crossed his arms. "In other words, you could've been heroes, not prisoners."
Doctor Spectrum and Nighthawk, watching via monitors, wavered. Zarda stood slowly, her sharp gaze softening. "Were we… wrong?"
James waved, deactivating the cell's barrier. "Your choice now." He turned toward the exit. "Stick to your doomed path, or…" He glanced back, eyes piercing. "Become true heroes again?"
Zarda trembled. "You know what your perfect order caused," James's voice turned cold. "Two options: stay prisoners, or help this universe avoid disaster."
Silence gripped the detention zone. The Squadron members froze, eyes on Zarda. After a long pause, she turned, a flicker of doubt in her gaze. "Can you prove this universe faces disaster, or that superhumans won't lose control?"
"My power isn't for domination but protection—at least, I believe so." James smiled, turning to Tony. "Prep the meeting room. Our guests are ready to talk."
S.H.I.E.L.D. Conference Room
The alloy doors slid open silently. The Power Squadron entered, Zarda leading, followed by Doctor Spectrum and Nighthawk, the others trailing with varied expressions but cautious eyes.
James sat at the table's head, his black suit exuding authority. Kara and Wanda flanked him, Tony and Adam nearby, holographic data screens floating.
"Sit," James gestured.
The Squadron took seats. Zarda met James's gaze, her golden eyes wary. "Superman, why should we believe joining you won't lead to chaos?"
The room stilled. James tapped the table, his gaze steady. "Because I'm here."
His voice was calm but brimming with confidence. "You know my strength. Hyperion fell in three moves." His eyes swept the group. "If anyone tries to destroy the world, they'll face me—the last and only line of defense."
Silence. Doctor Spectrum's fingers tapped unconsciously; Nighthawk lowered his head, weighing options. Zarda spoke again. "If we join S.H.I.E.L.D., what's the deal?"
James nodded to Tony, who projected a contract. "Standard senior agent benefits: high salary, cutting-edge gear, global ops clearance." He paused. "One condition."
"You answer to James," Adam added. "Not S.H.I.E.L.D., not the UN, not your so-called supreme order."
Zarda's brow furrowed. "How's that not dictatorship?"
James laughed. "The difference is, you have a choice, not a debate." He stood, hands on the table, looming over them. "Join, and you're welcome. Refuse, back to your cells."
The room's pressure dropped. "As for dictatorship?" James straightened, voice indifferent. "I'm not interested in power. But my strength makes me the ultimate authority, whether you accept it or not."
The Squadron exchanged glances, silently deliberating. Finally, Zarda took a deep breath and stood. "Fine." She extended her hand. "We're in."
James shook it, smiling. "Wise choice."
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