Garrett was never a true believer in Hydra's ideology.
He had simply sensed the changing tides and chose to join later, seeking survival rather than purpose.
The same was true for the young and highly capable Agent Ward. Despite his reputation and skills, he too had never been fully indoctrinated. Their alignment with Hydra was pragmatic, not ideological.
"Are you still going to resist?" Shen He asked, eyes calmly fixed on Ward, whose gun remained pointed.
Ward, with a composed but conflicted expression, slowly lowered his weapon. He wasn't a fanatic, nor a martyr. In a scenario this hopeless, resistance was a fool's errand.
"Coulson, take them into custody. We're heading back—there's still a lot riding on you," Shen He said without pause, already turning on his heel.
"That's the best thing I've heard all day," Coulson replied with a smirk, retrieving the pistol from the ground and motioning for Ward and Garrett to follow.
As they stepped outside, Coulson was briefly startled upon seeing Qi Mu Nanzi standing vigilantly by the doorway, but quickly pieced together her likely identity.
"This is Qi Mu Nanzi, the sister of Qi Mu Nanxiong. She's here helping out for the day," Shen He explained casually.
"Thanks for the save. I didn't expect—wait, are you twins?" Coulson blinked in disbelief, surprised by the sheer talent within Chaldea.
It was already staggering that someone like Qi Mu Nanxiong existed… now there was another.
"Alright, let's head back, big dog," Shen He called out.
The teleporting creature perked up from its resting posture and in an instant, whisked the group away from Brazil.
They reappeared at Chaldea headquarters. Garrett's eyes widened as realization sank in. This was how they'd been caught so fast. With the combination of future foresight, teleportation, and interdimensional support, no amount of tactical maneuvering could save him. No matter how far he ran, it was as childish as hide-and-seek.
"I really do regret this, Coulson," Garrett muttered before he was led to his containment cell. "If Hydra hadn't found me, maybe things could've been different. They ruined me."
"You made your choice," Coulson replied with calm clarity. He'd long since seen through Garrett's facade. The loyalty, the brotherhood—it was all a well-crafted mask. The real man behind it had always been a survivor, not a savior.
"Coulson, check in with your old contacts. Then gather everyone in the main conference room," Shen He said, stretching a bit. "I need a shower, food, and then I'll sort out the next step. Nothing beats being home."
"Understood," Coulson said and briskly walked off, already switching into full work mode.
"Does the Master still have tasks for today?" Jeanne asked, falling into step beside Shen He.
"Yeah, since all the agents are gathering, I need to lay out our strategy," he replied. "But later tonight, if you still want to study Chinese characters, meet me in my room. I should have time to teach before bed."
"Mm!" Jeanne flushed slightly, nodded, then darted off.
After a quick refresh and basic prep, Shen He stepped into the conference room. Inside were Steve Rogers and every SHIELD agent Chaldea had located and recalled so far—some familiar, others new.
"Everyone," Shen He began, scanning the room with calm authority, "you're all aware of SHIELD's collapse. Whether you see this team as SHIELD reborn, or as Chaldea's intelligence division, I hope you'll choose to stay. Going forward, Coulson will lead you in logistics and post-operation cleanup for Chaldea's missions."
Silence followed, heavy but not uncertain.
Coulson's involvement brought immediate comfort to many. The chaos of SHIELD's collapse had left them rudderless—here was a familiar face to steady the helm.
Most had joined due to uncertainty or survival instinct. But now, seeing Coulson and the structure forming under Chaldea, they began to feel a sense of belonging again.
"Now, onto the current situation," Shen He said, activating the large digital display behind him.
"The Chaldeans have formed a formal alliance with the Attilan Inhuman Kingdom on the moon. Today we aided their royal family in suppressing an internal coup. Our next steps include resource exchanges, technological collaborations, and joint defense strategies."
Gasps rose from the audience. The screen displayed vivid images of Attilan: its advanced cityscape, alien tech, and moon-bound infrastructure. It was undeniable.
To many, the existence of such a civilization within the solar system was staggering. The implications were world-altering—off-world resources, migration potential, and more.
Some agents glanced around, suddenly aware that they were now part of something far beyond what SHIELD had ever achieved.
"Sir, we'll need more people," Coulson observed, scanning the agents present—mostly field ops and science techs.
"That's your department," Shen He replied bluntly. "I'm not Nick Fury. You won't need my approval for every decision. I trust you. And more importantly—no one here can lie to me, so you can trust each other. What happened to SHIELD won't happen here."
That final statement left no doubt—Shen He was no figurehead. He was Chaldea.
"I guess I'll need time to adjust," Coulson said with a smile of both admiration and resignation.
Shen He then briefed the team in detail about Attilan's current political recovery, its key figures like King Black Bolt and Queen Medusa, the imprisoned Maximus, and the nature of the coup attempt.
He also outlined Chaldea's mission—to support a peaceful restructuring of Inhuman society, safeguard its secrets, and build a new cosmic alliance.
"Agent Lanster," Shen He called out, "bring in the twin prisoners and the Inhuman named Lincoln. Be careful. They're extremely dangerous."
"Yes, sir." Lanster, who had originally opposed staying with Chaldea, now moved with a quiet purpose. Today had changed his perspective.
Soon he returned with the three detainees—Pietro, Wanda, and Lincoln—all wearing reinforced shock collars. Security teams stood ready.
"Coulson," Shen He continued, eyes focused on the twins, "there's one last thing. Ten years ago, their parents were killed by a Stark Industries shell. You know that Tony's uncle, Obadiah Stane, had black market dealings with terrorists. I need you to find the truth. If those weapons weren't truly Stark-made, help them find the real culprits."
Coulson nodded seriously. He understood. This wasn't just a task—it was about giving two potential allies, currently captives, a path toward justice and trust.
A path forward.