Fury looked at the data, his eyes narrowing.
If Mavuika truly exists, then the other deities in these myths most likely exist as well.
What does this mean?
A super-civilization ruling over nine Worlds, existing for perhaps thousands of years, possessing technology or magic far beyond human understanding, while the people of Earth know almost nothing about it.
"This is an incredible discovery," Fury whispered to himself.
His thoughts quickly shifted to the practical level: what did this mean for Earth? What did it mean for S.H.I.E.L.D.?
From the current situation, Asgard's attitude toward Earth seems to be... protective.
Mavuika drove away the Kree fleet and protected Earth.
But Fury was an Agent; his professional instinct made him suspicious of any arrangement that seemed "too good to be true."
"Guardian deity..." he murmured. "But how long can this protection last?"
He knew humans too well, especially the psychology of those in power.
If the governments of various countries knew that Earth was actually an "affiliated territory" of a higher civilization, how would they react? Fear? Anger? Or... resentment?
Someone would surely want to break free from this "affiliated" status, seeking "equality" with Asgard, or even... to replace them.
That would be a disaster.
Fury had no doubt that if humans were foolish enough to challenge Asgard, the result would be nothing but destruction.
The power Mavuika has displayed so far is already exaggerated; Heaven knows how terrifying her true strength, and that of the other Asgardian deities, really is.
"So this matter cannot be made public for now," Fury judged. "At least, not until humanity is ready."
But when is "ready"? When will humanity be "ready" to face a god-level civilization? A hundred years? A thousand years? Or perhaps never?
Another problem: within S.H.I.E.L.D., the infiltration of HYDRA has not yet been purged. If they were to learn of Asgard's existence...
What would they do? Try to make contact? Attempt to exploit it? Or, worse, try to drive a wedge between humanity and Asgard to create conflict?
Fury felt a headache coming on. The more he knew, the heavier the responsibility and the more the trouble.
He needed more information, more reliable information.
And the only person currently likely to provide such information was Howard Stark.
He picked up an encrypted satellite phone and dialed Howard's private number.
The phone rang for a long time. Just when Fury thought no one would answer, the call connected.
"Hello?" It was Howard's voice, with the sound of seagulls and waves in the background.
"Dr. Stark, this is Nick Fury."
"Agent Fury." Howard's voice sounded very relaxed. "Is there an emergency? I'm watching the sunrise in Santorini... Well, finished now, it's breakfast time."
"Sorry to interrupt your vacation," Fury said. "But I have some matters to consult you on, regarding... Ms. Marvica."
There was silence on the other end for a few seconds, and even the background sound of the waves seemed to quiet down.
"You met her?" Howard asked, his voice becoming serious.
"Yes, in Low Earth Orbit, on a Skrull ship." Fury briefly recounted the events.
This time there was no concealment, including Mavuika's identity and her final words.
Howard listened and remained silent for an even longer time.
"Doctor, I need to know more," Fury said.
"About Asgard, about the Nine Realms, about their true intentions for Earth. Ms. Marvica told me to 'go read myths,' but that's not enough. I need first-hand, reliable intelligence."
Howard sighed. "Agent Fury, first, I have to ask you: why do you want to know this?"
Fury was stunned for a moment. "To... protect Earth, to formulate response strategies. If Earth truly is under the 'protection' of a super-civilization, we need to understand the rules, the bottom lines, the risks..."
"And then what?" Howard interrupted him.
"After formulating a strategy, what do you want to do? Try to establish formal diplomatic relations with Asgard? Demand they go public? Or... prepare to 'break free' from their influence one day?"
Fury did not answer immediately. Howard's questions were sharp, striking right at the core.
"I just want to be prepared," Fury finally said. "For any possible situation."
"I understand." Howard's voice softened slightly.
"But let me tell you one thing, Fury. Miss Mavuika, and the Asgard she represents, have been observing Earth for thousands of years. They have seen our rise and fall, our good deeds and our atrocities. If they wanted to interfere, they would have done so long ago. If they wanted to conquer, they would have done so long ago as well."
He paused. "Since Miss Mavuika didn't hide her identity from you, it means she doesn't care if you know. But she refused your detailed inquiry... that might be because she feels it's not yet time for humanity to know too much."
"Why?" Fury asked.
"Perhaps because we aren't ready yet," Howard said.
"Not technical preparation, but psychological and civilizational preparation. Imagine if tomorrow the whole World knew that gods were real and had been living in the starry sky above our heads... what would happen? Religious wars? Global panic? Or fanatical worship?"
Fury couldn't argue. Howard was right; that would be a complete collapse of the social structure.
"So your suggestion is..." Fury asked.
"My suggestion is to trust her," Howard said.
"I know this is hard for an Agent like you, but Miss Mavuika and I have known each other for many years. She is trustworthy."
Fury remained silent, digesting Howard's words.
"I understand," Fury said. "Thank you, Doctor."
"You're welcome." Howard's voice relaxed again. "Anything else?"
"Nothing else. Have a pleasant vacation."
After hanging up, Fury sat in his dark office, motionless for a long time.
Howard suggested trusting Mavuika. Fury understood the logic behind this suggestion: with Asgard's power, if they had malicious intent toward Earth, they would have acted long ago.
Not acting means they are, at least for now, well-intentioned.
But "trust" was a luxury for Nick Fury.
He had seen too many betrayals, too many disguises, and too many schemes behind "good intentions."
Would he trust Mavuika? Yes, at least on the surface.
He would follow Howard's suggestion, not viewing her as a threat and not actively provoking or testing her.
But deep down, on a level known only to himself?
Fury opened a drawer, took out a brand-new notebook, and wrote on the first page:
"Contingency Plan: Asgard..."