Solomon in Marvel

"This is a foolish conspiracy," the sorcerer declared, defining the event in a single sentence. He fired a series of questions at Alexander Pierce.

"Have you even considered how to establish a monetary policy? How will you enact new laws? You're just continuing to play the game within America's political framework, Pierce. You couldn't even abolish the U.S. dollar because it would crash the global economy, bankrupt your allies, and leave you scrambling to pacify your political friends—you need them in high places. You wouldn't dare revoke the Federal Reserve's printing power, either.

"In the end, you're still just another pawn shackled by capitalism. At most, you'll improve administrative efficiency while the inherent corruption of the system only grows worse."

"I understand Hydra," Solomon continued, his tone unwavering. "Better than you do, Mr. Pierce."

He was fully aware that Natasha Romanoff had a gun trained on the back of his head, and that Nick Fury was ready to attack at a moment's notice. But he didn't care.

"Hail Hydra," he said, almost amused.

"Hail Hydra," Pierce responded instinctively, but his voice was cautious.

"Hail old Hydra," Solomon corrected.

Pierce's expression flickered.

"Hydra is an ancient organization, dating back to the dawn of human civilization. It was originally built around the worship of an enhanced superhuman, altered by extraterrestrial forces.

"But during World War II, a faction broke away, abandoning the old beliefs and aligning themselves with the Nazis. These were the men who quickly seized control within Hydra—the ones you now represent, Mr. Pierce.

"Even though they discarded the original faith, they still believed in supernatural power. That's why Hitler poured resources into searching for the Holy Grail, the Spear of Destiny, and even dared to approach the gates of Kamar-Taj.

"But none of this concerns Kamar-Taj.

"I knew about Hydra from the very beginning. Even before the ambush on Route 4, I knew those strike team members belonged to Hydra," Solomon said with a smile. "Hydra watches human society, while we watch Hydra. If Hydra ever threatens the extinction of mankind, we will exterminate them."

"Listen, I don't know what kind of world you come from," Councilman Powell interrupted. "But isn't killing twenty million people already genocide?"

"Twenty million people? And then what?" Solomon shot back. "White colonialists slaughtered and plundered Africa, leaving behind casualties in the hundreds of millions. Our dear Mr. Fury's ancestors were among the few survivors of that. Did Kamar-Taj ever step in? Or do you think white lives are worth more?"

"I—"

"Don't change the subject, Solomon," Fury cut in, his single eye locking onto the sorcerer. "Tell me exactly what you've done."

"The moment you started suspecting something was wrong inside S.H.I.E.L.D., I was already making my moves." Solomon returned to the topic without hesitation. "I revealed the truth about their so-called Hydra to the traditionalists—those who still believe in the old ways.

"I showed them power.

"And, in exchange for certain… compensations, I brought the conservative faction under my control. After a series of bloody purges, they swore allegiance to me.

"You never received a single report about it, Mr. Pierce," Solomon added, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Because you and your faction were completely abandoned."

"So what is it you want now?" Natasha asked.

"I simply wish to build a force capable of repelling extraterrestrial invasions—one that will secure humanity's place among the stars. I don't need money, but research equipment does, and top-tier talent demands salaries. As it happens, the conservative Hydra faction had exactly what I needed."

Solomon smirked. "So now, I am their King."

"The girls in power armor—they're your army?" Fury gestured to the surveillance photo Maria Hill had provided, showing an all-female strike force in combat. "And why the hell do they wear eagle insignias?"

"They're alchemically engineered artificial beings," Solomon said. "And they have every right to bear that emblem.

"Tell me, Nick—do you even know the origins of S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Even Alexander Pierce, the Nazi-Hydra leader himself, looked intrigued.

"I'll keep this brief," Solomon said, checking his watch. "My alchemic golem should be finishing its task right about now."

Then, as if telling a story to children, he explained the origins of the Brotherhood of the Shield, an ancient order founded by the Egyptian scholar Imhotep. He spoke of Howard Stark's involvement, the catastrophic consequences of an infant Celestial's hatching, and how that event ultimately led to the Brotherhood's downfall.

Solomon even mentioned what Odin had told him—how Celestials had been slain in the past, and how their corruption had stained Earth's history. But he left out the locations and specifics, making it sound like he had merely read these accounts in a library somewhere.

The room was silent.

"The Celestials are an ancient race of energy-based consciousness beings," Solomon explained. "One of the earliest lifeforms to ever exist in this universe. They are beyond the comprehension of humanity. Their physical forms are vast. Their energy signatures are unknowable."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle.

"Early human evolution? It was the result of Celestial intervention one million years ago.

"And I originally intended to leave the Shield Brotherhood's legacy as a gift to you, Nick Fury."

Solomon sighed, a boyish sincerity creeping into his voice.

"But then I realized—I need it.

"The Brotherhood's technology, its alchemical mastery—it contains the collective wisdom of nearly every sage in human history.

"Because the Celestials will return.

"Earth has already survived three Celestial incursions. The third time, various pantheons of deities barely managed to repel them. But those gods are fading from history.

"Because the Celestials—not Asgard, not the Skrulls, not even the Kree—are the true deities of the material universe. They are far stronger than the Asgardians."

Solomon's voice became quiet, yet unshakable.

"We will never negotiate with the Celestials.

"They do not care for mice in their laboratory. To them, we are nothing more than failed experiments with corrupted genes.

"And in their time scale, measured in millennia, the next test is already drawing near.

"And yet you fools still fight over a few scraps of paper and trivial power struggles—while extinction stands at our doorstep."

He turned to face Natasha Romanoff. With one swift motion, he unpinned her S.H.I.E.L.D. badge and tossed it aside.

"I don't care how many people die," he said. "I only care that their deaths have value—including my own.

"That was the first lesson my teacher taught me.

"Sacrificing for humanity is meaningful, because Kamar-Taj is the rightful ruler of mankind. Mortal governments have no say in this matter.

"But humanity is out of time.

"Dark forces are rising—not just in this dimension, but beyond. Terrifying entities are setting their eyes upon Earth."

"You—what the hell are you doing?!" Fury demanded, watching as black-armored artificial beings landed on the helipad, their bloodstained chainswords dripping with gore.

"Replacement complete," the lead unit reported.

"I'm using everything at my disposal to repel the coming invasion," Solomon declared. "Including these three Helicarriers."

He nodded to Tita.

And just like that—the Helicarriers vanished.

Maria Hill's monitors blinked out.

It was as if David Copperfield had made the Statue of Liberty disappear.

Solomon turned back to the council members.

"Gentlemen. Ladies. The war has already begun.

"We are the ones being slaughtered.

"But as of this moment—we become the ones who start the war.

"And only humanity will decide when it ends."

His voice echoed, deep and absolute.

"Because I am Hydra.

"I am the Brotherhood of the Shield.

"I am Kamar-Taj."

And with that, the King of Hydra made his declaration.

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