His brain raced, combining the information provided by Mavuika with his own experience.
"That driver..." he said slowly, "has worked at the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division for many years, and I've never found any problems."
"He passed all background checks, security screenings, and regular psychological evaluations... If you hadn't suddenly appeared and exposed him, I would never have imagined that my long-time driver was actually a disguised alien."
He looked up, his eyes becoming sharp: "This means that the agency has likely already been infiltrated by many of them, and we don't have any effective way to identify them."
Howard's thoughts raced; he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, there was determination in his eyes.
He turned to Mavuika, his tone solemn: "Ms. Marvica, I would like to request your help."
Mavuika raised an eyebrow slightly and spoke slowly, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.
"Oh?" Her voice was soft, yet it made Howard's heart tighten.
"I thought that for nations on Earth, they wouldn't want unknown external forces meddling in your internal affairs, especially regarding sensitive issues like national security."
Howard was stunned for a moment, then after a while, he gave a bitter smile: "You are right, those politicians would certainly think that way."
"National security, sovereign independence, information control... they would have ten thousand reasons to refuse external intervention, even if it means potentially being infiltrated to the core by alien spies."
He shook his head, his tone self-deprecating: "But I am not a politician, Ms. Marvica. I am a scientist and a strategist. I can't play those political games. My way of thinking is simple: face the threat, find the most effective solution, and right now, the most effective solution is to seek your help."
The smile on Mavuika's face deepened; she appreciated this straightforward attitude.
"In that case..." She nodded: "I accept your request."
Howard visibly breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
He said sincerely: "The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division thanks you for your help, Ms. Marvica!"
"No need to be so polite, just call me Mavuika." Mavuika waved her hand: "But are you really not considering changing your agency's name to something simpler and easier to remember? Isn't it a bit too long right now?"
"You're right, we are indeed considering changing it to a name that's easier to remember..." Howard smiled awkwardly.
"If you need anything, feel free to tell me at any time. As long as it's within my power, I will definitely fulfill it!"
A glint of mischief flashed in Mavuika's eyes: "I do have a small favor I need you to do..."
Howard immediately sat up straight: "What is it? Please, tell me."
Mavuika held up a finger, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation: "I need a motorcycle, the faster the better."
Howard was stunned: "A motorcycle?"
His brain quickly connected this to the current situation: "Is it for chasing Skrulls? High mobility, suitable for moving quickly in the city... Of course, no problem! Stark Industries has the best engineering team. I can even customize one for you, equipped with the most advanced tracking equipment, defense systems, and..."
"Then I'll leave it to you!" Seeing that he had misunderstood, Mavuika didn't explain, just smiled and nodded.
Howard nodded solemnly: "Understood. I will start preparing immediately, purge personnel within the agency, establish new security protocols, and at the same time, build that motorcycle for you."
When it came to the motorcycle, Mavuika's eyes brightened a bit more than before: "About how long will it take?"
Seeing this sun goddess suddenly reveal such a "mortal" side, Howard couldn't help but laugh: "Give me a week. I'll have the best team work through the night to ensure we build a vehicle that satisfies you."
"Then it's a deal." Mavuika nodded with satisfaction.
That night, Mavuika stayed at the Villa to rest, while Howard and Maria stayed in the master bedroom.
In the guest room, Mavuika did not sleep.
She stood by the window, her perception spreading throughout the entire Villa, ensuring safety.
At the same time, her consciousness, through the Bifrost Bridge fragment within the sun-blaze thousand suns, communicated silently with Hela, who was far away in the Underworld.
"So, there is Skrull infiltration in Earth now?" Hela's voice echoed in her consciousness, carrying her habitual laziness and a hint of interest.
"Yes, and it may have been going on for some time." Mavuika replied, "I intend to help the local humans deal with this problem."
"As you wish, sister." Hela's voice carried a smile, "Anyway, you always like to meddle in other people's business. But remember, our weekly sparring session cannot be canceled because of this. My work here is reaching a critical point, and I need to stretch my muscles."
"Don't worry." Mavuika smiled: "I won't forget. Besides, I might be able to ride a motorcycle to the Underworld to see you soon."
Hela was stunned: "motorcycle? What is that?"
After Mavuika explained what a motorcycle was, Hela let out a soft laugh: "You've stayed on Earth for nearly a thousand years, your tastes are becoming more and more like a mortal's."
"Perhaps." Mavuika didn't mind: "But some pleasures are universal, whether for gods or mortals."
The sisters chatted for a while longer, and by the time they cut off the connection, it was already late at night.
Mavuika returned to the bedside but did not lie down; instead, she sat cross-legged and entered a meditative state.
A golden-red shimmer flowed around her, like a small Sun rising and setting in the room, over and over again.
The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight shone into the living room through the Villa's floor-to-ceiling windows, Mavuika had already finished her night of meditation.
She stood by the window, watching the World gradually waking up in the garden. Dewdrops glistened on the grass blades, birds hopped on the branches, and the faint sound of a morning commuter bus engine could be heard in the distance.
Howard walked out of the bedroom with obvious dark circles under his eyes.
The old man had hardly slept all night, his mind replaying yesterday's shocking encounter over and over, while planning today's course of action.
"Good morning!" Mavuika turned around and greeted him with a smile: "You look like you need a cup of strong coffee."
"I'll go make two cups." Howard smiled bitterly and walked toward the kitchen.
"Maria is still sleeping; yesterday's events were too much of a shock for her."
Mavuika nodded and then came to the outside of the storage room where the Skrull was temporarily being held.
Her perception passed through the door panel; the Skrull was already awake, sitting in the corner, and the fluctuations in its energy field showed vigilance and nervousness.
"He is awake." Mavuika said to Howard, who was walking over with coffee.
Howard put down the coffee cups, his expression becoming serious: "Hmm, it's time to go ask him some questions."