Oh, this is good. Simultaneously the best thought-out and the most half-hearted alien invasion ever, and you made it perfectly, awesomely real in every respect. I love the little things, how the aliens actually have an appreciation for pretty things, Tony's fierce inner discomfort with being a 'traitor', the theme of conflict between warrior and scientist. And Steve, feeling guilty that it all could've been over with one little fight, because honestly I'd be shocked if he didn't feel awful about the perceived waste. I even feel kind of guilty that I liked the aliens' color scheme and uniform design--I'm a sucker for copper, but it felt like complimenting the cut of an SS uniform, you know?

The whole superhero cast was well done, as well as all your OC's, and the plot was nice and chewy. I have a thing for plotty fics, long fics, sciencey fics, and thought-out, intelligent romance, and you hit all my buttons right on. An excellent read all through; five stars.