LMD Coulson II, Daisy and others in “Unfinished Business”

If Hydra doesn't form, then S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't form in response.

Daisy

Well, because it doesn't have to. I mean, think about all the future lives we'll save if there's no Freddy Malick.

We can't disrupt the timeline. If we take out Malick, something even worse could rise up in his place.

Daisy

But then we'll just deal with it when we get back, right?

Simmons

To a future we won't recognize... Killing Malick was the Chronicoms' intent. They do know the consequences.

Daisy

And we'll only know what happens if he lives. None of this is pretty.

Yo-Yo

But why does it have to be a live-or-die situation? Can't we stay here awhile, uh, be a good influence for him, change his heart?

Simmons

Technically, that would still be killing the historic Malick, who...

Daisy

Has no heart.