S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters
Phil Coulson took a moment to consider his two candidates. After comparing their appearance, skillset, and personalities, he said,
"Mockingbird—Barbara—bears a strong resemblance to an assassin from the Continental Hotel. That assassin was killed by Smith Doyle and Fox. If Barbara goes in, it might raise red flags."
He wasn't making a decision for Director Fury—just highlighting a potential risk.
Nick Fury responded,
"In that case, send Natasha. Have her apply for a position on Fox's financial team. That'll be our in."
"And keep pursuing contact with Smith Doyle. See if we can bring him into the fold."
"As for the Assassins' Brotherhood model—try to open negotiations."
Coulson nodded and turned to leave. He was already scheduled to meet with Smith Doyle at the League's headquarters.
As he walked off, Fury found himself thinking of his old friend, Captain Marvel. He'd once hoped to build the Avengers around her, but that plan had failed when she left. Now he wondered—could Smith Doyle be the new centerpiece?
---
Elsewhere
Smith Doyle had just finished a shower. As he stepped out, he saw Fox still dozing in bed and gave her a hard smack on the butt.
Fox yawned and mumbled groggily,
"I need sleep… Stop messing with me. I surrender."
Smith looked at her collapsed form with amusement, briefly wondering how Chi-Chi ever managed to have a second child with Goku. With Gohan, maybe Goku wasn't that strong yet, but by the time Goten came along, the guy had a base power level of several million.
"Get some rest. I'm heading out."
With that, he left the room.
As he made his way toward the training grounds, Wesley intercepted him.
"Boss, that FBI agent—Phil Coulson—he's here again."
Smith raised an eyebrow but wasn't surprised.
"Take him to the meeting room. I'll be there shortly."
He figured Coulson would show up—after all, last night's events had created quite a stir in New York. The only mystery was what S.H.I.E.L.D. wanted this time.
---
Conference Room
Smith greeted the arriving agent.
"So, Agent Coulson from… what is it now—Homeland Security? What brings you here today?"
Coulson smiled and said,
"Mr. Doyle, based on your suggestion, we've shortened the name. We're now called S.H.I.E.L.D."
Smith raised his eyebrows.
"S.H.I.E.L.D., huh? Much easier to remember."
"Alright, get to the point. What do you want?"
Still smiling politely, Coulson replied,
"Congratulations, Mr. Doyle. You've eliminated the cancer that was the Hand. On behalf of the world—thank you."
Smith arched an eyebrow.
So, they were watching everything.
He let out a small sigh.
"Well, what can I say? Someone had to do the job. And since a certain newly-renamed organization sat on its hands and let it fester..."
Coulson didn't take offense. He responded smoothly,
"Well, groups like the Hand weren't technically under our jurisdiction. So, on behalf of New York's citizens—thank you for stepping in."
Smith smirked. Clearly, S.H.I.E.L.D. had no idea about the Dragonbone or what the Five Fingers were truly capable of. If they had, they wouldn't be alive to talk about it.
"And how exactly do you plan to thank us?" he asked. "Don't tell me you came empty-handed."
Coulson kept his smile.
"Of course not. Now that your Brotherhood is transitioning to a more public front, we're prepared to support you."
"I've heard good things about your wax bath therapy. S.H.I.E.L.D. would like to make a large purchase—start with 100 treatment slots as a reserve. If the results are solid, we'll place more orders."
Smith's expression turned serious.
"Agent Coulson, our wax baths require gold coins for entry. Money alone isn't enough."
Coulson raised an eyebrow.
"Any chance we could… make an exception?"
Smith's voice hardened.
"Rules are rules."
Even S.H.I.E.L.D. had to play by the Brotherhood's system. Sure, they could try sneaking in with gold coins, but officially? No shortcuts.
Coulson chuckled lightly.
"Fair enough. Then the rules shall remain."
"But I've heard your Brotherhood also deals in intelligence on criminals. S.H.I.E.L.D. has access to global intelligence networks and sometimes gathers info on such individuals. We don't act on them directly—but perhaps you could."
"We'd like to offer that intel in exchange for coins."
Smith considered it and nodded. It was a perfect match. His registered assassins needed missions, and what better than real-world targets flagged by S.H.I.E.L.D.?
"In that case, the Brotherhood welcomes your data."
"To a successful partnership."
Smith extended a hand, and the two shook firmly—deal sealed.
---
Meanwhile – Stark Mansion
In his lab, Tony Stark had just finished building a new arc reactor.
He lay back on a medical chair, hooked up to heart monitors.
Upstairs, Pepper Potts watched news coverage of Tony's recent press conference. The outlook for Stark Industries' stock wasn't great.
Her phone rang.
She headed downstairs and walked into the lab.
Tony looked up and grinned.
"Hey, come here. Let me take a look at you."
He extended a hand and motioned her closer.
Pepper smiled and stepped forward.
Tony admired her hands.
"Such delicate little hands."
Then he looked down at the new reactor in his chest.
"I need a small favor."
Pepper leaned in—and gasped.
"Oh my God… what happened to you?"
—End of chapter—
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