Watching the footage play and hearing Coulson speak, Smith was caught off guard. He hadn't expected S.H.I.E.L.D. to share such sensitive intel so directly—or to even hint at the existence of aliens.
After all, S.H.I.E.L.D. was infamous for keeping secrets buried. Clearly, they were aiming for something much bigger.
"In the face of growing threats," Coulson explained, "S.H.I.E.L.D. is assembling a response team—one that can handle emerging crises."
"This initiative is called the Avengers Program. Earth's current level of technology can't even break out of its own orbit, while these outsiders can reach us effortlessly. That disparity speaks volumes."
"The aim of this initiative is to deter these external threats, to show them that Earth isn't some helpless backwater—we can fight back."
"That's why we call it the Avengers Initiative. Our director believes the world's greatest superheroes should unite to stand against these unknown and powerful enemies, to protect Earth and human civilization."
"And so, Mr. Smith Doyle, I'm here to formally invite you to join us."
Before Smith could respond, Coulson continued, "I understand the ideals of the Assassin's League. There's no conflict with our goals. While the Avengers operate under S.H.I.E.L.D., they're far more autonomous."
"Plus, with this official status, your actions would become legal under international authority."
"Of course, this position comes with rights and benefits—not just responsibilities."
Coulson then went over the perks available to Avengers members. They'd have the authority to mobilize S.H.I.E.L.D. agents up to a certain clearance level, enjoy global military action privileges granted by the World Security Council, and had the legal power to use lethal force against threats to public safety.
And that was just the start. There was also a hefty salary package, complete with full insurance and benefits—$50,000 a month.
Coulson added, "While that amount may not mean much to you, Mr. Doyle, it could be life-changing for future civilian heroes."
Smith was dumbfounded. Was this really S.H.I.E.L.D.? This sounded more like a five-star recruitment pitch.
They hadn't started with lofty speeches about duty and sacrifice. Instead, they had opened with rights and legitimacy. That kind of approach? It would make the Assassin's League's operations fully legal anywhere that signed the Council treaty.
"Coulson, I won't lie—those terms are pretty attractive."
What Smith didn't know was that had he not been Smith Doyle—a man with immense power and influence—S.H.I.E.L.D. would never have talked about rights or pay. They'd have led with duty and sacrifice. The generous benefits? Those only came up after Smith demanded Stark compensate innocent victims for the previous incident.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s psych analysis division had recommended the perk increase. They believed it would improve Smith's impression of them—and it seemed they were right.
Besides, there wouldn't be many Avengers. As front-line superpowered operatives, a high reward made sense.
But hearing Smith's interest made Coulson feel slightly uneasy. He quickly added, "Mr. Smith, your friend Tony Stark is also among those we've invited. I believe he'll join the team as well."
"And doesn't the Assassin's League uphold the idea that 'Everything is permitted'?"
"With such massive power being assembled, don't you think it's your duty to step in and keep things from going off the rails?"
Smith couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Well played, Coulson. Twisting our ideals like that? Not bad.
"Alright, Coulson. Since you put it that way, I'll accept your invitation."
"But let's be clear—I won't just be watching over the Avengers…"
Coulson thought of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s classified files and internal agent hierarchies, then smiled and extended his hand.
"Welcome aboard, Mr. Doyle."
---
Elsewhere...
As night fell, Tony Stark drove away from the Air Force base and returned home.
"JARVIS."
"Welcome home, sir."
But then he noticed a shadowy figure sitting on his living room couch—and froze. How did this guy get in?
"I am Iron Man."
"And you think you're the only superhero?"
"Mr. Stark, you're now part of something far greater than you realize."
Tony frowned. "I am great. That's a given."
"As for superheroes, of course I'm not the only one. There's also Smith Doyle."
Approaching the shadowy figure, Tony demanded, "Alright—who the hell are you?"
Stepping out from the shadows, Nick Fury revealed his face and said seriously, "Nick Fury. Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Hearing that made Tony slightly less annoyed—barely. After all, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents had died trying to protect Pepper last night. But still, he scowled.
"I don't care who you are or what you want. Get out of my house."
"JARVIS, how the hell did he get in?"
"Sir, for some reason… his credentials were authorized."
Fury stepped forward. "Smart systems can be fooled, Tony."
"Tonight, I'm here to show you the truth about the world."
---
Tony leaned back with a smirk. "With my skills, I could consult for you guys blindfolded. But can your budget even afford me?"
Fury shook his head. "Not as a consultant. As a member."
Tony immediately lost interest. He had no intention of becoming someone else's employee—until Fury dropped the bomb:
"Smith Doyle's already in."
"What? Are you sure Smith Doyle agreed to this?"
"If he has, then... I might consider it."
Fury didn't actually know whether Coulson had succeeded in recruiting Smith Doyle—but he used the same strategy. And just like with Smith, it worked.
Tony, intrigued by Smith's involvement, decided to check things out. But he made one thing clear: if he didn't like what he saw, he was walking—and taking Smith with him.
Naturally, Fury agreed without hesitation.
After he left, Tony began reworking his home's security system. If any agent could sneak in so easily, what secrets of the Mark-series armors might be at risk?
He wasn't going to end up just working for someone else.
His inventions were his, and he wasn't about to let anyone take them away.
After what happened with Obadiah, Tony had learned to stay alert.