Watching the video play and listening to Coulson's words, Smith was genuinely a little surprised. SHIELD would actually share this kind of intelligence with him directly—and even hint at the existence of aliens.
Considering SHIELD's usual talent for covering things up, they were clearly after something significant.
"Facing all these threats," Coulson continued, "SHIELD is preparing to form a strike team to deal with such crises."
"This plan is called the Avengers Initiative. After all, Earth's technological level isn't yet capable of venturing outward, while those outsiders can already reach us. That alone shows the technological gap between us."
"The goal of this initiative is to deter these external enemies—let them know that Earth isn't to be trifled with, that we have the power to avenge ourselves."
"The idea is to gather the world's strongest heroes together, to fight unknown and powerful forces, to protect Earth and human civilization."
"And so here," Coulson said earnestly, "I formally invite you, Mr. Smith Dole, to join."
Before Smith could speak, Coulson continued:
"I understand the philosophy of the Assassin League. It doesn't conflict with this at all. The Avengers are technically under SHIELD's umbrella, but they operate much more independently."
"And with this status, your actions will be more… legitimate."
"Of course, beyond the duties, there are corresponding rights and benefits as well."
Then Coulson explained what came with being an Avenger—access to SHIELD operatives up to a certain clearance, the authority to conduct global military operations under the Security Council, the right to neutralize (or even eliminate) threats to civilian lives on the spot.
There was also a salary package, benefits, pension—roughly $50,000/month.
Coulson admitted that for someone like Smith, the money itself meant nothing. But for future civilian heroes, it was an excellent incentive.
Hearing all this, Smith was a little dumbfounded. Was this really the SHIELD he knew?
The benefits were maxed out! For ordinary heroes of the future, this would be very attractive.
And rather than preaching responsibility and sacrifice, Coulson instead focused on the authority they'd gain and how it would legitimize the League's actions under the Security Council.
"Coulson," Smith finally said, "I have to admit… your terms are quite tempting."
What Smith didn't know was that if he weren't Smith Dole, with both power and influence, SHIELD wouldn't have bothered discussing rights or perks. They'd have just preached duty and sacrifice. Even the extra benefits were suggested by SHIELD's psychology division after noticing how Smith had insisted Tony pay for collateral damages the other day.
They reasoned that higher benefits would leave a better impression on Smith.
Coulson, hearing Smith's hesitation, quickly added:
"Your friend Tony Stark is also among those we're inviting. I'm confident he'll agree to join."
"And isn't the Assassin League's creed that nothing is true, everything is permitted?"
"With such power at stake… you don't plan to join and keep an eye on things, make sure the organization doesn't stray?"
Smith chuckled to himself. Clever. They even twisted his own creed like that.
"Fine, Coulson. Since you put it that way… I accept."
"But let's be clear upfront—once I'm inside, I won't just be watching over the Avengers…"
Coulson smiled knowingly—he understood all too well SHIELD's own secrets—and extended his hand:
"Welcome aboard, Mr. Smith Dole."
······
Elsewhere.
As night fell, Tony drove home from the Air Force base to his seaside mansion.
"Jarvis!"
"Welcome home, sir."
But then Tony noticed a dark figure sitting on the couch and froze. How did this guy get in here?
"I am Iron Man."
"You think you're the only superhero?"
"Mr. Stark, you're already part of a much greater world—you just don't know it yet."
Tony frowned slightly.
"I'm already great. That's a given."
"And as for superheroes, of course it's not just me—there's also Smith Dole."
He stepped closer, eyeing the dark figure.
"So… who are you?"
Nick Fury stepped out of the shadows, his face serious as he said:
"Nick Fury. Director of SHIELD…"
Hearing the title, Tony's attitude softened a bit—after all, SHIELD agents had died protecting Pepper the night before—but only a little. He still waved him off impatiently:
"I don't care who you are. Whatever your business is, leave my house. Now."
"Jarvis, how did he get in?"
"Sir, for some reason his credentials passed verification."
Fury added:
"Smart systems like that? Easy to trick."
"Tony, let me show you the truth about the world tonight."
······
"With my skills, being your consultant would be child's play. Could your little project even afford me?"
But Fury shook his head.
"Not a consultant. A member."
At that, Tony lost interest. He had no desire to work under someone else. Then Fury mentioned that Smith Dole was also being invited.
"What? You're sure Smith Dole joined your project?"
"If he really agrees to join," Tony said, "then I might consider it."
Fury couldn't actually confirm yet whether Coulson had succeeded with Smith—but he used the same tactic anyway.
It worked. Because of Smith, Tony decided to at least check it out.
But if this so-called Avengers Initiative didn't meet his standards, not only would he leave, he'd pull Smith out too.
Naturally Fury agreed readily.
After Fury left, Tony decided to upgrade his mansion's defenses. If any agent could just waltz into his home, his Mark armor series wouldn't be much of a secret anymore.
After what happened with Obadiah, Tony was more alert than ever.
······
(End of Chapter)
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