The next day.
Inside the Triskelion.
In Nick Fury's office.
Coulson stood at attention and reported:
"Director, both Smith Dole and Tony Stark have agreed to join the Avengers Initiative. Regarding Natasha, she can now be recalled as well."
"But as for the two of them, how should we arrange things? They won't operate like standard agents reporting to SHIELD. The 'Avenger' title seems more like one of their many identities."
Nick Fury tapped his fingers on the desk thoughtfully before saying:
"The Avengers will be our trump card against emergencies and extraterrestrial civilizations. We won't use them lightly."
"In addition, the two of them will need an observation period. Have the psychology department draft profiles on them over the coming weeks to ensure they don't change too much once in the spotlight."
Coulson nodded and then placed an invitation on the desk.
Nick Fury glanced at it and chuckled.
"Seems like whatever he's releasing is no small thing, since even we're on the guest list."
Coulson nodded and continued:
"We can now confirm that the Assassin League's chief scientist is the young girl Bulma."
Coulson slid a photo of Bulma across the desk and went on:
"But according to our databases and U.S. population records, there's no trace of her. No schooling records, no citizenship, no travel records. Nothing. The only ID we found was fabricated by the League—high quality, but still fake once we dug deeper."
"However, her research ability is already backed by Tony Stark, so she clearly isn't just anyone."
Nick Fury looked at the photo for a moment, then asked:
"Blue hair? If it's not dyed… are there even people born with that color?"
Coulson shook his head.
"Natural human hair comes in black, brown, blonde, red, or white. Variations are all within those hues. Blue is almost certainly dye."
"And as far as we know, no alien species resembles humans so closely."
Nick Fury nodded slightly. This little girl didn't seem to be some alien spy. Even the Skrulls wouldn't have planted a scientist in the League without leaving a trace.
"I'll attend the launch myself to see just what they've developed that gave them the confidence to invite all these… violent institutions."
"And keep digging into Bulma. No one leaves zero tracks. Unless the League raised her entirely in-house."
"Though… could they really produce such a creative scientist in a sealed environment?"
Coulson nodded.
"Understood, Director."
Nick Fury added:
"Also, tell the science team we need a device that can monitor Smith Dole's energy output whenever he uses that light-wave power of his."
"If we can build such a detector, we can always know when he unleashes his abilities."
Coulson replied:
"That might take time, Director. His energy signature isn't in our records yet. We'd need to capture it during a future outburst to even begin developing a detector."
Nick Fury nodded.
"Tell them to hurry. The sooner the better."
"Understood, Director!"
Coulson then rose and took his leave.
······
Two days later.
Inside the Assassin League HQ, Smith had just gotten up when Fox knocked at his door.
When the door opened, Fox stood there holding a tailored suit.
"Boss, this morning is the Stark Industries shareholder meeting. You're expected to attend. I had this suit prepared for you."
Smith accepted the suit, kissed her lightly, and said:
"Thanks, Fox."
"Have the chef make me breakfast. I'll be down soon."
Fox glanced at her watch and added:
"You have about two hours before the meeting."
After reminding him, she left to instruct the chef.
Smith took a quick shower, dressed in the suit Fox had picked, and prepared to leave.
······
New York.
Stark Tower.
John Wick pulled up to the curb and, as Smith stepped out, he was immediately swarmed by reporters snapping photos and shouting questions.
The name "God" and his position as a Stark shareholder had made him an object of fascination.
After all, the last public superhuman had been the late Captain America.
"Mr. Smith! Do you support Stark Industries resuming weapons sales?"
"Mr. Smith! What's your opinion on Tony Stark's latest armor?"
"Mr. Smith! Are you and Stark Industries working on super-soldier serum research?"
Wick and Fox quickly moved to shield Smith as Wick pushed through the crowd.
Fox called out:
"No interviews before the shareholder meeting. There will be a press release afterward."
With that, they escorted Smith through the doors of Stark Tower, leaving the reporters outside.
Smith chuckled.
"These reporters really are crazy."
Fox smirked.
"Boss, wait until after the product launch. They'll be even worse."
Smith only shrugged and continued upstairs to the boardroom.
When he entered the meeting room with Fox and Wick, Tony stood up from the head of the table, walked over, and hugged him.
"Hey, buddy!" Tony grinned.
Smith smiled back.
"Tony. Long time no see."
······
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]