"This set of quantum field jammers can disrupt the quantum field within an area—to be honest, this kind of interference has almost no effect on macroscopic reality, but I suppose you have some new ideas again."
Dr. Otto introduced the cone-shaped device, over a meter tall, to Harry.
"Just in case, I want an oversized version of this thing."
"The construction and blueprints for the core part have been uploaded to the system—where did you find that kid? He's very talented."
The mechanical arm pointed at Fitz nearby, who was currently enthusiastically studying an exoskeleton diving suit.
Read good books from Taiwan, pick the best.
"A former S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent. I plan to have him work at the company—he also has a partner who specializes in biochemistry. How about having them join your project group when the time comes?"
Otto looked over at Harry: "Connors' side would be more suitable for them. Dr. Hall has already agreed to join our research, and that project will yield results soon."
Thinking about it, Connors' research direction was broader, and its difficulty and importance were more suited for these two young people. Unlike Otto's side, where the situation was a bit more complex.
Besides, Dr. Otto's project indeed had enough hands with Selvig and Otto, and now Franklin Hall had been added. He just hoped Hall hadn't joined the team with the intention of blowing up the gravitonium.
"That works too. Remember to have him tested in the virtual pods."
The two then exchanged a few more words about recent research progress and new findings until UIS's voice rang out:
"Sir, Mr. Johnson is requesting communication."
Harry shrugged, indicating he had other matters to attend to, and cut off the VR meeting with Dr. Otto.
"Patch him in."
"Mr. Osborn, they are willing to enter peace negotiations with you."
Harry rubbed his chin. Jiaying's words couldn't be fully trusted, but he still had to go through the motions.
Harry called over Coulson's entire team. In the future, Inhuman affairs would need dedicated personnel, and Coulson's team had experience in this area and a natural advantage, so they could be further cultivated.
Having them follow Harry to handle this matter was to let them know his attitude, so he wouldn't have to personally handle everything in the future.
On the screen, Johnson looked at Skye and Coulson with a complex expression: "First, I have a confession to make. I've killed many people—most of them were HYDRA, but thinking back, there might have been quite a few S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents among them as well."
"What?" Skye was stunned for a moment, then realized something.
Coulson, however, understood immediately: for the past twenty-plus years, whenever Skye stayed in a foster home for more than a certain number of years, that family would meet with misfortune.
After learning about the Inhumans and Skye's identity from Harry, he had wondered if the Inhumans had targeted their Agents. Now he knew: those Agents had all died at the hands of Skye's mad father.
"I'm truly sorry, but I hope you won't hold a prejudice against the Inhumans—I will accept my punishment."
Harry nodded: "So this is the first 'gift' the Inhumans have given us. I understand. So, where is the meeting place?"
"I'll send the coordinates—it's the town where the Inhumans live, called Afterlife. It's beautiful here, and it's where you should have grown up. I'll be waiting for you here, along with your mother. She's here too."
After saying that, Johnson hung up. The last sentence was directed at Skye, causing her brain to instantly stall.
"Did he just mention my mother?"
Everyone looked at each other, but only Harry spoke: "Yes—after all, your mother is an Inhuman. Perhaps there's some unknown secret technique involved."
Coulson, prepare for the meeting."
Harry gave Coulson a look: Time to get to work.
A lot of work goes into a face-to-face meeting, especially when contacting a superpowered race. They needed to assess the other party's psychological state, social structure, cultural heritage, and other factors, then arrange a series of scripts and simulations based on the meeting's objectives.
First, the think tank would conduct rehearsals, and only then would it rely on the negotiator's ability to adapt on the fly.
There was a lot of pre-meeting work, and since Skye's emotions were currently unstable, Coulson, in his 'father-figure' role, had to provide some guidance.
Coulson took his team away, leaving only Harry in the conference room.
"Is there anything else you want to say to me?"
"Please... please take good care of my daughter. If she doesn't want to become an Inhuman, let her be an ordinary person."
"Osborn is a company, not an orphanage. We provide jobs but don't interfere in lives. It seems your wife has a lot of hostility toward us."
Johnson said nothing; he didn't know what to say.
"But she is indeed my employee, so you can rest assured. Osborn has never mistreated its own."
Harry cut off the communication. No matter what Jiaying was planning, as long as she wasn't willing to cooperate obediently, none of her schemes would go her way.
As Harry expected, Afterlife was located on the southern slopes of the Himalayas. Halfway up the mountain range, they had developed a small town of about a few square kilometers.
There were no signs of human activity for thousands of miles; it was like a fairyland.
"So this is Afterlife... it's beautiful," Skye murmured to herself.
"Landing in 5 minutes—get ready," a voice came from the cockpit.
Landing on the outskirts of the town, a dozen Riflemen in gp armor surrounded the transport ship. The Teleporter, Gordon, stood before the small path leading to the town to welcome the visitors from the outside world.
Straightening his clothes, Harry stepped out of the transport plane.
"Mr. Osborn, these people cannot come up—there are civilians up there." Gordon pointed at the Riflemen beside Harry.
"No problem." Harry shrugged, carrying a small box as he followed Gordon.
"What's that?" Gordon pointed at the box.
"A gift, the thing you Inhumans love most." Harry didn't mind and opened the box, which contained the obelisk.
This thing was not dangerous at all to Inhumans; on the contrary, it was a lethal weapon to ordinary people.
Gordon reached out and touched it—no problem.
"Let's go."
Led by Gordon, they arrived in the town. The number of people was even smaller than Harry had imagined—less than a hundred, certainly not reaching triple digits.
The town was full of quaint China-style architecture, where various young people were receiving an education.
All the way into the town, Skye and Harry walked into the central house. The Inhuman leader, Jiaying, was sitting in a chair with Johnson standing to the side, both waiting for the negotiations to begin.
The woman had scars from stitches on her face, but she looked quite friendly.
However, Harry could clearly sense her nervousness.
"Finally meeting, ma'am. I'm Harry Osborn, and this is your daughter."
Seeing the two enter the room, Jiaying stood up, and mother and daughter locked eyes.
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