Inside the Trident Building, Coulson stood before Nick Fury's desk, a tablet in hand displaying updated mission status.
"Director, both Smith Doyle and Tony Stark have agreed to join the Avengers Initiative. We can proceed with Natasha's recall."
He swiped to another screen. "The question is how we handle their integration. They won't be completing missions like standard agents. The Avengers identity is more like one of many roles they'll play."
Nick Fury drummed his fingers on the desk, the rhythmic tapping filling the silence as he considered the situation. After a long moment, he leaned back in his chair.
"The Avengers will be our ace in the hole for emergencies and extraterrestrial threats. We deploy them sparingly, only when absolutely necessary."
His single eye fixed on Coulson. "Both recruits need an observation period. Have the psychology department compile profiles on them over the coming weeks. I want to ensure going public hasn't fundamentally changed their behavior patterns or motivations."
Coulson nodded, then produced an invitation from his jacket. "This arrived earlier. Smith Doyle's Universal Capsule Company is holding a product launch in six days. The venue is the Chinese Theatre."
Nick Fury took the invitation, studying it with a raised eyebrow. "Interesting. The product must be significant if we're on the guest list."
"Agreed." Coulson pulled out a photograph and placed it on the desk. "We can now confirm the Fraternity's chief scientist is this woman. Bulma."
The photo showed a young woman with striking blue hair and sharp, intelligent eyes.
"But according to our databases and American population records, she doesn't exist." Coulson's tone grew more serious. "No graduation records. No high school, middle school, or elementary school attendance. She's not American, has no registered identity information, and no entry or exit records at any border."
He tapped the photo. "The only identity documents she possesses were forged by someone in the Fraternity's network. High-quality forgeries too. The paperwork appears genuine, passes most verification systems, but our deep investigation turned up nothing concrete."
Coulson crossed his arms. "However, Tony Stark personally vouched for her scientific capabilities. That endorsement carries weight."
Fury studied the photograph more closely. "Could this be a front? Smith pushes her into the spotlight while the actual scientists remain hidden in the shadows?"
"Possible," Coulson admitted. "But based on our intelligence, the probability is low. Multiple sources confirm she's actively conducting research and development."
Fury's gaze lingered on Bulma's blue hair. "Natural blue hair. If it's not dyed, does anyone have hair this color naturally?"
Coulson shook his head. "Human hair comes in five natural base colors: black, brown, blonde, red, and white. Variations exist in shade and depth, but that's it. Natural blue hair doesn't occur in humans. It has to be dyed."
He paused. "And among the alien species we've encountered, none resemble humans this closely."
Fury nodded slowly. A young woman like this probably wasn't a disguised alien. Even if the Skrulls had scientists capable of advanced research, they wouldn't transform into someone with such a conspicuous appearance and zero background documentation to infiltrate an Earth organization.
"I'll attend the product launch in six days. I want to see what they've developed and why they're confident enough to invite organizations like ours."
Fury had reviewed the guest list. Every invitee represented a powerful entity or government agency. No simple press event needed that kind of firepower in attendance.
"Also, increase intelligence gathering on Bulma. It's impossible for her to have zero traces unless the Fraternity trained her in a completely isolated environment from childhood."
His eye narrowed. "But do they really have the capability to cultivate a creative scientist in total isolation? That seems unlikely."
"Understood, Director," Coulson said.
Fury continued, "One more thing. Inform the science division we need a device capable of detecting the energy signatures from Smith Doyle's abilities. The energy waves he emits from his hands."
His tone grew more urgent. "If we can create a detector, we'll know immediately whenever he uses his powers within range."
Coulson's expression became apologetic. "Director, that may take considerable time. Smith Doyle uses an energy type we've never recorded. We need either another display of his abilities at full power, or we need to capture and analyze his energy signature. Only then can we develop a functional detection device."
Fury drummed his fingers again, then nodded. "Tell them to expedite the process. The sooner we have that capability, the better positioned we'll be."
"Understood, Director."
Coulson stood, gathered his materials, and departed the office.
Two days later, Smith had just woken up in his quarters at the Fraternity compound when Fox knocked on his door.
As Smith opened it, Fox stood in the hallway holding a custom-tailored suit on a hanger.
"Boss, there's a Stark Industries shareholders' meeting this morning. Your attendance is required. I had this suit prepared for you."
Smith took the suit, examining the quality craftsmanship. He leaned in and gave Fox a quick kiss. "Thank you, Fox."
"Have the cook prepare breakfast. I'll be down shortly."
Fox glanced at his watch. "You have two hours before the meeting starts."
After delivering the reminder, Fox turned and headed downstairs to relay Smith's breakfast request to the kitchen staff.
Smith closed the door, took a hot shower, went through his morning routine, and changed into the sharp suit Fox had selected. He studied himself in the mirror. Professional, powerful, exactly the image he needed to project today.
New York City. Stark Industries headquarters.
John Wick pulled the car up to the main entrance. The moment Smith stepped out onto the sidewalk, reporters swarmed from every direction, cameras flashing like a lightning storm.
Dozens of voices shouted questions simultaneously, creating an unintelligible wall of noise. The media had been waiting for this. The first publicly recognized superhuman since Captain America, now appearing as a major shareholder in one of the world's most powerful corporations.
"Mr. Smith, as a shareholder of Stark Industries, do you believe the company should resume arms sales?"
"Mr. Smith, what's your opinion on the armor Tony Stark developed?"
"Mr. Smith, are you and Stark Industries conducting any research involving the Super Soldier Serum?"
John Wick immediately moved to intercept, his imposing frame clearing a path through the press of bodies. Fox stepped up beside Smith, raising a hand to silence the shouting reporters.
"We won't be accepting interviews before the shareholders' meeting concludes. There will be a dedicated press conference afterward."
Fox kept his tone professional but firm as he and John guided Smith toward the entrance. They pushed through the crowd, finally reaching the doors. Security personnel blocked the reporters from following inside.
Once they were in the lobby, the chaos cut off abruptly. Smith exhaled and straightened his tie. "Those reporters are insane."
Fox allowed himself a small smile. "Boss, you'll find they're even crazier after the product launch."
Smith shrugged, saying nothing more as they walked toward the elevators leading to the executive conference room.
The conference room doors swung open. Smith entered with Fox and John Wick flanking him.
Tony immediately stood from the head of the table, his face breaking into a genuine grin. He crossed the room quickly and pulled Smith into a brief hug.
"Smith! Good to see you."
Smith returned the smile, clapping Tony on the shoulder. "Tony, it's been too long."