Smith watched the tablet screen as Coulson narrated, genuinely surprised. S.H.I.E.L.D. was revealing classified information and openly hinting at extraterrestrial threats. Given how expertly the organization typically covered things up, this recruitment pitch must be extremely important to them.
"Faced with these various threats, S.H.I.E.L.D. is forming an action team to handle such crises." Coulson swiped to another file. "The initiative is called the Avengers. Earth's technological capabilities are severely limited. We can't even leave our own planet, while these outsiders can reach us easily. The technological gap is staggering."
His expression grew more intense. "The primary purpose of this initiative is defending against external enemies. Showing them that Earth isn't defenseless, that we have the capability to retaliate. That's why it's called the Avengers. Director Fury's vision is bringing together the world's most powerful individuals to fight unknown forces and protect human civilization."
Coulson met Smith's eyes directly. "So I'm here to sincerely invite you, Mr. Smith Doyle, to join us."
Before Smith could respond, Coulson pressed on. "I know the Fraternity's philosophy. There's no conflict between our organizations. Although the Avengers operates under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s umbrella, it maintains significant independence."
He leaned forward. "And with this identity, many of your operations become legal."
"Of course, beyond obligations, members receive corresponding rights and benefits."
Coulson outlined the details. Avengers members could requisition S.H.I.E.L.D. agents of certain clearance levels. They possessed authority granted by the Security Council to conduct global military operations. They had the right to stop or even eliminate perpetrators of crimes that endangered civilian lives with lethal force if necessary.
Beyond that came financial compensation. Full benefits package, monthly salary of fifty thousand dollars.
"I know the money means nothing to you, Mr. Smith," Coulson added. "But we anticipate recruiting civilian heroes in the future. For them, this represents substantial income."
Smith processed the information, genuinely taken aback. Was this really the S.H.I.E.L.D. he knew from the comics and movies? The benefits package was impressive, legitimately attractive to future street-level heroes.
More importantly, Coulson had led with rights and authority, not responsibilities and patriotic duty. He'd emphasized how this arrangement would legitimize the Fraternity's operations. Any member state in the Security Council would grant the Avengers law enforcement authority within its borders.
"Coulson, I'll be honest. Your offer is quite attractive."
What Smith didn't know was that if he weren't Smith Doyle, someone with substantial personal power and organizational influence, S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't be negotiating at all. They'd be invoking responsibility and justice, applying pressure and guilt. The enhanced benefits package itself had been suggested by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s psychological analysis department after Smith demanded Tony compensate innocent civilians for their destroyed vehicles. The analysts believed improved terms would make Smith more favorably disposed toward the organization.
Besides, there wouldn't be many Avengers members. Superpowered individuals fighting on the front lines deserved exceptional compensation.
Hearing Smith's response, Coulson sensed hesitation and played his trump card. "Mr. Smith, your good friend Tony Stark is also on our recruitment list. I'm confident he'll join the Avengers."
He paused deliberately. "And doesn't the Fraternity teach that nothing is true, everything is permitted?"
Coulson's voice took on a more serious tone. "With an organization wielding such tremendous power, if you don't step in and provide oversight, can you really trust it to stay on the right path?"
Smith's mind reeled slightly. Wow. They were actually using the Creed's philosophy as a recruitment angle. That took some nerve.
"Coulson, since you put it that way, I'll accept your invitation."
Smith's expression hardened slightly. "But let me be clear. After I join, I won't just be overseeing the Avengers."
Coulson thought of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence classification system, their agent clearance levels, and a smile crossed his face. He extended his hand across the table.
"Welcome aboard, Mr. Smith."
As darkness fell, Tony drove away from the air force base and headed home. The whiskey had worn off during the drive, leaving him tired and ready for a hot shower.
"Welcome home, sir," JARVIS announced as Tony stepped through the door.
Tony froze. A dark figure stood beside the sofa in his living room, barely visible in the shadows. His hand instinctively moved toward the arc reactor in his chest. How the hell did someone get past his security?
"I am Iron Man." The voice came from the shadows, calm and authoritative. "Do you think you're the only superhero in the world?"
Tony's jaw tightened. "Mr. Stark, you've become part of a larger universe. You just don't know it yet."
Tony's frown deepened. "I'm well aware of how great I am. That's established fact, not news."
He took a few steps closer, eyes adjusting to the dim light. "As for superheroes, of course I'm not the only one. There's Smith Doyle."
Another step forward. "So who the hell are you, and how did you get into my house?"
The figure moved into the light, revealing a dark-skinned man wearing a long leather coat and an eye patch. His single eye fixed on Tony with unsettling intensity.
"Nick Fury. Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Tony's hostility decreased marginally. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents had died protecting Pepper last night during Obadiah's attack. He owed them something for that. But only something.
"I don't care who you are or what you want. Get out of my house. Now."
He raised his voice. "JARVIS, how did he get in?"
"Sir, I'm uncertain. His identity was somehow verified in the system."
Fury stepped fully into the light, his expression unreadable. "Intelligent systems are easier to fool than you'd think, Tony."
He gestured toward the seating area. "Let me arrange your evening activities. It's time you learned the truth about the world."
Later, after Fury's presentation about the Avengers Initiative, Tony crossed his arms. "With my abilities, being a consultant would be effortless. But can your little project afford my rates?"
Fury shook his head. "Not as a consultant. As a member."
Tony's interest evaporated instantly. He had zero intention of becoming anyone's subordinate. He opened his mouth to refuse.
"Smith Doyle has been invited to join this initiative," Fury said casually.
Tony's head snapped up. "What? You're telling me Smith agreed to join your program?"
Fury's expression remained neutral. "If Smith Doyle commits to joining, would you reconsider?"
Tony studied the director's face, searching for deception. "Well, if Smith's definitely in, I suppose I could take a look at this organization."
Internally, Fury had no confirmation whether Coulson had successfully recruited Smith. But the tactic worked beautifully on Tony, just as Coulson had used Tony's name with Smith.
Tony's mind was already working through scenarios. If this so-called Avengers Initiative failed to meet his standards, he wouldn't just leave. He'd take Smith with him.
"Then we have an understanding," Fury said, extending his hand.
After Fury departed, Tony immediately began planning upgrades to his home security system. If random agents could infiltrate his house this easily, his Mark series armor had no protection. He'd end up working for someone else, and everything he invented would become theirs.
After the Obadiah situation, Tony had learned his lesson. Trust was expensive, and he couldn't afford to be careless anymore.
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