19 Chapter 19: SHIELD Agent
Antonio was stunned for a moment, then chuckled foolishly.
Tony Stark's environmental protection foundation, and Mr. Oaks as a partner?
Since he didn't mention it, it was probably Mr. Stark's own decision. But with this, Mr. Oaks's reputation would surely skyrocket.
And as his only employee at the moment, what benefits would he receive?
Indeed, this was a golden opportunity that must be seized!
"Ding Dong Ding~"
The shop door opened, and another customer entered. Antonio quickly put on a smile and went to greet them.
Let's go back in time by fifteen minutes.
A red convertible antique car made a sudden swerve to avoid a honking taxi.
Not long after driving, they had to make a sharp turn to avoid a motorbike coming in the opposite direction. Finally, at a rundown intersection, they had to yield to a group of skateboarding hip-hop youths. They finally reached a relatively normal road.
"When I get back, I'll send the traffic violation video of these brats to the police station. If they don't arrest them, I'll do it myself!"
The male driver glanced at his furious female colleague and smiled wryly.
"Melinda, it's only been a few months since you were last in the field. But you're the most experienced driver, aren't you used to this little commotion?"
"I'm an expert at flying planes!"
The woman in the passenger seat huffed and rolled her eyes.
"Coulson, don't you think the traffic situation in Brooklyn is outrageous? If those idiots at the police station think that the Public Security Traffic Management Department is unnecessary, they shouldn't waste taxpayers' hard-earned money!"
"I thought you'd become more refined after spending a few months in a desk job."
Coulson opened his mouth but refrained from saying the phrase "a ride is just a ride."
Otherwise, he probably wouldn't be able to drive today, and he might have to take a month-long leave due to a work-related injury.
"Alright, this stretch of road is relatively safe. We'll be there in about fifteen minutes."
Coulson changed the subject. His outstanding female colleague seemed to still be recovering from the failure of their last mission. It would be good for her to let off some steam.
"Coulson, you don't need to focus right now. There are some things we need to talk about."
Melinda glanced left and right at the streets, which seemed like two different worlds compared to earlier. There were almost no cars on this side of the road.
So she crossed her arms and tilted her head, glancing at Coulson, who always maintained his trademark smile.
"I've already transferred to a desk job, approved by the Director himself. Why am I being sent on this field mission?"
When Melinda saw Coulson's lips move, she immediately added,
"We need to have an open and honest conversation, not just some meaningless order. I've been hearing that phrase 'it's an order' for over twenty years."
"...Alright, Melinda."
Phil Coulson, Level 6 agent of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division (SHIELD), didn't waste time with unnecessary introductions.
Melinda May, although one level higher than Coulson in terms of clearance level, had been transferred to a desk job due to a heart-wrenching mission a few months ago.
Technically, she shouldn't be involved in this field mission. However, their personal relationship was excellent, so after Melinda vented her frustration and "interrogated" Coulson (which was technically a breach of discipline), he felt compelled to explain.
"Strictly speaking, this is a violation of protocol."
Coulson also believed it was a violation of protocol, but seeing that Melinda was already clenching her fists, he quickly continued,
"But we're almost near the target, so let me give you a brief overview of the mission—"
"It's not that I didn't speak up before, it's just that this mission is classified as Level 7."
"Level 7?!"
Melinda was taken aback. Although Levels 6 and 7 were both classified as top-secret, Level 7 missions were a turning point.
Missions below Level 7 were considered general classified, but Level 7 missions could be referred to as "highest classified" in the general sense.
For example, tasks that involve national security, counter-terrorism, highly classified intelligence, as well as tasks related to high-level researchers and medical personnel, fall under this level.
"No wonder they need both of us."
Even in the highly talented Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division (SHIELD), Level 7 agents were rare. It typically took 3-6 months at the shortest, and more often 6-18 months, to obtain Level 7 clearance.
As a seasoned Level 6 agent, Coulson had the opportunity to handle Level 7 missions. And now, as someone who had just transferred to a desk job, Melinda seemed to be the most suitable partner.
"Alright, Coulson. It seems that this operation is very important. Can you tell me the details now?"
Melinda's expression became serious.
As an exceptional agent meticulously trained by one of the founding members of SHIELD (they didn't call it that yet), Agent Peggy Carter, since the age of seven, she understood how significant a mission requiring both of them would be.
In other words, it was an extremely dangerous mission.
Foreign spies? Terrorist organizations? Kidnapping of dignitaries? And so on. If they were being sent, it couldn't be just because of her experience in combat against superhumans, could it?
"Well, actually, this time we're going to visit a young biologist."
Coulson raised an eyebrow, opened a hidden storage compartment, and took out a file folder.
"This is the mission dossier."
"Level 7 mission dossiers are actually allowed to be copied?"
Melinda's lips curled into a slight smile. She was extremely curious; this Level 7 mission seemed to be extraordinary.
"Well..."
Opening the dossier, Melinda skimmed through its contents and nodded slightly.
"A young genius scientist, and he's of irish descent. Hmm, quite handsome too."
"So, this Level 7 mission is related to high-level researchers? What has this guy done? It's not another Hulk situation, is it?"
Although she initially breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that the target was a scientist, Melinda soon remembered that scientists nowadays weren't harmless academics.
If they caused a significant disturbance, it would be quite serious. Just look at Bruce Banner, such an easygoing and good-tempered person, yet the Hulk incident nearly caused a military catastrophe.
She heard that General Ross paid a considerable price to request SHIELD's assistance in locating the Hulk, but they still hadn't found any leads.
"No, the evaluations of Dr. Oaks Woods have all been positive."
Coulson chuckled, his tone filled with admiration.
"But this man's scientific abilities are not in the least inferior to Dr. Bruce Banner's. Take a look at what he has invented."
"Restorative potion?"
Melinda had flipped to a page in the dossier that was marked with photos, and it emphasized this particular item.
"Rapid wound healing, scar removal..."
Melinda's eyes widened.
"This effect is too exaggerated! Could it be that he's just hyping himself up? Many scientists like to create a spectacle to attract investment."
"No, it has already been tested."
"By whom?"
"Our colleague, Natasha Romanoff."
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