23 Chapter 23: Nick Fury's Judgment
"There are two suspicious points."
Coulson also fully understood the complexity of the situation.
Even if Dr. Woods himself posed no harm, the fact that he gained the trust of the orange cat...the Tesseract-chomper, posed a huge potential threat.
It was evident that the Tesseract-chomper had an immense level of trust in Dr. Woods and was even willing to obey the store clerk's commands, who was aware of its dangerous nature.
"Firstly, there is no record of Dr. Woods owning a cat in his previous records. His credit card transaction history shows that he only started purchasing cat food and snacks on the 22nd of last month, which happened to be his birthday."
As a global organization, obtaining the consumption data of an ordinary person was as simple as the click of a button for the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division.
"In other words, this orange cat... the Tesseract-chomper, only came into contact with Dr. Woods on that day. Interestingly, the store clerk, who is a student named Antonio, also moved into Dr. Woods's house on the same day."
Coulson paused at this point and glanced at Melinda, feeling a bit apprehensive.
"And... When I reviewed the surveillance footage from all over Brooklyn on that day while investigating Dr. Woods, I discovered... a small gang in the slums had filed a report."
"Two young men, one with red hair and an orange cat, and the other with black hair and glasses."
"They used magic to eliminate four members of the gang, resulting in two others suffering from mental disorders, while only one remained normal and chose to report it to the police."
"Magic..."
Nick Fury sighed.
"The description matches perfectly. The so-called magic is actually the scene when the Tesseract-chomper attacks."
That horrifying scene, even after thirteen years, was still fresh in his memory.
"Well, it seems I really should buy some potted plants to thank that young man."
Melinda patted her modestly-sized chest, once again realizing just how close she had been to danger.
"But Director, although you've explained the biggest mystery in this matter, which is the Tesseract-chomper..."
Coulson took out a new report.
"There's still a major question mark in this case—Dr. Woods and the student Antonio returned from the slums together, but there's no surveillance footage of him going to the slums anywhere in Brooklyn!"
"It's as if he appeared out of thin air!"
"Oh?"
Nick Fury raised an eyebrow and took the new information from Coulson's hand. He returned to his desk and started reading through it.
Meanwhile, Melinda looked at Coulson with a puzzled expression.
"It's not strange for surveillance to not capture someone, especially in the slums. That's quite normal, and his store has a back entrance."
"Generally speaking, that's true."
Nick Fury, who was still reading the documents, pointed to a page with his finger and looked up.
"However, when considering another suspicious point, it becomes rather strange."
"Yes, Director."
Coulson continued:
"Out of curiosity, I investigated all of Dr. Woods's travel records, and the result was... no result."
"No result? Coulson, has anyone ever told you that the way you build suspense makes people want to punch you in the face?"
Melinda's threat seemed to have an effect. Coulson coughed and quickly continued:
"Um, yes, there really is no result. Since graduating from school, Dr. Woods has never used public transportation. All his records for buses, subways, trains, planes, and even boats are completely clean. Furthermore, there's not even a fuel record on his credit card!"
Coulson's face couldn't hide his surprise.
"And Dr. Woods does own a car, which has recently received a few traffic violations, but it has never been refueled! And Melinda, do you remember where he went?"
"The Amazon Rainforest."
Melinda realized the problem.
"And yet, there's no record of a flight?"
"Not only that, but there's also no record of him leaving the country."
Answering was Nick Fury, who clasped his hands under his chin, his brow slightly furrowed.
"But he has delivery records to the city of Manaus in the Amazon Rainforest, and not just once. Don't tell me he had himself delivered to Amazon."
Then he looked at his two subordinates with an inquisitive gaze.
"Lastly, shortly after you began your mission, someone from the United States Air Force checked Dr. Woods's exit records for the past three days. The authorizer was Colonel James Rhodes from the Air Force Weapons Development Division."
"Tony Stark..."
Melinda glanced mischievously at Coulson.
"It seems their relationship is not as simple as that of a customer and a shop owner."
"Indeed, tomorrow Tony Stark will announce the establishment of the New York Environmental protection Foundation, in which they both serve as partners. However, it's solely funded by Stark himself."
Nick Fury chuckled.
"Their relationship is indeed complicated."
"So, Director, should we take any action before he returns?"
"No, even when she... um, it, was with its original owner, Goose didn't exhibit such stability. So, let's wait and see for now."
Nick Fury was self-aware. Even if they brought Goose back, what difference would it make? They couldn't keep a muzzle on it forever, and if that lady found out, she would probably slap them.
"While Dr. Woods may be mysterious, his current actions are exemplary and greatly beneficial to human society. Therefore, we should meet him in person before making any decisions."
Although Nick Fury claimed not to trust anyone, he had great trust in Goose's ability to judge people.
Thirteen years ago, the three people it came into contact with—one saved the Earth and continued to save different planets, one became the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the other founded the S.W.O.R.D.
Since leaving the Cosmic Cube in his office thirteen years ago, it had disappeared without a trace. And now, it suddenly reappeared by the side of a mysterious biologist...
What kind of exciting story would unfold with the two people it had taken an interest in this time?
Nick Fury couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.
"Continue investigating every detail about Dr. Woods, no matter how small!"
He officially issued the order.
"Melinda, Coulson will lead this investigation, and you will assist. When he returns, Coulson will make contact with him, and you will provide support."
"Yes!"
...
A week passed quickly, and a refreshed Oaks returned to New York once again.
His practice in the Amazon Rainforest had enabled him to tap into half of the forest's Nature power.
This also allowed him to attempt to find Bruce Banner, although the latter should have already left the range of the rainforest.
Now, with the immense power of half the Amazon Rainforest as his backing, Oaks could obtain a small portion of Nature power even in New York.
This was an important step in connecting to the Earth's ecological system. With this foundation, Oaks could further execute his plan.
"Hey, Goose, I'm back!"
With Antonio yet to return, Oaks opened the store door and saw Goose happily playing with a strange little ball.
Oaks narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at the flickering lights on the ball.
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