81 Chapter 79: Avengers Filing

The New York branch of SHIELD was a hive of activity, a constant buzz of agents moving to and from, their faces set in grim determination. In the heart of this bustling operation, the office of Director Nick Fury was a sanctuary of calm and order. 

"Agent Ken," Fury began, his voice a low rumble that echoed off the stark white walls of the office. His one eye, a piercing black, was fixed on the man standing before him. "Are you certain the mission report you've submitted isn't a draft of that science fiction novel you've been toying with?" 

Agent Coulson, a silent sentinel in the corner of the room, watched the exchange with a stoic expression. His gaze flickered between Fury and Ken, his mind working to piece together the puzzle that had been presented to them.

"I assure you, Director," Ken replied, his voice steady despite the intensity of Fury's gaze. "The owner of the repair shop on Cranberry Street is not what he seems. He's one of the four cosmic kings, here on Earth to find a bride. He believes our country has the most beautiful women in the world, and he's here to find his queen."

Fury's brow furrowed, his mind struggling to process the fantastical tale. Even for a man who had seen the impossible become reality, this was a stretch. "Agent Ken," he began, his voice measured, "I need to clarify something. The man you were assigned to investigate, the owner of the repair shop, his name is Jon Vinson, correct?"

Ken's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Jon Vinson? But isn't he one of our own? The agent we sent to keep an eye on the repair shop owner?"

Fury's gaze hardened, his mind racing. Ken, a SHIELD agent, had been sent undercover to monitor the repair shop owner. But now, it seemed, the tables had turned. Jon had used a neurolyzer to alter Ken's memories, weaving a fantastical tale of cosmic kings and intergalactic romance.

Fury picked up the mission report, his gaze scanning the words written in Ken's neat handwriting. "You've written here that the repair shop owner is a 'mother fucker cosmic shit.' You've certainly done your homework, Agent Ken."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Fury's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, trying to piece together the puzzle that had been presented to him. He had to get to the bottom of this, to uncover the truth behind the cosmic king and his quest for a queen.

"Agent Ken," Fury began, his voice a low rumble that echoed off the stark white walls of the office. "We need to dig deeper. We need to find out who this cosmic king really is, and what he wants with our planet."

As Ken nodded in agreement, Fury couldn't help but feel a sense of rage and anger. 

Nick Fury set the report down, his gaze never leaving Agent Ken. He leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the desk. "Agent Ken," he began, his voice a low rumble, "you've been observing this repair shop owner for a month. You've investigated his background thoroughly, yet you've failed to mention our undercover agent, Jon Vinson. Why is that?"

Agent Ken's face paled, his eyes widening in surprise. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He was at a loss, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty.

Fury continued, his voice steady. "What is the name of the repair shop owner, Ken? You've been investigating him for a month, yet you can't recall his name?"

Ken's mind raced, his thoughts a jumbled mess. He tried to recall the details of his mission, but everything was a blur. The face of the repair shop owner, the details of his investigation, everything was hazy and indistinct. The only thing that remained clear was the face of Jon Vinson.

"Relax, Agent Ken," Fury said, his voice softer now. He rose from his chair, moving to the side table where a coffee pot sat. He poured a cup and handed it to Ken. "Drink this. Then go get yourself checked out. You're off duty for the next month. Go home, rest."

As Ken took the cup, his hands shaking slightly, Fury turned his attention to the intercom on his desk. "Hill," he called, his voice echoing through the office. 

The door to Fury's office slid open, and in walked Maria Hill, her short hair framing her face. She was a top agent of SHIELD and Fury's right-hand woman. 

"Take him for a brain scan," Fury ordered, his gaze never leaving Ken. "Arrange a meeting with a psychiatrist, then send him home."

Hill nodded, her expression unreadable. She guided Ken out of the office, her hand resting lightly on his arm.

Once they were gone, Coulson moved to stand where Ken had been. He looked at Fury, a small smile playing on his lips. "You were right, Director. We shouldn't have pushed him. We have enough on our plate as it is."

Fury sighed, his gaze drifting to the window. "The resurrection of Captain America, the mysterious hammer, the Tesseract... and now this."

Coulson nodded, his expression serious. "It's confirmed then. He's the Fire Skeleton, the one who rides the fiery dragon."

Fury turned to face him, his gaze hard. "Ken's memory has been tampered with. That's a dangerous ability, but we're lucky it's in his hands. He's not a villain. At least for the time being."

Coulson smiled, his gaze thoughtful. "Do you still want to include him in the Avengers Initiative?"

"Absolutely," Fury replied without hesitation. "The Avengers Initiative has a file, and there are only two candidates in it. Jon Vinson and Tony Stark."

Fury paused, his gaze distant. "They don't need to join SHIELD, but when the world is in danger, we need them."

Coulson nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "What about Cap?"

"He's still asleep, but his vitals are normal. He should wake up soon."

Fury nodded, his gaze returning to the window. "Good. Now, there's one more thing I need you to handle."

Coulson smiled, his gaze twinkling. "The hammer?"

Fury chuckled, shaking his head. "You always know what I'm going to say."

Coulson shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "You usually send me for these things. But this is a third kind encounter. There's a lot of uncertainty. I'd like Agent May to assist me."

Fury shook his head, his gaze serious. "May has other assignments. I'll send Hawkeye with you."

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