Chapter 27: The Floating Island Incident (Part 1)

"It's truly a marvel of solar power." Driving through the streets of Terragrigia, Daniel Davis couldn't help but be amazed at the numerous solar panels around him. Terragrigia Island is the world's only city fully powered by solar energy. Above the city, a solar matrix satellite constantly operates in sync, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply regardless of the weather.

Many scientists celebrated the birth of this technology as a significant leap forward in harnessing solar energy.

Energy has always been a global issue. Controlling energy means controlling the future—this isn't just a saying. Even in a world filled with advanced energy technologies, oil remains crucial for all countries.

Oil's importance extends beyond fuel refining. Even if future energy can be extracted from wind, sun, or various elements, oil's significance will not diminish greatly.

Daniel knew this because the pharmaceutical industry also relies on oil.

"With S.H.I.E.L.D. overseeing the FBC, there shouldn't be any surprises, right?" To most people, the solar matrix satellite was just an energy source. However, Daniel knew it was also a weapon.

"The Hydra's Insight plan was merely a poor imitation." Daniel was sure that if the solar matrix satellite hadn't been so slow to activate as a weapon, the Insight plan wouldn't have involved Helicarriers but solar matrices.

Looking up at the sky, Daniel felt a mix of emotions. Hydra, despite its secrecy and strict internal rules, was led by short-sighted individuals.

Even if the Insight plan succeeded, it wouldn't last long. Where there is oppression, there will be resistance. The Insight plan was merely a strict form of governance, reminiscent of ancient Chinese laws. Like the harsh penalties of Shang Yang, the Qin Dynasty eventually collapsed.

A balance between strictness and leniency is essential for governance. A perpetually tense situation will eventually snap.

Alexander Pierce was an idiot, and even Gideon Malick, who claimed to be the true Hydra, wasn't much better. Instead of bringing Hive back to rule the world, Malick should have focused on destroying Hive and developing the planet. If he had, Malick might have created a thriving world by now. Even if the planet was barren, it was still a planet.

If Daniel had the means to kill Hive, he would have already taken Malick's black stone and opened a portal to that world. For Kamar-Taj's sorcerers, opening portals is a simple task.

Daniel had developed a five-year plan and a ten-year strategy for future growth, based on significant events he remembered. Whether he could benefit from these situations depended on the circumstances.

He couldn't leave Earth yet, or he might have gone to Knowhere to obtain an ancient Celestial's DNA.

"Sherry, long time no see." In the agreed restaurant, Daniel saw two unexpected individuals—Sherry Birkin, now a striking young woman, and Natasha Romanoff, the famed Black Widow.

Daniel learned that Sherry was Natasha's trainee, learning to be an agent under her guidance.

"Is Sherry becoming an Avenger?" Daniel mused upon hearing Sherry's introduction.

Considering Sherry's G-virus-enhanced body, granting her rapid regeneration and superior physical capabilities, and with Natasha's training, Sherry was indeed a valuable asset for Fury.

"Perhaps the next Captain America will be a woman." Daniel thought whimsically.

"This is a rare gem. What a lucky day!" Natasha explained the value of the wine Daniel had brought, impressing Rebecca and Sherry.

An agent, especially a top female agent, needs not only beauty but extensive knowledge. Beauty is crucial because most men drop their guard around beautiful women.

"Is it expensive?" Sherry asked, surprised by Natasha's explanation.

"It's not just expensive. Some people can't buy it even if they have money. This is a wine from Château Lafite Rothschild, which few have heard of." Natasha replied.

Château Lafite Rothschild is a premier grand cru, surpassing even the world-famous Lafite.

"It was a gift from Stark Industries. We have some business dealings." Daniel's collaboration with Stark Industries wasn't a secret, so he had already informed Rebecca and Sherry about it.

"That playboy isn't a good influence. Don't follow his lead." Sherry clearly didn't like Stark, which was understandable. Before becoming Iron Man, Stark had a reputation as a playboy.

"I don't have the resources, and I've barely met him." Stark was too busy with his exploits to bother with Daniel, who was just a young adult in Stark's eyes.

The conversation shifted to their experiences in Raccoon City.

"This wine..." After taking a sip of the Château Lafite Rothschild, Natasha's eyes flashed with surprise.

She discreetly checked the bottle and excused herself to the restroom. There, she spat some wine into a container.

Natasha's suspicion was simple—she had tasted this wine before, but this bottle was distinctly different. An ordinary person might not notice, but as a top agent, Natasha had to investigate, especially given Daniel's connection with Stark.

"Fury is good. He's already made Sherry loyal to S.H.I.E.L.D." Natasha's absence allowed Sherry to express her pride in being an agent for S.H.I.E.L.D., revealing how much she valued her role.

Sherry was a kind person, especially after learning her parents were partly responsible for the Raccoon City incident. She wanted to atone for their actions by working for S.H.I.E.L.D., which allowed her to fulfill this wish.

Daniel couldn't say much about it and just hoped Rebecca and Sherry would stay safe.

When Natasha returned, the conversation flowed smoothly. Daniel respected her greatly, not just for her skills but for her ultimate sacrifice to obtain the Soul Stone.

"He seems interested in you." After dinner, as they parted ways, Natasha commented to Sherry in the car.

"Don't say that. We're just friends. He cares about me, that's all." Sherry replied.

"Just friends? In this line of work, it's hard to find someone to truly care about." Natasha sighed.

The agent profession had the highest divorce rate due to its dangers and long separations.

"Alright, let's get some rest."

"Check what's in this." After dropping Sherry off, Natasha went to a research lab on the island and handed the wine sample to a researcher.

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