Chapter 9: SHIELD's Recruitment

Check out my ko-fi for more advanced chapters at ko-fi.com/rookie99

Link took out his Glock 26 and cautiously approached the door. Using his X-ray vision, he scanned outside, seeing a middle-aged white man in a suit. The man had a somewhat kind face, but his receding hairline made him look older.

Judging from the appearance, Link had a suspicion about who the man might be. But why was this person here? Had he somehow revealed a flaw in his actions? His enhanced thinking abilities didn't detect anything amiss, but it still put him on guard. Holding his gun discreetly behind his back, he opened the door.

"Who are you?" Link asked, feigning confusion.

The man, Phil Coulson, noticed Link's concealed hand and smiled. "I'd like to discuss something with you, Mr. Link. May I show my credentials?"

Link narrowed his eyes but nodded cautiously. "Go ahead. Just don't make any sudden movements."

Coulson, moving slowly, used two fingers to pull a badge from his inner jacket pocket, revealing it to Link.

Link gave him a puzzled look. "And what organization is this?"

Coulson's badge read, *Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division*—the full name of SHIELD, but few outside the agency were familiar with its abbreviation.

"May I come in now?" Coulson asked. "If you don't trust me, I can show you badges for the FBI, CIA, or another agency if that would help."

With a raised eyebrow, Link stepped aside. "Fine, come in."

Even as he moved, Link kept the door slightly ajar, his body tense and cautious. As Coulson entered, he glanced around the modest apartment. "I've seen your new place. This apartment... well, the new one's definitely an upgrade."

Link said nothing as he closed the door behind him, now pointing the gun directly at Coulson. "We'll talk in the living room, to the left. But don't expect any refreshments."

"That's alright," Coulson replied with ease as he walked to the living room and sat on the couch. Link followed, keeping his distance and making sure not to position himself near any windows, sitting diagonally from Coulson.

With a smile of approval, Coulson began. "Mr. Link, we've been watching you. We'd like to recruit you."

Link frowned, unsure how to react. "You've been watching me? Why?"

"And how do I know anything about you? You just show up at my door offering recruitment?"

Coulson continued calmly, "We first noticed you by chance. Your remarkable use of psychology and micro-expressions, combined with your outstanding performance at the police academy and your real-world experience in Hell's Kitchen, made you stand out."

That explanation seemed to ease Link's tension, but he still had questions. "So, you're a government agency?"

"To be more accurate," Coulson explained, "we're a global intelligence organization, overseen by the World Security Council. We handle classified and often dangerous, mysterious occurrences. In simpler terms, we ensure Earth's safety."

He continued, "I can't share too much, but we're based in Washington, D.C. Our headquarters is the Triskelion building, which I'm sure you've seen."

Link gave an understanding nod. "I've seen it from afar, thought it was a research facility."

"That's our main hub. Now, if you agree to join us, I can take you there for a proper tour. But I ask that you keep everything you've heard today confidential, even if you decide not to join."

Coulson smiled. "Besides, you're now a millionaire. I'm sure a regular job doesn't hold much appeal to you anymore."

Link didn't respond immediately. Joining SHIELD was a weighty decision. His aim had never been to become a superhero. On the contrary, he preferred staying low-key, keeping his extraordinary abilities hidden. However, staying informed was crucial, especially with his eventual goal of obtaining an Infinity Stone. Though he knew the general timeline of the Marvel Universe, this didn't guarantee accuracy. He still wasn't sure which parallel universe he was currently in, and any intel he could gather would be invaluable.

On the other hand, joining SHIELD as a regular agent could help him keep a low profile while learning more about the hidden workings of this world.

Coulson, meanwhile, was hopeful. Nick Fury had high expectations for Link, seeing him as a potential asset in strengthening Earth's defense forces. After witnessing an alien Kree fleet, Fury had become dedicated to building a defense capable of facing extraterrestrial threats. His grandest project was the Avengers Initiative, but so far, his strongest asset was Captain Marvel—who spent most of her time off-world, leaving Fury with just a pager to summon her.

For now, SHIELD was building up its ranks. They had Hawkeye, Black Widow, and a few others, but assembling a truly formidable team to stand against an alien armada was still a long shot.

Coulson waited as Link mulled it over. Finally, Link asked, "So, SHIELD is really a global agency?"

"Yes, absolutely. It's not something we can fake." Coulson smiled as he sensed Link's growing interest.

"Alright, I'll join. But what about my current job?" Link inquired.

"You don't need to worry. We'll handle your records," Coulson assured him. SHIELD had a vast network of connections and could easily extract Link from his current position without causing any complications.

"Now, what do I do next?" Link asked.

Coulson stood up and handed him a phone. "This is a secure line. Keep it with you. Once your paperwork is processed, I'll contact you for a tour of the headquarters."

He continued, "Since you've already undergone police training and completed a year of fieldwork, we'll skip the SHIELD Academy. You'll go straight to the field. You'll learn additional skills and be given specialized equipment once you're in active service."

With that, Coulson left, leaving Link to consider the next chapter in his journey.

________________________________________

I hope you're enjoying the story so far! If you're liking it, please consider leaving a review and dropping a Power Stone. Your feedback and support mean a lot to me and help keep the story going.

(End of Chapter)