After finalizing Clark's compensation, Hank Pym discussed with Clark for nearly an hour, during which there was naturally a lot of bargaining.
However, once the main objectives of both parties were aligned, the subsequent negotiations went much smoother.
The most important point was that Hank Pym asked Clark to undertake a mission, with the condition being that S.H.I.E.L.D. would send a scientist specializing in gravitation to assist Clark with his research project.
This was one of the key conditions Hank Pym agreed to.
Although the scientist could not take the research data, he could tell Hank Pym what Clark managed to develop with the materials provided, after the research was completed.
With the participation of this specialized scientist, Clark could save a lot of time, making the research process much smoother.
Clark didn't have any objections to this.
After all, the device he was creating was only intended for training purposes and would be practically suicidal for a normal person to use. It was essentially custom-made equipment for him.
The mission arranged by S.H.I.E.L.D. for him was to travel to the Middle East to assist Agent Hill in safely retrieving the scientist back to S.H.I.E.L.D.
The unfortunate scientist seemed to have been targeted by terrorists during a field inspection and had already survived three assassination attempts.
As for why the terrorists in the Middle East were so intent on assassinating a scientist, some things are better left unsaid.
After all, in many cases, terrorists are just scapegoats.
With Hank Pym's escort, Clark boarded S.H.I.E.L.D.'s plane.
Sitting in the rear seat of the co-pilot's section, Clark waved goodbye before the cabin door closed.
Hank Pym saluted back, saying, "You must have realized by now that Sharon is actually our S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Now that you've also become a part of S.H.I.E.L.D., I plan to bring her back."
Clark nodded, "No problem. According to the contract, the penalty is..."
Received a +6666 impression score from Nick Fury!
"I've decided to keep her at Nirvana Corporation to monitor you instead!"
Hank Pym said this and turned to leave, finding conversations with this guy could be infuriating at times, even more so than Tony Stark.
Frustrating indeed!
After watching Clark's plane take off, Hank Pym turned to return to the Tri-Wing Building. A white-haired elder with a seemingly loyal appearance but a hint of murderous intent in his eyes slowly shifted his gaze to a bald man on standby and whispered, "Inform Killian that everything is proceeding smoothly, and we can begin the operation."
This person was the High Priest Lama Pi, a figure of supreme authority within S.H.I.E.L.D. from HYDRA.
The bald Sitwell, upon receiving Lama Pi's orders, nodded seriously and then asked with concern, "But Clark's strength is extraordinary, even the Hulk couldn't harm him. Do those terrorists really stand a chance?"
Pierce confidently smiled, "According to our information, Clark is indeed powerful, but not invulnerable."
"He doesn't have the Hulk's imperviousness; he possesses speed, strength, and reflexes far beyond human limits. A single bullet, if it hits, could be fatal."
Still worried, Sitwell saw Lama Pi produce a small vial of aphrodisiac, intending to spike Clark and Hill's drink, then time an attack during their vulnerable moment.
"I refuse to believe he could dodge a bullet under those circumstances!"
Hearing Lama Pi's plan, Sitwell was startled by its ruthlessness.
Assassinated under those conditions, even a superhero could meet their end.
Nodding and taking the vial, Sitwell asked, "Is there still time to deliver this?"
Lama Pi scoffed, "I've already had it sent. If you're interested, this bottle is yours, a rare and high-grade item. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s detectors can warn against almost all drugs based on their danger level, but this one is an exception."
Quickly placing the drug back on the table, Sitwell left to notify Killian.
Without looking back at Sitwell, Lama Pi continued to gaze out the window, muttering, "Clark, I didn't want to complicate things, but you know too much."
"Using elimination, apart from those few agents you've mentioned, am I not the only possible HYDRA member?"
He smirked, "Luckily, although I'm in S.H.I.E.L.D., I've entered the Council and strictly speaking, am not a S.H.I.E.L.D. member, plus having Hawkeye to take the blame, Nick Fury hasn't suspected me."
"However, keeping you is a risk. For HYDRA, for the Insight project, and for my rise, you must die!"
"The trouble you've caused is indeed a headache." Lama Pi shook his head, "This time I'm sending the Winter Soldier personally. It should be straightforward... hopefully."
Meanwhile, Aldrich Killian, the leader of a terrorist organization, received Sitwell's message and was thrilled.
After hanging up, he excitedly told Maya Hansen, "Darling, good news, our plan is about to succeed. The materials you need will soon be delivered."
Maya Hansen, a westernized beauty with a unique appeal similar to Hope Van Dyne but not Clark's type, was a genius scientist responsible for the Extremis virus.
Hearing Killian's words, Hansen's expression became melancholic, "Our research on the Extremis virus was meant to save lives, but to achieve this, we have to kill innocents. I'm no longer sure if what we're doing is right or wrong."
"Ah, darling, you're mistaken," Killian solemnly corrected, "Remember, you've always been researching the Extremis virus to save lives. I'm the murderer. Let me bear all the guilt, and if anyone is to go to hell, it'll be me. You'll surely go to heaven."
After comforting Hansen, Killian turned to his men, "Remember, the so-called gravitation expert is just our bait. Our real target is a guy named Clark. The plan is as follows..."
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