Early the next morning, Levi awoke to find Maria Hill already up, browsing through his closet. Watching her, he thought about morning exercises.
"So early?" he asked.
"I'm used to it," Maria replied, pulling on one of his shirts.
"Why my clothes?" Levi asked curiously.
Maria rolled her eyes. "What do you think?"
Seeing her dress in tatters on the floor, Levi smiled sheepishly.
There's something about women in men's clothes—they look strikingly good.
Maria looked stunning in his shirt.
"Let's have breakfast," Levi suggested, heading downstairs.
2B, needing no rest, had already prepared breakfast.
Watching the diligent maid, Maria felt as if 2B were a robot.
"I'm starving," Maria said, digging in.
She remembered Nick Fury's instructions. "We'd like to collaborate on brain-computer interfaces."
Where are the most disabled people found? The battlefield.
S.H.I.E.L.D. trains agents at great cost, but the job is perilous, with high injury rates.
They want to avoid retiring skilled agents due to disabilities—a huge waste.
So, when Future Technology Company emerged, Nick Fury took notice.
Levi's "limb regeneration" potion and prosthetics fascinated him.
Though it seemed like just a presentation...
Yesterday's unveiling of the AI 'Red Queen' and the brain-computer interface convinced Fury of the company's high-tech prowess.
Thus, Deputy Director Maria Hill was sent to make contact.
Unexpectedly, Maria and Levi hit it off, getting to know each other directly at his home.
"What do you offer?" Levi asked.
Maria responded, "We have money."
S.H.I.E.L.D. receives funding from major sources, with vast budgets.
Hearing this, Levi put down his utensils, feigning seriousness.
"Money? Am I so materialistic?"
"I founded Future Technology to create a beautiful future, a world without weakness!"
Maria's perception of Levi changed, her admiration growing.
"In that case…"
She began.
Levi interjected: "Then send someone to negotiate the contract. Fair prices, no deception."
"…"
Maria's expression returned to normal.
---
At Future Technology Company, an honest-looking man sat opposite Levi with a friendly smile.
Levi said to a tired-looking Gwen Stacy, "Gwen, please make coffee for our guest. He's our esteemed benefactor."
"Did you stay up late? Why so sleepy?"
Gwen replied, "Just a lot to do, so I slept late."
"Oh, your instructor is overworking you. I should complain!"
"Uh, he's nice, no need."
Gwen quickly made coffee and left, fearing exposure.
Levi didn't mind, motioning for his guest to drink.
Levi himself was honest and easy-going, so calling someone an honest man was a compliment.
"Mr. Coulson, you arrived quickly. I just got here."
Levi smiled.
He had just seen Maria Hill off when Coulson arrived.
Coulson smiled warmly. "We've wanted to collaborate for a while, so I'm eager."
The headquarters was nearby, after all.
"Well, Director Hill should've told you my pricing is fair."
"What kind of collaboration do you want?" Levi asked.
Coulson said, "We need your brain-computer interface."
Levi frowned. "Just the interface?"
"Yes."
"That won't work. It must pair with our prosthetics, or there's a mismatch."
Levi shook his head.
Coulson knew Levi was bundling products.
But S.H.I.E.L.D. had money.
Without needing approval, Coulson nodded. "Fine, we'll buy both."
"Great, I'll give you a 10% discount."
Levi grinned.
With the brain-computer interface ready, production was underway.
Levi calculated: "Our top prosthetics cost $80,000, and the interface $100,000."
Coulson said, "We don't need the top-tier."
"That's not right. Your agents risk their lives. Give them the best!"
Levi argued passionately: "Imagine if you were injured and got a low-quality limb. Would you accept it?"
Levi pressed: "You're on the job, not spending your own money."
"Okay, top-tier."
Coulson agreed.
Agents had to consider themselves.
Focus on the organization, but if something happens, they won't be missed.
Levi appreciated wealthy clients. After the deal, he asked, "Can you bring military orders?"
The easiest way to profit in America?
Government contracts.
Big companies have plenty of these.
Bluntly, they're parasites.
Future Technology aimed to join their ranks.
While other areas were uncertain, Levi excelled at presentations.
"Uh, we're not that kind of entity."
Coulson replied.
For military deals, the Pentagon was the place, not S.H.I.E.L.D.
Levi was disappointed. "We're also researching regenerative medicine. Soon, severed limbs could regrow."
"Let's wait until you achieve that."
Coulson was skeptical.
Levi was dissatisfied.
You can doubt him, but not Professor Connors!
"Come, see the experiment."
Levi said, as Gwen informed him of a live demonstration.