"Friday," Samuel called out after securing the safe.
Light and shadow flickered as a holographic image of a young girl materialized before him.
This was the artificial intelligence created by Tony Stark. She had taken over for Jarvis after his consciousness was integrated into the being that became Vision. Clearly, she was another one of the many treasures Samuel had scavenged from the Void.
"Good evening, Boss," Friday greeted him with a sweet, digital smile.
This version of Friday felt more human than her cinematic counterpart. Her personality was comparable to Jarvis's, and unlike her predecessor, she possessed a unique, high-definition holographic avatar.
"Is there anything to report?" Samuel asked.
"Everything is functioning normally," she replied.
Samuel nodded. "And the individuals I asked you to investigate?"
"Isaiah Bradley," Friday began, bringing up a series of files. "A recipient of the Super Soldier Serum, codenamed Captain America. Current residence: Baltimore, Maryland."
A holographic map expanded in the air, pinpointing Bradley's exact location with a real-time tracker.
"Jessica Campbell—now known as Jessica Jones. She currently resides in Midtown Manhattan with her adoptive sister, Patricia 'Trish' Walker."
The map shifted, marking her location. To Samuel's surprise, the red dot representing her was nearby—on this very street.
"Luke Lucas..." Friday continued, but Samuel raised a hand to stop her.
"That's enough for now."
Samuel knew he needed to grow stronger and acquire more abilities, but his options were limited. Bruce Banner hadn't yet transformed into the Hulk, Tony Stark had yet to become Iron Man, and even the future Scarlet Witch, Wanda, was still just a young teenager.
Furthermore, if he intended to deal with the Time Variance Authority (TVA), physical powerhouses were his preferred targets.
In the TVA, magic is neutralized. Even the Infinity Stones are reduced to mere paperweights, gathering dust in desk drawers. The Minute Men—the soldiers responsible for security and apprehending time criminals—are effectively ordinary humans. They were all once variants themselves, brainwashed and stripped of their memories to serve the Sacred Timeline.
Within the TVA's headquarters, a sorcerer or an energy-wielder is no more dangerous than a standard S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.
Outside of their base, the Minute Men rely entirely on their technology: Reset Charges to prune timelines, Tempads to travel through the Multiverse, and Time Collars to restrain their targets. If an opponent proves too powerful to capture, they don't bother fighting; they simply prune the entire timeline and reset the stream as if the threat never existed.
Shaking off these thoughts, Samuel stepped outside. He immediately spotted Jessica Jones near the entrance of a nearby bar, engaged in a heated argument with a blonde woman.
The blonde was Trish Walker, her sister. Samuel sighed inwardly; no matter how fierce their shouting matches were, they were unlikely to come to blows. Without a fight to witness, there would be no "dropped rewards" for him to collect.
"You know what, Jess? I'm actually proud of myself tonight, even if you aren't," Trish said, her voice laced with frustration. She turned toward her car. "If you don't want to come, fine. I'm going to be with my friends."
"You think they're your friends?" Jessica shot back. "They're leeches. They just want your money, your drinks, and your status."
Trish whirled around, her temper finally snapping. "And what are you? Why don't you pay for your own tuition for once?"
Jessica looked at her, stunned. "Because you insisted on helping me."
"Then pay your own damn rent instead of sponging off me!" Trish retorted.
Jessica's face hardened. "Do you think I need you? Do you think I can't get whatever I want? I don't need anything from you!"
In a fit of defiant rage, Jessica turned toward a nearby ATM. With terrifying, superhuman strength, she gripped the metal casing and tore the machine open like it was made of cardboard, grabbing several fistfuls of cash.
Trish watched in silent, helpless horror.
"See? Handled," Jessica said, waving the cash mockingly.
"Great. Just great. Don't call me when you're arrested and need bail!" Trish snapped.
"And don't call me when you overdose and need a hospital!" Jessica shouted back.
Trish didn't respond. She simply shook her head, climbed into her car, and slammed the door. The engine roared to life, and she sped away into the Manhattan night.
"Damn it," Jessica cursed under her breath. She squatted down, frustrated, and began picking up the bills that had fluttered to the pavement.
As she reached for a twenty-dollar bill, a pair of boots appeared in her field of vision. She looked up to see an Asian man with a messy buzz cut. He had a cool, roguish look about him.
Samuel glanced across the street, noticing a man clutching a wine bottle who was watching Jessica intently. He recognized the scene from the records of Jessica's life; that man would have been her first boyfriend—a scumbag who would eventually lead her down a dark path.
"Why the long face?" Samuel said lightly, his tone carrying a hint of feigned regret. "Couldn't you two have just settled that with a few slaps? It would have been much more entertaining."
Jessica stared at him, bewildered. Is this guy serious?
"She's my only family," Jessica said, her voice tight with anger.
"Not for long," Samuel replied cryptically.
Jessica nearly snapped at him. Is this guy for real? Does he have any manners at all?
Samuel simply smiled. He knew her biological mother was actually still alive—a secret that would be quite a "pleasant" surprise for her later.
He's handsome, Jessica thought, but his personality is absolute trash.
She stood up, stuffed the remaining money back into the ruined ATM, roughly shoved the metal plate back into place, and turned to walk away.
"Hey," Samuel called out.
"What do you want?" Jessica asked, looking back over her shoulder.
Samuel pointed toward the building nearby, where the sign for the "Na Du Tong Express Logistics Company New York Branch" hung. He smiled warmly.
"I'm offering a job. Food and lodging provided. Are you interested?"
Jessica looked at the sign, then back at Samuel. Possessing the confidence that came with her immense strength, she gave a sharp nod.
"Yes."