Marvel Cybernetic Girl

Chapter 22: 22 I don’t offer free services



"I don't offer free services," said Kagura, her voice calm but firm.

"Well then, let's have a quick chat," Coulson replied. "According to our intel, it seems Mr. Stark escaped using some sort of combat-powered exoskeleton. Miss Kagura, would you be able to provide any information on that? Anything at all?"

"Hmm. Before I share any details, I need to get Mr. Stark's approval. I don't want to be branded a 'traitor' or a 'sellout,'" she replied.

"Don't worry. We're only interested in conceptual data, not core technology," Coulson reassured her. "We'll prioritize your and Mr. Stark's wishes."

"Good," Kagura glanced around, noticing several SHIELD agents were discreetly stationed, closely monitoring their conversation. She had to admit, she admired SHIELD's professional approach—tight and efficient. Though… the organization wasn't always so flawless.

"That said, I don't work for free."

"It seems Miss Kagura is a reasonable person," Coulson smiled. "I enjoy dealing with people like you. So, what would your fee be?"

"Don't worry. I'm not asking for money. If the conditions are right, you'll get the intel you need," Kagura responded confidently. Though Yinsen was involved in the creation of the Mark I Iron Man suit, the technical details, design blueprints, and the Ark Reactor's principles were far beyond his expertise. Yinsen had mostly played a "worker" role—following Tony Stark's instructions.

On the other hand, getting information about the Iron Man suit from Tony Stark himself would be extremely difficult. Not only was Tony unlikely to share anything, but for a long time, Coulson hadn't even had the chance to get close to him. So, with the three people who knew about the suit, SHIELD had little hope of getting real intel except through Kagura.

With only one source of information, the price would naturally go up.

"Alright," Coulson nodded. "Miss Kagura, we'd like to understand the general concept of the so-called 'new combat-powered exoskeleton.'"

"Sure, I'll confirm with Mr. Stark what I can share, then I'll organize it into a document for you. It won't involve core technology, just basic conceptual data, and I'm sure Mr. Stark will agree to that."

Kagura smiled brightly, "My condition is a virtual social identity—one that can completely deceive all monitoring agencies, including the military. You won't be able to discern its authenticity, not even you, except for those who absolutely need to know."

She smiled sweetly, but there was a glint of calculation in her eyes. "This should be easy for you, right?"

"As much as I'm curious about what you'll do with that identity, I won't ask," Coulson chuckled. "If we can get information on that suit, I think your request is reasonable."

"Glad we're on the same page," Kagura nodded. "Once everything's ready, we'll get in touch again."

"No problem, Miss Kagura."

Of course, the information Kagura provided wouldn't be the full Iron Man suit design—just conceptual data. She wasn't foolish enough to hand out Stark's key technologies.

Looking ahead, once Tony Stark reveals his Iron Man identity to the world, these powered suits would become commonplace military tech, with countries trying to replicate it. However, information has an expiration date, and the design details of the first Iron Man suit would still be invaluable in 2008.

For SHIELD, this was about assessing Tony's potential as a superhero, and Kagura knew Tony wouldn't refuse.

The real cutting-edge aspects of the Iron Man suit were twofold: the Ark Reactor's energy core and the brilliant operational programming with complex algorithms.

The Ark Reactor's principles were known, but its miniaturized version was still a Stark and Kagura secret. As for the operating program and algorithms? No chance they'd give those away.

"Alright, it's settled then," Kagura extended her hand. "I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise," Coulson shook her hand firmly. "Pleasure working with you."

"By the way," he added, "any specific requirements for this social identity?"

"Specifics?"

"Yes, like a name."

"Oh, right," Kagura tapped her finger thoughtfully on her lips. She had big plans for this identity.

Her goal was to manipulate Obadiah into secretly taking over Stark Industries' military division and forming a new company. The second step was creating a powerful fake identity to inherit this new company, one that could blend into the background, have immense wealth, a vast network, and high status, but never reveal its true face.

If Kagura could control this identity, she'd be able to smoothly take over Stark Industries after taking down Obadiah.

"How about... 'Bruce Wayne'?" she said with a grin. "It sounds perfect. The nonexistent person will be Mr. Wayne."

"Alright, Mr. Wayne will soon exist as a living entity in this society," Coulson nodded. "Once everything's set, we'll contact you again, Miss Kagura."

"Sure."

Kagura nodded, watching Coulson leave. In the distance, Tony Stark had just announced, "I will immediately shut down the military division of Stark Industries," sparking a frenzy at the press conference.

Kagura's lips curled into a slight smile.

Well, time for a little acting.

 


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