A completely black "Black Hawk" helicopter, devoid of any markings, landed in the center of North Brother Island.
The strong winds stirred up by the propellers made Tandy's short blonde hair fly wildly, and she instinctively narrowed her eyes.
The decaying hospital and pharmaceutical factory had vanished.
In their place stood a cold steel fortress.
Thick alloy walls gleamed with a dull, dark light under the sun, without a single window visible.
Countless cameras and sensors, like indifferent compound eyes, monitored the small landing pad from every conceivable angle.
The air was filled with the smell of newly welded metal, carrying an industrialized chill.
William was the first to descend the gangway.
He was wearing a brand new dark grey suit today.
His hair was meticulously combed, and his face held the impeccable, professional smile of "Director Rodriguez."
Behind him, Tyrone was like a silent Shadow.
His oversized hoodie almost covered half of his face.
Only the darkness swirling around him, seemingly capable of absorbing light, hinted at his extraordinary nature.
Phil Coulson was the last to exit the aircraft.
He was still in his perpetually neat suit, with a warm smile that could make anyone feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.
"Rodriguez Consultant, welcome to inspect your new enterprise."
Coulson spread his arms, like a real estate agent showing off his most premium property.
"As per your request, it's fully equipped with top-tier amenities: an independent power system, undersea fiber optic cables, and an island-wide tactical-grade security network."
"Tactical-grade?"
William kicked the seamlessly joined metal plate on the ground with the tip of his shoe, producing a dull thud.
"Does that mean if someone wants to steal a mango from my island, they'll be locked onto by satellites?"
"We don't recommend planting any fruit trees on the island, William."
Coulson's tone was earnest, as if discussing a serious academic matter.
"This might attract some unwelcome birds and trigger unnecessary alarms."
Tandy rolled her eyes beside him and whispered to Tyrone, "I bet he can't even tell a joke."
As if he had ears on his back, Coulson smiled and nodded at Tandy:
"The defense system here also fully considers employee safety; your dormitory area has independent security protocols and is equipped with the latest Stark Industries entertainment system."
Tandy's mouth opened slightly, but in the end, she didn't utter the words, "Who cares?"
The group passed through an alloy gate as heavy as a bank vault door, and the sight inside made both Tandy and Tyrone stop in their tracks.
This didn't look like a Base.
It looked more like a cage built for some Beast.
On both sides of the wide corridor were energy fields glowing with a faint blue light.
Every ten meters, an automated retractable defensive turret was housed within the ceiling, its red standby indicator light resembling the pupil of a Beast.
"The main aisle uses a kinetic suppression field; any moving object exceeding a preset speed will be forcibly decelerated," Coulson explained as he walked, his tone as relaxed as if he were strolling through his own backyard.
"The wall material is a mixture of various metals, theoretically capable of withstanding the close-range impact of a tactical nuclear strike."
"How's the soundproofing?"
William suddenly asked, knocking on the wall with a serious expression.
Coulson's mouth twitched, but he maintained his perfect professional composure: "Absolutely quiet."
They reached the deepest part of the Base, a vast circular space.
In the center of the space stood a colossal object that was difficult to describe in words.
It was a massive cage woven from countless dark alloy components and energy conduits.
"What... what is this?"
Tandy's voice was a little dry.
She felt as if she wasn't looking at a cage, but rather gazing upon an instrument of torture prepared for a god.
Coulson didn't answer, merely casting an inquiring glance at William.
This is your island, your employees, your "asset."
William took a deep breath, stepped forward, and gently placed his hand on the cold, smooth outer wall of the containment unit.
He could feel a faint vibration and the sensation of energy flowing through his fingertips.
He turned to look at Tandy and Tyrone, whose expressions varied.
The smile on his face disappeared for the first time, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.
"Remember that 'temperamental' client I told you about?"
William's voice echoed in the empty hall.
"He could dismantle this island – not a metaphor, but a statement of fact. And this cage..."
He patted the behemoth behind him.
"You see, this 'Deep Sleep Assistance System' integrates the latest biofeedback sedation technology, infrasound emotional soothing modules, and physical forced rest functions."
"When the client experiences symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep or irritability, the system will automatically activate, providing him with a perfectly quiet and undisturbed sleep environment."
He pointed to the shackles, thicker than a human arm: "These are 'anti-roll restraints' to prevent the client from muscle strains due to poor sleeping posture."
He then pointed to the dense array of energy emitters on the ceiling:
"That's the high-energy version of the 'sleep-aid aromatherapy system,' releasing not lavender, but high-concentration sedative gas."
Coulson stood by, his professional smile almost faltering.
In all his years of work, this was the first time he had heard someone describe a maximum-security containment device for high-risk prisoners as a luxury spa package in a five-star hotel.
The monster cage that S.H.I.E.L.D. spent billions to build had become, in William's words, a health product to help insomniacs improve their sleep quality.
"So..."
Tandy's voice trembled as she pointed to the massive cage, then to William.
"The risk our company manages is... client insomnia?"
"Precisely."
William snapped his fingers.
"Our core business is to provide comprehensive risk hedging services for high-net-worth individuals with immense power but unstable emotions, including but not limited to emotional management, asset preservation, and... sleep quality assurance."
"Can I... resign now?"
Tandy asked softly.
"Of course you can."
William smiled very amiably.
"However, according to the employment contract, departing employees are required to pay three times the training fees and liquidated damages."
"I've roughly calculated it, and it probably includes the money for your new phone, your food and accommodation expenses during this period, and the lawyer fees I incurred for processing your legal identities..."
"All together, you'd probably need to go steal for about ten years on the streets to pay it all back."
Coulson cleared his throat, interrupting this employee mobilization meeting reeking of capitalist greed.
"Rodriguez Consultant, since you are satisfied with the facilities, then... the handover of the 'asset' can be put on the agenda."
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