The next morning began with what appeared to be a routine S.H.I.E.L.D. briefing, but Su Chen recognized it for what it truly was—a test.
Agent Coulson's holographic projection materialized in their apartment's secured communication room, his expression carrying its usual professional courtesy. "Good morning, Mr. Su Chen. I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all, Agent Coulson," Su Chen replied, noting that Babata had already traced the communication's routing and confirmed it was being monitored by at least three separate S.H.I.E.L.D. departments. "What can I do for you?"
"Director Fury has a situation that requires your particular expertise," Coulson explained, pulling up a file that displayed on their secured terminal. "We've been tracking unusual energy signatures in Hell's Kitchen—nothing as dramatic as yesterday's incidents, but consistent enough to suggest enhanced activity. Given your success rate, the Director thought you might want to investigate."
Su Chen reviewed the data with apparent interest while his Dual Pupils analyzed the deeper implications. The energy signatures were real enough, but they were also relatively minor—certainly nothing that required his level of intervention. This was S.H.I.E.L.D. testing his initiative, seeing how he operated with minimal oversight.
"Hell's Kitchen," Su Chen mused. "That's Nelson and Murdock's territory, isn't it?"
Coulson's expression showed a flicker of surprise—most people wouldn't immediately connect Hell's Kitchen with a small law firm. "You're familiar with them?"
"I make it my business to know about enhanced individuals operating in New York," Su Chen replied smoothly. "Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer with enhanced senses. Operates as a vigilante at night. S.H.I.E.L.D. is aware of him but hasn't made contact, presumably because he's relatively low-power and operates within acceptable parameters."
"That's... accurate," Coulson admitted, making a note on his tablet. "You're well-informed."
"It's why you hired me," Su Chen said. "These energy signatures—are they consistent with Murdock's activities, or is this something new?"
"New," Coulson confirmed. "The pattern suggests at least two distinct enhanced individuals we haven't identified. One appears to have considerable physical strength, the other displays energy signatures consistent with possible psychic abilities or enhanced resilience."
Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, exactly as Su Chen had planned to investigate. S.H.I.E.L.D. was essentially giving him official sanction to make contact with his intended recruitment targets.
"I'll look into it," Su Chen agreed. "With your permission, I'd like to conduct this investigation independently. Enhanced individuals tend to be more cooperative when they're not surrounded by obvious government agents."
"Understood," Coulson nodded. "You have operational discretion. Standard protocols apply—observe, assess, and report. If they appear hostile, you're authorized to neutralize the threat. If they seem like potential assets, make preliminary contact."
"Acknowledged," Su Chen confirmed. "I'll have a report for you by tomorrow morning."
After Coulson's projection dissolved, Esdeath spoke from where she'd been observing. "They're testing us. Sending us to investigate enhanced individuals they've already identified and assessed as low-threat."
"Of course they are," Su Chen agreed. "Fury is pragmatic but not trusting. He wants to see how we operate in the field, whether we follow protocols, and how we handle enhanced individuals who aren't immediate threats. This is our chance to demonstrate that we can be subtle when needed."
"And our actual objective?" Saeko asked.
"Remains unchanged," Su Chen said. "We make contact with Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, assess their capabilities firsthand, and begin the recruitment process. The fact that S.H.I.E.L.D. is officially sanctioning our contact makes it easier—we can position ourselves as alternative to their eventual recruitment attempts."
He pulled up detailed files Babata had compiled on both targets, information far more comprehensive than what S.H.I.E.L.D. possessed.
"Jessica Jones," he read aloud. "Real name Jessica Campbell Jones. Enhanced strength and durability acquired through experimental accident during adolescence. Briefly attempted a superhero career as 'Jewel' before a traumatic encounter with a mind-controller named Kilgrave. Spent months under his control, forced to commit acts against her will. Escaped, but suffers from severe PTSD. Currently works as a private investigator, deliberately staying off official radars."
"Mind control," Esdeath noted with distaste. "That explains her energy signature—she's developed mental defenses, unconscious barriers against psychic intrusion."
"Which makes her valuable," Su Chen observed. "Anyone who's survived and overcome mind control has experience that can't be taught. Plus, her investigative skills would complement our intelligence operations."
He switched to the other file. "Luke Cage. Real name Carl Lucas. Wrongfully imprisoned, subjected to experimental procedure that granted him unbreakable skin and superhuman strength. Escaped, changed his identity, and established himself in Harlem. Currently operates a bar and occasionally intervenes in local crime. Personality profile suggests strong moral code and protective instincts toward his community."
"A protector type," Saeko assessed. "Loyal once trust is established, but difficult to manipulate."
"We won't manipulate him," Su Chen corrected. "We'll offer him something genuine—the resources and support to protect his community more effectively. That's the key to recruitment in this universe: identify what people actually want, then provide it in a way that aligns with our objectives."
They spent the next hour preparing. Unlike their previous interventions, this required a more subtle approach. Saeko and Esdeath would remain in support positions, ready to assist but not overtly present. Su Chen would make initial contact alone, appearing as just another enhanced individual trying to navigate the complicated landscape of modern New York.
As evening fell over Hell's Kitchen, Su Chen walked its streets with deliberate casualness. His dimensional masking was in place, his cultivation signature compressed to human levels, and his appearance carefully ordinary. To any observer, he was just another resident moving through the neighborhood.
But his Dual Pupils were working constantly, analyzing energy patterns and tracking the signatures Babata had identified. Jessica Jones's apartment was three blocks away, a small office-residence above a questionable restaurant. Luke Cage's bar was in the opposite direction, closer to the Harlem border.
Su Chen decided to start with Jessica Jones—her psychological profile suggested she'd be more receptive to contact from someone who appeared to understand her situation rather than someone who seemed like an authority figure.
He found her apartment easily enough. The building was old but maintained, the kind of place where people minded their own business. Su Chen's silver pupil examined the security—basic locks, no enhanced protection, but the apartment itself radiated a subtle energy that suggested Jessica's unconscious psychic defenses extended to her personal space.
He knocked on the door marked "Alias Investigations" rather than trying to appear mysterious or intimidating. Straightforward was better with someone who'd been manipulated by mind control.
There was a long pause, then a woman's voice called out, "We're closed. Come back during business hours."
"I'm not here as a client, Ms. Jones," Su Chen replied calmly. "My name is Su Chen. I'm an enhanced individual like you, and I'd like to talk about opportunities that might interest you."
Another pause, longer this time. Su Chen could sense Jessica's presence on the other side of the door, could feel her enhanced senses analyzing him. She would detect that he was different, that his energy signature marked him as enhanced, but his calm demeanor and non-threatening approach would hopefully override her instinctive suspicion.
The door opened a crack, revealing a woman in her late twenties with dark hair and suspicious eyes. Jessica Jones looked exactly like her file photos but with an edge that pictures couldn't capture—someone who'd been broken and rebuilt themselves harder.
"Enhanced individual," she repeated flatly. "And you just happen to know where I live and what I am. That's not creepy at all."
"I work as a consultant to S.H.I.E.L.D.," Su Chen said, deciding immediate honesty was the best approach. "They asked me to investigate enhanced individuals operating in Hell's Kitchen. Your name came up."
Jessica's expression hardened. "S.H.I.E.L.D. So you're here to recruit me, threaten me, or put me on some watchlist. Which is it?"
"None of the above," Su Chen replied. "I'm here to offer you a choice—something I suspect you value highly, given your history."
The mention of her history made Jessica tense, her hand tightening on the doorframe. "What do you know about my history?"
"Enough to know you value your autonomy and have good reason not to trust people who claim to offer help," Su Chen said carefully. "I'm not here to manipulate you, Ms. Jones. I'm here because I'm building a network of enhanced individuals who want to maintain their independence while having support when they need it."
"A network," Jessica said skeptically. "Sounds like a team. I don't do teams."
"Neither do I," Su Chen replied with a slight smile. "Teams require trust, coordination, and shared ideals. What I'm offering is more transactional—resources, information, and backup when needed, in exchange for occasional assistance with situations that benefit from your particular skills."
Jessica studied him for a long moment, her enhanced senses clearly analyzing whether he posed a threat. Finally, she stepped back and opened the door fully. "You've got five minutes. Make it good."
The apartment was exactly what Su Chen expected—functional but sparse, with clear sight lines to all entrances and exits. Jessica's unconscious tactical awareness was evident in how she'd arranged the space. A bottle of whiskey sat on the desk next to a laptop and case files.
"Drink?" she offered, already pouring herself one.
"No, thank you," Su Chen declined. "I'll keep this brief. S.H.I.E.L.D. is aware of you, but they've classified you as low-priority because you're not causing problems. That status won't last forever. Eventually, they'll either try to recruit you officially or decide you need closer monitoring."
"And you're offering to prevent that?" Jessica challenged.
"I'm offering to give you options," Su Chen corrected. "Work with me on a consultant basis—completely voluntary, no compulsion, no control—and you maintain your independence while gaining resources that make your investigative work easier. Turn me down, and you continue as you are until S.H.I.E.L.D. or some other organization decides you're a problem to solve."
Jessica drank her whiskey in one swallow. "What kind of resources?"
"Information access beyond what private investigators normally have," Su Chen listed. "Financial support for cases that don't pay well but need handling. Technical equipment that enhances your capabilities. And most importantly—backup when you encounter situations that require more than one enhanced individual."
"Backup," Jessica repeated. "From who? You and your mysterious network?"
"From people who understand what it means to be enhanced and hunted," Su Chen replied. "People who've had their autonomy violated and fought to reclaim it. People who know that sometimes the systems meant to protect us are the ones we need protection from."
It was a calculated statement, designed to resonate with Jessica's experiences. He could see it land—her expression flickered with something that might have been recognition or pain.
"You're good," she said finally. "That speech was perfectly crafted to appeal to someone with my psychological profile. Which makes me wonder—did S.H.I.E.L.D. give you my file, or did you compile it yourself?"
"Both," Su Chen admitted. "S.H.I.E.L.D. has fragments. I filled in the gaps through my own research. I know about Kilgrave, Ms. Jones. I know what he did to you. And I know that you've spent years building defenses to prevent it from happening again."
Jessica's hands clenched into fists, her enhanced strength evident in how the whiskey bottle cracked slightly under her grip. "Kilgrave is dead. I made sure of it."
"I know," Su Chen said quietly. "And I'm not here to dredge up trauma. I'm here because someone who survived what you survived and came out functional is remarkable. That kind of resilience is rare and valuable."
"Functional is a strong word," Jessica muttered, pouring another drink.
"You're working, investigating, helping people," Su Chen pointed out. "Many people who experienced what you did never recover. The fact that you're here, doing this work, proves you're stronger than you give yourself credit for."
Jessica was quiet for a moment, then she looked at him with sharp intelligence. "Alright, cut the therapy session. What do you actually want from me? What situations would require my 'particular skills'?"
"Investigation of enhanced individuals and organizations operating outside legal parameters," Su Chen replied. "S.H.I.E.L.D. is massive and bureaucratic—they're good at big picture threats but poor at street-level intelligence. You know Hell's Kitchen, you understand how enhanced individuals think, and you have the skills to gather information without official authority."
"So you want me to spy on other enhanced people," Jessica said flatly.
"I want you to investigate situations that threaten communities like this one," Su Chen corrected. "Organizations that exploit enhanced individuals. Criminal operations that use powers for harm. Exactly the kind of cases you already take, but with better resources and support."
Jessica considered this, her expression showing internal debate. "And this is completely voluntary? I can walk away anytime?"
"Completely," Su Chen confirmed. "No contracts, no obligations, no compulsion. You take jobs when they interest you, turn them down when they don't. The only requirement is confidentiality—what you learn about my network stays confidential."
"Why?" Jessica challenged. "Why offer me this deal? What do you get out of it?"
"Honestly?" Su Chen replied. "I'm building a power base in this universe. Enhanced individuals are going to become increasingly important—there are threats coming that conventional forces can't handle. I want people on my side who are capable, independent, and have personal reasons to protect this world. You fit that profile."
It was more honest than Jessica probably expected, and Su Chen could see her reassessing him. Most people would have lied or manipulated. His straightforward admission of self-interest, paired with genuine opportunity, was more compelling.
"This universe," Jessica repeated, catching the specific wording. "That's an odd way to phrase it."
"The world is more complicated than most people realize," Su Chen said carefully. "There are other dimensions, other realities. I've seen enough to know that threats can come from anywhere. Having a network of capable people is good insurance."
Jessica laughed, a short bitter sound. "Great. Just when I thought my life couldn't get weirder, I meet someone who talks about other dimensions like they're discussing the weather." She drank again, then set down her glass with decision. "Alright. I'm not agreeing to anything permanent, but I'll take a trial run. You've got one job to prove this isn't bullshit."
"Fair enough," Su Chen nodded. "I'll be in touch within the next few days with something appropriate for your skills. In the meantime—" he pulled out a secure smartphone similar to the one S.H.I.E.L.D. had issued him, "—this is a communication device. Encrypted, untraceable, and it'll give you access to databases that can help your investigations."
Jessica took the phone, examining it with professional skepticism. "If this turns out to be some kind of tracking device—"
"It's not," Su Chen assured her. "Though I won't insult your intelligence by claiming it doesn't have security features. It does. But they're for your protection, not my surveillance."
"We'll see," Jessica said, pocketing the phone. "Now get out. You've used your five minutes and then some."
Su Chen stood, inclining his head slightly. "Thank you for your time, Ms. Jones. I think this will be a productive relationship."
"Don't thank me yet," Jessica replied. "You haven't seen me on a bad day."
As Su Chen left the apartment, he felt satisfied with the outcome. Jessica Jones wasn't fully recruited, but she was engaged—curious enough to take the trial job, pragmatic enough to appreciate the resources offered, and independent enough that her eventual cooperation would be genuine rather than coerced.
"Master," Babata's voice came through his neural link. "That went well. Though I should mention—Jessica Jones activated a recording device approximately thirty seconds after you entered her apartment. She documented the entire conversation."
"Expected," Su Chen replied mentally. "Someone with her history would absolutely record interactions with unknown enhanced individuals. Let her keep the recording. Consistency between what we say privately and what we do publicly will build trust faster than trying to maintain secrets."
He walked through Hell's Kitchen toward his next objective—Luke Cage's bar. The evening crowd was picking up, people heading home from work or out for entertainment. Su Chen blended seamlessly into the flow, just another figure in the urban landscape.
Luke's bar, called "Luke's," was exactly as unpretentious as its name suggested—a neighborhood establishment where locals felt comfortable and outsiders were tolerated if they behaved. Su Chen pushed through the door and immediately felt the atmosphere shift as several patrons assessed him with the practiced wariness of people who'd seen trouble before.
Behind the bar stood Luke Cage himself—a powerfully built Black man with an easy confidence that came from knowing very few things could actually hurt him. He looked up as Su Chen entered, and his expression showed immediate recognition that Su Chen was different somehow.
"Help you?" Luke asked, his tone friendly but with an edge of caution.
Su Chen walked to the bar, ignoring the scrutiny from other patrons. "Whiskey, neat. And a few minutes of your time, if you're willing."
Luke poured the drink with practiced efficiency, his enhanced senses clearly analyzing Su Chen. "You're not from around here."
"Manhattan," Su Chen replied, taking the whiskey. "But you're right—I'm not a regular customer. I'm here on business, Mr. Cage. Or do you prefer Mr. Lucas?"
Luke's expression hardened instantly, his hand tightening on the bar towel he'd been holding. Around them, several patrons stood, clearly regulars who considered Luke under their protection.
"Easy," Su Chen said calmly, not reaching for any weapon or making threatening moves. "I'm not here to cause problems. I work with S.H.I.E.L.D. as a consultant, investigating enhanced individuals in New York. Your name came up. I'm here to talk, nothing more."
"S.H.I.E.L.D.," Luke repeated, his voice carrying careful neutrality. "Government spooks. And here I thought I was keeping a low profile."
"You are," Su Chen assured him. "Low enough that you're not a priority. But enhanced individuals are becoming impossible to ignore, and eventually someone official is going to want to have this conversation. I'm offering to have it first, on your terms, in your establishment."
Luke studied him for a long moment, then jerked his head toward a back room. "Five minutes. But my people stay close, and if you try anything stupid, you'll regret it."
"Understood," Su Chen agreed.
They moved to a back office, leaving the door open so Luke's regulars could see but not hear. Luke crossed his arms, his enhanced physiology evident in the way his muscles shifted—this was someone who could bend steel and shrug off bullets.
"Alright," Luke said. "You've got your five minutes. Talk."
Su Chen delivered essentially the same pitch he'd given Jessica Jones—resources, information, and support in exchange for occasional assistance. But he tailored it to Luke's priorities, emphasizing protection of communities rather than personal autonomy.
"You intervene when your neighborhood is threatened," Su Chen noted. "You've stopped robberies, prevented violence, protected people who can't protect themselves. What I'm offering is the ability to do that more effectively—early warning about threats, resources to handle situations before they escalate, and backup when problems exceed what one person can handle alone."
"In exchange for what?" Luke asked skeptically. "Nobody offers something for nothing."
"In exchange for your assistance when situations arise that benefit from your particular combination of strength and moral code," Su Chen replied. "I'm building a network, Mr. Cage. Not a team, not an organization—a network of enhanced individuals who maintain their independence but support each other when needed. You'd remain here, running your bar, protecting your community. But when I call with a situation that requires your capabilities, you'd consider responding."
"Consider," Luke repeated. "Not 'you'd respond.' Consider."
"Exactly," Su Chen confirmed. "No compulsion, no control. You assess each situation and decide if it aligns with your principles. Turn it down if it doesn't. The only requirement is confidentiality about the network's existence."
Luke was quiet, thinking. "Why me? I'm not the only enhanced person in New York with bulletproof skin."
"No, but you're one of the few with genuine integrity," Su Chen replied. "Most enhanced individuals I've researched fall into three categories: those seeking power, those seeking profit, and those seeking purpose. You're in the third category—you have a code, you protect people, and you're not interested in becoming famous or rich. That makes you valuable."
"Valuable," Luke said with a slight smile. "I've been called many things. That's a new one."
"It's accurate," Su Chen said. "The world is changing, Mr. Cage. Threats are emerging that conventional law enforcement can't handle. Having people like you—strong, principled, connected to their communities—will be crucial in what's coming."
"What is coming?" Luke challenged.
Su Chen considered how much to reveal. "Honestly? I don't know all the details. But I've seen enough to know that enhanced individuals, alien technology, and dimensional threats are all converging. The next few years are going to test this world in ways most people can't imagine. I want to make sure the right people are in position to respond."
Luke absorbed this, his expression showing he was taking the warning seriously. "And if I say no? If I tell you I'm fine handling things my own way?"
"Then I thank you for your time and leave," Su Chen replied simply. "No threats, no pressure, no monitoring. You continue as you are. Though I will say—S.H.I.E.L.D. will eventually make contact on their own terms, and they won't be as flexible about your autonomy."
It was true enough to be compelling without being coercive. Luke could verify S.H.I.E.L.D.'s interest in enhanced individuals independently.
"Give me a few days to think about it," Luke finally said. "This is a big decision. I don't make those lightly."
"Fair enough," Su Chen agreed. He pulled out another encrypted phone. "Take this. If you decide you're interested, contact me. If not, destroy it and we never had this conversation."
Luke took the phone, examining it. "Encrypted?"
"Completely. Untraceable, secure, and it'll give you access to information that might help you protect your community more effectively. Consider it a good-faith gift, regardless of your decision."
They returned to the main bar, where Luke's regulars visibly relaxed seeing him unharmed. Su Chen finished his whiskey, left payment on the bar with a generous tip, and departed without further conversation.
Outside, he contacted Saeko and Esdeath through their secure network. "Initial contact complete with both targets. Jones is tentatively engaged, willing to take a trial assignment. Cage is considering but needs time. Both responses are within acceptable parameters."
"Recommendations for next steps?" Saeko inquired.
"We wait," Su Chen replied. "Pushing too hard would undermine the trust we're building. Jessica will receive an assignment within three days—something that demonstrates our value without being too demanding. Luke will make his decision when he's ready. In the meantime, we continue building our intelligence network and preparing for the larger operations."
He walked through the evening streets, his mind already moving to the next phase. Jessica Jones and Luke Cage were just the beginning. There were dozens of enhanced individuals scattered across New York and the broader world—each one a potential asset, each one a piece in the larger game he was playing.
"Master," Babata's voice carried a note of interest. "I've detected something unusual in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s classified communications. They're preparing to mount an expedition to the Arctic—something about unusual readings in ice formations."
Su Chen's eyes narrowed. "Captain America. They're close to finding Rogers."
"Confirmed. The expedition launches in approximately five days. Director Fury is personally overseeing the operation."
A slow smile spread across Su Chen's face. "Excellent. That gives us time to prepare. Finding and reviving Captain America will be a major turning point for S.H.I.E.L.D. We need to be positioned appropriately when it happens."
He looked up at the New York skyline, seeing beyond the physical buildings to the web of power, influence, and potential that defined this universe.
The harvest continued. And soon, very soon, he would have assets in place that would make him indispensable to every major power in this reality.