On the Airbus-
Simmons reported to Agent Hand, "The Chitauri metal used by Centipede is also being sold on the black market. If we can catch the seller, we might be able to get information on Centipede and track down who's been buying it."
Hand nodded, issuing orders immediately. "Search for those selling Chitauri metal on the black market. If the metal matches what's on Centipede's warriors, apprehend the seller."
Hand then gathered more intelligence from Fitz and Simmons, quickly identifying the mysterious woman who took Coulson as Raina.
…
Meanwhile-
Ward looked down at May in her hospital bed, realizing just how severe her injuries were this time.
May began to stir, and Skye quickly called out, "Ward, May is awake."
Just waking up, May tried to sit up but found she couldn't.
Ward spoke up, "May, you're seriously injured. The doctor said you'll need a few months of rest to recover."
May quickly assessed her condition and said, "Ward, we can't waste time here; we have to rescue Coulson."
"In the cockpit, there's a compartment with a stash of Continental Hotel coins. Take them and get me to the hotel for wax bath treatment."
"With my physical condition, just one night of wax bath therapy will have me back on my feet."
Skye overheard and registered this mysterious hotel and its powerful treatments, making a mental note of the term "wax bath" and the continental hotel coins.
Ward nodded, "Understood."
He left briefly, returning with the coins May had stashed and then escorted her out.
Neither Ward nor Skye questioned how May had access to Continental Hotel coins.
…
Australia-
Gilgamesh watched Thena lapse into madness once again, realizing that Charles's sealing spell had finally lost its effect.
After a bout of battle, he managed to calm her and took out a card bearing Charles Agency's address.
"Seems like a trip to New York is inevitable," he said, closing the door to the Happy Kitchen and setting out with Thena for New York.
…
The Next Day-
Ward drove May back to the Airbus.
Seeing May's miraculous recovery, Simmons and Fitz were astonished, while Skye ran up and hugged her.
"Welcome back. It's good to see you well again," Skye said.
"Thank you."
Agent Hand then approached, giving May an appraising look, "You're looking well. We've got a mission coming up."
"Ward, you and May, come with me," Hand instructed.
As the three walked away, Simmons marveled, "That kind of recovery technology could save so many people if it were widespread."
Skye shook her head, saying, "Simmons, without Continental Hotel coins, you can't even get in."
"And Coulson mentioned once that they're backed by Charles Doyle."
Simmons paused upon hearing the name, a thoughtful silence settling between her and Fitz.
"But imagine the impact if it became widely available," she said quietly.
"May recovered in just one night—it's a true medical miracle, beyond anything even S.H.I.E.L.D. can offer."
Fitz chimed in, "They do technically allow outsiders in. After all, May managed to receive treatment."
Simmons opened her mouth as if to respond but fell silent.
As a lab specialist, she didn't have access to Continental Hotel coins, let alone a chance to study the wax bath treatment.
…
In the Command Room-
Agent Hand briefed the team. "We've tracked down our target, Vanchat. He's been smuggling leftover Chitauri metal parts."
"Our investigation confirms the parts he's dealing are identical to those found on Centipede warriors," she continued, "He's set to make a deal today. I need you both to bring him in."
Ward and May nodded, "We'll take care of it."
Hand glanced at the clock, "The deal starts in one hour. Head out immediately."
"Understood."
…
Meanwhile-
At Charles's Base-
Charles watched as Eddie, the Venom host, knelt before him.
"Boss, I'd like to request a body-enhancement serum. I'm willing to do whatever it takes," Eddie said.
He knew Charles had access to enhancements that rivaled those of the Cloud Hidden Village, and he was eager to gain the strength.
Charles raised an eyebrow, "Eddie, what's prompted this request? Venom's strength isn't enough?"
Eddie shook his head, "Boss, there haven't been any enemy encounters. And while we handle street crime easily, the serum would not only strengthen me but also boost Venom's capabilities."
He looked up earnestly, "I'm ready to do whatever it takes to earn it. Please give me a chance."
Charles observed Eddie, sensing this was a shared desire between him and Venom. He addressed Venom directly. "Venom, tell me your thoughts."
Emerging from Eddie's form, Venom responded respectfully, "My Lord, while our strength seems adequate, we are not nearly at the level of your other associates. If Eddie's power grows, we'll serve you even more effectively."
Charles nodded, "You're likely aware of the Cloud Village's price for body-enhancement serum—Billions of dollars."
Eddie lowered his head, admitting, "My Lord, I don't have that kind of money."