For half a month, there were no further attacks on the members of the yet-to-be-officially-formed "Avengers."
Although everyone knew that as long as the attacker remained uncaught, the matter wasn't completely over.
But as Steve said, you can't wear a winter coat all year round just because you're afraid of the cold.
Life for everyone was gradually returning to normal.
Or, to use Su Che's words, it was more like "fearing wolves ahead and tigers behind, and thus never getting anything done"—though they might not understand that particular proverb.
During this period, Su Che wrote in his "diary" that with the Avengers base gradually taking shape, the team was only waiting for Loki to lead the Chitauri in invading Earth before it could be formally established.
Everything else was proceeding smoothly.
Including, over the past half month, Wanda's habit of sticking close to him like a girlfriend, sometimes even staying overnight.
Natasha Romanoff didn't stop her, either.
But nothing that serious happened. After all, Wanda was only fifteen now.
There were still over seven months until her sixteenth birthday!
He could wait!
...Right!
After all, he could afford to be patient!
That being said, the fifteen-year-old Wanda was already very beautiful and mature.
Perhaps all Western girls were like that.
And aside from being a bit clumsy at first, her gentle, skillful hands and mouth had gradually become quite... potent.
Since the "night assaults" began, Su Che had absolute authority to speak on this matter!
As for why this was allowed?
According to Natasha Romanoff, she had paid for extra premium TV channels this month.
She initially thought it was Pietro watching them.
But seeing the confusion in Pietro's eyes, Natasha Romanoff knew exactly what was going on!
Hence, she never stopped Wanda from staying at Su Che's place.
Of course, during this period, Dr. Banner had been living at the Avengers base—a precaution against another incident like the last one.
While the Avengers enjoyed relative peace, S.H.I.E.L.D. was anything but calm.
Dark Matter Research Base
"Director, the Tesseract's energy fluctuations have been ongoing for three days!"
As Nick Fury and Maria Hill stepped off the helicopter, Phil Coulson immediately approached to report: "According to Dr. Selvig, the Tesseract seems to be releasing energy spontaneously. We can't shut it down."
"For safety reasons, I've initiated the evacuation of the research staff and their families."
Walking into the department of the dark matter research base, Phil Coulson continued his report.
"Is Dr. Selvig here? What about Jane Foster?"
Pausing, Nick Fury looked at Phil Coulson: "Someone must be watching her!"
"Yes, sir. Since Thor took Mjolnir and left, Dr. Jane Foster has returned to New York to resume her normal life."
"The agent assigned to watch her has been integrated into her life as a 'close friend,' ensuring no other men approach Queen... I mean, Dr. Jane Foster, before Thor returns to Earth."
Having said that, Phil Coulson hesitated for a moment.
"Speak your mind!"
Nick Fury commanded as they walked towards the inner passages of the base.
"Director, I just feel... this isn't quite right."
Entering the elevator with Nick Fury and Maria Hill, Phil Coulson continued,
"Director, everyone has the right to their own life. Whether it's dating, making friends, or other life choices, these are the most basic—"
"Are you trying to say we're violating Jane Foster's most basic life choices by doing this?"
"Yes, Chief!"
The elevator door opened. Following Nick Fury out, Phil Coulson said, "Dr. Jane Foster is an independent individual. Although, after the Doris incident, Thor holds Dr. Foster in very high regard..."
"But this regard seems more friendly than romantic. We can't just because of this—"
"Does Jane Foster know the 'friend' she made is our S.H.I.E.L.D. agent?"
"She does not!"
"And what are her feelings towards Thor?"
"Based on their contact over the past few months and what Doris said, Dr. Foster has strong feelings for Thor."
"Then that's enough!"
Nick Fury glanced back at Phil Coulson: "I know what you're thinking, Agent Coulson. But you have to remember: a person's life path and the gears of fate can be altered, but they cannot shirk the responsibilities fate entrusts to them."
"Also, from now on, I don't want to hear anyone mention the name 'Doris' again. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
Hearing Nick Fury's directive, Phil Coulson pursed his lips, then nodded slightly.
"Phil, I know your character. But many things aren't as bad as you think."
"At least in Jane Foster's case, I'm merely having her embrace the responsibility fate has placed upon her!"
"Besides, since Doris has already returned to the 'Eagle's Nest,' find time to let her know—go easy. The casualty rate shouldn't exceed 20%!"
"S.H.I.E.L.D. will need a lot of fresh blood in the future!"
Hearing the Director's order, Phil Coulson nodded immediately.
However, he wasn't confident about persuading Doris.
After all, when Doris "died," she was in a terrible state.
Back then, he was worried his "comforting" words would get him beaten up!
Instructing Phil Coulson to oversee the evacuation, Nick Fury and Maria Hill continued deeper into the underground base.
On the way
"You're keeping a lot from me, Nick. You should know I'm on your side!"
After watching Phil Coulson leave, Maria Hill, who had remained silent until now, spoke seriously: "Including the 'Doris incident.' My God, how could you decide to let Doris face that Thor?"
"Couldn't you have let Doris stay peacefully until retirement?"
Listening to Hill's words and looking at the empty Tesseract research chamber ahead, Nick Fury glanced at her:
"It's not that I don't want to tell you many things, Hill. I can't."
"It has nothing to do with whether I trust you or not."
"It's the same as I've said before: one day, when you also receive fate's 'gift,' you will understand everything I'm doing now."
"Including... what's about to happen!"
"What's about to happen?"
Hearing this, Hill frowned even deeper.
But out of trust in Nick Fury, Maria Hill didn't press further.
Empty Underground Research Chamber
"Dr. Selvig, why is the Tesseract's energy rioting?"
Approaching Dr. Selvig and observing the Tesseract emitting waves of violent blue light, Nick Fury asked.
"I don't know. From the time its energy was stable until now, when it's become so volatile, no one has touched it during the entire process."
"That hawk-eyed guy has been watching from above; he can vouch for me."
"But just like the direction of my research over the past two months, I always feel the Tesseract is more like a door—a door leading to the universe!"
"As for the key to this door... it seems to be in our hands, but in reality, the other side might possess it as well!"
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