Dimensional Trader in Marvel

The only difference was that the stars and stripes on the shield and uniform had been replaced with the Union Jack of the United Kingdom.

Although Carter had served both the Strategic Scientific Reserve and the CIA for the United States, her nationality had always remained British.

Josh didn't particularly like the Union Jack on the shield and uniform, but he was willing to make a small compromise for Carter.

"This shield... it's a replica, right?" Carter asked after she had regained her composure.

"Yes and no. Steve's shield has been confirmed to be made of vibranium from Wakanda, mixed with other materials—only Howard Stark knows the exact details. The main material in that shield is also vibranium. Given the recent global situation with Wakanda, the CIA was able to obtain a small amount by chance. We also added a special metal to it. Which shield is stronger? Hard to say. Maybe one day when Steve returns, you can test it." Josh took the shield out of its case and handed it to Carter.

Josh knew exactly what special metal had been added to this shield. Unlike Howard's mysterious mixture, Josh's addition was a secret only he knew.

The metal wasn't from this world; it was from the world of Game of Thrones.

It was Valyrian steel.

After Daenerys unified Westeros, she collected numerous Valyrian weapons, including a rare set of Valyrian steel armor.

But when Josh began trading modern firearms with her, Daenerys lost interest in traditional weapons, leaving them to gather dust in her collection.

Josh had traded cheap American military equipment for some of them. He melted down a Valyrian steel dagger and a Wakandan vibranium spear to forge the shield and a knight's longsword.

"Steve..." Hearing Josh mention Captain America, Carter's excitement turned into sadness.

"Peggy, to be honest, I believe Steve is still alive. Based on some information I've gathered, the Tesseract isn't just a power source—it's more like a key, a key to other worlds. We just don't know how to use it yet." Josh patted Carter's shoulder to comfort her.

It turns out that Carter was originally 1.7 meters(5.5 foot) tall, and now that she has been enhanced, her height exceeds 1.8 meters(5.9 foot), almost as tall as Josh. Patting her on the shoulder is not as easy as it used to be.

"The Tesseract, a key to other worlds?" Carter muttered, lost in thought.

Josh smiled. That was exactly his intention. The Tesseract was currently under the control of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, and Josh had no direct reason to pursue it. But with Boeing ramping up its aerospace projects and launching an artificial satellite, President Truman had already signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act. Once it passed Congress, NASA would be officially established, with Boeing's aerospace division at its center.

In theory, government agencies like NASA shouldn't involve private companies.

But this was the United States - the land of capitalism.

If the Federal Reserve and the IRS could be privatized, why not NASA?

Besides, who in the world could compete with Boeing, the company that had just launched mankind's first satellite?

Once NASA was established, with the Department of Defense on board, the Strategic Scientific Reserve wouldn't be able to keep the Tesseract-just like the Pegasus Project in the original timeline.

The Pegasus Project was not originally a S.H.I.E.L.D. operation; it was a joint project between NASA and the Department of Defense.

It was only after the Captain Marvel incident that Nick Fury claimed it as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s.

By planting the idea of the Tesseract's importance in Carter's mind now, Josh ensured her future support when the CIA and NASA vied for research rights.

"Carter? Carter?" Josh feigned concern, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Sorry, I got distracted," Carter apologized.

"Maybe I should be the one to apologize. I shouldn't have brought it up," Josh replied. "Let's not dwell on it. Try this sword - it is made of the same material as the shield. I've always felt that super-soldiers like you and Steve should have more offensive options. Just relying on a shield is too limiting. Here, take it!"

Josh handed Carter the sword.

Carter took the sword, swung it lightly, and immediately sliced off a corner of the high-strength, bulletproof composite display case.

Since both vibranium and Valyrian steel were extremely strong yet very light metals, and since Carter was now a super-soldier, it was effortless to wield this knight's long sword—designed for two hands—with one hand.

"It's light and easy to handle, I like it!" Carter said with a satisfied smile as she held the sword.

"Wow, Carter! You know, you look like a real knight now. I think even if King Arthur or Lancelot or Joan of Arc came back to life, they wouldn't look as good as you!" Josh clapped and praised her.

"Don't joke with me. I don't have any glorious accomplishments!" Carter replied, a little embarrassed. She quickly shifted her attention to the last item in the display case—a backpack—and asked, "What's that?"

"A rocket jetpack!"

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