NOVEL NEXT Chapter 271: Identity Secured
Elsewhere.
On the top floor, Alexander Pierce had already received the news—Smith Dole and Tony Stark had arrived at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.
They were here to collect their official credentials: Inspector General and Consultant of S.H.I.E.L.D. With these passes, the two would have free access to the Triskelion at will.
Pierce couldn't have been happier. He even opened a fine bottle of wine to celebrate.
After all, the stronger S.H.I.E.L.D. became, the stronger Hydra became. With S.H.I.E.L.D. as their cover, Hydra's operations could continue flawlessly hidden beneath the surface.
Yes, he was satisfied with his past decision—to give the Director's seat to Nick Fury, a man who wasn't even Hydra.
As for Smith Dole and Tony Stark, Pierce had no intention of showing himself. He would let Fury continue playing out his plans. The real question was whether Hydra could use this opportunity to slip more of their elites into key positions.
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Led by Coulson, Smith Dole and Tony Stark entered Fury's office.
Looking at the one-eyed man behind the desk, both Smith and Tony smirked faintly.
Tony quipped first:
"So this pass that represents our 'official identities'—not only did it take forever to prepare, but we also had to come pick it up in person."
"You could've just handed it to me when you came by my place last time."
Fury ignored the sarcasm. The reason he had insisted they come here in person was to demonstrate his authority to everyone in the agency.
If the two most powerful men on Earth—one representing technology, the other sheer physical might—were officially joining under his leadership, then what excuse would anyone else in S.H.I.E.L.D. have to disobey?
Smith and Tony's opinions didn't matter to him. What mattered was cementing his authority and ensuring every command he gave would be followed without question.
Fury opened his safe and took out two boxes.
"These are your S.H.I.E.L.D. passes."
"From now on, you will have free access to the Triskelion."
Smith and Tony each accepted a box and opened them. Inside were their credentials: a lanyard badge with photo, name, and title; a lapel pin; an external S.H.I.E.L.D. ID card; and even a bank card.
Fury explained:
"You're both wealthy entrepreneurs, but as per your roles, salaries and benefits will still follow official ranks. Payments will go directly to these accounts."
Tony waved a hand dismissively. He had no interest in government stipends.
Smith, however, asked the key question:
"I understand S.H.I.E.L.D. operates under classified clearance levels. What's mine—and Tony's?"
Fury knew this couldn't be avoided. He began with Tony:
"Tony Stark—you are a Consultant. Your clearance is Level 5."
"Anything below Level 5, you may access in the S.H.I.E.L.D. intelligence archive."
Then he turned to Smith Dole.
Compared to Tony, this man was the true complication. The title of Inspector General had been a battlefield of words with the World Security Council. At first, Fury never intended to give Smith any real authority—he expected it to be blocked at higher levels.
But Smith's growing power, combined with the funding approvals for the Avengers Initiative, changed everything. Not only had the budget been approved, but Smith Dole's title as Inspector General was formally authorized.
Fury had dragged his feet on issuing it, but with Asgardians now appearing on Earth, he knew he needed Smith's power—and the intelligence held by the League of Assassins.
"Smith Dole—you are Inspector General of S.H.I.E.L.D. Your clearance is Level 7."
Tony raised an eyebrow, surprised his friend outranked him. Still, he didn't mind.
Smith himself was also a little surprised. Coulson's official clearance was only Level 7 as well.
"Then I'll be fulfilling my duties," Smith said with a thin smile.
"I'll be auditing certain S.H.I.E.L.D. matters—funding, personnel, allocations…"
Fury remained calm.
"That's your job. Any intel at Level 7 or below is open to you. You may access it here at HQ."
"But understand—this clearance is for you alone. You may not share S.H.I.E.L.D. intelligence with the League of Assassins or Capsule Corporation."
Fury knew the truth: S.H.I.E.L.D.'s archives were so vast that one man could never read it all in a lifetime. Smith had businesses to run and battles to fight; he wouldn't have the time to chase after every secret.
Even Fury's own embezzlement of funds to build private safehouses would be buried too deep to be uncovered.
Smith understood the game—but didn't care. His Inspector General title wasn't for petty matters. Its value lay in the future, not now.
"Since the paperwork is finally in my hands, have Coulson give me and Tony a proper tour. We'll get to know the departments."
Fury didn't stop them. Nor did he mention the Iron Giant fragments he had once wanted from Smith. He'd already given up on that. His focus now was on the Tesseract—and that was far above Level 7 clearance.
"Coulson, escort our Inspector General and Consultant. Give them a thorough introduction to S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Yes, Director." Coulson turned to the two men.
"Gentlemen, please follow me. I'll explain S.H.I.E.L.D.'s structure, and what your Level 5 and Level 7 clearances allow you to access."
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(End of Chapter)
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