North Brother Island, the newly constructed B-2 area conference room.
There were no luxurious decorations here, only cold walls and brand new composite material tables and chairs.
Outside the one-way window was a bustling construction site.
Engineering robots and workers were transforming this isolated island into a true steel fortress.
Around the long conference table sat the core personnel of the company.
Abomination, Emil Blonsky.
He sat there expressionlessly, like a silent statue.
The genius engineer, Lei Ling.
She seemed out of place next to the grim Blonsky.
Her petite body almost sank into the oversized boss chair, but her bright eyes sparkled with immense excitement.
She held a tablet in her arms, displaying the meticulously designed blueprint of the island Base.
Next to Lei Ling were two young people who appeared somewhat uneasy.
Tyrone Johnson and Tandy Bowen.
Cloak and Dagger.
This was their first time attending a formal company meeting.
Tyrone wrapped himself in a large hoodie, trying to reduce his presence.
Tandy, on the other hand, sat up straight, warily observing her "colleagues" around her.
Dr. Connors was also dragged out of the research center in New York by William.
This former top geneticist at Oscorp now looked a bit haggard.
Heaven knows what effect this guy's daily tireless research actually had.
He wore a White research coat, and the empty right sleeve made him look very uncoordinated.
And Maurice, the Water Man.
He sat upright, his expression a mixture of terror and bewilderment.
He didn't understand why he was called to attend such a meeting.
Wasn't he a boatman?
William Rodriguez, as the convener of this meeting, sat leisurely in the main seat.
He had changed into a well-tailored casual suit.
Although his face was still a bit pale, his eyes were brighter and deeper than ever before.
That life-and-death battle and the subsequent evolution had transformed his entire demeanor.
He enjoyed this feeling.
These guys, any of whom could stir up a storm outside, were now all employees of his "Rodriguez Risk Management Company".
This gave him a strange illusion that he was assembling a "villain Avengers".
"First, I welcome everyone to the Rodriguez Risk Management Company family."
William cleared his throat, breaking the silence in the conference room.
"And I also thank some colleagues for their excellent performance in the last 'New York Crisis Public Relations Project'."
His gaze swept over Blonsky and Cloak and Dagger, not stinting on his praise.
"Mr. Blonsky, your work efficiency is impressive, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s final payment arrived this morning."
Blonsky merely nodded slightly in response.
"Tyrone, Tandy, your work in evacuating civilians was equally outstanding."
"Although you did not submit expense reimbursement forms, the company will not forget the contribution of any employee."
"A 'Humanitarian Contribution Award' will be added to your accounts."
Tandy was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting such a good thing, while Tyrone let out an almost inaudible "hmm" under his hood.
William's internal calculations were clattering away.
If you want the horse to run, you have to feed it grass.
These ability users were all unruly individuals.
Simple coercion and inducement would not last long.
A set of effective corporate culture must be established to give them a sense of belonging.
"Alright, enough with the pleasantries."
William's tone became serious.
"The theme for calling everyone here today is only one: recuperation, and… our future."
He reached out and tapped the table.
Lei Ling understood what he meant, took out her tablet, and projected a three-dimensional holographic blueprint suspended in the center of the conference table.
It was a massive, precise, and futuristic island.
Except for Blonsky, the others were seeing it for the first time.
"The Battle of New York made all of us see the dangers of this World."
"Aliens, gods, superheroes… we are like a small boat in a raging storm."
"Therefore, we need a harbor. A harbor strong enough to withstand any storm."
His finger swiped across the blueprint, clearly revealing the internal structure of the fortress.
"Emil."
William looked at Blonsky.
"Here, the seventh underground floor, is a combat training ground custom-made for you. It has the highest strength alloy walls and can simulate any terrain. You can unleash your power to your heart's content, without worrying about breaking anything."
"Dr. Connors."
William's gaze turned to the scientist.
"Here, the biological laboratory in Area A, has equipment and permissions no less than Stark Industries."
"I have only one request: unleash your talent."
"Dr. Connors, I hope to see results from your 'Limb Regeneration' project, and of course, it would be even better if you could eliminate the lizard appearance."
"As for Tyrone and Tandy."
William's tone softened somewhat.
"I know you want to use your abilities to help more people."
"This island will be your strongest backing."
"The company will screen 'orders' for you, so that your strength can be used where it is most needed, instead of inefficient and unrewarding vigilante acts in the streets and alleys."
William added in his heart: these "orders" are all chargeable.
Lei Ling looked at William painting a grand picture for everyone, her eyes filled with adoration.
The boss was amazing, a few words had mobilized the enthusiasm of all these monsters!
Just as the atmosphere in the conference room was excellent.
When everyone began to envision a beautiful future, a cold voice broke it all.
"That sounds very good."
Emil Blonsky suddenly spoke.
"These blueprints, these promises, are all built on one foundation—that is you, William Rodriguez."
His gray eyes stared intently at William, not hiding the scrutiny and doubt within them.
"Just a few days ago, you almost died at the hands of a woman."
"Your 'harbor' hasn't even laid a solid foundation. If you die, what's the point of all this?"
"I would immediately revert to being a stray dog hunted by the entire World."
As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the conference room instantly dropped to freezing point.
Tandy and Tyrone's expressions changed, and the light in Dr. Connors' eyes also dimmed.
This was the most realistic, and also the most cruel, question.
William was the core that held everything together.
Facing Blonsky's almost fatal questioning, William's face showed no anger.
"You're right, Emil. That's a very professional risk assessment."
He admitted frankly.
"So next, I will be stationed on North Brother Island to ensure my own safety."
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