In a secret underground base, a subterranean laboratory was rapidly taking shape.
Dozens of people hurried in and out, while Dr. Erik stood excitedly before a precision instrument, directing several white-coated workers.
When he turned and saw Agent Barton nearby, he said happily,
"Where did you find all these people?"
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has quite a few enemies, Doctor."
Barton held up the tablet in his hand. On it was a person's portrait and an image of a piece of metallic ore.
"Doctor, is this what you wanted?"
"That's right. It's iridium. It came with a meteorite and can form antiprotons. This stuff is highly sought after right now."
"It'll be even more sought after once S.H.I.E.L.D. finds out."
Having learned the mission's objective, Barton put away the computer and said seriously,
Loki walked over with the Mind Scepter in hand.
The doctor also stepped forward, staring with excited pale-blue eyes as he said,
"Hey, the Tesseract opened my eyes. It's not merely knowledge, but the truth."
"I know."
Loki's eyes also glimmered with a faint blue light as he said with a smile,
"What did it show you, Agent Barton?"
The power of the Mind Scepter made people see what they desired deep in their hearts. The doctor, for example, saw the truth he yearned for.
Loki, meanwhile, saw power—the desire to become king—as well as the attention of Thor, Odin, and all the Asgardians.
Barton looked at Loki and said,
"My next target."
"What do you need?"
Barton picked up his mechanical compound bow and gave it a light flick. It transformed from a single handle into a bow.
"I need bait and an informant."
Loki smiled faintly as well, already forming a plan.
Throughout the Helicarrier, the massive flow of information and data was being sifted in search of