Joining S.H.I.E.L.D.: Finally Getting on the Payroll

"I apologize on behalf of our director." Coulson pursed his lips. "From your perspective, his crimes were unforgivable. Even death would not have been enough to atone for them.

But to be honest, in his position, he had to consider the greater good."

"I understand the whole 'high position, no freedom' argument." Aaron said with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "But I don't like it, and I don't believe it."

"I completely understand." Coulson smiled. "So, would you like to join?"

"I refuse."

"So decisively?" Coulson raised his brows in surprise. "I thought you'd at least consider it before turning me down!"

"What's there to consider?" Aaron countered. "I had millions in savings and my own shop. Instead of enjoying life, why would I join your agent organization and risk my life?

What would I get out of it? Benefits and a pension, or a monthly salary that might not even reach five figures?"

"Don't you have even the slightest aspiration to do something for this world?"

"To be honest, I did." Aaron poured himself a cup of tea and slowly took a sip. "When I was little, I wanted to become a hero admired by millions.

But later, I realized I was naive. Being a hero wasn't so easy.

Before I went adventuring with Gandalf, my greatest wish was to work diligently, inherit my family's property step by step, and comfortably live off the family fortune."

The corner of Coulson's mouth twitched. He really did not know how to comment on Aaron's plain and unadorned dream.

If he could, he wanted to live off the family fortune too. Unfortunately, he did not have that option.

"What about after your adventure? I mean now."

Aaron clapped his hands and gestured for Coulson to look at him. "Do