"Sir, Osborn has turned New York into their backyard. Don't we need to investigate?"
Inside S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury was requesting instructions from his superior.
In his view, the Osborn Group had reached the point where it had to be infiltrated and monitored. After he submitted his report, the higher-ups had initially leaned toward an investigation, but for some reason, they had suddenly changed their minds.
"For now, the Osborn Group's actions remain entirely within the bounds of the law. Acting rashly carries a high risk of exposure."
"Is stationing the National Guard in the city also within the bounds of the law?"
"The states have a considerable degree of autonomy. Do I need to remind you of that?"
"Isn't that precisely why we should launch a plan against them? They control the executive and legislative powers in New York, and as for the judiciary, that recently popular blind lawyer is one of Osborn's people too!"
Alexander Pierce—the superior Nick was speaking with—fell silent after hearing this.
"Now they even have that ctOS thing. They're monitoring everyone! We need to monitor Osborn."
Nick rose to his feet with both hands braced on the desk, his single eye fixed tightly on the person on the screen.
After a while, Alexander finally said slowly:
"That is exactly why I do not want you carrying out secret operations rashly. That system greatly increases the chances of our agents being exposed. We cannot confront Osborn head-on."
"How are the undercover agents doing?"
At that, Nick fell silent for a moment.
"The situation has improved, but the latest reports indicate an increased risk of defection."
"How strange..." Alexander seemed to be lamenting something, then turned back to Osborn. "After our last contact, he indicated that he did not seem particularly hostile toward us. Let's continue approaching