Competitive Spirit (First Update)

The cost of a South American rebel officer and the forces attached to her was far less than that of an alien rescue operation.

"I don't know why you're looking for Camila Reyes, but all I can tell you is that Camila was released after negotiations with the Peruvian government. She returned to Peru, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence indicated that she disappeared after escaping from prison. I don't know what her current situation is. All I know is that the Peruvian anti-government group, Vanguard, has continued growing stronger, and even the death of its leader, Alessandro Torre, failed to affect its strength." Agent Coulson spread his one remaining hand. "I don't want to lie to you, Salomon. But I truly need your help. I'm willing to pay any price."

"Give me a way to contact Camila Reyes, and I'll help you." The Arcanist considered several possibilities. Agent Coulson had already revealed enough information. Perhaps it was out of trust in him, or perhaps circumstances had forced Coulson to throw out his bargaining chips early, completely disregarding the rule of negotiation that demanded one seize the initiative—or perhaps showing weakness was itself part of seizing the initiative, especially when the other side's advantage could not be shaken. Agent Coulson believed he understood the Arcanist well enough. Though Salomon's actions in recent years had exceeded his expectations, he was still willing to take the gamble.

"For the sake of all the years we've known each other, I accept the deal."

Agent Coulson immediately smiled, because of everyone he knew, only Salomon could solve this problem. From the very beginning of the incident, Agent Coulson had intended to contact Salomon for help. But both Melinda May and Skye had tried to avoid that outcome. In their eyes, Salomon was now the sort of figure