Universal Capsule Company's first product launch concluded successfully. Two hundred and thirty scouters had been ordered, totaling $1.15 billion in sales.
Smith felt quite satisfied with the results. After all, this was a new product with a premium price point. He was confident organizations receiving their units would place follow-up orders quickly.
The reason was simple. They'd inevitably attempt reverse-engineering. And when those scouters exploded during disassembly, there wouldn't be much left to study.
Certain departments would purchase additional units after experiencing the scouter's convenience firsthand, especially organizations interested in extraordinary individuals. Smith knew exactly what they were planning.
Additionally, once news from the press conference spread, wealthy individuals would come seeking the devices. The scouter might even become a new status symbol among the elite.
As the press conference ended, Smith headed backstage where Bulma waited excitedly, anticipating their planned outing.
"The conference is over. Once everyone clears out, we can enjoy the rest of our day as planned."
Bulma nodded enthusiastically. Fox remained outside handling order details when Tony appeared.
"Smith, what a magnificent invention!" Tony pulled Smith into a brief hug, then turned to Bulma. "You're incredibly creative. The scouter is brilliant."
He gestured admiringly. "Smith, you've really found a treasure."
Tony remained genuinely amazed by Bulma's first invention, especially considering she was only sixteen. Definitely a genius. After experiencing the scouter firsthand, Tony recognized Bulma as a legitimate genius, someone on his level, not some mediocre technician or corporate tool.
Bulma smiled brightly. "Thank you, Tony."
Smith's expression softened. "Bulma is indeed a treasure. A very precious one."
While they chatted, Nick Fury spotted Tony entering backstage and saw an opportunity. He followed.
"Tony Stark and Smith Doyle, both here together." His gaze shifted to Bulma. "And this must be our brilliant scientist, Bulma."
Smith's expression soured immediately at Fury's familiar tone. He rolled his eyes and deliberately ignored the director. Since when did this guy dare appear before him so casually?
Tony noted the arrival. "Isn't this the S.H.I.E.L.D. Director? Here to show us some new world-changing revelation?"
Hearing Tony's mockery, Fury's expression remained impassive. "Smith Doyle, we need to discuss certain matters regarding your product launch."
Smith's lips curved into a slight smirk. "Oh? What does Director Fury have to say? If you want to increase your order, just speak with Fox."
Nick Fury felt the discrimination keenly. Smith treated him and Coulson with completely different attitudes.
"Should we discuss this here?"
Smith glanced at Tony and Bulma. "They're all family. Besides," Smith's tone grew more pointed, "are you really sure you want a private meeting with me?"
Smith's eyes held slight provocation and anticipation. Nick Fury's fists clenched involuntarily, but he genuinely had no intention of meeting Smith alone. If Tony hadn't been present, Fury wouldn't have approached at all. Clearly, arranging Coulson to negotiate with Smith would be more appropriate.
Fury took a deep breath. "Regarding your scouter, I believe this product significantly impacts global stability. It's unsuitable for public sale, particularly to general civilians."
He continued carefully. "Of course, it doesn't need to be completely unavailable. I suggest S.H.I.E.L.D. and several other departments take the lead in classifying the scouter as military-restricted equipment. This would be a very reasonable arrangement."
Tony raised an eyebrow. Military classification wasn't inherently problematic, and the scouter was indeed sophisticated technology. He'd come to Smith planning to request a customized version integrated into his armor. But adding "restricted" complicated matters significantly. It meant many institutions, foreign governments, and certain countries couldn't purchase it.
The scouter had apparently touched S.H.I.E.L.D.'s sensitive nerves.
Nick Fury pushed for these restrictions because he feared his "allies," the Skrulls, would be exposed. As long as they remained hidden, that power stayed under his control. If exposed, Fury couldn't predict how the military, government, or foreign nations might react.
When Smith heard Fury's suggestion, the smile vanished completely from his face. He walked directly up to the director and jabbed a finger into his chest.
"I humor you with that title. Nothing about our situation makes you my superior."
Each word came harder, Smith's finger punctuating each statement with another jab.
"If I didn't humor you, you'd be nothing more than a hard-boiled ego ready to crack right in front of me."
With each tap, Fury stepped back, his jaw tightening, his composure slipping inch by inch beneath the pressure.
Tony's expression shifted to barely contained amusement.
Cue ball. He stared at Fury's face and then lost it, laughter bursting out uncontrollably.
"Hard-boiled ego! Smith, that is perfect."
Fury's murderous glare snapped toward Tony.
Tony immediately raised both hands in surrender.
"Sorry, habit. I'm professionally trained to stay cool. Unless I really can't help it."
He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
"Hold on. Just—give me a second. My face muscles are experiencing a system failure."
Fury's voice came out cold and angry. "Smith Doyle, remember your position. I am the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Smith's eyes turned cold, his expression hardening. A powerful aura of oppression and lethal intent surrounded Fury like a physical presence. The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
In that moment, Fury felt the breath of death for the first time in years. He knew with absolute certainty that Smith intended to kill him. Under this pressure, Fury's right hand moved into his coat pocket, gripping the Captain Marvel pager tightly.
Smith stared at Fury for over ten seconds without speaking, his gaze eventually dropping to notice Fury's hand hidden in his coat pocket, clearly clutching something.