MARVEL: THOSE YEARS I WAS UNDERCOVER IN S.H.I.E.LD

Aboard the Quinjet

"Look, I knew that if you asked for someone, Nick Fury would agree!"

Natasha Romanoff smirked as she piloted the Quinjet, glancing sideways at Grimclaw.

"I didn't expect Nick to actually let you come to New York to help me. After all, there are plenty of operations to oversee at the Triskelion."

Turning his head slightly, Grimclaw met Natasha's gaze with a calm expression. "Well, Na, from the way Nick phrased it, this trip to New York isn't just about investigating Tony."

"If I'm not mistaken, once the Tony Stark situation is handled, Nick will likely assign me to lead S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York division."

Natasha raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Wait, you're saying Nick is grooming you as his successor?"

"If that's the case, then it makes sense. He's putting you in charge of one of the most critical S.H.I.E.L.D. branches outside of the Triskelion, giving you hands-on experience."

"Tsk tsk… poor Phil Coulson," she teased with a chuckle. "I remember when Nick was grooming him for the director's chair. Then you showed up, and suddenly, Nick had a new protégé."

A mischievous grin played across Natasha's lips as she leaned back slightly. "Grim, if you're going to be the future Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., don't forget about your sister here."

"Come on, you know the difference between a Level 7 and Level 8 agent isn't just about clearance—it's a huge difference in salary and perks! We're talking nearly a $60,000 gap!"

"And the jump from Level 8 to Level 9? Even bigger. Not to mention the resources you'd have access to."

"So, Grim, be a good boss and hook your sister up with a promotion when the time comes."

Grimclaw smirked, shrugging slightly. "Even if Nick plans to put me in charge, it's not happening anytime soon. Give it ten years, Na. By then, you'll have already moved up the ranks."

At this point, the larger Marvel Universe hadn't fully unfolded. Natasha was still a Level 7 agent, same as Clint Barton. Even Phil Coulson had yet to be promoted. Those promotions wouldn't happen until the key events in the Marvel timeline fully kicked off.

If memory served, Phil Coulson was actually the first among them to be promoted to Level 8.

"Alright, we're here."

Natasha smoothly landed the Quinjet on the designated S.H.I.E.L.D. tarmac. Waiting nearby, Phil Coulson stood with a small team.

As the Quinjet's ramp descended, Coulson stepped forward, his usual composed smile in place.

"Sir, welcome to New York. Apologies—I should have taken care of this sooner."

Seeing Grimclaw step onto the tarmac, Coulson's tone was professional yet respectful.

Nick Fury had already given the order—Grimclaw was now a Level 8 agent, meaning he outranked most of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York division. Every operative here was now under his command.

Despite being younger than Coulson, Grimclaw's abilities spoke louder than age.

"No need for formalities, Coulson. Just call me like you always have."

Coulson nodded, then handed over a dossier. "Here's the personnel file for the New York branch. We have 203 active members—70 in the tactical division, 53 in R&D, and 30 administrative staff."

"The rest are embedded in various official agencies and corporate positions."

Taking the file, Grimclaw scanned it briefly before Coulson asked, "What's our next move?"

Coulson had no reservations about Grimclaw's sudden appointment. He understood Nick Fury's long-term plans—this was about grooming a successor for the future of S.H.I.E.L.D.

More importantly, the mission involving Tony Stark had hit some roadblocks. If Nick had sent Grimclaw here, it wasn't to sideline Coulson—it was to reinforce him.

"Next?" Grimclaw mused with a knowing smile. "Let's go meet this so-called tough guy, Tony Stark."

"Shall I schedule an appointment with him?" Coulson asked.

Grimclaw raised an eyebrow, his expression calm yet commanding.

"Since when did S.H.I.E.L.D. start making appointments just to meet someone?"

Coulson let out a short chuckle, shaking his head. "Fair point. That does sound like Nick Fury's way of handling things."

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