Eddie wasn't sure how to start, but before he could speak, Venom chimed in, "Order two; one extra spicy, one mildly spicy, and two juices while you're at it. One without ice, thank you."
Once the hot dogs were ready, Eddie and Hill sat down under the umbrella at a table next to the hot dog stand. Phantom turned to Hill and asked, "Are you really going to eat something Venom ordered? I'm seriously worried about getting infected..."
Without touching her food, Hill turned to Eddie and asked, "Did you read that recent report in the Global Times?"
Chewing a mouthful of his hot dog, Eddie replied, "Are you talking about the one that uncovers Stark as Iron Man?"
"What's your take on it?"
"Although journalists are often repeating the obvious, the fact that this report, stating something anyone with a brain could have guessed, has caused such a stir, really makes me question the meaning of my career," Eddie responded.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. suspects this is yet another military pressure tactic used on Stark."
"Seems like I misjudged my former colleagues. The dumb ones aren't the journalists, it's the military."
In her head, Hill asked Phantom, "Is this guy called Venom always such a sharp tongue?"
"How would I know? I have no interest in understanding a lunatic."
"The situation is like this," Hill explained to Eddie. "We don't know what the military's done exactly, but somehow, they've gotten the World Security Council on their side, advocating that Stark's technology could better preserve world peace."
"They're not after Stark's technology, are they?"
"Perhaps not all of it, but at least some," Hill paused, "If you consider the power Stark displayed the other day, the target of the UN Security Council and the military is at least his latest mecha. They might even be eager for the kind of power that has Stark embodying a god."
"They will use all they've got to harass Stark to achieve their aims. Even if Stark isn't afraid of their firepower, they have the power to make life hell for both him and Stark Group."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to prevent this from happening, but the problem is, we're an organization under the World Security Council."
Hill made a gesture and said, "Clearly, our situation is a bit awkward right now. The World Security Council has ordered us not to interfere, and Director Nick is under a lot of pressure, so we can't assist Stark openly."
"But we don't want them to succeed, so we hope you can help us."
"I used to be a reporter for the Global Times, but that's in the past." Eddie paused to sip his juice and said, "If you came to me because of my previous job, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I don't have much credibility left in the industry."
Hill continued, "The military won't stop there. Next, they'll try to manipulate the media to target Stark, accusing him of possessing such advanced technology and refusing to contribute to human peace, or even dredging up the past, accusing him of selling weapons. We hope to obtain evidence that the editor-in-chief of the Global Times is accepting bribes and manipulating public opinion. You know him well, don't you?"
"Plus, due to pressure from the UN Security Council, it's uncomfortable for S.H.I.E.L.D. and its agents to step forward at the moment. So we hope to hire you to help counter the military's onslaught and prevent them from smearing Stark."
"I heard from Phantom that you have a problem with Riot. S.H.I.E.L.D. is currently using Riot for experiments. We can give it to you, plus some residual energy from it. What do you say?"
"... Deal."