Warren, after weighing the pros and cons, said, "I can, but I have a condition."
"You say it."
"During the experiment, you must listen to me."
"No problem."
"Also, I want an independent room and laboratory."
"No problem."
"Any other requirements?"
"Not for now."
"Alright then, pleased to cooperate?"
"Pleased to cooperate."
The two shook hands enthusiastically, fake smiles plastered on their faces, each with their own hidden agenda.
Nick Fury was a given, but Warren's plan was to kill two birds with one stone. He would agree for now, and once the product was manufactured, he would leave a backdoor. When the time came, he would decisively betray S.H.I.E.L.D.
"So, Dr. Warren, would you like to see our S.H.I.E.L.D. laboratories?"
"Of course."
Nick Fury nodded and looked at Coulson beside him. "I have a meeting next. This is Agent Coulson, he will take you to your laboratory."
Led by Coulson, the two arrived at a laboratory.
Coulson had expected Warren to exclaim in shock upon seeing the precise and advanced instruments, as their collected data indicated Warren's research environment was far from ideal.
However, before coming here, Warren had already worked in Octavius's deep-sea laboratory for a considerable period.
As the chief scientist of the Umbrella Corporation, Octavius's laboratory was by no means inferior to S.H.I.E.L.D., and in many aspects, it had even surpassed what S.H.I.E.L.D. possessed.
Therefore, upon seeing the S.H.I.E.L.D. laboratory, Warren did not cry out as Coulson expected. Instead, a hint of disdain flickered across his face.
He picked up a small instrument from the workbench and played with it for a moment, saying, "It's acceptable, I suppose it can still be used."
Coulson inwardly snorted. He attributed Warren's reaction to being stubbornly proud.
Just then, a figure emerged from the adjacent laboratory. The agent at the door did not obstruct him but instead offered a polite salute.
Seeing the newcomer, Coulson was about to introduce him when Warren preemptively called out the man's name.
"You are... Dr. Curt Connors!"
Upon seeing the other man, Warren almost shouted. Before the man could react, Warren rushed forward in three quick steps, excitedly grasping his hand and saying, "Dr. Connors, you, you are my idol."
Dr. Curt Connors was originally a military doctor during the Vietnam War. After the war ended, he returned to university and became a biology professor. He possessed very unique insights into biology and genetics, and his research achievements and academic standing were at the forefront of the entire scientific community.
Incidentally, Curt Connors would become the Lizard Professor in the future. However, for various reasons, he had not yet transformed into Doctor Lizard and was still working for S.H.I.E.L.D. Nevertheless, the man was still disabled, missing his right hand. It was likely only a matter of time before Doctor Lizard appeared.
Returning to the present, Connors was somewhat flustered by Warren's enthusiasm. Despite being a professor and having participated in the Vietnam War, he was, at heart, a reclusive scientist who spent most of his time in the laboratory and rarely interacted with people.
Perhaps sensing Connors's discomfort, Coulson stepped between them to ease the situation. "Dr. Connors, allow me to introduce you. This is Dr. Warren. Dr. Warren, this is Dr. Curt Connors, a highly accomplished doctor in our S.H.I.E.L.D. His laboratory is right next to yours. You can discuss any experimental challenges you encounter or share your experiences with each other when you have time."
Seeing that the other party was unwilling to engage with him, Coulson saw no point in forcing it. Besides, he had a pile of other matters to attend to and no time to waste here.
"This will be your laboratory from now on. There will be agents on standby at the entrance twenty-four hours a day."
With that, Coulson turned and left.
Just as Warren was reaching an agreement with S.H.I.E.L.D.
"So you let him escape, is that right?"
Faced with Bai Qi's question, Octavius trembled all over. He had personally witnessed Bai Qi deal with subordinates who failed to perform their duties. For those individuals, death was a form of mercy.
If he could, Bai Qi would have unquestionably taught Octavius a lesson he would never forget. But now, it was not possible. As his chief scientist, not to mention how many secrets Octavius held, if this man were to be incapacitated, what would happen to his future research projects?
"Never mind."
Bai Qi waved his hand. "This is not your fault. You don't need to worry about this matter anymore. I will have Ah Fu handle it. Continue to return to your laboratory and complete your current projects. Also, enhance the security of the laboratory. I don't want this to happen again."
"Yes, Lord."
"Also, with Warren escaping, the location of your laboratory has likely been exposed. Return there now, pack everything up, and evacuate immediately. Then, destroy the laboratory. Remember, do it cleanly."
"My Lord, rest assured, I know what to do."
"It better be that way."
After Octavius left, Bai Qi beckoned, and Sheena stepped forward.
"How is the matter I entrusted to you progressing?"
Sheena replied, "It's mostly handled. However, Savage says there are a few things that need to be confirmed with you in person."
"Good, I understand. Contact Savage. I want to speak with him now."
"Yes, Master."
After giving his instructions, Bai Qi gently tapped the armrest of his throne three times. The throne began to descend, taking Bai Qi to the secret chamber below.
Soon, the screen in front of him lit up, and Savage's face appeared before Bai Qi.
"Holy Lord."
"Alright, there's no need for pleasantries. Let's get straight to the point."
"Okay."
Savage nodded.
"I heard you plan to throw a Cadmus laboratory to the Justice League?"
"Yes, the one located in Washington. It has already aroused the suspicion of the Justice League, and its exposure is only a matter of time. It's better to release it proactively and keep them busy for a while."
"But from what I know, Desmond is also there, and he knows of our existence. How can you guarantee he won't reveal our situation?"
"We have leverage over Desmond. He's a smart man and knows what should and shouldn't be said."
"When do you plan to act and cast out this bait?"
"Hmm?" Savage raised an eyebrow and asked, "You're interested in this? It seems you've truly been idle lately."
Bai Qi rubbed his forehead and said, "Me? Idle? Spare me. These past few days have been driving me insane."
"As you wish. In a week, the Justice League will announce the induction of several new superheroes outside the Hall of Justice. My mole within will actively guide them there. If you wish to participate, be careful not to get caught by the Justice League."
"Don't worry, I'll be careful. They won't catch me."
After discussing this matter, Bai Qi moved on to the next item on the agenda.
"How is the development of that planet progressing?"