The history of S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy actually dates back even further than the organisation of S.H.I.E.L.D. itself.
During World War II, the academy originally belonged to the Strategic Scientific Reserve (S.S.R.), one of the direct predecessors of S.H.I.E.L.D., although it didn't bear its current name back then.
One thing, however, has remained unchanged: it has always been dedicated to training the finest military minds, continuously supplying fresh blood to its parent organisation.
To this day, most graduates go on to join S.H.I.E.L.D. automatically.
A small number choose other paths: staying on to teach at the academy, or joining organisations and departments with strong ties to S.H.I.E.L.D.
However, all of this requires official approval from the academy.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy is completely tuition-free, with all operational funding provided exclusively by S.H.I.E.L.D. itself. Students must sign a strict contract, clearly stating that any post-graduation employment must be approved by the academy.
Should a graduate breach this agreement, the academy reserves the right to pursue legal action.
This clause has been criticised as overly authoritarian in the past.
But S.H.I.E.L.D. is backed by nations across the globe as a semi-official international body—so even if the contract were draconian, who would really dare challenge it?
Frankly, as long as an organisation like S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't actively bullying people, that's already considered generous. Only a fool would go head-to-head with them over legal technicalities.
—
A few minutes later.
Director Weaver led Hill and Ray to her office.
"Coffee or tea?" she asked once they were seated.
"Coffee," Ray replied with a shrug.
In North America, "tea" usually meant English breakfast tea, and Ray was much more accustomed to coffee.
"I'll just have some warm water," Hill said with a smile.
"Emily, two coffees and one warm water, please. Thank you," Weaver said into the phone, addressing her assistant outside.
"Right away."
With that done, Weaver got down to business.
"After Director Fury contacted the Academy, Headmaster Dugan had planned to welcome you both personally…"
"But he's currently in Europe and has run into some complications that he can't get away from. He asked me to apologise on his behalf and extend his warmest welcome to you, Dr Raymond."
"Director Dugan is far too kind. He's someone every S.H.I.E.L.D. agent should look up to. If he had come in person, we might've felt too overwhelmed to even speak," Hill said with a smile.
Ray simply nodded politely and remained silent, sorting through the original host's memories about Headmaster Dugan.
In those memories, the former Raymond had only met Headmaster Dugan once—when he was appointed as a visiting professor at the Academy.
The Academy was divided into four main faculties: the Science Division, the Operations Division, the Communications Division, and the Espionage Division.
Weaver was head of the Science Division and the only division director who also served as a vice-headmaster. Above her was the person she had just mentioned—Headmaster Dum Dum Dugan.
The former Raymond hadn't known much about Dugan, only that he was a veteran agent. But Ray did.
Dum Dum Dugan was one of the original founders of S.H.I.E.L.D., among its longest-serving operatives.
His career went all the way back to the Second World War and the days of the S.S.R. He had fought alongside Captain America and Agent Peggy Carter.
If figures like Black Widow and Melinda May were considered legendary in modern times, Dugan was a living legend.
"No wonder Hill said he was the role model for all S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. That wasn't an exaggeration," Ray thought.
Just then, Director Weaver turned to him.
"From what Director Fury told me, Dr Raymond, you're planning to officially join the Academy full-time this time, is that correct?"
"Yes. I'll be counting on your guidance," Ray replied.
Fury had already called him earlier that morning to brief him on what version of events had been relayed to the Academy. Of course, the truth about Project T.A.H.I.T.I. was strictly classified—even within S.H.I.E.L.D.
It was likely that Fury had informed Dugan privately, but someone like Director Weaver would be kept in the dark.
Ray didn't mind. He simply went along with the story.
Hearing his confirmation, Weaver smiled broadly.
"That's wonderful news! I had always hoped you'd join us officially. I never expected it to actually happen… With someone of your calibre in psychology, our Academy can finally stand tall in that field!"
"If you keep flattering me like this, I'm going to get a swollen ego," Ray said jokingly.
"I'm just stating facts."
Weaver chuckled, then continued, "The paperwork for onboarding you is simple. You'll just need to sign a few forms. However…"
Seeing her hesitate, Ray spoke up. "If there's an issue, feel free to say it, Director Weaver. I don't mind."
Weaver nodded, carefully choosing her words.
"Well, previously, as a visiting professor, you were free to teach in any of the divisions. But now that you're joining officially, you'll have to be stationed in one. Have you thought about which division—ours, the Science Division, or perhaps the neighbouring Communications Division?"
"Of course, as head of Science, I'd love to have you join us. But I shouldn't push too hard… otherwise my colleagues will accuse me of abusing my position to poach talent," she added with a smirk.