Clint doesn't seem bothered by Howard's brief hesitation, observing quietly as his self-assured expression falters before accepting the phone and slipping it back into its pocket.

"An official position in S.H.I.E.L.D., salary and funding, your own residence on base." He pauses momentarily, trying to get a read on Howard's motivations, what that hesitation meant. "A chance to figure out how exactly that cube pulled you through time."