The pungent fumes of mysterious biochemicals saturated the confined garage interior. Before The Blur's eyes, the hazmat-suited figure was already turning to identify the source of his muffled outburst. With no time or electrical charge left for evasive manoeuvres, Devon desperately cast about his surroundings then seized upon a dingy overall hanging nearby along with an emptied storage crate.

“Damn, this is bad. Mi don’t have much charge left…” Thinking quickly, Devon used the last iota of his Dread Charge to get his dreads active towards the disguise. With the remaining 0.2% his enhanced cognitions processed scenarios faster than quantum computers. By the time Dr Vargas faced the unexpected interloper fully, he discovered merely another sweating labourer fumbling with moving inventory.

"Hell!" cursed Devon aloud while trying his best to appear a credible delivery employee. "Dis sticky molasses have me trap pon di spot!" He gestured down at his boots mired awkwardly in a cooling puddle of gooey fluid. "Mi second day pan di hustle and already mi mash up di Doc workspace. Such incompetence can get mi fire!"

Though lenses concealed the man's gaze, Devon sensed acute scrutiny assessing his flustered appearance from behind the face shield. This clandestine venture undoubtedly demanded utmost security protocols against espionage. Just how thoroughly might this mad genius vet unplanned guests?

"Indeed my ongoing formulations require meticulous space management without bumbling interference." The biochemist glanced from awkward worker to stained concrete. "However it seems Marvin left this spill unattended far too long. Another mark against that oaf's record. Vargas Innovations has no tolerance for consistent liabilities."

Devon offered an embarrassed half smile, quickly formulating his cover story while the criminal was distracted temporarily. No doubt ID scans and truth serums awaited more prolonged interrogation. So expedient yet credible excuses proved essential to maintaining his facade just a while longer. The concealed Loki-7 samples secured in subspace pouches against his soles must be delivered into proper analysis channels soon without raising deeper suspicion here.

"Pardon the interruption during yuh centrifuge calibration, Doc. Mi still getting familiarized with di proper warehouse protocols." Devon extended his hand politely once freed from glutinous shoes. "Mi name Devon, by di way. I appreciate di extra opportunity despite mi rough start. Trying to save funding fi trade school next semester."

The hooded bio-engineer paused typing at a nearby console to regard Devon's offered handshake quizzically. "Indeed? And who approved hiring additional couriers without my consultation?"

Devon rubbed his nose awkwardly, buying nanoseconds to reinforce his storyline. "Was Marvin who recommend mi. Him say yuh operations needed more trustworthy assistance. Though now mi see him own performance raise eyebrows..." He shrugged while retrieving a cleaning rag for his shoes discreetly tucked behind a shelf using coiled locks without turning his head. "Guess him should focus more pon him own duties before judging others."

That subtle yet strategic insight against an absent underling brought an amused humph from Vargas. "You learn swiftly, Devon. Marvin irks me constantly through premature opinions. My craft requires higher discernment." Returning fully to data trend analysis, the biochemist seemed mollified by new employee's quick study. "Few before demonstrated such rapid adaptive thinking during awkward introductions. I may upgrade your status once current samples finish processing."

"Bless, mi soon prove mi worth." Devon beamed at the promising appraisal while subtly surveilling wider surroundings, identifying exit points for later reference. Lingering too long chatting amidst biohazards and armed sentries still courted trouble without solid connections made.

Yet, he continued to listen to the Mad Scientists rambles and further commented, "Your Hungary or Tanzania projects sound complex but rewarding fi di community. Naturopathy uses knowledge fi heal instead destroy. Maybe I contribute ideas to di cause someday."

That strategic praise of larger vision goals softened the criminal chemist further. "Indeed my innovations shall elevate human health and resilience globally..." A speaker crackled loudly. "Yes?...I see. Triangulate purchase history... Splendid!" Returning focus to Devon, Vargas extended an experimental vial. "Since you exhibit potential for future leadership, first field test this latest CBD infusion during your next delivery run. Then report any enhancement of executive function or emotional stability. Feedback will confirm ideal metrics for sustainably enlightened neurochemistry before next expo."

Devon forced energetic gratitude while accepting the small solution tube marked simply VB-177. Inside swirled viscous teal fluid emitting a pearlescent glow. Without doubt this "nutraceutical" brain boosting supplement proved another opportunistic trial synthesized through dangerous underground experimentation. The insidious world hidden behind fake pharmacy fronts sought boundless demand for their custom vanity biochemistry. How many civilians suffered unknowingly as test subjects for Vargas' capitalistic exploitation? Such systemic corruption enraged Devon profoundly, but he had to keep his emotions in check.

"Mi soon blaze off pon dis test run." He concealed the vial carefully. "Any feedback from street level might reflect how these solutions affect the average person. Ya get me?" Subtle probing might reveal wider unregulated trial practices.

"Indeed. Optimal metrics for diffusion among diverse populations is..." Abruptly the encrypted phone vibrated loudly. "Yes?... Of course. Compound stability?... Naturally. Payment as arranged... Pleasure as always."

Devon listened closely, tracking keywords and inflections for clues on external partners. Clearly extensive secretive connections operated from this clandestine jungle lab shrouded in bureaucratic smoke and mirrors.

"Trouble juggling all these big contracts, Doc?" Devon inquired conversationally after the call. "Must stay exhausting managing so much important science simultaneously. Even one likkle mistake gets magnified. Pressure ah build!"

His casual prying drew narrow eyed focus from Vargas despite relaxed tone. "I alone determine optimal daily balancing of priorities, Mr Devon. But your considerations regarding workload are noted duly..." Inserting a storage drive into the console, the hooded figure typed several commands before returning scrutiny to his unwanted guest.

"Since you exhibit such enthusiasm towards responsibilities, newly hired courier, please convey this urgent package to this address while I resume chemical bonding phases." Vargas extended a thin metallic briefcase along with a piece of paper with the address towards Devon. "Payment transfers directly upon verification of delivery by the recipient. This task tests your reliability metrics before accessing further Industry assets or routes. Succeed and benefits shall accrue."

Devon accepted the container carefully, gauging its weight and safeguarding. Likely such ‘tests’ were common for new recruits into the system. He would play along for now, tracing channels up the supply line with each job while mapping the cabal's key figures. Perhaps this mysterious delivery connected somehow to the Toxic Trio?

"No worries, Doc. Mi soon blaze off and complete di run easy. Just watch mi." He offered a casual salute then headed for the garage exit as normally as possible given circumstances. Lingering further around volatile substances without proper protective gear was never advisable. And success opening initial contacts among street distributors promised bigger breakthroughs tracing Lord Skull's whole dominion sooner or later.