A number of burglaries had occurred at C.T.E., despite the company's belief that their security systems was impregnable. Hawkeye, searching for a job after recently parting ways with the Avengers, sensed an opportunity. He broke into the office of K.H. Keeshan, a high-level employee in the company, and asked for a job. Despite being met with anger over his actions, Keeshan hired Hawkeye to uncover the mystery behind the burglaries. Hawkeye soon discovered that the burglaries were being committed by Deathbird, a member of an alien race named the Shi'ar. Hawkeye battled and defeated his powerful foe and gained full employment at C.T.E. as the Head of Security. He later went on to defend the company against Mister Fear.