Chapter 106
Steve sighed and bowed his head. Natasha continued, "Just because it's the path of least resistance doesn't mean it's the wrong path. Staying together is more important than how we stay together," almost as if convincing herself. Steve questioned, "What are we giving up to do it?" Natasha sighed, and Steve shook his head, unconvinced. He said, "I'm sorry, Nat. I can't sign it," to which Natasha responded, "I know." Confused, Steve asked, "Then what are you doing here?" Natasha replied gently, "I didn't want you to be alone," and pulled him in for a hug. "Come here," she said, holding him close. Not far away, henry watched as he though, "i still dont know why i bother with this, nothing is going to happen that is going to deviate from what i saw in the vision, the sokovia accords would break them up" he though as he turned around and left.
In Vienna, at a special United Nations conference, 117 countries gathered to ratify the Sokovia Accords. News Anchor #3 announced, "At a special United Nations conference 117 countries have come together to ratify the Sokovia Accords." T'Challa, dressed in a sharp suit, stood looking through a glass wall when a UN staffer approached Natasha Romanoff, saying, "Excuse me, Miss Romanoff?" She responded, "Yes?" The staffer handed her documents, "These need your signature." T'Challa observed as Natasha thanked the staffer, "Thanks." He then remarked, "I suppose neither of us is used to the spotlight," to which Natasha replied, "Oh, well, it's not always so flattering."
T'Challa noted, "You seem to be doing alright so far. Considering your last trip to Capitol Hill... I wouldn't think you would be particularly comfortable in this company." Natasha admitted, "Well, I'm not." T'Challa said, "That alone makes me glad you're here, Miss Romanoff." When Natasha questioned his approval of the Accords, T'Challa clarified, "The Accords, yes. The politics, not really. Two people in a room can get more done than a hundred." King T'Chaka then arrived, saying, "Unless you need to move a piano," which caused T'Challa to respond, "Father." King T'Chaka acknowledged Natasha, "Miss Romanoff," and she apologized for the events in Nigeria. King T'Chaka expressed sadness over Captain Rogers' absence, and Natasha agreed, "Yes, so am I."
As the assembly began, a voice on the speakers said, "If everyone could please be seated. This assembly is now in session." T'Challa noted, "That is the future calling. Such a pleasure," and Natasha responded, "Thank you," before leaving. King T'Chaka praised his son, "For a man who disapproves of diplomacy, you're getting quite good at it," to which T'Challa replied, "I'm happy, Father." King T'Chaka continued, "Thank you. When stolen Wakandan vibranium was used to make a terrible weapon, we in Wakanda were forced to question our legacy. Those men and women killed in Nigeria were part of a goodwill mission from a country too long in the shadows. We will not, however, let misfortune drive us back. We will fight to improve the world we wish to join. I am grateful to the Avengers for supporting this initiative."
As T'Challa spotted something outside, he shouted, "EVERYBODY GET DOWN!" A massive explosion destroyed the conference hall, meanwhile a single man in a suit sat in the mids of the destroyed hall, his suit was burning but he sat there, burning but not doing anything as he though, "hmm, ". T'Challa rushed to his father, finding him on the floor with his eyes closed. Grabbing his father's wrist, T'Challa felt no pulse and, devastated, lay across his father, lifting and rocking him in his arms.
-scene change-
In a quiet hotel lobby, Sharon Carter and Steve Rogers waited by an elevator, their conversation punctuated by the soft hum of the building. Sharon shared, "My mom tried to talk me out of enlisting, but, um, not Aunt Peggy. She bought me my first thigh holster." Steve chuckled, "Very practical." Sharon added, "And stylish," as they stood facing each other. Steve inquired, "CIA has you stationed over here now?" Sharon replied, "In Berlin, Joint Terrorism Task Force." With a nod and a smile, Steve continued, "Right. Sounds fun." Sharon agreed, "I know, right?"
Steve hesitated before asking, "I've been meaning to ask you. When you were spying on me from across the hall..." Sharon interrupted, "You mean when I was doing my job." Steve pressed, "Did Peggy know?" Sharon revealed, "She kept so many secrets. I didn't want her to have one from you." The elevator dinged, and Sharon said, "Thanks for walking me back." Steve replied, "Sure," just as Sam Wilson approached, saying, "Steve. There's something you gotta see."
They turned their attention to a news broadcast, where the anchor reported, "A bomb hidden in a news van ripped through the UN building in Vienna." Sharon's concern grew, "Who's coordinating?" The anchor continued, "More than 70 people have been injured. At least 12 are dead, including Wakanda's King T'Chaka. Officials have released a video of a suspect who they have identified as James Buchanan Barnes, the Winter Soldier. The infamous HYDRA agent, linked to numerous acts of terrorism and political assassinations" that is when Sharon Carter stood up as she said. "I have to go to work."
-scene change-
Fire crews were busy hosing down the buildings while a red and white medical chopper hovered overhead. Sharon Carter, in charge of the scene, instructed, "Call MI-6, see if we can get Micro Forensics to hurry this up. We need the whole team here in two hours or it's not worth it." She strode through the area with a man in a green jumpsuit, passing T'Challa who sat on a bench, stunned with a cut on his head. Natasha Romanoff sat on the next bench, looking over sympathetically. "I'm very sorry," she said. T'Challa glanced at her, holding an ornate silver ring, and explained, "In my culture, death is not the end. It's more of a stepping-off point. You reach out with both hands and Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green veldt where you can run forever." Natasha responded, "That sounds very peaceful." T'Challa added, "My father thought so. I am not my father," before declaring, "Don't bother, Miss Romanoff. I'll kill him myself," and walking away.
Steve Rogers, wearing a cap and dark glasses, phoned Natasha, who answered, "Yeah?" Steve asked, "You alright?" Natasha replied, "Ah, yeah, thanks. I got lucky," but then, with concern, added, "I know how much Barnes means to you. I really do. Stay home. You'll only make this worse. For all of us. Please." Steve questioned, "Are you saying you'll arrest me?" Natasha clarified, "No. Someone will. If you interfere. That's how it works now." Steve insisted, "If he's this far gone, Nat, I should be the one to bring him in." Natasha asked, "Why?" Steve answered, "Because I'm the one least likely to die trying," and ended the call, leaving Natasha frustrated.