**
"Link, there are certain things you shouldn't be in control of!" Maria Hill had fully stepped into her role, sounding every bit like the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Link chuckled softly and replied, "You're mistaken. We're exactly the ones who should be in control."
"Don't bother with threats or talk of losing control; such rhetoric is meaningless to us. And those politicians shouldn't even dream of controlling technology that doesn't belong to Earth."
"We've thought carefully about what's best for humanity. Under the protection of the Avengers, we'll advance steadily."
"Do you realize how many forces on Earth are beyond your control?"
"So, your concern is actually just greed. There are countless forces on Earth, powerful enough to destroy the world, that you can't control."
"Earth has never been a simple place, yet it has survived until now. That alone shows how extraordinary it is."
"It's faced countless existential threats. Your S.H.I.E.L.D. knows nothing."
Maria Hill was stunned. She genuinely had no idea about this and asked, "Is what you're saying true?"
Link sneered, "Of course it's true. Even Nick Fury only experienced one such event. His biggest ally is an unreliable Carol Danvers."
"She hasn't returned to Earth in years, hasn't fulfilled her promises, and has been wandering the universe."
"She hasn't solved any of Earth's problems, which is why the Avengers are the only ones who can be trusted."
"After all, we all have ties to Earth. Earth's safety is what we care about most. And we've already gained recognition from the cosmic civilizations—not Earth, but the Avengers."
Maria Hill paused in silence for a moment before saying, "I understand. I trust you, and I'll handle the other issues."
Link then added, "To make things easier for you, and because we need more personnel, you can select a team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to join the Avengers."
"Our Avengers ship can carry 120 YF-23 jets, and our Avengers space headquarters will also need staffing."
"However, we'll recruit talent from around the world. S.H.I.E.L.D. can contribute personnel, and we'll also select other talents like us."
"Of course, ethical standards are a must, and any personnel stationed in space will have their communications monitored."
Maria Hill let out a breath of relief and said, "Understood. I'll make the arrangements."
Both parties hung up the call.
...
The construction of the space headquarters was overseen by Stark, with Bruce's assistance, while the recruitment process was led by Link and Natasha. Captain was handling the ground headquarters, and Clint had temporarily gone home.
The Avengers got busy. Link launched a worldwide recruitment campaign, openly hiring for the Avengers.
Naturally, the risks involved were made clear. After all, the Avengers were a private organization dedicated to protecting Earth from external threats and would establish a headquarters in space.
With a fleet of starships and spacecraft, the average person wouldn't qualify. Only those with the necessary knowledge and expertise could apply.
The Avengers were not recruiting ground troops, as each Avenger was powerful enough individually. Large-scale ground combat units weren't necessary. After putting out the advertisement, Link and Stark set aside their current tasks and boarded an upgraded Quinjet to embark on their mission.
Their destination? Wakanda. They departed in secret, using stealth technology in their Quinjet.
Link piloted the jet while Stark operated the systems. The jet was packed with advanced technologies, including a sophisticated scanning system and a full-spectrum holographic array.
Soon after arriving at Wakanda, they slowed down and began scanning the area, quickly detecting the presence of the holographic barrier.
Link didn't attempt to enter recklessly. Wakanda had shielding technology, and passing through the barrier could trigger the shield. Crashing the jet was not an option.
Instead, he opened a public channel. "Avengers calling Wakanda…"
Wakanda was indeed curious. The Avengers had appeared out of the blue, something they hadn't anticipated. Clearly, their secret had been discovered.
The fact that the Avengers had stopped outside the barrier and called for them was a sign that they had been found out.
King T'Chaka needed to make a decision. He couldn't pretend the Avengers didn't matter. After all, that enormous starship was stationed just off the coast of New York.
Who could ignore that?
Prince T'Challa asked, "Father? Should we respond to them?"
"Of course we should. Our secret is no longer a secret. They've clearly known about us for some time. Their reason for coming is as important to us as it is to them," T'Chaka said. "Open the gates. Let them in."
Before the Quinjet, the barrier rippled like water, opening up. Link nudged the throttle, and the Quinjet flew through.
Two dragonfly-like jets flanked them on either side. Link wasn't surprised and calmly followed their lead.
They were soon given a flight path to follow, guiding them directly to the palace's landing pad.
Stark curiously scanned the dragonfly jets. "Their technology has far surpassed any other nation on Earth. But why remain so low-key?"
Link chuckled, "If they weren't discreet, we'd probably be their slaves by now."
"…" Stark was speechless. It was true. Given Wakanda's technological prowess, they could have easily unified the world during the rise of the slave trade.
The Quinjet landed, and King T'Chaka, along with Prince T'Challa, were already waiting. The two Avengers disembarked from the jet.
"Welcome to Wakanda, Avengers!" T'Chaka greeted them warmly, spreading his arms wide before bowing.
The two returned the gesture with a bow of their own. Stark, ever curious, couldn't help but glance at the female guards standing by. They were all armed with spears.
Stark, puzzled, whispered, "Why are they using spears?"
Link smirked and replied, "Vibranium, of course."
Stark understood immediately. Those spears must be made of vibranium. But still, wasn't this a waste?
He couldn't wrap his head around Wakanda's blend of advanced technology and primitive weaponry.
What kind of logic was this? To him, it seemed like they'd taken a wrong turn somewhere.
Under the Wakandans' guidance, the two Avengers were led into the palace. The meeting room wasn't large but was simple and elegant. They were offered seats and soon sat down.
T'Chaka began, "How did you discover Wakanda?"
Link replied, "Ulysses Klaue told us."
"Him?" T'Chaka remained calm.
However, T'Challa, who was seated beside him, immediately became agitated and asked, "Where is he?"
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