T'Challa ignored everyone's shock and instead looked at Steve. He couldn't understand why Steve was trying to stop him. The long-haired man in front of them was the culprit behind the bombing—he had nearly killed his father. If that had happened, it would have become a full-blown diplomatic crisis. Even a thousand deaths wouldn't be enough to atone for it.
Soon after, the group was placed into specialized transport vehicles. Under heavy security and with a strong police escort along the way, they were taken to the current Avengers base—the new headquarters established after the Sokovia Accords officially came into effect.
There were only three primary detainees in the transport: Steve, Sam, and Bucky. Due to their sensitive identities, T'Challa and Erik were not placed in the prison transport.
Upon arrival, Bucky—considered a high-risk criminal—was placed alone in a specialized containment chamber, transported via shuttle. The others, however, were not imprisoned.
As they stepped out, they saw several people waiting. Leading them was the current head of the Avengers, the one who had replaced Nick Fury. Standing beside him was Sharon Carter.
"What are you planning to do with him?"
Steve asked, looking at Bucky inside the chamber.
"He'll undergo psychological evaluation, and then we'll decide based on the severity of his crimes. The same applies to you."
The man answered bluntly.
"This is Everett Ross, the current director of the Avengers."
Sharon introduced him.
"Ross? Your last name is Ross?"
Sam asked in surprise. He hadn't expected that Ross to be pulling strings and placing his own people in charge. Did that mean the Avengers were now under his complete control?
Given Ross's past methods, it was entirely possible. He had always been obsessed with super soldiers, wanting to seize that overwhelming power for himself—under the guise of serving the United States. But who it was really for, only he knew.
And now, the truth seemed to be coming out. The head of the new Avengers headquarters was also named Ross—could that really be a coincidence?
"Secure their weapons and bring them with me."
Everett said, then led the group inside the building. Surrounded by heavily armed personnel, Steve and the others had no choice but to follow.
The difference in treatment between the two groups was stark.
"King T'Challa, we will provide offices for you and Prince Erik. You won't be placed in cells. However, we ask that you remain in your offices."
As Everett spoke, a striking figure approached—it was Natasha. Having signed the Accords, she was now working here.
"Steve, this is exactly the worst-case scenario I was talking about."
Natasha said helplessly, then walked alongside Steve into the building.
They entered a large command room. At its center stood Tony, who was in the middle of a phone call. It wasn't clear who was on the other end.
"Accountability? You're asking me about accountability? Get lost. Anything else? I'm hanging up!"
Tony cut the call without giving the other party a chance to respond.
After hanging up, he walked straight over to Steve and Sam.
"Accountability… that's a familiar word for us, isn't it?"
Steve said with a hint of sarcasm. He'd heard that word dozens of times over the past few days.
"Yeah. Secretary Ross wants to prosecute you two. I've got to give him something to shut him up."
Tony looked exhausted. He was finally experiencing what it felt like for Nick Fury to clean up after them—it wasn't a job anyone would envy. At least Fury could skim some funding while doing it; Tony couldn't even manage that.
"I see. I'm not getting the shield back, am I?"
Steve immediately understood. It was just another exchange of interests. And the price for ensuring his safety without facing prosecution… was the identity of Captain America.
"Technically, that shield is U.S. government property."
Natasha shrugged.
"Oh, and those wings too."
Sam caught a stray hit.
"Cold."
Sam muttered. All he'd done was kick a helicopter.
"Still better than sitting in a prison cell."
Tony replied bluntly. This was the best he could do. When it came to political maneuvering, he was no match for Fury.
---
Bucky was locked inside a specialized chamber. A thick cable connected to it, supplying oxygen and power. After all, Bucky wasn't an ordinary person—high-tech measures were necessary.
The chamber was already electrified. If Bucky attempted to escape, a high-voltage current would immediately "send him to heaven."
Meanwhile, an inconspicuous electrical maintenance truck arrived at a high-voltage station. The driver stepped out, holding a clipboard, and walked toward the facility.
---
"So this is the newest Quinjet? Looks no different from mine."
Karl sat inside, examining the aircraft. Both its exterior and interior looked almost identical to previous models.
"This is the latest model—it can operate in space. If it weren't for this situation, I wouldn't have brought it out."
After setting the route and activating the cloaking system, Nick Fury sat down across from Karl.
The newest Quinjet no longer required manual piloting. Even fine operations could be handled automatically. Once the parameters were set, the onboard system took over.
"You've got a lead?"
Karl asked. If Fury had already set a destination, he must have found something.
"Coulson."
Fury gestured toward him.
"The bomber has been captured. Along with him, Steve, Sam, King T'Challa, and Prince Erik have also been detained."
Coulson handed Karl a tablet and gave a brief summary of their findings.
Karl took it and quickly scanned through the contents. The information was clearly professional—even bearing the Avengers' insignia, with some parts marked classified.
"You hacked into their system?"
Karl looked at Fury. This kind of data wasn't something just anyone could access.
"The current Avengers system is basically a copy of the old one. Is it really that strange that I left a few people inside?"
Fury folded his arms, looking smug.
"Tch. As underhanded as ever."
Karl said dismissively.
"I've got something to ask you. How much do you know about T'Challa and Erik?"
Fury didn't dwell on the previous topic. After seeing their suits, he had already realized Wakanda was far from the poor, backward nation it appeared to be. And given Karl's close relationship with T'Challa, he was certain Karl knew more.
"I know everything. Want to hear it?"
Karl raised an eyebrow. He had promised T'Challa that he wouldn't reveal anything about Wakanda until it officially opened to the outside world.
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