Marvel: Starting from the Snap

***

"Show weakness?"

The words of advice from Bowes echoed in Luke's mind as he found himself locked in a staring contest with Okoye and the Wakandan Royal Guard.

Truth be told, standing face-to-face with a bona fide "superhero" was somewhat unnerving. Luke couldn't shake the anxiety rooted in his current status—no more than a stand-in from another world, masquerading as a real agent.

His unease only deepened as he recalled how decisively Bowes had left. Without so much as a second thought, the agent had departed, leaving him alone in Wakanda.

Okoye's gaze bore into him, sharp and unrelenting, like a predator sizing up its prey.

"So, S.H.I.E.L.D. only sent you?" Okoye's voice was steady, her tone laced with skepticism.

Under her scrutinizing eyes, Luke felt a flicker of insecurity. But he quickly steadied himself—after all, he represented S.H.I.E.L.D., and that came with some leverage.

Drawing a deep breath, he lifted his chin, meeting her gaze squarely. "The agency is stretched thin. Personnel are scarce. But for post-conflict negotiations and procedural handovers, I'm enough."

He didn't know the first thing about official handovers, but that wasn't going to stop him. All he needed was to play the part convincingly enough.

Okoye raised an eyebrow at his response but didn't argue. "One person is fine. This will make everything... simpler for us."

The implication was clear. As far as Wakanda was concerned, Luke was merely a figurehead—an observer, not someone who would actively interfere.

Far from feeling offended, Luke was relieved. This arrangement aligned perfectly with his goals. He had no intention of getting bogged down in bureaucratic red tape when his true objective lay elsewhere—finding and securing the [Artifacts].

"I have no objections. After all, this is Wakandan soil," Luke replied casually. "My role here is merely supportive. But any specifics will need my approval."

Okoye's gaze hardened. "Your approval?"

"It's protocol," Luke said with a shrug. "Just a formality, nothing more."

Okoye narrowed her eyes, her tone skeptical. "Fine. Do what you must."

But her sharp gaze then shifted to the weapon holstered at his side. "However, here in Wakanda, weapons are unnecessary. We will ensure your safety."

For any agent, being asked to disarm upon entry was nothing short of a power play.

Luke, however, didn't bat an eye. Without protest, he unholstered the newly acquired pistol and handed it over to one of the guards.

"I trust Wakanda's security," he said with a faint smile. "Anything else I should be mindful of?"

Okoye hadn't expected him to comply so readily, and for a moment, she looked almost caught off guard. She quickly recovered, nodding to a guard. "Take him to the conference room."

"Yes, General."

The guard gestured for Luke to follow, but just as he was about to leave, Luke paused.

"Wait."

Okoye turned back, her brow furrowed in suspicion.

"Something wrong?"

"I'd like to inspect the battlefield first," Luke said calmly. "I need to collect samples of alien materials as part of my assignment."

This request caused a visible shift in Okoye's expression. "That isn't your responsibility. Wakandan scientists have already collected what's needed. You'll receive a full report in due time."

"I'm aware," Luke replied, his tone steady. "But my orders specifically require that I gather the samples myself."

Okoye's lips thinned, her displeasure evident. "Do you distrust our labs? Or do you think we're hiding something?"

"It's neither," Luke replied without hesitation. "I'm just an operative, not a scientist. Even if you handed me something, I wouldn't know how to evaluate it. My task is simply procedural, not personal. I hope you'll allow me to carry it out."

For a long moment, Okoye stared at him, her expression unreadable. Then, with a curt nod, she relented. "Very well. You may proceed."

"Thank you, General."

But before Luke could express further gratitude, Okoye raised a hand to silence him.

"Don't misunderstand me. I'll allow this only because it doesn't interfere with Wakanda's operations. But remember—this is Wakanda. Leave your foreign ways at the border."

Her words carried a warning that Luke didn't dare ignore.

"Understood," he said, offering a small bow of his head. "As long as the mission is completed, consider me invisible."

Okoye studied him for a moment longer before turning to one of the guards. "Escort him to the battlefield. And check on M'Baku's team—make sure the cleanup is progressing."

"Yes, General."

With a nod, the guard motioned for Luke to follow.

"Thank you," Luke said again, falling into step behind his escort.

As they walked away, Okoye's gaze lingered on Luke's retreating figure, her expression pensive.

"General," an older guard ventured cautiously. "Are we truly allowing them to meddle in Wakandan affairs?"

Okoye's eyes darkened, her voice firm. "We've lost our king and too many warriors. But even now, Wakanda is no one's pawn."

She paused, her gaze narrowing.

"Keep an eye on him. If he's as smart as he seems, he'll know where to draw the line."