The Quinjet set down beside its sister craft in the landing field next to the Palace Complex. Months ago Steve stood here seeing them off, full of optimism because their scheme worked but circumstances shot that bright future to hell.
Bucky's condition improved after they removed his arm. The scientists put the surgical instruments used in his operation in isolation along with the now detached limb. A hard truth existed in Steve's conscience. This was another link in a long chain reaction because of what they had done, part of the fallout from that single decision.
Sam assured him he would be ok for the few minutes needed for him to greet their guests, doing everything but push him out of the room. Steve got the faint impression the two wanted him to go so they could talk about him, but he put pushed those thoughts aside for later.
The back of the plane opened to reveal Bruce and to his surprise, Clint Barton. "Cap," he said, nodding. "I understand that's what I'm supposed to call you now."
"This is a surprise!" Steve said.
"Doctor Banner convinced me they needed a babysitter," Clint responded, not looking him in the eyes, choosing to focus on the Palace and the scenery beyond. "How's Bucky?"
"He's doing better. Fever's down… but they took his arm. Why do they need a babysitter?"
"I'm the only one who hasn't fallen asleep yet," Bruce explained. "Might pass out mid-flight."
"But Tony and Natasha are capable of…"
"Let's say… they aren't back to their old selves yet. Tony came to lend his expertise and Nat, well, we didn't want to leave her on her own rambling alone in the compound by herself. Pepper would keep an eye on her but she has other responsibilities…." Clint said.
"We insisted she come. Being back in Wakanda might be good for her," Bruce said.
"Captain!" A cheery voice broke through their serious discussion. Peter bounded down the runway to greet the adults.
"How did you get out of school?" Cap said. Peter's intimate knowledge of the alien tech meant he should be here, to share his experience, but that idea got pushed the idea to the back of his head along with a lot of other things.
"Ms. Potts worked her magic and here I am! I guess what they say is true about adventures. They never really have an end. How's Bucky?"
"Better, but he lost his arm."
"Aw man, that awesome arm! He saved us when he stuck his arm through that portal; Is that when it happened?" He asked.
"That's the logical conclusion," Steve had no problem being patient with Parker but now it took effort. Tony and Natasha appear at the top of the landing. Tony appeared to be much the same but Natasha's appearance surprised him. Her lank hair drooped over her shoulders. Empty eyes stared out at him from a pale face. No wonder Clint and Bruce didn't want to leave her alone.
"Wong can't leave New York because Strange isn't back yet. We can open a comlink to him and if it's necessary, he can send one of his fellow… wizards." Tony enunciated his words with great deliberation, with little of the famous animation in his voice. He should have said something sarcastic about working with a wizard, but he said nothing more. Clint's words came back to Steve. This wasn't Tony.
At that moment, a young woman dressed in official Wakandan robes of the Protocol staff came out of the Palace and approached them. "Greetings," she said with a warm smile.
"Arba, this is Peter Parker and Agent Clint Barton," Steve said.
"Welcome to Wakanda. I'm to show you to your rooms. They have called a meeting in two hours. They request the presence of Misters Stark, Banner, and Parker. The rest of you are welcome to attend if you wish."
"Thank you," Clint said, then prodded Peter who appeared surprised by the formality.
"Thank you," he stuttered. He seemed to be at a loss for words. Together they followed her inside the doors of the Palace.
"If you don't mind, I've got to get back to Bucky," Steve said. "He's been through a lot in a short space of time…"
"Go ahead," Tony said. "We'll catch up with you later this evening."
With that, they parted ways. Steve walked, half ran back to the hospital ward. He found Bucky alert, having shaken off the after-effects of the anesthesia, just as a super soldier would. He smiled at Steve as he came into the room.
"I told you I'd be ok," he said. He looked strange with one arm and the sight brought back old memories of him, in a hospital setting, his shoulder encased in a protective shield. "I didn't realize how sick I was until I woke up. My immune system went into overtime, kept the infection at bay to the point where I didn't notice. I'm a lot better. Thanks for not listening to me. I could have infected everything."
"Yeah, well, when have we ever listened to you?" Sam asked. "I hope I'm close to this place the next time I get sick. Damn, but they take good care of you, or maybe it's just because it's you." Sam resorting back to his stinging pointed humor
"I'm sure they'd do the same for anyone else," Bucky said.
"Yeah, right. Well, seeing as you're awake and everything, the other friend of the White Wolf will go get something to eat and, go hang out in my quarters for a while, take a nap. You going to that meeting this afternoon?" Sam asked.
"I'm going to stay here," Steve said. "I've already answered their questions and if they need anything else, they know where to find me."
"Well, I might go, because I'm curious and someone should represent the White Wolf entourage," he said as he started toward the door.
"Shut up!" Bucky said, throwing a pillow across the room which stopped him short of leaving the room but he caught the flying object.
"For a one-armed man, you got a pretty good aim," Sam said, throwing the pillow back. Bucky caught it with his hand.
"Get out of here!" he said with a hint of mischief in his voice. Sam complied, but the sound of his laughter carried back as he shut the door behind him.
Bucky stared at the closed door for a moment, he turned his attention back to Steve. "Part of me wants to apologize, for putting you through this. If things the other way around…"
"You did nothing wrong," Steve began.
Bucky let out a long sigh. "That's what they keep telling me. They have my arm in a containment field surrounded by backups and warning systems. They can't seem to destroy the virus because it's half magic and they say they can't commit to giving me another arm. Good news is the virus didn't spread to the implants and sensors in my spine and brain but, even though I heal fast, this might be a step too far, but whatever. I'm not worried. This isn't new, and they always fixed me before. I have faith." He reached out his hand. Steve pulled up a chair beside his bed, clasping it in his own. "I'm going to need you over the next few days,"
"I'll be here," Steve said.
"Of course you will," Bucky said. "You've turned into my shadow." A silence passed between them as Steve pondered what he might mean by that. A knock at the door interrupted their moment. "Come in!" Bucky said, still holding onto Steve's hand.
The door opened and T'Challa entered. Steve started to get up but T'Challa put out a hand to stop him.
"I wanted to see how you are doing," he said.
"Better, all things considered," Bucky said. "I'm sorry for the close call. I guess it's a good thing I stayed down in the village and away from all this."
"Yes, but do not blame yourself. So far we have the virus is contained, and your wellbeing is more important than all the technology of Wakanda. That is replaceable."
"That's nice of you to say," Bucky said.
"We will purge this material…" He began. Bucky's arm jerked. His face took on a look of sudden surprise.
"You should call Thor!" Bucky sat up in bed. "Why did I forget that? Thor! He destabilized it, broke it down! If you can send out a signal and tell him what's going on…"
"You said nothing of this before," T'Challa said.
"I'm sorry, things happened so fast up, and then I got sick, I guess I forgot. I'm getting as bad as Peter."
"Any shortcut is a good thing," T'Challa said. "I'll see about sending a signal out to him at once although we might not hear for several days!" He bowed to Bucky and turned and left the room.
"Should I slap myself with my one hand for being so stupid?" Bucky asked.
"It's okay, at least you did remember!" Steve said. "The thing is, you're ok. It's their problem now. You focus on getting better." Bucky's grip tightened
"I love you," he said. "T'Challa didn't seem to notice…this.." he held up their joined hands.
"I think he knows," Steve said. "And doesn't care."