A/N: Hey guys! Sorry for the very late chapter. I was doing more research on Wakanda so I don't get everything completely wrong.

Chapter 5: Unbalanced Energies

Olivia slowly sipped her glass of red Wakandan wine as the pilot announced their arrival. Shuri sat next to her, fast asleep after rapidly gulping down her own bottle of the tart libation. Liv desperately wished she could join her, but the thoughts racing through her head were too distracting.

Though she was accustomed to fast pacing in her career, this last month was nothing like Olivia had ever experienced. Semi-permanently shutting O.P.A. down again hurt less than last time, but felt more final. That particular chapter of her life had closed but was not forgotten. Especially since Huck and Quinn were accompanying her to Wakanda, as part of her guard. They would be given training by the Sentinel, which were a militarized government group that handled security and such matters. Though initially wary they were stepping into another B6-13 situation, Shuri reassured them that the group was created long ago to help protect dignitaries of the nation. Liv would have to do her own investigating to see.

Olivia had also spent the prior month ensuring her personal matters were in order. She suggested to Mellie that Marcus Williams fill the empty Chief of Staff role and had let him use her apartment/house sit for the duration of her appointment. Her and Abby were on good terms again and had tearfully promised to call each other often. Cyrus was being Cyrus, but she had stopped by his house to see her goddaughter anyways. There was one interaction in her goodbyes that still made her pause.

Jake had always understood her.

Two Weeks Prior

Olivia knew she made the right call with organizing her clothes first. Packing up her office seemed almost easy in comparison.

The sound of the elevator startled her out of her thoughts and made her aware that she wasn't alone. Liv walked out of her office to see Secret Service Agents buzzing around the entrance. Her initial thought was that Mellie had forgotten to inform her of something, but managed to make out the striking figure of Vice President Jake Ballard behind the sea of black. Her heart smiled and her face lit up.

Upon meeting her eyes, his face brightened and he quickly ducked under the Agent's protective arm to the office door. Olivia met him at the table and they embraced.

Jake had sorely missed her. Being thrust into the limelight with the appointment to the Vice President role not only kept him busy, but crazy stressed out. B6-13 training was nothing compared to his. He also knew that Liv was ramping up to transition to her new Ambassador role and was concerned about her well-being.

Inhaling her perfume, Jake arms around her tightened. Olivia, sensing her own emotions bubbling up, gently entangled her limbs from his and motioned to sit down at the table. Jake sat across from Olivia and proceeded to take her in. She looked great, but worried.

"Ambassador to Wakanda, huh? That's awesome." Jake started, a familiar grin crossing his face.

"I've never been known to pass up a good challenge." Olivia deadpanned. The lengthy spurt of laughter elicited from Jake filled the office, as Liv's faux-serious look melted into a warm smile.

"How is it being Veep?" Olivia pivoted the conversation. She had spent a couple of weeks in her own bubble and wanted see how he was adjusting.

"It's...interesting. Like nothing I've ever seen, Senate is a madhouse. The push to fast-track your Ambassador appointment was surprisingly easy though, but I think it's because you scare them. Mellie was on their ass about it too, and seeing these so called 'powerful' men cower was hilarious. I see now why you liked running O.P.A."

Liv slightly laughed in response. "A less-publicized perk of running a crisis management firm in the heart of the District is that most of the policy makers are indebted to me. Or simply afraid. Hollis Doyle was obviously an outlier."

Jake snorted, his clear disdain for the man present in his tone. "Having him over fragile matters like the Avenger's Initiative and the growing supernatural threat to the U.S. would have been a disaster. Being offensive to everyone does not win friends. We not only need visionaries, but charismatic, effective leaders in positions of influence. "

He continued. "That's why I'm so happy for you. This is an amazing opportunity and I know you're going to kill it. Like you always do."

Olivia couldn't help but reach over to tightly hug Jake. Her emotions had been all over the place with the news of this possibility and had not been able to express herself. She felt a pull towards obligations in the States, but wanted to flex her other skills and competencies. Her extensive foreign language skills were barely being used in her current situation, but will be stretched in her new role. It was exhilarating. It was terrifying.

Jake lowered his head to lightly kiss Olivia on her cheek, her smile becoming more prominent at the feeling. She then carefully stepped back from him, leaving a comfortable distance between the two. Taking on a mock salute, she intoned. "You're going to be a great Vice President Jake. The American public already loves you. We can proceed from there."

Flashing her another bright grin and a sturdy head nod, Jake motioned for the Secret Service agents to prepare for departure. He walked out of the offices of O.P.A. for what felt like the final time with a heavy heart. Olivia's talents were best used elsewhere and that hurt, but he did not speak empty words. A brilliant woman such as herself deserved the very best.

It wasn't until he was sitting comfortably in the limo, alone, did he take out the tiny package that was deposited in his jacket pocket. His job was never done.

/

Going into a new situation essentially blind was never exalted but was manageable. She had done more research into the tiny African nation that happened to be home to many powerhouses in their own right, including their new King, T'Challa. She was ready for whatever was thrown at her.

The pilot jubilantly declared "We have arrived in Wakanda. Welcome home."

Welcome home, indeed.

Thanks to everyone that stuck around.

WakandanGladiator