Chapter 14: Agent Lana Kane

"Agent Lana Kane reporting for duty." Lana did a mock salute.

"Lana, a pleasure to have you here," Fury said with no change in expression at all, it was hard to tell if he meant it or not.

"I know you don't mean that sir." Lana retorted.

"True."

"One eyed bastard ~mumble~," Lana mumbled under her breath.

Fury's remaining eye twitched but acted as if he didn't hear her. This was the usual when he dealt with Lana. The girl always found a way to push his buttons.

He placed a file labelled classified onto his desk and pushed it towards Lana, "I have a job for you."

Lana picked up the file and browsed through it, noting anything of importance.

"Wakanda? What on earth would want from that country, send me to Dubai at least." she grumbled, not interested in going to such a troubled country. In the eyes of the world Wakanda was largely perceived as an isolated, underdeveloped, and unremarkable African nation. 

Of course the Wakandan leaders had intentionally cultivated this image to protect their resources and advanced technology from external threats and exploitation. But she doesn't need to know that does she.

"My belief is that there is more to the country than what we know and this recent event has only served to fuel my curiosity."

"Added with the fact that all the spies S.H.I.E.L.D has sent to Wakanda in the past returned bare handed," he continued. "The information they provided is too normal to be true. No wars, no famines, no national disasters that require external help. It's all too good to be true."

"So you want me to go there and try something so many have failed before?" Lana was unimpressed. By now everyone was aware of their Director's paranoia.

Anything too good or perfect was a problem to him. He would prefer to see the world burning rather than at peace.

"And what makes you think I will succeed," she asked the burning question. What made him think she would succeed at something so many have failed at.

"We have a secret weapon," Fury said not explaining further as to what he meant.

"And what's that?"

"You," he replied. " You see, the problem we had was that we assigned American spies to the task, white people. Obviously to live among lions you have to become a lion yourself or you'll be eaten up."

"So why not send the only other black spy in this agency who has an actual African background."

"So this is a 'back to my roots' kinda thing huh." Lana said.

"More or less."

" ~Sigh~ You're the boss I guess. So when do I leave?" 

"Immediately. All your documents and vital information will be provided to you at the drop off. Another agent will be waiting to brief you on the situation and expected tasks to carry out."

"This better be worth it ~mumble~. See you later boss!" She announced as she walked out the door.

Fury rubbed his temples in relief, glad to rid himself of a potential headache. Although he wished he could also rid himself of the other agents in Lana's team, mainly the one named Archer.

Maybe that Cheryl as well.

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Lana Kane had always been known for her exceptional skills as a field operative, but her latest mission was unlike any she had ever undertaken. Sent by her grumpy one-eyed boss, she was tasked with infiltrating the enigmatic nation of Wakanda. 

Her journey began with meticulous planning and a carefully crafted cover story, provided by Fury of course.

Lana posed as a archaeologist interested in documenting historical features dotted across Africa, a plausible guise that allowed her to blend in with the increasing number of visitors to Wakanda's borders.

Armed with her keen intellect, fluency in multiple languages, and combat training, she felt prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Upon crossing the Wakandan border, thanks to her African background, Lana was immediately struck by the nation's unique blend of tradition and primitive modernity. The countryside was lush and beautiful, with ancient landmarks dotting the landscape.

She tried to make her way to the capital, Birnin Zana, where her cover story would be put to the test, however she was presented with an obstacle.

Only Wakandans by blood were allowed to venture deeper into Wakanda, so as to prevent spies from uncovering the technological advancements that lay within

As resourceful and adaptive as ever, Lana found accommodation in the village closest to the capital, the River Tribe. She spent her first few days acclimating to the environment, observing the daily life of Wakandans, and gathering as much information as possible. 

Her initial reconnaissance revealed little about the true nature of Wakanda's supposed hidden secrets. She needed a way to penetrate deeper into the society and gather first-hand information.

Fortune seemed to favour her when she overheard talk of a grand feast being organized by the royal family. It was an event that attracted people from all walks of life, including visitors and dignitaries.

Using her charm and wit, Lana managed to secure an invitation to the feast. She dressed elegantly yet practically, blending elements of Wakandan fashion into her attire to show respect and blend in more seamlessly.

[Image here]

As she entered the venue, she marveled at the grandeur of the celebration. The air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of traditional dishes, and the sounds of music and laughter created a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

It was during one such moment of observation that she encountered Darius, an intriguing foreigner whose charm and curiosity mirrored her own. Their conversation was light and flirtatious, a perfect cover for her true intentions.

"I'm Lana, by the way. I don't think we've officially met." Their conversation began.

"Darius," he responded, extending a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Lana. What brings you to Wakanda?"

[Present]

Lana's cover story was well-rehearsed, and she delivered it with practiced ease. "I'm an archaeologist here to explore the wonders of Wakanda. I've heard so much about it, I wanted to see them for myself."

Darius raised an eyebrow, all he had heard from her were lies. "A noble pursuit. Wakanda does have a lot to offer in terms of historical structures. Have you been impressed so far?"

"Immensely," Lana said, her admiration a mask of her true thoughts. "The integration of tradition and modernity here is unlike anything I've seen. It's… inspiring."

Darius nodded thoughtfully, " You do strike me as someone who enjoys a bit of adventure."

Lana's eyes sparkled with interest. "You have a good read on people, don't you?"

"It's a talent," Darius admitted, smiling. "And speaking of adventure, what do you do when you're not enchanting everyone at feasts?"

"I travel around documenting anything that catches my eye," Lana said. "There's a lot of travelling."

Darius's eyebrows shot up, there was truth in her words. Now he was genuinely interested. "A fellow adventurer. Look at that, a match made in heaven."

Lana laughed, clearly enjoying the flattery. " What about you? What brings you to Wakanda?"

"I'm here to learn and to experience a new environment," Darius explained. "And, it seems, to meet remarkable people like yourself."

Lana's smile widened. "You have a way with words. Do you always flirt so shamelessly?"

Darius leaned in a bit closer, his voice lowering to a more intimate tone. "Only when I'm genuinely captivated. And right now, Lana, I am very captivated."

She held his gaze for a moment, the playful challenge in her eyes softening slightly. "Well, Darius, you've certainly made this feast more interesting."

"I'm glad to hear that," Darius said, his smile warm and genuine. "Perhaps we can make it even more interesting. Would you care to take a walk with me? I'd love to hear more about your work and your adventures."

Lana considered his invitation, then nodded. "Why not? Let's see if you can keep up."

Darius laughed, offering his arm. "Challenge accepted."

As they walked away from the bustling centre of the feast, their conversation continued, filled with laughter, shared stories, and the promise of a connection that went beyond the playful flirtation of the night.

Just as she was starting to relax, enjoying the warmth of Darius' presence, a young voice interrupted their conversation. Shuri, the brilliant young princess, appeared with her usual exuberance, demanding Darius's attention.

"Hey, Darius! I need to show you something!" Shuri's voice was enthusiastic and loud enough to break through the intimate bubble that had formed around Darius and Lana.

Darius turned to see Shuri bounding towards them, her eyes gleaming with excitement. He couldn't help but smile at the young princess's infectious energy, even as he felt a twinge of disappointment at the interruption.

"Shuri, can't this wait just a moment?" Darius asked, trying to keep the conversation with Ayo alive.

"Nope, it's really important! Trust me, you'll want to see this," Shuri insisted, grabbing Darius's hand and pulling him away before he could protest further.

Lana watched with amusement as the young girl dragged Darius away, leaving her momentarily alone but still surrounded by the lively celebration.

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[How was it?]