he who hesitates is toast

The Sergeant looks relaxed and comfortable, his hair drying into a slightly loose mess, and T'Challa wishes with all his heart that he does not have to say the words that will destroy this man's calm.

He has worked so hard for this peace. It seems cruel to distress him – but T'Challa knows he would far rather find out at once than realize his friends had hidden something of this magnitude from him. "Sergeant Barnes," he says, and finds he cannot even attempt a smile. His face is too grave, his eyes too worried.

"I would not disturb you, but I believed you would wish to know. We are returning to Wakanda."

He takes a breath. "I am sorry to tell you that a short time ago, Sharon Carter was injured while protecting Nakia. We are bringing her to Shuri for treatment."