I'm Lara Croft?

A few hours later, Lara was in Paititi, sleeping on a bed. She was exhausted and needed rest. She had tried to get off the sacrificial table on her own back at the temple but collapsed, forcing Jonah to carry her.

The strain of holding and attempting to control the celestial energy had drained her completely, even leaving her body bruised and battered. Fortunately, there was no permanent damage.

Meanwhile, several helicopters landed a short distance from Paititi. From one of them, a 38 year old bald black man in a trench coat and combat gear stepped out, surveying the surroundings.

"So this is where the high energy readings were detected," said the man.

A female S.H.I.E.L.D. agent disembarked after him and replied, "Agent Fury, the energy around here has dissipated. However, traces remain in the volcano, so prepare for a recon mission."

Fury nodded, keeping his usual air of confidence. While he often pretended to be both arrogant and mysterious, he wasn't in charge. Despite being the son of Nick Fury Sr., a former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., he had only recently left the CIA to join S.H.I.E.L.D., and his clearance level was still low. He deferred to his superior's orders and began preparing for the mission.

As he checked his gear, Fury noticed another group of helicopters landing nearby. Curious, he watched as an older man stepped out, flanked by armed personnel from multiple helicopters. The equipment and vehicles bore a distinctive emblem—one Fury recognized immediately. The Croft family crest.

His eyes narrowed. 'Is that Winston Jeeves, the CEO of Croft Holdings?'

As Winston and his group of heavily armed Croft soldiers advanced toward Fury's superior, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents raised their weapons. Fury followed suit, positioning himself near his superior.

"Mister Jeeves, it's nice to meet you," the female agent greeted him formally. "What brings you here?" she asked, her tone cautious.

Winston stopped in his tracks. "I'm here to inspect the land that the Peruvian government recognized as a sovereign state," he said smoothly. "Croft Holdings is the partner of this new nation, assisting in the development of its territory." He paused, his eyes scanning the S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel with subtle scrutiny. "But I must ask—why is S.H.I.E.L.D. present here?"

The female agent stepped forward. "We've detected an unusual energy reading in this area," she explained. "We're here to ensure everything is intact and investigate the source."

Winston nodded thoughtfully, his expression calm. "Ah, I see. However, the issue has already been resolved. It was a minor conflict between the locals—nothing requiring outside intervention. There's no need for S.H.I.E.L.D. to interfere further, as it's all been handled."

The agent's eyes narrowed slightly. "With all due respect, Mister Jeeves, energy levels of this magnitude are not exactly 'minor.' It's S.H.I.E.L.D.'s duty to ensure there are no risks to global security."

Winston's tone remained polite, but there was an edge of steel beneath it. "And it is Croft Holdings' duty to uphold its agreements, including ensuring the sovereignty of Paititi and the well-being of its people. This land is no longer under jurisdiction that invites external agencies without explicit permission."

The agent crossed her arms. "We're not here to undermine your agreements, Mister Jeeves. But when energy spikes of this nature occur, they often signal phenomena that could endanger more than just this region. Surely you understand the necessity of a thorough investigation."

Winston raised an eyebrow. "I do, Agent," he replied smoothly. "But I also understand that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s involvement tends to complicate matters—particularly when dealing with sensitive, culturally significant sites like this one. Your presence here risks destabilizing a delicate agreement between Paititi, the Peruvian government, and Croft Holdings. Surely that is not your intention."

The agent hesitated. Winston pressed on. "Your energy readings are no doubt concerning, but let me assure you, they've already been addressed. Any further interference would only strain relations in an already fragile situation."

"We still have a responsibility to confirm—" she began, but Winston cut her off with a sharp look.

"Agent," he said firmly, "I've fought wars, negotiated treaties, and seen firsthand what happens when overzealous agents push where they're not needed. If there were a real threat, I'd be the first to request your assistance. But this matter is resolved. Paititi deserves its sovereignty without external entanglements."

The female agent clenched her jaw. After a tense pause, she finally said, "We'll report this back to our superiors. But know that if this situation escalates, S.H.I.E.L.D. will intervene."

Winston gave her a faint smile, inclining his head slightly. "I would expect nothing less. But I assure you, there will be no escalation."

As he turned to leave, his eyes fell on Fury, who had been quietly observing the exchange. "You must be Nick Fury's son," Winston said.

Fury, caught off guard, straightened. "Yes, sir. Nick Fury Jr."

Winston nodded, a small smile crossing his face. "Your father and I fought together in World War II. He's a brave and cunning man. It's good to see his legacy continues."

Fury blinked, momentarily stunned, before nodding respectfully. "Thank you, sir."

Winston returned to the Croft helicopters and boarded one, his team following. As the helicopter lifted off, one of the soldiers seated near him, an enthusiastic young man began speaking with exaggerated admiration.

"You were magnificent, sir! A true silver tongue—no, not even that! A gold tongue couldn't do justice to your ability to sway them with words!" Wade declared, practically performing in his praise with the most passion and energy.

Winston waved a hand dismissively, feigning humility. "No need to flatter me, Wade," he said with a modest tone. But internally, he relished the praise. Wade had a knack for stroking egos, and Winston found the young man's unconstrained enthusiasm refreshing. Lara might have kept him from returning to the British Isles, but Winston enjoyed having Wade around during his ventures abroad.

"Words and diplomacy may have kept S.H.I.E.L.D. at bay," Winston continued, his expression growing more serious, "but now we have to deal with the real challenge. Hydra is another matter entirely—they don't respond to words. They respond to bullets."