Chapter 1
The resort's open-air terrace overlooked turquoise water, its breakfast tables crowded with tropical fruit, abandoned coffee cups & the accumulated evidence of the Avengers enjoying their first proper vacation in months. Ceiling fans stirred the humid morning air while distant waves rolled against the shore.
Clint had claimed the most comfortable chair, conveniently positioned beside Evie, & showed no intention of surrendering it. Sam was questioning Thor's increasingly elaborate account of yesterday's snorkeling excursion, while Wanda struggled to conceal her amusement. Vision, meanwhile, had become fascinated by the resort's resident geckos.
Steve sat beneath a broad umbrella, studying a tourist map with growing suspicion. Bucky lounged nearby, sunglasses perched on his nose, occasionally contributing a dry remark. Natasha enjoyed her coffee while Bruce examined a pamphlet delivered by the concierge.
It was the photograph that caught Bruce's attention.
Half-buried beneath tangled roots stood an enormous stone archway covered in intricate carvings. Beyond it, weathered steps descended into dense jungle vegetation. Recent storms had apparently exposed an archaeological site previously known only through local oral traditions.
Bruce passed the pamphlet toward Tony, who immediately abandoned his breakfast.
Within minutes, satellite imagery hovered above the table. Thor leaned closer, studying symbols that seemed to stir an old memory. Steve lowered his map. Bucky tipped his sunglasses down. Even Clint reluctantly looked interested.
Tony enlarged the photograph, revealing a geometric pattern unlike anything Bruce could identify. A delighted grin spread across his face as he angled the hologram toward Evie.
"Okay, hear me out. How do we feel about turning this vacation into the world's most expensive archaeological field trip?”
