[right][sub][color=AB9ED4][i][b]In collabation with [@Zoey Boey][/b][/i][/color][/sub][/right][hr][color=pink][sup][h1] [center][img]https://data.whicdn.com/images/299736949/original.gif[/img][/center] [b][center][color=564293]BLACK PANTHER[/color][/center][/b] [/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=564293][I]ARRIVAL[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=564293][b]THE HIDDEN PARADISE // 01.05.00[/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr][indent][indent][sub][COLOR=564293]Royal Palace of Wakanda // Birnin Zana[/color][/sub][/indent][/indent][indent][indent][indent][color=AB9ED4]The Taifa Ngao called for an emergency meeting minutes after T’Challa’s announcement to address the historical moment. It lasted for two entire days before the council had a solid plan, which was to condemn the king’s decision to reveal Wakanda’s true existence to the outsiders. Surprisingly, the vote was nearly split in half along the members. Some felt that the time of hiding was over when Ulysses and his private army invaded the country. Others were still standing by tradition and believed that the world would turn against them. It was the fourth time that the council vote was divided in Wakandan history. Then, to the surprise of everyone, T’Challa entered the chambers dressed for the occasion. [color=664EAE]“It’s great to see everyone working hard during these uncertain times, but we will not need the drums of war.”[/color] Amara Azikiwe, the opposition's unofficial leader, spoke up to the king while attempting to remain respectful. [color=A7E389]“My king, It saddens me that you haven’t reconsider your unorthodox decision. I hope you’re here to hear us out.”[/color] [color=664EAE]“In all honesty, I am not here to listen to you but to invite everyone to greet the outsiders with me. And, if you wish to attend with us for the day.”[/color] [color=A7E389]“You already know our answer.”[/color] Amara responded with some bite in her words. [color=A7E389]“We are not going to allow you to commit to this blasphemy on our history!”[/color] [color=664EAE]"Then, get out of my way or, if you still wish, come with me. Either way, you don't have a choice."[/color] T’Challa's intimidation was a surprise even to his diehard supporters. Then, his wrist bead lit up and left the chambers without saying anything else. He saw the message left behind by Okoye, which contained a report written by one of her warriors. It was too long to read the whole thing, but he briefly skimmed through it to get an idea of what to expect. That was when he read up the brief inspection on one of the security members: Natasha Romanoff.[/color][/indent] [/indent] [hr][/indent][indent][indent][sub][COLOR=564293]Wakandan Airport // Birnin Zana[/color][/sub][/indent][/indent][indent][indent][indent][color=AB9ED4]On the tarmac, King T’Challa, along with Shuri, Okoye, and N'Yami, waited for the plane to appear from the horizon and land. Unfortunately, T'Chaka declined to meet the outsiders when they exit the plane but had plans to attend the dinner. Taifa Ngao boycotted the entire event in protest of the king's judgment. He had hoped that some of them would've come, but it was impossible with Amara taking charge of the other councilors. The plane finally showed itself and headed for the tarmac. So, everyone got ready with Okoye ensuring that security was prepared for the worst. The plane landed, and its security team left first before letting the outside exit. Black Widow was the first to leave, followed by US Agent. She walked down the stairs of the plane and then went to the left. She inhaled the fresh air, and gave their welcoming committee a once over. All royally dressed, with formal, beautiful designs of various colors and silhouettes. She held her right wrist in her left hand and stood at attention. Walker followed after her and stood to the left of the staircase. He raised his elbows and twisted his back, and a faint popping sounds could be hurt. [color=004ECA]“Ugh…”[/color] He groaned. Natasha hummed. [color=#FF3B2D]”Classy.”[/color] A few moments later, the Ambassador descended. He spotted the Wakanda diplomats and smiled, waving, before adjusting his tie and hair once again. Once he was on the ground he glanced at the two superheroes that were in charge of protecting him. Exhaling, he glanced over at Natasha. She nodded. With that, the UN team began to walk forward to meet the King of Wakanda. As he neared them, he hesitated a moment before bowing. Okoye gave the outsider a confused look while Shuri nearly broke down laughing before her mother whispered to her to stop. T’Challa awkwardly smiled and addressed him. [color=664EAE]“You don’t need to do that.”[/color] Aiden’s face lit up with embarrassment and began to rub his neck. [color=D2B48C]“Sorry about that.”[/color] T’Challa nodded and then turned towards the group. [color=664EAE]“Welcome to Golden City, the real capital of Wakanda. I am happy to show you and your leaders what Wakanda has to offer to the world with a tour of our design sector. Hopefully, my sister is able to showcase everything before dinner. For now, though, General Okoye will escort everyone to the rooms. Until we meet again.”[/color] Okoye stepped forth while the royal family left the tarmac with some of the security team. She examined the outsiders before speaking. [color=D2BB7B]“While my sisters and I are protecting your lives, know that we won’t tolerate any… ‘bullshit’ as you outsiders say. That means, upon arriving at the rooms, the security teams must submit their weapons to us. You will get them back before leaving.”[/color] She made sure to stare directly at Natasha before finishing up. [color=D2BB7B]“If you lie or try to go behind our backs, we won’t hesitate to respond accordingly. Understand?”[/color] Natasha was stood up straight, her hands held in front of her. She nodded solemnly. [color=#FF3B2D]”Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”[/color] She responded. The King confirmed that the Golden City was the true capital. This was truly a momentous occasion- a lucky break that she got to participate in it. Hopefully she didn’t ruin it by getting caught poking around. Okoye seemed to have a good bullshit detector, so she would have to be careful around that one. As powerful and as refined as the Wakandans were, however, they didn’t have the experience of the international, backstabbing savagery of the Cold War and beyond. Natasha was confident she could outwit them, if it came down to it. The King, T’Challa himself, seemed nice enough, but it could easily be a political front. He did actually meet them on the tarmac, and his outfit was formal but not exorbitant. Many powerful monarchs wanted everyone to know how rich they were by decking themselves out in all sorts of jewelry and fancy cars. Between him and General Okoye’s no-nonsense demeanor, she already had a positive first impression of Wakanda. [color=#FF3B2D]”After you, ma’am.”[/color] Natasha deferred to the General politely. Okoye and her security team began escorting the outsiders to the royal palace by using a self-driving bus, which was big enough to fit everyone. When everyone was on board, the bus began driving towards its destination. Unlike other places, there wasn’t any traffic blocking the road for miles and miles. In fact, people were walking on them or using self-driving transports instead of using cars. It was an eco-city without any restraints from bureaucracy and capitalism came to reality. Eco urban architecture was also realized with the local ecosystem coexisting with the population and structures. After five minutes, the bus made its way to the royal palace after a security check at the entrance. Okoye escorted the outsiders to the guest quarters and asked their security to surrender their weapons. After that, the security team dismissed themselves and left the outsiders alone.[/color][/indent] [/indent] [hr][/indent][indent][indent][sub][COLOR=564293]Guest Quarters // Royal Palace of Wakanda[/color][/sub][/indent][/indent][indent][indent][indent][color=AB9ED4]Aiden set down his suitcase and took a moment to stare at the window, overlooking the city. He was amazed by everything that he witnessed so far. There wasn’t anything like Golden City in the world. And there was more to be revealed by the king. So, he needed to seek out the other ambassadors to discuss… everything. The ambassador got the attention of his security. [color=D2B48C]“I have some matters to take care of with our allies. There is so much to talk about after all especially… this.”[/color] [color=D2B48C]“You guys should take a moment to enjoy the view.”[/color] Aiden left the room, leaving both John and Natasha alone. The redhead nodded at Aiden. Natasha, her frame less bulked up with her various weapons, walked up to the window and learned her arm against it, and her forehead against her arm. She took in the sights and sounds of the city. It truly was a modern marvel. Though she hadn’t seen much of it yet, right now it looked to be one of if not the greatest city in the world. [color=#FF3B2D]”Amazing, isn’t it?”[/color] She asked Walker. John was sitting on the bed, rubbing the place where his deployable hard light shield used to be. [color=004ECA]“...It’s okay, I guess.”[/color] He grumbled. Natasha chuckled. [color=#FF3B2D]”I see. Things not competitive enough for your taste?”[/color] Walker shrugged. [color=004ECA]“I dunno. I feel like this city is looking down on me. Oh, look, I’m the Golden City, I’m sooo great.”[/color] He crossed his arms. Natasha nodded, raising an eyebrow. Perhaps she could see where he was coming from, though she didn’t quite agree. [color=004ECA]“It’s not the rest of the world’s fault our civilizations didn’t start on a giant lump of vibranium.”[/color] He complained. [color=#FF3B2D]”I see.”[/color] She nodded solemnly. [color=#FF3B2D]”Well, their isolationist policies are beginning to come to an end. Maybe they’ll be sending foreign aid to various struggling countries.”[/color] She said. [color=004ECA]“They better. We do, and we don’t have…”[/color] He trailed off. [color=#FF3B2D]”Magical plant skyscrapers.”[/color] She described them simply. He gestured at her pointedly. [color=004ECA]“Lord, they’re gorgeous, aren’t they?”[/color] He shook his head, and she nodded in agreement. [color=004ECA]“So….I guess we’re safe here. I don’t think the Wakandans are going to betray us.”[/color] He commented, rubbing his stubble. Natasha silently agreed. [color=#FF3B2D]”No, they won’t. I agree with you on that.”[/color] She looked back out the window. She turned her head over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow at him. It was a simple look, but one they both understood. Keep quiet. They might be listening. But yes, Walker, I am going to be poking around. [color=#FF3B2D]”You should catch up with the Ambassador.”[/color] Natasha said. Walker nodded. [color=004ECA]“See ya around. Test their tap water out.”[/color] He joked, and let the Black Widow alone. [color=7D69BD]“Why didn’t you follow him?”[/color] the voice of Kimoyo appeared out of nowhere, catching her off-guard. [color=7D69BD]“Don’t you wish to explore the quarters?”[/color] Natasha didn’t react externally, but she was surprised. She knew they were listening, but she didn’t think they would be watching. They tipped their hand too early, if one asked Natasha. She was hoping to be alone for a little bit. [color=#FF3B2D]”Well, Kimoyo, I’ve always been something of an introvert. Maybe I was just hoping for some alone time.”[/color] She said, some humor underlining her words. [color=#FF3B2D]”Can you see me right now?”[/color] She waved to the empty air. Her eyes scanned the room for cameras, or some kind of strange piece of vibranium technology. [color=7D69BD]“Yes, I see you waving at me.”[/color] Kimoyo answered in an almost annoyed tone. [color=7D69BD]“And no, you won’t be able to find me so easy. But enough about me, I came to notify you that King T’Challa will be arriving in an hour for the tour.”[/color] Natasha nodded. So, she was being watched...very, very closely. It would be difficult to get any spying done if there was an omni-present AI in the building. What and couldn’t it see? [color=#FF3B2D]”Well, I am looking forward to protecting the man that’s supposed to meet him.”[/color] She joked. [color=#FF3B2D]”Very well,”[/color] Natasha sighed. [color=#FF3B2D]”I suppose unless you’ve translated some of Wakanda’s most famous stories for us, I’ll take a look around.”[/color] With that, Natasha walked out of the room and followed after Walker. Her footsteps were purposefully louder than they could be- which was, of course, completely silent. John immediately noticed what his partner was attempting to do and detoured to the nearest bathroom. He signaled for her to follow before entering it, noticing that no one else was there. But to be extra sure, he checked the stalls while waiting for Natasha to enter. When she did, he went over to the door and locked it so no one was able to walk up. Then, to make sure whoever was watching wasn’t able to listen, he went up to the sinks and turned all of them on. And after all of that, they were finally able to talk. [color=004ECA]“Are you alright? What happened in the room?”[/color] Natasha frowned at the display, wondering if it would really be enough to prevent the AI from listening in, or watching them right now. Kimoyo probably wasn’t the modest type. Still, it was old school from John, so she could appreciate the effort. [color=#FF3B2D]”Not much,”[/color] She said quietly. [color=#FF3B2D]”Except Kimoyo, the AI, is listening and watching us at all times.”[/color] She concluded, raising an eyebrow ominously. [color=#FF3B2D]”They want us to know this, no doubt. Still, if I was up to something, and I was in charge of Wakanda security, I would have kept this a secret. Just to see what I would do, if I was up to something.”[/color] She said, smirking. John would be able to tell she didn’t quite believe they were alone, even in this very clean gender-neutral bathroom. [color=004ECA]“AI? Well, shit. With how much we have underestimated them in every aspect, no doubt they are the reason why I can’t contact Agent Ayers at all."[/color] John paced around the bathroom to figure things out until he leaned against the counter and turned to Natasha. [color=004ECA]“Yet, this could actually benefit us and the objective.”[/color] John reached into his right boot and pulled out a 10TB USB stick to extract any data useful to the United States. [color=004ECA]“Our only shot will be during dinner. And even then, we would be on a time limit. Unless something goes wrong or, god forbid, they are onto us, I will be the one doing the extraction while you remain the center of attention. But if we’re caught… well, we might face something problematic at an international scale.”[/color] Natasha crossed her arms and rubbed her chin. [color=#FF3B2D]”You think Kimoyo can only watch one person at a time?”[/color] She asked. [color=004ECA]“No.”[/color] John answered honestly. [color=004ECA]“But, if I were the head of security for a country that’s protective of its secrets, I would be putting more effort into monitoring the KGB spy turned Avenger more than some SHIELD agent. Just saying.”[/color] Natasha conceded this point with a tilt of her head. [color=#FF3B2D]”Fair,”[/color] She said. [color=#FF3B2D]”Still. Be careful. If you can’t find a good opportunity, just don’t do anything. I’d rather not find anything than risk an incident.”[/color] She cautioned. [color=004ECA]“Yeah, yeah. This isn’t my first time doing a simple extract mission. But, I will be sure to keep my eye out. Don’t worry.”[/color] John winked at her partner and started making his way out to be with the ambassador. [color=004ECA]“Oh, by the way, make sure you don’t leave the sinks on once you leave. We won’t want our host to pay a high water bill, do we?”[/color] [color=#FF3B2D]”Wow,”[/color] Natasha deadpanned as Walker left her alone. She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head. Simple extra mission? [color=#FF3B2D]”Coulson’s gonna have my head on a platter...”[/color] She murmured sarcastically to herself. With that she flicked off the sinks, one at a time. Frowning, she glanced around at the room. Was she being watched? She stomped the ground, loudly. A moment passed and she clicked her tongue, leaving the room to follow Walker and try to salvage this intel gathering mission.[/color][/indent][/indent][/indent] [hr]