29 C (46) Wakanda
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Tony grinned. "I do. But I'd like to wait and see if they reveal it to me first before I even tell you my theory." He pointed the nose down towards the co-ordinates he had been given. "We're going to be landing just inside the border. They'll pick us up from there and escort us into their city."
It was at that moment, as they crossed the border, a voice came over the communications channel, requesting they descend towards a field two miles away, where they would be met by the Prince's delegation.
"I guess T'Challa will be escorting us in," noted Tony. A wise move on their part. He'd never visited Wakanda before. He'd had no need to. He had always wanted to visit though and now this was his chance.
"There's a lot of vegetation," whispered Pepper. "Unusual for its location…"
"As I said, I have a theory…" smiled Tony.
He kept the jet flying low over the grass, slowing the speed until he came to the designated field. Using the controls he hovered the QuinJet in the air, bringing it down onto its landing struts in the centre of the field.
There was another jet standing by which looked far more advanced in technology than Tony had ever seen.
Having not had the chance to visit Wakanda before, he hadn't seen their tech up close.
Now was his chance to learn something new and add to his knowledge. Unclipping his seat belt, Tony emerged from the pilot's chair, grabbed his and Pepper's bag and took her hand.
Together they walked down the ramp and out onto the field, fresh air hitting them in the face, cooling them instantly as they walked across the field towards the waiting Wakanda delegation.
T'Challa stood at the forefront, wearing ceremonial robes, marking his status as the heir to the throne.
"Prince T'Challa," Tony bowed slightly, aware of the protocol that should be respected. Pepper curtseyed.
"Please…. no bowing, Mr. Stark." T'Challa walked forward and shook Tony's and Pepper's hands.
"Welcome to Wakanda. It is wonderful you could visit. We have had… problems the last few weeks which resulted in a delay to your invitation to visit."
"Oh." Tony didn't seem too surprised. "I hope all issues have been resolved now."
"They have… I'm sure my father will explain more." T'Challa turned his attention towards Pepper. "Miss Potts, it is good to meet you. I understand if Wakanda chooses to work with Mr. Stark, you will be our point of contact?"
Pepper nodded. "Yes, unless other arrangements can be given. At the moment Tony is busy with the Accords and other duties which means he may be unable to fully work with you on this endeavour he hopes to propose to you and your father and your country."
"We will see… First, I shall take you on a tour of our lands before we travel to the capital city." T'Challa indicated the ship behind them. "Please, follow me."
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Pepper breathed out in wonder at the magnificent views they were taken to, showing the true beauty of Wakanda and the potential it held.
She stood beside Tony, holding his hand as they both glanced out towards a giant waterfall that ran through the centre of Wakanda. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Wow…" She turned to face T'Challa. "There are a lot more secrets to Wakanda than the world knows. I've seen enough to know you are a country which is very well off. You do not struggle as your neighbours do. The question I have is how? This technology here is ahead of Tony's. You could revolutionise the whole world."
"There are those who would take advantage of our technology, Miss Potts. However Wakanda has had an incident recently in which we are re-evaluating our position in the world," explained T'Challa smoothly.
"Then let me be the first to offer our aid if you do choose to open the borders," replied Pepper, smiling warmly. "Stark Industries is one of the most technologically advanced companies in the world. I am sure our company and your own science division could work together to create something truly wonderful which would not just benefit Wakanda but the world in general."
"It is something we are considering…" motioned T'Challa.
"I think your country could probably benefit from a lot of tourists… if that was an option for your country," suggested Pepper, "though, with technological advancement, I suspect it isn't something you would be particularly keen on to do."
T'Challa shook his head. "Not at the moment. But we do have an interest in investing elsewhere. Isolation has protected us… however, we have much to give the world. Too much at once could stun it. We need to be careful with what we roll out."
"I agree," Tony interrupted, squeezing Pepper's hand tightly. "The world isn't ready for some of my advancements… What I've seen of yours, this airship? It's too far advanced for the rest of the world. If Wakanda is committed to joining the international community it needs to operate a phase-in programme and then slowly reveal how far it is advanced over a period of several decades until the world is ready to catch up. If Wakanda reveals itself, you will become a target. A big target. I know that the scenario is not what you wish for your people."
T'Challa sighed. "It is not."
"I think if we work together we'll be able to help each other out," said Tony.
"I look forward to any future collaboration between our two countries, Mr. Stark."
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The Golden City was the capital of Wakanda. As the airship was piloted down towards the vast hanger of the Royal Palace, Tony cast his gaze out into the city.
Throughout the tour T'Challa had given them, they'd seen various tribes working across the land of Wakanda, keeping it as fresh as possible and healthy to ensure the growth of crops. But the city was something else entirely.
It was a mixture of Wakanda and current advancements in technology.
It was a bustling city with many tall structures and running through the city was a train, looking far advanced from any train Tony had seen before.
The houses were quite modest, built strongly and able to withstand any weather.
The palace itself was truly spectacular, high spires into the sky, with wide windows. It looked out upon the city and backed out onto the forest and the plains.
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Power stone ⬜ 🍻
