Owner Pose
T'Challa This day has been one long coming, and after some consultation with the different tribal leaders, an invite was extended to the Avengers to visit Wakanda. There was some consternation on the part of a few, but in the end the King has the final say in many of these things.

First things first, a flight into Wakanda itself. Those who went had the luxury of flying with T'Challa himself in a Wakandan aircraft, and they were witness to the technology that helps keep the true Wakanda secret, hidden. From the air, they fly toward what looks like a dense jungle and little else, but upon passing through it, open lands can be seen with farmers, animals, simple buildings. Also, gleaming cities featuring technology the likes of which few in the outside world have laid eyes upon.

They descend toward Birnin Zana, and the Palace of the King itself. Upon landing, the passengers are greeted by the full regiment of Dora Milaje, standing to either side of a carpeted walkway that leads into the palace itself.

Shuri is there to help greet those she has met before, and T'Challa, dressed in typical royal finery, directs everyone ahead. "If you will all follow me, we will first meet in the throne room before I show you more. I am certain you will have many questions. Believe me when I say this is not a routine happening."
Natasha Romanova Natasha Romanoff is mostly quiet here. Paying attention and taking in everything. Outsider access to Wakanda is rare, so one must bear witness and pay strict attention to things. And also for Natasha it's an invaluable time to gather personal intelligence on the area. Locals, layout, inhabitants, technology.. Not anything she would ever enter into the databanks at SHIELD or the Mansion, but for her own purposes it's quite, quite useful.

She's just wearing her normal combat uniform with her normal loadout. It's might as well be part of her body for how long she has had her equipment or variations on it about her. She would bow her head as they would land and scan the area, surveying intently. Looking around the landing path and through th pathways into the palace. Observing and taking in everything she could.
Cael Becker     "What the- wasn't that a forest a second ago?" Cael asks - the woman doing a double-take at the window shortly after the view changes dramatically. She leans over Bucky to get a closer look - then pulls away, giving the man an apologetic grin. "Sorry, Barnes," before returningto her own seat.
    She's dressed casually in jeans, boots, a shirt and her usual leather jacket - completely unarmed for this visit. After all, they're guests in one of the most secure nations in the world, if what she's heard from Shuri is true. ...and it seems to be true.
    As they disembark from the plane, she studies the Dora Milaje, silently reminding herself how utterly inappropriate it would be to engage in sparring with any of them at this moment - maybe there'll be an opportunity later? But that doesn't stop her from greeting Shuri by casually slapping her hand into the young woman's han by way of greeting. "Been a while," she remarks to her, before returning her attention to T'Challa - hands shoved into her pockets. "Lead the way," she remarks casually. "...is there like... some formal term of address we should follow while we're here, so we don't offend your guards or something?"
Pepper Potts Breathtaking. It's the only word for it.

Pepper's visited Wakanda before, though for completely different reasons. She'd made the flight with an ailing Tony on SI's private jet, and the entire visit wasn't conducive to tours, walking through the marketplaces and such. Now, she can sit back, enjoy, though there is a thought for Tony who has been left behind. There's a mixture of excitement and disappointment in the woman; it's not always fun travelling 'alone', even amongst friends.

Like a tourist, she faces the window of the aircraft, looking out, taking the beauty and majesty of the country in, from the fields, and through the keyhole where all is laid plain. And it certainly doesn't cease to amaze her.

Deplaning, Pepper is wearing a variation of work clothing; conservative with that hint of feminine. Strawberry blonde hair is down and hanging along her shoulders, makeup slight to allow for her freckles to show through. Jewelry is at a minimum, but tasteful with small drop earrings and a heart necklace hanging about her throat.

T'Challa is seen in the sea of faces, as is Shuri, but she lines with the Avenger. She's more familiar with him, though not without the desire to meet the princess later.

"Thank you," she says warmly, "I am so looking forward to seeing the city again, this time under better circumstances." Her voice is genuinely warm, her tones low.
Wanda Maximoff The King of Wakanda has another royal aboard, technically. It simply happens Wanda does not feel obligated to turn a visit into a state visit at that. The complexities for visiting abroad already intrude on her life in uncomfortable ways. She's dressed for the weather and the lands colourfully in bohemian style, her dress featuring a colourful floral motif in bright shades that wouldn't be out of place in the 70s. She toys with a tassel that would otherwise be longer than the scalloped hemline. The long cord sways back and forth as she strives to look out the window - or whatever projections the craft has.

She sighs in outright delight when jungle becomes a city. "It's like one of those pictures you shift back and forth to show different scenes," she hasn't the right word for it, but describes the item well enough. A bright smile stays on her lips as the plane descends. "Absolutely lovely. You've been holding back on us. Clear why, so much here to appreciate." The light way she says that to T'Challa is understanding, not angry.

When all is said and done, she can play her role, every inch the daughter of the House of M. Sunglasses become a necessity, though, worn to shield her amber-green eyes from the too bright sunshine. The moment she touches down, she can share in the excitement and curiosity. Shaking out her dark hair in a cloud, she takes a couple more seconds to adjust to the warmth and the unfamiliar landscape. For someone like her, those touchstones are important.
James Barnes The Winter Soldier's purpose here isn't exactly clear, but that's true of most non-covert missions that he's a part of. The truth is, there's any number of reasons he might be here and they range from 'he was curious' through 'he's tagging along with Wanda' all the way to 'Peggy Carter told him to for an undisclosed reason'. He keeps his thoughts on the Wakanda sights to himself.

He stays just behind Wanda Maximoff, his right hand near the small of her back. His left hand, the mechanical one, opens and closes. repeatedly.
Carol Danvers Having seen any number of incredible alien technologies does not lessen for Carol Danvers the experience of her first trip to Wakanda. The inside of the Wakanda aircraft was of considerable interest. The quinjets are one of the most advanced airplanes in the world, and T'Challa had a hand in their design. But just seeing the control interfaces shows just how much Wakandan technology was kept back from the craft.

The passage through the shield that hides the city draws a faint gasp even from Carol, followed by a large grin which isn't gone by the time they exit the plane. Carol smiles a warm greeting to T'Challa and Shuri both. "If the tour is anything like the ride in, we're in for a treat," she tells him. "Thank you for letting us visit, Your Majesty," she says, being more formal than she would be in the mansion.
T'Challa T'Challa wears a neutral expression, but the eyes tell the story. He is making note of every little detail he can see in each member of the team. To what end, for what purpose, that is for him to know and nobody else. But the things some of them look at, the looks on their faces, he takes care to be aware of as much as he can.

The ship itself has features and inspirations that show how the quinjet has come from what the Wakandans use for their own aircraft, but there are displays and information built into the cockpit of what T'Challa flies that show some things have been held back a bit from what the Avengers have, but not too much.

He says to Cael, "It is easier if you simply do not speak to them. This way, you will not risk offending them. The same is true for the Dora Milaje. Is that not so, Okoye?"

She merely rolls her eyes at her King, scoffing, "We will not run them through with our spears unless there is a good reason." Yet, there is an amused twinkle in her eyes that also fails to make it to the rest of her face, much like T'Challa's done.

He leads the way toward the throne room, explaining, "As you have seen, we utilize a large-scale cloaking technology to mask Wakanda from the outside world. This also works on satellite images, as some of you have no doubt noticed." It doesn't blur anything out, like the house of someone who doesn't want to be seen on Google Street View, but it creates the illusion of the jungle and simple African plains mixed with more hilly, mountainous regions.

"We have held back for reasons of our own, as you know. However, with the world changing and threats becoming more to Earth itself than any one nation, this decision is one I have been dealing with for some time now. You are not the first outsiders to see Wakanda, but you are among those I trust to protect the truth until I am ready to show it to the rest of the world."

Passing into the large palace, they are led first to the throne room itself, with its inspirations to Bast, the views of the city outside through tall glass windows, the throne itself, and the sitting area with the great hall close by. "I would be remiss if I did not begin here, where I meet with representatives of each tribe to help guide the decisions that affect all of Wakanda."
Natasha Romanova This isn't a state visit but it's something to be fully polite on. They're here as teammates and being given a tour of the area. So Natasha is to be on her best behavior. She's still however going along with her full toolkit with her, but removing it if asked. But they're part of her core and define her as who they are.

Shew ould glance over at teh Dora Milaje, and then reply ever so idly in English, "You would -try-." A light correction. A soft challenge. And also a light way to see how they would respond. Rise to the challenge? Be amused? Annoyed at the commentary? Always the small things that it was to see how those around reacted.
    Most importantly to Natasha as a quick and simple way to evaluate their thoughts on having the Avengers present here. She would try to if she could look at the other woman for those general signs of defensiveness, wariness.. Welcome. Or just hidden and polite paranoia. Many things could be tells. But she might not get anything at all.
    She would adjust her pace to move to flank towards Bucky, going a few meters away from the Winter Soldier as if automatic. Having his flank. Old habits died hard.
    "It's gorgeous." She would likewise speak in agreement with the others of the Throne Room. "So much history and tradition here. It's so lovely." her tone is quiet, ever so impressed. "Grander even than the Tsar's old estates." She would muse out loud and glance about, looking through the venue. "Gorgeous."
Cael Becker     "I dunno - I can be absolutely infuriating," the blonde-haired woman replies, tilting her head slightly. As her hair shifts, there's a brief glimpse of the purple, blue, and green dyes worked into the lower layers of her hair. "I meant when talking to you, though. Don't wanna cause an international incident if I'm like 'Hey, T'Challa' when I should be all 'Your Majesty'ing you."
    Look. At least she hasn't cussed yet - this is Cael on her best behavior.
    She follows as T'Challa begins to lead them - her hands going into the pockets of her jacket, hiding the line of flames tattooed across the back of each hand - while her head swivels casually, taking in the sights. She listens in silence, refraining from interrupting the king, at the very least. She has that much sense.
Pepper Potts The truth weighs upon Pepper's shoulders. She's kept silent; her words now marking the fact that it's not her first visit the first hint that she has been here before. Still, it's no less grand than when she'd first come.

There are no ulterior motives to the visit for this one. She's her for the love of the beauty, hidden from the rest of the world. She's here for the love of how technology meets nature, and how easily it melds into one. And as she steps into the palace throne room, she pauses at the door, as if fully expecting it to be like a cathedral, complete with the small offerances of holy water with which to genuflect prior to entrance. There isn't, but the majesty isn't lost on her. Art meets beauty meets function meets tech.

Glancing around for the others, green eyes lay upon Natasha briefly, a ghost of a smile rising. Everyone uses their frames of references!
Wanda Maximoff Posturing between warriors is a known quantity, overlooked with amused grace by the Genoshan royal princess. Then again, having a shadowy assassin at her back and another ahead of her gives Wanda some room to be amused rather than solidly uneasy. Bell sleeves flutter when she walks, the dress richly dyed against a paler backdrop. Some of those intense shades of violet, vermilion, and verdigris are echoed in Wakandan styles. Humans and their love of colour are a shared trait.

"I for one am grateful and glad to receive such a warm welcome." She'll daydream of shopping later. Bucky probably knows the slightly distant look better than most. The monumental scale of their surroundings and the clever design incorporating unfamiliar cultural inspirations call on her to take quite a bit in. Patterns in particular draw the eye as opposed to Natasha casing the joint for anticipated threats.

"Many stories told. I hope to one day understand all the symbols and images," she agrees with the Russian redhead. She has no wish to tussle with Okoye or the rest of the Dora Milaje. They have reach and pointy golden weapons at hand. A smile given to T'Challa and she flexes her hands. Mustn't touch! No matter how many interesting glyphs await deciphering, their gist understood. Still. Temptation goes with the part of being the Scarlet Witch, along with deep curiosity. It all thrums with a life of its own.
James Barnes Bucky has a good way of seeming completely unfazed by anything. He follows T'Challa and the others to the throne room. Despite _seeming_ unfazed, he's very clearly _perceptive_, his blue eyes darting to every nook and cranny in the place. It's less suspicious than it seems if you're aware of how he functions at all. Still, he stays very quiet while the people more attuned to things like diplomacy. At least, given his status in the Avengers, it's unlikely he's here to assassinate anyone.
Carol Danvers Carol Danvers leans over nearer to Cael to say in a stage whisper, "I'm pretty sure you're supposed to curtsey." Her blue eyes twinkle to the other woman before Carol moves forward then, following the royals into the throne room. "There's a great feeling of your culture here despite the technology. Like they compliment one another rather than conflict with one another," she comments

She looks around, primarily interested in seeing the sights and appreciating the place as any regular visitor might. Though the engineer and pilot in Carol can't help but be intrigued by various things she sees.

"Is the leadership of the trips along familial as well? Or is it more akin to our Congress, selected representatives from the tribes?" she inquires curiously. She walks a semi-circle around the throne and the area in front of it, to look out the window at the gorgeous view of the hidden African city.
T'Challa The primary reaction Natasha receives is a light sniff of amusement from Ayo. As for Okoye, she gives the woman a mildly knowing look. "It seems you would like the chance to spar. We might arrange that soon," she offers, one warrior woman to another.

T'Challa gestures around the throne room, explaining, "We will not be here long. I do not wish to bore you with staring at statues and inscriptions when I can show you more of our culture and people outside, but I would not be much of a King if I did not first 'show off' for you. Yes, we have sought to blend the history of our culture with our technological advances. Wakanda has been ruled by the Panther Cult for generations upon generations, though each tribe has the right to call for a formal challenge if they deem it necessary."

Shuri comments quietly to Cael about what /she/ thinks they can call T'Challa, and anyone capable of picking up on it would note it is unflattering. "I heard that, sister," the King remarks, dryly, "I know, brother," is all she replies with, a too-sweet smile given him.

Clearing his throat, T'Challa adds, "Shuri will show some of you different parts of the Palace and city first, while I begin elsewhere. This way, we will not be too large a group all together. You will know by now that vibranium makes up much of Wakanda's technology, and this is the reason we must be cautious with how we tell the world the truth. Wakanda is involved with the spaceport being constructed at sea in conjunction with Themyscira and Atlantis, and we will be providing resources of ours for it.

With another gesture toward the large doors, he indicates, "Now, let us split up. I will lead this group out to the marketplace, where I believe you will see for yourselves the way Wakandans live. You are, of course, free to purchase anything you see for sale, be it food, clothing, jewelry, paintings, and more."

Oh, yes. The opportunity for the Avengers to contribute to the local economy cannot be passed up! Shuri motions for some to go with her (OOC: any Avengers not connected but who would have come along on the trip), while T'Challa takes those remaining back outside to the streets. The Dora Milaje split off in equal groups to act as escorts.
Natasha Romanova Natasha Romanoff would dip her head over to the woman," I would appreciate it. Always good to see where one has flaws. One best discovers their failures when they fight something they have not experienced and thus must face the unknown. I look forwards to experiencing your skills firsthand, if not this time than one soon." Professional. She could respect that.

Slow chatter over, a look given to Bucky to indicate Natasha was doing the same, then she would pay her full attention over to T'Challa. Ahh, shopping. That would explain first and foremost why Pepper was here. She was sure that Stark would sign off on most things.. Or knowing Stark that Pepper would sign off on them and leave him none the wiser beyond a couple of memos that had left behind.

Now as the Dora Milaje spilt up to maneuver as escorts Natasha's lips would remain neutral while inwardly she took it as yet another opportunity to learn about their methods adn pattersn. Going along with the rest of the Avengers and their guides, eyes sweeping along.
Cael Becker     There's a snort from Cael at Carol's words before she remarks, "That's not- ...happening." Anyone who knows her can easily guess what word she just omitted. "But you're welcome to."
    Okoye's words likewise get an immediate reponse. "I'm up for a spar," Cael replies, immediately including herself in the offer. "Do we get to try using one of your fancy spears?" Only fair, right?" She grins at the royal guards, then lets out a snort at Shuri's 'quiet' remark. "I should play nice - I'm represending the Agency, after all." Even if she can't report back to them about her trip.
    She waves briefly to Shuri as the group splits, and follows along to the market, her gaze taking in the sights - and the smells. "Important question," she remarks. "...you have any local noodle dishes?" Because she's absolutely trying them.
    Meanwhile, she feels some of the fabrics, and glances at some of the technology on display in some of the market stalls. "...and are there any Wakanda-specific gaming systems?"
    Yeah. Only the important questions from Cael.
Steve Rogers     Steve's been quiet on the flight in and disembarking, eyes widening as the jungle disappears to reveal cities and farms. Janet probably dressed him, in slacks and shirt of fashionable and flattering cut, light enough for the weather, balancing formal and casual. He greets T'Challa politely, but seems content to bring up the rear, maybe so nobody else can see him ogling the sights. Look, on some level he's still just a kid from Brooklyn, and even the skyscrapers of New York, glass-clad monuments to American ingenuity that they are, cannot compare to the splendors of Wakanda.

    As the group splits, though, he hesitates only a moment before going along with those following T'Challa. "This is amazing," he finally says, actually gushing for a moment. He kind of reflexfively glances around with a sheepish grin, particularly at Bucky, then goes on, "I'm curious about the food, too. That's the best way to get to know a culture, right? Eat the food?" He's going to need to look for souvenirs, too, of course.
Wanda Maximoff The natural beauty and the technological wonders saturate Wanda's attention. Still, she waves to the Avengers following Shuri, and grins when presumably no one is looking her way at the antics of a title that wouldn't be appropriate or suitable for their host. Perceptive types might guess she follows the conversation a good deal better than an English speaker alone would.

"Is the cuisine regional?" she asks. "I wouldn't like to miss a local delicacy. Pietro would never let me hear the end of it." Some of it will undoubtedly get sent back one way or another to her speedster brother. From there on out, the keen-eyed witch awaits the excitement of different views and spaces. Blood is blood. She knows how to haggle with the best of them, or pay fair price, or utterly destroy economies by an act of a smile.
Pepper Potts How unkind to believe that Pepper is only here for the shopping! Well, okay.. she's not here for the opportunity to spar with the elite guards.

Of course the redhead splits off towards the marketplace with T'Challa and some of the Avengers, while the others follow Shuri. Pepper does catch the glance, the hint that shopping is her thing, and she responds with that smile back to Natasha. "Birthdays are coming up," is offered in explanation quietly. It is true; some do find a small present for their birthday from Tony, of course chosen and purchased by Pepper. "You can't tell me that it wouldn't be unique."
James Barnes "I could eat," says Bucky. This is not a surprise to anyone who's met the man. After years of surviving on rations and weird food provided by Hydra, he's really leaned back into his former self and started eating things he enjoys, and discovering all the cuisines that a truly globalized world offer. It means more time in the gym -- or it would, if not for the serum.
Carol Danvers A warm laugh is given at Cael's reaction to Carol's joke as they follow along, going with T'Challa after Carol bids Shuri goodbye for the moment. As they step back outside into the bright African sun, Carol pauses to look around at the entrance to the bustling marketplace.

"Nice to see that everyone doesn't just order off of a website," she says as they move further into the market. "Oh, Pepper, look at these," Carol says, moving over to a stand that has jewelry. She picks up a pair of indigo earrings and holds them up to her ear as she looks in a mirror that the woman has there. "Beautiful," Carol says before entering into some haggling with the woman. They eventually agree on a price and they got into a small jewelry box that goes into Carol's pocket.

A few kids gather around, drawn not only by the presence of the King, but the sight of the Caucasians that not a normal sight there in the present in Wakanda. Carol crouches down and answers a babble of questions and asks some back, finding out what the kids parents do, and what they want to be when they grow up. The answers ranging from training rhinos, to herding, to particle physicist can't help but get a grin from Carol.

She moves over to step into a shop that has clothing for sale. "Maybe find something to match the earrings," she says.
T'Challa The Avengers will find the marketplace is very colorful, not just in terms of what everyone is dressed in, befitting a tribal African nation, but also in the ways different stalls are painted and covered by awnings and things of that nature. Jewelry is abundant, clothing made of fine fabrics for those seeking beauty, while other items are geared more toward comfort and functionality. Some utilize skins from native species.

Food choices are also varied and wide-ranging, with numerous spins on traditional African cuisine that features clear Wakandan influences. Dishes include chicken, beef, pork, lamb, numerous vegetables and fruits, and there are indeed some noodle-based selections. Desserts and drinks also show no shortage of options.

Talk of sparring is left behind, and T'Challa stands back enough to give his teammates and friends a chance to look over what they will. English is spoken here, given the place the language has on the world's stage, but there are also hints of Xhosa and a few other native languages, emphasized by the clicks in the way people speak. The King himself spares moments for those who wish to have one, and most, if not all of those who approach him offer the traditional crossed-arm salute, which he returns in a perfunctory, practiced way.

Some markets in third-world countries pop up out of the slums. In Birnin Zana, even what looks like it would pass for a slum looks anything but. There is nobody who appears to live in squalor, no one who looks undernourished or of ill health. Some places, one might suspect people to have been through to clean up first, to hide the sick and present a false image. That does not appear to be the case here.
Natasha Romanova Natasha Romanoff would go along, listening over ot the back and forth chatter. Adjusting her head and translating as she went along. Some of the local dialects were ones she wasn't fluent in, or just hadn't figured out the accents and colloquialisms. Some things you learned only when you went somewhere. So she would just listen. Taking in all the chatter, the smells, thea ctions of the vendors.. And look almost peaceful.
    While also surveying the area for choke points, guards, locations that would be useful for ambushes, escape routes.. The sort of thing one did with everything. Operating on an operational level of almost psychological paranoia to not see existinence no matter where as this.
Cael Becker     "No video games?" Cael asks - a hint of genuine disappointment in her voice as she seems to find no success at her single minded mission. At least she's able to procure herself a bowl of noodles, taking a seat on a stool long enough to slurp them down, letting out an appreciative sound as she enjoys the mix of meat, vegetables - and spice. Not much of a sauce to speak of but- "Not bad. ...goat meat, huh?" Still - she doesn't leave any left as she rejoins the group.
    After perusing one of the stalls, her gaze locks onto a woven bracelet in multiple hues of blue, with golden accents. It //could// be interpreted as blue, teal, and gold. Hrm. Coins exchange hands, and she pockets the bauble, as they continue on their tour.
Steve Rogers     Steve finds himself some food, goat meat in a flatbread--because, come on, where do you get goat meat in America? "This is really good," he agrees, nodding to Cael. "I wonder why we don't eat this more...? I mean, goats have milk, they taste good... I wonder what a goat burger would taste like." Not as much fat, presumably.

    As he eats, he walks along the stalls, pointing things out to his friends--everyone in the group he considers a friend--and finally stopping to peer at some of the fine fabrics on display. He doesn't touch anything, because he's still eating, but ponders as he stands there eyeing the patterns. Finally he looks over at T'Challa and says, "You've got such a wonderful place here... alive and vibrant, and the people seem so happy. Are you worried about what'll happen when the rest of the world comes rushing in?"
Carol Danvers Carol emerges from the clothing store, without a purchase but with a promise to stop back when she has more time, having seen others from the team heading into a place to eat. She steps out of the door, still in conversation with the woman inside, and speaking what sounds like fluent Xhosa. Probably won't hurt when it comes to haggling a price later to show up seeming to know the local tongues.

She heads across the market to rejoin the others. The blond woman inhales the scents. "Ah, now that smells delicious," she comments as she moves over to view the dishes they have available.

Seeing one that amounts to some kind of soft looking flatbread folded around cuts of spiced meat and vegetables, Carol orders one of those. "What type of meat is it?" she asks as the woman is preparing the plate.

"Goat," the woman replies to her. Carol's face brightens. "Oh good, have never gotten to try goat before," she replies.
T'Challa Poor Cael. There /are/ some games here for children, but they are not of the electrical/technological variety. More like little puzzles and things with rings and such.

As some of the people sample goat meat, T'Challa approaches. Any of the money given will be converted later, one way or another. The lighter shades of skin do draw ample amounts of attention, people there to snap photos on their phones and so on.

Interesting that, apparently, certain things about Wakanda do not get out on social media. Surely there are reasons for that. Standards. Possibly, screenings of some kind built into the phone technology itself?

"Yes, Steve. If I am being truthful, it does concern me," the King states, hands meeting in back of him. His attire is loose-fitting for the weather, black fabric that is made thin, with silver and purple accents. "I expect there to be no shortage of people seeking to exploit what Wakanda has, which is the main reason we have not done something like this sooner. I believe we have appropriate safeguards in place, but that is a question that is yet to be answered."

After letting that settle in, along with some of the food and other wares the Avengers are sampling, T'Challa offers, "Would any of you like to see our labs?"
Natasha Romanova Natasha Romanoff would smile, "Yes, I would enjoy that very much. If you don't mind.. I'm also sure that two of my confederates at SHIELD would love to sometime if you ever might be willing to make an exchange. Agents Fitz and Simmons. I'm sure they would be fascinated by everything here and would find it thrilling to talk to your sister on things present." Bold for her to suggest such a thing.. But also one that was close to the truth.

"And here is your kingdom, your home. Is it not natural to want the best for it and to continue your own safety and prosperity? That is what most beings do, no matter species or planet of origin."
Cael Becker     "Oh, com'on. Americans accept a new source of meat? It's got to be cow, pig, or chicken - you know that. There are only three sources of meat." Sure, Cael's entirely ignoring seafood - but some people don't consider that 'meat' anyways. "...it is good, though."
    "...no Wakandan GameStop, huh?" Cael asks in quiet disappointment. She lets out a sigh of defeat, as she returns her attention to the King.
    "I've known about Wakandan tech for a while," she remarks. "And it's bothered me - all this while - that you have medical tech that could be helping parapelegics all this while, and you're keeping it to yourself. I mean, I know you're looking out for the wellbeing of your people, but- I have ethical issues with it. There has to be a way to share SOME of your tech without risking your people unduly." She pauses briefly before adding, "Which is perhaps a slightly rude way of saying, 'Yeah, I'd love to see the labs.'"
Steve Rogers     Steve nods to T'Challa, frowning thoughtfully, a frown that deepens as Cael speaks. "I mean... I understand the concerns. Whatever amazing technology there might be... there's some pretty awful reasons Wakanda hid itself in the first place, right? Trying to protect your people from exploitation... well, you have to trust that the outside world isn't going to just take your medical tech and then ruin your country."

    He finishes his food and says, "Things will change regardless. I guess the hard part is trying to make sure the changes are for the good."
Carol Danvers Carol digs into the meal. Transatlantic flights have way of helping someone build up an appetite. "I don't know that I'd do it," she contributes to the conversation during the meal. "Let too much outside in, that is. I think it would be more beneficial if the rest of the world could soak in a little bit of Wakanda. Not the other way around," she says, before pausing to take another bite.

Once she's done chewing, she motions vaguely in a direction. "I mean, have you seen it out there?" she asks with a small shrug of her shoulders.

The spices on the goat seem to meet Carol's approval. "Will have to see if I can get some of that before we leave for the cooks at the mansion," she says. Carol rises to join the others on the trip to the lab. "Oof. You let Fitz-Simmons anywhere near here and you'll never hear from them again. They'll dig into that lab and never come up for air."

She's enjoying the tour immensely, one can tell just from seeing the smile on Carol's face as she takes in the sights.
T'Challa And here it comes.

Cael ends up the focus of T'Challa's attention now, regardless of the things Steve and Carol have to offer. The first thing he says is, "You and Shuri must be close friends. That is almost, word-for-word, what I have heard from her before." This time, there is no mirth in his eyes, as his expression shifts toward a hint of annoyance. Annoyance he, however, keeps in check.

"Before I say anything further, I would ask you to consider what typically happens when a nation has or develops something other world powers desire and agreements suitable to all cannot be achieved. War. War is what typically happens. If not war, subterfuge. Smugglers. The black market. You may have heard of it from Shuri, but you will soon see some of what vibranium is truly capable of. We have already struggled with some of our own people seeking to gain wealth and power for themselves by stealing and supplying it to others with bad intentions."

After clearing his throat, the King of Wakanda nods briefly to Steve and Carol before adding, "Yes, Miss Becker. I have weighed the positives and negatives of sharing this technology with the world, and as you have been told, we are advancing plans toward that end. If Wakanda is to be a part of the world in ways we have not been before, it is something we must do. However, I will not do it without protecting my nation and my people first, and for that to be the case there must be safeguards in place. That much, you are correct about. We have given aid quietly where we could. Perhaps one day, all will be able to benefit from what we have, but I will not ignore Wakandans in the process. That is something I simply cannot do."

It will sound like an afterthought, but he offers with politeness to Natasha, "I would need to see the terms of any potential exchanges. First things first. Come with me, please. We will visit the labs. Needless to say, I must require you look, but do not touch."
Natasha Romanova The diplomatic talk is mostly tuned out by Natasha. She's an assassin, that is a matter of state and policy. It's filed away for later review in case it's needed for her report later. But it's also something that no doubt has come up many times. The SHIELD Agent does not pay it particular heed, giving most of her attention as the group would go along towards the laboratory facilities. These would hopefully have some new things.

Ones that even if she couldn't get access to she might glean enough of the innerw orkings to see if something roughly equivalent could be made for her to use in the field.
Cael Becker     "Don't know about close - but we exchanged words in 1943." Steve'll know //exactly// what Cael means when she makes that bizarre statement. "And look - I know you have to think about //your// people first. I get that. They're you're responsibility, but we're all citizens of the same Earth," she points out flatly. "And I'm glad you're trying to open up more," she adds. God, is Cael trying to be... politic?
    "I mean, keep your weapons tech to yourself. You folks have been a reliable custodian of it thus far - and I really see no need to further arm some of the more unstable nations in this world. Keep your transportation tech if you want, and video tech, and whatever else. ...it's the medical tech that bothers me. A lot. And I'm not an expert on all this... intelligence sort of stuff, and how you release things properly, and safely - but hell, maybe there's a way to do it secretly. Or claim it's alien tech brought in by the new starport or... //something//." That's the best idea she has - as she follows the man towards the labs - shoving her hands into her pockets.
    Not that she'd have tried to touch anything, anyways. She's just... break things. And then she'd feel awful about it. And then the spear ladies would come after her.
    "And it's Ms. Becker. Or better yet - Agent Becker," Cael adds a bit flatly.
    'Miss.' Ugh.
Steve Rogers     Steve doesn't touch anything as he follows T'Challa toward the labs, looking around appreciatively. "If there's anything we can do on our end to help, just let us know? I don't know what, I mean, some of that's governmental. Import controls or treaties, things like that. But... maybe with public perception. Definitely with making sure nobody decides to come target you."

    A brief grin. "I mean, if some supervillain shows up and you /happen/ to need any help, just let us know. Although you look like you wouldn't have much trouble with most of those sorts."
T'Challa "We will have to discuss it, yes," T'Challa says to Steve, adding, "Though we are quite capable of defending our own borders, I cannot say with certainty that assistance will never be required. I would think it would be welcomed, in such a case."

He takes in what more Cael has to say about the different forms of technology at Wakanda's fingertips, leading to him remarking, "As you say, /Agent/ Becker, you are not an expert on all of this. I encourage you to leave these matters to those who have more experience with them. Trust me when I say we are not looking to deny medical aid to those who need it, and I have nothing more to add to that at this time."

As for the labs, the path to and within them reveals views of the massive vibranium mines beneath the surface, a truly spectacular sight for those unaccustomed to them. In some cases, it is still awe-inspiring even to those familiar with it. The Dora Milaje continue to flank the group, keeping watchful eyes on all as T'Challa directs attention to a few items. Prototypes, in many cases. Some are weapons, including spears and daggers. Some are for more mundane uses around the home. Others, yes, are medical. There are even a few versions of the Black Panther suit in development. "As you can see, vibranium is a core part of much of Wakandan life. We...ah."

A blip or beep in the kimoyo beads around a wrist draws his attention to it, a small hologram popping up, a headshot of Shuri letting him know, "When you are finished, let them know the great hall has been prepared for the feast. And, brother, are you in my labs?!"

This time, the King visibly rolls his eyes and says, "Yes, sister, we are in /your/ labs. We will be there shortly." He cuts the transmission, noting to those with him, "Our labs, but I am not in the mood for a fight. Now, let us return to the Palace. There is more food awaiting us, and I believe we will have musicians and more to enjoy."