The Soldat, The Captain and The Asset

3.3: The Bombing

In Vienna, everyone was getting ready for the conference. The United Nations building was a modern complex of interestingly-shaped high rise buildings, lined up and spanning the street. The walls were made of mainly large pieces of glass circling the parameters. News agents are standing at the base of the building, speaking into the cameras lining the entrance. "At a special United Nations conference 117 countries have come together to ratify the Sokovia Accords." A news anchor said, looking into a camera.

Upstairs, standing near the wall of the high-rise complex, T'Challa is standing, looking out to the sky, taking everything in, Natasha stands just behind him, her eyes looking at the skyline as well. "Excuse me, Miss Romanoff?" A staff member said, causing her to turn around and look at them. They hold a clipboard in their hand.

"Yes?" Natasha said.

"These need your signature." The staffer says, holding out the clipboard. Natasha quickly sighs it and T'Challa looks over at Natasha. "Thank you." They quickly walk away.

"Thanks." Natasha lets the word hang in the air.

"I suppose neither of us is used to the spotlight." T'Challa tells her, his eyes going back to look out the window.

Natasha stands beside him, glancing at the prince. "Oh, well, it's not always so flattering." She admits.

"You seem to be doing alright so far." T'Challa notices. "Considering your last trip to Capitol Hill..." Natasha forces a smile at that. "I wouldn't think you would be particularly comfortable in this company."

"Well, I'm not." Natasha confesses.

"That alone makes me glad you're here, Miss Romanoff." T'Challa tells her.

"Why?" She wonders. "You don't approve of all this?"

"The Accords, yes. The politics, not really." He explains. "Two people in a room can get more done than a hundred."

"Unless you need to move a piano." King T'Chaka says, walking over to them.

T'Challa turns around to face him. "Father." He smiles.

"Son. Miss Romanoff." He greets formally.

"King T'Chaka." Natasha returns. "Please, allow me to apologise for what happened in Nigeria."

"Thank you." T'Chaka replies. "Thank you for agreeing to all this. I'm sad to hear that Captain Rogers will not be joining us today."

"Yes, so am I." Natasha answers, truthfully, she looks down slightly.

"If everyone could please be seated. This assembly is now in session." A man says over the speakers.

"That is the future calling. Such a pleasure." T'Challa said.

"Thank you." Natasha replies before walking away.

T'Chaka looks over at T'Challa. "For a man who disapproves of diplomacy, you're getting quite good at it." T'Chaka mentions to him.

"I'm happy, Father." T'Challa answers.

"Thank you." T'Chaka placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you." T'Challa repeats, giving him a soft nod.

T'Chaka stood at the podium, looking at everyone else that was seated. "When stolen Wakandan vibranium was used to make a terrible weapon, we in Wakanda were forced to question our legacy. Those men and women killed in Nigeria, were part of a goodwill mission from a country too long in the shadows. We will not, however, let misfortune drive us back. We will fight to improve the world we wish to join. I am grateful to the Avengers for supporting this initiative. Wakanda is proud to extend its hand in peace."