A/N) Somehow I managed to get this chapter finished on time. I am recovered from my illness now and I am returning to work tomorrow... This chapter deals with Wakanda and Natasha sits in with the agents questioning Bucky on his activities as the Winter Soldier...

CHAPTER TWELVE

Wakanda

Monday 25th July 2016

"It's a shame we couldn't use the Stark Industries jet to come here," said Pepper, approaching Tony in the cockpit of the QuinJet. "It would feel a lot more diplomatic…"

Tony shrugged. "The world pays more attention to SI jets than they do to Avenger jets. Wakanda has always been secretive. We've been invited here by King T'Chaka. At his request, they asked us not to use a commercial plane. I don't mind. It gives me a chance to pilot for once." Tony leaned back in the chair, his hands on the controls.

"I just wondered since these jets are quite uncomfortable…"

"They're not really meant to be used for travelling. Mainly for missions," admitted Tony. "I haven't been pushing her as hard as I could because you are on board."

Pepper placed her arms on Tony's shoulders. "You know… we could have used our suits…" she whispered into his ear. "But someone hasn't finished it yet…"

"It will be ready for when it is needed," replied Tony. "Besides, I'm sure they will appreciate it more if we are in an Avengers Jet. More technologically advanced than this and the tech in here is already ahead of its time."

Pepper shook her head in wonder. "I can't believe Wakanda is rich and is hiding advanced technology. From everything you've told me about what you know of it… it's just surprising…"

"You'll believe it when you see it. The only reason they've invited me here is that they suspect I know of their little secret. They've remained secluded from the outside world for so long, their suspicions are immediately raised as soon as someone may hint of letting their little secret out, which I haven't done, by the way. I just hinted I was aware of something. But we need Wakanda in this fight ahead. Their technology will make a big difference." Tony sighed. "The problem is, is that the person who did bring Wakanda out into the world in my time isn't currently King yet…"

"The prince? T'Challa?" queried Pepper.

"He was King by this point. His father was killed during the signing of the Accords in Vienna… Events were carried out differently this time... mainly because I pissed off Ross enough he went a little crazy," explained Tony. "T'Chaka is still alive… He may not be so eager to open the borders as his son was. T'Challa never revealed why he chose to bring Wakanda out into the world but I think something must have happened between his father dying and T'Challa taking up the throne. I believe it may be more difficult to open up the borders…" Tony turned his attention back to the viewscreen. "We're coming up on Wakanda's borders. You might want to see this."

Pepper settled into the seat behind Tony's chair and leaned forward, her eyes scanning the skies as the QuinJet began to descend. "Where about in Africa is Wakanda located?"

"It is a very small area around Lake Turkana. Turkana runs straight through the centre of the country. Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia all border it. Interestingly, Wakanda has a lot of vegetation for its location. It is a rather green country whereas the countries bordering it are mostly desert and life is harsher. I'm not sure why there is such a difference."

"But you have a theory?"

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."

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."

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.

The air-ship docked on the platform and T'Challa led Tony and Pepper out and into the Citadel itself, taking them through tall, bright corridors towards the throne room.

Sitting in the centre, in the throne itself, King T'Chaka awaited them. The throne room looked out onto the vast city beneath them and it was circular with glass flooring, allowing them to look down at the waiting room beneath. Queen Ramonda sat beside her husband in a green dress; her hands clasped together, her eyes scrutinizing the visitors.

"Father," T'Challa bowed. "I would like to present Tony Stark and Pepper Potts."

Tony and Pepper showed proper respect before standing straight and smiled warmly at the King and his wife. T'Challa moved to sit in the empty chair to T'Chaka's right.

"Welcome to Wakanda, Mr. Stark."

"Thank you, your majesty. Your country is truly remarkable. More than I expected for a country positioned where it is in Africa. You prosper well. There is no struggle for food or water. People can live a normal life. It is wonderful to see how far you have come," replied Tony carefully. He knew they were already suspicious of the knowledge he had of their country.

"Yes… Mr. Stark, considering how quiet Wakanda is on the world stage, I'd like to know how you became aware that 'we prosper well enough on our own?'" queried T'Chaka. "At the Accords signing, you hinted as much. Consequently, I am pleased to see you have made a full recovery from your ordeal."

"Thank you," smiled Tony. "I'm glad you both made it safely away." He shifted on his feet a little bit. "As for knowing more then I should about your country? It was done unintentionally, no harm intended, and I would never sell the secret of your country to anyone, but I make A.I's, or did, now the Accords have effectively ruled them out. They regularly scan the globe for any anomaly, technology or otherwise." He was taking a guess here now as he needed to provide an adequate reason for how he knew of their advancement. "Sometimes I deploy drones to gather intelligence. One of them strayed into Wakandan land and caught a brief glance of technology that I had never seen before. I pulled the drone out as soon as I realised where it was."

"Usually our borders would detect technology crossing it which shouldn't be there," intoned T'Chaka.

Tony wanted to curse.

"However, it has been known to happen. You are forgiven, Mr. Stark, and thank you for keeping our secret. We are grateful for your support in this matter."

"It won't happen again," promised Tony. Though it hadn't happened at all, T'Chaka didn't know that. "I hope we can discuss the business of potentially working together?"

"We can, Mr. Stark. I am interested in bringing Wakanda out into the wider community however I feel we need to go about this carefully. Our technology is far more advanced than the world has seen before. What can you do for us?"

Pepper stepped forward. "I think I can answer that question, if I may, King T'Chaka?"

He motioned for her to do so.

"Stark Industries is a pioneer of a lot of new technology. The Iron Man armour itself is out of its time, far ahead of any type of armour currently on offer. Only Tony has the ability to create it, though I am certain your own technology makes Tony's efforts look like child's play. I propose we work together: the two science divisions to bring new technology forward, slowly showing the world what Wakanda is capable of." Pepper swallowed. "We have an excellent reputation and seek to improve the world for all. I believe our goals can be met if we joined together to create a path to the future. Is this something you may be interested in?"

T'Chaka exchanged glances with his wife and son. "I believe it could be a potential avenue of interest for us to explore. I'm sure Mr. Stark would like to explore our scientist division?"

"Only if I am allowed to," said Tony. "I would rather be invited to visit them than presume I already have the right to look in."

"I'm sure Shuri will enjoy showing off, father," chuckled T'Challa. "How about tomorrow, Mr. Stark?"

"Perfect."

"I will think about your proposal, Miss Potts," continued T'Chaka. "Discuss with my advisors. For now, I wish for you both to join us for dinner later. My son shall show you to your quarters. You will be here for five days?"

"We will," answered Pepper. "If that is acceptable?"

"It is." T'Chaka smiled. "Please, rest and we'll catch up later."

Their room overlooked the plains. The stars shone out high above them, sparkling in the sky. The dinner had been a nice cuisine of African dishes, served in three courses with the King and Queen. They had now returned to their rooms for the night.

Pepper stood on the balcony, wearing her nightdress, peering out into the skies beyond. Her hair fell past her shoulders, curling slightly at the tips. "This place is wonderful."

Tony approached her slowly, dressed in a t-shirt and night shorts, holding her by the shoulders and gently rubbing the exposed skin there. "Hey." He pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck. "I never saw Wakanda before but I knew of the technological advancements. I'm glad I had the chance to see it."

"Hopefully this isn't the only time you'll see it," replied Pepper, leaning back into Tony's embrace.

"I know it is nice to be looking out here but… come to bed…" Tony gently kissed up her neck, his lips soft and tender.

Pepper moaned. "Tony…"

"I love you…" His fingers moved down to her waist, his face in her hair.

Pepper turned around in his embrace, placing her hands on his shoulders. "I love you too." She leaned forward and kissed him tenderly on the lips as he pressed their bodies closer together. Gently she pushed him back until the back of his legs hit the bed and he fell onto it, pulling Pepper with him.

His hands trailed across her cheeks as he looked tenderly at her. Leaning up he caught her in a kiss. "Love you so much."

"I know."

Nestling together, they didn't sleep until much later.

Tuesday 26th July 2016

State of New York

"It'll be alright, Steve." Natasha patted Steve reassuringly on the arm. "Nothing is going to happen to him."

Steve didn't look convinced.

Today was Bucky's first meeting with government officials regarding his actions as the Winter Soldier, meetings Bucky had agreed to. Natasha was to sit in on the meetings. It should have been Tony but he had asked the Accords Committee to consider Natasha for the role instead. After a consultation, Natasha had been selected. Steve had wanted to sit in himself but had been denied due to how close he was to Bucky. He had been allowed to sit and wait outside if he was that concerned.

"Trust me, alright?" urged Natasha. "It's going to be fine."

Steve sat down on the bench outside the office they had chosen to hold their meetings in.

Natasha opened the door and walked into the brightly lit room. Bookcases were stacked against the wall, filled with numerous books, the desk had been pushed to the side and three sets of chairs had been set up around a table where glasses of water had been provided. Natasha sat on a stool outside of the circle: her role was to observe and only intervene if it was necessary.

Bucky sat on the sofa, his shoulder slightly tensed as he considered the two government officials in front of him.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Barnes. My name is Simon. I am a CIA agent as is my colleague, Miss Charlotte DuBank. We will be meeting with you every month for the next twelve months to discuss your history with Hydra and any intelligence you may be able to give us, whether it is relevant now or no longer something we can act on."

Charlotte leaned forward. "Miss Romanoff will be sitting in on these meetings to ensure you remain comfortable and we are not pushing you past the limits. These meetings can be long, can be short… It all depends on you. We are here to gather intelligence, not to interrogate you or to make you feel uncomfortable."

Bucky nodded. "I already feel uncomfortable."

Natasha watched their reaction.

"If you do not wish to proceed today we can always rearrange?" Simon suggested kindly.

Bucky shook his head. "I think I will always feel uncomfortable. No, I cannot avoid this… Let's start… Even if I give you only one thing, it will be a start."

Natasha nodded. This would be difficult for Bucky but she admired him for pressing ahead. The two agents were being very kind and helpful. All these meetings were supposed to be on Bucky's terms and no one else. They were supposed to help him heal and accept what had happened to him had been out of his control, though she suspected Bucky knew that.

"We will start lightly. Please let us know if you wish us to stop," said Simon. "Charlotte?"

"How much do you remember since you were captured by Hydra?"

Bucky remained silent for a short while. "I remember a lot more than I want to. They used to brainwash me so I would forget but it wasn't making me forget, they just suppressed the memories. If I look deep enough I can recall certain murders. I don't want to remember them… to know that these hands were responsible for multiple deaths and I wasn't in control…"

"It must be terrible living the knowledge," Simon said carefully.

"I killed people I knew, I worked with… Some even recognised me and I didn't care. I killed them with my bare hands." Bucky admitted.

"Are there any you want to talk to us about today?" enquired Charlotte.

Bucky inclined his head. "There is one… Steve told me he already knows… He, I mean Tony…"

Natasha's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't expected Bucky to admit to Howard and Maria Stark's death this soon but it was good he was doing so. She didn't feel she needed to intervene: this was Bucky's choice to do so, to correct a misconception in history where it had been revealed to the public Howard had been drunk.

"Hydra wanted the new Super Soldier Serum Howard Stark had created. I was sent to retrieve it and leave no witnesses. I caused the car crash that night… I killed Howard and Maria Stark on Hydra's orders. Howard recognised me but I paid no notice. I knew him… I had fought beside him with Steve… And I killed him."

Simon and Charlotte exchanged glances at the reveal of information.

Charlotte clasped her hands together. "I see. Were you aware you were killing them at the time?"

Bucky shook his head. "No. Once the Winter Soldier takes over I'm not in control. I followed orders. I remember the event after it but do not recall carrying out the orders."

"The Winter Soldier is a separate personality to you then? One who takes over when the codewords are given?" Simon continued.

Natasha had briefed them on how Bucky had been activated. It was information they had needed to know prior to beginning their sessions.

"Yes. It's not me. He has never been me. Those words are just a way to control me. Make me do things I would not do. I have no recollection of physically being there but I remember my victims, some more than others. The Starks are some of the more notable victims… I think Hydra wanted me to remember them, know what I did to people I worked with… Remembering some of them was another way for them to control me. I was never in a position to fight back." Bucky turned his head away. "I wish I could have fought back. I'd have ended it before they could force me to do more."

It was an admission Natasha had expected. Bucky's life had been one of pain and horror. Hydra had never given him the freedom, only when they were in control of him and even then it was limited to the missions he was given.

"Would you say, now that you have been freed from Hydra's control for two years, that you still feel that way?" Charlotte pressed carefully.

Bucky took a while to answer. "No…" he finally said. "Ever since I started to remember, I've wanted to try to reclaim who I was. Try to live my life quietly and not be dragged away again. In Romania, I was doing just that… blending in when I could and living day by day… Then Ross came…" He shuddered. "I could have been responsible for all the Stark's deaths…"

Natasha winced at the revelation. It had nearly been a possibility.

"I remember… Quite a few years ago, back before Stark became a hero… Hydra wanted him. To use him. If he'd been there when I was sent to kill his parents… I wouldn't have hesitated to bring him in. They never took many actions against Stark… Choosing to wait to see how much of a threat he could become or a potential ally." Bucky swallowed, his fists clenching. "It wasn't just Stark, there were others too."

"How many people were you ordered to kill over the years?" Charlotte bowed her head forward, her eyes focussed upon Bucky.

"Hundreds. Sometimes I was sent out on a monthly basis… others weekly… The number of times I was woken over the years lessened…" admitted Bucky quietly.

"Why was that?" Simon enquired.

Bucky raised his gaze and focused on the two people in front of him. "I'm not the only Winter Soldier."

Wakanda

Shuri was simply amazing. Tony had to admit she was every bit as intelligent as T'Challa had said. Pepper was staying within the Citadel with Queen Ramonda and King T'Chaka where they would discuss the further advantages to beginning a partnership with Stark Industries. But Shuri? She put the entire Research and Development department at S.I to shame.

Princess Shuri was the leader of the Wakandan Design Group. The main laboratory was set up within Mount Bashenga and directly above the Great Mound. Within the mound was the world's only source of Vibranium: the material which helped Wakanda advance beyond its years.

She showed him many different designs she had going, advanced communication devices, sound-absorbent boots, gauntlets, and spears. She was very energetic and quite pleased to be showing someone around with intellect which equalled hers.

"So… how long have you been part of the Design Group, Shuri?" Tony asked as he examined one of the Vibranium gauntlets.

"Quite a few years. Father used to bring me down here when I was little. It became known quite well the interest I had in engineering and the designs I created. I was given time here after educational days to study and learn my craft." She moved to take the Gauntlet from Tony's hands. "On and off, I'd say I've been here since I was quite young but officially as part of the Design Group? Since I was sixteen. Two years nearly."

Tony whistled. "Wow. Impressive."

"But you started young too." She was quite astute but everyone knew who Tony Stark was.

"At least your father appreciates what you do," replied Tony. Though he'd come to some sort of understanding about his father after his trip to the past, the wounds were still there. "Mine wasn't that supportive…"

"All families are different. Some try to help you teach your potential, others stymie you, and some try to take what is yours for their own." Shuri placed the gauntlets back in their respective places.

Over dinner the previous night, King T'Chaka had revealed they'd had some trouble from an outsider a few weeks ago: a man who went by the name of Erik Killmonger. He had challenged T'Chaka for the throne as he had a legitimate claim to it through his father. T'Challa had fought in his father's place and had narrowly won. Killmonger, despite conceding defeat, had tried to kill T'Challa forcing the Prince to kill him. Shuri's comments were in relation to recent events.

"They are…" murmured Tony. "Shuri, I have a prospective project I'd like your assistance on if you'd be willing to work collaboratively with me?" He was impressed with what he had seen so far and he remembered Rhodey telling him that Shuri had been trying to remove the Mind Stone from Vision before Thanos had arrived. She had nearly succeeded. All she'd need was more time, which Tony could give her.

"It depends on what it is, Mr. Stark if it is worth my time and effort…" she slyly said.

Oh, Tony liked her. She was witty. And she liked challenges.

Tony grinned. "Have you ever heard of the Vision?"

State of New York

The meeting with the agents was soon over. Bucky had agreed to provide more information on the other Winter Soldiers providing it would be the end of the session afterward, which the two agents agreed with.

Steve was now with Bucky in his room whilst Natasha spoke to Charlotte and Simon.

"I think we have more than enough information to getting on with for now," said Charlotte. "The existence of other Winter Soldiers is terrifying. If anyone knows where they are they could be unleashed upon the world."

Natasha pursed her lips. "They won't be. We'll retrieve them before anyone else can use them. He gave us the location. We could have a team assembled in a few hours and bring them all in, help them as you are with Bucky."

Simon shook his head. "It's not that simple. We have to report to our superiors first. Then we'll make a recommendation to bring the Avengers in."

She didn't mind the delay. Zemo had already been caught. There wasn't any danger in the Winter Soldiers being released and Tony had prepared for everything. He'd already set a watch upon the Siberia base. They'd know if someone was heading in that direction and they'd be able to intercept them before the Soldiers could be released. Plus they had to check with Siberia if they were happy for the Avengers to work on their soil to retrieve potentially dangerous Super Soldiers.

"Fair point," she admitted. "Let me know what the decision is. I can call Tony back from Wakanda if need be."

"I think any action will not be taken for a few days," explained Charlotte. "But we will be in touch." She held out her hand for Natasha to shake. "Thank you for sitting in today. We look forward to seeing you next time."

"My pleasure."

Wakanda

"I have heard of the Vision. An android of sorts?" Shuri enquired.

"He's an android," clarified Tony, "who has a synthetic body made of Vibranium. He has an object in his forehead which is an off-world artefact. It is a potentially dangerous artefact which could have terrible repercussions if used by the wrong person. Thor deemed it safe with Vision but I'd rather not take the risk."

"And you'd like me to try to extract it without harming Vision?" Shuri guessed.

Tony nodded. "It could be tricky, a challenge even. Will you help?" He needed her on his side. She was the only one capable of extracting the stone safely and keeping Vision as he essentially was.

A bright smile crossed the young Princess's face. "Of course. It would be a pleasure to work with you on this, Mr. Stark."

To be continued...

Please let me know what you think!

I wanted Tony and Pepper to have time together and I think taking them both to Wakanda was a sensible move as both have potential business relationships in the offering there.

Regarding Wakanda's location in Africa. I used the MCU wiki to see if there was any information and it suggested it borders Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethopia, even though the natural beauty of the country with the vegetation doesn't seem to fit with the other countries surrounding it, but let's just say there are other reasons for Wakanda's natural beauty (I'm thinking of the plant that gives T'Challa his powers is the reason why Wakanda is so lush). The Black Panther has yet to be revealed but Tony does know T'Challa holds that mantle. He has yet to encounter a reason to be deployed as the Black Panther.

The film Black Panther did still happen in this fic, only slightly differently because T'Chaka wasn't killed, so I chose to have it happen offscreen in this fic. It isn't something that should involve Tony and Nat anyway and it makes sense that Killmonger was gearing up to try to take the throne anyway, whoever sat on it. I figured due to T'Chaka's age, T'Challa would be the one who would fight in his place. So, Killmonger came to challenge T'Chaka, he and T'Challa fought and ultimately, Killmonger's own actions caused T'Challa to kill him. The big difference is T'Challa is still a prince and not yet King.

Shuri and Tony should have met in the MCU. We were robbed of their interaction in the MCU and I had a lot of fun writing the scene between the two of them. You'll see more of the two together as they work on removing the Mind Stone from Vision.

And, yes, Bucky has revealed he isn't the only Winter Soldier. The other Soldiers will be dealt with in the next chapter as the Avengers team up.

Coming next: The Avengers travel to Siberia to encounter the other Winter Soldiers and Natasha takes a detour to Nick Fury to convince him to summon Carol Danvers back to Earth...

To be posted next Sunday...

Until then,

the-writer1988