The talk with Dr. Strange, which was had after the other man finished his part in Tony's surgery, was enlightening in a good way. At no point in it did the other man assume that he wanted a ride home right then and there. The Sorcerer seemed to immediately understand that he while he was looking for transport, it was to bring in reinforcements. And he heartily approved of that course of action if his quick agreement to deliver a message and transport those who wanted to come here was anything to go by. The magic user seemed happy that Steve didn't intend to leave for a while yet. Strange knew something was coming, and when he heard of just what had happened in Steve's world, he promised to do what he could to help prevent Tony from having to wear the Gauntlet again. The out of reality soldier didn't know if he could trust this version of Strange to keep his word, given his reality was one of the few ones they won in and the temptation to take the beaten path may prove to be too much. Steve had made a video to explain what was going on for his team to watch and sent it with him all the same though. Even if the sorcerer had plans… with the other Avengers here Tony wouldn't be the price of victory.
And now, after the near constant interrogations, research, and plotting that had distracted him from his worry, he was just sitting here. Waiting for Tony to wake up while Rhodes and Potts caught up on some sleep and Coulson was off getting his head looked at. It had been a busy two days to say the least, and even though Rhodes had offered to get him a hotel room to sleep in Steve hadn't wanted Tony waking up and assuming he was just a hallucination again because he had left him. That would destroy whatever progress Steve had made in that Bunker, and he knew it. Steve had set up the tablet on a charger as soon as he was let into the room and Jarvis had found a way into the hospitals systems so he could monitor the genius himself. Steve was glad for that, because he knew that the AI would let him know quicker then the machines if something was off with the recovering man. The AI had years of experience to draw from, making him an expert on the acceptable ranges though the formula may have changed them slightly.
The changes from the formula that Pepper had used on the Genius were painfully visible in the smooth, sleeping face even now, so he couldn't even imagine the full scope of things to come. Tony looked decades younger- the years just erased by what Potts had approved to be used on him even though they would never truly be gone in the ways that would really matter. Like his memories. Steve found it odd to look over and see someone so young just laying there. The oddness didn't just come from having known and loved his Tony though. He had seen the other man's face in the bunker, had seen the laugh and stress line that were now history, so he knew just what had changed. He also knew the other man would have some adjusting ahead of him because Tony had never been one to wish he was younger again, at least the one he had known hadn't been.
He was startled out of his thoughts as Jarvis began speaking. After a moment Steve realized that he wasn't speaking to him though. He was reading to Tony, his voice soft and cultured. Reassuring in a steadying way as it fell into a sort of cadence. Steve smiled softly at the sound, even though he knew anyone could stop by and hear the presumed destroyed AI speaking and cause a fuss, Jarvis- the one in his world often read to Tony when he was in any sort of distress. Seeing yet another similarity drove the fact that this Tony had lived thinking his AI was dead for years home in a way that retrieving him from the server hadn't. Tony had been left without this comfort, and had in no way been able to depend on his teammates to make up for it's loss. The recovering man needed this comfort even if he wasn't aware of it so Steve wouldn't try and stop the AI from providing what he could.
The story telling reminded him that the Jarvis in his world was alone also. After Tony died he had began only answering questions when asked and never putting forth his own thoughts on any matter. No matter how much they tried to engage him it was clear that he had withdrawn from the humans that were left behind. Tony and Jarvis needed each other, there was no changing or doubting that. When he got Tony to come with him, they would have to find someway to bring this Jarvis with them. With the one in his world occupying a body there was plenty of space for him on the servers. He couldn't in his right mind separate them again and he didn't think Tony would let him even if there was another JARVIS waiting on the other side.
"Jarvis?!" A voice exclaimed from the door to the private hospital room, sounding shocked and desperate and shaking Steve from his thoughts. Steve's eyes shot to the door and he resisted a groan as he realized that his plan to keep the A.I. secret until the unconscious genius woke was done for. Staring wide eyed at the tablet where Jarvis was still speaking from was Rhodes. The man was in his wheelchair, which was a good thing considering he looked like he was going to faint at the sound of the AI's voice. His reaction was to be expected since Jarvis had been a part of this man's life as well though, and he knew what the A.I's absence had caused.
"Surprise? In my world Tony was religious about backing J up daily, so in the event of a failure of his main program there was no way he would be killed. I took a chance and found him where I thought he would be. Considering everyone assumed he was destroyed, I'm willing to bet a certain witch had a hand in keeping Tony and maybe whoever he had told about the back ups from remembering there was a way to bring him home." Steve murmured, unable to raise his voice to speak above the AI. He really didn't want to disturb his task after all. The AI's was doing his best to comfort Tony, even if the other man wasn't aware of his surroundings while he slept. Rhodes eyes teared up as he looked to Steve, before he wheeled himself into the room.
"Dear God Steve. You have no idea how much this is going to mean to Tones." The man said roughly, his eyes going back to the tablet. Steve snorted, looking at the too young and pale sleeping man, before back at Rhodes.
"I think I may. When Tony told me about the damage he sustained and that he would most likely need the reactor implanted again I told him I'd make sure Jarvis had it ready at whatever hospital. The pain in his voice when he told me Jarvis was gone and Friday was his AI now isn't something I will ever forget. I know how much my Tony cared for Jarvis, and imagining this Tony without him for years… I would say I was surprised he was functional, but I'm not. He's to stubborn to lay down and give up." He replied, trying not to get angry over this worlds past again. Rhodes smiled sadly, looking over his best friend.
"He's never known what it means to stay down. Never had the chance to. I met him when he was this skinny 14 year old to damn smart and jaded for his own good. All of his life, people have just taken and taken. It's about damn time someone came along who gives and doesn't want him for money or favors he could give." The Soldier murmured, sounding old and worn out. This world was just as bad for him as it was for Tony. It had beaten him down, and spat him out. Losing Tony would be hard on him- almost as hard as losing Tony would have been to JARVIS, but before Steve could go making plans to take everyone who had a connection to Tones with them he needed to actually talk with his team and with Rhodes if the reaction was favorable. He put the thought out of his mind for now- Rhodes had plenty of connections of his own here that he may not want to leave and they couldn't take a whole damn army back home with them.
"Captain Rogers, Coronel Rhodes I have just intercepted an inquiry concerning Sir's health that originates in Wakanda and was originally directed towards Ms. Potts. I have taken the liberty to make sure she did not receive it however, given her recent actions that were not Sir's personal preferences in relation to treatment of his person. Shall I ignore the inquiry, or do you wish for me to respond?" Jarvis broke through the heavy mood that had fallen on the two men, his storytelling stopped for the moment. Rhodes stiffened in his chair, his lips curling into a snarl as he realized what the A.I. was saying. He damn well knew who was in Wakanda.
"What the hell do they want? I looked at the tracker's Tones installed in the gear he designed, if those fucks want to hide away with the King that's their business. At least it is until the moment Tones okays me bringing them the hell in to face the music for what they have done. But they do not get to ask about the man they left to die. That is not going to happen, no way in hell. It's like the abusive husband hovering to make sure his beaten wife doesn't rat him out." the wheelchair bound man hissed angrily. Steve stiffened as the point of who may be asking was driven home. He hadn't expected them to reach out- because that would mean that they gave a damn about the man laying in that bed and from his research that was unlikely. But Rhodes comparison was scary because it could be accurate.
"Further inquiry on the origin indicates that the sender is the King Coronel, he was apparently unaware of the injuries Sir suffered, and the fact his suit was disabled until Mr. Barnes told the group about the events in Siberia. He appears… worried about Sir's status." Jarvis replied, his tone stiff and unforgiving. The man had done Tony no favors in believing Rogers after all, so it seemed the protective A.I. had placed them in the same category as the ex-avengers. Steve let himself relax slightly at the fact that the message hadn't been from Rogers or any of his team though. T'Challa asking was different then his demented double, the man may actually care about Tony's well being and regret listening to Rogers. Steve wouldn't trust the demented double to be able to feel worry to be honest. He had looked into his other self's face in that bunker and had seen one thing. The man was thinking of no one but himself and Bucky, so there was no reason to think that had changed now. Rhodes exhaled sharply after a moment, clearly fighting himself as he thought over that information.
"Alright JARVIS, we'll give him a chance to either prove he's a decent human being or bury himself with the likes of the ex-Avengers. Reply that Tony is still unconscious after near 48 hours in surgery. His prognosis unknown, but the arc reactor had to be put in place again. Direct any further messages to my phone though. I don't want to let Pepper catch wind of this please, because I'm not sure that she won't end up causing a war trying to get to Rogers and the rest. She'll mean well of course, but everything is too damn raw right now." The older man directed before pausing, his lips twisting into something unfriendly as he thought of something else. "Also, can you please remind the King that being left with no means to stabilize Tony beyond the basic first aid the Alternate who saved his life could do did nothing to help his current health. Let the king know how many times Tones' heart stopped- how many times he died before he was stabilized." He added, before sending an apologetic look at Steve, already looking ashamed of what he had authorized.
"As you wish Coronel." Jarvis replied, sounding approving even if Rhodes was regretting his decision. The A.I continued reading to Tony. Rhodes' smile turned bitter as he sank into his chair.
"I want them to hurt like he did- both when he was literally dying from the beating Rogers gave him, and when he was burning from the inside out because of Pepper's decision. But that may have been going to far. Tony doesn't like his personal stuff aired out." He murmured after a moment. Steve didn't know what to say to that. He wouldn't tell the man if he was right or wrong in telling Jarvis to release the information that he did. It was more then the insane versions of the people he knew deserved in his opinion, and he had no doubt T'Challa would share. But he was rather biased and unafraid to admit it. He was here for Tony and Tony alone plain and simple. Making sure this world wasn't destroyed by Thanos was just a side effect because he knew what his Tony would do.
"What they do or feel about that information is up to them. I've already got the impression that they're all twisted compared to the people I know, but that's mainly based on what these versions have done to Tony and gotten away with because he's to willing to take the blame for other people's mistakes thinking he deserves no less. He deserves the world, and everything good it has to offer, not being stabbed in the back by people he should be able to trust." He muttered, before leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes, feeling utterly exhausted and like he was done talking in circles. Jarvis would let him know if Tony's vitals changed, or when his team arrived if that happened before the genius woke. He hoped it did, so they could all be in place to protect the other man. With what Rhodes had told Jarvis to tell the king it was possible the demented versions would be trying to get back to the U.S. with claims of wanting to help Tony. He didn't know if he could stop that, but if he couldn't prevent it then he wanted his team at his and Tony's side. Rhodes didn't say anything as he left the room a short time later, but then again Steve was already asleep by then.
T'Challa looked at the reply to his enquiry with a heavy heart. Even if he wanted to pretend the sender was over exaggerating the extent of Dr. Stark's injuries from Siberia, records had been included prevented that. He had willfully left a man who had been seriously injured by a man who he now had under his protection behind with no guarantee of help. Dr. Stark was lucky to be among the living now, but it did not change the fact that the man had died, medically speaking, several times before he was stabilized. Bile rose in his throat as he though back to Barnes' explanation of why and how the fight had started. If he had been faced with Barnes at the height of his anger over the man supposedly killing his father T'Challa would have ended his life. Stark had been well within his rights to 'get a hit in' considering what he had found out- what he had seen.
Rogers obsession with Barnes was dangerous it seemed, if he could kill a team mate who was faced with the killer of his parents rather then subdue him until the rage of the moment passed. He rubbed a hand over his face, before standing up and heading towards the wing of the palace that was housing his 'guests'. He would keep his words and inform them of what he had found out about their former team mates health, but this news made his life infinitely harder. His council had not been pleased with the fugitives claiming sanctuary here in the first place. Even contained, the danger they presented was clear now- friend or not if you went against them it could end in your death.
There would be repercussions for this act of violence, even if Rogers wanted to act like he was the wronged party that was only working in defense of someone else. It had gone beyond defense when Stark was disabled and the attack had continued, and there was nothing T'Challa could- Or would do to defend the man if charges were pressed against him. He had offered Barnes sanctuary to make up for the wrongs he had committed against him, not the group of wanted fugitives but Rogers had assumed and T'Challa hadn't seen a downside to helping them all. As he neared the guest wing one of his guards went ahead to gather the people within to the lounge area- it had been a number of hours since he had left them- tracking down a direct line to Ms. Potts had been exceedingly hard, but then again Stark would want his CEO and Ex protected so he wasn't surprised.
"How is he?" Barton asked as he entered, looking red eyed and distressed. The other man had been crying recently, which was strange considering some of the things the King had heard him say about the injured man. But then again he could have realized just how much he had screwed up his life by following Rogers blindly, there were many explanations considering everything that had happened. T'Challa motioned for him to wait as the others entered, he was in no mood to repeat himself so the Archer could stand a few moments more of not knowing. The witch was in his medical wing under close observation now, she had been moved there after things had calmed earlier. T'Challa couldn't prove it but he thought she had been affecting these people's minds and emotions and had been since she joined them because he could see changes in there personalities without her around. That didn't excuse their actions though it did go to explaining how things had broken down within the group so fast. Influence or not they had broken laws and injured civilians though, and while the influence may help lessen the charges they would be facing- they to would be making reparations all the same.
"Tony is fine right? He's at home in his workshop, probably a bit sore. But he's fine. He may have thought he was more injured then he was because of the shock, but I couldn't have hurt him that badly. He had his suit on." Rogers preempted him, desperate to assure himself and the others that he hadn't truly harmed the other man. T'Challa made sure to make eye contact with Rogers and hold it so the other man knew how serious he was at this moment. There would be no mistaking what he had done, no covering it up to save face like he was used to doing apparently..
"Dr. Stark has had his arc reactor replaced to prevent shards of his false sternum and ribs that were shattered during your assault from ending his life. He was in surgery for close to 48 hours, and his heart had to be restarted after prolonged stops six times before he was stabilized. He is still unconscious, and it is unknown when he will wake. Medical records were provided to make sure no one would think this an over exaggeration, I have gone over them myself to be sure there was no deception playing out." He intoned, his voice sharp and hard as the vibramium that his country sourced. Rogers seemed to fold into himself while Barton and Barnes stared at him in horror. Barton cursed, his voice raw and pained as he glared at Captain America for a second before looking at T'Challa, his expression shifting into something else. Something more panicked but determined in a way that it hadn't been while T'Challa had known him.
"I need a way to where Tony is and I'd like your help. I… I failed him and my husband long enough. Phil would have wanted me taking care of Tony, not spiting insults at him and acting like he is everything wrong in the world because he isn't. Far from it and I've been too damn angry to admit it. Right now, Tony needs people to have his back and he doesn't have that with all of us here and his best friend injured. The recovery from this won't be pretty. Hopefully he remembers what Phil meant to him, what Phil wanted before I shot him down, and believes me when I say I don't want to hurt him. And I need to make things up to Laura and our kids, this has gone on long enough, and there is no fucking reason for it to continue." he asked, pleading just to be able to go home. T'Challa's mouth tightened as the other man spoke. There was no legal way to get him into the U.S. let alone to the severely injured Stark's side. Not with the man being a wanted Criminal.
"I'm sorry, but until the laws you have broken in the very least have been addressed it will not be possible." He replied tightly, not caring if he was dashing the man's plans on the rocks. They had all made the decision to act as they had, and Stark was paying the price for it. Barnes snorted, looking like the Archer was a bug that he could crush. The former assassin looked away after a moment to glance at the others, before his eyes landed on T'Challa.
"If you can, will you keep us updated on his recovery? So Barton and the rest of Steve's little band of idiots don't get themselves arrested trying to be his hero because he was almost killed by Steve and end up finding yet another reason to blame Stark for their bad decisions when their attempts go pear shaped?" the Soldier grunted, when it looked like the Archer was going to protest being told that he would have to wait until he had made up for the wrongs he had committed. Rogers gagged, and scrambled for a waste bin- his stomach emptying in violent heaves as realization hit him. T'Challa had no pity to spare for the man, instead he nodded to Barnes and the former captive let out a heavy sigh.
"Thank you. I'm also going to have to request someone to work on these triggers with. I won't put anyone in danger while they are still a threat that can be used, but frankly Barton is right- Stark needs someone able at his six. Rhodes is disabled, Vision compromised by that witch, and I'm not trusting a kid to be able to take on threats while the guy is recuperating." the assassin added after another moment. Again T'Challa nodded, relief flooding him at the confirmation that Barnes both wanted help for his own issues, and wanted to help Iron Man with the weight of responsibility the rouges had just dumped on him by abandoning him on the Captain's call.
"I will have our best at your disposal. Sargent Barnes. May your recovery be swift, for I fear without Dr. Stark smoothing the way your present company will have much longer a wait before they will be welcome into the U.S. Dr. Stark presented a new device that was specifically aimed at working through PTSD among other things the day that Siberia happened. We may be able to utilize it in your recovery, and if that's possible the removal process should be greatly shortened in comparison to conventional means. He had also been working on the legal side of your issues, since Secretary Ross was focusing on the fact your body had committed crimes there were some would have had you answer his call to bring you in. That is almost taken care of as Dr. Stark has been able to confirm that you were in essence a P.O.W. and not in control of your actions through petitions and submitting the records he was able to find to support his claim. Obviously he didn't have access to all of your missions since Zemo was able to use that against him, but he had enough records of what had been done to you for his case." He added, needing to assure the other man verbally that he would be getting the help he was requesting, and that Stark himself had been working on something that may help hasten the progress. Informing the other man that Stark had been working to clear his name and the fact that once his triggers were taken care of his path to helping the injured man would be clear was just another plus in the Kings opinion. Barnes shot a glare at Rogers before looking back at T'Challa with frustration clear on his face.
"It seems Rogers was an idiot in more then one way. He's been taking the easy way out while Stark did all the heavy lifting in all of this. And Stark did it not knowing he was clearing his parent's killer because someone saw fit to use him for what he was worth. I've got a whole lot to make up for because of the punk it seems." He replied, his voice stiff and angry. T'Challa did not blame him for his rage- Rogers had done him and Dr. Stark a great disservice with both his actions and his lies.
Tony Stark was a man of the future, something that he had proved time and time again as the past quickly becoming just that in his man dealings all over the world. The other man was also more then smart enough to distinguish action committed while controlled by another from actions done under free will. Any anger Stark may have held towards Barnes for what he was forced to do would not have lasted long and he would have kept helping Rogers without the deception. But the former Avenger had not been able to see that, and had hid the truth while using the billionaires funds and good will. If this was how Roger's treated a friend then T'Challa didn't want to be counted among them- for his own safety in the very least.
"Indeed." He agreed, before turning and leaving the room, and those within it to their own devices as he headed to his sister. He had to decided on what he would offer Stark to make up for the grievous wrong he himself had committed against the other man by trusting Rogers and leaving Stark to a slow, cold death. As the king thought that his stomach rolled and he swallowed down the bile that threatened to come up once again. For one brief moment he had considered that perhaps the Captain's crusade was just. That he was fighting against a corrupt Government and protecting someone he loved, but he was just as naïve as his father always told him he was. The previous King would be so disappointed in him and the choices that he had made since his death, but he couldn't change what had happened, he could only make sure that history didn't repeat itself. He had to be wiser when it came to what he believed, and less impulsive in the actions that he took.