Chapter 5: The Weight of Words
T'Challa was able to reach the Wakandan Intercontinental Airport (WIA) in record time. He had decided to forgo his Dora Milaje guard and made his way there by foot. The energy expenditure from his mansion to the runway was much less than chasing The Winter Soldier and he knew that there would be a place for him in Olivia's transport.
Staying out of immediate sight, he took in the scene as Olivia's plane descended. CNN Wakanda had taken over a portion of the tarmac, their reporters waiting restlessly for the new Ambassador. Though initially reticent to the presence of the American news corporation, they had ended up being a boon to reintroducing Wakanda to the world. The fact that over 90% of their workforce was made up of native Wakandans, something that is required by corporations wanting to expand into their nation, helped a great deal.
Clad in a teal oxford and carefully pressed grey dress pants, T'Challa stood transfixed as Olivia vacated the jet and walked towards the reporters, Shuri close behind her. An involuntary smile made its way across his face as he watched her expertly handle questions about her appointment and what that meant for the future of Wakanda. She was wearing a fitted red dress, a 'Narciso Rodriguez' she told to InStyle Wakanda, which only made her look even more stunning.
Anxiety streaked through his veins as he recalled their last encounter. Twelve years was a long time to go without nothing but polite messages and obligatory Christmas cards. T'Challa winced internally as he remembered the exact words they had spoken to one another long ago, his mood falling once again. Now hesitating towards the vehicle, the newly-appointed King was conflicted. Surely his presence would sour her mood?
Olivia had waited her entire life for an opportunity such as this and was not going to blow it. The reporters were lobbing questions about her appointment, the transition from American life, and her sartorial choices. Succinct answers were all that she provided, but made sure to emphasize her excitement over her new role.
As Shuri steered her towards the car, Olivia began to take in more of the scenery. Wakanda was a beautiful, prosperous nation, which was now being heavily scrutinized by Western media. Liv was sure that her high profile was not helping. A deep feeling of guilt and doubt filled Olivia as she thought of the inaccuracies and misconceptions that were sure to follow the increased focus. She carefully suppressed those tumultuous emotions as Shuri carefully led her to the Vibranium-enforced SUV.
Settling in her seat, she thought about her appointment. As the new Ambassador to Wakanda(RIP Arny), her responsibilities were to ensure and strengthen American ties to the small African nation. She knew that her qualifications were more than adequate for this role, and that her networking skills were her saving grace. What was causing her nervousness was not directly career-related. Visiting the nation in her younger years formed an unwavering love of Wakanda, one that stood the test of time. Shuri had mentioned T'Challa's desire to completely reintroduce Wakanda to the rest of the world, something that would require her expertise. The nation was in the midst of Spring, which made breathing in the clear, clean air refreshing. She wanted Wakanda to grow and succeed.
The SUV rolled past the airport exit gates and made its way towards the city centre. Shuri had opted for the front seat, excitedly telling the amused driver of her and Olivia's month-long adventures in DC. Two guards were posted in the seat behind Olivia, clad in black and equipped with small glowing devices. Olivia was about to inquire about the quirky little tech when the door opposite from her opens and T'Challa agilely deposits himself in the seat beside her. She gaped.
T'Challa genuinely smiled, teeth gleaming at the sight of her. She was, simply put, a vision in red. He had always loved her in that color and went to voice his appreciation when a curt laugh from Shuri broke the silence.
"You two are so dumbstruck. And serious. After the Old Council people swear Liv in, we can go do something that's actually not boring. I made plans at Lagoon. The guards have been informed and updated, so no need to worry."
The driver shook his head as Shuri's avoidance tactic worked, with Olivia and the King peppering the Princess with questions about her outing. Making eye contact with the two additional guards in the back seat, they silently acknowledged the need for fun. If the rumors going around the Sentinel, the military, and the like had even a modicum of truth, Wakanda was in for some rocky times. They prepared for the worst, but they truly had no idea what was in store.
Opening Wakanda up to the world was very controversial in the African nation. Households were split over whether to open and accept the world at large, or close and keep the status quo. The younger Wakandans, those who benefited from T'Chaka's emphasis on education and had gone to school outside the nation, were fully on board with re-introducing Wakanda to the world at large. The elders were wary and still are, but with T'Challa's appointment, they had no choice but to concede to their juniors. That had not lessened the combative climate that had developed when this issue had gone up for vote. On every level in the society, there was dissent and fear. Those that wanted to take advantage of the restlessness were giddy, anticipating getting their way.
They were not prepared for the reunited team of Olivia Pope and King T'Challa of Wakanda.
Hey guys. I'm trying to figure out and map the direction of this story. I also got a new job, which is stressful, so updates will be a bit sporadic. Thank you for sticking in there.