Chapter 109 - The Look (1/2)

(Present)

Peter and Shuri looked over to the others as they just caught the conversation. In their little area, just away from the group, Shuri spoke up. ”You know my father will not let them have a partnership. It is too much of a risk, one my father will not take. Even if it is near impossible for anyone to find out our involvement.”

*Sigh* Shuri let out a sigh as she shook her head. ”My Father, though loving and kind, is sometimes too protective of the nation; we have the greatest technology in the world. Technology that can defend us from anything the world could possibly throw at us, but we hide our gifts from the world. Our isolation could lead us to our destruction in the future.”

Peter also struggled to keep a sigh from his lips. He had talked to Shuri a lot about this in their free time. Being best friends/Pen Pals, Shuri had mentioned on multiple occasions that she did not like Wakanda's isolationist policies and practices and that it could negatively affect Wakanda in the future.

The fact that Peter was almost killed for just finding out Wakanda's secrets was a big enough red flag for him. It honestly surprised him, when he was allowed to bring the Fantastic Four to Wakanda. To the Capital no less!

But Peter was getting side tracked. After hearing the question on their first night, even he knew the answer. Maybe if T'Challa was king it might happen, but even then after meeting Shuri's brother Peter wasn't sure.

Their practice to hide from the world and only focus on their country was a precedent set by previous generations. To be honest, Wakanda could be considered, arrogant. They did not consider the outside world worthy or ready for their technology or science; instead they kept it to themselves and justified their actions in different ways.

Peter did consider that they weren't wrong, the wars that the world had suffered, people like Doom, all of them set a picture of the outside world that did not deem them worthy of such advancements in culture and science.

Peter could only shake his head as he fixed his thoughts. As they watched, T'Chaka's words confirmed their thoughts.

”Regretfully I must decline the offer for partnership, Wakanda is not yes willing to share its gifts to the world.” Reed had to be given credit as it looked like he wanted to say something, badly at that, but he kept his cool and gave another nod to the ruler of Wakanda.

”We understand and thank you for considering our proposal.” A small smile came to T'Chaka's lips as he held out his hand in the universal handshake position. ”Then it has been a pleasure Mr. Richards. Hopefully we can meet again.” Reed clasped his hand and shook it.

A few parting words were said before the Four alighted onto their ship, with only Peter left behind. Both Shuri and Peter spoke in hushed whispers as they said their goodbyes, before Peter pulled her into a hug. Some words didn't need to be said as he looked into her eyes one last time before turning to get on the ship.

For Peter the trip to Wakanda had truly reminded him of past times with his family and friends, the warm atmosphere, the gleeful banter that hadn't been present since Harry and Gwen. Though there were no outwards physical signs, his spirit had been rejuvenated from the kindness and friendship over the past few days.

He felt calmer, happier and more energetic. The perfect words to describe it honestly escaped him, but if anything he could say for the first time in quite a while he was content with his lot in life. Knowing that he was about to return to New York, back to others who cared for and loved him, warmed his heart and made him look forwards to the time ahead, something that had been absent the last few months.

Sitting on the plane as it slowly rose, Peter closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling like his life was once again back on track.