As John and Bobby, with the assistance of Ulysses Klaue, made their way toward the isolated nation of Wakanda, a security meeting was convened at the White House...
The discussion had shifted from Asgard and the Nine Realms to a human nation on Earth.
Not long ago, the Department of Defense submitted a detailed report on Wakanda, while a diplomat concerned with international affairs presented a request for international aid from the Wakandan royal family.
By a striking coincidence, this third-world nation had suddenly caught the attention of politicians and tycoons.
The first report claimed that Wakanda possessed extraordinarily valuable mineral resources, with unmatched economic and military significance. The second report stated that a displaced member of the Wakandan royal family was facing persecution and had sought international assistance, while also describing the brutality of the ruling class and the suffering of innocent citizens yearning for salvation.
When these two reports collided, even a fool could see that someone was orchestrating events behind the scenes. However, no one paid attention to this. Representatives from political and economic circles attended the meeting, concerned only with the reports' validity.
If Wakanda truly possessed vast vibranium deposits, there was no doubt that America would launch another large-scale overseas military operation, treating Wakanda as the next Kuwait...
Stark Industries' push for new energy sources was gradually dismantling America's petrodollar system, creating increasingly sharp contradictions. Established conglomerates like Roxxon Oil suffered heavy losses, and Wakanda's emergence was like an oasis in the desert, capable of diverting much of the domestic focus.
In the White House's East Room, which could accommodate three hundred guests, sat the nation's most elite figures... those at the pinnacle of the power pyramid. Yet, they bickered like merchants haggling in a marketplace, arguing loudly, their faces flushed with fervor, as if ready to roll up their sleeves and come to blows.
Even through the sturdy walnut doors, Secret Service agents outside could hear the heated exchanges, as if the participants were competing to see who could shout the loudest.
Generals from the Defense Department and cabinet bureaucrats interrogated each other, resembling aggressive roosters in a cockfight...
"As the report states, Wakanda is a highly unique African nation. It boasts world-leading technology, vast vibranium deposits, and a distinct cultural tradition with ancient scripts. For centuries, it has never actively engaged with the outside world, but notably, it has never been invaded by foreign enemies either," explained Everett, a CIA official standing at the center of the room, pointing to several maps.
Having been stationed in East Africa for years, and working in countries like Kenya and Sudan, he had extensive experience in dealing with third-world nations.
Everett added, "The report indicates that Wakandans have a martial tradition and are not militarily inferior. A third-world nation that has remained hidden for centuries, unnoticed by anyone, should not be underestimated."
A Department of Defense official laughed mockingly, "Am I supposed to worry that those natives will shoot down American planes with spears?"
His sarcasm sparked a wave of agreement, filling the room with laughter. Generals and bureaucrats whispered to each other, while representatives in the back seats casually flipped through the Wakanda report.
To put it bluntly, their eyes were fixed solely on the estimated value of the vibranium deposits. As for Wakanda's national strength, who would believe a third-world country could stand against America's ironclad military?
Of course, this was partly because the report deliberately glossed over Wakanda's military capabilities, focusing heavily on its vast mineral wealth while skimming over other details.
"They have no alliances with any nation, including the neighboring Kenya or Sudan... meaning Wakanda is not part of the African Union or even OPEC. They're completely isolated!"
The Defense Department official barely restrained himself from standing up and shouting, "These African natives are sitting on a massive goldmine. Let's go take it!" After all, some pretense of decorum was still necessary.
The barbaric acts of the new century were typically cloaked in civilized language. This was a hallmark of the era...
"As a global superpower, America has a responsibility to provide substantial international 'aid' to Wakanda. A displaced royal heir whose father was reportedly the king's brother, a revered prince, was tragically killed, possibly tied to a power struggle within the royal family. Ladies and gentlemen, we must step up and fulfill the responsibilities of a great nation!" declared a senator, a master of rhetorical flourish, his words dripping with righteous indignation, embodying the essence of a politician.
By seizing the moral high ground, he provided a glossy veneer of 'international aid' for future military actions.
Whether others believed it or not didn't matter. What mattered was that everyone present here bought into it.
The atmosphere grew increasingly fervent. The two reports were like sparks in a pan of oil, setting the room ablaze.
Greed, like a searing flame, ignited human ambition and desire...
An isolated kingdom, militarily weak, sitting on vast wealth and rare minerals, and conveniently providing an excuse for foreign intervention... no one could stop the politicians and corporate proxies in the room from activating the war machine.
The President observed coldly, occasionally glancing at Sean who was seated in the back.
As a seasoned politician, President Underwood had noticed something unusual... General Thaddeus Ross, who submitted the Wakanda report, was uncharacteristically reserved. He refrained from joining the heated discussion, and instead watched calmly from the sidelines.
This was out of character for General Ross, a hawkish figure who had fought in the Gulf War and been active in Iraq, Kosovo, and other overseas battlefields. His long military career was adorned with medals and national honors, marking him as a leading figure among the hawks.
During a recess, President Underwood and the Secretary of State retreated to a private room, joined by Sean and General Ross.
"Mr. Cyphers, what's your stance on Wakanda?" the youthful and energetic President asked.
The President held the power to activate the war machine, even bypassing Congress if necessary. Though America hadn't formally declared war since World War II, conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan had still occurred, thanks to the War Powers Act of 1973, which allowed the President to conduct military operations for up to sixty days without Congressional approval.
But before making a decision, he wanted to know Sean's position. He was aware of the intricate forces behind the young man that influenced the nation's direction and future.
"Let the eager generals and corporate proxies take the lead," Sean said with a faint smile.
Wakanda wasn't a prize America could swallow alone. It couldn't monopolize all the mineral resources.
Rather than fighting over an uneven split later, it was better to let the greedy opportunists crash and burn first. Once they tasted Wakanda's advanced weaponry and formidable military strength, General Ross would naturally step in with S.H.I.E.L.D. to clean up the mess.
"Rashly starting a conflict might raise concerns with the World Security Council…" President Underwood hesitated.
The vibranium deposits were too hot to handle, and they would likely attract the attention of multiple powers, especially the five nations leading the World Security Council.
America held only one seat and lacked absolute control.
"They'll agree," Sean said calmly, tapping the armrest, "Because this is my decision."
The President froze for a moment, then nodded, saying no more.
In that moment, the young man in the chair seemed to be the true master of the nation...