Chapter 164: From Wakanda
After Sable's security company completed the mission rescuing Tony Stark, it became instantly famous in the industry, fully transforming into Sable Rescue.
With support from Parker Industries' various exclusive rescue equipment plus financial backing from Batman, Sable Rescue becoming Sable International was only a matter of time.
Currently, Sable had her legs propped on her desk, watching the television news conference about last night's incident at a New York factory involving what appeared to be two robots battling.
"Everyone has received the official report about last night's accidental explosion at a factory belonging to AIAS Security, owned by Obadiah Stane—one of Stark Industries' board members..."
On television, Colonel James Rhodes substituted for Tony Stark on stage reading prepared statements:
"Unverified evidence claims a robot prototype malfunctioned. Tony Stark's personal bodyguard 'Iron Man' stopped it, but the factory was still destroyed in chain explosions."
"Fortunately, aside from Obadiah Stane's severe injuries, there were no other casualties."
Sable smirked. She knew these were all lies. News was always like that. She just didn't know what had really happened last night.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
Sable's company remained in the original office building on the twentieth floor. Her office was still the same room.
The rescue company's scale wasn't large yet. Sable planned to relocate after more time passed.
Now someone knocked on her office door. She didn't turn her head:
"Come in."
The door opened. As Sable expected, it was the bearded man who'd lent Tony Stark his daughter's cute flip phone.
"What is it?" Sable asked.
"Boss." The bearded man grinned awkwardly, unable to find words.
"Just say it directly. Why are you stammering?" Sable looked at him with confusion.
"There's a prince at the entrance wanting to see you." The bearded man finished in one breath, his mouth corners unable to suppress wild upward movement.
Only then did Sable realize the bearded man wasn't unable to speak—he was afraid of laughing out loud. She couldn't help frowning, her knuckle joints cracking audibly:
"Carlisle, do you think you're funny?"
The bearded man Carlisle immediately shivered. His wildly rising mouth corners instantly drooped as he stood obediently in place:
"No, boss. There really is a prince visiting. He says he's the crown prince of the African nation Wakanda. He wants to meet you."
Sable frowned again. During her mercenary days she'd frequently worked in Africa for various factions, but years had passed since transitioning from mercenary to security company—which had now transformed into a rescue company.
Sable couldn't understand why a prince from such a backwards small nation as Wakanda would seek her out.
"Bring him in." Sable told the bearded Carlisle.
Carlisle nodded. This time he didn't dare laugh again, afraid of annoying his boss.
Several minutes later, Carlisle returned, escorting into the office a man wearing well-tailored African-style formal attire with noble bearing, accompanied by two female attendants—the Wakandan prince.
"Hello, Your Highness."
Sable had already removed her legs from the desk before their arrival. She didn't know why this backwards nation's prince had come, but Sable wouldn't appear arrogant and rude.
On the contrary, she tried appearing quite polite.
"My name is T'Challa, from Wakanda in eastern Africa."
T'Challa appeared quite composed. Unlike other flashy men commonly seen on New York streets, T'Challa's every gesture seemed elegant to Sable.
Sable smiled symbolically, preparing to inquire about T'Challa's purpose when his next statement made her retreat two steps, fists clenched before her, center of gravity lowered into combat stance:
"I want to contact Batman."
WHOOSH!
Almost the instant Sable assumed attack posture, the two female attendants flanking T'Challa each stepped forward, positioning themselves left and right before T'Challa, similarly eyeing Sable like predators.
T'Challa quickly raised both hands slightly, signaling Sable not to panic:
"Don't worry, Ms. Sablinova. I mean no harm."
Sable's full name was Silver Sablinova, but she'd revealed her full name to virtually no one. Since her mercenary days she'd consistently used the "Silver Sable" designation.
Sable grew even more vigilant. The other party not only knew Batman existed and knew she could contact Batman—now he even knew her full name.
T'Challa claimed he meant no harm, but Sable couldn't possibly believe that now.
She retreated carefully, pressing against the wall to facilitate borrowing force at any moment while asking T'Challa:
"What do you want?"
"I want to contact Batman through you." T'Challa smiled, clasping his hands behind his back as he regarded Sable while having his female attendants retreat behind him.
"How did you know I can contact him?" Sable asked.
"Kingpin." T'Challa said. "To deal with Kingpin, you, Daredevil, and Batman all appeared together inside Oscorp Tower."
"That alone hardly qualifies as evidence I know Batman, does it?" Sable didn't believe T'Challa's explanation at all.
T'Challa seemed to expect Sable wouldn't believe him. He simply smiled kindly and continued:
"I investigated all information about Batman and identified several people who might have connections with him. I plan to visit each one. Besides you, there's Peter Parker..."
Sable's heart froze. She didn't let T'Challa continue.
In her eyes, Peter Parker was already a poor college student ruthlessly used by Batman. She didn't want him dragged into this vortex clearly beyond ordinary people:
"Stop. I do know Batman."
"But I need to know first what your purpose is in finding him. However cold he might be, he still qualifies as my partner. I can't possibly sell him out to enemies."
As Sable spoke, every muscle tensed, ready for a desperate fight.
She'd already sensed intense killing intent from T'Challa's two female attendants. They were likely super bodyguards with combat capabilities matching Sable's own.
If T'Challa intended harm to Batman, Sable would fight desperately to survive while finding opportunities to call Batman for help rather than simply handing over Batman's communicator.
"This matter can be told to you completely, Ms. Sablinova," T'Challa still showed no aggression. "Batman purchased a mineral—a treasure of Wakanda. I need to bring it back."
"That's all?" Sable looked at T'Challa.
"Correct." T'Challa said.
Sable nodded. If that was truly all, she could accept helping contact Batman.
She was about to retrieve the bat-communicator when T'Challa—seeing Sable nod agreement—smiled slightly, raising one hand to reveal a purple-black bracelet. A holographic projection immediately appeared from the bracelet:
"Batman, I am T'Challa."
"Bring that vibranium. I want to meet you face to face."
***
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