T'Challa's data tablet was still slightly warm, the blue light from the screen reflecting on his cold face. He didn't put the device down immediately, but instead quickly swiped it a few times with his thumb, seemingly confirming that every word he had just recorded was accurate. Ye Mo leaned against the metal pillar beside him, his hands in the pockets of his black hoodie, his toes tapping the ground lightly. Emma Frost stood half a step to his side, arms crossed, her gaze shifting from T'Challa to the silent female guards around them, finally settling on Ye Mo's seemingly nonchalant face.
"So, that's your conclusion?" T'Challa broke the silence, his voice low and tinged with barely perceptible weariness. "Lend Wakanda's ears to others, and lend our eyes to the world."
"It's not borrowing, it's connecting to the network," Ye Mo corrected, his tone as calm as if discussing dinner. "Your Majesty, your current defense system is like a sturdy iron barrel. It can indeed block the wind and rain from the outside, but it also blocks the oxygen inside. Klaue is just the first thief to try picking the lock; there are hundreds or thousands more with more advanced tools behind him. If we rely solely on the iron barrel to hold out, it will eventually be worn through. What we need is radar, an early warning system, a nose that can smell the enemy before they even reach the door."
T'Challa frowned, his fingers unconsciously tapping the edge of the data panel. He did this frequently; whenever faced with a major decision, this subtle body language revealed his inner turmoil. As king, he carried the burden of a century-long policy of isolation, and any move to extend his reach outwards felt like walking a tightrope. On one side was the safety of his people, and on the other, the independence of his nation; these two forces constantly tugged at his mind.
"What exactly do you mean by 'intelligence sharing'?" T'Challa asked, his eyes sharply fixed on Ye Mo. "If it's an organization like S.H.I.E.L.D.. that meddles everywhere, I absolutely won't go. Their 'protection' often means control."
Ye Mo smiled, a playful smile curving his lips, "Don't worry, I don't do that. S.H.I.E.L.D.. is an official agency; it's all about procedures and obedience. What I'm building is a 'black box'."
He held up two fingers and drew a square shape in the air. "This central hub exists only within Wakanda's internal network. All information gathering, analysis, and filtering are done here. It doesn't store core military secrets, nor does it directly command combat troops. It does only one thing: collect fragmented information from around the world about Mutants, superhumans, and potential threats."
Emma Frost spoke softly from the side, her voice clear and steady. "For example, unusual energy fluctuations in a certain region, eyewitness reports of unpublished supernatural events, or even academic progress made by certain forces in Vibranium research. These scattered pieces of information are worthless on their own, but when put together, they can piece together a complete map."
T'Challa up, his gaze shifting between the two men. He understood Ye Mo's meaning. This wasn't about relinquishing sovereignty, but rather establishing a filtering mechanism. It was about enriching one's perspective through external intelligence sources, while ultimately maintaining firm control over decision-making. It sounded tempting, but it was also fraught with risk. If this "black box" were breached, or if someone betrayed them from within, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Who will operate this black box?" T'Challa asked the most crucial question.
" Emma Frost and I," Ye Mo answered without hesitation. "We are advisors and the connection point. We will use our respective abilities to acquire information, then organize and upload it. Wakanda only needs to provide computing resources and storage space. As for who has access to this data, that's up to you. You can set the highest-level key, which only you and I know how to open."
"You're demanding absolute trust," T'Challa said coldly.
"This is the only way out." Ye Mo's smile faded, his expression turning serious. "Your Majesty, you should understand that the current situation cannot be resolved by simply working behind closed doors. The existence of Mutants is a ticking time bomb. If we cannot predict when it will explode, we can only passively take the hits. Emma Frost's Telepathy can detect many clues invisible to the naked eye, and my Gene Resonance can sense the flow of energy. We are the two most sensitive nets."
Emma Frost nodded, her eyes unwavering. For her, breaking free from the Hellfire Club's control and finding a home for Mutants had always been her long-cherished goals. Wakanda might just be the place that could offer refuge and dignity. Cooperating with Ye Mo gave her an unprecedented sense of security. Although he was sarcastic and cunning, he had never let her down when it mattered.
"If... I mean, if," T'Challa paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "If I discover that the information in this black box has been leaked, or that you've overstepped your bounds, what would I do?"
Ye Mo shrugged, looking nonchalant. "Then you can turn it off anytime. Or, just throw me out. I'm used to being a wanderer anyway."
This was half true and half false. Ye Mo knew in his heart that his foundation in this world was strength and cooperation. If he lost trust, he would indeed be nothing. But he also knew that T'Challa wouldn't really do anything to him. Because apart from Ye Mo, no one else could be like him, understanding both technology and superpowers, and also having such a precise understanding of people's hearts.
T'Challa remained silent for a long time. The air in the council chamber seemed to freeze, with only the red lights on the holographic map flashing tirelessly. The female guards maintained their standard posture, their breathing unchanged. This oppressive atmosphere made Ye Mo feel somewhat bored. He secretly glanced at Emma Frost and found her looking at him with a questioning look in her eyes. Ye Mo winked at her, indicating that everything was under control.
Finally, T'Challa took a deep breath and placed the data panel on the table.
"Establish Special Intelligence Group." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority. "I will lead it directly, with Ye Mo and Emma Frost as chief advisors. All data entering the 'black box' must undergo triple encryption verification. Any unauthorized access attempt will trigger the highest level alert."
Ye Mo raised an eyebrow, surprised that the king was so decisive. It seemed that his previous hesitation was just a test of the limits, and now he had found a balance.
"Furthermore," T'Challa continued, turning his gaze to Emma Frost, "your Telepathy abilities will become one of the core sensors of this system. You will need to undergo rigorous training to ensure that you do not violate the privacy of others when collecting information, nor can you be hacked in return. You must do this."
Emma Frost nodded slightly. "I understand. I will manage the boundaries."
"Very good." T'Challa stood up, smoothing the wrinkles in his armor. His expression returned to its usual solemnity, but a hint of relief flickered in his eyes. "From this day forward, Wakanda is no longer an isolated island. We will open our eyes wide and see this world clearly."
Ye Mo stood up as well, stretching and cracking his bones. He walked to the holographic map, pointed at the red dots representing potential threats, and smirked. "Let's see what kind of trouble comes knocking next. Hopefully, they won't be too boring, or I won't bother with them."
T'Challa glanced at him, said nothing, and simply turned and walked towards the door. The female guards quickly followed, their steps perfectly synchronized. Ye Mo and Emma Frost exchanged a look and followed in unison.
Stepping out of the Silent Zone, the light outside was somewhat dim. Wakanda's city remained immersed in a tranquil, technological aesthetic; hover trains silently glided between skyscrapers, and holographic billboards projected vibrant colors. Everything seemed so peaceful, so beautiful. But Ye Mo knew that beneath this glamorous surface, undercurrents were surging.
He touched the miniature listening device in his pocket, which he had casually picked up in the square earlier. Although there were no obvious markings on it, Ye Mo could feel a trace of special energy fluctuations remaining inside. It was a signal from the outside, weak but enough to prove that there was an even bigger hand controlling things behind Klaue.
"Do you think they'll make a move so quickly?" Emma Frost asked softly, her voice only audible to Ye Mo.
"I don't know." Ye Mo shook his head. "But whether they're fast or slow, we're ready. This time, it's our turn to set the questions."
Emma Frost smiled faintly, a smile tinged with anticipation. She looked up at the sky; thick clouds obscured the starlight. The distant mountain ranges were indistinct, as if concealing countless secrets.
Ye Mo also raised his head, feeling the new life force flowing through his veins. Vibranium Sense abilities allowed him to clearly hear the pulse deep within the earth, a steady and powerful rhythm that seemed to be telling the truth of this world.
He looked down at the metal floor beneath his feet. The reflection was somewhat distorted, but his eyes were exceptionally clear.
"Let's go," Ye Mo said, "Let's see just how amazing your cutting-edge technology is. If we can borrow some research funding, that would be even better."
T'Challa, who was walking ahead, paused slightly upon hearing this, but didn't turn around. He simply waved in response.
Ye Mo and Emma Frost exchanged a smile and quickened their pace. The three walked side by side down the wide corridor, their shadows stretched long by the lamplight. The road ahead was still long, and unknown challenges awaited them. But they were no longer alone.
The door at the end of the corridor slowly opened, revealing a wider world outside. A breeze blew in, carrying a slight chill and an unfamiliar atmosphere.
Ye Mo took a deep breath and strode forward.