Rings
The two quickly separate and turn towards the door and see a very determined Ayo. “Defense weapons?” she asks as she looks to Tony with hope, and making both men laugh.
“Surprised it lasted this long to be found out.” Tony gestures for her to come closer and starts digging around underneath the table for another box. “They are not finished yet because I wanted to talk to all of you and give them unique designs to represent each of you.” He pulls it out and turns around, opening the lid to show the rings off. “I also don’t know how many of you there are so I don’t know how many to make.” He motions for Ayo to take one before putting the box down and showing her how to activate the features.
“These are wonderful.” Ayo praises him. “Even as this, it is beautiful.”
“And dangerous. Just like the Dora Milaje.” Tony winks at her, but everyone could see there was no real intent behind the flirtatious behavior.
“Thank you Dr. Stark. I do hope you will allow me to have one.” She hands the ring back. “It would be an honor to have something designed by you that will allow me to protect myself and the royal family.” Tony look flabbergasted by the praise and complement, and beyond dumbfounded by Aya not feeling entitled to his tech; it broke T’Challa’s heart and made him want to break skulls. He would make sure Tony learned his worth and others would respect it – by the glint in her eyes, Aya would too.
“I will make yours second. Right after I make Okaye one…if she wants it. Would like to honor the ranking order and the line of defense already established.”
“That is very kind of you.” Ayo gives a slight bow. “It is truly remarkable how well you accept our culture and way of life. If you need anything, do not hesitate to find me. And yes, all of us would like a ring. And I do mean all of us.” She winks back, and makes Tony grin, before showing respect to the prince and taking her leave
“Soooo……she was sent to investigate the ring and ask on behalf of all the guards?” Tony grins and puts the ring back into the box. Only then does T’Challa realize it had a bio scanner as well. “Should probably let Shuri have the blueprints so she can make them on her own.”
“Only if you wish. It is your technology and we will respect your decision to keep it a secret. I know she will understand that since she is a scientist and engineer as well.” He knew a lot of people took tech apart to see how it worked and at times improve it; has even seen it done to Stark tech in the past.
“I know. There is an honor among us and we typically know which items are not to be reverse engineered.” He gets a mischievous grin. “We could broker a deal because there are a few things I would like to get my hands on.” His fingers twitch as if already reaching for the desired item.
“Let me know if I could be of use.” T’Challa takes note of the time. “Would you care for a night walk in the garden and perhaps something to eat? I know you do not keep regular hours and are probably hungry by now.”
“Oh I am. Thinking about having some chocolatey.”