1090 AD
Setting: Zulu Nation capital city, Zimbabwe

"General, your plan has worked.....the people have been calmed and order is returning to your cities." said the Zulu Colonel, Ekid Usl.

"Heh, it's about time. Now we can get on with the plan. Next time those raving lunatics get out of control, we'll have to call upon more drastic measures to restore order....Let us head to the meeting, we are expected at this time." said Keti as he walked towards the door.

Usl walked with Keti as he headed towards the strategy room in the back of the palace.

"Colonel, have you consulted the Shaman today?" asked Keti.

"Yes Sir, this morning General. He and his team of scientists have been united once again and they have already started back into their work. They will finish their plans for this thing they call gunpowder very soon and a science known as metallurgy soon after that. The Shaman tells me that with these discoveries, the Zulu Nation will have the ability to build weapons that are capable of doing major damage. He didn't get too in depth, for he knew the logistics would bore me, but he says that after metallurgy is finished, he and his scientists will be working on a project that will 'change the world'. Something about a new form of power........I'm really not sure what the old kook was talking about to tell you the truth!" Usl said laughing.

"Hush Ekid, can't you see that science and technology is the way of the world? Our scientists are un-paralleled by any other scientists on the planet. They are the most valuable resource in our nation! Forget the gold, silver and spice! Without our scientists, we are nothing! You treat them as you would treat me, for their well being and productivity is linked directly to our Nations well being....Do you understand Colonel?" asked Keti with a mocking tone.

"Yes Sir, I understand." Usl answered obediently.

"Good. Now on to business......." Keti said as he pushed open the doors to the strategy room.

Waiting in the room for the General were Keti's Lieutenant General and Admiral of the Navy. Several Mali officers were present as well as a representative from the Republic of China....

"Gentlemen, thank you for coming! Let us get right to business........Our plan to.............."

The sounds of speaking are muffled as the large metal doors to the strategy room swing shut..........