2008/Killmonger's War

## Timeline

### Current

2008

*"Without Tony Stark's fateful capture in Afghanistan, the Age of Iron Man would never come to pass. Though the man was saved, a hero was lost, and a villain was given a new chance."*
―The Watcher[src]
This is a timeline of events which occurred in **2008** in a timeline where Erik Killmonger rescued Tony Stark from the Ten Rings.

## 2008

### February

#### 11th

* Tony Stark is escorted by a United States Air Force convoy after a presentation of the Jericho in Kunar, Afghanistan. Stark encourages them to laugh, and Jimmy Ryan asks to take a picture with Stark.
* **Rescue of Tony Stark**:
	+ The convoy is ambushed by the Ten Rings, who blow up one of their vehicles. Jimmy is ordered to stay with Stark, but he leaves and tells to stay in the van.
	+ Stark, in an attempt to escape, exits the Jeep, but a missile lands in front of him. Before it detonates, Erik Stevens picks it us and throws it, saving Stark's life. Killmonger guns down the remaining Ten Rings members and tells Stark that they need to leave. Stark reads Killmonger's name tag and Killmonger says that it is a nickname. Killmonger continues fighting and Stark realizes the origin of the nickname. The two walk away to safety together as The Watcher watches.

#### 12th

* Tony Stark holds a press conference, where he says that he was not injured. Harry Whittington asks if he learned anything from his time in Afghanistan, and Stark says that he learned not to travel anywhere without a fancy hotel. A reporter asks if he was changed by his experience, and Stark says that he realized that they have to build bigger weapons to protect them and announces that he is promoting Erik Killmonger to chief security officer, upsetting Happy Hogan.
* **Arrest of Obadiah Stane**:
	+ Killmonger and Stark hug, and Obadiah Stane tries to end the meeting. However, Christine Everhart asks why Killmonger was in Kunar, away from his unit. Killmonger explains that he was undercover in the Ten Rings when he heard about a plan to assassinate Stark. Stane tries to cut him off, but Killmonger reveals that Stane was behind the plans.
	+ Stane tries to deny Killmonger's claim, but Killmonger posts the truth and evidence for it online, shocking the guests. Stark calls for security, and Stane pushes a guard to the side. Hogan punches Stane in the face and says that he never liked Stane. Stark lifts Killmonger's arm and says that he makes for good television.
* At a party in Stark's mansion, Stark and Killmonger celebrate. Stark offers him Stane's job as COO. Killmonger is hesitant, thinking of himself as a soldier, but Stark says that that is why it is perfect. Killmonger decides to take the job, and they toast.
* Pepper Potts steps outside and meets with James Rhodes, asking what he can tell her about Killmonger. Rhodes gives Potts information about Killmonger's past, and asks why Killmonger is concerned. Potts says that she needs to know what Killmonger wants from Stark, and that she is concerned about Killmonger apprently wanting nothing. She watches as Stark and Killmonger drink together.

#### 13th

* Tony Stark brings Erik Killmonger to his garage, where Killmonger notices a miniaturized Jericho missile. Killmonger quotes Stark's father, leading to Stark asking about Killmonger's father.
* Killmonger says that his father was also dead, and Stark expresses his wish that people did not have to fire weapons. Killmonger mentions his plans for combat drones which he could never make. Stark offers to help make it.
* Stark has J.A.R.V.I.S. pull up information about Killmonger's drones, shocked by the design, which Killmonger defends by saying he likes anime. They begin looking for materials and working on the project.

#### 18th

* Forklifts bring materials to Tony Stark and Erik Killmonger. Killmonger unpacks the materials while Stark drinks.

#### 23rd

* Tony Stark enlarges a projection of Erik Killmonger's drone design and breaks it down.

#### 29th

* Tony Stark and Erik Killmonger weld metal.

### March

#### 5th

* Erik Killmonger works on the wiring for his drone. He shows it to Tony Stark, who studies it.

#### 10th

* Erik Killmonger gets his training and fighting skills scanned while Tony Stark explains that J.A.R.V.I.S. will prevent human error.

#### 14th

* Tony Stark and Erik Killmonger prepare an operations test of their first Liberator Drone. Killmonger prepares to fight it, but the drone falls apart. Stark tries to stay upbeat, saying that it is not a failure if it does not explode. The head of the drone flies off and Stark reasses.

### September

#### 24th

* J.A.R.V.I.S. reports on an issue with the Stark Liberator Drones' regulating systems, and Tony Stark suggests getting a new power source. He considers miniaturizing an Arc Reactor, but decides against it. Erik Killmonger suggests vibranium, and Stark agrees, disappointed that his father used it during the war. However, Killmonger reveals that he has a ring made of it.
* Stark puts the ring into a scanner, which projects a holographic model of the atom. Killmonger says that there is vibranium all over as long as they know the right person, and Stark says that he knows someone.

#### 25th

* Tony Stark tells Pepper Potts that he wants to meet with Ulysses Klaue, and Pepper expresses her disapproval, reminding him that they should not negotiate with black market arms dealers. Erik Killmonger agrees, saying that they need diplomatic cover, prompting Stark to suggest sending James Rhodes. Stark orders Potts to make the purchase order.
* Killmonger reaches out to Klaue, stating a plan to help Klaue get rich. He asks Klaue to leak word of the sale to Wakanda, hoping that the Black Panther would attack.

#### 28th

* James Rhodes and Erik Killmonger meet with Ulysses Klaue in a Salvage Yard. Following Killmonger's advice, Rhodes asks about the vibranium, and Klaue presents a spear used by the Dora Milaje. Klaue acknowledges that it is expensive, but Rhodes says that Tony Stark is not worried about the price.
* Satisfied, Klaue shows his stash of vibranium, causing Rhodes to ask where he found all of it. The door suddenly closes as they are breacked, and Klaue orders his soldiers to find the intruder and kill them.
* **Ambush at the Salvage Yard**:
	+ Rhodes asks if Killmonger is seeing anything, but Killmonger does not respond. A person falls in front of them, and Rhodes again asks after Killmonger while Klaue hides.
	+ Klaue's men hear a noise and start firing, when the Black Panther enters and takes two down. He fights through several of Klaue's guards and faces Rhodes and walks towards him. Rhodes shoots at the Black Panther, who takes his gun and throws it to the side, stating that Wakanda has no quarrel with Rhodes.
	+ Rhodes says that he is getting mixed messages from the Black Panther, who asks Rhodes to let him take care of the vibranium. Killmonger interrupts and brings out a Sonic Taser, using it on Rhodes and the Black Panther.
	+ Killmonger takes the Black Panther's glove and uses it to open the door to the vibranium. Rhodes asks Killmonger why he is betraying them, and Killmonegr asks Rhodes why he would wear his oppressors' uniform. Rhodes says that he intends to change the system from within, but Killmonger says he intends to burn the system down. He rips the American flag off Rhodes' uniform and stabs him, killing him. He places a gun in Rhodes' hands.
* Klaue, having seen everything, emerges from the shadows and compliments his intelligence. Killmonger demonstrates his abilities with the vibranium spear, impressing Klaue. Killmonger tells Klaue to load the vibranium since the Dora Milaje will arrive shortly.

#### 29th

* The Dora Milaje bring T'Challa's body in a coffin down a set of stairs as his family watches, at T'Challa's funeral.
* A group of American soldiers carry James Rhodes' coffin. Erik Killmonger and Thaddeus Ross salute Rhodes' body as Pepper Potts watches Rhodes' coffin pass the three of them.
* Tony Stark watches T'Chaka address the United Nations, when he is joined by Killmonger, presenting him with a vibranium spear. Killmonger suggests they show the world that Stark is in charge, and Stark notes that Killmonger made sure Stark's name was on the paper trail of Rhodes and T'Challa's deaths.
* **Ambush on Erik Killmonger**:
	+ Stark reveals that he has footage of Killmonger attacking Rhodes and T'Challa, and Killmonger says that the police would not arrive in time to save Stark, and Stark responds that he wants justice not the law. The room enters lockdown and Stark reveals that he created a Liberator Drone.
	+ The drone picks up Killmonger and throws him across the room. Killmonger fires at it while Stark watches. Stark brags about the drone knowing Killmonger's moves. Killmonger decides to use new moves, blocking attacks and reaching for the spear, which he uses to damage the drone, breaking it.
	+ He throws the spear at Stark, impaling him into the wall. Stark sees Killmonger's marks on his body, and Killmonger explains that each one is for a kill, and that he hoped not to have to include Stark. Stark says that he believed that it was them against the world, but Killmonger says that they are not the same. Stark draws comparisons between their upbringings and life goals, saying that they sounded the same, but Killmonger says that what sets them apart is Stark's inability to see what sets them apart. He pushes the spear into Stark and kills him. The Watcher watches as he gives himself another mark.

#### 30th

* Tony Stark's body is placed in a body bag while Thaddeus Ross says that his death was a hit job. Erik Killmonger says that it is the Wakandans sending a message.
* Happy Hogan expresses confusion about how it was not caught on security cameras. Pepper Potts explains that J.A.R.V.I.S. was wiped clean. She implies that Killmonger was responsible, and Ross scolds her. Killmonger says that it is alright and asks their next move, ordering the Stark Liberator Drones into production.
* Potts says that it would require a board decision, but Ross says that he is taking over Stark Industries.

### October

#### 9th

* The Stark Liberator Drones are produced, and Thaddeus Ross congratulates Erik Killmonger on his invention. Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan watch as Killmonger marches the drones out of the hangar.

#### 10th

* Erik Killmonger flies the Stark Liberator Drones to where he is meeting Ulysses Klaue. They greet each other and drive to Wakanda.
* They pull up to the Wakandan border, and Klaue reveals the forcefield to Killmonger. Killmonger approaches and expresses pride in himself. Klaue tells Killmonger to hurry up before they are caught.
* **Assassination of Ulysses Klaue**: Killmonger approaches Klaue and says that he was right when he said that Wakandans are full of surprises. He lifts his handgun and shoots Klaue, killing him.
* Killmonger brings Klaue into Wakanda, where he is greeted by the Dora Milaje. He presents Klaue as a gift, announcing him to be the son of Prince N'Jobu.
* Killmonger is brought to the Wakandan Royal Family, and Ramonda expresses disbelief, thinking that N'Jobu did not have children. However, T'Chaka reveals that he did. Shuri expresses distrust, but Killmonger explains that he brought Klaue as proof of his loyalty to Wakanda.
* T'Chaka approaches Killmonger and says that he has his father's eyes. Killmonger says that he had spent his whole life searching for his home. Killmonger says that there is no time to rest since war is coming.
* The Liberator Drones approach Wakanda. Killmonger briefs the Wakandans on the Liberator drones, saying they are nearly indestructible. Okoye says that destroying American drones will be easy, but Shuri disagrees, saying that the drones communicate with each other. Killmonger says that the only way to stop the drones is to let them in the city so that their satellites are interfered with. Shuri asks why they should trust him, and Killmonger says that he would not hesitate at the chance to avenge his father.

#### 11th

* **Invasion of Wakanda**:
	+ Ramonda leads the Wakandan military in preparation to fight the drones while Erik Killmonger, T'Chaka, and Shuri watch. The Stark Liberator Drones appear in the distance and approach Wakanda.
	+ Thaddeus Ross requests a status check from his men, and sees no city. Confused, Ross asks for confirmation, and a woman reports that they are on target.
	+ The drones approach and Killmonger says that it is time. Shuri asks if it is worth trusting Killmonger, but T'Chaka insists and orders the opening of the shields. The drones march into the city.
	+ The Americans gasp at suddenly being able to see the Wakandan city, and Ross realizes that the rumors about Wakanda are true. He orders the troops to show Wakanda the true might of the American military.
	+ T'Chaka has the shields closed as the drones enter and shut down, causing the Americans to stop receiving footage as the drones go dark. Ross orders his soldiers to bring them back online.
	+ T'Chaka expresses his approval and thanks Killmonger. Killmonger says he wants to serve Wakanda, and T'Chaka invites him to celebrate. Killmonger says that he wants more than that. He reactivates the drones, frightening the army. Shuri says that it should be impossible, and Killmonger says that Stark must have installed a back up transmitter.
	+ The drones advance on the Wakndans, who prepare their forcefields. Ramonda orders a charge and a battle begins as the drones fire at the Wakandas. Ramdona and the Dora Milaje begin destroying drones, who fire back.
	+ Killmonger jumps onto M20 and rides him into the battle, destroying several drones. Ramonda watches Killmonger destroying the drones and smiles.
	+ Okoye is picked up by a drone, and Killmonger jumps off M20 and destroys the drone, giving Okoye her spear back. The two fight drones back to back, and Ramonda joins. Killmonger and Ramonda nod at each other, and Killmonger shouts "Wakanda Forever!" before resuming battle. Ramonda stabs two drones and shouts "For T'Challa!" The rest of the Wakandans raise their staffs and chant.
* T'Chaka and Shuri smile at their army's victory.
* Ross bangs the table in frustration as the drones go offline.
* Killmonger looks at the Stark Industries logo on a drone and stabs it.

#### 12th

* Erik Killmonger watches the sun set from the top of Mount Bashenga. T'Chaka joins him and asks if it meets Killmonger's expectations. Killmonger says that it surpasses them, and wishes that other black people could see it. T'Chaka said that N'Jobu shared the wish. Killmonger bows and asks to be of service to Wakanda.
* T'Chaka presents Killmonger with the Heart-Shaped Herb, granting him the powers of the Black Panther. Killmonger appears in the Ancestral Plane, where T'Challa asks if Killmonger's plan was worth it. Killmonger says that it was worth it for vengeance. T'Challa says that his power is unearned.
* Killmonger dons the Panther Habit and looks over Wakanda.
* A poster of Tony Stark is hung up as Thaddeus Ross says that he wants missiles aimed at Wakanda. Potts suggests that it is overkill, but Ross insists and walks away.
* Potts walks into Stark's former office and takes a breath. Shuri reveals herself and says that she is there to help. She shows Potts proof that Killmonger killed Stark and T'Challa, resolving to show both the United States and Wakanda that they are not enemies with each other, but rather with Killmonger.

#### 13th

* Potts, Shuri and the Dora Milaje run for Killmonger's throne room, attempting to arrest him for causing the war. Inside the throne room, Killmonger watches the battle unfold, when suddenly he is surprised by the voice of The Watcher, who tells him that he has been chosen for a mission, and takes him from the universe. Potts, Shuri and the Dora Milaje blast through the door of Killmonger's throne room, only to find he is nowhere to be found.

## References

1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.38 1.39 1.40 1.41 1.42 1.43 1.44 1.45 1.46 1.47 1.48 1.49 1.50 1.51 1.52 1.53 1.54 1.55 1.56 1.57 1.58 1.59 1.60 1.61 *What If...?: 1.06: What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark*
2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.49 2.50 2.51 2.52 2.53 2.54 2.55 2.56 2.57 2.58 2.59 2.60 2.61 2.62 In *What If... Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark?*, the Watcher says "Every journey has a beginning, but change one step along the way, and you could end up at a very different destination." This suggests that prior to Erik Killmonger rescuing Tony Stark, Stark's life was the same as in the main *MCU* timeline. It can therefore be taken that Stark was ambushed by the Ten Rings on the same day as in the main timeline, February 11, 2008 (see 2000s references). Stark would then have returned to the United States the next day, and he and Killmonger would begin work on the Liberator the day after.
They then spend around a month working on the Liberator armor, and the next time we see them is during the United Nations General Assembly, specifically during General Debate, which in 2008 occurred from September 26-29. Wakanda is believed to be a small nation of farmers, so they would be speaking on September 29, with the preceding scenes in the days before.
The following day, Thaddeus Ross takes over Stark Industries and begins mass producing Liberators. The amount of Liberators shown when Killmonger leads the American army to Wakanda would take approximately nine days to produce, so it can be taken that they are completed on October 9 and arrive at Wakanda on October 10, 2008, with the rest of the events unfolding in the following days.
3. ↑ *What If...?: 1.09: What If... The Watcher Broke His Oath?*