13016/Atlantic Starport: Tending to Business Matters

Atlantic Starport: Tending to Business Matters
Date of Scene:	10 October 2022
Location:	Hall of Heroes
Synopsis:	T'Challa, Diana, and Arthur discuss recent events at the Starport. They are not in agreement about everything, but some common ground is eventually found. Mostly.
Cast of Characters:	T'Challa, Arthur Curry, Diana Prince

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T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa sits at a round table created with materials and inspirations from Themyscira, Wakanda, and Poseidonis/Atlantis. The significance of it is clear in the way it does not place any one person seated there at a position ahead of anyone else. It is a clear nod to the table of medieval stories, and the knights that gathered around it.

A pair of Dora Milaje linger off to one side, keeping a watchful eye but also willing to socialize with guards from the other locations, should they be present as well.

The King of Wakanda does not appear pleased this day, dressed in his usual fine attire that speaks to his heritage. "I had hoped we would not have a need to meet for this reason too soon, but the Shi'ar situation has left me thinking about actions we must consider," he begins, looking between Diana and Arthur, his hands resting upon the table.

Arthur Curry has posed:
    Arthur's arrival was of little fanfare, as apparently he had been about and near at hand when the time came about. No guards of his own though there are some in those armored encounter suits that allow them to survive above water. He makes his way into the room to the table there and drops into his seat with a small thump.
    His own garb is of not exactly exquisite taste. Jeans, boots, a leather vest. His hair is pulled back into a pony tail and his arms fold over his chest when he leans back in his chair.
    "Heya." He offers, a nod in greeting to one and then the other.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana had arrived when asked to. The Princess is dressed in a white skirt and blazer with a small amount of makeup upon her face, her dark hair tied back in to a braided bun on the nape of her neck. She had settled in at the table and spared a glance around at those within the room, before she looked to that of T'Chala.

Leaning back in the chair, Diana crosses her legs at the knees and folds her hands together on her lap. She draws in a breath before tilting her head to the right just a little.

"What is on your mind regarding all of this?" She inquires of the King of Wakanda, before her eyes dance back over to the so well dressed Arthur who gets a small smirk that comes and goes quickly from Diana's expression.

T'Challa has posed:
"I have learned what I could and it appears the assassin had smuggled in certain parts for a weapon, then was able to obtain the rest of what was needed at, of all places, the gift shop," T'Challa states with a frown. "Those are two holes that must be closed up immediately. To that end, I suggest we have complete and thorough inspections of all goods and cargo delivered here, with particular attention paid to visitors and whatever they bring with them."

He adds, "As for the gift shop, I do not think I need to say that a full review of what is offered is necessary, along with the removal of anything that could reasonably be used as part of any weaponry. I am already working with Shuri and our engineers to re-evaluate shield functionality. This makes all of us appear incompetent."

Arthur Curry has posed:
    Lips parting in a small 'ah' of understanding, Arthur leans forward with his boots thumping onto the ground, hands settling on the table and fingers interlacing. He gives a nod, "Maybe something to limit power supplies available or fuel available or whatnot? But yah, gonna be hard to keep up with all the possible angles alien cultures will have. I've heard some crazy junk."
    He takes a deep breath, "But that all sounds pretty good, logical." He spares a glance at Diana as if verifying that she's on the same page.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana looks between the both of them. She takes a moment to let her thoughts settle before she speaks up too, eyes back on T'Chala's face now. "Admittedly, we have to understand that fully safe-proofing this place is not ever going to be at one hundred percent." She starts with a calm tone to her husky hued voice.

"I am all for better methods on ensuring that we provide the safest experience possible here, but I find it hard to believe that some aliens might not use things that we never considered before, as a means to craft a weapon again. After all, knives in the food court, power stations to reacharge mobile devices... Even a random piece of furniture, might be quickly utilized to create a weapon that we were not considering. We should do our best, quite obviously, but at the same time... we will never prepare for everything."

"I also do not believe this made us look incompetent. The Starport security acted quickly to calm the situation, to try and stop the fleeing vessel. The members of the X-Men team that were on-hand in their rotunda did an arguably outstanding job of pursuing the assassins as well. Was it an ideal situation? Far from it. But, I think there were positives to take from it as well."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa nods once in Arthur's direction, then Diana's a bit further. "Perhaps, and you both raise points that must be taken into account. In spite of the things our people are capable of, it is true that we are still learning about what beings from other parts of the galaxy can do. Yes, knives can be used to stab, a chair to bash with, and so on. It is similar to the debate over guns and how someone will find an alternative if they are determined to kill. That is why we have the security we do, the guards, the medical response in most cases, the defenses."

His hands flatten against the table, as if he is about to push himself to his feet to pace, but he changes his mind and remains seated. "It does sound as though the response from the X-Men could have prevented things from worsening, but from the reports I have read and recordings I have seen, this was a single-target assassination with a diversion created to permit escape. Actions carry consequences, and if we cannot ensure the safety and protection of others when an attack comes, I believe we must consider who to allow here. It is my recommendation that we deny the Shi'ar further access to the Starport, given their own in-fighting. That does not mean those seeking aid cannot receive it, but it may need to come directly from the X-Men themselves."

Arthur Curry has posed:
    A shake of his head is given, "I..." Arthur straightens up, "I sorta disagree. I mean I could see that being the result. But..." A look toward Diana, then back to T'Challa. "We're three groups of people that built this, sure. But Earth is a lot bigger than our three cultures. Who are we to close the door on an entire race of people because some of their own committed a crime, right?"
    He settles back into the chair shaking his head. "We're not duly elected, we're not representing the interests of the entire world. I think maybe if it comes to it toss this up to the United Nations?"
    Arthur's gaze rises, thoughtful for a time. "I mean we could increase security for those ships. If you're comfortable with that kind of profiling." He looks back down, "But man, just cuz we built the place doesn't mean we get to say who can and can't do business with Earth."

Diana Prince has posed:
The Princess takes in a breath through her nose as she sits up straight in her seat and leans forward to place her hands together on the edge of the table while Arthur responds. She glances to him at what he says, then nods toward it, and returns her eyes to T'Chala. "I believe it would be bad, optically, if we finish opening this place, and the very first other worldly species to come to it, gets removed access from coming any further." She replies. "The situation that unfolded was most assuredly an unfortunate one, but I believe that the actions of the assassin were solely a consequence of Shi'ar issues. They have become our issues now, but we invited that when we declared this project ready to be in operation... We must work with the Shi'ar to make sure this doesn't happen again, not turn them away. I believe that would just simply, send the wrong message all together, to their people... and to any other species beyond our solar system, who are considering coming here, or will come here some day in the not too distant future."

"Looking at all the evidence we have, all the information we can collect, we do our best to ensure that we will do everything in our power to provide safety, but never give the false impression that we could ever promise perfection. All we can do is our best, after all."

T'Challa has posed:
With Arthur and Diana giving their opinions of what the next steps may be, T'Challa's fingers steeple at his chin and mouth, his eyes nearly unblinking and all but catlike in their sharp intensity. He does not smile.

When he does speak, it is after releasing a slow, nearly silent breath. "What are your recommendations, then, for what we should do next? We built this ourselves, away from the jurisdiction of the United States of America or any other country. What is the United Nations capable of doing in defense of or protection against any space-faring race that we cannot accomplish with our combined strengths? Namor is already reinforcing security, and he put out a release to the public such that the world knows something happened here that we might have been able to keep under wraps otherwise."

The King of Wakanda further explains, partly to Arthur, "That has brought questions that we are dealing with now. We have gone a mere matter of months before the first true visitors utilizing the Starport have had an attack by their own, on their own, and now it involves us along with the X-Men. If they are allowed to return, they will absolutely be watched more closely than before. I /am/ comfortable with that kind of profiling after an attack and a murder in front of everyone who was present."

Now, partly to Diana, he adds, "Others can claim that this is evidence that the entire project is misguided. People kill each other daily, for both significant and insignificant reasons, and our first guests are not impervious to the very same things. Peace is met with peace, but what of the other side of that coin? What would both of you suggest our response to be?" He ends similarly to the way he begins, with the main question. All along, he maintains an expression that is difficult to read, a tone that is practiced in its attempt to be neutral, in spite of his firm opinions.

Arthur Curry has posed:
    "That sounds good, up security, keep an eyeball on them." Arthur nods as he seems to agree, "I'm down with that approach." He rests a hand on the tabletop and looks thoughtful.
    "But let me get this straight," Arthur then looks up under his shaggy brow toward T'Challa. "United Nations, United States of America. Whomever. They should bow to our authority on the matter, and accept what we want to do with this policy about our planet-wide asset..."
    He leans to the side, one eye closing a little. "Because they aren't strong enough to do anything to add to our defense. So since we're stronger, and we built this. It's only right for us to exert our will over them and not consult their wishes."
    The Atlantean prince's eyebrows rise. "That sounds a lil tyrannical to me, man. You can take that logic and extend it just a smidge more and it gives you authority to do all sorts of interesting things."
    He looks over at Diana, perhaps apologetically. He looks back, "If people claim whatever is evidence the project is misguided, then let them? I mean on one hand if we're willing to act unilaterally as a triumvirate in control of the planet, why should we care about the opinions of those we are making rulings over, right?"
    Arthur points, "Man, just take it as what it is. A fuck up, we fix what we can. We move on. But really what do I know? Namor should be in here, I just work here."

Diana Prince has posed:
"I believe the Shi'ar would entirely understand a period of time where we have to provide additional security to their people when they're here on the Starport." Diana adds on to what the other two say. "At least for a time... I would like to work with their people on it all also. They should be included in talks of which relate to keep their people safer also."

There's a pause then, before the Princess drops her hands back down on to her lap. "We cannot spend any time worrying about what the random person might 'think' of this place. We are a transit point from Earth to the stars, and back again. This is a necessary step for the continued development of Humanity. It won't go entirely smoothly, nor should anyone ever believe it would. We set our sights on what we know must be done to keep the vision alive, and keep pushing further outward. You both know that this was never meant to be the only step, I hope?" She says then, glancing from one of them, to the other.

"I want to build a public starport on the surface of the Moon, as well, and further out across our solar system from there. The resources, and exploration of our own system is just... simply... paramount to to all of our growth as a society."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa is not a man who is used to having to concede anything to others. There is his Tribal Council, and while there are occasional arguments, most of the time they have thankfully arrived at satisfactory conclusions that keep everyone on the same path. It is different when there is cooperation with other people, other nations.

"Let me remind both of you about one thing. Denying someone access to the Starport is not the same as denying access to the planet. We hope visitors would come through here so we can assist them and, yes, provide protection if needed, but I do not take kindly to an attack on any of us. What happened was an abuse of the hospitality we offered, and I understand there will be others who are fleeing threats from their home worlds," the man notes.

He continues, "Arthur, I am weighing what bringing Wakanda public will mean to my people, and this is a path we have been inching toward for longer than I have been King. Sharing the truth with the world is something many of them will not be ready to hear." After a brief clearing of his throat, he goes on. "The decisions we make here come independently of other nations and organizations. We may consult with them, but they hold no authority here. We have invited groups to have a presence here to gain their involvement with making the planet safer in some way. We can listen to any concerns or advice we want, but ultimately we decide how this is to be run. That is what we agreed upon."

There is a longer pause after Arthur brings up the fine line between tyranny and other ways of acting, but that particular thought is not one he responds to at the moment.

"Diana, you may be correct about the Shi'ar that have been here. Some, I believe they wish for peace. I can see there are others that seek the opposite. If they need our protection, that is part of the purpose of this place. I expect the X-Men will want to be included in that. We can grow from this incident, but we must be prepared to act rather than react. A location on the moon is ambitious, but so was this. I was never under the belief that we would not have to have discussions like this. I had hoped they would not be needed so soon."

Arthur Curry has posed:
    At Diana's glance, Arthur gives a nod since she had offered her insight into the future some time ago. He seems to reasonably be on board with that even as he pushes his seat back with a faint scrape of its legs on the beautiful shiny floor.
    "In any case, I think that covers it. Keep an eye on them, up security. Business as usual." He pushes himself to his feet and rises, looking sidelong toward Diana then back to T'Challa. "If we want to start locking down and saying you can come and you can't, then that's a bit too far than I'm willing to go at the moment. Since at this point we got a... long. /Long/ list of aliens that should probably not be coming here if we're going to hold entire species accountable for the acts of one or two of their own."
    That said he turns and starts to head toward the door, though pausing to turn backwards as he holds up his hands, "If you want I can get Namor in here, he might look at things more your way, T'Challa. So that's an option."
    He turns back around and says as he heads to the door, "Peace."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana sits quietly, only looking to Arthur when she sees him rising up. She glances at him as he goes, then averts her gaze back over to T'Chala. Once Arthur steps away, Diana is quiet for a few more seconds before she smiles at the King across from her.

"I understand your concerns." She says softly to him now that they're the only two left at the table. "You are not wrong that this kind of trouble came far faster than we anticipated. It was a nerve-racking experience for everyone at this site. We have put a lot in to this place, and the world's eyes are upon us..."

She takes a soft breath then as she sits forward on her chair, uncrosses her legs and just places her hands atop her knees whilst seated straight upon the edge of her chair.

"I will attempt to hold an audience with the Shi'ar. I know that they have ship's in the system, or at least not far away. I think I can speak with them on these matters, and get a reasonable level of understanding for where we are coming from also."

Diana rises up to her full height, her heeled shoes carrying her a couple inches over six feet.

"Some day, the people of Earth will be traveling in their own starships... to far away places. It is very possible that we too could end up in a similar situation there-in as well. I believe that we would hope for the people of whatever world it is that we are visiting, that they would have the same level of patience, of collective peace, to not send us away as a whole, because of the bad acts..." She motions to where Arthur had been seated. "a few, as Arthur had said."

She smiles softly, warmly, to the King then. "I will let you know should I get a audience with the Shi'ar." She then tells him, before she too will start her leave.

T'Challa has posed:
There is another period of silence from the King after Arthur's departure. The first thing he says is, "I am not certain he understands or appreciates the dangers we must be ready for. Namor should have consulted with us first, but his concerns are sound. He understands an attack on any part of the Starport is an attack on all of us, no matter the reasons. You know what it means to be a warrior, a protector." She has also seen Wakanda, very recently.

"It would be naive of me to expect us to go a long time without an incident here. I simply hoped it would not come so soon. There have been attempts made to breach Wakanda's borders before, and those that tried failed so decisively that they tucked tail, ran, and never spoke of it again rather than let the public know of their losses. Nobody would have believed them, you see." At this, he allows himself a brief, faint smile. It disappears before long, though.

"Do what you are able to, if they seek to come around again. If I can be there, I will. You have a point about not letting the worst example of a people speak for the whole." Even still, as he admits this, his brow creases. It is a hint at the burdens that weigh upon his shoulders now more than ever.