147/Basketball Diplomacy

Basketball Diplomacy
Date of Scene:	26 February 2020
Location:	Madison Square Garden
Synopsis:	The New York Knicks defeated the Charlotte Hornets 117-98. And Diana and T'Challa agreed to hang out again, because it's fun.
Cast of Characters:	T'Challa, Diana Prince

---

T'Challa has posed:
The Garden, not actually a garden, is busy tonight. The crowd is bustling and down on the court, the Knicks and Hornets are preparing for the tip off of an NBA game. As neither of them wanted to be in their embassy this evening, T'Challa invited Diana to join him at the Wakanda suite at the arena to watch the game. The box is a posh affair at mid-court, with a view of the full court. There are security on duty, with hardwood floors and marble bars and a small kitchen with a professional chef to prepare 'arena' food like nachos and kosher chili dogs.

T'Challa is dressed informally, a black tunic style shirt with tribal style designs along the lapels, a pair of comfortable cotton like leggings, and leather shoes. Around his neck is the tribal set of Kimoyo beads as he waits for Diana's arrival.

Diana Prince has posed:
Although Diana Prince is versed and an expert of many things, sports is not one of them. She's been to sporting events out and about in 'man's world' for a very long time now, she's seen many major moments in sports history, even being present at the 1980 Olympic Hockey match versus Russia... but she's never delved that deeply into sports beyond enjoying them in the moment.

Enjoying this moment was her intention here and now too. A moment to get away from the Embassy and to be with a good and kind man who seems to hold similar levels of worldly pressures as that which she does.

Diana, in a black turtle neck slim-fit sweater, tucked into a pair of black slacks, and heeled black shoes, has her hair tied back into a ponytail and a fair amount of makeup on to accentuate her naturally attractive features. She holds a drink in her right hand and her eyes are out upon the court as the tip-off happens. "I have always admired this sport. Especially the close games that come down to the final seconds." She glances to T'Challa and shows him a grin. "Thank you for the invitation."

T'Challa has posed:
"So many dreams are born on the basketball court in large cities or even on a dirt court at a farm, I can understand the universal appeal of a game like basketball." T'Challa admits as he looks aside to the Princess and gives her a grin at the tip going to the Knicks as they start to drive the ball down the court. "I once started to introduce an amateur basketball league among the heroes, but people could never agree on powers or not, so I had a court built for me to practice alone on, it seems." Chuckling softly after the Knicks score a basket and the Hornets start to set up, he looks aside to Diana again.

"You look quite lovely this evening, if I have not said as much." he offers to her, his hands folded in front of him around a souvenier cup of ice water as he shares attention between game and the stunning beauty next to him.

"I considered a hockey game to ask you to, but there's all the skating around and the only real action is when they start to take out their agressions on each other." Smiling wryly, he shrugs his shoulders. "I think the saying is that I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana glances down at herself for a moment after his compliment and she smiles back at him. "Why thank you!" She states sincerely before her eyes glance back out to the game, where they stand in the suite near the front of it, she can see it all quite easily. His comment about hockey makes her laugh softly and she glances back to him. "I was at the 'miracle on ice' game in 1980. That... was an exciting game. It made me see the American people - and their unending resolve - in a whole new light. I was fortunate enough to meet the team many years later. I... admire sports, quite a lot. Of course where I come from the sporting events are rather different than this, or hockey." She states as she crosses her free arm over her stomach and holds her drink in the opposite hand at shoulder level.

Her eyes glance back to T'Challa then. "A super powered basketball match would seem very chaotic though, if you asked me. So 'no powers' would always be the goal I think you would want to aim for with such a thing." There's a faint smirk then as she takes another sip from her glass. "How are things with you and your people then?" She inquires.

T'Challa has posed:
"People forget that the Miracle on Ice was not actually the gold medal game. The United States would have to win one more game for that." Lifting the glass to take a sip, T'challa sits back in his own chair, considering the game as the Knicks start to build on an early lead. "I would imagine sports back in Themyscaria would be far more martial in idea and action?" he asks her. "And probably more like sports in Wakanda as well."

The cup finds it's way to the ottoman in front of him as he considers the question and tugs lightly on his tunic. "There are those that are dissident to the idea of my pledging support to the Genosha crisis. That this will expose more of Wakanda than we are ready to show." he admits.

Diana would know about the very advanced society that exists behind the facade of goat farmers and tribal lands. "There is also some minor protests to the idea that the Black Panther should also not be King, and that our government should move from a monarchy to something closer to the British model of a Parliament with the King as a figurehead."

Diana Prince has posed:
There's a slight grin to the first of what he says followed by a light nod. "Yes, Themysciran sporting events revolve around our combat prowess and mix in other trained tactics like horse riding, chariot races and the like. The Chariots being my personal favorite."

Another sip from her glass is taken then and her eyes sweep from the court to the King and there they linger on his face. "It may never come to pass that I see the throne of my people. My mother has ruled for a very long time, and I can only hope that she continues to do just so. I am not sure I would be nearly as good at it as she is. So I sympathize in you having to take that position. I would recommend listening to your people's concerns and hearing them out as best as you can though. But ultimately, they will do as you feel is best for your people, that I am sure of."

There's a pause then as Diana takes another drink, a small sip. "I am curious though. If there are things about your society that you do desire to alter, or change?"

T'Challa has posed:
"Chariot races? That is a sight to behold, I'm sure!" T'Challa says with a chuckle as his eyes are on the game. The advantage of them both having excellent vision is that there is no need for either of them to want binoculars. "When I was young, I appreciated the endurance running events, the ones that would take the runners across the country." he offers in response to her.

"If you ever become Queen, I will assure you that you will be adored, at least on the outside world. How is your relationship with the Amazonians, though?" comes his own curious question to her. Lifting his cup to take a longer draw from it, his own eyes find Diana's for a moment. And he smiles.

"To answer your question, though, I have considered the idea. As it stands, when I am not in country, it falls on my younger sister to be my voice. And as the world expands and changes, I find my returns to Wakanda less and less frequent. How do you balance the life between the privacy of your home, and the publicity of this one?" As he moves to set down the drink, on the large screen scoreboard starts to pan the crowd, and as it falls on couples, they are framed inside a heart and are encouraged loudly by the crowd... but the biggest, loudest applause and cheers come a moment later as the camera pans upwards and...

             .;;;, .;;;,                   .;;;, .;;;,
        .;;;,;;;;;,;;;;;,.;;;,       .;;;.,;;;;;,;;;;;,;;;.
       ;;;;xXXxXXxXXxXXxXXx;;;. .,. .;;;xXXxXXxXXxXXxXX;;;;;
   .,,.`xXX'             `xXXx,;;;;;,xXXx'            `XXx;;,,.
  ;;;;xXX'                  `xXXx;xXXx'                 `XXx;;;;
  `;;XX'                       `XXX'                      `XX;;'
,;;,XX                         `X'                        XX,;;,
 ;;;;XX,                                                  ,XX;;;;
  ``.;XX,                                                ,XX;,
    ;;;;XX,                                            ,XX;;;;
     ```.;XX,                 KISS CAM               ,XX;,
        ;;;;XX,                                    ,XX;;;;
         ```,;XX,                                ,XX;,
             ;;;;XX,                          ,XX;;;;
              ````,;XX,                    ,XX;,
                  ;;;;;XX,              ,XX;;;;
                   `````,;XX,        ,XX;,'    
                        ;;;;;XX,  ,XX;;;;;
                         `````;;XX;;
                              `;;;;'

There on the screen is Diana and T'Challa sitting together, with Wonder Woman and Black Panther under their names - as if people needed to know who they were.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana is in the process of responding to T'Challa, looking at him and starting to speak. "It was a long time after I left my home that I even did return. I--" She was about to continue when she caught the Couples Cam during a tv timeout and it made her look to it and thusly out at everyone in the audience. She raises her glass of wine and leans over to bump shoulders with T'Challa to play up the festivities, a big smile upon her red painted lips. She's one to play along for fun after all.

A glance is given over to the King then and she just beams happily toward him. "You did not pre-arrange this, I am sure of that." She states to him in a playfully fun sort've way. She looks back to the audience though and raises her free hand to wave to those who had applauded and cheered for them both, whether they're recognized or not.

T'Challa has posed:
"I know of this tradition, the kiss cam -- but no." he responds honestly. "I had not given such thoughts to setting up such an ambush. Not that I would have a complaint when it came to kissing you." T'Challa admits that part as he returns the shoulder bump with one of his own as he shakes his head. In bemusement of the idea, more than anything. His smile to her is warm in return, apparently they're playing along for the moment.

Down on the court, there's more chants of 'KISS KISS KISS!' from the crowd, apparently suckers at heart and believeing that peer pressure would give a desired result. Even a few players are glancing up from the bench during the time out to watch.

T'Challa for his part, looks back towards the court. "I'm sure they'll return to the game here in a moment." comes the offer by way of an out as he chuckles.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana has a smile on her face that she presents the audience that chooses to chant and coax at them. "They are ravenous, I think." She tells the man beside her before she just smiles at him again. "I am afraid I am not one to kiss for the sheer whim of an audience's glee, however." She admits then.

"I think we would end up with quite a lot of questions for either of us to field tomorrow should we." She brings her glass down then and raises her other hand up to just wave to the audience all around them.

T'Challa has posed:
"I agree. A kiss should be for a mutual want. But much like the Roman Emperors of old, we'll have to deny the wishes of the masses." T'Challa replies with a nod to the Amazonian princess. At least they are on agreement with that. "If we are to have questions, it should be on our own terms." And with that, he gives a last shake of his head and a smile to the crowd. No kisses here tonight, folks!

There's awws and a few smattering catcalls, but quickly, the focus is back on the game. "How quickly we're forgotten." he playfully laments in an amused tone as he settles back in. "Now. Where were we in our conversation?" he asks. "Ah, the balance between your home and this world."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana holds her glass between either of her hands then as she smiles softly and glances back to T'Challa then. "Oh yes. It was... a long time before I returned to Themyscira. But now that I have, many of my people support me in what i am doing here now. They have learned much of it and they are wishing to help where and how the Queen will allow it. As such, I have finally brought two of my sisters with me to stay and live in the Embassy here in New York. They are... awe-struck by the world around them. It has been fun to witness." She states then with a large grin. "Reminds me of myself, a very long time ago."

Another sip of her drink is had then before she watches the court and sweeps her gaze back over to him. "Your people have had the benefit of technological growth though, yes? That is my understanding at least, though I am not sure to the extent of it. Mine? Well... they live in a time-locked society that has not changed since the era it was born within. There is a simplicity to that, that I know my mother wishes vehemently to preserve."

T'Challa has posed:
"Wakanda had the benefit to grow in an isolated bubble, in much the same way Themyscaria was. We never allowed Western influence into our world. And yes, we had the advantage of Vibranium. But a metal did not make us smarter or stronger. It only gave us something to grow and develop around, which perhaps was it's own advantage. But we were not solely locked to this idea. But I can understand your thoughts on the matter." T'Challa admits. He considers his drink, shaking around the ice in the cup in thought.

"I know what will happen, or imagine what will happen were Wakanda to open itself to the world. And in many ways, it is the same issue your mother would face. The world would want to push it's way in. To change it. To adapt it. Wakanda is not quite as advanced as some of the alien societies we have made contact with. But we do have a space program. We have cured cancer. We could make changes to the world. But." He draws in his thoughts. And when he voices them, they are in a soft, almost disappointed tone.

"The world is not ready for such. Wakanda is not ready. There is so much greed and corruption in the world. It would whittle at the root of Wakandan society. It was change our people. The royalty of Wakanda has never spent in excess of what we have. It is why I live at the embassy instead of having my own place in New York. Like your mother... I do not want to see the touch of the Western World on my home."

Diana Prince has posed:
"I still have my personal apartment in Manhattan that I was living at when the Doomsday event occurred." Diana admits. "It has not been lived in for several years now, but it is nice to have a place that is there should I need a place away from the modern responsibilities that I have taken on since becoming a public figure. I made my choice, in order to help those in need. I saw a well spring of those with great powers stepping forward to do just that, and to me that was the signal that it was time to do my part as well."

She then takes another sip from her drink and watches the game as it proceeds onward ahead of them. Her eyes look over to him then and she shows him a soft smile. "You are a wise leader for your people and one who I am sure will lead them into a... very perfectly paced entrance into the rest of the world. I will likely watch and model my own approach to that with my people, in hopes of doing the same. Though..." Diana laughs softly. "We certainly do not have a space program, even if some of our warriors would claim they could 'throw so-and-so into space' if challenged."

T'Challa has posed:
"I would perfer not to be thrown into space." T'Challa admits with a laugh as he reaches over and gives her hand a quick squeeze. "I thank you for the support. You will make a great Queen, when the time comes." he offers to her, as he smirks. "Until I joined the Avengers, noone outside of Wakanda knew who the Black Panther was, except for a few that did research into such things, such as the reason why Wakanada was not conquered by Nazy Germany in World War II." he admits.

Then he gets a wry look. "Wise leader, maybe. But the call for change is strong. As is the call that at some point I will need to consider the future of Wakanda in other ways." Such as a Queen. Then he flat out chuckles. "Ah, so you are waiting to see where I trip so that you may step over me! I see!" His laugh is warm, the smile is soft as he meets her eyes again, forgetting about the game as he pays more attention to her.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana shows a soft smile to the hand squeeze and then looks back to the game while she listens to him speak. When he says that last part she looks back to him and laughs lightly. "I would not normally do such a thing, but there you are... providing the torch down a very similarly untraveled tunnel. I might as well watch and see what pit falls lie ahead." She's teasing of course, good humored fun. There are many differences between Themyscira and Wakanda, even with all their similarities.

"I encourage you though, as the leader of your people, to simply always do what is best for them over yourself. That would be my plan, were I to come to such a position. But, hopefully my mother remains in that spot for a long long time to come." She raises her glass again before adding. "I am in no rush to replace her." She then takes that next sip before watching the crowd cheer for a nice play down on the court. She's not entirely sure what happened but she nods in approval of it as others cheer quite loudly!

T'Challa has posed:
The cheer drags T'Challa's attention back to the game. And he considers Diana's words. "I would hope, that when the time comes to take such steps, that someone would be next to me that could make sure that should I stumble -- she would be there to make sure I would recover." comes his response as he waves a hand towards the chefs, and they bring over a large platter of nachos, which they set down in front of the pair to share.

"I would hate to see you leave, if you had to return to Themyscaria to rule." he admits. "Your company is ... wanted." he offers, picking up a chip to consider it, then adds. "Did you know that my great grandfather's second wife was an Amazonian." he offers to her out of the blue.

Diana Prince has posed:
"It would be a likely result of me taking over as the ruler of Themyscira though, yes, having to return to it permanently. I have thought about that and I think in my absence I would appoint a new Amazonian representative here to take my place. Though... my mother knows as well as I do that if that day comes it would be a day where Themyscira would greatly begin its shift toward being more open to the world at-large. So I believe she is doing everything in her power to stay alive and in firm rule of the island." There's a sly grin then given to the King before Diana hears his last statement.

This makes Diana tilt her head in curiosity. "I did not know that, no." She replies. "There have been several elements of Amazon who have separated themselves from our people over the many years, but I have not heard that specific detail... What was her name?"

T'Challa has posed:
"Her name was Nanali. After Azzuri's death, she stepped down as Queen and returned to the Jabari-Lands where they live." T'Challa explains. "Perhaps, sometime, I could take you to where they are. But Wakanada has agreed to leave them to their automnity, though in exchange, they train the women of the Dora Malaje, the royal guard." he explains.

He snacks on a few nachos, offering the plate to Diana with a gentle nudge of his hand. "What type of things do you like to do on your off time, Diana?" he asks her curiously. "This was a reach to suggest, I had hoped that you would like sport in general." he glances over towards her with another warm smile. "But if you would want to do this again, what would you like?"

Diana Prince has posed:
All of that information about a tribe of Amazons living and operating in Wakanda make Diana really have to stop and think about it. She glances to the nachos and indulges in taking a cheesey chip to try it and enjoy it while her eyes go forward. She then glances back to him after chewing and sipping her drink again. "I think it would be best for their leaders to be told that an audience with me would be more wise than me going to them. It is likely that they would say no to my being there and that would be it. But extending a hand for them to come to me? It might... might make them more open to the idea. Though it is hard to say. I was not aware of any surviving former Amazonian enclaves in existence left anywhere today. I will have to report this to my mother, and hear her counsel on the matter."

Diana's eyes go back out to the court and at his lighter subject question she smiles softly again. "It is challenging to find free time, admittedly. But when I have it, I like to spend it reading a book, or watching an old movie. Nothing spectacular, I would say, just something quiet and simple that allows me to settle still and tantalize my mind a bit. I would say those such things are what I like the most for what free time I do manage to find."

T'Challa has posed:
"I will make sure that a message gets to them, then. For when they are ready." T'Challa agrees, taking one of the chips to consider it and snacks, before his eyes drift out to the game again. Halftime has ended, and the second half has begun, with the Knicks at this point pretty much in control of the game.

When she explains the things that she likes, for a moment he's discouraged. Most of what she offers sounds as if it is things that would be best done solo. Then he ventures forth - because he realizes he should at least ask. "Would you be interested in visiting some museums? Or seeing a play? What type would you like?" he asks her curiously.

Diana Prince has posed:
"I worked in the antiquities business for the better part of the last century." Diana then says after another sip of her drink. "If we were to go to a museum here, I likely would be telling you more about each exhibit than the placard before them could." She's kidding of course and the quick smile she sends to him would express that.

She then adds a soft nod. "I am a fan of the arts though, symphonies and plays of all varieties. If people have worked hard to train and practice for a performance then I cannot imagine not enjoying at least /some/ part of it. Even the bad ones." She grins softly then before she tries another one of the chips.

T'Challa has posed:
Laughing, T'Challa considers her for a moment, then points out. "Ah, but how much do you know about Wakandan antiquities, though?" he points out to her playfully. "Did you know we actually have an original shield from Captain America from when he helped that era's Black Panther? I thought about having him autograph it." That's offered playfully as he orders a refill on their drinks.

"Though yes, the arts are important. Do you play any instruments, Diana? Any special talent in the arts?" he asks her, as he grins. "I play the flute, though it is not the same as the flute you would find in the Western World." he explains.