3221/Relief Supplies From Wakanda

Relief Supplies From Wakanda
Date of Scene:	03 September 2020
Location:	Hammer Bay Refugee Camp
Synopsis:	Wakanda sends supplies to help refugees on Genosha. Jean greets T'Challa as the boats arrive and shows him the new camp being built
Cast of Characters:	T'Challa, Jean Grey

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T'Challa has posed:
Wakanda is usually listed as one of the poorer nations in the world. Their place in such rankings is based on estimates since the nation has most always been closed to outsiders and rarely even engages in trade internationally. Their setting up refugee camps after the initial attack on Genosha was a change from their normal foreign policies, though there was little to see but scrub grasslands and savannah for those who were allowed to visit the camps along Wakanda's eastern border nearest to Genosha.

When suddenly a new refugee crisis loomed on Genosha, with 100,000 people needing help instead of 10,000, Wakanda's landlocked status and the aforementioned lack of international trade made sending aid difficult. But finally it had been managed.

A trio of ships sail in a single-file line towards the port facilities, many of them makeshift created after the original harbor facilities were destroyed. Standing on the bridge of the lead sheep, T'Challa looks out at the island. Even with the amount of work that had been done clearing away old rubble and building anew, Magneto's ripping of their new infrastructure away were fresh, ugly scars that were still visible.

The ships pull alongside the quay and are tied off, and gang planks put in place, while cranes are already starting up to begin offloading cargo. Wearing a black and purple robe, with a necklace atop of stylized metallic teeth shapes or maybe narrow spearheads, T'Challa moves down the gangplank, flanked by two women in red uniforms adorned with gold. Both of the Wakand women have shaved heads with tattoos upon them.

Jean Grey has posed:
Normally the newly minted Headmistress of the Xavier Institute would have other things to do. But, one thing Jean Grey always believed in was leading by example. And in this case, she's dressed as Marvel Girl, putting her telekinesis to good use by reconstructing habitats...

Ones without a decidedly metal frame, in this case, woods and plastics dominating the new construction materials, along with brick and mortar. A hassle, to be sure, but it ensures that certain things are not repeated again for the residents of this place.

However, once she senses the thoughts of a lookout, alerting her to the King's arrival, she descends gracefully to the ground. Others immediately take her place, using mundane work to finish what her powers had begun, as she telekinetically reweaves her outfit from her Marvel Girl outfit to something more fitting the Headmistress of the Xavier Institute. Long green skirt, matching shirt, golden sash around her waist.

And so she steps over towards T'Challa and his bodyguard, bowing politely towards him, then straightening to look him in the eye, "It's good to see you again, Your Majesty. Though I wish it were under better circumstances."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa's beard is neatly trimmed close to his face, the man looking no worse for wear from the sea voyage. Short by most standards, but still a half-day's trip from the ports on the African coast where they were loaded. He moves over to meet Jean Grey, offering her a smile as they greet each other. "Miss Grey, it is always a pleasure to see you," he says in his distinctive English that has a mix of British and African accents to it.

He looks towards the signs of construction in the strip along the coast where the capital city had been. "Genosha has suffered much sorrow. Even with the good news of so many more surviving than we had feared? It still seems celebrating that was not meant to last for long," he says with a forlorn sigh and a shake of his head.

He looks towards the ships, the one he came on already tied up, the other two just a step behind in the process. "We have sent what we can for now, and hope to have more for you later," he tells her. "Getting the materials out past the mountains and over to the coast was a feat with the vehicles we were able to hire from our neighbors," he says. The refugee camps in Wakanda itself were having items delivered mostly in wagons pulled by horses, rhinos, zebra and other animals. "There is food, water and medicine. Also clothing, bandages, bedding. And wood. I was told it was much needed as a building supply?" he asks.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean nods, "Building supplies more than anything else. The stunt destroyed a fair amount of the base infrastructure here, which caused no small amount of scrambling to get things running on even a rudimentary level." She smiles, gesturing for T'Challa to follow if he wants.

"But, progress has been made, and this definitely will help. Particularly with how much you've given already, and how hard it is for your country to do so." With that, she gives him a wry expression, knowing the truth behind the facade.

Then she gestures, "Actually, with Magneto's... display, we've gone through great lengths to avoid the use of metal as much as possible. Which is difficult, obviously, wiring and electronics don't exactly lend themselves to such things. But, except for that, we've been avoiding its use. So the supplies we've received have helped tremendously in that regard."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa can't help but glance upwards. The Magneto-added object in the sky no doubt was a source of alarm when it first happened. And with intervening time, has not really stopped being alarming, truth be told.

"I would hope that he would not return. Though I would expect he will at some point," T'Challa says with a frown. "I would hope his actions have eroded what support he might find if he does?" the man asks as also gestures towards where the construction is going on as if he'd like to walk over that way and see more of it.

Up on deck a crane from the ship has taken hold of a first large shipping container and is moving over towards the shore. T'Challa glances back at it but continues on, the two women of the Dora Milaje following a short distance behind he and Jean. Eyes alert, not expecting trouble, but realizing with so many mutants around, the great potential for unconventional acts should something happen.

"How are the people's health? Those who were sent to the camps? They at least seemed in better health than those from the original attack. Spared the rubble and wounds, if held captive," he comments.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean nods, "Yes, admittedly, I was... not expecting this. A lot of support waned for him with that display, though there are still those seeking his approval, to be found 'worthy'." She makes a bit of a face at that, "I had honestly hoped that things might be different for him, seeing the threat that Brainiac posed. But..." She sighs and shakes her head.

"Though the people are doing quite well. Spirits are somewhat high, considering everything that's happened. I think it helps that they are no longer prisoner, and are able to do /something/ to affect their fate. That helps a lot, and we've had no shortage of volunteers around the camp to aid with rebuilding." She still sounds worried, but cautious optimism seems to be her watchword for the day.

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa walks with his hands gently clasped behind his back as they move along the rows of housing going up, and other buildings that can dispense food or provide medical until more permanent structures are finished. His expression is approving as he sees how much has been done, and sees the way the people are working hard to improve their situation.

The African man looks back to Jean then. One of those looks that doesn't just glance at someone, but seems to take the time to really see them. He asks in his smooth yet raspy voice, "And what of yourself? Miss Grey? How are you holding up? I know something of how it can be. Moments like this. Where others are looking to you. When you need to be the one to show them support." It's easy to be overlooked by those you're helping, his expression seems to suggest as he checks on her own condition.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean laughs softly, "Well enough, I suppose. It's definitely been... interesting, the past few months." She glances over towards T'Challa, and gives him a warm smile, "Thank you for asking, it's much appreciated. Though really, it's been long enough that we've known each other, Jean would be fine." She then gets a bit of a sly grin.

"Though, you know it's now Doctor Grey, right? Don't tell me that slipped past you, because I wouldn't believe it." She teases, just a little bit, tilting her head towards T'Challa as she seems to relax a little, opening up just a hint.

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa gives a tiny wave of his hand. "I mean no slight about your accomplishments, I assure you, Jean. But 'Doctor Grey' puts in my head an elderly man with a white lab coat. And a stethoscope he forgets to warm before using it," he tells her, the soft, crooked smile making clear the jokes included there.

"No, you are right, I misspoke. I should have included your title," he agrees. "Though if you are comfortable with using T'Challa, then I will be comfortable with calling you Jean. Agreed?"

He smiles over to her. "I do hope you take some time for yourself. It is easy at a time like this to be so focused on others. To forget to look out for oneself." He pauses a moment. "Someone commented to me the other day that for certain types of people. People like us? Their currency is actually time. There is much truth to that, I think."

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean smiles, "I would be honored, T'Challa, since... well, I don't know if you heard, but I've recently become the Headmistress of the School." She chuckles, "Appropriate, I suppose, given I was the first student. But now it's definitely a lot different than when I first arrived."

She pauses, looking over the camp, then she glances back towards T'Challa, "And that's far too true. Time is a fleeting thing, more precious than gold or anything else. There's just never enough of it to go around, it seems." At the mention of 'Doctor Grey' she laughs again. "If you like, T'Challa, I can make you see that as me, but I suspect that might mean you'd need to get some therapy sessions, and I don't need that sort of work that badly." She smiles quite cheerfully back, mood lightening a bit.

T'Challa has posed:
The way T'Challa cants his head slightly at the news suggests he had not heard about Jean's new position. "I was not aware of it, no. I have thought to myself I should visit the school at some point. I'm afraid my stockpile of said currency has been in short supply lately. One small series of emergencies after another. But I am hoping that will let up soon. I have been around New York more of late as well. And hope to have that continue."

He looks over to her as they walk along the path between the dwellings. "If a visit would be alright, that is? I would not wish to intrude. I realize the school prefers its privacy. And as King of Wakanda it would be irony I could not endure, to not respect other's privacy they sought," he says, adding a quiet chuckle.

The African man glances over at Jean, eyes descending her form briefly, respectfully. "As tempting as the offer is? I think your current appearance has its own appeal. Well worth keeping," he tells her. "I especially enjoy the sash. It is becoming."

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean laughs, "On the contrary, I would love to have you visit, T'Challa. As far as I'm concerned, you are a friend, and I think meeting you would be great for the students." She smiles, "Secrets are safe between us, of course." With that, she nods ever so slightly.

Though, her cheeks blush a bit as he comments on her sash, and she arches a brow, "Well, I'm glad you think so... it reminded me of earlier days, so I thought it fitting." She looks curiously back at T'Challa, appraising him a fair amount in exchange. "It's good to see the throne keeps you fit, at least." To say nothing of being the Black Panther, of course.

T'Challa has posed:
"Ah, if I let myself get out of shape, I think my guards would attack me just to make sure I get the exercise," T'Challa says, which draws one brief snicker from the two women trailing behind them which probably confirms his comment. T'Challa glances over his shoulder at the sound, though his expression good-natured.

His attention returns to Jean. "But I thank you for the compliment," he tells Jean. "Yes, secrets are safe. I do appreciate that from you. Different situations require different amounts of discretion. And someone such as yourself? It would be easy for someone to find such advantage with certain abilities. I appreciate the integrity it shows that you have the discretion that you do, Jean," he tells her. "So do the new duties at the school mean your time abroad will be diminished? And, dealing with the other sorts of matters you do, as well?"

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean laughs softly, "I'm sure I'll still find the time to dress up in spandex as I used to, T'Challa." It didn't take a telepath to see /that/ hidden meaning, after all, and she flashes him a warm smile, "And well, being able to do what I do hammers the responsibility of what I /can/ do home. To see the beauty of the mind... and then violate it?" She wrinkles her nose at the thought.

Then she grins, "Though, if your guards are worried you're getting slow, we could always run you through the Danger Room while you're visiting the school. I'm sure you'd find it quite interesting." A soft laugh, "Hopefully Illyana has cleared out the tractors from the last time."

T'Challa has posed:
A soft chuckle is given by T'Challa. "Good, I am glad to know that you will still be around. Helping to make the world a better place," he tells Jean. "This is something I have been thinking about so much lately. About... the world? The line between living one's life. And what we can do to help others. And how and where, one draws it," he says.

She also need not be a telepath to confirm this is a topic that has been troubling to the man. His expression says enough there. "Metropolis University invited me to give a talk. This was a fair portion of what I focused on. That, and empathy, and how it differs between people. Can grow. Or wither depending on what someone experiences," he comments, gaze drifting away.

After a moment he finally looks back to Jean. "My apologies, I let my thoughts run away. And run right over my words as well," he says with a soft chuckle. "A training session with your friends would be nice to do when I visit," he agrees.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean nods, "Empathy is... something that seems to be lacking these days. But more than anything else, that's what defines us as being human." She smiles, "And you do help the world make a better place, T'Challa. But, uneasy is the head that wears the crown... though the fact that you /ask/ these questions does you credit."

With that, she takes a step towards him, placing a hand on his shoulder, "And it's alright. The burdens I have in my position are relatively small compared to everything on /your/ plate, T'Challa. But if you ever want to come smash holographic enemies with us, you need only ask. We'll make sure to save a spot for you." A warm grin, at that.

T'Challa has posed:
The nod that T'Challa gives at Jean's opinion on how much it defines humanity shows is agreement, and she might even catch the whispering echoes of some of his thoughts as he remembers making that very point in his talk at the university, that it was part of what is best about human beings.

T'Challa stops walking as Jean moves to him, turning towards her to listen. The invitation leaves a soft smile on his face, and the hands that are gently held behind him let go so he can reach up to lightly rest one on Jean's hand as he says, "Thank you. And let me make them same offer to you. For the non-holographic type, too." T'Challa gazes into the redhead's green eyes for a moment. "I have great respect for what the X-men do," he tells her. His expression softens even more. "To face the prejudice and not give into letting animosity grow in your own hearts? That is difficult to do, Jean. Even if the X-men are kept quiet, they are still are inspiration. To those you save. To go out and be better people themselves. I really cannot express my admiration enough," he says.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean actually does blush again at the praise, "Thank you, T'Challa. It can be hard to fight for a world that 'hates and fears you' sometimes. But we have to do it, because if we don't... well, then they probably should hate and fear us if we have all this power and do nothing."

She then flashes a smile towards T'Challa at the invitation, "I just might take you up on that... especially if I have a need to get away from the School for a little bit. Too often it feels like all my time is taken up there, so slipping away isn't the worst thing in the world." A chuckle escapes her as she gestures with her other hand towards the refugee camp, "Even getting on the ground with something like this feels like a respite from grading papers, after a while."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa gives an exaggerated worried look, head tilting back just slightly and eyeing Jean from the side. "Now you /do/ have me worried. If a refugee camp is a welcome respite?" He looks back to her normally, his tone gentle. Warm. "We shall both have to find some of that currency to spend on your well-being," he tells her. "Once I have seen to a few matters in Wakanda on this trip. And can return to New York for a long enough stretch? We will make the school visit happen. And I will insist on getting you away from there a little while. To somewhere slightly more relaxing," he says. He glances towards one of the homes being made. "With at least a little less hammering. Agreed?" he offers.

The first shipping container is being moved forward, rolled on a trailer, pushed by some overly strong mutants. The open it up and start removing building supplies. Boards, bags of concrete. Even plastic fasteners that can serve the place of nails. Apparently T'Challa heard about the preference of limiting metal in the new buildings.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean laughs softly, "Agreed. I have a friend that normally ensures I make regular spa trips, but she's been a bit busy lately, so I fear that things have just been building up." She glances over at T'Challa, "But I would love a chance to go someplace that is a bit more relaxing, definitely."

She grins, absently sliding her hand off of T'Challa's shoulder, watching the containers get offloaded with him, "And just let me know when you'd be able to come up, we'll make the proper arrangements and then you can speak to the students. I'm sure they, and the faculty, would love to see you." She tilts her head over in his direction.

T'Challa has posed:
"It is a deel," T'Challa tells Jean, crossing his arms over his chest and giving her a little bow of his head, while still with that soft smile that tilts up one side of his mouth more than the other. "I already have something in mind," he says in his soft rasp, and his eyes have a pleased look at the idea.

T'Challa turns back to the building going on briefly, before looking back to Jean. "Come, shall we finish seeing the rest of the camp and then perhaps we can go help the others unload the ship together?" he offers, hand moving lightly to her back for a moment to start them forward again if she's amenable.

There are a lot of supplies to unload, and the tropical heat to contend with. Plenty of work to go around for everyone.

Jean Grey has posed:
Jean nods, "Sounds like a plan, then." She laughs softly, "Something in mind... now, T'Challa, you are /tempting/ me to peek... after all I was saying about integrity and empathy too!" She smiles, clearly teasing, and leads the way.

She nods, "And yes, let me show you the rest of the camp, we've set up a temporary school just down the path here... it's not much, but it does the job so far..." She gestures, giving T'Challa the extended tour, enjoying that too-rare rapport with a peer that isn't on a team that starts with an "X."