5976/Of Ancient Gods and Androids

Of Ancient Gods and Androids
Date of Scene:	18 April 2021
Location:	Avengers Mansion - First Floor
Synopsis:	Diana comes over to the Avenger's mansion for a visit, and meets Jennifer there. They have tea and talk about everything from ancient Japanese gods, to Themyscira to AI rights.
Cast of Characters:	Jennifer Walters, Diana Prince

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Jennifer Walters has posed:
It's the weekend, and Jennifer has decided to take some time off of work. She came to the realization that she's something of a workaholic and that she needs to take a break every once in a while in order to keep going without burning out. Still, while she's here she isn't completely relaxing. She's trying to find out as much information as she can about Makai-no-Yomorinushi, a Japanese god that has taken an interest to her friend, Katsumi.

So here she is, sitting in front of one of the many computers that are in the mansion, notebook in hand as she scribbles down interesting tidbits of information that she might find.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana had had an eventful year so far, to say the least. A battle with a doppleganger of Cassie Sandsmark in early February had left Diana in a magically induced coma that was battling her own natural healing power.

Thankfully, it had all worked out in the end and Diana was back to herself. A week long vacation was taken to the island of Themyscira as a way to relax and reward the women who had helped Diana in her comatose state.

Here and now, Diana's silver sports car had pulled in to the Avengers mansion lot and the Princess had stepped out of the driver's seat. She made her way inside and is searching around for amy familiar faces.

She comes around the corner and spots Jenn at a computer station. A quick smile shows on her red hued lips. "Hello." Diana says in her smoky voice. She's wearing a black leather jacket over a white v-neck shirt and black slacks with simple black shoes. Her hair is tied back in to a pony tail behind her shoulders.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
Jennifer, meanwhile, is dressed simply. A pair of white shorts with trainers, and a purple crop top. The weather had gotten nice enough that she could wear such revealing wear without people noticing too much. Of course, being nearly seven feet tall and jade green is going to make people notice her anyway, but at least she'll be dressed appropriately.

Jennifer turns around at the unfamiliar voice, to find a familiar face, one that she only knows by reputation. She quickly stands to greet the Amazon. "Hello! Princess Diana!" Or just Diana? She's not sure what the proper protocol is when dealing with royalty when they're pretty much coworkers. "It's good to see you! What brings you by?"

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana has a pair of designer sunglasses resting on top of her hairline that she reaches up to adjust a bit so they rest a bit better without slipping down her bforehead. As Jenn turns and stands up, Diana takes another step in to the room so that they can close the distance to one another a bit.

The Princess offers her right hand to shake should the tall green woman wish to. The Princess shows a light smile. "Jennifer, yes?" She asks in her accented English. It's rare that Diana speaks to a woman who is taller than she, but Jenn is a full foot taller!

"Diana is fine." She says with a smile for the other. "Titles have never been that ... enjoyable to me. At least not in informal situations." A quick look around the room is sent about before the Princess smiles again to the taller one.

"I did not mean to interrupt you work. I merely was stopping in to check on the ... well, everything here."

Jennifer Walters has posed:
Jennifer nods, at the correction. "Diana it is, then," she says agreeably. "Yup. Jennifer. Or Jen. I'm good with either." She waves a hand, dismissing Diana's apology. "Don't worry about it. I'm just doing a bit of homework. I've got a friend who recently came into her powers, and it turns out she's the avatar for an ancient Japanese god, so I'm just doing a bit of research on it."

As for the Avengers, "It's been a little quiet around here, recently, which is a blessing. You know how it is, when you've got a bunch of us together. There's usually always something going on."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana's expression is one of pleasant understanding at the mention of a friend in need. Though her visage does shift a bit toward one of a more serious nature when she takes in the full scope of that situation. "My..." Diana says softly to it. "If you need help, I would be happy to look in to it where I am able as well. I might be able to find people who are knowledged in that also. I have been... in that sphere for some time, history that is." She shows another faitn smile that comes and goes quickly.

The talk of the Avengers has the Princess glancing around their shared room again before she looks back and shows a more knowing expression of amusement, along with two quick and small nods. "Everyone has their lives to live, and if there is no... pending threat, it can be easy to ... well, ease back in to said life. Thus we have a quiet mansion."

"Very similar to the Justice League, in that regard. She adds as she walks toward one of the tables to glance down at an item upon it.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
"I'll have to take you up on that," Jen says. "We just learned about this from a talking cat, of all things, and I want to make sure that this god doesn't have any more surprises in store for us." She turns and sits back into the office chair she was using in front of the computer and gestures for Diana to join her in one of the many other chairs that are around the control room.

She nods to Diana. "Yeah. I've always felt the League and the Avengers to be sister organizations. They've got the same kind of feel going on. I should go and visit it one of these days."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana, of course, quirks a dark slender eyebrow at the mention of a talking cat providing the insight to the situation that Jenn is researching. She then shows a hint of a grin again before she moves to one of the open chairs.

The Princess settles in and down upon its edge with her hands going to the tops of her knees. She remains well postured on the edge of the chair as she looks back to the taller woman. "You certainly should. The Hall of Justice is a public venue these days, a good place to go for immersing yourself in the League's notoriety and history. Plus, being an avenger you would be welcomed with praise." She shows a little grin then before finally leaning back some in the chair.

"So what is it that you need to do to help your friend, exactly?" Diana then asks. "Provide her with information on it... all? Or is there more going on that needs more prompt assistance with her and her, well, revelation?"

Jennifer Walters has posed:
Once Diana relaxes into her chair, Jennifer leans back as well. "Well," she says, pulling out her notebook. "She's the avatar of Makai-no-Yomorinushi, which is the 'god of yokai', which, according to wikipedia, are a kind of Japanese spirit. I don't think it's as simple as that there. There's some nuance there that I think I'm missing and I think it's something that we'd need to talk to a Japanese spiritualist about."

She looks up from her notebook, idly running a thumb across the spiral and considers Diana for a moment. "Forgive me, I'm being rude. Would you like anything to drink?"

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana crosses her legs at the knees and then rests her hands atop her thighs as she listens and gently nods to what Jenn is telling her of the Japanese Avatar. "They are mischievous spirits are they not?" She asks. "I have read folklore references about them with regard to items that have come through my possession over the years." She smiles lightly then. "Being immersed in the antiquities sphere for a century has left me with a varied and wide knowledge of a lot of folklore, in fact, though probably not an expert on any of it." She grins softly for a second or two.

The Princess then raises her dark brows up at the offer of a drink and she glances away then back. "Tea would be lovely, any kind really."

"But yes, I'm afraid I am only familiar with Archaeologists, some of whom are focused on Asian history. But ... I do not know any Asian spiritualists, alas."

Jennifer Walters has posed:
Jennifer nods, and makes her way to the kitchen. "Archaeologists might be a good starting point, actually. Or if you know any anthropologists that would be a good starting point, too. They may be able to point us in the right direction."

There's the *tictictic* sound of the stove's pilot light as Jen starts the gas stove, and settles a kettle on top of the stove. She comes back and leans against the doorjamb and crosses her arms as they wait for the water to heat. "So what have you been up to lately? I heard about the coma, and I'm glad that you're back to that."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana's eyes follow after Jenn as she rises and goes toward the kitchen, the Princess remaining where she is since the distance isn't uncomfortable for conversation purposes. She nods once before speaking on the matter of an archaeologist. "Helena Sandsmark would be a wise choice to reach out to. I can give you her contact iinfo if you would like. She is a dear friend, and I could give her a bit of a heads up about it to prepare for you." She offers with a light smile chasing the offer.

The subject of the coma and all that went with it gets a bit of a grimace from the Princess who exhales softly, after taking in a breath through her nose. "Yes." She says. "That was... quite an ordeal. Thankfully I have a lot of capable, and skilled companions who helped me through it all. I may not have come back, without the support of my friends and family." She smiles quickly again.

"In fact one of the reasons I came by was to try and track down Captain Rogers. He apparently stopped by to see me while I was in the medical ward. He left a very thoughtful gift and I was hoping to thank him for it." She again smiles lightly. "If you see him, please tell him for me."

Jennifer Walters has posed:
"Helena Sandsmark," Jennifer says, voice low as she makes a note of it in her notebook. "Getting her contact information would be a great help," she says, louder. "The information that I've been getting has been thin, at best."

"I've never been in a coma myself," she says, "but I /have/ been in a few tough places. Having friends certainly makes the difference."

She nods at the mention of Captain America. "I'll make sure to let him know. He'll be happy that you swung by."

Diana Prince has posed:
As it so happens there is a notepad on the table that Diana is seated beside. She reaches to it and picks it up from the little ceramic container it was resting in and then grabs the pen that was beside it. A glance is given to the pen to see Tony Stark's face upon it which makes her smirk softly. "Helena is a great person and she is very smart. I would like to believe she could be a great resource for you."

A wiggle of Diana's hand has her writing down all of the pertinent information and after she has it pushes the notepad forward an inche or so before letting the pen rest on it.

Her eyes go back to Jenn and she nod sat the reponse about Cap. "Also, we are opening the Themysciran Arts Center soon, and you are certainly invited to the gala event. It is just across the park from the Embassy and will be a great place for... well, learning all about my people. If you find that interesting. " The Princess grins again then.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
At the mention of the gala, Jennifer's face light up, "I'd /love/ to come! I've always wanted to learn more about the Amazons." A slight blush touches her cheeks as she admits, "I've always wanted to visit Themyscira, too. To be around people who are more like me than non-hulk humans would be nice. I'll definitely be there!"


The keening whistle of the teapot cuts across the mansion announcing that the water is boiling hot. Jennifer turns back into the kitchen and pulls out a Starktech branded tea set and lays out the tea, mugs, cream and sugar on a tray, and brings the whole thing into the control room and sets it down on the table. She slides into a chair next to Diana and offers to pour her a cup. "Cream or sugar?"

Diana Prince has posed:
The Princess sits up a little in her chair when the tea is brought over, another little smile showing as she puts her hands together palms flat and fingers interlacing between each other. "Cream would be lovely." She says with a pleased tone to her voice and expression upon her face. Her eyes dart up then to Jennifer again as the other talks of her desire to see Themyscira.

Diana seems happy by this admission.

"You will be excited to know then that it has never been more likely that you may very well get a chance to go and see it then." She tells the Avenger. "You have, for instance, proven yourself to be of quality morality. You are an Avenger, after all. But, with the success of the trip we just took, there has now been young women from the mortal world who have gotten to have that experience. They came with us to the island we... happily treated them to all its splendor. It was a very good week Because of this it'll be that much easier for the Queen to welcome more visitors."

Once more Diana shows a light grin up toward Jenn. "The Queen should be at the Gala event as well. So if you approach her and 'shmooze' her right, it will only increase the chances too." She says playfully, joking, sort of!

Jennifer Walters has posed:
The Queen of Themyscira? Jennifer is almost faint at the prospect. "I would... that's great! I'll definitely 'schmooze' with her." Oh God. What to wear? She realizes that her eagerness is showing and her cheeks darken in a blush again, "Sorry. I'm fangirling."

She pours cream into Diana's mug, keeping an eye for her signal for when. She, then pours some cream and adds a sugar cube into hers as well, taking the little teaspoon and stirring it until everything is dissolved and mixed.

"And speaking of schmoozing, I'm pretty sure that my expertise as a lawyer is implicitly available to you and the League, but I want to make it explicit." She points the spoon at Diana, "If any of you need legal help, call me. You never know when you'll need a good lawyer by your side."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana accepts the tea with both of her hands, cupping it around the bace of its saucer and slipping a couple fingers through the ring on its side. She gives a little blow to the contents of the cup, rippling the tea with her breath before she raises it up to sip it, not that she's easily burned-- oh no --just that it's a bit of a habbit and part of the process, right?

A quick sip, then another little grin at the 'what to wear' comment before Diana is nodding softly to the talk of lawyering. "That is very nice of you. I am sure we will need the consult of a lawyer, likely sooner than any of us would care to admit too." She idly jokes, as such is the way of super heroes and all the collateral that comes with that job.

Another sip of the tea is taken then before she makes an approving sound at the taste and soothing nature of the drink. Her eyes go back to Jenn then though. "Have you been working on any big cases?" She asks, having always been intrigued by the process of courts and lawyers, judges and jurys.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
"It really all depends on how you define big." Jen says, taking a sip of her tea and nodding in satisfaction. "Nothing 'big' when compared to us, but for the people that I serve, this may be the most important day for them. Every victory is important, no matter how small it may seem."

She pauses to enjoy her tea as well. She's not really a tea drinker, but she finds that it's more the company one has than the drink itself that's enjoyable. "Though I /am/ working on something in my off time. Something that's been bothering me for a while is how androids, or synthezoids are considered 'property' instead of people. People like the Visions, or Red Tornado should have the right to their own autonomy. Especially since we seem to be entering an age where more non-organic life seems to be springing up day by day."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana shows a quick smile to the first part and a single nod of her head, dipping her slim pointed chin in agreement ath Jenn's thought on every victory. She doesn't comment on the matter though as what the lawyer moves on to makes the Princess cock her head to the side briefly in thought.

"I guess I had not considered that." She replies. "I know of the Visions, but I was never told that Vivian was considered 'owned' by another." She replies. "Vivian was one of the young women who came to the island with us, in fact." Diana draws in a breath and softly shakes her head. "That is disheartening. I would very much be interested in helping you with that in any way you think I could. I imagine since its a... small number of people in that position though, it will be challenging to raise awareness and sympathy for the cause though."

"I do know many people in the political arena though, and would be happy to bring any of these kinds of things to their attention, if you'd like." She adds before taking another small sip of her drink.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
"Then you know what I mean when I talk about Vivian being her own person. I think technically Hank owns her?" She says, questioning her own statement. She's not sure herself, "But Dr. Pym would never take advantage of that. For the other AIs out there, I'm not so sure."

"Mmm," Jennifer says softly, thinking. "Yeah, if you could. I'm not ready to move forward with proposing the legislation, though. Still have got to get the wording down right and give it another couple of passes to catch out any loopholes." She sips her tea, continuing to consider Diana's offer. "Though if you know any other lawyers that are sympathetic send them my way. The more eyes I have on this the less mistakes I'll make."

"Part of the problem that I'm having is defining personhood," she explains. "What kind of language do I need to give, say, an AI stuck in a data center somewhere it's own autonomy without giving an electric toaster the right to vote."

Diana Prince has posed:
"I will start bringing the subject up with other lawyer friends that I have." Diana replies softly when that part is mentioned. She leans back in her chair again and holds her tea cup in her hands in front of her chest."It seems to me that some kind of test would need to be created that would certify new AIs as just so. They would need to decide that this is something thaty want,a nd then proceed down the path to achieving their citizenship. Because they are... unique, in how they come in to this world, they likely would need a unique path to citizen status created for them."

Diana draws in a breath then and softly shakes her head right to left. "When I first heard of artificial intelligence systems on the horizon, I did not think that horizon was as close as it has turned out to be. I know that many still have worry over what AIs are capable of, and what they might try to do to the world at large... pop culture aside." She shows a small smirk at that last part.

"Vivian is a wonderful person though, and if she wants her independent status, I think the world would agree with it... at least he better part of the world. They would just need to get to know her, thus a test that could help her ease the minds of those who worry about AI related issues."

Her tea cup comes up again for another sip. "What are Doctor Pym's thoughts on the matter?"

Jennifer Walters has posed:
Jennifer's head bobs up and down, nodding when Diana agrees to tell her lawyer friends. "Yeah. There's the Turing Test that's out there, but a clever programmer can create a computer program to beat that, so another, deeper kind of test would be needed, if we go that route." Another sip of her tea and she adds, "A true test of autonomy is going to be needed. One that not only AI and Androids can pass, but one that can be equally applied to aliens and humans, too. Whatever it is that we do, has to be able to be applied equally or else we run into discrimination."

When Diana mentions that AI could potentially be dangerous she concedes, "Well, yes. But that's true of any species. You'll always have bad actors in it, and you have to deal with them appropriately as individuals instead of blanket punishing them or restricting them. That's how we got the Mutant Registration Acts and all their ilk."

"Vivian is a /lovely/ individual, I agree. So is her father, who I've been fortunate enough to work closely with on a number of occasions. As for Hank, well. To him they're all people, friends, and in the case of Vivian and Vision, family."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana drops one hand down to her lap as her other retains hold of her tea cup, she nods her head softly along with what Jennifer is saying. "They certainly can." She replies about the bad actors part.

"I've unfortunately not gotten to meet Vivian's father. I very much would like to." She states quietly before taking another sip of the tea and then nodding once toward the lawyer across from her. "You will need Doctor Pym as one of your major proponents of this entire proposal. His 'ownership' of the Vision and his daughter will become a big part of all of this. If you can get /him/ to speak on it, to speak of their right to being independent citizens then you will make bigger waves than you would without his public support."

Another little smile is given then. "I imagine he's still as busy as I have always heard him to be."

Jennifer Walters has posed:
"Next time I see him I'll mention that you want to meet him. I'm sure that he'd be happy to come visit the Justice League along with me." Jennifer grins, running her finger along the edge of the teacup.

"I plan on getting Hank involved," she says. "I just haven't broached the subject with him yet. I was waiting until I was a bit more prepared with it, but it seems unfair that I've told you about it and not him, now. I'm sure he'll be happy to help."

She nods, "Yeah. Hank is like a shark. He's got to keep swimming or he'll end up drowning." She frowns a bit, "Though I seem to remember that's mostly a myth. About sharks. Not about Hank though."

Diana Prince has posed:
All of this is taken in by the Princess who just has a smile spread over her red hued lips as she glances away and then a second later bounces her eyes back to Jennifer. "I have not heard of that myth before." She says. "I have heard of punching them in the nose to make them go away... and I do not think that that is true. Well, maybe for your or I it would work, but... I would not recommend it for others." She grins big over her tea cup toward the green lawyer.

She draws a breath in then and lets her shoulders rise and fall a bit inside of the leather jacket she is wearing over them. "Well, everyone is busy, so it seems." She says. "At least you were her eand I was able to find you. Otherwise I would have wandered this place and wondered if everyone was hiding from me." She states with a smirk. "I know it has been some time since I came to a meeting, but still, I want to make sure my presence is offerd tot he team."

She's mostly being silly about how she says all of that, to be good humored, but still means what she's saying.

With an inhale though, Diana sips the last bit of her tea. "I suppose I should let you get back to your research though..."

Jennifer Walters has posed:
"Aw, from what I've seen, most sharks are pretty relaxed around people," Jennifer says, matching Diana's grin with one of her own. "Then again, I /was/ around Namor most of the time when I've had shark encounters. "It's just that occasionally a great white will mistake a surfer for a seal or something. They've really got a bad reputation."

"Only bad guys would hide from you, Diana." Jennifer offers, genuinely enjoying the Amazon's company. "But, yeah. It seems that today everybody's been busy working on their own thing, or just relaxing and enjoying the sun." She looks around at the windowless control room that they've been sharing tea in. "Which is something I should probably do before the sun sets on us today."

She gets up when Diana finishes her tea. "Thank you for stopping by," she says. "You've been on my 'to meet' list for ages and I'm glad we've finally found time to talk. Come, I'll see you to the door, and I'll tell Steve to not be a stranger..."