8387/Monitoring Justice

Monitoring Justice
Date of Scene:	23 October 2021
Location:	Monitor Room
Synopsis:	Diana and T'Challa discuss a number of topics pending, including more about both of their homelands opening up their borders more.
Cast of Characters:	Diana Prince, T'Challa

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Diana Prince has posed:
The monitor room is essentially two sections divided by a glass wall and a small set of stairs. Diana is in the first part of the room, the meeting area with the large table in the center. The table is illuminated by spot lighting from the ceiling above, its a glossy dark cherry wood surrounded by chairs for the various teams and groups within the league to meet here.

Currently, the Princess of Themyscira is just standing beside the table in her Wonder Woman attire, or as its become most widely named in the world since that title was given to her upon becoming a public figure in 2017...

The holographic display at the center of the table is showing two things, one a spherical representation of Earth 'live' from satellites in space, along with the image of a man in a mask... he's speaking to Diana about a situation in Europe.

Diana responds to him, "Yes. Well it sounds like you are dealing with it quite well. If things persist, I hope the problem resolves itself, so to speak. If not, please just contact us here, or me specifically, and I will come to help you."

The masked man thanks Diana and she reaches forward to deactivate the connection to him... tapping a button on the table's edge.

T'Challa has posed:
The Princess of Themyscira receives a visitor, though it is yet to be clear whether it's by happenstance or pre-planned. The King of Wakanda had not specifically requested an audience with Diana, but T'Challa does find himself around the Hall of Justice from time to time, if not routinely.

He wears the mantle of the Black Panther today, except for the facial covering. The mask is simply not there, currently. There is no separate helm, given the nature of the technology that goes into his suit. "Princess, a pleasure to see you today," he offers by way of greeting, raising a hand to accompany it. There is no indication he has caught any of the conversation, and even if he did he isn't probing for information unless she is offering any. "I hope things have not been too hectic for you. We both know how our responsibilities can be."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana straightens up again after disconnecting that communication call. She stands there a moment in silence watching the Earth slowly spin in its holo graphic form. When T'Challa arrives, Diana looks over at him and a smile naturally spreads across her lips.

"You got my message." She says happily, having indeed contacted him to ask for a chance to talk.

Diana motions to the chair beside her as she sits down on the edge of one herself. Her hands go to her lap and press palms together as she looks to him.

"How are your city projects going?" She asks firstly of the King. "Last we spoke in the Avengers home, things seemed to be in good order...."

T'Challa has posed:
"So that is what it was. And here I was thinking it was another, what do they call them? A robocall, trying to tell me about an automobile warranty I do not even have?" T'Challa comments, the lighter nature of his words and expression giving away the tease. "All the dangers in the world, and we have not yet found a way to stop telemarketers and phone scammers."

He pulls up a seat a well after giving the holo-globe a few seconds worth of attention, sitting comfortably in it rather than at the edge like she does. "They move more slowly than I would like. In my country, we do not have nearly as much 'red tape' as there is here. There are certain things that being a King makes easier. But, I continue to be around the people there, making sure they know the projects are continuing. It is important they know why there may be some delays, and I understand why some of them go to certain suspicions when they have been promised things in the past that never came to be. I am not one to go back on a promise I make."

With that shared, he adds, "I have also been speaking with the Tribal Council about the things we are preparing for."

Diana Prince has posed:
The little joke earns a bigger smile from the Princess then from her poised position on the edge of that black leather chair beside the meeting table. "Those poor phone callers..." She says then. "It is something I have heard a bit about.... many of them are addicted to illicit substances that their employers manipulate them with to keep them on the job... It is a... very sad situation for many of them." She shakes her head then before pursing her lips and biting down gently on her bottom as she listens to him.

A nod comes from the Princess then. "I actually have a question for you, related to... well... something that might involve you having to do even more talking to your people." She shows a slight smirk then. "I believe that Earth needs a place for people from other worlds to come to, be invited to, when they enter our solar system. A port of harbor, rather than them arriving and having no direction for where they should ... first touch down upon our world. I think we need to start welcoming people from other far away places... more openly. I was hoping for your thoughts on this, as your society is very ... mm... capable when it comes to building and technology that might help with such an idea."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa says, "Addiction to drugs is certainly a problem. It is something I am working to improve in the places I have been visiting, as well. But money is also an addiction. I know one of our 'neighbors,' Nigeria, is notorious for internet fraud. That is a conversation for another time, however."

He steeples his fingers, the claws in his gloves retracted at the moment. She is getting into what sounds like the reason he was sought out. "From other worlds? I know there are some here that fit that description, but do you think it is a large enough number as to require..a port? A meeting place? How do you anticipate they would know of it?"

There is curiosity to the King's questions, but also an attempt to learn more. "Of course, not all visitors have peaceful intentions, which would mean a need for adequate protections."

Diana Prince has posed:
The first bit gets a subtle soft nod from the Princess... she knowing all the troubles of that variety throughout the world to be sure...

At his response to what she brings up she gives two more quick nods then. "Well. I think the answer to that question is to make such a facility be more than just a port for off-worlders. It should also be a launching pad to leaving Earth, but in that regard... I believe it should be the first united base of hero groups. As of now, all our individual groups are taking care of... specific, and sometimes non-specific, areas of problems around the world. I believe if we would combine our efforts in to one location it would improve some elements of inter-group communication." Diana pauses then, and allows a light grin to show on her visage.

"What I mean, is we need to all work together more. A centralized location would be ideal, and thusly there is ... a benefit to off-worlders meeting us first upon their arrival, I believe. Stories are spreading throughout the galaxy about Earth, about its defenders. We should be upfront and there to greet travellers, to be the first to offer a kind welcome to their arrival. All teams, globally together in one place."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa rubs against a spot along his beard, clearly in thought about this. "You are correct that it should serve multiple purposes, and it would certainly be beneficial to have more widespread involvement compared to less." That observation is given time too simmer and sit, the man shifting his attention toward the image of the globe.

"How far along is this idea? Are you seeing one primary location for it, and where would that be? I have more questions, but I do not want to ask too many at once. I imagine we can both think of a few examples of new arrivals that could have gone quite differently with something like this in place."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana's eyes go to her right to the display of Earth hovering over the table, its reflections shining on the table's surface beside them both. "It is pretty early of an idea." The Princess admits as she looks back then to T'Challa and shows a quick smile. "I am hoping to present this idea to... quite a lot of people. I wanted to speak to you first though." She takes a breath then and glances down for just a second before bouncing her eyes back up to his.

"I want my mother, the Queen, to order the construction of the port. I would like to see Arthur's people helping with that as well... because I would, and have, envisioned this port being located in the Atlantic ocean, neutral waters east of Manhattan.... The Amazons and Atlanteans build the foundation. Then your people help provide the technology to support the idea from the ground ... up. So to speak." She flashes another quick smile then. "The Avengers, the Justice League... even the X-Men... if they are so inclined. I want everyone together, in some capacity. We have places like this..." She motions around them with her left leather wrapped hand, then looks back to him. "Or the Moon Base, or the Avengers various locations. But I believe its time to bring the groups together, and to be here to welcome outsiders to our world.... rather than let them aimlessly find their own way when they do arrive... however 'rare' that might be. This, I believe, is far more ideal..."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa takes a few more moments to look at the area she points out that is of interest of her. Open water, somewhere off the Atlantic coast near New York City. "This would be a considerable undertaking, but if you are able to get multiple groups to invest in it in some way, and I mean with interest, not just money..it might have potential."

The examples show Diana has been thinking about the involvement of other groups, and when there is that basis to it, further details can be worked out if they come on board. "What will you do if, for some reason, there is not the level of interest you are hoping for? Some groups are much more private about their activities than others, and if the world is to see Wakandan technology in use with this, it will have to be once we have shared it with the world first."

He faces her once again. "But the goal is a noble one, and when that is the basis behind an idea, there are far worse places to start from. I will ask you to keep me updated as you speak to others."

Diana Prince has posed:
"Well..." Diana starts her response to him as she drops her eyes again for a second and then shakes her head before looking up once more. "If other, more private, groups are not interested... then that is their choice. They must have their reasons. That being said though... I believe that what we would be offering here would be ... mmh... interesting? I think the curiosity of it might appeal to them enough to at least consider the offer. We would, if possible, offer everyone individual spaces within this Port. Places to put our various vehicles together, or meet as individual teams within the facility. Let alone combine to meet as one. Living quarters, recreation spaces... places for training together. It... yes, it is a lot. But, there is truly nothing we could not accomplish as a people if we unite, and work together. That is the true marvel of our world. We are capable of endless possibilities, as a team."

Diana shows him another warm smile then. "But yes, I will assuredly keep you informed on this. I will..." She draws another breath and glances to the globe hovering over the table. "Start reaching out soon, and see how it all fans out. So to speak..."

T'Challa has posed:
Nodding once, the Wakandan monarch considers the globe one more time, gesturing toward it before carrying it on to both of them. "I believe the world is fascinated by someone like you, considering the myths and history of different cultures. You and your people..we are using the word 'curiosity' here, and I believe it applies to the Themyscirans. It would likely be the same for my country, but I am also mindful of the other side of the potential reactions. Who may see us as a sudden threat, or a competitor, or how it may make me and my people a greater target. There would be some, perhaps foolishly, who might seek a way to compromise us if a port like this is built. It may be a considerable mistake for them, but there are threats out there we are not yet aware of. It is why I believe as you do, that something of this nature is important to have representation from different fronts. I expect some clashes of points of view. There would be a middle ground to seek and find."

After a nod to her about the informational side of things, T'Challa asks, "And how are your people coming along with the idea of becoming a larger part of this planet, publicly? I hear contrasting opinions daily from my own."

Diana Prince has posed:
A nod follows this from the Princess. "Oh. I am entirely sure of that. The negative emotions and feelings people have if they feel excluded can lead to a lot of problems. This is why I would hope to extend some spaces to even non-super-powered groups. Such as science and space exploration groups. NASA, SpaceX, and more. Not just American based either. I know this sounds like a lot... because, well, it is a lot. But if we built a base on the moon of similar stature, I think we can accomplish this too. Plus, the moon serves a bit of a different purpose. One more geared toward an... Overwatch position. Less of a place of welcoming and unity."

At the question of her people's ladder toward a more open Themyscira, Diana cracks a quick smile. "It is progressing. We have had a number of outsiders come to the island already. Mostly women, but we are growing that too... I have invites out to many of our associates and friends. But, as you know, they are very very busy. Vacations to tropical islands are hard to come by for most of them, even tropical islands that are not hidden within the protective veil of old world Gods." She finishes that with a grin toward him again.

"And I would be happy to help with your people, if ever I could. Even if just talking with some of them about my experiences... if it would help, then just let me know when and where, and I will be there." She gives him another quick smile then.

T'Challa has posed:
"We will see what comes of your outreach. The idea of a base of some type on the moon is a good one. If you will pardon me," T'Challa explains as he rises, hands meeting in back of him as he takes to walking. "I feel better when I am doing something other than sitting around growing old." It is a light joke, but he does appear more comfortable when in motion, some times more than others. She can watch him or not, as she likes.

He remarks, "We both come from considerably isolated homelands. Change of this nature is bound to be jarring to anyone, because it adds an element of the unexplained to people who have only known one way their entire lives. The tribal council knows that even if we do not fully open our borders, by revealing to the world the truth of Wakanda, nothing will ever be as it had been again. We have just one opportunity to present the image we want to, and there are no guarantees as to how it will be received."

"So," he adds, turning back toward her. The dark color of the suit, even here, seems to almost tug at any shadows nearby, though that is surely a trick of the eye. The tribal lines in it create a contrast to the black, along with the Panther habit at the neck and other claw-based markings at the arms and legs. "With this being something you are already dealing with, it could not hurt to provide your perspective. It would also be a good reason for you to visit. And, I would enjoy seeing Themyscira, as you are aware."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana does watch him as he rises up and starts to speak. She tracks him with her eyes as he moves, even smiling a little at the idea that he likes to keep moving to keep his thoughts flowing.

"I would remind them that yes, first impressions are everything, but what is most important... even beyond that ... is taking chances. If we do not take chances then life passes us by. Yes this means we will avoid dangerous situations, possibly even terribly sad situations. But..." She dips her pointed chin in a little downward nod. "It also means we miss chances for great happiness, or moments of creating beautiful new things. From art, to life, to new friends and new chances for wonderful connections. What we love and protect can be its own dangerous thing. Our homes can become our places of reclusive hiding... comfort can be as addictive as a terrible drug." She shows a small grin then. "I guess I am a fan of discomfort, you might say."

"Maybe I'm not the best person to talk to your people." She says with a smirk then. "I am still working on figuring out how to convince my own, afte rall."

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa agrees with something. "Life without risk is..unfulfilling. It may be safer, but it is no challenge. I have never been comfortable with the same thing, and I do not believe my father was either. I am certain he would have reached the same place I am with our position in the world, sooner or later."

Looking toward Diana over a shoulder, he says, "I would rather push boundaries and take chances over never changing. We have a tradition in Wakanda, that should any wish to challenge the King for the right to the mantle of the Black Panther they may, but when I reminded the tribal leaders of this during our discussion, in spite of any reservations they had, none sought to challenge. I believe I have earned their trust. Yet, they and others might need an outside voice to hear from."

Diana Prince has posed:
A little nod comes back from the Princess then as she is poised on the edge of that chair beside the table. She reaches a hand up to push some of her dark hair out of her face after it slipped over her shoulder. "I would say your people have chosen to place their trust very wisely in to you, as well." She says with a light smile to accompany those words.

"I believe our people are similar, in that we have used our time in isolation to hone our specific skills and what we can offer to the world. When I chose to finally become a public figure, to show the world what I was capable of offering ... I knew that the dangers we were facing were only growing more and more powerful with every passing year. It was time... to set myself out there... to let the world by the judge of my abilities to offer protection from these dangers. I feel the same about my people as a whole..." Diana says as she looks off to the hologram again. But her eyes soon dart back to where he is.

" I feel the same about your people too. We were put on this world for a reason... I think that reason is calling to us now."

T'Challa has posed:
"It is reassuring to know that. I am not the sort to rule as a dictator or an authoritarian. We have all seen the trouble that brings," T'Challa explains, continuing his journey around the table. "We have a few primary tribes. Mine is the Panther Tribe, and we have traditionally been the ones to carry the Black Panther mantle, but we also have the Border Tribe, the River Tribe, the Merchant Tribe, and the Mining Tribe. All oversee important functions that come together to look after Wakanda's interests and safety. The Jabari Tribe exists, but they are even more isolated by choice and do not involve themselves in our affairs. If there is not an accord with any one of the tribes, it risks the safety of all. Should the Jabari decide they want a place at the table, I would welcome them. Of all the tribes, they are the ones I am concerned with the most with how this may affect them. It is something that may need to be addressed."

After giving her the general overview of the way the tribal structure, he asks, "How does this compare with Themyscira? Are you all one collective, or are there different groups in the same vein as ours? Perhaps I should wait for a tour, but seeing as I have already shared something with you..." He trails off, offering her a mildly apologetic and amused look.

Diana Prince has posed:
To what T'Challa says of his own people, Diana watches him while he explains it. At the question of how it relates to Themyscira, The Princess smiles lightly and glances away in thought. "In part. Though our people all live within Themyscira City at the heart of the island. We are not... so spread out in to tribes, per-se. We do divide our government up in to Senators overseeing individual sections of the island's needs, though, which can lead to a bit of a tribal dedication to one sections needs being more pending than another's. This leaves some squabbling in the Senate debates with the Queen.... but I imagine it is not quite as intense as what you must go through with your people. One thing about the Amazons is that we are all interconnected by our warrior training. All of us are united in the same martial educations... so even if we are aligned with one of the sections of Science, or Crafting, we still ultimately push for what is best for the Amazon way over all. It might be something you are drawn to witnessing when we do go there sometime soon."

The last bit is followed with another light smile from the Princess. "I think you will be a very impactful guest, no less. A King is far from the usual presence on our island, after all."

T'Challa has posed:
"That sounds very..Greek, is it? Or Roman? I imagine there is some crossover with any influences, though it sounds as if there are similarities and differences with our respective arrangements," T'Challa muses, hands coming to rest against the tabletop. "I would not say our council meetings are intense, on average. Rather, each tribe knows what it is responsible for, how their roles contribute to the whole of Wakanda, and the importance of cooperation. Certainly, there are differences of opinion, but I believe they all understand what we are there for."

A hand then lifts to indicate Diana, Wonder Woman. "Yes, what is best for all is what is most important. I will be interested to see the things you have planned to share with me. I can guess you have not hosted a King before. Your visit, Captain America's, Superman's, even Batman's..any of you in Wakanda would be noteworthy."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana moves to stand up then and she walks around the chair to gather up her dark blue cloak with a visible golden lining inside it. She sweeps it around her shoulders and cinches it about her neck before she sweeps her hair out from within its collar. She smiles over at him then. "Well, we have a lot to do, I think." She says to him as she walks around the table now herself, keeping her stare on him as she goes.

"Be prepared though, and consider this a warning." She smiles at him then. "When you do go to Themyscira, you will have a lot of women who are not used to seeing a man around, let alone a King. Some of them might be very eager to try and impress you." She playfully sews that seed in to his mind while she walks toward the doorway, for fun of course!

"Thank you for answering my invitation too, I always enjoy getting to talk to you, T'Challa..." She also adds on her way.

T'Challa has posed:
T'Challa watches her preparing to take her leave, and he glances toward the monitor area itself. It happens to be that he was going to spend a bit of time in there anyhow. "As always," he remarks. Their work is never done, only at different levels of activity.

"That is not much of a warning. I hear enough from some of my own people about when I am going to take a Queen. All things come in due time." Not that he isn't aware of the potential of carrying on the bloodline, but there /is/ Shuri as well. "It takes much to impress me, I will add. I enjoy our conversations as well, Princess." With her on the way out, he turns toward the other half with the banks of monitors and other displays, settling in for a spell.