latverianregent (latverianregent) wrote in marvel_legends,
@ 2011-04-27 01:56:00

Entry tags:

International Incidents.
It had been an invitation Kristoff could not refuse, however much he disliked parties. A minor international conference on developing technologies. Several foundations and lobbying organizations interested in Latveria's newfound 'philanthropy and progressiveness' had hoped to see him there. And wasn't that the way it should be? Kristoff knew what had started this, but maybe Latveria could continue to grow and prosper and influence by continuing it. Wasn't that the way to rule the world: by showing you were the best, until the world would settle for no other? Couldn't it be like that, maybe? Perhaps the plans Kristoff was happy not to know of would not even be necessary, in the long run. A boy could dream.
He also hoped to at least get a word with people such as Queen Judith at some point to try to bridge the distance between their kingdoms.

Another high profile guest, he was much less interested in meeting. It was...a little embarrassing, to think of what the Master had done -- with the best of intentions, of course. Always with the best of intentions, but... Kristoff tried to force back those thoughts. Best not to think about that, or think about the Master at all, right now. Latveria was his responsibility for now, and he was going to do what he thought best for it.

(Post a new comment)

blackpanther
2011-04-27 05:36 am UTC (link)

That high profile guest would be noneother than T'Challa, the Chieftain of the Black Panther Clan of Wakanda. The former king, who has journeyed to this event in Brussels to assure outsiders that the news of Wakanda's demise has been greatly exaggerated.

However, the presence of the new Lord of Latveria has engendered some whispers of expectation, as if the two regal men will have some sort of confrontation in the aftermath of the former ruler's egregious crimes against Wakanda and the rest of the world.

The young Kristoff is known to T'Challa, but not well. Influence from both Victor Von Doom and Reed Richards has made the boy king something of an enigma, and the Wakandan ambassador will have to decide whether avoidance or surveillance is the better option.

In the meantime, he will have a difficult time with the doubters of his nation's continued strength. It is a bitter taste to find that trust abroad in T'Challa has eroded as much as the trust at home has... despite the fact that his actions did indeed save the world from Doom's rule.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

latverianregent
2011-04-27 05:51 am UTC (link)

He'd managed to talk to Queen Judith, but there was not much progress. Finally she mentioned outright what others had only muttered behind his back. "Just to warn you, Dr. Vernard, Ki -- I mean Ambassador T'Challa looks like he might be heading this way. In case you'd rather not be here when he gets here." She says it in a motherly way, as if cautioning a child.

"Thank you, Majesty," he says distinctly. "But I am not a coward."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

blackpanther
2011-04-27 04:53 pm UTC (link)

T'Challa quickly decides that avoidance is rarely the correct response. It will be best to evaluate whatever threat Latveria still poses, as Kristoff's rule could easily be some sort of front for vengeful machinations from the elder Doom.

Still, he is a well-educated man of manners. He will meet Kristoff's eyes, but wait until he has finished his conversation with the Queen of Slorenia.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	latverianregent 2011-04-27 04:59 pm UTC (link)
	And when the Queen makes her exit -- with a nod to T'Challa as one would make to the bereaved at a funeral -- Kristoff gives him his full attention. "Sir," he says simply. He can make no apologies. He can make little in the way of warning. He can only do his best to face the matter like a man. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

blackpanther
2011-04-27 05:45 pm UTC (link)

The look he gets in return is one of iron.

There is a temptation to try and demand reparations, but he is aware that much of Doom's financial network was dismantled, and Latveria is likely having economic woes as well.

However, he will not return the honorific. That will have to be earned by the young man. A nod is all he gets in response before the central question is addressed.

"Has Victor sent an ambassador in his stead, or has he truly abdicated?"

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	latverianregent 2011-04-27 05:56 pm UTC (link)
	"Abdication is admittedly a strong word, but Dr. Doom has formally left Latveria to pursue his private research. As Regent, I have official sovereignty of the country now." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	blackpanther 2011-04-27 06:04 pm UTC (link)
	"To be rescinded at Doom's whim, should he feel so inclined." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

latverianregent
2011-04-27 06:13 pm UTC (link)

It would be politically convenient if he could lie about this, but Kristoff was not brought up that way.

"Yes, Sir. I have no right to the throne except by appointment. But this appointment appears to be for some time, and there is much to do. And it is to be hoped that if he does come to reclaim the country, it will be more healthily than the last time he left me in charge." A brief pause. "I can, at least, state that he left me my own consciousness in control of me this time," he adds, his face nothing but politely informative.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	blackpanther 2011-04-27 06:36 pm UTC (link)
	"Or so he's led you to believe." He is not one to readily ascribe truth to the word of Doom. "And what policy does your consciousness hold towards Wakanda?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

latverianregent
2011-04-27 07:00 pm UTC (link)

"What has been done cannot be undone, but Latveria is not looking for a fight -- though if left with no choice, we will defend ourselves. We simply want to redevelop our infrastructure in peace. For my part, trade is a possibility, but it is, of course, understandable if that is not an option."

More than understandable, but he has to say it. Inappropriate not to; it isn't as if the Master can take care of their people through his vast financial resources anymore.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	blackpanther 2011-04-28 06:47 pm UTC (link)
	"Trade is not an option." That much is clear. "How have the Latverian people responded to this change?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	latverianregent 2011-04-28 06:59 pm UTC (link)
	An unsurprised nod. "Reasonably well. I have tried to make it clear from the beginning that I have no intentions along the lines of Zorba or Dr. Von Bardas. I have outlined my plans clearly and publicly, and the people seem to understand them well enough." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	blackpanther 2011-04-29 04:01 pm UTC (link)
	T'Challa watches Kristoff's eyes closely, trying to judge the veracity of his intentions, the truth behind the words. "And should your infrastructure be completed, Latveria shall have no more designs for expansion of power beyond its borders under your reign?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	latverianregent 2011-04-29 04:18 pm UTC (link)
	"Exactly so, Sir." And then, with sad sincerity, because he loves his father/sovereign, but he wasn't brought up to lie. "I can speak only for my own reign." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	blackpanther 2011-04-29 08:10 pm UTC (link)
	T'Challa's jaw tightens. "And how is it that Doom allows you to rule as you would, and not as he would? Has he not imprinted himself on you?" (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	latverianregent 2011-04-29 08:35 pm UTC (link)
	"That was ten years ago, Sir. I fared fairly poorly as a cut-rate Victor Von Doom. I believe he understands that Latveria must change or die." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	blackpanther 2011-04-29 11:14 pm UTC (link)
	There's a long moment of regarding the regent of Latveria. "Believe me," Wakanda's ambassador says at last. "If what you say is the truth, it is Victor who is the cut-rate version of Kristoff." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	latverianregent 2011-04-29 11:42 pm UTC (link)
	Kristoff meets his gaze, but then -- there's a blink for a moment, because agree, disagree, or occasionally vehemently disagree, Kristoff would die for Doom, so that was a surprising thing to hear. But he just nods politely. "I thank you for the sentiment even if I cannot agree, Sir. And I wish Wakanda well." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	blackpanther 2011-04-30 12:23 am UTC (link)
	"Yes, I'm sure you cannot agree under punishment of death," he responds, making it clear that all is still not well between Latveria and Wakanda. He briefly considers angling for a non-aggression treaty, but Doom has proven he has very little regard for such things. "I wish the people of Latveria well," he adds. "May the reign of Lord Kristoff be long and fruitful." (Reply to this)(Parent)

	monochromesight 2011-06-26 07:07 pm UTC (link)
	-(END)- (Reply to this)

scribbld is part of the horse.13 network
Design by Jimmy B.
Logo created by hitsuzen.
Scribbld System Status