Chapter 127 [New York—Wakandan Embassy—A Half Hour Later]
The Child appeared with Spider-Man in a dark flash. He squinted at the patrolling guards. He snarled low.
"Uh, hey…it's all right. We really don't have time for trouble." Spider-Man shook his head at the Child.
"Stop and…" A sentry dressed in a dark red uniform recognized the duo. "Good Evening, Spider-Man! Our King is expecting you!"
Spidey nodded. "There! You see? Big Lex makes the call and we're in. No fighting."
"Hrumph!" The Child pouted. He squinted at the three other sentries who watched him in turn.
The gate opened into the compound.
"Please follow me." The sentry led the duo inside of the gate. The fenced in compound had walls on all four sides. A stylish Rolls Royce sat in front of the squat two story wood and brick building. Two more guards flanked the door. "Our guests have arrived to see King T 'Challa!"
The two guards bowed. One knocked at the door.
T 'Challa himself opened it. "Spider-Man, Professor, welcome to our compound. I…." He noticed the Dark One's expression. "Ah! I see! Forgive me, my Friend. I did not realize you were in control. Will you come in?"
"T'anks." The Child nodded. "He 'spects us."
Spider-Man shook his head. Granted he wanted to take his feelings out on someone as well. Still, he did not want yet another international incident on their account. T 'Challa is playing it just right, Web Head. Don't screw it up. "Thanks. We know you're busy."
"I am busy. That does not mean I would ignore the plight of my friends. The Princess Jasmine is a trusted ally and friend. I suspected her father would not like her course of action. I never thought he would act in this fashion! He sends the Hamijj onto foreign soil without sanction from your State Department. They tried to kidnap her and your niece, my Friend."
"Hamijj?" Spider-Man narrowed his eyes under his mask. "You mean the ninja guys? Jasmine acted as if she was supposed to be part of that order."
"She is…or at least she was." T 'Challa shook his head. "Her father stripped her of her title, her possessions and leadership of the order."
"Yeah well. We had things under control until Lex told us to back off." Spidey informed him. He pointed at the Dark One. "He had them restrained and floating."
T 'Challa nodded. He smiled and bowed to the Child. "I know you wanted to make them pay. I am grateful you did not, my Friend. Thank you. I will take the matter up through international channels. I must know. Did they threaten to take her and Miranda?"
"YEAH!" the Child bellowed.
"That's a big second for me too. Then they took her stuff. They left her magic stuff—the carpet and fancy sword. They accused Miranda of being a temptress and a witch," Spider-Man snorted. "I mean really?"
"The Sultan is a conservative man. He does not understand Jasmine, her mutant abilities or her needs. I am thankful you stopped their abduction. I will try to intercept the possessions before they reach her father. In the meantime, he and I will speak." T 'Challa heard the phone ring. "Yes?"
"Pardon me, my King. There is a call from Heori School. It is urgent," a female voice informed him.
"I can well imagine! Put it through please. Thank you, Hourani." T 'Challa picked up the phone. "Greetings, Honored One. I appreciate your call."
"Greetings, Black Panther. I am told that two are with you from the mansion. Might I be put on speaker?" the Senseirequested.
"Of course! Spider-Man and the inner spirit of Miranda's uncle is with us. They repulsed the Hamijj earlier tonight." T 'Challa pressed the speaker button and set the phone down. "We are on speaker now."
"Domo. My friends, I am most sorry to hear what happened. I have spoken to Miranda, Jasmine and Alexander. To face the Hamijj and survive is a formidable undertaking. I am glad Alexander saved you,' the Sensei noted.
The Child laughed. "Ah was about to kill 'em! Save us? They wanna try an' take Miri-Ma and Jasie? FINE! Ah'll whup 'em! AH DON' CARE!"
"We get it! We get it! Geez!" Spidey shook his head.
"Alexander shared the security footage. I agree with our Dark Friend. He had to call these two off before we had further trouble. Perhaps you might reach out through your ministry? I shall talk to Sultan Mahmud myself," T 'Challa suggested.
"A worthy plan. I shall reach out to our alumni. They will support our sisters in their time of need. I would ask of Jasmine's sister, Rasniya. What is being done for her?" The Sensei cleared his throat. "She is a mutant too."
"Is she now?" T 'Challa exhaled sharply. "Very well. I will offer her asylum. If needed, we can fly her to the United States. They may live in exile but they will live. Can I count on your help?"
"You have it, Great King. I will contact my people. I wonder if there is a journalist who can break this story to the press? He or she would have to be familiar with the situation," the Sensei replied with another idea.
"Hey, there is a guy and he was there tonight with his wife. His name's Peter Parker. He works with the Daily Planet in Metropolis. He'll talk to you. Maybe he could get an exclusive? His bosses would run with a story like this." Spidey felt like he was going out on a limb with his offer. Still, he wanted something done. He knew that the Child's bloodlust would be contained by proper humiliation of all opposing parties. He wanted to give someone a wake up call too.
"Parker? You mean the wedding last month? I remember. He works for the Daily Planet now?" T 'Challa rubbed his chin.
"He's changing jobs. He already has a good relationship with Felicity Travers and George Taylor at the Planet. I'll get the word to him. I trust him." Spider-Man breathed a heavy breath.
"He is the one who took your pictures here. Very well. I shall speak to Mr. Parker and him alone. We shall see what we can do. Please forgive me. Our window is narrow. I must begin the calls. Thank you for letting me know about the situation. Please let everyone know my support in this matter."
"We appreciate it. Thanks." Spidey looked at the Child. "Is this where I say 'Home, Jeeves'?"
The Child rolled his open eye. "Wha'ver! T'nks, T'Chaly!" He bowed slightly. Then he disappeared with Spidey in a dark flash.
T 'Challa knew the legends surrounding Dubois and his darker half. Incredible! He has better control than I expected. Praise be! He picked up the phone and dialed a number.
Diplomacy would be hard fought indeed….