[RMMV] Binding keys to events and check for actor in party?

[Thesuperindigo]

Hey, I just signed up an account to ask this question and I'm a bit new to RPG Maker so I hope this isn't a stupid question,.

I want to make a conversation system in my game that allows the player to ask a character in their party for clues, have a character in the players party teach the main character new skills and magic, and even do a little sparring, but I'm having two problems:

1. I want the system to be activated by pressing a key on the keyboard, I know how to set up the system via a common event, I just need to be able to start the event anywhere in the game, no matter what map the player is in.
2. I want the event to check for characters before showing choices, so the player can't talk to a character that isn't in their party, and they don't get spoilers by seeing that a certain character will join their party.

Thank you for your time.