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Despite an exhausting lesson in Earth (but mostly North American) culture Starfire has yet to fully integrate. But for a change she isn't casually flying around! Indeed she's currently sprawling in the grass just lazing around. Dressed in her alien garmets, today opting for a very short skirt rather than the hotpants, and with the inhuman appearance she is still rather… unusual. But it's the kind of unusual that merely draws stares and makes people stick to the far side of the path rather than calling in the national guard.
Scattered in the grass around Kori are a selection of grocery store products. Rather like a picnic, except some of the products are better described as ingrediants rather than food. Every now and again she takes a pinch of mustard powder and sprinkles it into her mouth.
*
Richard Grayson is settling back into City life just fine after spending the last couple of years abroad, but taking a walk through one of New York's few Green areas is theraputic no matter what. He's dressed casually in clothes that seem to be in good shape and on-trend and he's back to his clean-shaven look although his hair is in a longer, new 'Beatles' style. Expensive sunglasses are worn against the brightness of the day, but they're pulled up when he sees the orange woman sitting in the grass. Granted, not too long ago he fought gargoyles near this spot so seeing it so peaceful is a nice change.
So is the orange woman. He manages to catch her right as she pinches the mustard powder and puts it into her mouth. Maybe he sees that as an opening, but he steps over to the grass and gives a nod, "You know, most don't tend to eat that just…plain. It's usually used in cooking."
*
With a brief pause to lick her fingers clean Starfire sits up and rolls her shoulders. "Greetings Ear… Hu… new friend," she greets. "I do not understand why, it is very enjoyable just like this." Her head tilts. "I do not have access to the tools and ingredients I would need to cook properly. Nor do I have anywhere to cultivate the appropriate fungus." She smiles and gestures at the grocery bag of goods. "Would you care for some soda? I have yet to try it yet, but you are welcome to have some. It is supposed to be very refreshing." Of course there are no bottles of cola, no lemonade, just a container marked as 'Baking Soda'.
*
"It's…not very filling? Or nutritious? And if you ate enough to be filling it would probably make you sick?" is offered, sort of questioning as he's not entirely sure of the answer himself. "Fungus? Uh, you can buy mushrooms…I wouldn't recommend taking some that are growing just willy nilly. That'll kill you eventually." The offer of the baking soda actually gets a snicker, "You're not from around here, are you?" is asked before he holds out a hand, "Richard Grayson…"
*
"I… am a perfectly normal Human female," Starfire says, using the limits of her deception skills. "Oh! You wish to engage in the ritual shaking of the hands?" She grips the offered hand with enthusiasm. "I am Koriand'r but you may call me Starfire…."
There is a pause as Starfire glances around, bites at her lip, then sighs "Now that we have been introduced and are new friends I must ask forgiveness for deceiving you. I am not a perfectly normal Human female, but I have been told that it can be alarming for Earthlings to interact with aliens. So I have adopting a ruse and presented myself as a 'mutant' for the last few days."
*
"You don't say…" is said with feigned astonishment when Starfire admits she's not a 'perfectly normal female'. "So…are you -trying- to fit in or not really caring if you do or not? I mean, either way is fine with me, but…have you talked to anyone about it." Apparently they're now friends so he can be that forward or something. Or it's just his way - to be friendly (usually) unless given reason to be otherwise.
*
"Oh, well I tried to speak with the Earth leaders at the United Nations but they would not admit me as I did not bring a saucer of flying," Starfire explains, again gesturing at the strange picnic in case her new friend would like anything. There are few more normal items tucked away. A few candy bars for example. "I wish to make this planet my home for now, I am a… refugee is the word I think. I had to leave the planet Tamaran due to war. And I have been told by one of my new Human friends that I should try appear more Human by not flying."
*
Grayson seems to think a moment before he sits on the grass with the orange woman. "Well, usually there's protocol if you want to speak to the folks there. Given what I've been reading in the news about some mutant and potential alien issues, you're sort of lucky they didn't try to lock you up and interrogate you. Actually, you're probably going to have some government folks keeping an eye on you to make sure that you're not here to cause any trouble so be careful." He removes his sunglasses and tucks them in the front of his shirt when she mentions that she's a refugee from a planet he's never heard of. "I'm sorry to hear about your home…do you have a place to stay?"
As far as appearing 'more human', he asks, "Well, how much do you -want- to appear more human?"
*
Starfire shrugs. "I have found a nice little beach on an island that is not inhabited," she explains. "It is several hours flight north. I also have stored some of my things in an asteroid." She glances down at herself. "I have put on my most formal clothing to better blend in. As I was told that some Humans produce offspring in exchange for currency and I could be mistaken for one such Human." She sighs. "I would /like/ to fit in better, but many people speak with words which do not mean what the words should mean. It is very frustrating."
*
"Most people do tend to dress more demurely," Richard offers, "But…you do you. I don't think you'll ever really blend in, but that's ok too, right?" She can say she's a mutant and it might be more readily accepted than 'alien'. "English isn't the easiest of languages and irony is probably a hard thing to master." She really does seem so earnest, that he kind of can't help himself. "So, what have you been having trouble with? Maybe I can help?"
*
"Oh it is many of the things," Kori says, waving her hand to gesture at pretty much the entire park. "I have only been on Earth for a few weeks. I am trying to discover what foods and drinks are edible, learn about social customs, make friends and all of the other things you would need in order to make somewhere feel like home."
Starfire reaches for another pinch of mustard. "I have however been told all about Human mating rituals and regarding the currency known as 'dollars' and what they are worth." She frowns. "But I suspect I am being rude, I have not asked a single thing about you new friend Greyson. Please tell me about yourself, are you from… this city? It suddenly occurs to me I have never been told what the city is called."
*
"I think Social Customs may be the hardest in that list," Richard admits, "Especially since there are a lot of different cultures and each sort of have their own. I would recommend, if you can, just people-watching and having folks you trust help you out in those situations." He's not entirely sure how one would really learn them from scratch. "Surely you have Social Customs where you're from…maybe they're not so different?" Food is also easy, "Most food that you can buy is edible. Some people grow food in their gardens or on farms, but I wouldn't go picking things from the ground unless you know that they're ok. Not all plants here are edible. Just like not everything in the food stores is edible. Like your baking soda here. It can be eaten, but it's pretty much used in cooking only for eating. You can brush your teeth with it though."
There's a frown as she says she's been told about 'mating rituals', "Uh. That can be a part of human interaction, but it's not the only part and it's not expected." She's watched a little carefully as he answers, "Sort of. My parents traveled and I wasn't born here, but I've lived here for a while. I was out of the country traveling for the last couple of years. And this is New York City, on the island of Manhattan, also called 'The Big Apple'."
*
"Things back home are /very/ different to this place," Starfire assures, looking up at the sky wistfully. "On Tamaran I am next in line for the throne and as such would not need to know about currency. We have also advanced far beyond many of the machines you use and we only require food for entertainment, not nurishment. Our biochemistry is very different. I do not think it helps that the way I acquired your language has only given me the literal meanings of things."
"I do not know if I am even biologically able to mate with a Human and would not wish to risk causing harm by attempting such a thing," Kori assures solemnly. "Why is the city named after a fruit? It does not look like a fruit or tree. Even from above. Why is it called New York? Was there an Old York here before?" She smiles wryly "As you may have guessed I have many many questions."
*
Richard settles in some to answer the questions as they come, "At least the literal meanings is a good start? Reading a person's face is also helpful…and their body language. Trust your instinct if it comes down to that." He nods as she seems like she has a handle on dealing with any potential propositions that might come her way. "You know, I'm not sure why it's named after a fruit? But good that you know it's a fruit! Actually, there is an 'Old York', but it's just called 'York'. It's over in England, an Island in Europe, across the Atlantic Ocean. New York used to be called 'New Amsterdam' because it was originally settled by the Dutch, but then I think the British bought it from them so they renamed it."
*
"I have eaten an apple. They are crunchy," Starfire informs. "So… the Dutch and the British, these are… tribes? Kingdoms? Titles for people? Or names? It is a shame you do not have information storage and display devices. Back home even a portable communication device would be able to provide all the important information about history, culture and politics." She sighs again and puts the lid on the mustard. "Here I am as ignorant as a bumgorf. I do not even know the name of the person for whom the giant statue was built. She must have been very important as I am told on Earth 'size is everything and bigger is better'."
*
"Ok," Dick goes back to start at a different point. "Earth has…seven continents. North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. Each of these continents are divided up into countries. Kingdoms, sort of, but not all of them have Kings or Queens. England is one of those countries in the continent of Europe, and the people there are called 'British'. We here, in the United States, a country in North America, are called 'Americans'. The 'Dutch' are people from The Netherlands, another country in Europe." He'll start there. There's a grin as she mentions Information storage and devices, "But we do! They're called Libraries. Have you been to any of them yet? Inside books there is all sorts of information!"
There's a slightly confused look as he asks, "Which giant statue? The one in the Harbor here? She was a gift from the people of France. The French helped out America and America helped out France, so after a while, they gave the Statue to be put in the New York Harbir. Her name is 'Lady Liberty' and she's a representation of America's diversity and welcoming of people from all over the world as a safe place to live."
*
Starfire blinks a few times as she tries to recall the meaning of the word. "A book? You print information on pieces of paper? This is not a historical term?" There is a sense of disbelief in her voice. "How can you lift and store such volumes? I imagine they must be immense in size to contain all the knowledge of your species." She nods, pointing in the direction of the Statue of Liberty. "Perhaps I should find the ruler of America to ask regarding residence? If they have a statue to show they welcome people that must mean they will be kind, yes?"
*
"Well, libraries can be big, and there are usually a lot of books in them. They can be historical…Printing has been around for many centuries and even before then, they handwrote information and stored them. I don't know that all the knowledge is there, but it's a good start." Dick grins, kind of amused at the question. At her next statement and question, however, the smile fades. "Well, the President of the United States is sort of the ruler, but we're a Democracy here. Which theoretically means that we vote on what happens. The big things. Like who will be leading the country. But they don't have absolute power. As for a place to live, usually that takes money or having friends who have space where they live." There's another pause before her final question, "I think in general, as a whole, Americans can be kind. But…we're all individuals. Some are kind, some aren't."
*
Starfire nods along at the points. "So do you think I should try speaking with this President person? This is a title yes? Not a name. Could you provide me with directions to where they live? I could fly over and ask them today. I must admit I am still unsure how much use these libraries will be, if they contain hundreds of years of history in physical books it would take me a very long time to read them all."
*
"Miss…Starfire," since that's how she introduced herself, "You said you were in line for the throne of your world, yes? Would you let just anyone come in and see you whenever they wanted? Or would they have to go through people and make appointments for a time to speak with you? And would you hear just anyone? You can't just go to where the President is and talk to them." Grayson runs a hand through his hair as he tries to explain. "It's a title, yes. But if you wanted to go to talk to them, you would need to go through a lot of people to get permission for the meeting. Now, they -may- grant it to you if you can prove that you're an alien or…maybe they'll just try to lock you up so they can do scientific experiments. So it's a bit risky and probably not the wisest course of action."
The mention of the books in the library gets a grin, "Yes, it would. But you probably wouldn't want to read them all, but I bet a few of them could be very interesting and even helpful."
*
"Typically my parents would grant an audience to any visitors from another planet there on diplomatic business," Starfire assures, nodding earnestly. "But we have communications equipment capable of picking up such a request long before anyone reached the planet. I sent such messages during my trip but received no response." And then there is talk of locking her up for experiments and her eyes flare with green energy for a brief moment. "I will never again permit such things. Death is preferable."
Her hands ball into fists, then Starfire lets out a long breath. "Please forgive me I… I am still not quite recovered from events which occurred before I travelled to this world. I will need to meditate more to control myself better. Do you have any recommendations for books I should read?"
*
"I don't blame you for feeling that way," and he does seem serious about that. "We probably aren't as advanced as you are so…you'll have to forgive us. I'm sure that we could find a way to try and get an appointment with the President, but you might not want to get your hopes up about that." Also, he hopes that no one does try to lock her away, especially after that reaction. Dick waits while she calms herself, "Well, a good history book is a place to start. You could also watch some television…that might help with social norms and stuff like that."
*
Kori shifts into a cross-legged position, then puts her hands flat against the ground. There is a very brief scorching grass smell and when she next moves her hands there are marks as if something super hot was placed there. "Oh! I have seen a television program in the home of a Human friend and I am curious what this Mister Ed creature is like. Are there any other sentient races from this planet other than Humans and Horses? I shall try to locate books on Earth history then. Will I require currency to use a library? I am unsure what costs such a service would have."
*
Right. Fiction. "Where you're from, do people ever tell stories that aren't true? That are made up? To entertain? A lot of what is on television is like that. It's entertainment and not real. 'Mr. Ed' is a show that's entertainment. Horses can't speak any human language…it's made up. Now, animals -do- have feelings, even though we can't have spoken conversations with them." He looks at the scorched grass before glancing back at her. She's watched for a moment before he gets to his feet and offers a hand, "Come on. I'll get you set up at a library."
*
"We have music and poetry, but the stories we tell are generally from history. I do understand the concept of fiction though, some of the stories the Warlords of Okaara tell are… fables? Fictional tales meant to teach a moral lesson," Starfire explains, accepting the hand out of politeness over need, her skin is a little warm to the touch but nothing like the temperature needed to burn grass. "Is the library far from here? If so I could carry you and fly there. It would be faster than most Earth transportation."
*
Richard nods as she seems to understand the concept of a story. "It's not far, and I would recommend that we walk. Flying is…conspicuous." And she's wearing a skirt. Ahem. He will, however, reach down to help her with her groceries to bring them along, "You might want to think about walking around the city a bit. It's a great way to learn your way around and to explore. A place like this has a lot of interesting things." Even to a world-traveler such as himself.
*
"I have been trying to do that," Starfire assures. "But many people are oddly rude towards those they believe to be mutants. I shall keep trying though, intergalatic diplomacy often takes time. "On the way to the library I hope we pass a waste recycling site. Several of the goods I have purchased are not pleasant to consume. This vinegar beverage for example was quite foul…."
*
Richard just sort of blinks, "You're not supposed to drink vinegar like that. Ok, after that, I'm going to get you some paper and a pen and take you to the grocery store." And he'll point out what the 'basic' items are and what they're for. It's a start. He may also give her his phone number in case she needs anything else. "I'm sure there will be plenty of garbage cans on the way."
He may even offer to meet her for another afternoon to answer questions that might come up between now and then.