3090/Titans in the Morning

Titans in the Morning
Date of Scene:	07 November 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Aqualad, Starfire

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Aqualad has posed:
The Titans Tower really is set up to be very comfortable for the people who live there full time. It gives a fun, informal atmosphere; Titans can relax, eat, even do homework or telecommute, for the ones who have jobs in the real world.

For those who live away from their cultures and families, it's a second home, and it's not unusual to see someone around at all hours of the day.

Fresh from a morning swim, Kaldur'ahm of Atlantis watches television with the sound turned down to a softer tone. He seems to be using the closed captioning to improve his English, lips moving along as he reads and translates the dialogue. He's dry, fortunately, but there's that faint scent of brine in the air that Atlanteans cannot quite escape.

Starfire has posed:
Starfire landed on the 'flight deck' and made her way into the Tower proper, clad in her purple costume, her thick, lush hair spilling almost down to her waist. She sees Kaldur watching the television as she comes in, bouncing along easily enough for a statuesque alien girl in high-heels and not much else.

"Good morning, Kaldur!" she cries in a cheery tone, "What are you watching? I spent much of last night watching a program about wealthy women in Manhattan. They were very firm that these Housewives were real. Are there fake housewives I should be aware of? Is this a menace to Earth society?"

Aqualad has posed:
Kaldur turns to look over his shoulder when Kori enters, and when she gets close enough he rises and offers a politely formal bow to the woman. "Princess Koriand'r," he remarks. His voice is a firm baritone, with just a hint of rasp to it. He straightens after the proper greetings are issued and a suggestion of a welcoming smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

"I am watching a documentary about the African savannah," he explains, muting the TV with a touch of the remote. "The surface world has such an incredible diversity of life. I am amazed to discover creatures can live in the deep snows, the high mountains-- even the arid deserts. I would have thought few species could survive so far from the coastlines."

Starfire has posed:
Starfire smiles, "My species lives often in the cold of space, although we have, of course, created space stations and ships capable of that. Is it so different from ants building a hill, however, or countless marine animals crafting a reef around themselves to keep predators at bay?" she says. Some people mistake Kori's cheerful demeanor and occasional naivete for stupidity. They do so at their peril.

"Would you like anything to eat or drink?" she says, having learned this to be a common custom of hospitality. Since she lived here more than most of the Titans, she tended to think of the Tower as her home and herself as hostess. "I will join you, if you do not mind the company."

Aqualad has posed:
"Of course, company is always welcome, Princess," Kaldur invites Kori. He gestures slightly at the sofa, beckoning her to take a seat wherever she likes, though it's not as if the spacious seating area lacks for comfortable places to sit.

"But please, sit. I will fetch some refreshments," he says, clearly a little uncomfortable with letting someone of Kori's social status demean herself by fetching drinks to a soldier. "What would you prefer?"

Starfire has posed:
Starfire smiles and takes a seat. She, on the other hand, has no aversion to being served. "Something cold. Soda would be fine. I do enjoy the bubbles," she says.

She watches the television with interest, even though the scene itself isn't particularly handsome to watch - hyenas feasting on a carcass. She isn't apparently squeamish of such things. "In a way, it is like we are both aliens. Although this is your world, so much of it is unknown to you."

Aqualad has posed:
Kaldur busies himself for a few moments-- attempts to cook have been largely met with disaster for the Atlantean, who at best can boil soups without burning down the kitchen. Sushi, however, has become a favorite, and it's easy enough to make with the small bamboo mats and rice kept cooked. He prepares two sushi rolls with spicy mustard in a matter of a minute, and before the show gets to commercial, Kaldur returns with food for both of them and two colas.

Kaldur likes the soda, too-- it's sweet and bubbly, a novelty for an Atlantean. He sets the food where Kori can reach and seats himself at the sofa, waiting for Kori to start eating before he reaches for his own food.

"Much of the surface world is unknown to Atlanteans," he admits. "The heights of the mountains, the deep deserts-- we have good atlases and rough maps, but few of us have experienced the full diversity of the Earth. I hope to change some of that.":

Starfire has posed:
Starfire experiences sweet and sour differently than humans, but finds both pleasing in their own way. It can result in the occasionally strange concoction she finds appetizing, but she also has learned to enjoy Earth food as it comes, partly out of respect for the culture and partly because it is simply good.

She selects her role carefully and smiles in appreciation of the mustard, swiping a piece through it and taking a bite. She closes her eyes, letting herself experience the flavor, and then speaks. "You are, in your own way, an explorer. A pioneer," she says. "At least you are getting along well with the natives. Humans can be a prickly bunch, at times, but I believe they mean well. Most of them."

Aqualad has posed:
Kaldur dips his in soy sauce-- he uses a bit more than is needed, likely accustomed as he is to salt in his diet. "I suspect we both are, Princess," Kaldur agrees, with a wry nod. "The humans have been mostly accomodating. I have met little outrage or suspicion of my person," he remarks in that even baritone.

"But in some ways I more closely resemble humans than you do. We are even descended from common genetic stock," he points out. "You are a visitor from another planet. Surely reactions to you have been more mixed," he offers.

Starfire has posed:
Starfire nods, "To some degree. I benefit in that, while I am unusual in appearance, most humans find me attractive or aesthetically pleasing," she says. "Humans are very susceptible to sexual attraction and, as such, tend to give me more benefit of the doubt than they would if I appeared like, say, Jabba the Hutt," she says, having recently watched the Star Wars series of films. She liked Leia very much especially.

"I also benefit in that I am unknown, while humans and Atlanteans have a complicated history, from what I'm given to understand. I represent only myself, while you represent an entire nation."

Aqualad has posed:
It takes Kaldur a minute to place that quote, and he chuckles once he does. "Ahah. I get that one," he informs Kori, sounding pleased. Star Wars was inflicted on the entire Titans, given the binge-watching nature of several residents of the tower.

"Perhaps our difficulties are burdened and buoyed in different ways," Kaldur concedes, nodding at Kori's observation. "I am closer to human than you are, but you are closer to an ideal of human beauty. I suppose it is a wash, as they say." He dips another piece of sushi and chews on it, tiny red roe eggs popping as he does.

Starfire has posed:
Starfire smiles, "I am always washed. I smell very good, too," she says. She eats a bit more of the sushi, watching the wildlife with curious, luminescent eyes.

"You bear your burden well, Kaldur, and I am proud to call you a teammate. We may not always fit into this world, but we belong here, amongs the Titans and that, for me, has always been enough," she says.

Aqualad has posed:
"You are very kind, Princess," Kaldur says, bowing his head modestly, and politely doesn't correct Kori on the use of the metaphor at hand. Mentally, though, he makes a note to be more precise with his diction-- he's only been on the surface for a few months himself, after all. Slang is lazy.

"Speaking of the Titans," Kaldur says, diplomatically shifting topics. "I understand you had the time to meet with the young woman, Cindy," he remarks. "She may have called herself 'Silk' as well," he clarifies. "She seems very earnest but somewhat uncertain of her position-- she mentioned being hunted by some unseen foe. I do not know enough of surface mysticism to conclude if she is paranoid or merely infatuated with myth. But her fear seemed real," he says. "What are your thoughts?"

Starfire has posed:
Starfire nods, "She seemed a very nice girl, very sweet. She used her talents to craft me a lovely dress, right on the spot. I think she has suffered a great deal," she says. Kori endured torture herself, once upon a time, although she does not like to dwell on it. She saw echoes of the same suffering in Cindy Moon.

"I cannot measure the truth of the threat of which she speaks. She is so close to it, in a way, that she may have no perspective. When you are subjected to such an evil, they can begin to seem omnipotent, godlike, indestructible. But...it may also be that she is truly a harbinger of an apocalyptic creature. I do not know. But we should take her seriously enough. Watch for signs of this creature. Warn our fellow heroes of her tale."

Aqualad has posed:
"Rarely I regret not studying magic more closely, but there are times..." Kaldur trails off with a resigned sigh. "I cannot tell for certain if she is a mystic, mad, or just scared of very normal fears."

"I will ensure that her dossiere is updated regularly, and I have invited her to contact me if she feels threatened or uncertain," he says, ducking his head deferentially towards the leggy Tamaranean. It's hardly a trepass, but he respects Kori's authority. "Whether or not this bears fruit, we may be a place of safety for her," he remarks. "She seems to be in need of support, and somewhat new to her powers."

Starfire has posed:
Starfire nods, "Providing support for young heroes is part of our mission," she says. "As much, in some ways, as battling the evils of this world. I know many of our number were lucky enough to find mentors among the older heroes, but not everyone has such good fortune," she says.

"I already told her she is welcome here at any time, whether for refuge or simply to make friends. That's not the same as membership, of course, but I don't think she's looking for that yet. I think she needs time to gain confidence in herself."

Aqualad has posed:
Kaldur nods appreciation at Kori for the help she's already offered Cindy. His sushi finished, the dark-skinned Atlantean sets his plate in neat order so he can transport it back to the kitchen in one trip when they're done talking.

"It is strange to find so many who have such talents, and so little mentorship," Kaldur remarks. "In Atlantis, children are tested regularly for wits, for physical skills, or for magical talents. Opportunities to excel are provided to those with the potential for excellence. We would never squander the gift of a young hero with strange mystical talents," he frowns.

Starfire has posed:
Starfire nods, "Among my people, it is the same. Apprenticeship is built into the culture - we are trained to be warriors almost from birth," she says. "Even a five year old Tamaranean is more formidable than most adult humans," she says with a wry smile.

"Humans are soft. But I do not judge them for it. They, too, are lucky, for they have been able to live in that way. But the realities of the universe are closing in - more and more, this world is noticed and many of the things swimming in space have sharp, sharp teeth."

Aqualad has posed:
"I suspect that humans are responding in their own ways to such threats," Kaldur says, in a mild tone so as to convey polite disagreement. "Atlanteans were the height of evolution on Earth for thousands of years. Abruptly-- in the last century, really-- humanity has exploded with metahumans. And their technology lets others emulate many metahuman powers."

"I wonder what all life on Earth has in store for it," he muses, introspective for a moment. "We of humanity all seem to rise to meet challenges and adapt to them in strange ways. Atlantis is as good example of that as any. What will we look like in ten thousand years? I wonder if we will look as your people do," he says, glancing to Starfire. "Living among the stars."

Starfire has posed:
Starfire nods, "Perhaps. I hope so," she says. "Part of our duty is to make sure they survive long enough to have the chance. Or, at least, to live freely without tyranny," she says. She knows all too well that too many empires out there already see any other world as just another place to plant their boot.

"But...for now, things seem to be peaceful and we should be thankful for it," she says with a smile. "We can be always prepared and still relax when given the opportunity."

Aqualad has posed:
"A wise warrior is always grateful for peace," Kaldur acknowledges, and gathers the dishes up and transports them to the kitchen. "More soda?" he inquires, before returning with a bottle. He checks to see if Kori wants a refill before topping off his own.

"It is a time to train and to meditate on peace. Do your people have such customs? What do you do when you find yourself without a foe to face in the moment?" he inquires.

Starfire has posed:
Starfire nods in regards to the soda, "I would enjoy another," she says, offering up her glass.

"Many things. Gaming is extremely popular, both sport and games of strategy, similar to Earth's chess. We have entertainment programs of our own. And, of course, mating. There is always mating," she says. It took a while for the Princess to understand human taboos about sexuality, but she's learned to respect them, even if she still finds them puzzling.

Aqualad has posed:
Once the glasses are refilled, Kaldur settles in and seats himself next to Koriand'r. He listens as she explains the way of things in Tamaranea, and despite his relatively even-handed mien, even the stalwart warrior clears his throat at Kori's unexpectedly casual discussion of the topic.

"Er, yes, I suppose there is," Kaldur remarks, maintaining his aplomb. "It seems a constant across many worlds to have such games of strategy. Some of these games are traditions stretching back across centuries."

Starfire has posed:
Starfire cannot help but smile a bit. She may have learned to respect Earth norms, but she does occasionally like making the Terrans squirm. They're so cute when they blush.

"Yes. Earth, I know, has Backgammon and Go and chess and checkers," she says. "Connect Four!" she says with a grin.

Aqualad has posed:
"I have learned to play Go," Kaldur says. "At least, I understand the theory behind it," he clarifies. "I understand that truely playing the game well is a process that can take decades to master."

"I find it somewhat more interesting than chess. Remembering all the maneuvers is a challenge," he confesses.

"Something else that confuses me is the lack of balance in the warriors of the surface," he frowns, rubbing his palms together slowly in thought and looking at them. "In Atlantis, it is customary to recite poems, join in song, or practice arts. Here, it is viewed as idle waste for a warrior to have artistic passions."

Starfire has posed:
Starfire nods, "I do not believe it was always so. Many of the tales of knights of old Europe included tales of them as romancers and poets. The Samurai of Japan were often skilled in calligraphy," she says. "It seems a more recent phenomena," she says. "Also, many of the heroes of this world seem to be driven by...obsession. Vengeance," she says.

"Revenge and grief are potent motivators, but they certainly do not lead to balance."

Aqualad has posed:
Kaldur nods his head, appreciating Starfire's education on the topic. "I have met more than a few who fit that descrption," the Atlantean warrior remarks. "Driven only by obsession. I worry that this lack of balance will undo many who come to join us," he says, concern in his rasping baritone. "The ones who affiliate themselves with the Batman seem to echo his behaviours. From what little I have observed, he seems almost inhuman, himself."

He shakes his head. "Forgive me-- this conversation took a distressing turn," he apologizes. "But I am reassured to hear your perspective on the matter."

Starfire has posed:
Starfire nods, "I suspect Batman cultivates that particular air. It helps to create more fear. Interesting that some humans can find nothing more frightening than someone who is not one of them," she says.

"And I do not mind the subject, but I am open to more pleasant topics if you can find one of interest!" she says with a bright smile, taking a sip of her drink and relaxing on the sofa.

Aqualad has posed:
"Tell me more of your people," Kaldur suggests, at the invitation. He echoes Kori's posture as she relaxes against the sofa, but still sits politely enough that it wouldn't be mistaken for indolent lounging. The Atlantean warrior is ever one to mind his manners.

"Atlanteans are not an entirely warlike culture, but the arts of war are well preserved in it. It seems as if your people are similarly arrayed?" he inquires, lifting a hand towards Kori to invite her to clarify.