fandomhigh | International Cuisine

Class had ~~handwavily~~ been asked to dress slightly more nicely today, and Hannibal looked them over, nodded, and smiled.

"Today we are heading to Papua New Guinea," he announced. If anybody thought he was choosing these places by playing darts with a map...they were probably right. "It is an island country north of Australia, for those of you that know where that is. It is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, in no small part due to its position as a crossroads and years of colonial rule. It is also extremely rural, with most people not living in cities. Its cuisine is similarly diverse, with many strong influences from other cultures."

He led them through the portal and out onto a street in front of a large, luxurious hotel. It was early evening. "Today we are here less for the local cuisine, and more for the local foods. Both the produce and the seafood are incredibly fresh, and while I hesitate to ever endorse a buffet dinner, I understand this one is exemplary. We will be eating at the Grand Brasserie of the Grand Papua hotel. English is spoken by most here, but if you have any questions, please let me know."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Peridot was quiet for a moment while she thought that one over.

"Sometimes I wonder if humans are more similar to Gems than anybody gives them credit for," she admitted, slowly. "And everything we point at to set you apart from us is just superficial."

"There is also a sizable history of that among humans," Hannibal said wryly. "Are you familiar with the history of slavery on Earth?"

Peridot paused for a moment, and then shook her head.

"Not unless you mean as it pertains to Gems, back when we invaded your world."

"No," Hannibal said. "My version of Earth was never invaded by Gems, and yet we still had slavery. It is far too complex a topic to explain over one dinner, but I suggest you look up the subject the next time you're in the library. Although I should warn you, it's unlikely to make you think any better of humans."

To put it mildly.

"I'm not looking to put your species on a pedestal," Peridot replied. "I simply want to understand you more. I'm probably going to be sharing a world with you for quite some time."

And for better or worse, she wanted to be prepared for that.

Hannibal nodded. "That is a very sensible outlook."

"My Diamond might not be the logical decision maker I had taken her for, but that doesn't mean I can't be," Peridot agreed. "To do anything less would be... stupid."

"Your commitment to your own beliefs is commendable," Hannibal said. "Speaking of which, how is your metal-moving coming along?"

Peridot perked right up at that, oh yes.

"I made a garbage can lid float!"

That was a huge accomplishment, okay?

"I'm going to see if I can sustain the weight of it with me on it, I think, next. That seems to me like it could be useful, somehow."

Self-sustained flight had to be useful.

"That would be," Hannibal agreed. "Being able to affect non-metal things by using the metal around them would open up many more possibilities. Not to mention," he said with a grin, "I imagine you would enjoy flying."

"I could fly before, back when I had my limb enhancers," Peridot agreed. "It saved me from being shattered or poofed at least a few times. I don't have the resources on Earth to build new ones... but I might not need to, if I can make this work."

"I have faith that you will," Hannibal said. "After all, you've gone from nothing to a garbage can lid in a very short time."

He'd save the information on how much metal was in organic life for once she was a bit more practiced; he didn't fancy his blood boiling by accident.

"We Peridots are very determined when we get a mind to be."

Peridot was absolutely preening, yes.

"Well, I only know the one Peridot," Hannibal said, "but so far, you are a very good example."

International Cuisine | Friday, 3rd period

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!

Re: Eat the food!