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I believe it is fair to assume that many of us who find ourselves here come from a number of diverse places which are not always comparable, and as such there are countless backgrounds and experiences represented here. That being said, are there customs or behaviors that you have witnessed or experienced here that bewildered you?

For the sake of discussion, this is my contribution:

[Attached is a photo taken of a flyer he was given for a nightclub, obviously catering to and celebrating the legalization of polyamorous marriages.]

This is not something I am aware of as socially acceptable in my galaxy—or at least my part of it—so encountering it as something so blatantly advertised without discretion came something of a surprise.

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Nor is it within my realm. Yet the natives here are not bound by the same faith as mine, so to me, it follows there social mores and customs would differ.

I simply wonder how such an arrangement is managed without jealousy tearing it asunder.

Edited 2017-05-13 22:26 (UTC)

I have yet to fully grasp all of the mores and customs that exist here, though I assume should I reside here long enough to develop a deep cultural understanding of this place, perhaps it will make more sense.

I haven't the faintest idea. For curiosity's sake it might be worth asking. Knowing myself, however, I doubt I could comprehend it in more than a theoretical sense. I don't share well.

( It occurs to her that her father might have rather enjoyed something like that. The thought amuses her. )

Perhaps it might yet for us all, in due course. There may be a sort of freedom in that sort of arrangement for them which we cannot fathom yet.

Anyone who would have been given my hand in marriage at home would say the same. I would have none in the matter.

( Say, she means. )

[In contrast, Hux is considering how those he was raised around would react to such an institution; his own parentage had caused quite the scandal among those ranks.]

Quite possibly. The fact that it obviously works for some people gives credence to idea that there are benefits of some kind.

[There's a pause before he speaks again.]

Why would you not?

The culture itself seems very open; welcoming. Much different from what most of us here are accustomed to, I gather.

( A soft hum is made under her breath. )

I am a King's daughter, sir. I would wed for dynastic, political purposes to benefit my family.

Is that not done where you hail from?

That seems to be the case.

[He pauses for a moment, considering his words before responding.]

Political marriages are common, particularly if there's power to gain. That isn't the only option for women, however. There have been princesses and others from more humble backgrounds who obtained political and military power independently.

[Leia Organa comes to mind, but more importantly for him, Rae Sloane and Phasma. He refrains from mentioning them directly since he doesn't want to inundate her with too much information.]

Edited 2017-05-15 05:49 (UTC)

Several planets I know of had laxer views on such things.

Unsurprising that you would know of some, given your history of travel.

Generally it seems to be part of some broader religious ritual.

[ Or possibly tax purposes. He'd never really thought to ask. ]

Symbolic.

That makes sense. Particularly if it was a society with a stronger sense of community.

So, you won't be investigating it with me then, I take it?

[WHAT.]

In what capacity? I did not realize you had a sense of humor.

[ It was worth it if only for that reaction. A pity he hadn't been there to witness it first hand. It was doubtlessly memorable. ]

No desire to satisfy your burning curiosity? What's that old saying: When in Galactic City?

[Which is why he's glad this conversation is happening through text.]

My curiosity is purely theoretical. If you're that interested, be sure to report back.

OH MY GOD, what will happen next? Mass hysteria, cats and dogs living together!

[Real Biblical stuff, right?]

Unbunch your underoos, gramps. Seriously.

While I appreciate your immediate defense, I'm attempting to start a discourse. If I were to condemn anything I wouldn't be wasting my breath on something so inconsequential.

[Wow this guy sounds even fussier, somehow, now.]

All right, so, you know, discourse away.

All I'm saying is that if that shocks you, you must come from the most boring place in the known universe.

[Ah, yes, the Scott Lang charm. Worked so well on his ex-wife's new boyfriend, too!]

[Actually, he's speaking quite cordially--for him, anyway. Still, it's not unfriendly or angry in tone.]

And what if I did? Is it acceptable where you're from?

Edited 2017-05-14 02:29 (UTC)

[Of course he is, but Scott's had a few years in San Quentin to acquire himself a pretty profound Problem with Authority, and 'cordial' sounds a lot like 'authority' to him.]

Dude, you have my permission. Be as boring as you want.

I was unaware I required permission, but you didn't answer my question.

What? the whole marry whoever you want thing?

[Hahahaha oops.]

Not really, but if you ask me, marriage is for chumps anyway.

[Says the chump who couldn't keep his marriage together. ]

Interesting.

[Referring to Scott's initial reaction in regard to this.]

I have no interest in the institution either; it would only get in the way of things.

It's not unheard of, where I come from, but I'd not say it's commonplace. Some would consider it an insult, some would be open to the opportunity.

This would not be my first time adapting to a new realm, however. So perhaps I find myself unsurprised by any bizarre customs.

The galaxy is vast, and while I have travelled extensively, I cannot speak for every sentient species or world within it. It's fascinating, in a way.

[Particularly when juxtaposed to the sort of norms he's more familiar with: black and white in many fashions, particularly where image is concerned.

It's what Thor says next that catches his intrigue more, however.]

Did your previous experiences involve portals, as it does here?

Indeed it is vast. For every concept we know and understand to be true, there is surely a world where the opposite is law.

[His interest is piqued when Hux tells him he's traveled the galaxy. It might not be the same one he knows, but he likes to meet people with similar interests.]

In a sense, yes. My world is connected to eight other worlds, and we travel between them in a manner that is similar to portals. I have, at some point, been trapped in another world for reasons beyond my control. [Because he was a jerk, but that's not important.]

Well said. Ultimately, the possibilities are endless.

[Especially considering how much of his galaxy remains unexplored, and that says nothing of the ones beyond that.]

How were you able to return to your world? If you don't mind my asking. [He has to wonder if there's not anything that can be learned--and applied to the stay here.] Travel between worlds where I am from is much more conventional in comparison--by ship.

[tbf he hasn't talked to enough people yet to know it might not be common for others.]

I returned when I was granted permission by the gatekeeper. [Now he's basically outed himself as being exiled, he'll just keep the conversation moving.]

There is a bridge between worlds, from my world, but it is guarded well. There are other ways to travel between them, but the level of protection varies. [He thinks he got into Jotunheim pretty easily, after all.]

There is a galaxy, too, and planets beyond our worlds. Ships still exist, though we do not commonly use them for travel.

Got on someone's bad side, did you? [He's assuming, of course. Admittedly, he's slightly disappointed the information doesn't help him--aside from sating his curiosity, anyway.]

Are the worlds you travelled to also ones that could be reached by ship?

[He remembers Thor referred to them as realms earlier, but he's not really familiar with the concept of other planes of existence; rather, he's interpreting this more as taking shortcuts.]

Temporarily, yes. [He says it with humor, at least.]

They can be, but it is difficult. Many realms are well protected and guarded from outsides, some more than others. They can be exited by ships, as well, with equal amounts of difficulty if you are not supposed to leave.

Happens to the best of us.

It's fascinating just how different the universes can be. I assume the realms you speak of are capable of self-reliance in terms of resources and security. That's not the case in my galaxy. It varies world-to-world, but as a whole they're dependent on one another for trade, security, and governance.

[ Socially acceptable or not, Angela has a hard time imagining loving any more than one person -- but then again, Angela has only ever felt that kind of love for Sera. Still... ]

If it brings them joy and causes no harm to others, I see no problem with it.

Edited (phone typo completely changed my meaning) 2017-05-14 08:17 (UTC)

Ultimately if it's something that works for those involved, that's what matters most.

[He can agree, even if it's not something he'd foresee for himself.]

I have to wonder what other aspects of this place will challenge the customs I'm familiar with. [It's said with a hint of curiosity; he might be set in his ways in many regards, but he's at least receptive in trying to understand other perspectives.]

I suppose that entirely depends on what customs you are familiar with.

[ The place seems not too different from Earth, in terms of social structure. A place that Angela had been getting accustomed to, though she still didn't feel like she fit there. ]

Is it unusual? The concept of "marriage" as I understand it doesn't exist in my world, though it used to in the past.

Whether it's unusual is subjective. For my culture it is, but not others. Was it replaced by some other construct in your world?

Not really. Emotions are discouraged.

[A short pause, after which a second message appears.]

Though close bonds between two individuals are sometimes formed anyway.

That sounds like it could be convenient.

[He can try to be as stoic as he wants, relying only on pragmatism, but sadly he is human.]

There always seems to be a few that choose to go against the grain.

It's necessary considering the circumstances. The situation is drastic so everyone does what they can - or must, just to survive.

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