aerialassault | 004 [voice/video/action]

[Voice]

...Vacations are funny, aren't they? If they last long enough, they can start to get kinda boring.

[The commentary filtered through the pages of the journal system around midday, as if it was just a part of a conversation between two individuals instead of a public address. Cliff's tone was as relaxed and casual as always, for those who knew him. There was a faint hum in the otherwise quiet background.]

I mean, the downtime is nice, but I'm kinda tired of it-- which should answer any questions about 'why' and what not, so don't bother askin'.

The name's Cliff Fittir, if any of you here don't know, and I figured I'd offer my services. If any of you want a sparring partner, trainer, teacher or whatever, I'm available. Just say something if you're interested.

And if you're not...then could ya tell me what this cool thing is?

[He flipped the video on at this point, revealing a small circular device methodically rolling across the carpet.]

I've got an idea already, which brings me to Question Two: Is there a way to get good tech supplies without needing to go outside?

[He ends the feed at that, but will be prompt with replies.]

[Action]

[Cliff set off about town, looking for the aforementioned tech supplies so he could properly play with his new toy, though he would be keeping his eyes and ears alert for any of his friends and students to check up on. After a several week absence followed by a Shift that had made him appear as a young woman, there hadn't been much chance to see his people without having to answer more questions than he wanted. Furthermore, there were people that he met during that Shift that he wanted to clear things up with, one way or another.

However, he had plans for that evening...]

[Action: Private for Fayt Leingod]

Yo. You better have some free time tonight.

[He had questions...but, more importantly, he had plans for both of them.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Cute vacuum contraption aside—]

That's an awfully wide range of services you're offering.

[Oh, hey. It's the kid who makes fantastic breakfasts at Seventh Heaven.]

Well, I've got an awfully large amount of free time on my hands, so I thought I'd diversify myself a bit. You interested in any of it?

[Yup, it's why he even considers taking up Cliff's offer. A little.]

The way you put it, it sounds as though you're learning as well with this.

I kinda am, a little. It's been a long while since I actually ran any kind of class, and I usually worked with beginners when I did. There's no telling what kinda people will respond here, or what kinds of weapons they'll bring to the table with them.

[He peered over, pages of the book, pondering over what little he knew of Aleos. Besides the kid being an excellent cook, he didn't know much at all.]

What sorta things were you looking to learn from all this, anyway? Self defense?

I know some self-defense. In my native country, it was kind of mandatory to learn and I was no exception even outside of it. [He shrugs, it really was a useful thing to know but he had his reservations about it.]

But I haven't practiced in the year I've been here, really.

That's a smart policy to have. Sometimes I wish more places did something similar, 'cause it'd help people stay outta trouble and maybe teach them how to use their head a little. [There were times over the last year when he wondered if being smart was actually a lost art in a lot of the worlds represented. There were a few too many instances of people making dumb mistakes that he's seen.]

If getting back to practice is all you're looking for, then we can definitely do that.

You really think so? [He could agree to it to an extent, because goodness knows he's been saved by knowing how to defend himself a few times.] There's still a few people who use that knowledge in the wrong kinds of situations.

I suppose practice is what I'm looking for in the end... Would you be trying to match it?

Anything can be misused, kid. If someone can think about it, then they can think of right and wrong ways of doing it. [A shrug, unseen on the audio feed.] But, that's kinda just how life is.

Now...I wouldn't be offering to teach if I wasn't willing to match someone's level, would I?

Yeah, I've seen things be misused plenty. All I can do is decide how I'm going to use what I know myself. [Aleos shrugs too, even if the look that flitted across was uncertain.]

And as for that... There are also people who offer these things just for an excuse to punch people around, too. [Not that he suspected Cliff was one of these people, but JUST TO BE SURE...]

[The kid had good policies, for sure. Cliff liked seeing that sort of independence in a person even when they were looking for an assist. But, the concerns that Aleos brought up were sobering in light of recent happenings.]

I understand your concern, but keep in mind that we've lost a lot of people in recent months. Anyone who offers to teach and doesn't even try has gotta be outta their mind.

I suppose... [He was still a bit uncertain about it, and he wasn't even entirely sure if this was something he wanted to do. Yes, he needed the practice badly and it was better than just being inside all day, but he couldn't help being nervous.

So he takes a deep breath, closing his eyes almost thoughtfully.] How soon do we start?

Anytime you want.

[Cliff understood that people were generally uncertain about starting something new, even if it was a good idea. That was why he was willing to work at his students' pace-- everyone had their own.]

...Just, not tonight, [he added in after a bit.] I've got some standing plans with a friend tonight, but anytime after is completely open.

Mmm... [Tonight would have been too soon anyway, unless he was feeling particularly masochistic toward himself. Which he never does.

At the same time, he still has a number of hesitations... and wanted to prepare himself a little more, going straight in didn't seem like the best idea.] Is it all right if I send you a message whenever I feel I am ready?

Sure, no sweat. Take your time with it if you're not sure. I'll be around.

All right. An if I take too long... Feel free to track me down or something. [Can't be that hard...]

004 [voice/video/action]

voice.

voice.

voice.

voice.

voice.

voice.

voice.

Voice.

Voice.

Voice.

Voice.

Voice.

Voice.

Voice.

voice.