8. [video]

[pompous_today]

Who: Simon Tam and you
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Bloodsport, if you want
When: Right now

[It had been a while since Simon had addressed the network, but he felt like it was important. He realized when the planet visit had come around how little he'd actually been interacting with people since River left, and it was taking its toll on him.

Time to fix that.]

Ah- hello to everyone, especially our many newer arrivals. I have been quiet lately, but I figured it was time to introduce myself- I'm Simon Tam, medical officer on the Bloodsport. I... [He hesitated.] I've been keeping to myself a lot over the past few months, and I'm wanting to change that. I would like to learn something new- how to garden so I can help grow medical plants on the Iskaulit, perhaps. I would also be up for brushing up on my self-defense skills, since I am quite rusty at best. And if anybody has any other suggestions, I am willing to listen.

Thank you.

Comments

[ video ]

[pompous_today]

Thank you for offering- ah, you are...?

Re: [ video ]

[beardstrokes]

Obi-Wan. Shall I meet you there, then?

[ video ]/[action?]

[pompous_today]

I will, Obi-wan.

[And it wasn't long before Simon had dressed in workout clothing and was on his way to the Iskaulit.]

[ action ]

[beardstrokes]

[ A man dressed in a long brown cloak walks in. He has a staff strapped onto his back, which he removes and places it against the wall. Dropping the cloak as well, he stretches his arms briefly, before smiling at Simon. ]

All right then. Show me what you can do.

[ action ]

[pompous_today]

[Simon smiled back at Obi-wan, then laughed nervously.]

Not much of anything, I must admit. I can fire a weapon, but as far as hand-to-hand combat goes... I'm very poor at that. Hence why I asked for instruction. I hope that is not a problem.

Re: [ action ]

[beardstrokes]

Well then.

[ He takes a loose stance, nothing too intimidating. ]

Show me what you know.

[ action ]

[pompous_today]

[Simon imitated Obi-Wan's stance, then stopped, looking sheepish.]

Well, my strategy is usually "knock the other person down and hope they are stunned long enough for me to get away or for someone else to come to my rescue". Being a doctor, I can apply pressure in the right area to knock someone out or injure them, but I'm not sure I want to try that on you.

Re: [ action ]

[beardstrokes]

Not to worry. My resistance to that kind of attack is quite high. But I need to see your speed and strength if I am to tailor my teachings.

[ action ]

[pompous_today]

[Simon let out a breath, nodding. If Obi-wan said he could endure it, he had to trust that the man knew his own limits- especially if he was offering to teach in the first place.

So, Simon took a stance again and made to tackle Obi-wan to the floor. However, he made his intentions quite obvious, so that the man would find it easy to dodge if he chose.]

Re: [ action ]

[beardstrokes]

[ He dodges easily, letting Simon's momentum do the work for him as he casually grabs his arm in a hold. To his credit, it's a loose hold and it doesn't hurt. ]

A decent try. It helps not to telegraph your moves. Don't look like you're preparing for an attack.

[ action ]

[pompous_today]

[Simon allowed himself to be grabbed, turning back to Obi-wan and nodding.]

I admit, the few times I've had to attack someone I did it unexpectedly. Catching someone by surprise will not always be possble, though...

Re: [ action ]

[beardstrokes]

The element of surprise is always good, but not always beneficial.

[ He releases his hold carefully. ]

And you should try to use whatever you can. Arms are not the only weapon you have.

[ action ]

[pompous_today]

[Simon nodded again, his attention rapt.]

And it did once backfire on me- I tackled an intruder on our ship and he shot me in the leg. I will not always be able to avoid injury, of course, but minimizing the risk would be good enough.

Re: [ action ]

[beardstrokes]

If my hands were out.

[ And Obi-Wan positions himself again, clasping Simon's shoulders. ] Like that. How would you attack me?

[ action ]

[pompous_today]

[Simon- actually had to stop and think about it. He's very not good at this.]

I would say try and break your grip, perhaps...

Re: [ action ]

[beardstrokes]

[ He smiles, indulgent. ]

All right, but how?

Notice where your hands are. You could easily push them aside and aim a punch at my chest.

[ action ]

[pompous_today]

[Simon nodded and, without hesitation, did as he was instructed. This time he punched with all of his might, since he believed Obi-wan could take the hit.]

Re: [ action ]

[beardstrokes]

[ Obi-Wan winced, falling back a bit, hurt but not injured. He grins, pleased. ]

That's a good start.

[pompous_today]

[Simon nodded again, looking pleased.]

I know a large part of this will be getting past a mental block, too. I do not like hurting people.

[beardstrokes]

Neither do I. But you must have that instinct to survive, that overrides everything else. When I go into a fight, I must know it is life or death. My life, another's death.

It is a terrible reality and a last resort.

[pompous_today]

And I never dreamed I would find myself in such situations at all... but it happened back home, and I feel it's bound to happen here, sooner or later.

[beardstrokes]

It could happen anywhere, more's the pity. Trying to predict when only invites doubt and failure.

[ There's no point in waiting for an inevitable when. ]

You're preparing for the if. And I'm sure there are people here who will help you when you need it.

[pompous_today]

[Simon smiled and nodded again.]

I've spent a lot of time worrying about the ifs, it's true. Being a doctor, I do tend to try and anticipate everything that may go wrong so I can fix it if it does. But that strategy isn't the best everywhere.

[beardstrokes]

[ Obi-Wan shares a genuine smile with Simon. ]

I often have the same problem. My Master used to say I needed to make sure I was in the here and the now. I find that to be useful advice when I'm getting carried away.

[pompous_today]

I will take that to heart, then. And leave the pre-planning and worrying and pondering worst-case scenarios when I can afford to worry.