Twenty-second Gate

[forsometimenow]

[There are some ink dots from pentaps and a few started words or sentences that are scribbled out, before Jennifer finally decides on what she wants to say. Because this is a very difficult thing for her to ask, as she's still conflicted about wanting it in the first place, but after the false starts, she writes:]

I'm interested in brushing up on my self-defense skills. I know some hand-to-hand combat and how to use a gun, but I've gotten really rusty. If anyone would be willing to teach me... I don't have much to offer in return except teaching first aid, but I would appreciate it a lot.

Comments

[lara_the_explorer]

That's kind of you, but I'm fine without anything in return. We're all in this together.

[forsometimenow]

Thank you.

[lara_the_explorer]

[Lara couldn't help but feel a corner of her lip lift at Jennifer's thanks.]

When do you want to start?

[forsometimenow]

As soon as possible. I mean, I know it's going to take some time, but no use in waiting, right?

[lara_the_explorer]

Got it. We can meet at the gym near the lobby.

[forsometimenow]

I'll be there. ... I'm Dr. Keller, by the way. Or Jennifer, that's fine, too.

[lara_the_explorer]

[Ah, a new face. Well, voice for now.]

I'm Lara.

[When Jennifer arrives at the gym, Lara is still not around... Maybe she gets something first]

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer looked around upon arrival at the gym, dressed in workout clothing, to find it empty. Shrugging, she decided to wait near the door, but still looked around warily, in case this was some sort of test.]

[lara_the_explorer]

[Lara arrived at the gym with a duffel bag slung on her shoulder, looking like she ran all the way down]

I apologize for being late. I hope I didn't make you wait very long.

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer smiles back, a note of relief in her voice.]

Not at all. I wasn't waiting very long- and in any case, I was standing ready because I was half expecting you to be already hidden here when I got here... in case I let my guard down or something. My teachers back home pulled that on me a few times before I finally wised up.

[lara_the_explorer]

Oh. That's actually a good training tactic...

[Now you just gave her an idea]

[forsometimenow]

[Jennifer chuckles.]

It was pretty effective, I'm almost ashamed to say. At the same time, it was a good lesson, since an attacker isn't necessarily going to give me much time to prepare.

[lara_the_explorer]

That's true. These people you worked with. Are they law enforcement, or military?

[Lara entered the gym and sets her gym bag aside]

[forsometimenow]

One was military- the other two had grown up on worlds where fighting and survival skills were a necessity. They'd been warriors since they were young.

[lara_the_explorer]

Worlds? So this Paradisa being in a different dimension is not new to you?

[Lara said that while tying hand wraps]

[forsometimenow]

Well- sort of. Where I come from, humans in modern times have discovered devices called Stargates that were built by a long-dead group of much more advanced humans. They allow near-instant travel across planets and to other galaxies. So it's along the same lines- that, and my friends have traveled to alternate timelines before.

[lara_the_explorer]

[Lara nods and listened with interest and awe]

Wow... The things the masses could learn from, well everything! Advanced humans? Were there civilizations outside of Earth?