UN: Former Pilot | Open Text

[skyward_eyes]

Having a bit of a problem getting to sleep, and I don't have access to the old methods of dealing with it here. Unless sleep powder is still a thing and people are hiding it.

Anyway, basically what I'm looking for is any remedies or advice people might have for getting to sleep. Or possibly a sparring partner to at least exhaust me to the point of passing out.

Or bedtime stories. There's no books, but bedtime stories are nice, good way to learn about other people's worlds and all that.

Comments

[skyward_eyes]

My weapons master. What's the point of the additional force from a staff if you aren't breaking a jaw?

I suppose I have to explain that my world has really abnormal creatures we call monsters. They come from the moon and want to kill just about everything.

[womanofvalue]

I always appreciated knocking someone unconscious, personally. It leaves less evidence.

Monsters that come from the moon? You'll have to extrapolate on that a bit, I've never heard of such things.

[skyward_eyes]

Where I'm from? Monsters are from the moon. They spawn there in ever increasing numbers. When there are too many and they all gather around a point we have what's called a Lunar Cry. Which means basically monsters falling from our moon to the surface of our planet.

Would it help explain things if I said we have magic and Sorceresses and stuff like that?

[womanofvalue]

Okay, then. Well, I suppose it's no stranger than some of the things we've been seeing here, so monsters on the moon. I am hoping we don't catch wind of them here, of course.

Where I come from, there's no magic, not really. Outlandish science we're only beginning to understand, but not magic.

[skyward_eyes]

Well, there's science too, but really, magic is sorta useful. Not all monsters are susceptible to guns. Thick hides and all of that. So it's a great thing, even if the cost is high.

[womanofvalue]

We should definitely spar, then. I'd be interested to see how you take a creature like that down if a gun wasn't available to you. Like here, for instance.

[skyward_eyes]

Well, I handled polearms in general, so depending on the beast I would switch out weapons. Usually carried at least a partisan, a halberd, and a basic staff.

[womanofvalue]

In that case, let's try working with a staff. You can teach me a little more of the intricacies of that and I can show off some hand to hand?

[skyward_eyes]

I would be happy to, when I can get my hands on one myself. It's not as easy of a weapon to spar safely with, not at full force, but the basic motions aren't too bad. I guess I could start with stances in the mean time. And in exchange I can be a punching bag. Just, you know, not the face.

Without cure spells I'd rather avoid a black eye.

[womanofvalue]

I can see if I can help you find the wood to carve something.

Black eyes just mean you have character. I'm sure we could make you look dashing with one. Not that I'm only saying this to encourage you to be more willing to fight.

[skyward_eyes]

According to some people, I already am. And I'm already willing to fight, ma'am.

I've got some wood here, but it's soft. I don't know what to do with that. It's better as hard woods, like oak. But if we get a pair of staffs done I'd be happy to show you that too. Instead we'll see if I remember how to throw a proper punch instead of just kicking things.

[womanofvalue]

Can we reinforce it with something else? I'm sure if I asked Tony nicely enough, he'd be willing to put some casting on it to ensure the wood doesn't simply break.

I'm always up for punching things, though. It was very nearly a hobby.

[skyward_eyes]

Oh man, no. Getting them shod in metal would be even more dangerous. I'll just keep looking for the right sort of hardwood for now. I'll figure something out. I mean, it's basically like making a real spear,m except you make sure it can handle strikes as well as thrusts. Bamboo can be good for it too.

Is there a time you'd prefer to tenderize this piece of meat?

[womanofvalue]

Dangerous doesn't necessarily mean it shouldn't be done, only that we'd have to be more cautious.

I'm open to any time in the mid-morning, once I've had a chance to have breakfast and check on the fishing nets and traps in the woods I've set out. Would that work for you? I promise to be very gentle in any tenderizing.

[skyward_eyes]

Sorry, but there are safety rules for this stuff. It's like gun discipline.

Suppose I could change my patrol times every few days. If only so that if I get eaten by something it doesn't have issues with how stringy I am.

[womanofvalue]

Well, if I had my gun with me here, that would be a much different story and I'd be a very happy woman.

I'd be happy to help you bulk up, though I think we can at least manage to make it so you can fight back when the inevitable eating attempt occurs.

[skyward_eyes]

[Wow is he laughing. Never thought he needed to 'bulk up' before.]

Thanks. I mean, I'd prefer to stay my pretty self, but I can accept bulking up some.

[womanofvalue]

I was with the army, bulky men is something that's second nature to me, now. Though, perhaps that pretty self of yours is just fine.

I'll see when we spar.

[skyward_eyes]

[Seriously, you're no end of amusing.]

I suppose you will, ma'am. What day would you like to start beating this poor guy up?

[Let's see if she is still amused to beat him up when she sees how young he is.]

[womanofvalue]

Let's set a date for a week or so from now? I'm still recuperating some of my lost strength after grappling with that illness, but then I ought to be just fine.

[skyward_eyes]

Absolutely. Perhaps by then I'll have some basic staffs roughed up, whether from Danny or from just finding good branches. If nothing else getting started with stances and length are pretty important, even if they aren't heavy or strong enough for contact.

Look me up when you think you might be up to it. I hope your recovery goes well.

[womanofvalue]

And I hope you have some luck in finding a suitable piece of material for your staff.

Until later.

I'm Peggy, by the way. When you do come looking for your sparring partner.

[skyward_eyes]

Got it. Peggy. I'll keep that in mind. Unless you need me to call you ma'am. Most people that beat me up tended to want ma'am or sir. Granted they were being paid for it...

[womanofvalue]

That would bring me right back to training.

You can call me Peggy, not ma'am. You're not one of my soldiers, I don't expect it.

[skyward_eyes]

Yeah, my orders tend to come from a different place. But let me know when you're up to it, I'll make time.