037 VOICE LIST THIRTEEN

[deadliestviper]

[Private to Cassel]
What the hell happened? Did you know about this?

What the fuck is wrong with the gym? [Instead of panicked, Beatrix sounds annoyed. No, more than annoyed; exasperated, as if the gym's stayed out hours past curfew.] Does the Admiral have some sort of objection to exercising now?

Since it's locked and barred I guess we're all back to doing push-ups in our rooms and testing out our skills in the CTS. In the meantime, the Admiral better not be taking a page out of Sato's book. The pub I almost understand, but the gym...

Who wants to bet the candy's a peace offering? [There's a crinkling of plastic wrap, and when she speaks again it's a little unclear from the caramel.]

Yeah. It'll definitely take better than this to make up for it.

Comments

private

[versusnurture]

It's grotesque that the Admiral can dictate when and how we can work to get stronger.

Saying that does absolutely nothing productive, I know, but I thought I should get it out anyway.

private

[deadliestviper]

You're preaching to the choir.

We're limited to talking right now. You might as well say what you mean.

private

[versusnurture]

I mean that I'm angry.

I was recommended to you by Harvey Dent. I don't know anything about fighting except for what comes instinctively, and I want to. I'll be as honest with you as I know how to be, but what it comes down to is I'm tired of being helpless.

private

[deadliestviper]

That's what you want? To learn to fight?

[Oh, they don't need a gym for that. Just an open space and a lot of patience and determination.]

Are you more interested in learning to attack or learning to defend yourself?

private

[versusnurture]

Yes. Very much so.

It varies. Logically an equal focus would be a good idea. I know how to handle some weapons - rifles, crossbows, knives - but not how to block an attack or how to take down someone larger than me without a weapon.

private

[deadliestviper]

All right.

[That's enough for her. Range weapons and knives were a good combination for a beginner, but Abigail would still have to learn to use her body alone to fight.]

We can begin as soon as we work out a place. Be ready, it's not going to be easy.

private

[versusnurture]

I don't want easy. I'm used to working hard, and I won't complain.

Thank you.

private

[deadliestviper]

Then you're going to make a good student.

Don't thank me just yet.

private

[versusnurture]

Then don't call me a good student until I've proven myself. We'll both see.