009 [Video]

[lifetothefullest]

[After a month or so of mostly sticking to text and voice, Lance is back to video for another network broadcast. He's still looking a little unwell, but definitely better than in his last post or any time he's spoken with someone in person since then.

He was also fortunate enough to be in his apartment when the dust storm started, so he doesn't have to camp out in some public place or with people he doesn't like. Hurray! And since pretty much everyone is stuck inside somewhere, this actually ends up being a good time to make a network post to address a few things.]

Hello, everyone. For those who just arrived or otherwise haven't met me yet, I'm Dr. Lance Sweets, and I'm a psychologist; if anyone ever needs or wants to speak to someone professionally, whether about being here or otherwise, you're welcome to send a message or call at any time.

[And that usual note out of the way--]

But I also wanted to discuss something somewhat unrelated, which is the subject of creating an organized directory of who has what skills that they're willing to teach, if asked. Many here want to learn new skills or hobbies, whether due to practicality or boredom or otherwise, but it can be difficult to figure out who to ask especially if you're new and may not want to either use the network for a general announcement, or approach someone you may not know individually.

So a list of who is willing to teach what skills, and who is alright with being asked to do so, would be beneficial a lot of people here. I can compile and maintain it as a file that can be shared.

[It's not like he's doing a whole lot at the moment, having pretty much quit working at the Clinic. He seems to briefly consider continuing with another topic but then ends the feed there; the other thing he wanted to discuss probably wouldn't go over as well as the first one, and he'd prefer everyone not get distracted.]

Comments

video.

[puzzlingly]

「Hey, friend. Guess who is looking much, much, much better than that last creepy post he made? (Normal eye included and all).」

Do you think 'King of Duelists' would look good in my curriculum?

video.

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance had seen that post but didn't have the energy to respond to it, although that means he definitely notices that Atem looks better and it's good to see.]

Depends who you end up talking to and which type of dueling you're referring to.

[People here love their swordfighting and beating each other up, but not as much the card games.]

[Video]

[swiftlet]

[Swift is still a little unsure with these things, but he sincerely hopes he's gotten it right. Is he doing this right?]

I can't speak for anything I know how to do, but I know Seel has quite a bit of useful skill it won't hurt him to teach others. [It might hurt them, but Swift can always come and babysit if he has to.] He's rather good at building and repairing and from what I've seen so far that could come in handy.

[Seel won't be happy, but oh well.]

[Video]

[lifetothefullest]

That is definitely useful.

[Although Lance is actually more interested in everything else Swift said.]

Is there a reason you can't speak for your own skills? If it's that you think they won't be helpful or of interest, that's likely untrue.

[Even the smallest thing can be interesting, especially in terms of dealing with boredom.]

video

[evocation]

Okay. Sign me up.

[Kyna is easy to convince, apparently.]

video

[lifetothefullest]

[He appreciates the cooperation, whatever the reason.]

Will do; I'm guessing you mean on the magic lessons, right? Though didn't you also say you could pick locks?

[He still wants to learn that.]

[Video]

[requiemshark]

[Ephemera looks rather hesitant, but he's still offering.]

I can show people how to paint. If they want.

[Video]

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance offers a small but genuine smile at that, hopefully being reassuring.]

I think there might be several people interested in that, actually. Painting is a skill many people wish they had.

audio

[nowherewolf]

Listen, if you want somebody to really teach people how to pick locks, come to me.

[Side-eyeing a certain someone.]

I don't think I have anything else I could actually teach, though, and since not a lot of stuff is locked around here, I doubt it'll come in handy.

[He is not at all bitter about there being nothing for him to do here. Not at all.]

Wait. I can cook. Does that count?

audio

[lifetothefullest]

You never know when it might come in handy, and even if it doesn't it's at least something new to learn. So if you're willing, I'll add it to the list.

[Lance is definitely interested in learning that particular skill himself, too. But the last offer distracts him from that topic for the moment, because--]

Cooking definitely counts; I can distinctly remember at least three different posts asking for help with cooking, and I'm sure that's only a fraction of people who could use lessons.

video;

[hasitsthorns]

Sign me up to be a music or dance teacher. I got a guitar and I got the moves like Jagger.

[ A pause. Oh, right. ]

I'm also the cave's weed dispensary but y'know keep that on the down low. Maybe I should come up with a secret code? That'd be cool.

video;

[lifetothefullest]

I think a few people have been interested in learning music, so they might take you up on the guitar lessons. Maybe the dancing, too.

[He raises his eyebrows slightly at the last part, amused.]

It might be a little late for that, but a secret code would be cool.

[He's... Actually not totally joking. Codes are always cool.]

text

[ghostlocked]

cool idea.
u already got folks for this but i can teach magic and i can try to teach guitar but its byoguitar.
my magic is better than kynas tho so make sure to list me in front of her.

I'M SO SORRY

[evocation]

i know way more spells than you do.
also you're a dick.

[video]

[sciencelizard]

What, uhm, what k-kind of skills are you thinking of?

[She'd... like to help, but she doesn't consider herself much of a teacher. Then again, the science types in Hadriel become less by the day, and she could use help, even if it's the equivalent of interns.]

[video]

[lifetothefullest]

Almost anything that might be useful, entertaining, or otherwise worth teaching and learning. Professional skills, hobbies, talents, whatever.

[It's a very broad category, which is hopefully encouraging?]

video.

[odinbolt]

I was a teacher, back home. ( The time adventuring may have made her a bit rusty, but this is something she can help with. ) I'd like to help, if I can.

( Maybe she could teach people how to make lesson plans? )

video.

[lifetothefullest]

[Oh, excellent; teaching is definitely a skill in itself, and one that people who are offering to teach might not actually have.]

Your help would be very appreciated, especially for people who may not be confident in their teaching skills.

[And he doesn't recognize her, so--]

Are you a recent arrival?

video;

[occupiesvitalregions]

[Prussia's language barrier is still broken - he's working on it, okay? So for now, all he can offer Lance is a video of him holding up a drawing of himself as a stick figure, fighting with a sword. He points at the picture, points at himself, then drops it to mime swordfighting himself.]

video;

[lifetothefullest]

[Ah, right; Lance hadn't responded to Prussia's previous post about the issue, since he doesn't speak German, but it means he understands the reason for the miming and the picture.]

Okay, got it. I'll put you on the list for swordfighting lessons, thank you.

Video

[sonofacesius]

[Will is at the clinic. You know, the place you normally are but aren't?]

You know my main skills, I'm happy to teach first aid and basics to anyone who wants to learn.

But at the moment I'd rather talk about you.

I'm concerned about you Lance. I know you like to keep things professional but sometimes even psychologists need someone to talk too.

If you don't have anyone, I'm always here.

[Will crosses his arms]

And why on earth aren't you at the clinic?

Video

[lifetothefullest]

[This response started out so as expected, and ended... Not at all as expected, and for a moment Lance is too surprised to do much but stare at his screen although he soon composes himself once again.]

Although I appreciate the concern and the offer, I'm okay.

[It's... Not really the truth, aside from that he does appreciate that Will cares. But Lance really can't bring himself to complain to a teenager, no matter how genuine the offer might be.

The last question, though, makes him a little defensive, and so his answer is probably noticeably closed off.]

I'm no longer working there full time.

[Or much at all.]

video;

[storyseeker]

I know how to shmooze with reality show producers and government officials, but that's a situational skill that's not likely to be tested here.

video;

[lifetothefullest]

People skills in general are actually very useful, and many of those here could benefit from learning some.

[Is there a hint of sass in that? Maybe.]

text;

[trashmouths]

i can teach a lot of people things

rock wars, hiding in sewers, hiding in general, escaping bullies, killing things using baseball bats, impersonations, how to get the top score in street fighter

text;

[lifetothefullest]

Those are all skills with a time and place.

[Some more than others, and he's be very concerned about the killing things with baseball bats one if he weren't semi-aware of the whole It situation. But the last one reminds him of something he feels he should mention--]

Last time I was at the Speakeasy there were arcade games there; no promises on Street Fighter but maybe you could still put those skills to some use.

[voice]

[synthedick]

You mind if I attach that file to the welcome guide?

[Nick figures he knows what the answer will be, but it's worth asking anyway, just to avoid stepping on Lance's toes. One of these days, he hopes to undo some of the damage Maketh did, but he's got other work to finish first.]

[voice]

[lifetothefullest]

Sure, of course; that would be a good idea.

[It's still a little awkward talking to Nick--or most people from the Guard--after everything, but the agreement is genuine and so is the more casual tone. He's glad Nick asked, not just because the courtesy is appreciated but because Lance had thought about the idea of attaching it to the devices but didn't know where to start or who to ask.

And he's silent for a moment, before deciding to ask--]

How is the rebuilding going?

[Video]

[paragonbrosca]

...sure, why not?

I can teach people dirty fighting, lockpicking, how to be stealthy, two-weapon fighting, and some other random shit.

[Video]

[lifetothefullest]

Those are skills people here will probably be interested in, although I feel like it's important to ask if you're sure you can teach the first without anyone getting seriously hurt.

[Because Lance fights dirty in the instances that he has to fight, and that's often the sort of thing that can't be practiced without doing actual damage.]

video

[ex_matricide319]

Hey, Dr. Sweets. [quick little wave.] Um, I don't think I've really got any skills. But that list thing sounds cool.

[pause...] I never see you at the clinic anymore when I stop by for water... you quit?

video

[lifetothefullest]

[He gives a small smile and nod of greeting in return for the wave.]

Thank you, although I wouldn't necessarily rule out having skills others might be interested in.

[And okay, that's a direct question which means it's hard to get around, and so he offers a response that's honest even if it's not the full story.]

I'm on call for medical issues; I'll help out during emergencies or when otherwise needed, but it just didn't seem necessary to be there all the time. Counseling sessions are by appointment--often immediate appointment, but still--as usual.

[farmboyjedi]

I'm a teacher back home. I might be a bit limited, but i'm more than willing to teach any from my world who have the same abilities I do. As long as they aren't already on the Dark Side...usually, my goal then is to try and bring them back into the light.

It's probably a little confusing...it's basically the energy that exists in my world. Some use it for good purposes and some for dark. I've devoted my life to teaching and re-establishing the Order that was destroyed around the time of my birth.

I can also teach some forms of combat...hand to hand, swordsmanship...and meditation studies. I believe that sort of thing can probably be adapted easily even to those who aren't Force-sensitive.

But I'm also very mechincally inclined...vehicles, robots...if there are any here. I'm willing to teach some sort of machine studies. If we run short on water, I can build vaporators to collect it.

[lifetothefullest]

Practical machinery skills might be particularly useful, as well as the fighting skills; those are pretty in demand. Meditation would be something a lot of people could benefit from, although I'm not sure how many takers you might have.

[But definitely worth a shot. As for the more specific stuff--]

For the abilities that only work on people from you world, it might be better to make more individual offers to teach them as you encounter them; are there many from your world here?

[resistancemedic]

I don't really have a specialty...well, outside of veterinary medicine. I had to do a lot of on the job training in human medicine with the other medics who worked with me...now I'm able to do quite a lot of different human trauma medicine.

I've also picked up some various self-defense, weapon and machine skills along the way.

[lifetothefullest]

There are actually several people with pets here that might really benefit from some basic veterinary knowledge.

[For their own peace of mind, as well as just because this place is dangerous.]

I'll add you to the list for those other subjects as well.

video;

[hardwearing]

[ Seeing as he'd probably get some use out of the list, Wash figures it's only fair he volunteer to be on it as well. Even though he's already offered his skills publicly. ]

I'm sure fighting offerings are a mile long already, but you can put me down to teach. Self defense, hand to hand, martial arts, shooting, and knife throwing.

[ He mutters something, glancing offscreen: ] ...Kyna's going to make fun of me for this........ [ Then back to Lance, going for it anyway. ] You can put me down for yoga, too.

video;

[lifetothefullest]

The more options the better, as far as choice of teachers; some here might trust some people more than others.

[Like Lance himself, for instance. And he raises his eyebrows at that last part, amused, though more about the idea of Kyna making fun of Washington than for the actual subject.]

Yoga might actually be really good for people here.

[Lance allowed himself to be dragged to a yoga class by Daisy before, and it was actually really fun. Besides, something based on relaxing and centering oneself could be really beneficial in this place.]

video

[am_i_a_monster]

I can teach people to track, and hunt, and how to field dress the monsters. If a harpsichord ever shows up here, I can teach someone how to play. If they have a rifle, I can teach them to shoot. I can cook and draw too.

[She pauses for a moment.]

Do you ever teach people about psychology?

video

[lifetothefullest]

Those are all really useful skills, especially here.

[And although the harpischord and drawing may be less practical for surviving, they're still interesting talents on their own. As for her question--]

I have before, but there's only so much that can be taught outside of a really structured lesson plan.

[And without books, research, etc. But some things, yes, he can and has taught.]

voice;

[hotspurred]

I hope to have an archery project underway in the near future. That shall, in part, involve lessons.

[Henry pauses, then says:]

...I suppose I might also offer instruction in the one-handed and two-handed sword, dagger, poleaxe and shield.

[It's unlikely too many — if any — will actually take up the offer, so he should have the time to spare.]

voice;

[lifetothefullest]

[He isn't exactly expecting Henry to reply, not because there's anything weird about him offering to teach or anything, but just because Lance is under the perhaps paranoid impression that Henry would be angry with him over everything that happened just before the Null invasion. And, sure, the logical and adult way of handling things would've been just to talk to him, but with everything going on he hasn't been able to gather up the will to do.

But this response is very... Normal, and so Lance tries to respond in kind.]

What sort of archery project?

[He's genuinely curious about that.]

Alright, I'll add you to the list for those subjects. Learning to use a shield especially might benefit a lot of people.

[It seems like something really practical to know how to do, at least.]

[video]

[imhisaunt]

Any kind of skills?

[video]

[lifetothefullest]

Pretty much, yes.

[He can't say 'any' since... There are some skills that shouldn't be taught, but generally yes.]

Anything the might be useful or fun or something like that, which you would enjoy teaching and others would enjoy learning.

Video

[badchoicesmadeeasy]

You're a psychologist?

[ Remember her? She looks a little like crap, but pretty good for someone stuck in someone else's house.

Here's your "casual" conversation, my dude.]

Video

[lifetothefullest]

Yes. Primarily, anyway.

[He has a lot of job titles. But he definitely remembers her, and is slightly concerned about her appearance, but will hold off asking right away until he gets a better sense of how the conversation is going.]