Adventuring Survival Tactics, April 13. Period 4

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

The classroom was all paint-splattered walls and bean bags again this week. After everyone entered, the Doctor began his lecture.

"How many of you have watched Galaxy Quest?" He waited for a show of hands. "That line, 'Never give up. Never surrender. How many of you know that?" He again waited a show of hands. "Well I'm here today to tell you that it's only half right. Never giving up, that's a good motto, good idea, great in practice and the focus of today's lesson. Never surrendering? That's rubbish, that is. That's like saying you never need to tactically withdraw or avoid a situation. Playing life with proper tactics is the only way to help assure you'll win, in the long run. Last stands are for idiots like Custer. And we only remember him because of what an incredibly stupid ape he was." The Doctor paused.

"Now, what does it properly mean to never give up? I mean, there's lots of situations where conceding is to your benefit. Winning the war is more important than an individual battle, and that's not giving up, in the big picture. Think what would've happened if the British gave up just because some ruddy Germans were dropping bombs all over the country. Or if the Americans had said 'oh well, we've lost most of the Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, no way we can win now, let's just give up to the Japanese'. Sure, two World War II examples, but you catch my meaning." He started pacing a bit.

"Now let's say your entire race is wiped out in a war. Does that mean you have the right to just camp out somewhere, ignore the universe about you, and be a bloody hermit the rest of your life? Of course not. That's giving up, that is. So your girlfriend leaves you for the man you were having a homosexual affair with. Do you swear off all relationships forever and become a priest? No, again that's giving up and frankly, no one should take up a life of religion as a result of extreme trauma. Only messes with your head, in the end. Now think about this. You're all very gifted people. You'll be encountering lots of strife, because that's what the universe gives to people who are special. Heartbreaks, dead friends, lost bits of anatomy, torture both physical and emotional. I want you all to keep one thing in mind, when you do encounter all this. There is always something worth living for. When all seems lost, you're letting yourself be blinded to what is truly out there. This universe has a multitude of wonderful things, all worth fighting for. All worth living for."

The Doctor cleared his throat. "And that brings us to the discussion topic of the day. Try and figure out what it is you live for, in this universe of ours. What's that thing that keeps you going. And if any of you say your sodding significant other, you're taking the cheap answer and lying to yourself. I'm sure they're all well and good, but love is temporary and fleeting. Emotions are a rollercoaster, not a rock to stand on. Think harder."

And with that bit of, well, bitterness really, the Doctor clapped his hands. "Alright, get to it!"

Comments

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"Yes Miss Longstocking?" the Doctor replied.

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"I was wondering if you could help me with fixing my mini-comp?" She asked holding the device out to him. "I... Kinda dropped it."

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

The Doctor looked at it. "There is a repair service in town, is there not?"

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"Oh Miss Clay is wonderful." Pippi nodded. "But it's my understanding that she deals mostly in clockwork stuff." Pippi said. "Unless I'm mistaken?"

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"I'm not sure," the Doctor said, taking the device. "What seems to be the issue?"

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"I just doesn't turn on." Pippi said.

Of course, she knew the issue was the power source, but she was playing dumb. That way, he could figure it out, feel all clever, and hopefully fix it.

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

The Doctor pulled out his sonic screwdriver, did a bit of jiggery pokery, and ta-da, it was fixed.

"There we go. Good as new."

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

Pippi hit the power button and the minicomp obediently lit up.

"Oh thank you so much!"

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"Just a bit of jiggery pokery," the Doctor said. "Easy as pie, really."

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"Where do you learn the art of jiggery pokery?"

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"Jiggery pokery academy, of course," the Doctor said.

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"Which is where?"

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"Half a block from llama school," the Doctor said.

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"On Colorado or Las Palmas?"

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"Colorado," the Doctor said, without missing a beat.

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"And that's how you get to Jiggery Pokery Academy?"

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"Quite," the Doctor said.

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"So.. I need to tell you that I probably won't be in class next week."

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"What's next week?" the Doctor asked.

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"I haveta appear in court. In Sweden."

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"Not on charges, I hope?" the Doctor asked.

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"Not exactly..." Pippi said. "Crazy lady trying to be named my legal guardian because she says my Papa is negligent."

Re: After Class

[nine-and-ears.livejournal.com]

"Oh," the Doctor said. "I hope that works out okay."

Re: After Class

[strongestgirl.livejournal.com]

"Me too."