http://mistressofblack.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] mistressofblack.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2008-07-29 01:00 am

Underwater Basket Weaving as a Metaphor for Organising Your Life, Tuesday, Period 2

"Good morning, class," Lulu said, as the class gathered at the pool. It was a little cooler here in Australia than it had been before, so she and Juli had decided to move back indoors. And also today's lesson benefited from a more strictly controlled environment. "Today, we're going to focus on learning a skill from my homeworld. It's not something you can master in a day, so what I'm going to do is give you the basics, and hopefully you'll be able to go away with it and go further on your own.

"Essentially, people on my world have learned to hold their breath for indefinite periods of time, while being highly active. It's something that anyone can learn, and doesn't seem to rely on any of the magical skills available on my planet, so I thought it would work here in class, as well. The primary example of where this is used is in the sport known as Blitzball; competitors play within a large sphere of water, and must rely on their ability to hold their breath while playing this very physical sport -- there's not really any way to surface for air during a game."

“This is dangerous,” Juli said firmly. “You’re not to try it outside of class, unless you’re in the presence of someone who knows what they are doing. The average human being can hold their breath underwater for approximately forty-five to seventy-five seconds. What we’re teaching you is something quite similar, but nonetheless, caution rules.” She smiled faintly, and held up a stop-watch. “Having said what the average is, let’s see what one person can do. Miss Lulu?”

Lulu nodded. "My personal best, while remaining mostly still, is up to seven minutes. Certainly not enough to play blitz, but still rather beyond the norm, as I am given to understand it." She dove into the water.

Starting the timer, Juli nonchalantly turned back to the class. “You will be attempting to stay underwater utilizing the same technique that Miss Lulu is currently putting to the test. This activity is to be done in pairs, and if we see anyone not taking this seriously we will not hesitate in landing all involved with detention. Have fun, but pay attention and concentrate.”

After a period of time, Lulu surfaced, and climbed out of the water. "How did I do?" she asked, with a bit of a smile.

Juli smiled, glancing at the timer. “Seven minutes, twenty-three seconds!" she announced.

Lulu's smiled widened a bit. "A new personal best," she said, before diving back into the water. "It's really quite simple," she continued, and then went on to handwavily, because I am so not coming up with an actual explanation for this explain how the trick was done.

"Well?" Juli asked, glancing at the class. "What are you waiting for? Pair up, get in the water, and we'll begin practicing." A pause, and a sly smile. "And try not to drown."

[OCD is up! Have at!]

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] lordofthecats.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
It was definitely much longer than last time. After a few minutes, there was still no sign of Lion-o, but there were still bubbles rising to the surface.

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] shiniernyours.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, Bender shook the stopwatch. Was he still down there?

Bender stuck his head under the surface for a better look.

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] lordofthecats.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 10:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Underwater, Lion-o was turning blue, but he didn't look too worried. He waved at Bender.

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] shiniernyours.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 10:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay. The kid seemed fine, and Bender unlikely to be accused of reckless disregard for safety.

He dipped an arm in and gave a wave, before pulling himself back up.

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] lordofthecats.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
When Lion-o finally let go of the bricks and rose to the surface, his face was totally blue. "How long was that?" he asked Bender, totally unconcerned about the lack of oxygen.

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] shiniernyours.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not bad," said Bender, aiming for unimpressed as he held up the stopwatch. "Are you supposed to look that colour?"

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] lordofthecats.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 10:36 pm (UTC)(link)
"I don't think so," said Lion-o, looking at the back of his hand. "It looks kind of cool, though."

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] shiniernyours.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"It looks like you had an fight with a blueberry," Bender shrugged.

Re: The Assignment: Holding Your Breath

[identity profile] lordofthecats.livejournal.com 2008-07-29 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Lion-o shivered, but the color was slowly returning to his face. "At least the pool is heated," he said.