Around the World in Seven Weeks [Tuesday, July 16, 2013, 2nd period]

[sith_happened]

The Skywalkers were looking more grave than usual as they stood in the Portalocity office, and Ben's eyes kept sliding to the spot where Anakin had stood during last session's briefings, but they weren't going to share the cause of their grief unless pressed on it.

"Today we're going to the Asian country of Azerbaijan," Anakin began, pointing to it on the map. "It's a former Soviet nation that speaks a combination of Russian, Farsi and Turkish and is rich in natural gas. You will be performing your tasks in the capital city of Baku."

Ben nodded. "Hopefully you didn't wear anything you love too much."

That wasn't helpful, Ben.

"We'll see you at the end of the course. Don't get hurt."

Desert Island Survival 101, Tuesday Fourth Period

[wasthecuteone]

Today, the setup was much the same, except the plane was no longer on fire and there was a smallish pile of somewhat battered suitcases next to Petra, with another, smaller pile of things like airplane blankets, the plane's first aid kit and rescue axes, bottled water, and packets of airplane pretzels next to it. "So you've taken stock of your immediate situation, seen to your wounded, and started gathering your supplies," Petra said. "Great job, guys. Now what's your first concern?"

She waited a beat, then said, "Water. Your first concern is always water. You have enough for a day or two, but then you'll be out, and you can't do any of the other things you need to do if you're dehydrated. So, your options are: search the island for a source of fresh water, or try to create one. Option one, we're going to leave on the table, but first let's talk about option two. We're going to use..." Petra unzipped the suitcase nearest to her, rummaged around in it, and pulled out an ugly green beaded evening gown. "This!" No, she wasn't crazy. "But how are we going to use this to create a water source? If you guys can't figure it out, I'll tell you, but first, try brainstorming it out among yourselves. Remember, in a crisis you won't always have someone to tell you what you can do with what you've got to work with."

Coping With Loss, Tuesday, Third Period

[not_a_whiner]

"Last week, we did a little introduction round to each other," Kaidan said. Well... sort of, anyway. He was in short order learning that for a teacher, he made a really great marine. Which was why today he'd be sticking to the book. "This week, it's time to introduce ourselves to ourselves. So to speak."

He walked past all the students, leaving a sheet of paper and a sheet full of questions on each desk.

"You'll find a couple of questions on here," he said. "They have to do with self-awareness. You can't learn to cope with your own grief - or that of someone else - without understanding who you are and how you tick. Now, I know this is a private thing, and some of you might not want to share, so. If you want, you can turn it in, and I'll be able to better adapt the class to what you need. If you don't want... well, I want you to write this out anyway. Then you can toss it in the trash, turn in only half of it, or take it with you and burn it - I don't care."

He paused.

Looked at the class.

"But I do want to see you writing," he said. "Take your time. This is for your benefit, not mine."