Cognitive Logic in Understanding Evidence; Wednesday, Second Period [02/10].

[died8yearsago]

The storm still raging on outside the mansion made the mood of the small, dimly lit library all the more effective, as the delayed dinner party guests were ushered into the room by the intrepid Detective D. The fire in the fireplace among the tall stacks of books offered warmth, but no cheer, as they gathered around the long table in the center of the room or in the various armchairs scattered about. Dectective D herself stood in front of a chalkboard, where the names of each of the guests were written, as well as the butler and the maid, both of whom were still missing and unaccounted for.

"A body has been found," she reminded them, "as well as several potential methods of murder. What remains now is to narrow our search down and start honing in on some cold, hard facts. There is good reason to believe that the murderer is, in fact, still at large and in this very room. We need to start narrowing things down and interrogating our fellow party guests to see who might reveal our next clues and get an idea of who we might be more wary of. Who could have done it? When? How? What was their motivation?"

There was a flash of lightning that lit up the room for a moment, timed perfectly with Rosa's hands slapping dramatically on the table. "I want answers! No one leaves this room until we have them!"

Or, well, at least until the class period ends.

"Theories. Ideas. Speculation. Accusations! I want it all. Let's see what you're made of..."

She passed a cool glare around the table at the students before pulling herself up.

"Also," she added, "if anyone knows anything about the word 'toototabon,' let me know."

Completely unrelated to the fake case at hand, sure, but at this point, Rosa figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Career Development, Wednesday, First Period

[talentforlying]

"So! There's this holiday coming up on Sunday," John began, clapping his hands together. "Now, it's pitched to romantic couples as being for them, but why should that stop you from getting a free dinner and drinks?"

"Keeping people company is a long, time-honored job. And so long as you leave sex out of it, it's legal in this country."

“And,” Faye added helpfully, holding up a single finger as though making a great point, “in fact, if someone tries to get sex from you just because they bought you dinner, that’s a great excuse to kick them in the shins, because while there’s nothing wrong with transactional company, everyone should be on the same page.”

A pause.

“Kick them after you eat, though. Like, that’s an important step. Loot, then kicking.”

"As the divine Miss Valentine says," John agreed. "And if you have to kick them, you get to take their wallet for good measure."

It was entirely possible pairing them together for this was a terrible idea.

"But back to more pleasant ideas," he continued, "--such as getting free food, drink, and possibly being paid just to sit there, be pretty, and pretend to listen. Keep in mind, there is no limit to gender on this. Anyone and everyone can get someone to buy them a drink."

“Easily.” Faye shook her head, waving one hand. “It’s not even hard. So, today, we’re going to practice our flirting - which tends to look a little different for everyone, but there are some universal truths. Number one: flattery. Find something appealing about your mark - or at least, let them think you think it’s appealing, even if you’re faking it.”

Oh, good, Faye, just openly embrace the term ‘mark,’ why not.

“Most people are susceptible to flattery, and generally, they want to hear more - so make sure you pick something you can go on about. Or a couple somethings.”

"Two: If you have decided this is a 'take what you can and run,' limit the amount of personal information about yourself," John continued. "Keep it vague, and keep turning the attention back on them. Body language like leaning in, making eye contact, and nodding can help keep that up without it being obvious."

"If you got long eyelashes, bat 'em. Cross and uncross your legs. Just keep the focus on them."

Faye, who did indeed have long lashes, batted hers. "And three, ask questions. You know what people love talking about, almost no exceptions? Themselves. And if you look interested and make 'em feel like they're just the niftiest thing in the solar system, they won't ask you anything about yourself, which is all the better if you're planning on getting out of there quick - and they'll probably be easier to distract if you'd like a less violent means of getting their wallet." Or just an easy escape from what sounded like a not-great date.

"Get in groups and practice," John decided. "Get your mark talking, and practice looking interested."

He offered Faye his arm. "Shall we, Miss Valentine?"

Flight and Flying, Wednesday, February 10, 2021

[sith_happened]

"Well," Anakin said dryly, "I had planned on something utilizing the flight shed today but--" he waved his hand at the shed door, currently blocked by a giant block of carbonite 8 feet high helpfully lableled "ACTIVELY HOMICIDAL FOR DECADES," "--we're a little blocked out and I don't want to subject delicate equipment to falling luggage."

He ran his hand through his hair as a small suitcase neatly labeled "CAN NEVER BE WRONG" fell at his feet. "What a fun day this is," he muttered. "So. Since falling projectiles and flying are a terrible combination, let's sit out here and discuss what sort of protections should be built into aircraft to stop them from falling out of the sky if they get hit by things." He smiled. "Did you know they actually check engines to be sure they don't seize up if they suck up a bird?"

Thank you for that, Anakin.