fandomhigh | Hand-to-Hand Combat & Self Defense, Tuesday, Period 4

The students should have received a note asking them to meet in the gym, where they would find a tall, scruffy ginger Australian with a military bearing and one arm in a sling. Next to him sat a happy-looking, slightly overweight brown and white bulldog. "Right, listen up," Herc said to his students in a carrying sort of voice. "I'm Hercules Hansen, that's Mister Hansen to you lot, and this is Hand-to-Hand Combat and Self Defense. If you're in the wrong room, that's impressive, because there aren't any other classes on right now by my schedule, but no harm done. I'm just gonna tell you up front, I'm new to this teaching business, but if you think that means you're gonna get one over on me, think again.

"This is Max," he said, indicating the dog at his feet, "Max has run of the classroom, but please do not disrupt class by calling him over or playing with him. I want you paying attention to me, not my s--" he hesitated for a moment, his jaw tightening a little, then said firmly, "Not to my dog. Don't worry, he knows better than to get underfoot while you're working. You may pet Max before or after class, or if he happens to wander over to you during class, as long as you're still paying attention. Anyone caught giving Max treats will be reminded to be sneakier in the future. Any questions?"

He paused for a moment, then bulled right on. "No? Good. I think the name of the class gives you a pretty good idea of what it's about, so let's get started. I want your names, so I know who's who, I want to know what your experience level is, and...one interesting fact about you." Maybe it would help him remember their names. "In the future if you could show up in workout clothes and try to get warmed up before class starts, that would be great, but we're not gonna do much today so you should be fine. I obviously can't demonstrate some things for the next few weeks," he added, glancing down at his injured arm, "so if someone would like to volunteer to demonstrate, I would appreciate that. See me after class. We can make you a teaching assistant. Otherwise I'll pick someone at random at the beginning of class. Right, let's get started."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Mordin Solus. Experience limited. Given small training in preparation for encounter with alien species." Mordin tried hard to think of a fact more interesting than being an extraterrestrial visitor. "Can hold breath underwater for up to twenty minutes."

Herc was not going to ask one of his students what the hell they were. He was not. "Er. Right then. Is there anything about your biology that would be useful to know before I start letting one of your classmates throw a punch at you or what have you?"

"Skeleton comprised of more cartilage than human's. More flexible, slower to heal. Muscle tissue less dense." Mordin looked around at his classmates. "But do not underestimate."

The warning was not one he would repeat. His skinny, seemingly frail body being undervalued was an advantage for the element of surprise.

Hand-to-Hand Combat & Self Defense, Tuesday, Period 4

Re: Introductions

Re: Introductions

Re: Introductions