Ginnie looked around as well, but if Alec was blended then there was no way she'd see him. She noted where she figured his most likely place to be, but stayed quiet, watching her daughter. This could prove a good test of her as yet undiscovered abilities.
"Well let me know when you find him so I can skin him alive for causing a distraction."
Chuckling, she tossed the towel at the bin for them, giving it a little nudge with her mind when its trajectory proved off. With one eye on Shay, she pulled the rest of the paraphernalia out of the bag, and laid it out in the order Shay would put it on.
Oh Look Guns! (attn: Shay)
Ginnie stepped into the elevator after Shay and instructed it to the shooting range. It moved them to the appropriate floor and quietly swooshed open.
"We'll get you measured for custom holsters and body armor first. A bullet won't kill you anymore, but they take a long time to heal when you're young, not to mention it hurts like a son-of-a-bitch. I tend to wear a vest when hunting or out on certain business ventures."
They stopped in front of a door that looked like every other, except the little plaque on the side read "Shooting Range" She placed her hand on the keypad and the door shushed opened for them. She had a momentary giggle when she thought about the doors in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and applied the soft happy sighs to the domicile doors. They walked inside and Ginnie opened a door to the left. Inside the small room was a state of the art 3-D biometrics recording system. It was basically a digital x-ray pod, but fancier. Ginnie hadn't created the technology so she knew little about it beyond it's use, function and operation.
"If you'll shimmy down to your under things, and step inside there, we'll get you measured. It only takes a minute. I'm sorry it's so cold, but the equipment prevents using the heat."
She walked over behind the control panel and fired the machine up.
"This will give us all the measurements we need to get armor, holsters and proper length guns, knives and anything else you want. This also puts you in the system that allows you to requisition certain items that require specific size. Once we get this done I'll send in the req.'s for your holsters. Today we'll set you up with a standard sized utility belt. Then after you are used to the weapons you can decide what kind of draw you want."
Ginnie was in her own element here and was excited to be sharing it with her daughter and friend.
Ginnie
17 years ago
Alec Devereaux
17 years ago
Relaxing his mind completely, the fluorescent lights of the shooting range began to reach Alec's skin as nature had intended. His smile, now visible within the visible spectrum, reached Shay.
"Well, that answers that question. And please please continue. Skinless Alec is not on the menu this evening."
Keeping his James Dean practiced lean against the wall, he winked at his lover. Ginnie was a skilled teacher - he'd try not to be disruptive, but he was excited that perception had manifested within their charge. Though it might lend credence to Dayle's contagion theory, he couldn't help but view it as an additional connection to the fledgling.
It was odd, having a family of sorts. It changed outlook and priorities.
"Well, that answers that question. And please please continue. Skinless Alec is not on the menu this evening."
Keeping his James Dean practiced lean against the wall, he winked at his lover. Ginnie was a skilled teacher - he'd try not to be disruptive, but he was excited that perception had manifested within their charge. Though it might lend credence to Dayle's contagion theory, he couldn't help but view it as an additional connection to the fledgling.
It was odd, having a family of sorts. It changed outlook and priorities.
Shay
17 years ago
"I knew it!"
Whether driven by her excitement, or a bit of surprise at seeing him sort of materialize before her, Shay bounded over to the now quite visible man, and threw her arms around him in an exuberant hug.
"What question?" She piped up, as she moved back a step and grinned at the man in anticipation.
"This is such fun! I seem to have a knack for hand guns...but don't feel real comfortable with rifles..."
As much as she wanted to please Ginnie, Shay found she wanted to please Alec equally. Yes, she had an independent and stubborn streak, but when it came to things like this, Shay had enough uncertainty inside to make their opinions valuable, none the less.
"And we just graduated to knives...are you going to show me how to tuck them up my sleeves?"
Operating on another adrenalin spurt of energy, Shay tried not to bounce out of her shoes. Returning to the counter, she traded looks between both Ginnie and Alec.
Whether driven by her excitement, or a bit of surprise at seeing him sort of materialize before her, Shay bounded over to the now quite visible man, and threw her arms around him in an exuberant hug.
"What question?" She piped up, as she moved back a step and grinned at the man in anticipation.
"This is such fun! I seem to have a knack for hand guns...but don't feel real comfortable with rifles..."
As much as she wanted to please Ginnie, Shay found she wanted to please Alec equally. Yes, she had an independent and stubborn streak, but when it came to things like this, Shay had enough uncertainty inside to make their opinions valuable, none the less.
"And we just graduated to knives...are you going to show me how to tuck them up my sleeves?"
Operating on another adrenalin spurt of energy, Shay tried not to bounce out of her shoes. Returning to the counter, she traded looks between both Ginnie and Alec.
Ginnie
17 years ago
Laughing Ginnie walked around to where Shay stood. Sometimes the woman reminded her of an exuberant puppy. She picked up the utility belt and fitted it snugly around Shay's waist.
"This will do for now. You'll draw your guns with the side you intend to fire with, so right hand gun goes on the right side and left hand gun on the left. When we get your holster in I'll teach you a cross draw."
With deft east she began to fit the hand guns on Shay's hips, along with knives in angled cross draw positions, and one in the small of her back. She took Shay's left arm and fitted a wrist sheath to it. "These will generally be hidden by your clothes. If you use them, be sure to wear some what loose sleeved dark clothing." She fitted the other sheath to her opposite wrist.
"As you train you'll discover what works best for you and will be able to have custom sheaths and holsters made. For custom guns you come to me and for custom blades you'll need to ask Alec about where to get them. I use standard ones that were issued to me here."
She gave each weapon's security one more check and gave Shay's butt a pat. "There you go. What would you like to do first?"
"This will do for now. You'll draw your guns with the side you intend to fire with, so right hand gun goes on the right side and left hand gun on the left. When we get your holster in I'll teach you a cross draw."
With deft east she began to fit the hand guns on Shay's hips, along with knives in angled cross draw positions, and one in the small of her back. She took Shay's left arm and fitted a wrist sheath to it. "These will generally be hidden by your clothes. If you use them, be sure to wear some what loose sleeved dark clothing." She fitted the other sheath to her opposite wrist.
"As you train you'll discover what works best for you and will be able to have custom sheaths and holsters made. For custom guns you come to me and for custom blades you'll need to ask Alec about where to get them. I use standard ones that were issued to me here."
She gave each weapon's security one more check and gave Shay's butt a pat. "There you go. What would you like to do first?"
Alec Devereaux
17 years ago
Smiling, he gestured Shay back toward Ginnie.
"I'll answer later. Pay attention so I don't have to sleep on the couch."
Winking, he moved a little farther away so as to be less of a distraction, but still a clear observer. Watching Ginnie dress Shay in her new outfit made him feel strange. It was an odd mix of satisfaction, pride, loss and irritation. Taking the time to analyze the feelings, he tracked most of them to their sources. The satisfaction and pride were that both women in front of him were capable of moving through the world regardless of the obstacles placed before them. The loss was mostly selfish - he was going to be losing more of his time with Ginnie to Shay - it was uncharitable and he didn't like examining it, but there it was. The irritation was that with all of these ancients running around that they would allow the world to become such a shitty place that beautiful women had to run around armed to the teeth. Tacharan was a response to the mistakes of the other clans. It wasn't a solution, but it existed within the mess that had been allowed to come about. Like it or not, the Anantya were very much to blame for the splinter.
If only they'd listened to the damn hippies.
Chuckling to his inner thoughts, Alec watched the young one get outfitted for the workout to come. He wondered how hard Ginnie would be on her...and when he was teaching her, would he be harder or easier on her? More compassionate or less tolerant? Time would tell.
"I'll answer later. Pay attention so I don't have to sleep on the couch."
Winking, he moved a little farther away so as to be less of a distraction, but still a clear observer. Watching Ginnie dress Shay in her new outfit made him feel strange. It was an odd mix of satisfaction, pride, loss and irritation. Taking the time to analyze the feelings, he tracked most of them to their sources. The satisfaction and pride were that both women in front of him were capable of moving through the world regardless of the obstacles placed before them. The loss was mostly selfish - he was going to be losing more of his time with Ginnie to Shay - it was uncharitable and he didn't like examining it, but there it was. The irritation was that with all of these ancients running around that they would allow the world to become such a shitty place that beautiful women had to run around armed to the teeth. Tacharan was a response to the mistakes of the other clans. It wasn't a solution, but it existed within the mess that had been allowed to come about. Like it or not, the Anantya were very much to blame for the splinter.
If only they'd listened to the damn hippies.
Chuckling to his inner thoughts, Alec watched the young one get outfitted for the workout to come. He wondered how hard Ginnie would be on her...and when he was teaching her, would he be harder or easier on her? More compassionate or less tolerant? Time would tell.
Shay
17 years ago
Chuckling at Alec's little joke, Shay moved back to Ginnie's side for her next bit of instructions.
Standing still, while Ginnie fitted her with the holsters, was only slightly difficult. Shay managed though, and again paid special attention to everything, so she would know how to duplicate the arrangements on her own. Just let someone try to come after her again! HA! Would they be in for a surprise! Shay grinned as pictures of encounters floated across her mind, and as she saw how fun it would be to prove her ability to protect herself.
Yet when Ginnie was done, Shay's opinions changed a little. Protecting herself was one thing, but with all the gear she now wore, it seemed to be overkill, and not as comfortable as going without. It reminded her somewhat of wearing a bra, though at least there was a purpose to the holsters.
"How prudent would it be if I just carried one gun, and one knife?" Maybe if she became accustomed to one at a time, she could work her way up to wearing more, if it became necessary. "Will I really have the need for them all?"
Shay's eyes repeatedly flew between Ginnie and Alec, wanting opinions from both, with the whole 'appearing from thin air' subject forgotten for now.
"I'll practice with guns later, if that's okay, since I already feel at ease with them. Right now, I'd really like pointers on handling knives." The image of a chef from a sushi bar flipping knives all over the place, slicing, dicing, chopping, sent Shay into another small fit of giggles. Shaking the thought from her head, she became serious again, as she awaited her new demonstration.
Standing still, while Ginnie fitted her with the holsters, was only slightly difficult. Shay managed though, and again paid special attention to everything, so she would know how to duplicate the arrangements on her own. Just let someone try to come after her again! HA! Would they be in for a surprise! Shay grinned as pictures of encounters floated across her mind, and as she saw how fun it would be to prove her ability to protect herself.
Yet when Ginnie was done, Shay's opinions changed a little. Protecting herself was one thing, but with all the gear she now wore, it seemed to be overkill, and not as comfortable as going without. It reminded her somewhat of wearing a bra, though at least there was a purpose to the holsters.
"How prudent would it be if I just carried one gun, and one knife?" Maybe if she became accustomed to one at a time, she could work her way up to wearing more, if it became necessary. "Will I really have the need for them all?"
Shay's eyes repeatedly flew between Ginnie and Alec, wanting opinions from both, with the whole 'appearing from thin air' subject forgotten for now.
"I'll practice with guns later, if that's okay, since I already feel at ease with them. Right now, I'd really like pointers on handling knives." The image of a chef from a sushi bar flipping knives all over the place, slicing, dicing, chopping, sent Shay into another small fit of giggles. Shaking the thought from her head, she became serious again, as she awaited her new demonstration.
Ginnie
17 years ago
Ginnie smiled at Shay. While she herself had more arms on her than a drug dealer when she left the Domicile or Duibne, she knew not everyone was comfortable with or needed as much protection.
"Packing heat is a personal matter and if you are comfortable with only one then that is what you should carry. I've ordered both singe and double holsters for you so, that won't be an issue. As to knives, I think it best to carry them in pairs. If you have one at your ankle then you should have one at your wrist, back or side as well."
Ginnie gestured to the opposite end of the range. She pushed the cart with them so that she could replace it where it belonged. "It's fine by me. The targets down here are just styrofoam blocks. It stops the knives with out damaging them."
"Alec?"
She turned and beckoned to her lover. "I think you would be better suited to this lesson. I can show her, but I don't have as much skill with knives as I should."
"Packing heat is a personal matter and if you are comfortable with only one then that is what you should carry. I've ordered both singe and double holsters for you so, that won't be an issue. As to knives, I think it best to carry them in pairs. If you have one at your ankle then you should have one at your wrist, back or side as well."
Ginnie gestured to the opposite end of the range. She pushed the cart with them so that she could replace it where it belonged. "It's fine by me. The targets down here are just styrofoam blocks. It stops the knives with out damaging them."
"Alec?"
She turned and beckoned to her lover. "I think you would be better suited to this lesson. I can show her, but I don't have as much skill with knives as I should."
Alec Devereaux
17 years ago
Smiling, he stepped forward again.
"As you wish."
Glancing down at the spread in front of them, Alec wiggled his eyebrows.
"Ok. There really isn't a right answer. Like she said, it is a very personal matter, and one of both comfort and proficiency. Typically, I bring the rifle on any job that might result in fire. For day to day, I don't typically carry a handgun because it'd be a liability. I'm not good enough with one to make the one shot count. Also, because of my skills, the noise is another liability. I carry other compensators, of course, but for me the gun is only useful in a situation where I know I'll be shooting and have time to prepare...so I go with the rifles unless in trouble. That said, I always still take the handgun with me if I bring the rifle...it just becomes an emergency layer. Like any tool, a certain gun is more useful in certain situations. The same is true with a knife."
Looking at the spread again, he started with the largest - a swept combat knife with serrated back that would practically be a machete in Shay's hands.
"Like this puppy you wouldn't use for subtlety. Ripping wounds, big cuts...it is a straightforward, brutal thing. Pulling it out is sometimes enough to make people think twice because it just looks like it hurts...though in reality it isn't as dangerous as...this lovely tool."
Reaching down, he selected a thin, elegant stiletto with a slight waist curve.
"This is actually much more dangerous when properly applied than the other. But also a much more...offensive weapon. But we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves."
Placing both blades down, he stepped toward Shay.
"I'm not sure whether you have a background in anatomy or not, so let's find out. Where are the best locations to strike with a blade for...a quick kill...heavy injury...incapacitation...or just pain? Guessing is acceptable."
Smiling, he stepped back, feet slightly apart and arms out wide.
"As you wish."
Glancing down at the spread in front of them, Alec wiggled his eyebrows.
"Ok. There really isn't a right answer. Like she said, it is a very personal matter, and one of both comfort and proficiency. Typically, I bring the rifle on any job that might result in fire. For day to day, I don't typically carry a handgun because it'd be a liability. I'm not good enough with one to make the one shot count. Also, because of my skills, the noise is another liability. I carry other compensators, of course, but for me the gun is only useful in a situation where I know I'll be shooting and have time to prepare...so I go with the rifles unless in trouble. That said, I always still take the handgun with me if I bring the rifle...it just becomes an emergency layer. Like any tool, a certain gun is more useful in certain situations. The same is true with a knife."
Looking at the spread again, he started with the largest - a swept combat knife with serrated back that would practically be a machete in Shay's hands.
"Like this puppy you wouldn't use for subtlety. Ripping wounds, big cuts...it is a straightforward, brutal thing. Pulling it out is sometimes enough to make people think twice because it just looks like it hurts...though in reality it isn't as dangerous as...this lovely tool."
Reaching down, he selected a thin, elegant stiletto with a slight waist curve.
"This is actually much more dangerous when properly applied than the other. But also a much more...offensive weapon. But we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves."
Placing both blades down, he stepped toward Shay.
"I'm not sure whether you have a background in anatomy or not, so let's find out. Where are the best locations to strike with a blade for...a quick kill...heavy injury...incapacitation...or just pain? Guessing is acceptable."
Smiling, he stepped back, feet slightly apart and arms out wide.
Shay
17 years ago
Because her build was different from that of Alec's, and because she already had a seemingly innate natural feel for the hand guns, Shay thought her first choice would be the guns. At least for now. The knives intrigued her though, and she was ready to learn all she could.
Being shown the individual knives, it was reassuring to find she didn't feel at all squeamish when she imagined the damage they could do, or what it would take for her to use them.
"Hmmm...I'm not sure if I recently heard this on tv, or if its some old knowledge, but seems to me to kill quickly, you'd want to strike where the blood flow was the easiest to get to, and where it would bleed out fastest. Of course directly to the heart would probably be the best, but not always easiest to access. The artery in your upper thigh...femoral?" And Shay gestured to the spot just below where her thigh joined her hip, before pointing to her neck. "And then I think there are both veins and arteries in a person's neck...jugular vein, and carotid artery...that would bleed out quickly."
Pausing in thought, Shay came up with one more option.
"And because it's smaller, the brachial artery...in the arm, here..." And again she touched herself, this time clamping her hand around her upper arm.
"For expediency, I'd try to go for the neck, but having the other options would be good too...right?"
The information just tumbled out of her mouth, as if a button was pushed, and that was the proper action. Looking to Alec first this time, but then also taking into consideration Ginnie's reaction, Shay tried to gauge whether her answer was correct or not.
"I don't know the rest of the answer. I don't guess I ever had to just inflict pain on anyone...or incapacitate them...and none of the movies I've watched have covered that."
She grinned a little sheepishly, as if it was somehow her fault that she didn't know the answer. She doubted either Alec or Ginnie would hold it against her though, and that they would both be happy to provide her with that information in their continued teaching.
Being shown the individual knives, it was reassuring to find she didn't feel at all squeamish when she imagined the damage they could do, or what it would take for her to use them.
"Hmmm...I'm not sure if I recently heard this on tv, or if its some old knowledge, but seems to me to kill quickly, you'd want to strike where the blood flow was the easiest to get to, and where it would bleed out fastest. Of course directly to the heart would probably be the best, but not always easiest to access. The artery in your upper thigh...femoral?" And Shay gestured to the spot just below where her thigh joined her hip, before pointing to her neck. "And then I think there are both veins and arteries in a person's neck...jugular vein, and carotid artery...that would bleed out quickly."
Pausing in thought, Shay came up with one more option.
"And because it's smaller, the brachial artery...in the arm, here..." And again she touched herself, this time clamping her hand around her upper arm.
"For expediency, I'd try to go for the neck, but having the other options would be good too...right?"
The information just tumbled out of her mouth, as if a button was pushed, and that was the proper action. Looking to Alec first this time, but then also taking into consideration Ginnie's reaction, Shay tried to gauge whether her answer was correct or not.
"I don't know the rest of the answer. I don't guess I ever had to just inflict pain on anyone...or incapacitate them...and none of the movies I've watched have covered that."
She grinned a little sheepishly, as if it was somehow her fault that she didn't know the answer. She doubted either Alec or Ginnie would hold it against her though, and that they would both be happy to provide her with that information in their continued teaching.
Alec Devereaux
17 years ago
Nodding, he was pleased. She had a good idea about the layout of the circulatory system. With a bit of a brush up on the nervous system she'd be all set. As he described each area, he brushed a hand over his body for the entry points.
"Pretty much on the money. There are a few quick kill spots, and all of them are on the head and torso. The femoral is a good choice, but rarely an option as striking there will generally open your own head for retaliation. With a knife the heart itself can be difficult to get to, but top entry through the subclavian is a guaranteed kill and the easiest way for a short blade to the heart. Going through the ribcage is a chancy prospect and can risk getting your weapon stuck. Through the eyes are also very fast, as are the jugular and carotid. Both still allow time for retaliation in certain circumstances, though it is unlikely. I'll let you look through some of the anatomical information before we cover pain and quick incapacitation. Basically you look for nerve clusters, organs and tendons."
Gesturing to the table, he smiled.
"Depending on the choice of weapon, different attacks are possible. A heavily edged blade like the combat knife there is excellent for incapacitation and show. The thin stiletto is well suited for the subclavian maneuver because it is very narrow, curved slightly and mostly tip. Less resistance through the muscle and smaller area to get caught on bone. Give them all a brief handling and fine one or two that have a good weight and feel to you."
"Pretty much on the money. There are a few quick kill spots, and all of them are on the head and torso. The femoral is a good choice, but rarely an option as striking there will generally open your own head for retaliation. With a knife the heart itself can be difficult to get to, but top entry through the subclavian is a guaranteed kill and the easiest way for a short blade to the heart. Going through the ribcage is a chancy prospect and can risk getting your weapon stuck. Through the eyes are also very fast, as are the jugular and carotid. Both still allow time for retaliation in certain circumstances, though it is unlikely. I'll let you look through some of the anatomical information before we cover pain and quick incapacitation. Basically you look for nerve clusters, organs and tendons."
Gesturing to the table, he smiled.
"Depending on the choice of weapon, different attacks are possible. A heavily edged blade like the combat knife there is excellent for incapacitation and show. The thin stiletto is well suited for the subclavian maneuver because it is very narrow, curved slightly and mostly tip. Less resistance through the muscle and smaller area to get caught on bone. Give them all a brief handling and fine one or two that have a good weight and feel to you."
Shay
17 years ago
Alec didn't seem as expressive as Ginnie, but Shay got the idea that he was happy with her answer. At least from what he said, it seemed so. She couldn't read him as easily as she thought she could read Ginnie, but the longer she was around him, the more sense he made to her.
Not that she knew everything her mother thought and felt, but from what she had seen and experienced, there were enough similarities to those Shay saw expressed by tv mothers, to get the idea that Ginnie had assumed a more motherly role in Shay's life. And truthfully, Shay liked it. While she had kidded about Alec and Ginnie being her parents at first, she found the roles fitting, and somehow comforting as well. It was good to have people she could turn to, when her life was so up in the air, who would provide her with shelter, and security, as well as aid in learning her way. Besides...everyone needed family.
Directing her attention back to the knives, Shay picked up the stiletto first, liking the look of the sleek, sharp, stabbing instrument.
"This one..." Turning it over, holding it in different positions, then setting it down, Shay then picked up the others as well.
"Yep, this is the one I want to learn first...has a nice, light feel, and yet feels substantial enough to do what it is intended for." Looking up from the knives, a slightly sinister smile crossed Shay's face, before she let it pass and laughed.
"And over all, it just looks wicked."
Not that she knew everything her mother thought and felt, but from what she had seen and experienced, there were enough similarities to those Shay saw expressed by tv mothers, to get the idea that Ginnie had assumed a more motherly role in Shay's life. And truthfully, Shay liked it. While she had kidded about Alec and Ginnie being her parents at first, she found the roles fitting, and somehow comforting as well. It was good to have people she could turn to, when her life was so up in the air, who would provide her with shelter, and security, as well as aid in learning her way. Besides...everyone needed family.
Directing her attention back to the knives, Shay picked up the stiletto first, liking the look of the sleek, sharp, stabbing instrument.
"This one..." Turning it over, holding it in different positions, then setting it down, Shay then picked up the others as well.
"Yep, this is the one I want to learn first...has a nice, light feel, and yet feels substantial enough to do what it is intended for." Looking up from the knives, a slightly sinister smile crossed Shay's face, before she let it pass and laughed.
"And over all, it just looks wicked."
Alec Devereaux
17 years ago
Smiling, he nodded.
"It is wicked. The primary use is for one strike killing or incapacitation."
Pulling his from the inside of his utility belt, he held it out for her to inspect.
"These two are fairly similar - I've modified mine so that it has no finger protection and a flatter handle. The edging is also only present very close to the tip, since that isn't the real idea behind this particular toy. It is pure thrusting or stabbing, forehand or backhand. Cutting is pretty pointless with this, so you'll want to surprise the hell out of people and not give them an opportunity to start moving their targets around. Subclavian is a tough shot, but it enters here and goes down and in slightly. Throat is a valid target, but better taken with an edge. To use a puncture, you want to line the strike up with both the windpipe and the carotid - that way if the initial strike doesn't do the job, the blood filled lungs will. On the back, there is a spot here between the ribs to puncture the lungs. Likewise, here for kidney, here for spine. Spine can get caught though, so be prepared for a mishap if the line up is not correct. Unlike the fighting knife, there isn't a 'best' way to hold it. Literally whatever gives you the most power to penetrate is the guiding star, and most of that will depend on height and angle of entry."
Watching handle the weapon, he knew there was no way to test it but to try it. Still, that could wait until a bit later. For the immediate future, they'd work on targetting.
"For now, I'll have you take a practice knife of similar weight and practice slashing and stabbing in your free time. Once your accuracy is up to speed, we'll upgrade you to the slaughterhouse where you can practice on meat and some sparring, then perhaps we'll find you a live target if you really take to it and want to put your hand to it. It won't be necessary, of course, but is an option."
Retrieving his blade, he replaced it and turned to Ginnie.
"So what's next on her agenda, love?"
"It is wicked. The primary use is for one strike killing or incapacitation."
Pulling his from the inside of his utility belt, he held it out for her to inspect.
"These two are fairly similar - I've modified mine so that it has no finger protection and a flatter handle. The edging is also only present very close to the tip, since that isn't the real idea behind this particular toy. It is pure thrusting or stabbing, forehand or backhand. Cutting is pretty pointless with this, so you'll want to surprise the hell out of people and not give them an opportunity to start moving their targets around. Subclavian is a tough shot, but it enters here and goes down and in slightly. Throat is a valid target, but better taken with an edge. To use a puncture, you want to line the strike up with both the windpipe and the carotid - that way if the initial strike doesn't do the job, the blood filled lungs will. On the back, there is a spot here between the ribs to puncture the lungs. Likewise, here for kidney, here for spine. Spine can get caught though, so be prepared for a mishap if the line up is not correct. Unlike the fighting knife, there isn't a 'best' way to hold it. Literally whatever gives you the most power to penetrate is the guiding star, and most of that will depend on height and angle of entry."
Watching handle the weapon, he knew there was no way to test it but to try it. Still, that could wait until a bit later. For the immediate future, they'd work on targetting.
"For now, I'll have you take a practice knife of similar weight and practice slashing and stabbing in your free time. Once your accuracy is up to speed, we'll upgrade you to the slaughterhouse where you can practice on meat and some sparring, then perhaps we'll find you a live target if you really take to it and want to put your hand to it. It won't be necessary, of course, but is an option."
Retrieving his blade, he replaced it and turned to Ginnie.
"So what's next on her agenda, love?"
Shay
17 years ago
As she was want to do, Shay continued to pay special attention to all the details, and instructions provided. Hearing the stiletto was more a 'jabbing' rather than 'slicing' weapon made it even that much more attractive to Shay. The less blood outside of the victim, the more for inside her stomach, and she wasn't fond of doing laundry either. She could see it would take a bit more practice with it though, and quickly made up her mind to doing so.
Still turning the weapon in her hand, Shay posed away from Alec, and practiced a few jabs in areas she visualized as the neck of a victim, or the kidney. Each time she shifted the placement of the knife in her hand, and tried to see which way felt the most comfortable.
Practicing on a side of beef sounded interesting, but on a live target? Shay wasn't sure she'd be able to just attack some innocent. If Alec knew of some evil bastard that needed to be taken out, that would be a totally different story though. And if she ever found out who it was that turned her...well, being that they would be a vampire as well would limit her options, but she'd so like to use something like the stick she had in her hands now, to at least take out her anger with.
With the ball back in Ginnie's court, Shay returned the knife to the towel, and waited patiently.
Still turning the weapon in her hand, Shay posed away from Alec, and practiced a few jabs in areas she visualized as the neck of a victim, or the kidney. Each time she shifted the placement of the knife in her hand, and tried to see which way felt the most comfortable.
Practicing on a side of beef sounded interesting, but on a live target? Shay wasn't sure she'd be able to just attack some innocent. If Alec knew of some evil bastard that needed to be taken out, that would be a totally different story though. And if she ever found out who it was that turned her...well, being that they would be a vampire as well would limit her options, but she'd so like to use something like the stick she had in her hands now, to at least take out her anger with.
With the ball back in Ginnie's court, Shay returned the knife to the towel, and waited patiently.
Ginnie
17 years ago
Ginnie watched the pair with a small smile playing her lips. It was interesting to her that Alec seemed to ignore the four knives already on Shay's person. She'd given him his head and he had run with it. With a small shrug she moved back to Shay's side and tapped the knives she'd armed her with.
"Those four are for pretty much whatever you want and or need them to do. They can slice, dice, jab and sail through the air with the greatest of ease. however, they can also be a liability if visible, but that's something we'll get into later on. Right now I just want you to get a feel for something other than Alec's fancy doo dads." She gave her lover a wink and pulled one of the knives from Shay's belt, turned on the balls of her feet, flipped the knife in her hand, and threw it, landing it in the center of the styrofoam target.
"Give it a try."
"Those four are for pretty much whatever you want and or need them to do. They can slice, dice, jab and sail through the air with the greatest of ease. however, they can also be a liability if visible, but that's something we'll get into later on. Right now I just want you to get a feel for something other than Alec's fancy doo dads." She gave her lover a wink and pulled one of the knives from Shay's belt, turned on the balls of her feet, flipped the knife in her hand, and threw it, landing it in the center of the styrofoam target.
"Give it a try."
Shay
17 years ago
Even Shay had forgotten the knives secured to her body, and chalked that up to their comfort.
"Who would think wearing so much armor could really be comfy? I really don't feel these though...do you ever forget you're wearing them?" She posed the question to Ginnie, though Alec was welcome to answer. Yet Shay really didn't expect either to have that problem. To be effective in protecting yourself, and dispatching the 'bad guys', Shay understood how you would need to be constantly aware of the tools at your disposal.
The fact that the knives would need to be hidden seemed fine for now. The weather was cold outside, so wearing sweaters, and layers of clothing, was natural. However, it did occur to Shay that come late spring, and during the summer months she doubted she'd want to walk around shrouded in clothes.
"Yes, I'm sure I'll need tips on how to conceal these babies when I'm wearing a bikini."
Shay laughed at the images that came to mind, but also at yet another thought.
"Not to mention...what do you do to stop someone else from 'feeling' them?" Not sure if it was an inherent thought, or not, but Shay had put two and two together and come to the conclusion that her sex appeal would probably be an easy way to secure food, yet how did she do that and not run the risk of someone's frisky hands accidentally brushing against one of the knives. Surely that could spoil a mood.
Yet she nodded at Ginnie when a promise of further details would be forthcoming at a later date.
Turning to stand towards the target, Shay studied everything...the distance between her, and the styrofoam, the weight of the knife she chose to pull out of the holster, the way the knife balanced in her hand, and how it felt to hold by the hilt as well as the tip. Taking a breath, Shay eyed the target again, and threw the knife. Standing stock still, and not moving a muscle, Shay's eyebrow alone raised when the knife sailed swiftly beyond the target, and bounced off the wall behind.
Shaking her head she repeated the procedure, this time tearing a chunk out of the side of the target, but continuing on yet again. Chewing her bottom lip, Shay went over and picked up the two knives on the floor, and the one still in the target, from Ginnie's toss, and returned to the spot where she had been standing. Reseating the knives she again removed the one she liked the feel of best, and threw it. This time at least the knife hit the target and remained, even if it was quite low. Shrugging her shoulders she turned back to Ginnie and Alec to apologize.
"Guess I'll be spending a lot more time practicing that, than the shooting."
At least she didn't take much of her failure to heart. She reasoned somethings would take longer to learn than others, and just because she didn't have a natural knack didn't mean she still couldn't become proficient.
"Guess I never played much ball." Again she cast a grin to her teachers, and waited for what was to come next.
"Who would think wearing so much armor could really be comfy? I really don't feel these though...do you ever forget you're wearing them?" She posed the question to Ginnie, though Alec was welcome to answer. Yet Shay really didn't expect either to have that problem. To be effective in protecting yourself, and dispatching the 'bad guys', Shay understood how you would need to be constantly aware of the tools at your disposal.
The fact that the knives would need to be hidden seemed fine for now. The weather was cold outside, so wearing sweaters, and layers of clothing, was natural. However, it did occur to Shay that come late spring, and during the summer months she doubted she'd want to walk around shrouded in clothes.
"Yes, I'm sure I'll need tips on how to conceal these babies when I'm wearing a bikini."
Shay laughed at the images that came to mind, but also at yet another thought.
"Not to mention...what do you do to stop someone else from 'feeling' them?" Not sure if it was an inherent thought, or not, but Shay had put two and two together and come to the conclusion that her sex appeal would probably be an easy way to secure food, yet how did she do that and not run the risk of someone's frisky hands accidentally brushing against one of the knives. Surely that could spoil a mood.
Yet she nodded at Ginnie when a promise of further details would be forthcoming at a later date.
Turning to stand towards the target, Shay studied everything...the distance between her, and the styrofoam, the weight of the knife she chose to pull out of the holster, the way the knife balanced in her hand, and how it felt to hold by the hilt as well as the tip. Taking a breath, Shay eyed the target again, and threw the knife. Standing stock still, and not moving a muscle, Shay's eyebrow alone raised when the knife sailed swiftly beyond the target, and bounced off the wall behind.
Shaking her head she repeated the procedure, this time tearing a chunk out of the side of the target, but continuing on yet again. Chewing her bottom lip, Shay went over and picked up the two knives on the floor, and the one still in the target, from Ginnie's toss, and returned to the spot where she had been standing. Reseating the knives she again removed the one she liked the feel of best, and threw it. This time at least the knife hit the target and remained, even if it was quite low. Shrugging her shoulders she turned back to Ginnie and Alec to apologize.
"Guess I'll be spending a lot more time practicing that, than the shooting."
At least she didn't take much of her failure to heart. She reasoned somethings would take longer to learn than others, and just because she didn't have a natural knack didn't mean she still couldn't become proficient.
"Guess I never played much ball." Again she cast a grin to her teachers, and waited for what was to come next.
Ginnie
17 years ago
"We'll go over concealing weapons, as you move into different clothing. It's easy to forget you are carrying, but you must never do so, because if you forget, it can be used against you."
Ginnie watched as Shay threw her knives, missed, retrieved and threw again. It was a good start, most newbies didn't hit that target for weeks. Tossing a knife through the air was no mean feat. "That was a great run Shay. I'm fairly certain that knife throwing and a skill for it were not required in your previous life."
She would set Shay's access to this room include the knife range. She also knew it was time to move on. She didn't think Shay needed proficiency tests on any of the weapons, but the rifle so she would set up the video range to help with that. Now that she was sure Shay could handle herself with the weapons in this room then she felt confident in letting her train herself with the rifle and knives. She was feeling a bit tired of the space and wondered if Shay was ready to call it a day for now.
"I think you can handle this room on your own, if you want to, Shay. I'll sign off on your access and we can get you put into the Merc training schedule. If you're ready to call it a day, so am I. I think I'd like to do some shopping."
She pulled a couple of towels from the bottom of the shelf and began to switch the bullets in her clips. "I'd like to ask you a question first."
She finished with one gun and started on the other. "Have you given any thought to how you want to explain your disappearance? Alec and I have good contacts. We can fake your death in a way that won't leave questions to ask. I'm only asking because it needs to be done soon. You either need to be removed from society or rejoin it as Shalimar O'Mannon, my dear one."
Ginnie watched as Shay threw her knives, missed, retrieved and threw again. It was a good start, most newbies didn't hit that target for weeks. Tossing a knife through the air was no mean feat. "That was a great run Shay. I'm fairly certain that knife throwing and a skill for it were not required in your previous life."
She would set Shay's access to this room include the knife range. She also knew it was time to move on. She didn't think Shay needed proficiency tests on any of the weapons, but the rifle so she would set up the video range to help with that. Now that she was sure Shay could handle herself with the weapons in this room then she felt confident in letting her train herself with the rifle and knives. She was feeling a bit tired of the space and wondered if Shay was ready to call it a day for now.
"I think you can handle this room on your own, if you want to, Shay. I'll sign off on your access and we can get you put into the Merc training schedule. If you're ready to call it a day, so am I. I think I'd like to do some shopping."
She pulled a couple of towels from the bottom of the shelf and began to switch the bullets in her clips. "I'd like to ask you a question first."
She finished with one gun and started on the other. "Have you given any thought to how you want to explain your disappearance? Alec and I have good contacts. We can fake your death in a way that won't leave questions to ask. I'm only asking because it needs to be done soon. You either need to be removed from society or rejoin it as Shalimar O'Mannon, my dear one."
Shay
17 years ago
Initially torn, Shay took a few seconds to think about whether or not she wanted to continue training. It gave her a good feeling to consider she was learning something that might turn out to be useful to both her, and the people around her she was becoming close to. One of her major concerns was in finding a way to be productive, and beneficial to the society she now belonged to, and if she could do so with the use of weapons, she knew she needed to be her best at their use.
But shopping also held an appeal she hadn't thought of previously. Of course she had goals there now too...presents to find for her mom, and dad, and Dayle of course. Smiling at both Ginnie and then Alec, Shay nodded.
"Shopping sounds great, though I may wander back here later on."
Removing the holsters, Shay didn't quite feel comfortable enough wearing yet, she looked at Ginnie with a serious air when questioned. Chewing the corner of her bottom lip, Shay spoke after several seconds.
"I would like to keep the name Shay, since I seem familiar with it now, and familiarity is pretty rare with me these days. But I'll let you and/or Alec make the decision for how to 'off' me. If I do have a family out there, I think it would be kinder to have me removed from their lives as quickly as possible. I mean...if I was once a dutiful, and attentive daughter, or sister, or wife, and have suddenly gone absent, I can't imagine they are dealing well with that. A quick break...yep, I think that would work best."
But any of her other physical trappings could just vanish with her body...she had no dear feelings for her last name, and could just as easily start going by Bozo, for all it meant.
"Just tell me what I need to do, and I'll do it."
But shopping also held an appeal she hadn't thought of previously. Of course she had goals there now too...presents to find for her mom, and dad, and Dayle of course. Smiling at both Ginnie and then Alec, Shay nodded.
"Shopping sounds great, though I may wander back here later on."
Removing the holsters, Shay didn't quite feel comfortable enough wearing yet, she looked at Ginnie with a serious air when questioned. Chewing the corner of her bottom lip, Shay spoke after several seconds.
"I would like to keep the name Shay, since I seem familiar with it now, and familiarity is pretty rare with me these days. But I'll let you and/or Alec make the decision for how to 'off' me. If I do have a family out there, I think it would be kinder to have me removed from their lives as quickly as possible. I mean...if I was once a dutiful, and attentive daughter, or sister, or wife, and have suddenly gone absent, I can't imagine they are dealing well with that. A quick break...yep, I think that would work best."
But any of her other physical trappings could just vanish with her body...she had no dear feelings for her last name, and could just as easily start going by Bozo, for all it meant.
"Just tell me what I need to do, and I'll do it."
Ginnie
17 years ago
Ginnie smiled at her child. It was good that she didn't feel connected to the past and the people in it and was willing to make a fresh start in every sense of the word.
"That's great. We'll take care of it by the end of the week."
She replaced her guns, loaded with particularly nasty armor piercing bullets, and wiped her hands on a towel. "You my dear, don't have to do a thing. I'll get your new identification to you, along with a low limit credit card. Once you begin earing a wage we'll get the limit increased, but you can't be with out one. It far to risky to live in this day and age with out credit."
She began to pack Shay's things into the bag with a smile at her daughter.
"That's great. We'll take care of it by the end of the week."
She replaced her guns, loaded with particularly nasty armor piercing bullets, and wiped her hands on a towel. "You my dear, don't have to do a thing. I'll get your new identification to you, along with a low limit credit card. Once you begin earing a wage we'll get the limit increased, but you can't be with out one. It far to risky to live in this day and age with out credit."
She began to pack Shay's things into the bag with a smile at her daughter.
Shay
17 years ago
Right at that particular space in time, Shay felt happy. Not only did she feel like she had a future, and a beginning to making memories for her new past, but things to look forward to doing, and people to look forward to doing them with. Right now she couldn't think of anything else she could want.
The subject of credit seemed logical, and easily taken care of, so Shay merely took in the information without comment. Instead she handed things to Ginnie to pack, and when that was done, she wiped her hands on the same towel Ginnie had used.
Picking up the satchel, and putting it over her arm, Shay sidled up next to her mother, and hooked arms. Looking over her shoulder she watched to see if Alec was going to join them.
"Okay mommy...teach me how to shop!"
The subject of credit seemed logical, and easily taken care of, so Shay merely took in the information without comment. Instead she handed things to Ginnie to pack, and when that was done, she wiped her hands on the same towel Ginnie had used.
Picking up the satchel, and putting it over her arm, Shay sidled up next to her mother, and hooked arms. Looking over her shoulder she watched to see if Alec was going to join them.
"Okay mommy...teach me how to shop!"
Ginnie
17 years ago
Ginnie laughed brightly, and beckoned to Alec. He joined them and she entwined her fingers with his. "Oh, love, I have so very much to teach you too. I shall give you the gift of champagne taste."
Laughing she lead them out of the shooting range. She disengaged herself from them and signed out, taking the moment to give Shay the permissions she needed to come and go as she pleased. She moved them to the outer door and it opened with a soft swoosh. At the elevator she ordered it to their floor and then once in her and Alec's home, she removed most of her walking arsenal, leaving the inner pants holster and boot knife. She pulled on a gray wool three quarter length trench, matching gloves and a bright purple and gray scarf.
"Shall we?"
((OOC Ginnie out pending responses. Feel free to take them to the car if you want to. ))
Laughing she lead them out of the shooting range. She disengaged herself from them and signed out, taking the moment to give Shay the permissions she needed to come and go as she pleased. She moved them to the outer door and it opened with a soft swoosh. At the elevator she ordered it to their floor and then once in her and Alec's home, she removed most of her walking arsenal, leaving the inner pants holster and boot knife. She pulled on a gray wool three quarter length trench, matching gloves and a bright purple and gray scarf.
"Shall we?"
((OOC Ginnie out pending responses. Feel free to take them to the car if you want to. ))