Strength

Christopher (Chris to some) Jennings | 39 | Advanced Combat

[ansonhong]

“But if they had precognition. Wouldn’t they know if their advice would change the future?” Anson had an image of a future being shown on the surface of a pool of water and the second something changed, the ripples would show a different picture. “On second thought, that’s not probably what happens.” Anson murmured quietly.

[chris-jennings]

“You’ll have to ask a Precog about that. One of our Alumnae, Valentina, sees short clips almost pictures of what might happen. Usually not long enough to know whether any actions will change the outcome. “

He didn't need to look at his watch to know that he'd been delaying his own work for too long eventhough chatting to Anson had been a nice distraction. "Apologies, Miss Hong, I have some things to attend to."

[tessa-burke-blog]

Tessa said nothing as she slowed down her breathing; the deep breaths clearing her head long enough for her to plan her next attack as she matched her steps to that of her opponent. The girl pretended to lunge at him, with intent at striking his head again, before quickly moving to the side and swiping at his legs.

[chris-jennings]

Better. He watched her steps more carefully, taking note of the release in tension, better calculations, better judgement. Circling slowly, it wasn’t long till she was moving again. Stilling his own movements he let her close the distance, shifting slightly for her first move but presuming with the fluidity of her movement she had more in mind. Clashing his own blade with her’s, he deflected the weapon from his legs, - anyone else would have stepped back by now, but Chris stayed firmly planted in his stance- ducked down and arced the sword in a long, one-eighty, horizontal cut.

[tessa-burke-blog]

Adrenaline mixed with her oppressed rage as Tessa gripped her sword tightly. She tried to calm herself, keep a clear head, but as the professor taunted her she found herself charging at the man, swinging at him as she grew near.

[chris-jennings]

Brow furrowing slightly while he watched her aggression seem to boil over a notch. Judging the direction of her swing, he evaded with a step to the side- finding it strange for her to be so easily affected by what he took as simple encouragement. Pushing her, again, he tutted disapprovingly, “Predictable and brash. You can do better.”

[ansonhong]

The sudden series of movements surprised her. Everything seemed to happen within a matter of seconds and she wasn’t able to comprehend the events that led to the end. What she was able to understand however, was that she was being summoned. Anson slowly opened the door and shuffled into the room. “Sorry for interrupting.” She murmured, her eyes flickering quickly over all the students before settling on the sheathed sword.

[chris-jennings]

He held the class in suspense for a moment while he watched her enter the room. The student training with the professor picked themself up from the floor, leaving the sword safely within its sheath on the matted ground. “Loitering, miss Hong? Don’t you have a lesson to go to?” Following her gaze he didn’t fail to notice that she seemed interested in the weapon they were training with. Barefooted, he turned away from her slightly to pick up the extra sword. With a lack of volunteers (as usual) he wouldn’t mind training with someone more willing but of course that was only if she was actually free. 

[ansonhong]

Shifting futures is a lot of responsibility. Writing fortune cookies sounded infinitely less stressful. And more fun. “Wouldn’t writing future changing predictions on fortune cookies be the most subtle way to use precognition?”

[chris-jennings]

“Subtle or not, there’s no way in telling whether the advice will change the future.” This was something he thought about often especially after visits from Albertelli. Frequently he questioned if any action he took to prevent murders and attacks the Precog saw actually led to preventing them. “And let’s be frank, hardly anyone takes the words of fortune cookies seriously.” 

[keepstridingon]

Zach had no particular reason to run and plus he was quite happy with his current spot considering the weather for once was relatively nice. “Lie?” he looked a little disbelieving at that “well, I’m a terrible liar to boot. So there’s not much point in me attempting that especially not with teachers sir. I find honesty easier but I have finished my work… This is just extra reading.” To prove his point he reached for his homework journal flipping to this week and pushing it in Chris’ direction, every assignment being written neatly in an itemised list and each being neatly crossed through with a straight line dead through its centre, most even signed off already by his teachers.

[chris-jennings]

Chris raised another brow, turning his attention to the journal at his feet- not even needing to flick to previous pages to know that they were most likely filled with an accurate log of all the work he’d completed- seeing pages of writing not unlike his own diary. “You should try convince your peers to have the same work ethics.” the professor muttered with some disdain but quickly diverted to his main point, “Since you seem to have the extra time, I have a small side project that you might find interesting. Unless you’re busy with your own work...”

[ansonhong]

Anson stood on her tiptoes, her hands clasped in front of her. She was vibrating slightly and her eyes were shining as she drank in the scene in front of her. Ever since that night she didn’t really want to think about, she had started to become more interested in defending herself. The natural way the sword had felt in her hand prompted her to peek into some fighting classes. She observed the teacher, itching to try out some of the moves herself.

[chris-jennings]

Seeing a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye, distracted for the smallest of time, his opponent took the opportunity and struck at his legs leaving no time for the professor to look at whoever it was lurking behind the windowed door. Tutting quietly at such a dishonourable move he slammed a foot straight down onto the blunted blade, depite it being a slightly mistimed and awkwardly judged, he still managed to lock his opponent’s sword to the ground while neatly arcing his own sword round to a halting stop before the other’s neck. “Break for five.” Chris breathed out after a pause, stepping off the sword and beckoning in the face at the door. 

[ansonhong]

“I got a packet of them while shopping. They were handing them out in the store. I didn’t recognise the person.” She trailed off. A little pause went by before she started again, “Would someone with that kind of talent write fortune cookies though?”

[chris-jennings]

“Honestly, I hope not.” What a waste of a precog’s abilities. A nice sentiment though- having a precog secretly warning strangers about their futures through fortune cookies. “I’d imagine most have their hands full deciding whether to shift people’s futures or  not.” 

[keepstridingon]

“I wouldn’t say that’s the case sir, I’m given plenty of work it’s just that I prefer to get it done the day it’s handed out” Zach explained simply “gives me more time to work on my other projects in the workshop that way.” Seeing his book being manipulated Zach watched in fascination, “you know, you could just ask… It’s advanced quantum mechanics and once I’ve gone through this I’m going to look into astrophysics.”

[chris-jennings]

Chris’ brow furrowed more with every response Zachary gave him. Was this some sort of trick? It was so surprising for Chris to find a student not bolting at the sight of him or rambling some sort of excuse for not turning up to a lesson that it was slightly unnerving to hear plausible and very genuine-seeming explanations. As always though, innocent till proven guilty. “Hm, usually if I ask, students lie. But I am glad to see you appear to be working hard.” 

[richxrdjennings-blog]

Combat had never been Richard’sstrong suit; he was more suited in working behind the scenes and in striking defense.But he missed his slightly older and much,much more skilled brother after almost three weeks of being away from home thathe took the offer of being his sparring partner anyway. “Oh, Chris, I’m justwarming up,” Richard said in retort, but his deep breaths and heavy pantingsuggested otherwise. “Though I have to admit… this isn’t what I had in mindwhen I said I wanted a ‘warm welcome’.” He added with a smirk. 

[chris-jennings]

“’Course you are.” he shook his head, understanding that Richard had just gotten back from an impressively successful mission he didn’t want to exhaust dear old Richy-poo, he allowed a small reprieve giving his brother some time to breathe again. “Well at least now we know who ate all the biscuits in the tin.” he pointedly went to give his brother a light jab in the belly. The lack of a slob around the house for three weeks was definitely noticed. Things were unusually quiet without Richard. The absence of his favourite history nerd made more of an impact than Chris would have liked. The older twin could not help but only think to how one day the Rebels would use all that he loved against him. “And you expected what exactly? You know I don’t do hugging unless absolutely necessary.” 

[chris-jennings]

Sword play was always good fun, for Chris anyway. The students always asked why they even had to study sword fighting and the answers came quite easily. One, the discipline of using swords can be applied to a lot of situations despite most people very rarely having to wield swords in a fight, two, it is not as easy as it might look. "If you're going to actually hit me, you're going to need to be much faster." he pushed his opponent in the small pause, walking in a small arc around the mat, "Come on, bring it."

[elusiveeric]

“It’s not about the drinking, it’s just about soaking in the atmosphere and letting off a little stress” Eric explained, surprised that he was even having this conversation with Christopher. “If anything you’ll come back clearer headed than before because you’re not cooped up in the same office for all hours of the day.”

Eric took in the way Christopher answered curiously “death isn’t exactly final in some cases where history exists, if you want advice maybe taking an hour wouldn’t be so bad. Just… Consider it an open invitation?” Eric knew that sometimes getting out was helpful in combating lingering unwanted presences. “If you need anything else from me before then just ask.”

[chris-jennings]

“Still a no, I’m afraid.” Chris firmly insisted although not without some regret. In his own mind he knew it would do him good to go out, what worried him was his own inability to switch off during these times- there was always more he could be doing, more work, lessons to plan, Rebels to take care of- if he did have any free time it felt out of place.

Exhaling quietly and running a hand down his face as if that would wake him up any more,  “Honestly, I will be alright,” Words said to reassure himself more than Eric. “I do owe you a drink though so I will take you up on that offer at some point.” A bar did not appeal to Chris, he always thought of the places being too loud and stuffed people he did not always want to speak to. Given the right amount of time Jennings knew he could get over this guilt, at least he hoped so, he always did in his own way usually by filling his time with more things to do. “I will drop you an email when that day comes.” Chris added finally with half a smile.

[ansonhong]

Anson felt like she was twelve years old again, trying to peer through a fog of knowledge. Both her parents were very into old sayings that were not explained and only accepted. “I don’t think so. Maybe trouble speaking up at the right time. But anyway, these fortunes don’t mean anything.” She dismissed it before freezing, “Right?”

[chris-jennings]

Good question but Chris had no idea. Unless she got them from a Precog he didn’t believe that these things held any truth to them. Giving a non committal shrug he attempted to vaguely ease her worries, “If they are the regular fortune cookies we get with takeaways then I doubt it. Did you get these off a Precog?”

[elusiveeric]

“Depends on the interpretation, but something gives me the feeling you work just as hard as I do and don’t take breaks either” Eric pointed out a brow ticking up in slight challenge daring Christopher to deny it. “It only seems fair that if you’re making me take time off, you at least take a break long enough to relax as well. What harm can an hour out and a pint do?” While Eric certainly did know how to have a good time he had a feeling the man sat opposite him preferred something a little calmer.

“Yeah, we can only hope” he agreed watching Chris’ expression grow distant, reading between the lines and caused him to ask something he was unsure whether he’d even be deemed worthy an answer of. “Still having trouble with Connor?” it was a genuine question but seeing the calm businesslike demeanour return a short time later he shook his head. “Not really, it’s all run of the mill work really.”

[chris-jennings]

“Oh don’t even start.” Chris shook his head with a rueful sigh, he got it enough from Richard (and occasionally from his parents). As right as they were there was no chance of any breaks from work- Chris would rather take the time out at a time where he’d feel like he would actually relax. “I don’t drink, Eric. Don’t let me ruin your fun.” What harm could it do? Eric had a point. It was just an hour but at times like these an hour made all the difference. 

 “Connor is dead.” he answered shortly, although his volume had fallen, jaw tensing slowly while his teeth clenched tighter behind closed lips, “There’s no more trouble he can cause now.” If only that were true. He seemed to still linger in certain places, especially in places where Chris felt safest. With everything Connor knew it made Jennings uneasy, borderline paranoid. Chris gave the other man a nod, “Good. I will send you a message for our next meeting.” 

[keepstridingon]

Not realising who he’d spoken to his head lifted from the thick textbook of ‘light reading’ he’d been perusing whilst eating. “Never sir, plus what would I be bribing you for? All my assignments and papers due later this, and next week are in early like normal. I was simply being courteous and offering to share… Unless you needed me for something else?”

[chris-jennings]

Casting an eye over what, to Chris’ eyes, seemed to be a suspiciously convenient set up. Pizza and textbooks? That was a new sight for the professor. “Are we not working you hard enough, Zachary?” he asked while he concentrated on the textbook Zach had been reading. With barely any effort, Chris eased a chunk of textbook pages round the spine till the book was almost closed, making sure to keep the page Stryder had been on, but at an angle where Chris could read the front of it.

[elusiveeric]

“I am still human, so I do blush sometimes… Easiest way is buying me a round first” he pointed out with a small tilt of his head and a smaller smile more real this time. Even Eric wasn’t sure which one of the various personas he fell into was his genuine self, he’d played so many parts that it was difficult to distinguish where one version ended and another began. Almost everyone knew the confident self he liked to project but those he spoke with more often also knew his temperament was truly far more down to earth, hardworking and rational but no less prone to teasing and moments of sarcasm. The persona dilemma was one he was trying to solve but in the meantime he just settled into what he knew. People knew the three things in particular he did care for were his work, his music and the people he could offer advice to and help ease the troubles of. Lately his ability to adapt was a useful tool especially when it came to getting people to be honest with him.

Making a mental list of the things Chris wanted a nod was given, “I’ll see what I can find out for you. I’ll also do some background and start compiling things - maybe we can try and work up a profile for them? I used to report to Connor and I had training back I was a kid… So I’ve had varying levels of exposure to it.”

[chris-jennings]

“---Riiight...” Chris side eyed the other man in suspicion, “Was that an invitation to the pub from you?” he asked not without some amusement in his voice.

 It was a long time ago since Chris had been out, he rarely went out for his own enjoyment, if he had a spare hour or an evening- something that never happened- he spent it catching up with other work, training or napping. Presuming that since Eric had been friends with Eliza, the theatre professor must have been just as wild on a night out as the swimming instructor was. 

“Even if it’s just pinning down who gets contacted, we’ll at least have some leads to follow. Let’s hope this telepath is nothing like Connor...” he sighed, absently staring out the window. Why can’t you just accept it like everyone else, Chris? For a reason Chris could not understand he’d never felt more regretful about anything than with what had happened with Connor. “It’s a start anyway.” he snapped himself out of his own guilt, inhaling a slow breath before returning his gaze back to Eric. “Do you have any other questions?” 

[ansonhong]

Anon jumped a little, not realising that there were others near her, “Ah. Nothing, just a weird fortune.” She turned it around to show him. “A closed mouth gathers no feet. I think most of these fortunes don’t make any sense.”

[chris-jennings]

“One who does not speak can be certain they will not say anything embarrassing. ” Chris offered, his own father’s voice echoing comically in his head, the kind of thing the parents of the Jennings family would say constantly to their children. “It’s an old proverb… Have you been having trouble with speaking at the wrong time?”