Let's Get Physical

[Deleted]

    

     We've been conditioned to not make mistakes

Today in one of their classes, they had a special guest lecturer: Marcus Kane. He was a young man who was well respected, and one that Callie admired for his achievements and accomplishments. She had been engrossed in every word he said, every piece of advice he offered. During so, she had to ignore the immature giggles from a few of the other females in the Cadet program. It made her want to roll her eyes. While she didn't disagree with their remarks, she was not here for that. And neither was he. It would be a wasted opportunity to focus only on his masculinity without considering the valuable words he had to offer. That, was what Callie was most interested in at the moment. So when he finished, and the questions and answers portion had come to an end, people began to filter out of the room after their professor thanked him. Callie however waited behind. She hadn't publicly asked her question, not wanting others to think she was weak or inadequate. She hated to think that she was not good at something, and didn't want to risk failing or being anything less than demonstratively skillful when it came to the physical aspect of their training. She was after all younger than most of the others, but it had been her academic intellect that granted her that position. And she couldn't exactly rely on that when it came to the more physically demanding parts of the job. When her professor was getting ready to escort Marcus Kane out, Callie used this opportunity to interject, sincerely hoping the man would give her a few moments of his time. "Excuse me, I was wondering if I could please have a moment of your time." She was making direct eye contact with Kane, so that her professor would know that she referring to him. She didn't want to ask this question in front of anyone else. It was embarrassing enough having to ask Marcus Kane himself. Tag Marcus Kane

              but I can't live that way

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Marcus Kane]

At 28 years old, Marcus Kane was used to women flirting with him, and was arrogant enough in his youth to enjoy it, but was serious enough about what he expected from himself, his career, and his future to not engage with most the flirting that came his way. He enjoyed spending time with a beautiful woman, but he was distracted from his purpose. Recently he had gotten out of his first simi-serious relationship--though in truth it had not been a real relationship for his and Aurora had not been public or official. She had been one of his cadets, and when he realized this would not only make them both loose everything they worked for if they continued; he had broken the affair off with her.

Being he had strong feelings toward her, when he broken things off with her he put himself into his work with a new fervor. The rules had been there for a reason, and had he followed them he would not have been heartbroken then. And now, a year and three promotions later Marcus Kane was not about to make the same mistakes again. He had moved from from a training officer to supervisory officer. From there he worked himself into the head officer for a sector--in which all the guards in the manufacturing station reported to him. He had not been there long when he was moved to the political station, and it was clear he was being groomed for commander. From there, the only promotion left would be joining the council, and even perhaps one day becoming the chancellor.

When the lecture was over, Marcus stayed to walk tot he training officer over the cadets, for a moment until one of the girls approached him. She had NOT been a giggler. She had been serious, and attentive--and utterly adorable in how serious she took everything he said. He had noticed her more then the giggles. He turned to nod toward the trainer, who then gave her a curious look before leaving. Then Marcus looked at her and raised his eye brows in a curious manner, but the rest of his face remained friendly. "Yes, Cadet . . . " He looked at her badge on her uniform. "Cartwig." Before looking back to her face.

[Deleted]

    

     We've been conditioned to not make mistakes

Callie was relieved that she would not have to ask her superior to leave. Fortunately, Marcus had done so through his non verbal gesture. The natural authority he possessed truly made him a figure to be admired. Callie rehearsed the words she wished to ask him in her head, not wanting to come off a stuttering fool. She wanted to be articulate. Give him reason to not think her as juvenile as the giggling cadets. She could have sworn she felt her heart skip a beat when he spoke her name. He knew her name?! It was just a second after that she realized how he knew it. Get yourself together, Cartwig she told herself. She was being ridiculous. But how could she not be intimidated by his mere presence? She slightly tilted her head upwards, trying to maintain a confident demeanor when inside, she felt insecure and so foolish for asking this. She had practiced the words. Now it was time to say them. "I would like to inquire as to whether there are any additional training exercises to further prepare for the physical aspect of this position." There. Did that sound good? Did she sound impressive? She hoped so. The words she said replayed over and over in her mind, praying that they sounded ok. She supposed she would find out soon enough by his reaction. Tag Marcus Kane

              but I can't live that way

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Marcus Kane]

She seemed to take a second to collected her words before speaking and he gave it to her without pressure or hurry. There was too many who would speak without thought and he valued that trait. When she did speak he was surprised by her words. "Are you . . . " He paused his question and smiled for a moment. He clearly was trying to phrase something without offending her, and without trying to discourage her from this. "Are you asking because you are a woman who is going into a profession full of mostly men; or as you asking because you find yourself in general just wanting to be better at this?" Because depending on why she needed the extra training would be how be could better answer her question.

He had made sure his tone was encouraging. There was a higher dropout rate for women who could not admit they needed extra or different type of training. Women were naturally smaller then men, but when they did the right training, they could cover come that and even become a better fighter then most of the men--because the men were not trained in both. However if she was just struggling with all the aspects of physical training then he would need to try and give her advice another way. Either way, it made him realize that maybe they should offer training differently.

[Deleted]

    

     We've been conditioned to not make mistakes

He questioned her reasons for asking, yet she did not feel belitted by him. Quite the opposite in fact. His tone didn't make it sound like he was judging her, or thinking any less of her. But then again, she hardly knew the man. She knew of him, but this would be the first time she spoke to him privately and about such things. He was diplomatic, everyone knew that. Which was also why she wanted to give a proper response. She still didn't want him thinking any less of her. But truth was . . . it was both the reasons he had suggested. As a woman -- a fairly petite one -- she had a lot to prove to others. Her strength was her intellect, not her physical strength. And she loathed failure. Which brought forth the legitimacy of the second reason: she wanted to be better at this. She knew she may not be the best -- though quite hated the thought of that . . . but she wanted to be better than just merely passable. Her answer would have to be spoken with care, thoughtful words . . . she she remained silent for a few moments before she answered. "I am asking because I do not want to be adequate. I want to excel." She hoped that answered the question, and gave a little insight into her reasons. She had been told in the past that she was far too ambitious, but it only made her work harder. "And I would be grateful for any advice or direction you can give me to acheive this." If he would. She couldn't and wouldn't hold it against him if he didn't. She would just feel a bit embarrassed and foolish but at least she would not be burdened with regret. Tag Marcus Kane

              but I can't live that way

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Marcus Kane]

She said she wanted to be something more then adequate. She wanted to excel. Marcus watched her face and thought about that for an moment, letting her continue by asking him for any advice or direction. He couldn't tell her anything at the moment, because he didn't know anything about her skills. She was asking for help and he couldn't give it. Or could he? He might enjoy taking a break form his new stressful job and work on an easier task of helping someone.

Besides, it wasn't everyone who would go to their superior and admit they needed help. He found himself curious about her. "Without knowing anything about what you already know there is not much I can do to help you." He started by explaining, "However why don't to meet me in the training arena tomorrow evening. Say 1900 hours?" It would make it late in the afternoon, but that was the only time he was free. "I will clear it with your training officer, and see what I can help you with." This way he could help her, and enjoy some exercise of his own.

[Deleted]

    

     We've been conditioned to not make mistakes

He began by saying that he didn't know anything about what she knew and therefore, he could do nothing to help her. She swallowed back the humilation, for his logic was sound and well, perhaps she should have thought that through before approaching him. She was already preparing to thank him for his time and quickly make her leave, when he continued to speak. He suggested meeting at the training arena. That, surprised her, and she ever so slightly parted her lips but managed to catch herself before her jaw completely dropped open. He was willing to help her? To that extent? She knew more of him than the actual man himself . . . but if this was what he was like, then he was indeed very gracious. She didn't even know what to say! "I would very much appreciate that," she told him, the words such an understatement but it was all she could muster in this moment. He was even willing to clear it with her training officer, and surely he would not reject Kane's words. "I will see you tomorrow then." She needed to leave before her over excitement over this started to shine through. She turned to leave, realizing when she was at the threshhold of the door that she forgot her bag. She silently cursed, turning back around and scurrying to pick it up from the chair as she looked at him again, a slightly more sheepish look on her face. "Thank you, Sir," he told him, unable to say that enough. "Very much." Now she just sounded like an idiot! With a forced smile she huriedly left the room, realizing only after she was several steps away whether she should have respectfully waited for him to leave first, or leave with him. Now it was too late to go back. Damn it, Callie! Get a hold of yourself, girl! Tag Marcus Kane

              but I can't live that way

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Marcus Kane]

She seemed pleased with the idea, and he nodded his head to show they were in agreement. "Come in training clothes." He told her as they would be sparing and she could do that better without the uniform hindering her. Besides, he didn't want to wear his, and they might as well be in comfortable clothes. She then bid him goodbye and left. Before he could follow her out, however she was back. He watched her grab her bad and scurry out once more with the most adorable yet slightly embarrassed smile on her face.

He stood there and waited for a moment, smiling at the door way before shaking his head and going on. The cleared it with her instructor, who tried to apologize for letting her take up his time; but Marcus make sure he was aware that he had offered to do this and she had not.

Marcus got there a few minutes early, and had on his training pants and shirt. He put a reusable bottle down by his bag and moved to do some stretched while waiting for her. It had been a while since he had been in here to do more then workout enough to stay in shape. Today would be fun.

[Deleted]

    

     We've been conditioned to not make mistakes

Time passed both slowly and quickly. Callie was excited and nervous for tomorrow. Excited, because she would learn from the best combatant on this entire Ark. Nervous . . . because her severe lack of experience would show. What if he asked her to show him what she knew? She would just stand there, like a fool! The fear had made her toss and turn well into the night, until it finally came time to wake up. And before she knew it, it was time to meet him. She hadn't told anyone about this encounter; it was not in her nature to brag. But, she could feel boastful about it. She was getting this training from Marcus Kane! So many would be jealous. She just had to be sure she didn't screw it up, nor make him feel like he wasted his time with her. She pulled her hair into a high ponytail, as the finshing touch to her outfit. She was clad in leggings that stopped midway to her shins, and a loose shirt -- fitted only at the arms -- that fell to her shoulders, exposing the straps of her tank top underneath. She was still conservative in the way she dressed, so didn't exactly want to walk around over confident in revealing clothing. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her bag that contained a change of clothes and made her way to the arena. She put her things in the locker room, and when she came out, saw that he was already there. She was making a bad impression and they hadn't even started! Approaching him, she tried to walk confidently . . . which was quite contradicting as to how she actually felt. It also wasn't exactly easy to see Marcus Kane with exposed arms, revealing his muscular build, and long shorts that showed the skin of his leg. She would not be one of those giggly girls! Though, it did make her heart race a little bit faster. After all, she never disagreed with what they said. Marcus Kane was undoubtedly attractive. "I apologize if I kept you waiting," she finally spoke, forcing her eyes to meet his gaze and not stare over his body . . . which could quite easily -- and accurately -- be interpreted as oggling. Tag Marcus Kane

              but I can't live that way

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Marcus Kane]

Marcus heard her voice and turned to look at her with a polite smile. She wasn't late so he wasn't worried. "No, I was early. My meetings finished and I was excited to do anything besides sit in a chair and talk about procedures." He was trying to put her at ease by making sure she knew he wasn't holding this over her, or that this was formal. If she couldn't loosen up then she would have trouble learning. He could tell by her manner that she was formal, and he needed her to be able to be authoritative with him in the ring, not submissive.

She'd need it as a guardsmen. He held out his hand to lead to toward and open area for them to train. He knew working with him could be intimidating for a cadet, but he hoped she could try to shake out of that--though he also figured she might need to get tossed around once or twice before she could. Sadly, it also meant more people would be watching her, which could make her nervous.

Marcus held up his hand to stop her, and he walked a few feet from her before turning to look at her. For a moment he only looked at her face, and how with her hair back she looked adorable. Then he smiled, and mentally shook himself out of that--and he was worried about her? "Alright, I am a thief." He told her and held out his hands. "Arrest me."

[Deleted]

    

     We've been conditioned to not make mistakes

He told her that he wasn't expected elsewhere, that she hadn't held him up . . . and spoke of sitting in a chair talking about procedures. That caused her to smile, a small jovial smile though if his attempt was to put her at ease, it was slowly working. She still felt it rather surreal that she was training with him, but she didn't want to waste time being in awe and just staring at him. Even if he was physically quite distracting. She followed to where he needed her to stand and waited for what their first lesson would be. He suggested that he was a thief, and told her to arrest him. She just stared for a moment before raising her chin a little. She could not show weakness or hesitation. As a member of the guard, they were obligated to carry out the law. There was no room for reluctance. It would not reflect well. But even still . . . it was difficult to do so with him. She reached out, a little tentative as her hand wrapped around his wrist, clearly not holding him firmly. He was undoubtedly stronger than her, but she wasn't placing a firm grasp on his wrist. "This might be easier with a shock lasher," she said jokingly . . . though it wasn't entirely untrue. Tag Marcus Kane

              but I can't live that way

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Marcus Kane]

Her chin raised, and he had to fight back a smile at her. However, the adorableness ended as she lightly wrapped her fingers around his wrist and then made a joke. "This might be easier with a shock lasher," Apparently they had a lot of work to do. Marcus moved his hand to bend and grasp her wrist back, before pulling her closer to him, turning, using his leg to trip her, and then forcing her back on to the mat. Pinning her there, he watched her face for a moment before moving off her, and holding his hand out to pull her up.

"When you arrest someone, chances are they are going to be floated. No one wants to die. They will fight you. Your training needs to be direct, and you need to be in control of the situation, or it could cost you your like." He began explaining. "Shock lashing is fine, if needed, but it's a weapon that can be used against you." Reaching out he took her shoulders and turned her to be parallel to his own, "Be forceful in your speaking. Don't be afraid to hurt me, Callie. Can I call you Callie?" He stepped back, and gestured for her to try again.

[Deleted]

    

     We've been conditioned to not make mistakes

Everything had happened so quickly and before she knew it, she was on her back with Marcus pinning her. She didn't even try to struggle free. She did not like failing and any attempt to do so would end in such inevitable failure. She just stared up at him before he moved off of her, and started to explain. She accepted his offered hand which allowed her to swiftly stand to her feet. She hoped her cheeks were not flushed at the former position. She'd never had a man on top of her before. Not like that; nor in any other context. She listened attentively as she talked about what it was to arrest someone, and that she needed to be strong physically and vocally. She was making mental notes of everything. It was a privilege to have such private lessons from someone in his position. She did not take it lightly. She moved where he positioned her, and felt it necessary to answer his question. Callie. It sounded so informal, but oddly comfortable falling from his lips. "You can call me whatever you like, Sir." She paused immediately after saying that, fully aware that it may sound . . . flirtatious when that was not her intent at all. Oh she hoped her tone didn't suggest that! "I mean, within the realm of decency and professionalism of course." She didn't know why she felt so flustered when she was usually eloquent enough with words. Perhaps it was the fact that Marcus Kane was training her. And she still hadn't fully processed that. "I feel it impossible to even try and hurt you, Sir." For so many reasons, but right now, she was talking about the physical advantage he had over her. She wasn't strong by any means, in terms of physical strength. And she was unsure how to play to her strengths in what her own physicality had to offer -- which she felt wasn't much. It was what made her hesitant to do anythng, but she took a small step towards him, over thinking every possible way she could access him to arrest him. Tag Marcus Kane

              but I can't live that way

made by remi of isc & rilla go!

[Marcus Kane]

salvation comes at a price "You can call me whatever you like, Sir." Marcus found himself unable to hold back a grin at her words. Her tone had been direct and professional, but her words were almost flirty. He hadn't expected that of her. "I mean, within the realm of decency and professionalism of course." And clearly she hadn't expected that from herself too. Either way, for the moment he was distracted. Until she said something that often bothered him to hear. "I feel it impossible to even try and hurt you, Sir." Marcus knew many saw his ambition and dedication to his job as him being emotionless, or above human; but he wasn't. He felt things. He too got lonely, and felt joy in friendships. "I am only a man, Callie, I can be hurt just like any other person here." He knew she had meant physically, but it echoed into all aspects of his life. "I have failed at things I've tried, I've had my heart broken." That was a bit more then he had admitted before, "If you ever look at a person, and you see only their status, and strength, you will never take the upper hand." Marcus stepped out of his fighting stance, and closer to her, his voice dropping to a low timber as he kept going. "I can see you thinking as clear as day on your face. How your eyes narrow slightly on your mind's target." He was very close to her now, his voice lower still. "Stop looking at me and seeing only a rank. Here I am nothing but a man." Marcus was doing this for two reasons--one he was trying to get her to see him as a man by hitting on her slightly (something that he was starting to enjoy on a personal level). The other was because he liked the way her emotions were so readable on her face, and he enjoyed flustering her.