He hopes that Yana has a greater respect for guns, but isn't quite sure.  "And Yana, guns can be that temperamental and dangerous.  In wars in my world, there is a term called 'friendly fire.'  It refers to when someone is killed by someone on their own side."

He steps over to Aramandel and looks at the young elf in the eyes.  "Earlier you asked if the narco-jet induces actual sleep or a state of unconsciousness.  You seemed rather disappointed that it doesn't induce sleep.  Is sleep something you have trouble with?"

Aramen shrugged before putting his arm around Yana.

"It's just that my kind grows out of sleep as they age. For about 20 years we sleep, but then we learn to what common tongue calls trance. Its more a efficient, mental exorcise that provides pretty much the same benefits of sleeping. Once we grow out of sleeping, its very rare to ever do it again. Its just . . . well, we don't really dream. I only have vague memories what it was like, but I have had the desire to feel it once more."

He nods in understanding.  "I have had... difficulties sleeping in the past.  I do have a device that helps to put you directly into sleep stages 3 and 4... a deep sleep where you enter dreams right away."

The elf shook his head as a rejection of the unsaid offer.

"It sounds tempting, but I do not know what you mean by stage three sleep. It doesn't seem healthy for me to skip stage one and two if my body isn't accustomed to it."

Yana frowns in amusement at Mason's comments about friendly fire.

I'm starting to rethink my decision to learn to use these things as weapons, Mason.  I'm going to have to take this training VERY slowly, it seems.
How do your people even HAVE wars, if these weapons are so difficult to use?

<---Porch

"...Soldiers and people train and become competent. We wouldn't use guns as our main weapons if we couldn't teach people to be competent quickly." Jesse answered as he walked in during Yana's question.

"What's going on?" He asked as he scratched his head.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Tue 11 Aug 2009.

Yana shrugs, and raises her eyebrows, as if wondering why she has to repeat herself.

Like I said, I've got "plenty" of time to learn these weapons, which should come in handy if I go to a world where they're used a lot.  But I'm in no rush, after all.  I've still got plenty to learn on MY world, for crying out loud.

She smiled.

Nessa had picked up her drink, but remained quiet, hovering in the back of the room.  While she wasn't exactly comfortable with Yana's perceptions, she thought it might keep the girl safe... unless some of the others here interfered.    But there was only so much one could do.

With a glance at Mason, she indicated she was going back to the other room, he would find her when he wanted and in the meanwhile, she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the conversation.

[To Tavern]

Mason turns to go with Vanessa but stops and looks at Jesse.  "Guns are used because they are the most effective weapons.  In World War II for Americans, the estimated friendly fire death rate was estimated to be up to 18%.  Of the 406,000 American deaths, up to 78,000 were killed by their own side.  In the first Persian Gulf War, the friendly fire casualty rate was estimated at approximately 24%.  In the Dessert Wars, the statistics are closer to 28% for all sides.  Now, do you still think the Army's quick training of competency is a safe place to stop.  My standards of training are a lot higher than the army. "  There is no anger in his voice, no emotion at all, and the last is not said as a question.  It is obvious that he is not expecting an answer.

He picks up his bag and moves out to the main bar room.

<<< To Tavern >>>
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:45, Tue 11 Aug 2009.

"Competency is not the same as safe." Jesse replied to empty air.

"What did I get myself into?" He turned to Yana and Aramendel.

Yana gave Mason an incredulous look at he left.  When he was gone, she turned to Aramendel and Jesse.

Okay, so....maybe I'm just stupid, but why exactly did he show us these weapons if he was just going to turn around and tell us they were too dangerous to use?
I mean, I show some enthusiasm for this new kind of science that he was teaching, and he treats me like a brain-dead Goblin with a Staff of Power!  What is his problem?

Does he think that I"m going to use these 'guns' to trim my toenails or something?

She seems unsure whether to look amused or insulted.

"Most be a gun control type." Jesse shrugged.

"If his world is like mine then it is like this. People rather blame the gun for a crime or accident then the person responsible, a gun is scary. Just how emotions and the spin run I guess." He gave a dark look at the word spin.

"If you want I could explain as impartially as I can?"

"There's a lot more too it than that," comments Aramen as he removes the silvered scimitar from his waist and puts it up against the couch so he can sit better. "You were having a lot of fun with the practice, and for someone who doesn't know you, it could be seen as too much fun. I know better than to think that way of you, but from the outside you are much to pretty and cute. Its hard to think of you as a hardened fighter. Don't take offense, he is just a very protective person, even if it doesn't look it on the outside."

Yana nodded to the two men.
Well, I know that he doesn't know me, so I'm trying not to take it personally.
Shades, in my line of work, being underestimated is almost my 'secret weapon'!
Still, Jesse, if you want to explain more, I'll listen.  I WAS serious, after all, when I said that I'd be willing to learn more.

"Give me a sec. I need to remember some stuff." Jesse sat down and set up his laptop.

OOC: Give me a few hours, I'm a bit busy in RL.

Yana smiles.  She hoped that Jesse was a less dour teacher than Mason had been.

Take your time, friend.  I've got plenty of it.
Grinning at Aramendel, she waved down a passing server and ordered another mead and some fresh backed brown bread.

Mason comes up to the door.  "Aramandel, we are headed out.  I am not sure how long we are going to be gone this time.  It will most likely be at least a few days on the other side, but with the time differences..."  He shrugs.  "Is there anything else that you need?  I still could speak to the Voodoo Priest."

"I think we'll be alright," looking up with mild disappointment. "Just be sure to be careful, though I doubt I have to say that to you. I appreciate the offer but I will be okay. Try not to get Miss Vanessa into too much trouble."

"Next time my friend.  And I am always careful."  With a quick nod, he turns and heads back out into the main room.

<<< To Tavern >>>

With a deep sigh, Aramendel fell back into the couch again, nuzzling up with Yana. A few conflicting thoughts kept running through his mind. With everyone moving on and exploring other places, he felt the urge that he should be doing the same. Then again, there was the warm comfort right next to him. When it came down to him, the weight (as minor as it is) of the lass leaning on him was all it took to keep him put and make up his mind for him.

Yana snuggled up to Aramendel.
Maybe I should take off this armor?
She giggled.
Seriously?  I think that's my next "quest".  I need to find some protective magic that's more comfortable then leather armor. 

She looked at the elf intensely.
Maybe you could help me.....upstairs?

"Glad to. Lead the way, lirimaer"

He would lead her up, but was in no position to move.

Standing gracefully, Yana reached down and tugged on the elf's hand.
We'll be back in a while, Jesse.  I'd like to go to my room for a bit to .....unwind.

She leads the elf out of the room, smiling nervously.

========>  To tavern

Accepting her hand, Aramen follow her lead.

>>Tavern>>

"I'll be here, compiling the information." Jesse replied with a blush. He spent some time researching the subject, before leaving for the common room for a drink. He closed the door behind him as he left. Jesse would be back shortly, the room was very comfy in his opinion.

--->Tavern
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Sat 22 Aug 2009.