Something New Every Day Pt 2

The girls were ready to start their shooting instruction.

Basic driving instruction had gone mostly well. The ladies from Remnant picked up the basics pretty quick. Ahnassi and Lifts-Her-Tail had more difficulty since they were starting from scratch. Explaining driving and the basics of various engines and power sources to someone who didn't have much of such concepts in their homeworld wasn't easy. But the others remembered what Walter had told them and helped out as much as they could.

Cover-Girl and Rally were both pleased watching how closely the ladies were supporting each other. It was obvious that most of them had a solid background in teamwork. And it appeared they were already applying back groud into their new little "unit".

Gathered together on the range they saw a man in a Cowboy hat heading their way that wasn't Walter. As he drew near they saw he was also wearing a jacket that labeled him as an instructor. Rally waved and he waved back and tipped his hat to the ladies. "Good morning, Ladies."

Rally introduced them to him. "Ladies this is my assistant firearms instructor today, Raylan Givens. Instructor Givens and I will be teaching you basic firearms safety and some shooting as well."

"You're really enjoying this "assistant" thing aren't you Vincent?" Raylan smiles.

Rally smirks. "Ray-Ray here, instructor Givens to you ladies, is a little sore because he lost our last match."

"I let you win, Rally. When we compete again you better believe I'll be giving you a nickname." He said. "But we're on the job right now."

He looked at the girls seriously. "It's alright to joke around a little bit, keeps the tension down and that'll make you a better shooter, you'd be surprised how much of your whole bodys state affect your shooting accuracy. But firearms saftey is a serious business. It's all too easy for a beginner to make a mistake. Experts too if they don't keep a level head and their wits about them."

"That's right." Rally said. "So just like Cover-Girl and I did with you all for vehicles well be taking it slow. I understand some of you have experience and brought your weapons with you. We'll also be evaluating your skills with those later. Any questions?" She sees Ahnassi raise her hand. "Yes, Ahnassi?"

"Ahnassi, swore oath to not draw blood if possible. Ahnassi, willing to learn because Walter insist but not sure of benefit of learning weapon?"

Rally and Raylan both nod. "Actually there's a lot of benefits for you, Ahnassi," Rally says and looks at Raylan who nods.

"Firearms are a preferred weapon for many." Raylan explains. "Even if you don't intend to use one yourself, or if you're a non combatant like some of you are, a working knowledge of the basics can help you if you find yourself having to use on or up against an opponent armed with one."

Rally nods. "There are also non-lethal ammunitions that can be used and non-lethal weapons out there that your owner could get. They're a bit more complicated though. Starting with the basics is best for now. That was a very good question."

Ahnassi bows. "Ahnassi, thanks you and will look forward to the lessons."

Penny raised her hand.

Rally pointed to her. "Yes, Penny?"

"I received combat training in Atlas as well as basic firearms training. It was with my machine body though so I'm looking forward to training with a human one. Also is Instructor Givens a Cowboy like Walter, I like his hat, and should I have brought my new hat?"

Raylan grins looking at Rally, "See?"

Rally shakes her, "Please don't encourage him..."

Raylan looks at Penny still smiling. "First. Thank you, I like my hat too! To answer your excellent questions Penny, no I'm not an actual "Cowboy" exactly, like your boss. I was a Deputy Marshall before all this and Rally here was a bounty hunter as well as a talented gunsmith. We both also taught firearms where we came from. But Walt, like many 3S personnel, has been good to the both of us and we both consider him a friend. He and I have drunk some shine up to the big house on a fair few occasions. Also, yes, next time bring your hat."

"Raylan..." Rally sighs.

Raylan points. "They're all wearing hats now? A hats, a hat!"

"They're wearing official 3S trainee hats..."

"Ah, but they're not actually 3S members! They're his personal characters just like any other clients. So they can wear what what they want. And they're not all wearing the hats anyway." He tips his hat to Neo. "I approve by the way." Neo smiles and returns the gesture.

"Point taken." Rally sighs. "You don't necessarily need the hat but if it makes you comfortable bring it next time."

Raylan grins. "Another excellent question. Any others?"

Looking around and seeing none. They both nod.

"All right ladies, let's begin. First..."

... and that takes care of that." Wt said handing the files back to Callie. "Thank you for bring them up, Ms Briggs."

Callie Briggs shakes her head. "No. Thank you, Sir for giving me this job. I like it here already. I was glad I could see you again so soon to tell you that."

"I'm glad you like it. But I didn't "give" you anything except an opportunity. You do the work, you earn everything that comes with the job including recognition for it."

Callie smiles at Walt. "Then thank you for the opportunity then."

Walt smiles. "You're very welcome, Callie. It was my pleasure. Anything else from your department for me today, Ms Briggs?"

She shakes her head. "Not that I'm aware of Sir. I'll show myself out. It was very good seeing you again!"

"Like wise, Callie."

He watched her leave.

(("You should have made her your "personal" secretary, Boss."))

"Enough, Friday. It's not like that."

(("Maybe not for you but Ms Kitty's tail was indicating that-"))

"I said enough, Friday. Don't you think I have a little much on my plate as it is? Besides you know I don't like mixing work with personal affairs that way much."

(("You can handle a lot more, Boss. You can't fool me. You're still taking it easy on the ones you have now. You're still the most progressive fossil around, Boss."))

Walter sighed and looked at the time. The girls would probably be on the range by now. "I don't need a secretary when I have you. What's next on the list, Friday."

(("R&D, Boss. One of the Bulmas has something to show you. If it doesn't run long there maybe time to see Councilor Troy and the Ponies, before talking your next appointment. "))

Walter stood. "Then it's time to get back to work then.

The ladies were in the changing room of the dojo that Cover-Girl drove them to changing into their exercise clothing when a young buxom blonde lady entered in a tight purple spandex outfit. "Hello ladies! It's a pleasure to meet you all! I'll be your basic Self-defense instructor Furinji Miu, but please call me Miu!"

They all greeted her as she walked them out into the dojo proper where three others were waiting. Another older serious looking woman, a beautiful redhead and a man covered head to toe in black. "These will be my assistant instructors though they're actually my seniors. Instructors Joy, Scarlett and Snake-Eyes. For a group this size "Boss" decided one-to-two was the best ratio for instruction. Also he thought some of you might find me less intimidating. But I promise they good people."

"Thank you, Miu" said the serious looking "Joy"."Miu is also being judged on how she teaches this class. She may not seem it but she's a very skilled martial artist. This is a test if her ability to teach. The four of us will be teaching you the basics of Self-defense and close quarters combat or C.Q.C." she looked at Pyrrha. "I hear you had difficulty with sparing with "Boss" the other day while he was using CQC?"

Pyrrha nodded. "I did. I'm an accomplished fighter and athlete but it was as if I couldn't touch him. Was CQC the technique he was using?"

Joy actually smiles very slightly for the first time. "I'm sure it wasn't the only skill he used. He's come a long way from when he was my student and I was "The Boss". He's surpased me and my nickname doesn't fit anymore. Since he's actually managed to give me back some of my old self I took up my old handle again of "Joy" and he's the "Boss" now among other names. If Miu does a good job and you pass the basics and wish to learn more he's asked me to teach you."

Pyrrha is excited. Walt saw enough potential in her to recommend her to one of his old mentors! "I'd like that very much, thank you!"

Joy was all business again. "First you'll have to show us your skills in basic Self-defense." She looked around at each of them. "Also there are two other things. First there will be no uses of powers, magic or semblances. You're here to get stronger in the basics. Not rely on gifts to hold back your progress."

Everyone nodded their understanding.

"And secondly," the woman named Scarlett spoke up,"after your basics in Self-defense, we'll break briefly for lunch, and you'll be staying here and attending your next class with Snake-Eyes and myself as your instructors in sign language. As we understand one of you can't speak?"

Neo looks up interested and nods, raising her hand. The man in black "Snake-Eyes" looks at her and makes some hand signs. Neo shakes her head not understanding. He points to himself, pantomime speaking and shakes his head.

Neo's eyes grow wide. He's like her. He either can't or won't speak. Walt got her a teacher she can't "read" easily either thanks to the mask. He put a lot of thought into giving her someone who knows what it's like and would challenge her to learn and grow as a person. He set the bar high in the most considerate way. She grinned and nodded. Challenge accepted!

Snake-Eyes and Scarlett nodded back and looked to the Joy and Miu. Joy said, "Alright Miu. Show us what you can do as an instructor and lead us off. We'll assist."

Miu nodded and took a breath. "I've spent my whole in dojos learning from masters. I can do this. Just the basics of Self-defense." She looked up. "The first thing is to properly stretch and work on breathing. We don't want anyone getting hurt. Well start by..."

(("What did you think of Bulma's proposal, Boss."))

Walt was walking trying to Councilor Troy's session with the ponies. "Considering I was the one to first propose the idea to her I like it quite a lot. She's gone far with it but like told her I think it can be refined further. But as a working prototype and proof of concept it's great! I have high hopes. If we can get down to a minimal size and functional it'll be a winner."

(("Three doors ahead and on your right, Boss."))

He stopped outside the door and took a breath. "Friday please let Councilor Troy know I'm here."

(("Already done, Boss. She said you can come in quiet as they're reached a good stopping point now."))

Walt let the remaining breath out slow and tried to put a smile on his face as he entered.

"... thank you, Fluttershy. That can't have been easy to share. Recovery from traumatic experiences is difficult and not a straight road. Each of you may need different things and we can talk about that in our individual sessions one on one. But these group sessions are also good for you all because you have such a strong bond and endured together. Your friendships are a source of not only comfort but strength for you."

He could hear Diana talking. "We're going to stop there for today even though we have some more time. Speaking of friendship, a friend has come to offer you some. Won't you come in?"

Walter clutched the basket of goodies he'd brought and came around the corner. "Hello, little ladies!"

"He really came..."

"Ah, told yall, Hoss, would come!"

"He came for us!

"Thank you for coming!"

"It's wonderful to see you..."

"And he brought present!"

Half of them were crying while trying to be happy and the other half looked happy but they had obviously been crying before. He wasn't sure what to say exactly but they'd all surrounded him in no time and he was hugging and patting them all.

"I'm so happy to see you, little ladies!"

He had a nice long visit with them and then a chat with Deanna afterwards.

"That made them very happy you know," she said.

"I know. It made me happy too."

"Even though it was painful?" She asked him.

Walt smirked. "Life is pain. It's not all there is but it's a big part of it. Even good and happy things can hurt."

She nodded. "That's true. And you're the type of person who embraces and accepts pain?"

Walt raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to get into my head, Councilor?"

She smiled. "Deanna, please. I'm sorry. Since you're not here as a patient I shouldn't be but it's **** of habit. Plus I don't run into your type often."

"Sensitive caring Cowboy types?"

"No." She chuckled softly. "I'm an empath. I can sense feelings not thoughts but..."

Walt nodded. "Yup. There's no easy way into my head Deanna."

"Fascinating." She studied him intently. "I do enjoy a good mystery."

"Not this one."

"Maybe some day?" She asked.

"Doubtful." He smiled. "I'll tell you the same thing I told Applejack the first day I met her. I need the demons in my head right where they are. Those S.o.B.s work for me... and speaking of..."

Deanna sighed. "Yes. They've been through a lot. Honestly it's far too early to make a accurate prognosis. Not everyone embraces their pain like you do. Everyone mind works differently. Just before you came in Fluttershy was asking for a mind wipe or a reset..."

"And?"

"And I think that's a hard decision to make. They've been through a lot. Part of what got them through it is their bond. If some stay the same and others don't it'll weaken the bond that's holding the rest together. Also you're right. Erasing the memory of trauma doesn't mean it didn't happen, especially long drawn out trauma. She could wind up worse with no memories of why she's having nightmares or breakdowns. That could be more harmful."

Walt nodded. "Which leaves chronomancy and the like to reset them. But then they'd forget everything. Forget what their friends went through. Hurting them and theirs selves. They'd have to come to terms with being stuck here all over again... "

Walt sighed, "I just want what's best for them... and not screw it up. What do you think Deanna?"

"I think we take it slow for now," She said. "I think, like you said, the most important thing is figuring out what's best for them while not making things worse." She reached over and took his hand. "I also think they're very lucky, you're a good friend. I also think a man who gaurds his emotions, thoughts and feelings as much as you do, but can then be as open about them as you are is probably OK as well. Your concern and empathy for others is a good thing."

Walt shook his head and smiled, squeezing her hand. "And are you OK, Deanna?"

She was surprised but she realized that she shouldn't have been. She should have guessed that a man who'd built something like this, saved those ponies and was invested in helping them, was also concerned for her. She nodded. He drew her close and hugged her. "I think I'll be alright. Thank you, Walter."

"You're very welcome, Deanna."

He'd held her a long time then excused himself.

(("I could rearrange your schedule if you want to spend more time with Councilor Troi, Boss. It doesn't necessarily have to be intimate either, though she'd like that."))

"No thank you, Friday." He readied himself for the next visit, changing gears quickly. "It's time for the next appointment. Let's get to work." He didn't need directions to interrogation.

After basic Self-defense training and individual assessment they stopped to eat. Rally had picked up boxed lunches for them and they enjoyed their meal. Pyrrha kept thinking about her "assessment" with Joy and her match with Walt. She was right. He'd definitely taken it easy on her. Joy not as much. Still she was excited by the prospects of learning more.

The other instructors were also extremely skilled. It was obvious Miu was very gifted but she was trying hard, putting her all into instructing at a basic level.

Most all of her friends had done well. The only ones who struggled were Lifts-Her-Tail, who had very little experience, and Penny, who was still unused to fighting in a human body in surprising ways. Still Lifts-Her-Tail had some spear training apparently and Penny was a diligent pupil, as always, and improving quickly.

Kali was a bit of a surprise. She wasn't a combatant either but she obviously knew some Self-defense techniques prior and it tuns out that Sienna was quite the martial artist.

Ahnassi surprised them all. She wasn't just a theif-acrobat she was a martial artist as well! Something her people called the Claw-dances and a practitioner of the Rain-of-Sand. Pyrrha really hoped she'd join her for training at home.

Almost all the others were sitting eating with Miu. She and Penny were fast friends already. She was also a friendly and earnest young woman.

Neo however was intrigued by Snake-Eyes and Scarlett and ate lunch with them. She must have been eager for their next lessons.

Joy came and sat to eat with Pyrrha surprising her. "You did well." She said."You and your friends show a lot of potential. You have honed your body well into that of a warrior and athlete, experience and time will make you a soldier if you wish it." She pointed to Neo. "She may not have your physical gifts but her mind and senses are excellent. Coupled with her reflexes and agility she could have a real knack for CQC. Her size is a big advantage and disadvantage though and I can already tell she loses when she gets cocky." She points at Penny. "That ones like a sponge. She's taking in and absorbing everything she can and learning and growing. "Boss" did well finding such raw potential."

Pyrrha smiled. "You have a lot of respect for him, don't you?"

Joy nodded. "He corrected some of my mistakes and bigger ones from my pupil. He had a similar plan and made something better out of it. He reunited me with the things and people I love most. He's done that for a lot of people here. He looks beyond the roles of "hero" and "vilian" and sees the people underneath." She smiles a tiny bit. "He's a bit like myself that way, willing to take either role as necessary upon himself if it's for a greater purpose. Not many can."

Pyrrha nodded. She wanted to know more but not push. "He's been good to us when he didn't have to be. He treats us well, like friends and family." She blushed. "Some of us as more."

Joy sat quietly eating before saying. "If you want to sleep with him, you should."

Pyrrha blushed more. "Is my attraction that obvious?"

Joy shook her head. "Not necessarily to everyone. But anyone who knows what to look for can see it, hear it in how most of you talk about him. He's very popular among the 3S ladies around here but he keeps his distance. You all though he's taken into his home. Kept you close. Obviously he's sleeping with some of you already. Your chances are good. I know from experience that you never know which battle may be your last. Best to minimize regrets."

Pyrrha could tell, she'd had a tragic end too. She wasn't sure about sleeping with him but she had a point. It was best to minimize potential regrets. "When our basic training is complete I'd like to learn whatever you and the others might be able to teach me further, if the option is available."

Joy nodded. "I thought you might." She saw the others getting ready for their next class. "Looks like sign language is next. Learn well, Pyrrha."

"Thank you, Joy. I will."

Joy nodded and wondered how the visit with her son was going...

"Adam." Walt nodded.

"Walt." Adam, dressed in his fatigues and duster nodded back.

"Play nice you two." Said a voice from the speaker from the next room over.

Walt nodded and placed his revolver on the table. "We always do, Jack."

Adam likewise placed three revolvers on the table. "Indeed. Shall we get down to business?" He sat down and so did Walt. They passed each other their guns and began using a kit, cleaning, inspecting and doing maintenance. It's how they liked to passed the time with each other.

"Interrogation of the ones you brought us didn't turn up much more information than what you'd already uncovered."

Walt nodded as he worked. "I assumed as much. Most folks get pretty talkative when you've actually got them by the balls and not metaphorically."

Adam smirked. "That's been true in my experience. The little additional information they provided did allow us to pick up some others though."

The monitors came up showing recordings of several Interrogations as well as pertinent info on the detainees. Walt glanced at them but didn't see much of interest. He stsyed focused on his hands work while his mind did it's own. "Did they have anything interesting to tell?"

"Little I'm afraid." Adam shook his head. "Even using **** measures, a person can't tell what they don't know. Whoever is behind this is at least that smart though. They know the proper use of cells who work together for clandestine or subversive purposes."

Walt nodded again sliding one of Adams pistols back across the table to him while Adam finishes, Walts doing the same. They nodded and Adam passed him another of his revolvers while picking up one of his own. They continued.

"Which tells us something about our opponets." Walt said. "They know how the job should be done but are either limited to or choosing bad agents as they go about it. Which suggests either incompetence, inexperience or a large organization or collection of organizations that aren't used to working together."

Adam nodded looking down the barrel. "Indeed. Either they aren't used to working together or they're new enough that they're grossly underestimating us. The later is unlikely though." Adam smirked. "Though most folks aren't paranoid enough to spend a lifetime building a private aemy of elites."

Walt shook his head. "Didn't start out that way."

"Rarely do," Jack butted in from the next room.

"Irregardless," Adam continued, "I'm thinking this opponent has means and they're not above collecting dregs. Which means they have a great amount of power or wealth or both either of their own or at their disposal. They're taking in whoever they get. Which implies they're in a bit of rush or impatient and wanting their **** their plans quickly trying to get results."

Walt agreed as he finished up working on the revolver. "Agreed. They're also not worried about taking losses as long as they can achieve their end goal. They're going to eventually escalate things. It's just a matter of "when" they do it." He set the revolver down next to his.

"That's my assessment as well. You've gotten mixed up in their affairs, whatever they are, and they're willing to let things get messy eventually." Adam set the revolver down.

"I concur with that analysis." Jack said from the next room over the speaker. "You guys going to do your usual? I'm not knocking it, it's fun to watch, but you know it's crazy, right?"

Walt smiled. "It's always up to him."

Adam grinned. "That's rich coming from you, Jack. Let's do this."

They rose from the table. Each putting on a vest.

"I hear you bought yourself some personal characters finally, Boss."

Walt nodded adjusting the vest and knocking on the chest portion. "I did. Your mother was probably giving them some CQC not long ago." He put his hat on his head.

After putting the vest on Adam nodded. "That's what I heard. You going soft?" He picked up two of his revolvers.

Walt did the same picking up his and one of Adams so he had two pistols. "Only one way you'll find out." He pulled out a single bullet and showed it to Adam.

Adam did the same. They both nodded. Loading the single round and spinning the chambers on one gun apiece they watched each other.

They both started tossing the four revolvers in spinning arcs to one another, back and forth. Aim, fire, click of the hammer on an empty chamber, juggle, toss, catch, cock repeat. It was like a performance but it was deadly serious too. They were grinning, baring their teeth at one another from across the room.

Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Bang!

In the next room Jack whisted and clapped slowly.

Walt placed the other mans empty revolver on the table while holstering his own that he'd just fired. "Hand alright?"

The other man nods. "It's fine. Didn't even get nicked. It was a clean shot. Just stings a bit."

Walt nodded and went to pick up the revolver from the floor. "Better than having an arm cut off by a cyberninja, though."

Adam rolls his eyes. "That's an understatement." He looks at the gun Walt just picked up. "Well?"

Walt checks it. "Yep. It was in the chamber." He removed the round and placed it and the revolver on the table. "Close one."

Adam smirked. "As always. Next time?"

Walt smiled and shook his hand. "Next time."

"Still can't believe you guys keep a bullet and soundproofed interrogation chamber just for these little "meetings", of yours. You guys crack me up." Jack stated from the other room chuckling.

"That's very good ladies!" Said Doctor Crusher. "It looks like you have CPR down pretty well. Well keep reviewing it and other things as your basic traing progresses." She looked up. "And good timing. Here's your owner now. Hello, Boss."

"Hello, Doctor Crusher. Settling in well? Could we get an ice pack for Ocelot's hand?"

"Of course I'll see to him right away. I am Settling in well thank you. I was just finishing up with the ladies. They did very well for their first day."

Walt looked at them smiling. "That's good to hear. Ready to go home?"

[Walter Stark Penny Polendina F.R.I.D.A.Y Neopolitan Pyrrha Nikos Blake Belladonna Kali Belladonna Sienna Khan Ahnassi and Lifts-Her-Tail

Will Return In

Something New Every Day Pt 3 Small Date

Coming Soon]