15th Mission // Voice

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

I'm back. Sorry to leave everyone in the lurch while strange rocks are falling from the sky. Archie, Akobi, you've done a great job. Thanks for taking care of Aegis while the Porter was doing its thing.

For those new people out there, Aegis Force is a government-backed hero team. We're trying to save the world. I'm Commander Jacob Taylor. I've been here a while, and I've been running Aegis for the last year or so.

[Jacob pauses, and then a happier note comes into his voice.]

But that's enough business. I'm actually here to talk about something important.

Who here has ideas for baby names that go with the last name 'Taylor-Cole?' I'll take anything that isn't 'Shepard.'

Comments

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Is that why you started teaching? To share? I thought you just needed a job that would let you keep moving your research forward.

[restingstitchface]

Well, you've witnessed the American education system. You say what my motivations are. [A pause, a sniff, and then he adds.] Because they are not mutually exclusive, not like you claim. Is it forbidden to have them in more than one area, now?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Believe me, if I could forbid you from doing anything, I'd be focused on other things.

So what did you want people to learn? I'm guessing it's something beyond the standard curriculum.

[restingstitchface]

Critical thinking, mostly. It's a good skill to have, isn't it?

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Sure it is. But I'm pretty sure it's one of those things that shuts down when people are terrified.

[restingstitchface]

Yes, but it's possible to make good decisions under pressure, under the thumb of a stronger power. You should know that more than anyone.

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Jacob snorts.]

Because I've had to make so many calls while under fire?

[restingstitchface]

Yes? Figuratively and literally.

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

The fire doesn't make good calls easier, though. It's always harder to think clearly when your pulse rate is jacked and your ears are ringing.