My eyes are open wide
By the way I made it through the day
I watch the world outside
By the way I'm leaving out today

I just saw Haley's Comet, she waved
Said, "Why are you always running in place?"
Even the man in the moon disappeared
Somewhere in the stratosphere

Tell my mother, tell my father I've done the best I can
To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance

There has been two constants in Dr Ibaraki?s life; Medicine and Martial Arts. Even when she couldn?t practice her medicine in the light, she was able to at least practice it. It never settled well with her that she was forced to go underground. But she had lost everything, and it was the only route in the Sprawl.

Please don't cry one tear for me
I'm not afraid of what I have to say
This is my one and only voice
So listen close, it's only for today

I just saw Haley's Comet, she waved
Said, "Why are you always running in place?"
Even the man in the moon disappeared
Somewhere in the stratosphere"

Tell my mother, tell my father I've done the best I can
To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance

The only thing untouched by her fall, was her martial arts. If anything, having fallen, she was able to access different rodas and gain new insights into the art she had chosen. She was not some whiz-bang Street Sami. She was the one that made sure said Sami?s gear was in optimal shape. And when the protection rackets can to her corner of the sprawl?

They found a tiger, not a mouse.

Here is my chance
This is my chance

Tell my mother, tell my father I've done the best I can
To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance (x3)


Still the good doctor found Rhydin to be a second chance. She was not able to practice her medicine? Yet.

Today was the time of Batizado; The Ceremonial Roda and the giving of the Apelido. Two students have proven it was their time to shine and Doc would be there to judge. Doc was her apelido, awarded to her when she performed her first Batizado. The apelido was a tradition amongst the capoeiristas and still continued, no matter how far from Earth.

http://www.miamicapoeira.com/images/Capoeira1.jpg

Second Chance by Shinedown

Temple District - main crossroads

He'd heard someone make an observation that the higher up you got in a company you were working for, the less work you actually had to do.

Not so. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. Rare was the day that went by when he wasn't totally absorbed in his duties, whether it was walking around the various departments at Batten Industries, in a meeting with the heads of departments or the heads of other corporations, or - more recently - making the rounds of the various holdings of the company, both in Rhy'din and elsewhere.

For today he was going between the vaccination clinics. As the leading certified medical professional of Batten Industries, as well as the head of operations, it was his responsibility to make sure that everything with the clinics was operating smoothly.

He'd noticed the roda in front of the Temple district's clinic as he went in. He was familiar with Capoeira, not only because of his military experience but also due to his extensive knowledge of martial arts, which was rivaled only by that of the security chief's. But at the time he had been more concerned with the running of the clinic, which was his last stop along his circuit for the day.

It was coming out that he decided to take a closer look, and he'd noticed the woman conducting the batizado, a more ritualistic version of the traditional circle in which new students were welcomed and given the chance to prove themselves worthy of their apelido, or nickname. What really drew his attention was both the crowd around the circle - it was not just merely bystanders - and the rhythmic, driving beat of the music to which they sparred and danced in the traditional practice that he'd heard referred to as their 'game'. Many of those he'd seen in line to get their vaccinations - a good portion of which had not been into the clinic yet - were gathered around the intricate display of the art, watching with rapt fascination. Those within the circle, he noted, were in the classic uniform of martial arts, though nearly all of the males had no shirts on. Those engaged in the fanciful demonstration of the art were, he noted, quite skillful, performing under the supervision of a slender woman of apparently Oriental descent - odd for the art, as he knew it, which was mostly Brazilian and African in nature - and he elected to stand by at the back of the crowd, standing out perhaps a bit in his dark, rather intimidating three-piece suit.

And was deeply impressed. Those that chose to step into the circle with her - male, female, not singly but in groups of two and three - were soundly defeated, though with grace and humility she helped each to their feet afterwards, complimenting their attempts and skill with compassion and sincerity, and awarding each with their name that would be used within the roda.

The more he watched, the more he could feel the smile growing on his features.

Finally she stepped out of the circle and allowed others to take her place, and it was then he deigned to approach, giving her a bow of respect. "Mestre," he addressed her in his deep, slow voice, using the traditional title of a master of the art of Capoeira. "My name is Kyle Pontius, and I am the head of operations for a local company called Batten Industries here in Rhy'din. There is a local fine arts festival occurring at the end of the week at the Founders Park Waterfront which we are contributing monies and security to. However - if you would be willing to accept the sponsorship of the company I represent - I feel that this festival would greatly benefit from the culture and style your roda could bring to such an event."

Almost nothing on earth drew him like the rhythm of a good dance, and this tugged his interest like a magnet. Even watching from the edge of the circle, the Bard's toes were tapping, watching the moves. Graceful. Poetic. If there weren't one already being sung, he would've written it right there.

And yet, at the same time, a certain trepidation hung over him like a pall. Sure, he'd danced. But this? Whole 'nother pot of frijoles.

Taking note of the man in the suit, and the woman he addressed, the Bard set a little mental reminder to have a chat with her after the show. Just to see what might be in store.