John walked in on Friday working out.
"Friday," he said patiently, "you need to stop."
"Can't."
"Friday, you're going to wear yourself out. Being in here three hours a day every day, on top of all your other studies and training is not healthy."
Friday glared at him.
"I got Lilly killed - "
"The vampire involved was a telepath," John said, cutting her off smoothly. "If we pretend for a moment that anyone besides yourself actually blames you for Lilly's death, then it is your thoughts that require training, not your body."
Friday didn't answer. John then stepped inbetween Friday and the punching bag.
"Move," she said, looking more at his chest, than into his eyes.
"No. Now we both know that in a fight you would probably beat me, but it wouldn't be from lack of trying on my part, and you would still get a workout."
Friday stubbornly said nothing.
"Funny," John went on, "until this incident, I was looking into the possibility of reprogramming one of the terminators into a training tool for you to use - they would make a more equal sparring partner for you, I think. However, I think I'm going to drop this project for awhile. I've spoken to the staff and we've decided that you're going to start going to church."
"Excuse me?"
"With Gwyn. She visits her church every opportunity. Aside from the fact that it benefits her training as a cleric, it also keeps her inline spiritually - her words. We think it will benefit you."
"I don't believe in -"
John coughed.
"You know what I mean. I'm not going to bow down and worship some random deity."
"Doesn't matter if you worship or not. The philosophy is sound, as is wisdom."
John opted not to mention that some of the techniques taught to members of the order should be able to help her keep her mind in check should she ever cross paths with another demonic telepath. As benefitual as that would be, John didn't want Friday's attitude to be based on making herself better equiped. Besides, John doubted that personal power was the goal of those in the Order of Light.
"In either case," John went on, "you're not being given a choice in this matter. You know how definance is dealt with around here. They have an afternoon service - you will meet Gwyn in the lobby at 5:30, not a minute later. Go clean up."
Friday scrowled at him, turned on her heel and headed for the showers. John sighed - he sure hoped this worked.