[video]

[forgetbeam]

Is everybody ready for the new semester?! It's always difficult to readjust to school life after a long break like that, which is why I recommend keeping up with one's studies each day to keep prepared! But if you haven't done that, don't worry. You still have one day left to review the coursework and refresh your memory!

[Boy, that sounds... exciting...]

It looks like the mistletoe infestation has worn off just in time for us not to worry about missing class due to being stuck, too! I understand that it was particularly unpleasant this year. I'm sure many of us were reminded of... of things that we would much rather forget. The past should definitely be learned from, but not so heavily dwelt upon. Right then! It's a fresh new year, so let's all leave that behind us and remember to focus on the future! Let's hear some resolutions for self-improvement! You've all already made them, haven't you?

Here, I'll start. This year, I resolve to-- [Wait, simply maintaining perfect grades through to graduation isn't necessarily an improvement, uhhh]-- find at least three new activities to enjoy with friends!

...And to maintain high grades until graduation. [Just so we're clear.] But that should go without saying for all of us students!

Comments

[punchtheflute]

My resolutions are - Eat seventeen new foods that I've never tried before. Gain another one hundred pounds in my normal form! Get at least a few 'A's this year in classes that aren't Home Ecc or Smash Fundamentals! Learn four new Ukulele songs and be able to play them start to finish without messing up!

I can help you find new things to enjoy with friends, too!

[trustycrowbar]

Resolutions?

...Too tell the truth, I was harboring a resolution to get back into decathlon training. Maybe even forming a real track team here at the Academy.

[forgetbeam]

Oh... You listed all of them?! All right, me too! I have more than just one, of course!

[HE'S NOT GONNA BE OUTDONE...]

On top of what I've already listed, I also plan to train Magikarp to learn tackle, bench press ten more pounds than I can now, learn to cook one new meal, and study one new subject even after graduation! Let's both give it our all to reach our goals!

And... I would very much appreciate your help with that! After all, you're somebody I want to do those things with anyway! In exchange, I'll gladly give you advice on studying to help you get those A's!

[tempus_fixit]

Oh yeah, I've heard of this! I resolve tooooo... [She thinks.]

...Actually, I resolve to spend more time with friends, myself. Aaaaand build my most true-to-life humanoid robot ever. That too.

[punchtheflute]

Yeah! Let's both try our best to do all that stuff! Hey, I can help you learn to cook a new meal, if you want? I'm always learning about how to make new stuff in the kitchen!

Awesome! I can use all the advice I can get, haha! And I want to do stuff with you too so it all works out really well! I'm glad we're friends.

[forgetbeam]

That's a wonderful idea! Any school should have a track team, and one that focuses on physical activity like this one has no excuse to have gone without one for so long! I'll gladly join you, Professor!

[forgetbeam]

True-to-life... But then that's like raising a child! Are you really ready for that?

[He has a lot of robot feelings okay. RUN LUCCA RUN.]

[forgetbeam]

Of course! I admit, I don't know where to begin. I want to try something completely different from usual, but that means I can't base my meal around rice... more western cooking like that is a complete mystery to me, so any ideas would be more than welcome!

Ha ha... How about another one! This year, I resolve to bring light into the lives of all my friends here who have brought it into mine!

[How can anyone say something that cheesy completely unironically? JEEZ.]

[punchtheflute]

It seems like a lot of food is based around starches, huh? Have you ever thought of trying a potato dish? I could show you how to make scalloped potatoes? That's got cheese in it, too!

OK! I'm going to match your resolution and resolve the same!

[Look they can BOTH be unironically enthused about being cheesy. How's that?]

[trustycrowbar]

[Seems he can't back out now.]

Out of curiosity, how many extracurriculars have you picked up already?

[Not that he doesn't count on Kyotaka to keep up with it all, but he's just about everywhere in the school already. Unless he's pulling three extra hours a day out of his ass he may not be able to do it all.]

[tempus_fixit]

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.

[Famous last words.]

No, really. I've helped a robot understand human emotion before, so it can only be easier if you've programmed them yourself, right?

[inspirethefire]

Resolutions... I must confess, I never put a huge amount of stock into them. I generally thought goals are best pursued as they're thought of, rather than waiting for a date to begin.

[Way to shut down everyone's fun, bro.]

[forgetbeam]

[There is only so much cheesiness a man can take. BEHOLD:]

Is it possible to make something like that without very much cheese?

[So how about that high rate of Japanese lactose intolerance...]

[forgetbeam]

Right now it's only boxing club, debate club, the cheer squad, and swordsmanship. Oh, and studying, of course!

["Only."]

I had a lot of spare time open up with the Disciplinary Committee was dissolved, so I've been trying to fill it in as best as I can!

[It's a huge void to fill, though. That was his life.]

[forgetbeam]

[He doesn't really know much about programming, so all he really has to go off of are the robots and AIs he's met. It's weird to hear this kind of thing being talked about like it's so simple...]

What are your plans once it's finished?

[forgetbeam]

Ah...! You're right! Of course there's no sense in putting off self-improvement if you think of a goal at any other time of the year!

[Aww now he feels dumb.]

But there's something more motivating about making and sharing these plans with everyone all around the same time, isn't it?

[trustycrowbar]

You know "sleep" is a viable option, right? Just throwing that one out there.

[Okay, okay, enough sarcasm from the teacher.]

I'll call for tryouts as soon as I get the paperwork in. I've seen how well you do at the boxing club, so I have no doubts that you'd make the team.

[What Ishimaru lacked in physical prowess, which was actually very little, he made up for in determination. Gordon wondered where he got it all, honestly. His current hypothesis involves constant satellite transmission of endless after-school specials directly into his brain via a plate in his skull. It's a working theory, and he'll probably have to tweak it later.]

[tempus_fixit]

[Huh? This guy seems pretty serious about this...]

Uh... To tell the truth, I hadn't thought about that. It won't be as advanced as, say, the students here, but I'd do what I can to maximize the potential in its programming.

[inspirethefire]

Ah, you're right...! Voicing your desires where others can hear you promotes both support of each others' goals, as well as one's own determination to bring it to reality.

So, mine, I suppose... I... really want get good at cooking!

[shit]

[punchtheflute]

Hmmmm. Not really. If you don't... like cheese.... [Said as if he can't quite believe that THAT'S a thing that happens ever.] then we could maybe try hash browns? Or a baked potato? Those are good. Or maybe we could try a different grain that isn't rice - make something with couscous?

[Sonny was a big believer in couscous.]

[forgetbeam]

That's right! Saying it out puts it out there! All that's left is to chase after it!

[THAT RESOLUTION THOUGH... Ohhh he remembers the Great Salisbury Steak Disaster of '14.]

It also opens up the possibility of finding someone who will assist in your efforts... So... If you ever find yourself having difficulty in the kitchen, let me know! I'll be more than happy to help!

[He may not know how to make anything all that fancy but he at least knows how to avoid chaos...]

[inspirethefire]

Of course... I'd like to be able to get through it without wasting food this time, after all...

[He will never outgrow his shame.]

And... I suppose... I've been considering getting a job, as well. The more I'm connected to the world outside the school, the better set I can be when graduation comes!

[birdlady]

Hmm! Both of your resolutions sound very worthwhile. I hope you don't mind if I follow your example?

[forgetbeam]

Oh! That's right! I've heard that baked potatoes can be stuffed with different things-- why not try it with the couscous?

[NO...]

[forgetbeam]

Remember, that potential means it could end up learning and growing just like the students here who are, as you say, more advanced. A project like this is definitely going to be long term! You can't just make it and then leave it on its own from there!

[HE IS SO SERIOUS ABOUT THIS. Parenting Vivian has kind of ruined him.]