Okay, so let’s put this in perspective: In the exposed scenario, at the site of the incident, the best anyone can get while a qualified doctor is available to take control is first aid. Would Mr. John Patterson, D.D.S., have the expertise to provide emergency assistance?
Luann:1. Go for it.2. Drop all your so-called “friends.”3. Take the course for solo jumping.4. Take flying classes.5. Make new friends at the airfield.6. Scratch all this. Don’t do what others tell you to do (including yours truly). Do what you feel like doing. 7. Be awesome.
It seems I have to add a caveat to my guess regarding the rapier: I dismissed a strip last week where they were discussing the wound as “triangular,” as done by a shank, but “very neat and precise.”
There is a type of triangular rapier, known as “trefoil,” but there are others, such as the colichemarde (which President George Washington wielded) and a dagger issues by the US Marines (I believe WWII).
I should also mention, Errol Flynn was a moderate swordsman and didn’t use a specific sword, but in The Mark of Zorro (and all Zorro interpretations) the character uses a rapier.
Nice reach to the Bloom County identity.