A close encounter

[Owen Matthews 0]

Buddha was sitting on one of the benches in the gym of the Agincourt waiting. He had been there early, making sure he'd have enough time to change and warm up. He didn't want to take any chances.

 

Kansas entered the gym, wearing sweatpants ending just below her knee and a faded blue tee shirt that bore the stylized logo of a snarling cat surrounded by lightning - the ships symbol of her assignment on the ThunderCat. She carried a gym bag in one paw, and her gaze searched out who she would be sparring with.

 

When Buddha saw the security chief enter the gym a grin spread across his face. It looked like today was his lucky day. Beating Kansas in a sparring fight would definitely not be bad for his reputation. He got up and walked up to her. "Commander, I think we have a...date," he said with a grin.

 

An ear flipped back, and a grin exposed her fangs. "Buddha? Okay, this is a surprise." She walked over to the marine. "I didnt think I would get one of the senior officers this early in the department rotation."

 

Owen shrugged. "I can get you Keane. He's eager to show off. Between us, I'm not sure he'd win, though. Are you ready to get started or do you need some preparation? I don'T want anyone to say that I only beat you because I didn't let you warm up properly."

 

"Lieutenant...you sound very sure of a win. And no, I don't need to warm up. Feline Athleticism." She winked at the officer.

 

Owen bit back a comment. He didn't want to get into any trouble. "Don't get me wrong, I honestly value everything your department does for the ship but well...we marines are specialized in any combat situations including hand to hand combat. I don't think you stand a chance."

 

"Damn Lieutenant - a bit cocky aren't we?" JoNs set her bag down and took a place on the blue mat, rolling her neck as she spoke; she placed protector gloves on her paws, in case her claws popped out. "I know the marines train extensively in the hand to hand arts, but security is no slacker either."

 

Matthews inclined his head slightly. "We'll see how this turns out, ma'am. But I'm not sure it was wise to agree to this kind of competition."

 

"Well, this joint training between our departments has been done before - prior to the Gideon crew signing on that is. I mean...would you want us NOT to joint train? Escpecially considering all the unknowns here in the Perseus sector? Or are you just trying to tick me off Marine?" The felines gaze held him, her green eyes glittering.

 

Buddha grinned. "Alright, you didn't hear this from me but...it's tactics. Try to make sure the opponent is annoyed with you. There's no better way to make sure that they'll make mistakes." He watched the feline get ready for their little fight. "Anyway, after what happened in the NNC the other day I think it's a good idea for the security department and the marines to get to know eachother."

 

"Ever consider annoyance can help them focus as well? Nothing like incentive."

 

"Naw, usually they make even more mistakes than usual. Alright, so I promise I won't hurt you more than necessary." He grinned.

 

"Right back at you Buddha." A feral leer lit her leonine features. "Begin!"

 

Buddha went right into combat mode. As he watched Kansas move he started to doubt this would be an easy victory. She was probably faster than any human on this ship including him, of course. He circled her and waited for her to make the first move, thinking it best to find out just how fast she was before attacking.

 

The security lieutenant commander had dropped to all four paws, circling the marine second lieutenant, looking for an opening...and there it was! She darted right at him, intending to guage which side he favored.

 

Owen anticipated the move more than he actually saw it. He just managed to avoid the full impact of the blow but Kansas had hit him hard in the ribs. He stumbled a bit and gasped for air, quickly trying to turn to face her again. Now he had his answer. This would be a tough fight. He grinned despite the distinct pain he felt in his left side. "Nice one, but you didn't think this'd be enough, did you?"

 

Kansas leapt away, turning to keep Buddha in her sights. "Owens, if any of us are "easy", we have no place on this ship..." she darted back in, going for a leg sweep.

 

This time Buddha was not fast enough. He fell sideways but used the momentum to get back onto his feet immediately. "I don't know," he said while he was waiting for her to get inattentive for just a fraction of a second. "I guess we'll see after this challenge who's easy and who isn't." There it was! He aimed a kick at the side of her head just as she had looked down. As his bare foot made contact with Kansas' skull he knew he had managed to land a critical hit.

 

The feline officer was nailed squarely in the side of the head; with a growl of pain she flew a couple of inches and stumbled to the side, landing hard. She moaned and rolled over onto her back, disoriented.

 

Owen took advantage of Kansas' disorientation and kneeled down, putting one knee hard onto the security chief's chest. He knew it was risky but he didn't think she'd recover from the blow too quickly. Sweat was running down his face and his back and he was breathing hard. "Wanna give up before it gets worse?"

 

She so had a headache now. Wincing up at Owen, and blocking out the discomfort of the knee pressure on her chest. "Yield? And have you blab all over the ship regarding how fast your victory was? No way Buddha - you need to earn this, not go off half cocked with half truths. Now, let me up."

 

Matthews waited a couple of seconds before he got up. "Alright, get up. But don't complain if you're sore tomorrow."

 

"Too late jarhead." Kansas re-positioned herself and beckoned to him with her wrapped paws.

 

Owen grinned, going back to circling his opponent. He was too experienced a fighter to actually move in right now. He usually only made a move when he was absolutely sure his opponent wouldn't be able to block. So he was patiently waiting for another opening again.

 

Kansas opted for the exact opposite; the no niceties tactic. She snarled and dove straight at the human. She tackled the heavier man and got him down flat on his back.

 

He was taken by surprise. As he hit the floor just one thought crossed Owen's mind: God she was fast! This time he didn't manage to get back to his feet as fast as the first time. Pain shot through his left side again. He got up, panting. "What, that's the best you can do?"

 

At which point the feline darted in and swept his legs.

 

Owen immediately regretted his words, feeling a sharp pain in the general area of his right knee. He had managed to move sideways just in time so she hadn't managed to knock him off his feet again but it was still hurting. Ignoring the pain he still watched Kansas closely. As her left paw darted forward to hit him again he was ready. He grabbed it and twisted her arm. Usually he'd have aimed a good hit on the elbow but knowing that this would result in a serious injury he just twisted her arm behind her back and put his left arm around her neck from behind. Panting, he whispered in her ear: "A little pressure for about 10 seconds and you'll be out cold for a few minutes."

 

Was the feline lieutenant commander good at what she did? Yes. Was she stubborn? Very much so. Kansas hissed and struggled; she rammed the back of her head into Owens face.

 

Matthews immediately tasted blood as Kansas' head hit his lip. He also felt something warm trickle down his chin. He only just managed to keep his grip on the securtity chief. He applyied some pressure with his left arm and silently counted the seconds. The feline security officer passed out shortly thereafter.

 

Owen let Kansas slide to the ground gently, lay her on one side, felt her pulse and then sat down beside her to wait for her to regain consciousness. He knew it should only take a minute or so.

 

Meanwhile he'd make sure they'd get treated quickly so they'd be able to get back to their posts on time. +Matthews to sickbay, two officers incoming- sparring wounds. I'll bring in Commander Jons as soon as she's conscious. Matthews out.+ For now he didn't care about the confusion he might have caused in sickbay. He simply sat, looked down at Kansas and waited.

[Kansas_Jones 0]

Meanwhile he'd make sure they'd get treated quickly so they'd be able to get back to their posts on time. +Matthews to sickbay, two officers incoming- sparring wounds. I'll bring in Commander Jons as soon as she's conscious. Matthews out.+ For now he didn't care about the confusion he might have caused in sickbay. He simply sat, looked down at Kansas and waited.

 

Can you imagine that conversation with the medical staff?

 

Matthews> what lip blood? where?

 

JoNs> I did not pass out. I was resting my eyes.

 

::grins:: the two of them will so need some Advil later.