Sticks and Swords May Break My Bones - Part I

Posted on Fri Aug 21, 2026 @ 1:54am by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Lieutenant Commander Jason Haines

1,198 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Jubilee
Location: Holodeck 3
Timeline: MD 1, 0500

Jason had not slept well the night before so he had been in the holodeck before the Commodore arrived. The scene in the holodeck was a beach with a relatively large rock cropping. The top was relatively large and in fact could hold multiple people. At this moment along with himself there stood three individuals. Ip Man, a kung-fu master from Earth's past. General Sharn of Andoria. Then a large Klingon from history that he did not know.

This was all part of a training program that his father's sensei had created. It had infinite levels in theory, each different than the last building different scenarios of random design based on what the student knew and had accomplished. Any failure in a level sent the individual back to level one.

This was a scenario based on water, level 15. Jason had done this level four times before. There had been a river, a pond, and two ocean scenarios including this one. The parameters of this one were relatively simple; defeat your opponent and stay on the rock. As he twirled his staff once, he knew this was going to be very tough, given the opponents.

The computer said, "Begin."

Another thing the computer included in scenarios were distraction. In this scenario, the waves of the ocean started to smash into the outcropping harder and harder and a loud song started. Then the fight started.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_6UTOxLmJ8&list=RDf_6UTOxLmJ8&start_radio=1

T'mpest walked onto the beach and stopped to watch Jason fight. She didn't want to distract him, so waited quietly while she assessed his fighting style and that of his opponents.

Jason started moving against the three men. The Shran and Ip Man were masters in their days, but he didn't know about the Klingon. Given the program's ability to simulate any individual of documented history, he assumed the man was of master level.

Jason knew he only had one choice; divide and conquer. Ip Man would see his style easily, Shran was a more basic fighter, and the Klingon was unknown. He chose to attack Shran and move in such a way as to keep the Andorian between himself and the other two.

The sounds of weapons clashing heavily soon started to be heard over the music. Jason was doing ok and gaining some ground, but he knew he had to end things soon as he wouldn't be able to keep up the pace against these three opponents. They were just too good. As he started to press the attack on Shran, a large wave crashed up over the rock.

Jason turned perpendicular to the wave so as not to face it head on and be knocked over. He wouldn't be able to get back on his feet fast enough. His move worked, but as he started to move to attack, he slipped a bit on the wet rock. That gave the Klingon warrior the opening he needed. With a hard kick, the Klingon sent Jason flying off the rock and into the ocean.

The simulation stopped and the computer said, "Level 15 incomplete. Simulation reset to level one."

"Star's end", Jason cursed as he got out of the water.

Seeing the Commodore, he said, "Computer, end program."

"Impressive." He was good. But she already knew that from his file. Even so, she couldn't help appreciating his skill.

"Not so sure about that", he replied with a slight frown. "This is the fifth time that I have reached this level and been sent back to level one. The program is quite unforgiving. So, how are you this morning Commodore?"

"So far so good," she replied. "But then, that will change soon enough." The comet would be in view shortly and then she expected long hours and more chaos than when the animals got loose.

"You don't have to tell me twice. My team will be working non-stop most of the time", Jason replied. Your yeoman gave us your schedule for the event. It will be interesting, but we can talk about that later."

He paused and said, "Computer load Haines dojo one."

The computer beeped in compliance. The grid of the holo-deck was replaced by a dojo. The floor was white and padded. Two walls had mirrors and the other walls had two racks of various weapons, including claymore swords, as well as two smaller racks of weights. A couple of punching bags and a kung-fu dummy.

She looked around, taking in the equipment, the layout. "How do you wish to begin?"

"I thought before we do anything new with the staff", Jason replied. "I want to see what you can do with the sword. The right-side claymore was made with your height and weight in mind. Show me your stance and wield it against an opponent."

He paused and then said, "Computer, create armed foe consistent with Earth's 1400's time period of Scotland."

An armored figure appeared wielding a sword and shield.

For this demonstration, T'mpest chose the two-handed Claymore, as that was her weapon of choice. For armor, she chose a Brigandine and simple helm.

She took several practice swings, then turned to face her opponent and smiled. "Ready."

As soon as she saw him adjust his position, she swung, going for his sword first.

He parried and stepped back, giving her a chance to watch how he fought. He was good, but her weapon's reach and strength were superior. At least for this match.

he raised his shield to block her next blow and she spun, going low to get his leg. He moved back, but not fast enough for her to miss entirely.

They fought for several minutes, but T'mpest was faster and more maneuverable. As soon as her opponent was down, she stopped the fight and turned to Jason. "Good enough?"


"Indeed", Jason said and he took a thin broadsword from the rack. "Computer, safety on full."

The computer beeped in compliance.

"I figured that we shouldn't lop each other's arms off", he replied. "Although kung-fu is mainly a hand to hand martial arts, there are some weapons used."

He twirled the sword once, bowed to the Commodore, "Begin."

Some weapons, but not likely a Scottish Claymore. Still, that was the weapon T'mpest had, so it was the one she would use. She was not as skilled in the type of combat she witnessed when she entered, but she would do her best.

Jason wasn't an empath of any sort, but by the look in the Commodore's eyes, the shift of her body, and the slight jitter in her primary sword hand, he could tell she was a bit unsure of herself. He shifted a bit to the side so he could get in a slightly safer position, he attacked twice, whacking her sword twice before she even reacted.

"Why are you so nervous and unsure of yourself?", he asked. "If you acted in this manner on the bridge, you never would have made the rank of Commodore. Why is this any different?"

He paused and then repeated, "Begin."

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant Commander Jason Haines
Guardian
Deep Space 5

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

 

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