Space Precinct: Sports Games

Scene 2 - Gyming

We cut to the space station orbiting above the planet Altor. A couple of Space Cruisers launch past us, overflying the Earth. This then cuts to a section within the base – a gymnasium. The human officers are hard at work training for a test. The boot camp-style workouts are led by a butch, gym coach. The two officers we saw earlier and Officer Brogan, Haldane, and Castle are present. They are dressed suitably for gym sessions. The coach blows the whistle.

Coach:

Alright. One minute. Starting now.

We see the police officers complete a circuit for a minute. Haldane does sit-ups, one officer does a wall sit, Brogan lifts a dumbbell, Castle does squats, another officer does push-ups. We hear the panting of the officers. The whistle blows again.

Time's up. Next round begins in thirty seconds. Alternate.

Officer Haldane:

I can do this all day.

Lieutenant Brogan:

I love this job. Physical and mental training.

Officer Haldane:

You've done alright ever since, Brogan. Not gonna stop you this time.

Lieutenant Brogan:

Age, height, or other circumstances don't count. Makes it harder for older folks.

Officer Haldane:

Just as well I've reached my body mass index.

Coach:

Starting again... now!

The circuit continues. We then see a new setting where the officers work specifically with weights. The male officers lift much heavier weights, whereas Jane Castle does less intense weight training.

Officer Haldane:

Hey, Jane. How come you aren't lifting heavier weights?

Officer Castle:

I'm following my routine, Jack. As you should with yours.

Officer Haldane:

I was just wondering whether you weren't able to keep up with the menfolk.

Jane Castle frowns at him.

Coach:

Officer! Concentrate! Back on course.

Officer Haldane:

We'll see who's tougher in action.

The officers keep training. In a later section of the training, Jane Castle is training on a bike, one of the officers is on a treadmill, and another is on an ergo. Brogan and Haldane are called up for how many push-ups they can do in a row. Right now, Brogan is completing his.

31... 32... 33. Ugh!

He gives up.

Coach:

33. Good work. You. Next.

Haldane gets on the ground as Brogan gets up. Haldane prepares.

Now.

Haldane starts. Jane on the bike turns to see how Haldane does. Haldane sees Jane watching him after doing three. Losing his concentration, he falls after three. Haldane gets up.

Three push-ups officer. Disappointed.

Officer Haldane:

Can I do it again?

Coach:

No.

Officer Haldane:

Sir, I think it's unfair how we are being put through the most intense tests compared to the others. I'd like to ensure everyone gets a turn at everything.

Coach:

I didn't make the circuits, officer. But I deliver them. Now move on to your next drill. Remember, you are being assessed for these exercises. And so far, Officer Haldane you are performing significantly lower than your colleagues.

Officer Haldane:

Great.

In a new test, a bleep has sounded. The officers run from one side of a studio completing the bleep test. The coach watches their progress, writing down his findings. We see the dripping sweat come from the officers as the bleeping gets louder and louder.

I... I can't keep going.

Coach:

If you're cardio can't meet the stamina, you sit out.

Haldane is the first to give up. The other two officers then fail to meet the level. Brogan eventually gives up. Jane is the last person still running. This then cuts to a firing exercise. Officers shoot from a distance at the target. Brogan and Castle are up first. Brogan hits close to the target, whereas Castle hits a bullseye.

Well done, Officer Castle. Our first direct hit.

Haldane pulls a face. Finally, we cut back to the studio where the officers stretch to recover from the intense exercise they have been put through. The Coach himself leads this. Officer Podley arrives as the exercises wear down.

And breathe. Alright. Now you can all rest.

Officer Podley:

Feel better for the workout, Officers?

Lieutenant Brogan:

The brutalist I've had, sir.

Officer Podley:

Excellent, Lieutenant. You've had a good session. You'll be feeling it tomorrow. And possibly the day after.

Officer Haldane:

Sir, don't the Creons have to go through the same sorta exercises?

Officer Podley:

Oh, they sure will, Haldane. It will be their turn soon. Well, Coach? How did they perform?

Coach:

Satisfactorily, overall. Although, that young fella lost his focus throughout numerous times. He passed. Adequately.

Officer Podley:

Just as well. Well Officers, you've been through an exhaustive few hours. You better go get cleaned up and report back to my office for your one on one results.

Lieutenant Brogan:

Good. I think we've had as much as we can take.

Officer Haldane:

Sure. We reached our peak a while back. Now wonder we lost focus towards the end.

Officer Podley:

We don't just hire anyone here as cops on Altor, Officers. In case you had forgotten, these tests maintain discipline and your mental and physical abilities that you are being paid to crack down law and order. Now go back to the changing rooms, take a good shower, and report back.

Officer Podley and the coach leave. Haldane tries to hit on Castle again.

Officer Haldane:

You know, Officer Castle, I thought you were actually doing a pretty good job in those tests back there. Wanna say we spend some time together after work hitting the gym again?

Officer Castle:

Sorry Haldane, but after how you performed back there, I don't think the menfolk will be able to keep up.

Castle leaves.

Officer Haldane:

Oh, come on. Really. Just a session for another hour together.

The officers leave the studio to get changed.