Stars Beyond Reach

CH 8- SURPRISES

Security detail, Krodos discovered, was much less interesting than he had previously imagined. At least in the kitchen the time passed quickly, though it was back-breaking labor and almost hotter than he could stand. Doing security sweeps simply meant wandering corridor after corridor alongside his silent Yutvi counterpart, Eandor. Rarely did they see a single soul down in the bowels of the ship. The smartly pressed uniform left Krodos with chafed skin as he was not used to wearing anything on his upper half. At first Krodos had attempted to utilize his newly acquired English skills and speak with Eandor, but the Yutvi had no interest in conversation. Krodos was unsure if this was simply his nature or was related to the Denalgian's planet of origin. Either way, the silence felt suffocating and Krodos, though grateful for his opportunity of advancement, did not look forward to his afternoons and evenings. 

He contemplated what would happen if he had to actually apprehend or reprimand anyone aboard the ship. No doubt they would not take him seriously or even worse, completely ignore him. If most of the crew shared Vity's sentiments, he wasn't sure how he could ever be useful as a means of force. Though he did have some skill with Denalgian weapons- his favorite being the five bladed Zyrr- all new security recruits were required to take combat classes to improve and refine their skills taught by none other than the beautiful Lalamite, Arula.

Arula was a swift and unforgiving instructor; if you weren't quick enough on your block, she would not hesitate to slice you. A small slice, of course, the size of a paper cut, but it still stung. Krodos discovered he had a very high tolerance for pain. He could easily go three rounds longer against Arula then his crewmates. After the second session, his body still coated in not-yet-healed skin ribbons, he knew he would need to start practicing during his time off. Though the pain didn't bother him, he did not want to disappoint the Captain or make him think he had been remiss to promote him. On nights when Sebastian was around, Krodos practiced sparring with him. His roommate turned out to be a rather skilled fighter. Sebastian could eat a yelgat--a sweet, yellow fruit from the planet Geon--with one hand, while parrying any of Krodos' attacks with the other. And he hardly broke a sweat. Krodos admired him for that and vowed to one day be good enough to force a bead of perspiration from underneath Sebastian's carefully tamed black locks.

All of his extra practice paid off and Krodos soon advanced to the second level of training alongside his security partner, Eandor. On the first session Krodos attended, he was not the only newcomer. Dominic, the male Psy, was also there. It was the first time Krodos had seen him since that night in the kitchen. He, like Krodos, stood off to one side by himself, not making eye contact or conversation with anyone. None of the Yutvis made any attempts to talk to either of them. Krodos wondered if perhap the two of them could bond over their outsider status, but when he went up to him, Dominic flexed his long fingers and moved away.

"Now we will start learning more aggressive attacks," Arula informed the group. "But do not forget how important defense is." Everyone rubbed at their various cuts and scrapes, mumbling. She held a small tube out in front of her. Suddenly, the sides popped open, extending into a long bo staff with a small curved blade on either end. The blades gleamed in the reflection of the ships' lights. "Who's first?"

No one was quick to volunteer. Even Krodos hesitated, having never before seen a weapon like that, unsure of how she would be using it. Finally, Eandor stepped forward. Arula tossed him a similar looking small tube, but when it extended, it lacked the blades. His eyes were on that little fact as Arula rushed forward, her face a blank slate, and pushed the shining tip of her weapon gently under the Yutvi's chin. Eandor looked up, startled.

"You must always be on guard," Arula said matter-of-factly and drew back to begin again. She demonstrated a few moves, one of which involved a complicated spin that Krodos couldn't quite follow, and then paired them up. Eandor ended up with Dominic and Krodos, with a Yutvi named Ja. Krodos managed to block most of Ja's attacks, and his opponent's spin was so focused on technique that Krodos got in a tap alongside his head. Being a finishing blow, Krodos was declared the winner. His victory did not feel particularly satisfying, though, and Ja gave him a severe glare afterwards. Yet another Yutvi who hated him--at least he'd done something to deserve it this time.