The dim glow of the sun filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the training room, painting the walls in dark amber hues. Shadows flickered with every movement, the dim room pulsing with rhythmic movement of fists meeting leather. The air was warm, heavy with the scent of sweat and Kate's huffs and dull thuds of her punches.
Across from her, Owen stood firm, holding the bag in place, bracing against each impact. He was not saying much, just watching her work through her stance, her timing, her power.
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Jab—jab—cross. Jab—jab—cross. Uppercut. Repeat.
The heavy bag lurched under the force of her punches, the chains creaking in protest. Kate paused to exhale sharply, rolling out her shoulders and clenching her gloved hands into tighter fists before launching an uppercut.
"Focus," he finally said, as she jabbed again. "Your mind's somewhere else."
Kate exhaled sharply before throwing a clean uppercut. "It is."
Owen frowned, but let her continue. He could see the restless energy in the way she struck every hit, the force behind every hit. After a few rounds, he stepped in, catching the bag still.
"Okay, what's going on?"
Her jaws clenched. "Hoskins. His plans for the raptors. It's insane," She said quickly, as if she was waiting to spill.
Owen sighed, knowing where this was going on. "I know."
"It's like," she started, shaking her head and throwing another punch, her breaths still sharp and heavy. "We are nothing... but pieces... on a board to him. The raptors. Us. Everyone."
"That's how people like him think. But that doesn't mean we've to play by his rules."
"I know," she huffed, "but Hoskins... really gets on my nerves. Almost punched him, today."
"What stopped you? He could use a broken nose." Owen was clearly amused.
"I don't know. Maybe the part where we still need our jobs?"
He snorted. "You thought he'd fire you?"
"Why, is it such a ridiculous thought?"
"Of course. He works for Masrani. So do we. We're at the same level-he can't fire us."
"Oh, right," she rolled her eyes. "Still, he's overseeing this research. "Still, he's overseeing this research. I mean, he doesn't exactly try to hide how much he hates seeing me work here. Always trying to undermine me, openly expressing disdain."
"I thought you didn't care for all that bullshit."
"Yeah, I don't. I'm just saying. He could have filed some complaints. If he wanted, maybe."
"And say what? A kid broke my nose? Nah, that'd be a bigger hit to his ego."
Kate chuckled, fastening her gloves. "Huh. Now that sounds tempting."
