Star Trek: Starbase 777 - fitness-suite-03

A grab bag slipped over one shoulder, Vara'l entered the fitness suits and headed directly to the martial arts mats. He'd come her at the end of what had ended up being quite the lengthy and somewhat stressful shift, come in search of a moment to calm himself before he headed off elsewhere, some time still to burn before he needed to go collect his son. More than enough time for some exercise, a fact that had led him to come here, the grab bag slipped down next to the mat as he stepped onto it. Swiftly opening the bag, Vara'l retrieved his wooden training blade and a few other items from it and set them down next to the bag. He then looked them over for a moment before he elected to start with the sparring sword, the blade picked up and its weight tested once more with a series of sweeping practise swings. Tested before he then moved into the starting moves of a practise Kata that tended to calm him. One drawn from a Romulan martial art, one he'd been tutored in in his youth by someone he still somewhat cared for. As he started to move through each strike, Vara'l worked his way through the stationary postures before once he reached them, he started to move about the mat. Moved around and allowed his mind to focus on each movement, the feel of the weighted training blade in his hand, the specifics of each parry strike and riposte afforded his full attention. Work left at the door.

During the rare moments where she really didn't have anything to do, Bellona's choice of activity was to train. The day she grew soft in combat was the day she would see her soul depart for the underworld, and be set before Pluto to be judged. It was as simple as that. The Magna Romani woman wore a dark green sports bra and workout leggings, just about the most casual one might ever see her, and sat down on one of the benches nearby to prepare. As she bound her hands with sports tape, she couldn't help but watch the Romulan at work with his blade. It was mesmerising to watch. Magna Roman gladiatorial battles weren't quite as artful - more often than not they were more disciplined than artful, in fact - which wasn't to say she had no capacity to appreciate the swordwork of someone else. She watched him some more as she rose to her feet and did basic stretches, limbering up her body for the rest of the evening.

As Vara'l moved through the Kata of the practise kata, he switched from the slow then fast movements of more artistic strikes for one part to the sharp fast movements of combat strikes as he moved from blow to blow. Mixed it up to add a bit more variation in the routine, the speed maintained at the level he'd started at throughout what remained of the routine, the end of the routine followed immediately by the start of another. This one a combat practise routine he'd picked up during his time with the Imperial Romulan navy, economical strikes, parries and riposte patterns. Each move executed with the force and smoothness of a experienced fighter. At least.. until he arrived at the kill strikes in the Kata, several of those executed well before.. he paused. Paused and blinked a moment.. then moved onto a different series of exercises. Moved through them as, as he noticed the fact he was being watched by someone else there, someone he didn't recognize, he paused a moment and nodded in greeting and then continued. "Hello." He said as he continued to practise. "I'm conscious I'm taking up a fair bit of space with my bags and the like, so ah..if you'd like me to move anything please just say and I'll move stuff." The Romulan commented as he moved into another series of strike patterns, these disciplined blows drawn from the art of the laughing murder. Vara'l rooted to the ground in posture, movements controlled as they struck, parried and riposted

"No. You are not taking up too much space." Bellona rose to her feet and did one last stretch before walking over to one of the sandbags nearby. She put on a pair of boxing gloves and got into a ready position in front of the sandbag. "I will not need much. You don't have to move."

Vara'l moved about as he continued to practise with the training sword with the sword for a bit longer using it primarily in two handed patterns before he switched to one handed Kata. As he did so, he listened to what the other said. listened and then nodded once. "Understood.. even so if you'd like anything of mine moved please feel free to just ask." He then paused mid Kata and looked at the other, considered their face for a moment before he rapidly arrived at the conclusion that this person wasn't one he'd met before. "I apologise, I don't believe we've met before, I'm Lieutenant Commander Vara'l tr'Hara, Hello." He commented before he resumed the Kata he'd been working through. "Its good to meet you."

"Lieutenant Bellona Juventus." Bellona's eyes narrowed at the sandbag in front of her, like a hunter honing in on her prey, and landed a solid uppercut punch on it that made the chains holding it rattle. She followed up with a rapid series of kicks, punches and feints that left her limbs shaking when she was finished - a typical exercise her trainers had made her do when she'd first started out as a trainee gladiator. Not once did her eyes leave the sandbag in front of her. "I spend my day in the command division offices. Lest you've been there before, you won't have met me." She replied plainly.

"I've not been there that often recently, admittedly." The Romulan responded simply as he continued to practise, the one handed Kata being worked through concluding and being followed by a switch to practise strikes tailored for use in enclosed/restricted spaces. The strike patterns kept close in, the whole blade used in strike and counter after strike and counter strike utilized against a imagined opponent. "My duties tend to take me more to the tactical hub or otherwise keep me in my office dealing with paperwork and such when other matters haven't arose that merit my attention, I'm the ACTO." Once Vara'l finished that Kata, he smoothly moved over to his bag and returned the weighted training sword to its case. Then, free of the sword, he adopted a unarmed combat stance from Llaekh-ae'rl. The ACTO's body shifting slightly as he adopted the start position. He then started through those Kata with the quite smoothness and efficient execution of one who'd honed his skill in this for some time, perhaps even utilized what he practised for real.

Bellona couldn't help but glance over at him and watch as he executed graceful strike after graceful strike. Perhaps that was the difference between Romulan martial arts and gladiator combat - the factor of showmanship. She would honestly have paid well to watch an entire troupe of practitioners showcase their craft. "I see. I have overheard it said that one of your officers is soon reaching an important milestone in their life? Trust me when I say your officers talk quite a lot." She deadpanned. "I do not know whom or when it will be - but my lips are sealed, regardless."

As he continued with his practise Kata, each movement smooth and efficiently tailored for combat not showmanship. This was a Kata developed for use in martial situations, each smooth movement while perhaps perceived as graceful perhaps even jovial on the surface aimed to cause or prevent harm to a person. A last line of defence if a weapon was lost or a go to close combat tool for when other weapons weren't appropriate, it had its uses and had, for Vara'l, seen use. Seen use against more than a few foes in his past. Not all of them from different species. While not every time he'd been forced to make use of it had ended up with him walking away intact, this was.. something that remained a integral part of his arsenal. Strikes to disarm to stun, to break bones or to deflect attack, each worked through with a practised efficiency and speed. The speed element something he attempted to improve upon even then, it a important area he wanted to work on. Not the only thing, but a big thing at the moment. After all, he'd not reached perfection, not by a long shot. "They've been informed they're free to talk with individuals they trust about this from other departments" Vara'l responded calmly as he practised, a moments silent following as he focused on a element of his Kata that required further attention before he then continued. "That's as, if something is going to occur to mark any such event, it'll not be restricted to a single department." Vara'l then moved on from the Kata, it having arrived at its conclusion, to a series of exercises designed to give a body a moment to recover from an intensive workout . He'd learned the hard way how far his body could be pushed rapidly so he'd resolved to slowly build up yet further. "I appreciate your assurance that you'll keep this quiet, though.. may I ask why you've brought this up"

"It was an attempt at small talk. I am not normally good at idle conversation." Bellona replied, without skipping a beat in her strikes. She'd taught herself to be able to easily hold a conversation in the middle of combat - or in this case training - breaks in her actions could have cost her her life back in the underground pits. Her limbs felt leaden when she was finished and her breathing came in deep pants, but she felt... good, if somewhat disappointed. "I do not normally have someone else training with me. That's all."

"Noted, I asked out of interest not out of anger or anything and ah, on the training front, I understand." Vara'l responded as he finished his training stretches and launched into a training Kata from a different martial art. This one all movement and sharp strikes. "As to whatthe tactical officer or officers were probably talking about." He started as he changed the subject back to that. "They were probably touching on that event in relation to my proposal to hold a surprise party to celebrate the occasion of one of our Jem'Hadar officers turning twenty and becoming a honoured elder." The Romulan informed the other as he continued to practise. "You're welcome to come along to said surprise party if it'd be of interest..and that is, if there is sufficient interest to merit it being run." The offer made as he moved from a series of defensive moves and continued to try and push himself harder and harder.

"Party? You're throwing him an ordinary party?" Bellona didn't seem particularly shocked or offended or happy about the idea - rather neutral, in fact. She took a moment to glance over at her training companion, as it were for a brief moment. Perhaps this particular topic was of some interest to her. "Cake, balloons and the like? Why not... test him. The title of Honored Elder is bestowed upon Jem'hadar who live to twenty by surviviing battle after battle, yes? Why not test him in battle as a way of symbolically earning his title?" (edited)

"I don't know if a surprise party is a ordinary party or not in all honesty, I'm not used to parties." The Romulan responded simply as he continued to train. "But yes, the intention was to throw him a surprise party." Vara'l responded before he then nodded as they asked their following question..nodded and then looked thoughtful. "Test them?" He asked initially before he.. let out a affirmative 'uh-hmm.' "As far as I'm aware, that is..what it effectively was, a title afforded to a Jem'Hadar who reached that age on account of the fact that battle after battle made such a survival highly unlikely." Vara'l moved through another series of martial arts training moves. "..Test them?" He half repeated before he continued. "That is..a interesting suggestion.. I'll have to think on it, but it may be something I look into further.. as you've got a point there, aye."

"A Jem'hadar is happiest in battle. Ergo, giving him a battle to celebrate his coming of age may just make his day - whether he swallows enough of his pride to admit it or not. I've spoken to a few while working at Starfleet Security. Most, if not all of them, seem to have a pathological unwillingness to admit that certain things make them happier. I believe he may be the same way." Bellona took a sip of water amd sighed. "Your form is beautiful, by the way. I have not seen such grace in years." She admitted, turning to look at him in the eye at last. "Granted, I trained Starfleet cadets in hand to hand combat, not swordplay..."

"Your logic seems sound I must admit, from what I've heard of Jem'Hadar." Vara'l initially responded before he continued on to say. "Though I admit that most of my knowledge of said species is from what I've read during my time in various services or more recently." His jaw worked a bit. "That or from basic information retained from my time as a tactical drone." Vara'l looked thoughtful for a moment then before he nodded half to himself mid Kata. "I'll think about it and.. I think.. see to arranging something, When the Magna Roman proceeded to compliment his form, Vara'l smiled slightly and continued through the unarmed Kata he was working through. "Thank you for the compliment." He finished another Kata and moved onto the next, continuing to train as he attempted to see how far he could push past his limit this time before his body forced him to stop. "Your form is quite something as well, its a way to it that has elements from something other than fleet training also and if I'm correct, you train as you fight avoiding breaks in the action." Vara'l looked thoughtful then, thought he elected to not voice the other element of his assessment of how she fought. That the way she practised had the look of someone who'd utilized what they trained to keep sharp for real. "As to my style, the sword elements are a product of training from before my time in the fleet, my House believes you should know how to properly a weapon you forge." He then explained as he moved to complete the current unarmed combat Kata he'd elected to work through. "I'm unsure if either my house or my Navy instructor from back then would have been pleased or displeased to hear it called graceful."

He had one student, officially! Well, ‘student.’ Kiadras was uncertain if he could call Saros that, considering that the message he got send basically said he was just a fellow martial artist looking to spar and expand his knowledge. It’s not like he was opposed to that, of course! Semantics. Whatever. Point being, Kiadras was about to get the chance to stretch his legs and work up a sweat for the first time since onboarding. He had plenty of experience on the past few ships he’d been on, even since an ensign, but it was always fun doing it for the first time at a new posting. She twisted at the waist and did a mini back bend, getting herself nice and limbered up for teaching Saros some Trill techniques. Like she’d said in her message, she was most familiar with Ymoc Style, also known as the three-fingered claw due to the starting stance. It was a very defensive style, full of grabs and blocks, though she’d fully flipped an ensign into his back once when teaching it on the Veracity. Never let it be said that a defensive style didn’t have its merits. She used to be much more partial to the styles that would cause proper damage, with jabs and chops, but she’d learned over the years that the cliched ‘the best offense is a good defense’ stood true. He cracked his knuckles and started bouncing on the balls of his feet, having long-since swapped out his uniform for a tank top and form fitting athletic leggings, including a pair of fingerless gloves to keep his knuckles nice and safe. He did a few practice jabs against his own shadow, eagerly anticipating his fellow lieutenant commander’s arrival! (edited)

Saros approached the training gym, his movements deliberate and controlled. His mind, ever analytical, recalled the period prior to his assimilation by the Borg. During that time, he had been systematically advancing his proficiency in Andorian martial arts, a pursuit that complemented his lifelong dedication to both physical and mental disciplines. This devotion had exceeded typical Vulcan norms, a fact which medical professionals later posited as beneficial to his post-assimilation recovery. During his rehabilitation, Saros had allocated a significant portion of his time to remastering lost skills, following the prescribed cognitive recalibration exercises and therapy. He found that martial arts practice provided a structured framework for regaining mental equilibrium, proving more effective than other rehabilitative activities. Upon joining Starbase 777, Saros logically assessed the presence of a hand-to-hand instructor in Trill martial arts as a beneficial opportunity. While Vulcans do not experience emotional reactions such as surprise or excitement, he acknowledged the fortuitous nature of this opportunity to expand his martial arts repertoire. The hand-to-hand instructor had agreed to see him and to teach him some of the basics of a new martial art that he hadn’t been exposed to. That morning, Saros had allocated an additional hour to his standard meditation routine. He was acutely aware that his control could vary daily, a lingering effect of his assimilation experience. This extended meditation period was a logical process he employed to cope with more challenging days, calculating that it would optimize his mental and physical readiness. While his usual meditation regimen was typically sufficient to maintain optimal cognitive function and energy levels for his professional duties, he had determined that the current circumstances warranted extra precaution.

21:30

As he prepared to enter the gym, Saros took a moment to center himself. A fleeting tension, quickly suppressed, reminded him of the tumultuous storm of conflicting emotions and fractured memories, remnants of his Borg experience that persistently churned beneath his logical exterior. He exhaled slowly, allowing logic to reclaim dominance over his thoughts, and maintained a composed demeanor externally, his face an impassive mask that betrayed none of his inner turmoil. Upon entering the room, Saros’s robotic eye scanned for his fellow commander, going through the individuals in the room until locating an individual he presumed to be Kiadra engaged in practice. He momentarily observed Kiadra’s fluid movements, noting the efficiency and grace inherent in Trill martial arts. Clad in Standard Starfleet workout gear, Saros approached confidently. “Lt. Commander Kiadra? Lt. Commander Saros,” He said, extending his hand, his voice steady and controlled "Thank you for finding the time. I anticipate the next hour will prove most enlightening.” (edited)

One, two, three! One, two, three! Indeed, quick and fluid movements came from the Trill as she got back into the flow of things. The technique she was favoring was mostly contained in the upper body, along with a few knee jabs and a full-on kick somewhere in there. She was very light on her feet, and her hips moved back and forth, rolling her upper body with ease to perform a few mock dodges against her own shadow. It was quite the first impression, to see a new officer so quickly and easily moving with force. Despite the weight behind her hits and kicks, there was definitely a grace to it all. It was a like a dance, almost. Though, probably one you wouldn't want to break out on the dance floor, heh. Kiadras had spent much of his childhood and teenage years learning how to do this, alongside other martial arts. To say he was 'good at it' would be an understatement. Y'know how you'll chop wooden blocks in half while practicing karate? Kiadras looked as though he could easily rip apart a cinderblock in that way, if he wanted to. Despite the serious expression on his face from the effort he was giving to his current task, he was very affable! And this is confirmed when the guy turns around to see Saros. divider

19:21

"Commander! Hi there!" She lifted up a towel from her gym bag and wiped her hands and forehead down, before slinging it over her shoulder and shaking Saros's hand, "Kiadras, though you already said that, heh. Hope you enjoyed the show! Well- Depending on when you showed up, that is. Hey, here's hoping we can get you to the point I'm at pretty quickly, huh?" She playfully (and very lightly) punched Saros in the shoulder, "So! You said you knew some techniques yourself. Mind telling me what all you know? It'll help me figure out where to start!" She walked back to her bag and plucked a water bottle from it, taking a sip or two. Or five. She'd already gotten her heart pumping pretty hard! (edited)

Saros observed Lieutenant Commander Kiadras movements with analytical precision, cataloging each technique for future study. His Vulcan mind rapidly processed the data. He noted the efficiency of her upper body movements, the strategic integration of knee strikes, and the full-body coordination required for her kicks. The fluidity of her motions reminded him of certain aspects of Wudangquan. His optical implant enhanced his ability to analyze her form. Saros found it logical to appreciate the balance between power and grace, recognizing that such versatility could prove tactically advantageous in various combat scenarios. When Kiadras threw the playful punch, Saros sensed it almost before it was fully extended. Instead of blocking or moving out of the way, Saros's muscles relaxed, and their body flowed with the incoming force. A subtle shift in his stance, a gentle turn of the torso, and a fluid rotation of the shoulders guided the punch harmlessly past. The movement was seamless, like water flowing around a stone. Saros raised an eyebrow and said simply. “Lieutenant Commander Kiadras, your enthusiasm is noted.”

06:00

He stood a few paces from Kiadras. His posture was optimized for both efficiency and readiness. His lean, athletic frame was evident even beneath his Starfleet workout uniform, resulting from years of rigorous training. He assumed a neutral stance, feet precisely positioned, his weight evenly distributed to allow for rapid movement if necessary. His hands were clasped loosely in front of him at waist level, fingers interlaced in a gesture of calm readiness. His face remained impassive, but his eyes were alert, the optical implant collecting data on Kiadras movements and the surrounding environment. *“My martial arts education began with Suus Mahna at age four,” Saros explained,* "culminating in instructor certification at age 38 after formal study at the Vulcan Defense Institute of Defensive Arts. I subsequently expanded my knowledge to include Andorian, Klingon, and Human Karate techniques, attaining the rank of Green Belt Advanced. Finally, I dedicated 10.3 years to studying the Human discipline of Wudangquan before my assimilation.”

The Trill didn't really...put force into his punch. He was just joking around, after all! But Saros dipped out of the way nonetheless, and he stumbles just a little bit when his fist doesn't meet the expected resistance. The two of them end up standing side-by-side for a moment before he let out a soft laugh, turning his attention back to his bag, "As is yours, Commander!" He said with a grin between sips of water. He wasn't lying! After all, the guy dodged in almost an instant, which was a nice confirmation of Saros' skills. "I know some Suus Mahna myself! My ah...my father got myself a trainer when I was young as well, heh," She kind of quickly moved on in conversation upon mentioning her childhood, "Though, as I said in the message, I know Ymoc style much better. It's a defensive style, much like Human aikido. Grabs and blocks, flipping somebody onto their back, things like that, heh! There's a tripping move you can pull with hooking your leg around your opponent's leg, though that's a bit more of an advanced one than what I think we'll be getting into to start off." He set his water bottle back down and took in a breath, centering himself for a moment before gving Saros a grin, "So, I think we'll begin with just the basic stance. If you'd like to hop up onto the mat and follow my movements?"

Saros observed Trill's jovial demeanor with a raised eyebrow, his posture remaining perfectly straight as he stepped onto the mat. "Your father's decision to provide you with martial arts training at a young age was logical," He stated, his tone even and controlled. “The benefits of such disciplines extend far beyond mere physical prowess. They cultivate mental acuity, emotional regulation, and strategic thinking - all invaluable skills for a growing individual.”Saros remarked simply as he listened to the description of Ymoc style. It sounded unique and intrigued him. * ”Ymoc sounds intruiging,” *Saros, with that, got into a position to mirror Kiadras; “Please continue, “ Saros said as he tried to mirror as best as he could.

On paper, of course it's logical to give a kid a discipline to work under. Martial arts are indeed very helpful, and they're a fine outlet for more...aggressive emotions. In practice, Kiadras oftentimes loathed practing. Saros did not know or of her father, however, so she isn't upset over it. Nowadays, she's glad she's doing what she does for herself, and no one else. Well, teaching is in technicality for other people, but it's her choice to pursue it, "It's pretty intriguing, I'd say!" Topic change. Lovely. He took a stance beside the Vulcan, putting his right leg back and getting a bit low in stance. He then raised his arms and staggered their position, folding down his pinkies and ring fingers to form a clawed hand gesture with his middle, index, and thumbs. The three-fingered claw! "Just follow along. We'll start off with a jab," He said with a grin, before doing a quick jab with the bottom of his right hand, "I'll do it a couple more times so you can get a feel for it, alright?"