was strong, but she was fast, and they jabbed, kicked,
blocked, and spun at a thrilling pace. Neither showed a sign
of slowing down.
Tripp cleared his throat, and an ensign nearby turned
around, gave a start, and saluted.
“How long do these things usually last?” he asked.
“They went for three hours, once, sir,” the ensign said.
Tripp sighed. “Well, I can’t wait that long.” He nodded
at his aide, who blew a sharp whistle.
“Rear Admiral on deck!” the aide called, in a shrill,
carrying voice.
The shouting died, and the gathered Rangers turned to
stand at attention. In the ring, the fighters froze, locked
together, then slowly broke apart.
“Tripp,” said Commander Up, breathing heavily and
leaning on the ropes of the ring. “Long time no see.”
“Good to see you too, Commander,” Tripp said. “Sorry
to interrupt your little match here, but I have an urgent
matter to speak with you – and Lieutenant Taz – about. If
we could go to your ready room?”
“Sure thing, Rear Admiral,” Up said, turning and
pointing a threatening finger at his opponent. “We’ll finish
this later, Lieutenant.”
She slowly drew her finger across her throat, and the
crowd burst into cheers.
Up and Taz stood at ease in the ready room, waiting for
Tripp to speak. The recently promoted Rear Admiral looked
quite at home behind Up’s desk, the buttons of his dress
uniform polished to a threatening shine. Taz had her arms
crossed and Up knew she was biting her tongue for his
sake. Taz didn’t like Tripp or his glossy new uniform and
she really didn’t like being interrupted in the middle of a
fight.