That'll learn ya...

Posted on Sun Jun 2nd, 2024 @ 4:59pm by Lieutenant Betaras K'ner

Mission: Cat in the box
Location: USS Chuck Norris
Timeline: Current

K'ner looked at the next crewman. Having just reviewed their profile just prior to showing up, she knew they had only the basic combat training. She reminded herself to hold back and be measured, this was a learning exercise to prepare to meet the abrupt violence of the Gorn.

Dorrus stepped carefully, looking around the bay with a chaos of crates and containers strewn about. He could see the fins from the shuttles on the far side. He thought he was doing pretty well until the pain hit.

He wasn't sure what had happened, but he felt ropes of fire across his back... Then he could hear screaming, suddenly realizing it was coming from himself! Looking down he could see blood... everywhere... and knew it had to be his. He tried to control the blurry vision, seeing his phaser lying nearby.

'I'm going to die,' was the lone thought running through his brain as he was suddenly launched into the air, falling in a heap with still more pain from his back, but aches now blooming elsewhere as well.

He rolled slightly to get a forearm up to protect his face, still having not seen his opponent. He was aghast they would actually release a live Gorn!!

After a few seconds with no additional attack he looked around, lowering his arm so he could see. Standing in front of him was one of those Haz Teammers, standing with their hands behind them, some kind of helmet preventing him from seeing who it was.

He felt his strength fading in direct proportion to the pain and vertigo that grew in waves. His concern ramped up as the person reached around, long claws extending from each finger. He scooted back, at least initially until he was sliding as he tried to scramble back.

A mechanical voice blasted from the figure. "NEVER GIVE UP! DON'T DIE EASY! MAKE THEM PAY! IF YOU FREEZE, YOU ARE A LIABILITY TO EVERYONE AROUND YOU! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?"

"No..." his voice whispered as his strength fled.

The helm retracted and he recognized the ship's doctor.

K'ner's voice was much softer now. "You have met the enemy, do not be surprised in the future. We can deal with the injuries after... Use the adrenaline and pain to reinforce your will and focus. They will underestimate you, make that cost them more than they are willing to pay."

She paused and gave him a moment to process what she said. "You will be a little sore when you wake up, but no worse for the wear, physically. But for the coming battle, you need to be mentally aware as well. I hate contacting next of kin. Your next course will be on the offense."

She stopped speaking as he faded from consciousness, then rolling him over and motioning Kotsoo over to help her patch him up.

Once they were done, she had Kotsoo take him out another door, headed to sickbay as she turned and returned to her perch to watch for the next crewman, her head gear extending back into place...

'They will learn,' she thought to herself. 'They must be prepared if they want to live... They must live...'



OFF:

Lt Betaras K'ner
Hazard Team Medic TL-B / CMO
USS Chuck Norris

:o)