(eng) P. K. Lentz - Barbarian Space Opera 01 by Scythian Dawn

Author:Scythian Dawn [Dawn, Scythian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

Vax showed Arixa the way to the activity room, an open space with a padded floor and unfamiliar equipment lining the walls. Moments later Zhi entered, and the Persian took his leave with cordial words.

Shedding slipper-like shoes, Zhi walked directly to the center of the padded floor. Arixa, already lacking footwear, took a spot a few paces from Zhi, facing her.

Since Zhi said nothing, Arixa likewise opted for silence, for now.

When Zhi pointed to Arixa’s right arm, Arixa performed the quick finger movements which deactivated the unfair advantage of the ILA. Zhi adopted a formal-looking ready stance, Arixa a looser defensive one.

A beat later, Zhi attacked. Arixa moved to block her, but was far too late: the butt of Zhi’s palm met Arixa’s jaw, immediately after which a sweep of Zhi’s foot knocked Arixa’s legs out from under her. Lying on her back, Arixa looked up at the smaller woman poised to deliver a killing blow that never fell. Instead Zhi returned to her starting point in a silent declaration of victory.

Picking herself up and rubbing her jaw, Arixa chuckled in amazement and resumed a ready posture. Again, Zhi quickly attacked. This time, Arixa batted aside a right fist aimed at her face only to be caught in the sternum by the left before another leg sweep put her on the mat.

Once more, Zhi declined to press the attack beyond that point, presumably in adherence to more civilized customs than would have prevailed in a Scythian camp.

“All right...” Arixa said, standing. “I admit, you’re good. Let’s try again.”

This time Arixa charged low and managed to get inside Zhi’s guard, grabbing her left wrist in one hand and wrapping the other arm around her midsection. It did no good; somehow Zhi managed to knee Arixa in the ribs and slip free. A second later, Arixa was flipped onto her back, and the same knee landed, precisely and without harm, on her throat.

Zhi stepped back in victory, freeing Arixa to rise.

“Impressive,” Arixa said. “I know when I’m outmatched. I don’t suppose you use a sword?”

“Why would I?” Zhi gave a curt bow, picked up her shoes and began to stride for the exit.

“Don’t leave yet,” Arixa pleaded, rubbing her side. “Please, give me one minute to speak. Then, if you’re not interested, be on your way.”

The Han woman looked expectantly at Arixa.

“Is there any way Vax can hear us?” Arixa asked. “Or anyone else?”

“Not unless one of us opens a comm or a device has been planted covertly. Just talk.”

Mindful of Zhi’s impatience, Arixa spoke swiftly: “One day I want to kill Jir. Lots of them. I might be wrong, but I sense you want that, too. I have no idea how to make it happen, but I know that bows and horses will be of no use. I’ll need other weapons and the ability to use them. But first, I must save the lives of thousands of my people. There’s something you could do, a very small favor, which I think would ensure success.

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