Mission 2: Devourers 2/2

Today, I’m sparring with Muli on a no-tech platform, fighting with cane staves. He’s competent enough despite a lack of training. Most of these athletes are not used to the real-world exercises we put them through.

“Didn’t think we’d be beating each other with sticks,” says Muli after I lever his leg and trip him. He gets to his feet and positions himself again. His dark eyes betray anger, but also focus.

I’ve banned nano-healing as well, so we’ll carry the bruises for a few days.

The Coordinated Governments of Fluke have strict “strive laws”—laws preventing the use of technology for many circumstances and time periods. Humans wilt and spoil when cradled too comfortably by tech. The galaxy is too dangerous for wilted humanity.

And we can’t afford any wilt on this team.

I step back from Muli. “You want to try the rods instead? They’re more forgiving.”

By the sneer that his lips slide into, I can tell he considers that an insult.

He stifles the sneer and readies his staff. “I want to make a few bruises with this first.”

Choose: