"Workout"
Previous Post: "Searching For Solitude In A Crowded Room"
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Stardate: 60326.1000
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Marine Training Facility
Nico and Uxtar, both sheeted with sweat and breathing hard, were wiping down after a workout in the training room that Ensign Mei was kind enough to allow them entrance to. The two giants had spent the last hour trying to outdo the other on the free weights. It had been quite a show, as evidenced by the more than few marines who had abandoned their own workouts to watch.
Set after set, each warrior piled on more and more weight and completed a full array of exercises. The session ended with no clear winner.
One of marines watching the show, with great interest was the marine’s commanding officer. Pravat was working off some steam of his own on the treadmill while he watched Nico and Uxtar going at it. His money was on the Nausicaan, and was quite surprised to see the Hirogen hold his own. He suspected Uxtar may have gone too far in order to save face and keep up with Nico. He thought, with a smile, Uxtar was going to pay in pain over the next few days. Then again, after seeing Uxtar in actual battle he reminded himself not to be surprised at this creature’s abilities. Both of them amazed him on SUREAL III. He wished he had a platoon of Nausicaan/Hirogen marines at his disposal. Then again Pravat had his hands full with one Klingoness under his command which made the Enaran smile.
After finishing his run, Pravat approached the pair.
"You two did ok down there on SUREAL III. I wish I had more like you." He said echoing his earlier thoughts.
"Thank you, Sir" the pair chimed in unison.
"Not at all, gentlemen, and I use that term loosely." Pravat went on with a grin. "I'm putting you both in for commendations as soon as we get back."
The two giants grinning, again said, "Thank you, Sir."
Pravat went on, "I have a feeling I'll be telling the story of the two giant prisoners that I unleashed on the Cardasians well into my old age, if I live that long. Carry on gentlemen."
With that, Pravat strode out of the training room.
"Good guy." Nico observed
"Indeed." Uxtar answered, "We could do worse than serving under him."
The pair cooled down in silence for a moment, and then, "So what do you think of our guide, Ensign Mei?" Uxtar asked.
"I like her." Nico stated simply. "She seems a bit out of her element on this battleship, though. A little soft, compared to the rest of the crew. Her intentions are honorable however, and I am one to well remember kindness shown toward me."
"I like her too." Uxtar continued, "That other one, now, The First Officer. I get the feeling she doesn't care for us. Especially you, Nico. That look she gave you in sick bay made me think she wishes you never got off of SURIAL III."
"I think you're right, my big ugly friend. I actually met her yesterday. I believe I saved her a great deal of trouble too. I don't know why she'd hold that against me."
"She may be the type that solves her own problems, and resented your interference." Uxtar replied.
"Maybe so, no doubt she is extremely prideful. I think it has more to do with my Nausicaan blood than her pride though. This would not be the first time I’ve been hated, or at least disliked because of what I am."
"I find that hard to fathom, Nico. You are so charming and handsome, not to mention suave and debonair. I'm surprised you haven't swept the XO of her feet yet." Uxtar said, barely controlling his laughter.
"Seriously," Uxtar went on, "you may be right. I, myself, wanted nothing to do with you on the MERCURY, and I apologize for that. I have always been told that Nausicaans were to be avoided. Growing up, we were taught that you were mercenaries for the Ferengi, and that you were all killers and thieves. That a Nausicaan would just as soon kill you as look at you. And here you are, my very first Nausicaan, and you have yet to slit my throat."
Nico smiled, "The day is young, Uxtar. Perhaps I will get around to killing you later."
When they finished laughing, Nico said, "You're probably right about the XO. She, no doubt, has heard the same tales as you, regarding my race. Maybe I'll just try to steer clear of her for the rest of our journey."
Uxtar slapped Nico on the back. "Now where would the fun be in that?"
The two friends were laughing as they headed for the showers.
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Jammie Thouin {lone-gunman@att.net}
Ensign Nicodemus Rostov
USS MERUCURY
### 2005 post #392
"The problem with the world is that everyone is a few beers behind."
-Humphrey Bogart
