Do you even sleep anymore?

Posted on Sun Feb 14th, 2021 @ 7:20am by Lieutenant Baeryn Whavi-Tonelly

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Ops office then Holodeck
Timeline: After her meeting with Lt Norris
723 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

The office for Chief of Operations was well lit given the hour. Baeryn had fallen victum to yet another sleepless night. She was beginning to think her body hated her. Or perhaps it was just her mind that did, refusing to shut off longer then two hours at a time. She started to fear what affects the lack of sleep would have on her work performance if she kept going in this direction. Huffing a sigh she walked over to the replicator and ordered a glass of room temperature water.

Staring at the glass for a moment before retrieving it her mind went elsewhere. She recounted the events of the day prior, meeting her new assistant and the sweet little Tayalas. The thought made her smile, the ease of being around the child warmed her. She hoped Lt. Norris wouldn't be apposed to spending more time together. Baeryn rather liked their company. Gallia hadnt said much, causing Baeryn to question if her presence and position aboard the ship was welcomed. She pushed away the negative thoughts. There wasn't any evidence to draw such conclusions.

What she really needed was a sparring partner. Someone that wouldn't mind the exercise, or sweat. Baeryn normally shied away from the holodeck, finding it difficult to immerse herself in any of the simulations she tried. Perhaps it was because she couldn't feel the characters in a holodeck program. Couldn't read them. Which on the contrary she supposed she should enjoy.

Finally picking up the glass and downing its contents she silently decided to give the holodeck a go. She highly doubted she would find a willing opponent in the gym at the time of night anyway. Normal folk were all still pleasantly sleeping aside from the bare minimum crew assigned to the night shift. A shift Baeryn actually enjoyed at her last post. It was easier to manage for an aspiring Lieutenant. There was less pressure to perform with rectitude. Not something she would try in her new position. She doubted that would earn her any type of respect from her new Captain.

Surprisingly the trek to the holodeck was short, not much traffic and not getting lost was a plus as well. She stood outside the available holodeck debating on which program to run. There were countless combat simulations, shuffling until she found one she liked took a bit longer then expected. She felt she was being picky at first but settled on something similar to earths Bojutsu. She had experience fighting with a bo staff, something she forgot she enjoyed until an opponent wasn't available.

"Computer, ready program." She coughed to clear her voice of the squeak that came out.

After a brief wait period the computer chimed and the holodeck doors opened, "Program ready."

Taking a deep breath she entered the doors to find a small arena of sorts positioned on top of a cliff looking out above a forest for as far as her eyes could see. There was a slight breeze weaving its way through her loose hair. Baeryn removed her uniform tunic leaving her in a tank top for easier movement. She set the tunic down on a bench beside the roped platform and began tying back her wild red hair.

Once ready for combat she entered the arena picking up the staff that leaned against a corner of the platform. She gripped the staff with both hands getting a few for the staffs weight and length. She was impressed but it would do. After twirling the staff a few times in the air she allowed her muscle memory to take over. Staff fighting was really all about your leg movement. The power of each strike came from your legs and without a proper stance a fighter was hopeless.

“Computer, start program.” Baeryn said loud and clear.

She spread her legs bending her knees slightly as the computer materialized a fighter a few feet from where she stood. The male made a show of jumping and twirling his own staff, almost in an attempt to scare an opponent. This brought a smug smile to Baeryns lips. The fighter ran towards her and she immediately brought her own staff up to block his attack. A dark chuckle escaped Baeryn. Looks like she found the entertainment and exercise she was looking for.