Chapter 5

After leaving Commander Olivet’s office, Thad struggled to process the information provided by Captain Sullivan and Commander Olivet.

He wasn’t sure of his next steps, so he decided to talk to Monty. He usually had the best advice. But right now, Monty was buried in the bowels of the hydroponics section and couldn’t be bothered.

But first, he had a dinner date with Paul Holt and Betty Chin. Thad and Paul had become friends soon after Thad came aboard.

Thad and Paul were close to the same age. Paul had been assigned to show Thad around. Paul had street smarts in abundance, and Thad wasn’t lacking in boldness. At the time, Paul was serving as Captain Sullivan’s orderly, but soon after launch, he requested a switch to Security. He had been reluctant to tell anyone the reason, but during a drunken male bonding session, he told Thad that his father had been something of a hero with the Mars Rangers. He felt it was his responsibility to carry on the family tradition.

Thad knew he wouldn’t have any trouble finding Paul. This was his day off, and he would most likely be at his Kendo classes. Mr. Chin, the ship’s calligrapher, had started giving courses in Japanese swordsmanship. Mr. Chin had decided that a Katana would be a good weapon on board. Mainly because the danger of a hull breach was slight, Paul thought it was a perfect way to stay in shape and learn a martial art that could be used on board a ship. Usually, the classes were not taught by Mr. Chin, but by his daughter, Betty. She was Mr. Chin’s apprentice and assistant. Paul wasn’t shy about admitting it, but Thad recognized the signs. Paul thought more of her as a woman than as an instructor.

Thad double-checked the gym assignments, and sure enough, there was a 2nd dan class being taught. One of the unused basketball courts had been turned over to the group as their practice space and Dojo. When Thad entered the Dojo, Betty was seated in the middle of a circle of 15 or 20 students, all dressed in their gi’s and hakama’s. Their armor and helmets were behind each. Their Bokken were held to their sides. To one side, Mr. Chin sat, silently observing.

“One must remember that there is a difference between the katana and the bokken.” Betty was saying. “The Bokken is a striking weapon, while the katana is a cutting weapon. The katana’s power is in its edge and point. It can slice and stab with equal devastation. The Bokken, however, is a striking weapon; you must rely on its weight. The katana is a feather, while the Bokken is a club.”

She continued, “Do not be fooled by this. The Bokken can be just as deadly as the katana, but in a different manner. This is why we wear armor and head protection.”

She glanced at the clock at the front of the room. “Our time is coming to a close now. I want you to keep practicing your muscle memory exercises. You gakusei at the kyu level should concentrate on form and control. These are most important at your level.”

“Class,” she then bowed and touched her head to her hands that were on the floor in front of her. The rest of the room followed suit. She then sat up, “Dismissed.” She said quietly.