Lieutenant JG Meris: Of Foils and Fundamentals
Meris/Brian
((Corridor, Deck 5, USS Thor))
The corridor outside the holodeck was quiet, save for the low, steady hum of the ship’s systems thrumming through the deck plating. Much of the Thor’s crew was away, either enjoying Deep Space 14 or taking advantage of shore leave on Little Alpha, leaving this section of the ship unusually still. Lieutenant JG Meris stood in the holosuite anteroom, posture relaxed but deliberate, as though already preparing themself for an activity that had not yet begun.
For once, they were not in uniform.
Instead, they had replicated attire more appropriate to the discipline they intended to demonstrate. Their fencing jacket was matte black rather than the traditional white, fitted cleanly along their frame, with matching breeches and gloves completing the ensemble. The choice had not been made for aesthetic deviation alone, though they privately found the darker palette more visually appealing. It also reduced distraction. Simplicity, contrast, clarity. All useful qualities when one’s intent needed to be read through motion alone.
At their feet rested a narrow case, already unlatched. Inside lay two foils.
Meris crouched, lifting the first with practiced familiarity. This one bore the subtle wear of repeated use, the grip molded slightly to their hand over time. Their Academy foil. They gave it a small, testing flex, watching the blade respond with a controlled, elastic bend before returning to true.
oO Acceptable. No degradation in structural integrity. Oo
They set the foil gently - almost lovingly - back into the case and lifted the second.
This foil was pristine. Recently replicated, its balance carefully calibrated to match regulation specifications and its intended user. Meris had spent longer than necessary reviewing those specifications before committing to the replication, adjusting minor details until the result felt just right. It would not do to provide Taj’el with an imprecise instrument. Instruction required consistency. Consistency required accuracy.
Meris turned the weapon slightly in the corridor light, examining the alignment of blade to guard, then gave the same small test flex. Satisfied, they nodded once to themself and returned it to its place.
Their gaze shifted briefly to the holodeck arch. Beyond it, the program waited. They had arrived early and initialized it so the environment would be fully prepared upon Taj’el’s arrival. The computer had confirmed safeties were engaged, terrain stabilized, and wind resistance parameters reduced to manageable levels. Meris had considered leaving the wind at full intensity for authenticity, then dismissed the idea as unnecessarily and hazardous towards their instruction.
Meris had selected the environment with care. The location, as recorded in what they understood to be a historical Earth document, had been the site of a notable duel conducted under constrained terrain and environmental pressure. A narrow path, significant elevation, limited avenues of retreat. Conditions that emphasized control of distance and precision of movement. Their duel today would not mirror the extended engagement described in the record. Foil fencing was a different discipline entirely. Still, the setting offered clarity. Boundaries. Intent made visible in stone and soil.
Meris straightened, brushing an invisible crease from their sleeve. Their expression remained composed, but there was a subtle shift in their posture now, a quiet readiness settling in. Not anticipation in an emotional sense, but recognition of imminent engagement.
They found themself... looking forward to the exercise.
Moments later, the sound of approaching footfalls drew their attention. The corner of Meris’s mouth twitched upward at the sight of Taj’el entering the anteroom. The Vulcan’s posture, however, suggested fatigue, and Meris’s brow creased slightly as they observed it. Choosing to engage despite that condition was... notable.
There was something steady in how Taj’el approached their interactions, a deliberate effort to engage rather than withdraw. Meris found themself recognizing that their own presence might have made that effort easier. Perhaps even desirable.
Taj’el: Meris, hello. Thank you for taking time to meet with me.
The helmsperson gave a small, measured bob of their head.
Meris: Of course. I was pleased to get your summons.
Taj’el: I had been wanting to follow up with you since our last mission, primarily to thank you for your assistance during it. You also mentioned that you would show me your fencing technique.
Meris’s expression softened slightly, the faintest dismissal of the thanks conveyed not through words, but through a small shift of posture and a subtle tilt of their head.
oO Gratitude implies imbalance. That is not an accurate assessment. Oo
Meris: Your thanks is appreciated, but unnecessary. In the Aenda mission, you helped me as much as I helped you. ::a pause:: That is what makes us a good team. Our strengths complement each other.
Taj’el: I was uncertain whether the holodeck or the gymnasium would be more appropriate for this. You may lead, and I will follow.
Meris allowed themself the smallest hint of a smile, quickly contained but not entirely absent.
Meris: The holosuites are perfect. In fact, I have already programmed the setting for your first lesson. The location of a famous duel from Earth’s history. I believe you will find it an appropriate historical setting for my teachings.
Taj'el: Response.
Meris turned toward the arch, tapping a final confirmation on the control panel. They then stepped through the opening doorway.
((Holosuite 4, Deck 5, USS Thor))
The sterile corridor vanished, replaced instantly by sky, wind, and stone. Jagged cliffs rose on either side, the ocean far below crashing against rock in distant, rhythmic bursts. A narrow path cut along the edge, precarious but navigable, the space was defined more by absence than structure.
Meris stepped forward onto the path with complete composure, then turned back toward the arch as Taj’el entered behind them.
Meris: I give you the "Cliffs of Insanity"...
They swept one arm outward in a restrained but encompassing gesture, presenting the environment with quiet satisfaction before turning back to Taj’el with complete seriousness.
Meris: I believe it is somewhere in Sweden.
Taj'el: Response.
Meris then slipped the sword case off their shoulder and opened it, withdrawing the second foil with care.
Meris: I took the liberty of replicating a foil for you. I believe you will find it properly weighted and balanced for your height and weight. In addition, the handle is specifically designed for a left-handed swordsman such as yourself. You should find it fits your hand well... provided you do not have six fingers.
In the historical Earth document one of the duelists had spent many years seeking a man with six fingers who had murdered his father.
Taj'el: Response.
---
Lieutenant JG Meris
Helmsperson
USS Thor
A240207M14