The sun beat down mercilessly upon the two warriors. One, in the traditional style of a Murmillo, blocked the blows with the metal fish scales strapped to his arms. The other, dressed as a Secutor, dodged his opponent's net and made a parry with his dagger. A bead of sweat dropped from below the helmet of the Murmillo fighter, but the other gladiator showed no signs of strain or exhaustion. His pallid complexion mirrored his calm facade, and he spun gracefully before landing a fatal blow to the gut of his opponent.
The program terminated just as the roar of the crowd grew unbearable, replaced by the the applause of a single shipmate.
"Well done, Data!" Picard smiled from his observational stand near the holodeck's entrance. "That was an excellent fake-out, sure to fool even the hardiest of ancient Romans."
Data tilted his head. "Indeed, sir, I have found these warriors to be lacking in any form of challenge. Perhaps I should move on to the next era." He removed the crested helmet he'd worn for the purposes of the simulation.
"I think nobody would fault you for that," Picard agreed, and held out his hand for the helmet, "But before you switch programs, I'd like to have a go myself."