She Is But a Child
Chapter Seven
Ch, Ch, Chains…
The next day while Spock was in the physical fitness building practicing his Suss Manah technique, he spied his instructor enter attired in a loose fitting white cotton martial arts suit. On her left hand was a white cloth loosely tied with a cord. Wrapped around her left leg was a length of chain.
'Fascinating'.
She made her way over to the area that provided as an opponent, a dummy with collapsible legs. She kneeled and took a deep breath before standing with just her right side presented. Her next movements were in rapid succession, a mid-air summersault, a side arm to the dummy's rib cage and then a sweep by her chained leg of the dummy's legs, which sent it collapsing to the mat. Spock's mouth involuntarily rose slightly as did his right eyebrow. In addition, as if propelled by some unknown force he started walking in her direction.
"Lieutenant, Sir," he said with a head nod. "I am unfamiliar with the style of martial arts you just displayed."
Still breathing deeply, she reached for her water bottle with her hand raised in the universal command, 'just a minute'. "We are not in the classroom at present Cadet Spock; just a 'Sir' will do under these circumstances."
"Thank you Sir."
'Well, that was a step in the right direction. An acknowledgement of sorts. Maybe he is picking up on some little displays of courtesy,' she mused.
Spock continued, "This technique and even dress is unknown to me. Please, would you be so kind as to inform me of its history?"
'What, twice in one conversation!' Nyota thought. 'Is this the diplomat's real son before us?'
Nyota wiping her brow with her towel stated, "The roots are ancient Egyptian. It was adopted by lower Africa and has evolved into matches that were started by various butcher guilds. The fighters go from village to village to accept challengers. My left hand is called the spear, my right leg is called the shield. Each match has three rounds, but there is no time limit. The round can be halted if there is no activity, the officials sees the need or if one of the opponents' knee, hand or body hits the ground. The name of the martial art is Dambe or Kokawa
Spock acknowledges her statement with a nod. "I have been practicing Suss Manah, a Vulcan martial arts. Would you allow me to demonstrate its form?"
Nyota nods her agreement and he leads her to the mat where he has been practicing. His dummy is suspended from a chain and has numerous pegs protruding from its body, these serve as touch points. He must make contact with these in order to score. Both of their disciplines are defensive. Spock does his deep breathing and then in rapid succession he releases his energy into his foot, or open hand. As he touches each peg it retreats into the dummy's body. When he completes his onslaught there are no pegs visible. He bows before his opponent, the dummy, and then turns to face Nyota. "Different styles, one purpose," he says.
Nyota flashes a blinding smile, and stated, "I wonder what a combination of the two forms would be like? Perhaps similar to a joining of the two people. It might even prove to be quite instructive; more than likely an exceptional exercise routine for advanced students."
Spock stands before Nyota in a relaxed stance, "I come to serve." was his reply.
"OK Cadet, here, tomorrow, 0600 hours."
Spock responded with, "Yes Sir." as they both departed to shower. As he walked away he is doubting his first estimation of her. No, she is not a child. He had come to that initial conclusion prematurely and without study. How unlike him. For it was the content of her mind by which she must be measured. To him, in that area her stature was exceptional.