Meg was tops when it came to computers. But don't ever call her a geek, cause she'll throw you flat on your back, begging for mercy. Just think of it as; calling an Amazon a lady. Not one to be messed with.
She could build, program, and hack into just about anything. Not that she would, mind you.
Her fingers raced along the keyboard, almost 60 words per minute. She was designing a program that was supposed to upload information from any out-dated system, even when the data had been deleted and long forgotten. She was certain that she was a shu-in for the top spot in the job placement program. Move over Bill Gates! Meg's coming to town and she takes to prisoners.
The Tech instructor, Mrs. Hardy, came to look over her work. She smiled upon seeing Meg's remarkable progress. "I do believe you'll go far, Meg", she commented.
"I sure hope so."
When the class period was up, Meg saved her program and shut down the system. She grabbed her notes and proceeded to her next class, Ancient World History.
Entering the room, Meg noticed that Zebra was already present, books and notes out, ready to go.
'Figures', Meg thought. 'She was probably here before Dr. Shawn.'
"I'm so excited!" Zebra announced to Meg. "We're going to be getting into Ancient Greece today!"
Meg shrugged, "Sounds invigorating." Not having strong feelings either way.
Calling the class's attention, Dr. Shawn began the day's lecture. "Athens, the birthplace of democracy and politics. Birthplace of great minds such as; Aristotle and Plato. Truly a tremendous page in the world's history."
Meg rested her head upon her hand. It got quite annoying when the instructor was so obsessed with their profession, that the subject they taught influenced their whole being. As usual, Zebra drank in all the information and facts like a dry sponge. Meg had no idea where she got all the energy. She slapped her own face, urging herself to stay alert and focused. Miraculously, she held up.
When that days classes were complete, Zebra headed off to the campus library. She asked Meg if she cared to join her. Meg shook her index finger. "No can do my friend. I've got a Karate match in 15 minutes and I WILL be there."
Zebra sighed. "Alright, I'll see ya at home." She continued down the paved walkway as Meg hopped onto her scooter and headed for the Martial Arts Dojo.
Upon arrival, Meg claimed her usual parking spot next to the Banzai Tree, and headed inside. She greeted her fellow warriors with the jerk of the head. A lean, muscular male leaned against the far wall, eying Meg malevolently. Ignoring him, she made her way to the women's changing rooms. She changed into her uniform and tied her black belt about her waist in the traditional knot. Also, to keep it in check, she tied her hair in a tight pony-tail. The young man waiting outside, who was named Ray, just happened to be her next opponent and winked at her as she passed. Meg gave no reply. She knew the tactics, he was trying to psyche her out, get her angry. She would never give any male such satisfaction, but she would give him an appropriate beating. The referee stepped onto the mat and beckoned them to face each other. They bowed in a respectful fashion; straight arms and bending at the waist.
The ref called out the rules and the penalties for breaking those rules. "3 blows wins the match", he reminded them. He then raised his arm and brought it down abruptly, signaling the start of the match.
The players got into their defensive stance and held up their fists. They circled around each other, looking for an opening to attack. Meg's opponent made the first move and struck out at her, trying to flick her nose with the base of his wrist. Meg gracefully leaned away, avoiding his attempt. She soon learned that it was just a rouse. He twisted out of his punch and kicked her in the ribs. Meg fell back on her rump.
"Point!", called the ref.
She couldn't believe it, he'd scored against her! He winked again, and flashed a sly grin. Meg scowled and picked herself up. Ray's next move was swift and unpredictable. He performed a jump-kick and flicked her jaw. Meg stumbled back and shook off the disorientation.
"Point, 0-2."
Meg took a moment to calm herself, she couldn't loose her self control, she had to stay focused. She returned to the mat and thought up a different strategy, feigning weakness. Make him think that she couldn't take any more punishment. She held her ribs, flinching. It worked, Ray's confidence grew and prepared for the final blow. He went to sweep her feet beneath her. Meg saw it coming and jumped out of his reach. Adding to the effect, she kicked out, striking him in the cheek with the ball of her foot.
"Point, 1-2."
Ray massaged his cheek, what had just happened? This GIRL had scored against HIM?! But he would not let go of his victory so easily. In anger, he punched wildly, not caring where it would land. She caught his wrist and threw him down into the gravity of his own swing.
"Point, 2-2."
She had caught up. That was it, no more fooling around. Focusing his strength, he swung his fist toward her mid-section. Meg side-stepped and gave him a round-house to the jaw. Ray fell backward, defeated.
"Point! Match goes to Meg!" Announced the ref.
Out of good sportsmanship, Meg offered her hand to help him to his feet. Ray turned the offer down and got up on his own strength.
"You're so lucky I went easy on you", he said smugly.
Meg returned the comment, "Likewise". She shook her head, pitying the poor sap.
Meg decided that she'd stay a bit longer to practice and train, she was getting quite good with the Katana.
Outside, the sky was turning a golden-pink as the sun was dropping from view. Realizing how late it was, Meg figured she'd better rap things up and get back to the apartment. She changed and stuffed her uniform into her bag.
By the time she got to the parking lot, the moon had taken it's place in the heavens. The street lights flickered and buzzed. Meg strapped her belongings to her scooter, swung a leg over the padded seat, and prepared to take off. She kicked the starter and the machine roared to life. Meg smiled to herself, she absolutely loved the feeling she got whenever she controlled that vehicle. She flipped on the headlights and was a bit startled when the powerful beam revealed the dark silhouette of an unwelcome sore-looser.
Ray approached and placed his hands on the handle bars, preventing Meg from escape. Groaning, Meg cut the engine, annoyed by the delay.
"Did you really think that you would walk away victorious?"
Meg was certain that she felt a headache coming on, the result of dealing with swine like him. She massaged her temples. "Well, technically, I'm not walking away", she clarified.
"Shut up!" He snapped. "I wanna re-match. Think you're up to it?"
Meg shrugged. "OK. If you insist." She kicked the starter hard and threw the machine into reverse, backing up several yards.
Ray chuckled. "What, am I too much for ya? Are you scared of me now?"
Meg revved the engine, gaining momentum. "Nope. Just making room." She pushed off the ground and sped toward him. Ray didn't flinch. He was gonna show Meg true fighting skills. He spread his legs, preparing to throw her off when she got close enough. Meg slammed the brakes, stopping just before him. Her front tire pinched beneath his crotch. Guys could be so thick, he'd left himself wide open. Ray looked down at his position and leaned over the handlebars for support, waiting for the pain to subside.
Meg leaned in close, almost nose-to-nose and whispered; "I win!" He fell to his knees in agony. "Sorry o'l boy", she apologized sincerely. "But, you did ask for it." She placed a helmet over her head and gave him a thumbs up. She then took off down the road. Her long, Auburn hair trailing behind.
After recovering a bit, Ray staggered to his feet. His middle still a little tender. "I truly envy the poor sap that conquers that wild heart", he mumbled to himself as he watched her drive away.