Weight Class, Part II: The Rematch
An Agent Jen Story (Part Zero.Two.Two)
Agent Jen of the EDC 717th smirked. The cool tropical breeze of the Tropico Archipelago made her relax despite being in a ring, especially with her clothes. A cropped sports tank cop – white in color – hugged her form, as did her white shorts. Her opponent stood in front of her, Lieutenant Francisca ‘Sisca’ Skye; her expression impassive. The elegant pilot was almost an opposite of Jen in every way; her short yet feminine jet black hair was a complete contrast to Jen’s long blonde ponytail; her clothes, same story: black sports tank and an equally black pants that stopped short of her feet.
“Are you ready, Sisca?” Jen asked, still smirking. She now assumed combat stance.
Sisca smirked in return, also assuming combat stance. “You know I’m always ready, Jen. In fact, I’ve been waiting for this.”
The crowd around them, mostly soldiers of the Electrosphere Defense Corps 717th Independent Division, cheered in anticipation. The notable exception was their Commanding Officer, Captain Pawel ‘Paul’ Sobieski, who maintained a stone cold expression. Another person who wasn’t cheering was the Executive Officer, Lieutenant Mark Ip who held a nervous expression.
“Don’t screw this one up, ladies,” Ip whispered; he had no intention of anyone else hearing him.
But Sobieski did; he smiled. “Relax, Lieutenant. Agent Jen and Lieutenant Skye are professionals, they know what’s at stake. And I’ve briefed them on this personally.”
Ip frowned. “That’s why I’m concerned!”
Paul furrowed his brows. “What are you implying?”
“The obvious,” responded Ip. “Their first fight, though they’ll never admit it, was over you. Now don’t give me that look, Captain. Only a fool wouldn’t see it.”
Paul sighed. “Be that as it may, I choose to believe in them. And you should too, Lieutenant. Have faith.”
Ip rolled his eyes. “My faith is in God, Captain. Not man. And certainly not women.”
The crowd began counting down.
“Ten… nine… eight…”
But to fully appreciate the bout that was about to happen, it is important to understand the context…
***
It had been a few months since the “Weight Class Incident” in which Agent Jen and Lieutenant Sisca Skye had an unsanctioned and unscheduled sparring session in the training room of Base Camp Theta. In response to Sisca’s verbal provocation, Jen challenged the pilot to a fight, having judged that the two of them – women of similar size who were not combat specialists – would be evenly matched. That assessment turned out to be correct. The fight left both Jen and Sisca unconscious on the floor, a double KO. Sisca was choking Jen, seemingly dominating; yet just as Jen was about to pass out, she launched a desperation punch that knocked Sisca out cold. Technically, Jen won the fight as Sisca was knocked unconscious just a split-second before Jen passed out from the choke. Yet with no witnesses, the objective result was not only unknown, but irrelevant. Embarrassingly enough, it was Captain Paul Sobieski – their mutual object of possible affection – who discovered them unconscious. More importantly, he carried them both across the base to the medbay. At the same time.
Strangely enough – or perhaps not – the incident actually improved the relationship between Jen and Sisca. The pilot discovered Jen’s grit, her refusal to give up despite being overwhelmed. The infiltrator learned a new side of Sisca, her unexpected decision to take responsibility for the fight. The two rivals became friends, and Paul thought this issue had been resolved; not even an incident report.
Were it so easy.
Rumors began to spread. First, soldiers who saw the good Captain’s feat began to speak. Then, a member of the security staff, having heard the rumors, decided to check the camera feed and discovered the fight in all its glory.
Or rather, all its embarrassing glory.
After all, the fight was one between non-combat specialists: an infiltrator and a pilot. It was clumsy, sweaty, and scrappy. Miscues were all over the place. But more importantly, the slaps. At some point in the fight, the two were reduced to throwing slaps, including a mutual slap in which both women slapped each other at the same time.
Unsurprisingly, the fight video was leaked, and became viral within the 717th. Jen and Sisca became well known sensations in the unit.
The leadership of the 717th acted quickly, and archived the video, preventing anyone from accessing it without the necessary clearance. But the damage had been done. And in some ways, locking the video only served to add some mystique to that fight.
The truth began to be distorted, and what in reality was a scrappy and embarrassing fight began to be glamorized. Their petty rivalry became a romantic love triangle, the embarrassing episode of Paul carrying the two women to the medbay was interpreted to be a heroic rescue including a rumor of the Captain kissing the two unconscious women awake. Then there was the fight itself, some talked of hair pulling which never happened, and the slaps became a prominent part of the mythical version of the fight.
Throughout it all, Jen and Sisca’s friendship continued to grow. They even worked together perfectly on a mission. The 717th were sent on a mission to Sattelait, the largest of the three moons of Planet Senta. Their mission: to destroy a militant AI, a possible creation of Megacorp, housed in an isolated site – contracted to Megacorp supposedly for low gravity R&D. The EDC team was composed of Captain Sobieski, Agent Jen, two other EDC soldiers, and Lieutenant Skye as the pilot. The mission went perfectly; Jen was able to sneak through the base to plant the EMP bombs and made a clean getaway with Paul and the two soldiers covering her escape as hostile robots pursued her. Skye’s piloting was instrumental as the team were able to extract Agent Jen in time.
The execution was perfect. The bomb went off, destroying both the AI and the base. And for the first time, it seemed like Agent Jen would be able to complete a mission without being knocked unconscious… until Lieutenant Skye was forced to undertake a maneuver to avoid the debris that could well have destroyed the ship. She was successful. However, the ship’s shaking was such that Jen was sent flying and hitting her head on the ship’s ceiling. Once again, Agent Jen was knocked out. When she woke up, she found herself strapped to her seat, the ship on its way to return to Planet Senta.
Neither Paul nor the other EDC soldiers faulted Jen, and none of them brought up that episode once they returned to base. But Sisca teased Jen, calling the incident a part of “usual Jen things”.
With the old Sisca, Jen would have taken offense. But with the newfound change, Jen instead shot back playfully, laying blame on the pilot for “flying like a drunk Usurian goose”.
Thus, even as Jen and Sisca buried the hatchet and seek to move on from that embarrassing episode in the training room, the rest of the 717th kept reminding them, despite Paul’s best efforts. And thus, the rumors could no longer be ignored.
Jen and Sisca decided to own up to the incident. And later on, after much request, the 717th approved an exhibition fight between the two; a charity match to entertain not just the men and women of the unit but also the locals who live on the islands of Tropico.
***
The ring was set, overlooking the Southwestern Sea. It was early evening, the sunset still quite a ways, but the heat was no longer overbearing. The seats were packed as a crowd of 4,511 – an odd number of people – came to watch the rematch between Agent Jen and Lieutenant Skye. Some had playfully dubbed it as ‘Jen v. Sisca II’ or ‘Jen v. Skye II’ but Paul wouldn’t have any of it.
The point of this bout was to bury the rumors altogether. The plan was simple: Jen and Sisca would fight a real battle, a respectable one. To that end, combat specialist John Keyes made sure to train both Jen and Sisca personally so neither women would embarrass themselves nor the 717th. In the words of Captain Sobieski: “no hair pulling, no slaps, and no double knockouts. We’ll give the crowd what they want, but it will be a soldier’s bout. And they’ll soon forget all about that incident.”
And so, the two women squared off. The match was to have three rounds, long enough for a spectacle, but not too long that it would wear out its welcome. Also, there was a referee this time, none other than Sergeant Major Keyes himself.
Unlike their first fight which resembled two drunkards fighting at the bar, the rematch between Jen and Sisca was much more impressive. It was instead closer to an amateur martial arts bout. Both fighters were professional, if a bit clumsy. The first round was measured, both fighters more interested in feeling each other out instead of delivering a decisive blow. The only highlight was Jen catching Sisca’s punch after a dodge, and throwing her to the ground. Sisca responded with a kick that struck the abdomen, but failed to take advantage. The bell rung before a cautiously cheering crowd.
The second round was a bit more explosive. Jen landed some punches and kicks, nothing major but enough to elicit some excitement from the crowd. Yet it was Sisca who came out of this round better as she was able to take Jen to the ground. She was able to put Jen in a rear-naked choke. However, the technique left much to be desired, and Jen escaped with an elbow to Sisca’s side. Soon both women were on their feet. The crowd now cheering raucously as the fight finally came to life. But the bell soon intervened.
It was in the third round when things truly changed.
By this point, both women were completely gassed; their arms were barely up to guard themselves. Footwork became stumbling. Jabs missed by entire body widths. Kicks were half-hearted and left whoever made it vulnerable, yet the other fighter failed to capitalize on the opening. One particular sloppy exchange saw Jen and Sisca both going for a swing and missed, so widely that they both toppled to the ground despite not even grazing the other.
Slowly, Jen and Sisca returned to their feet. Yet for a moment, it had looked as if both fighters would stay down and pass out from sheer exhaustion.
Cheers turned to laughter as the crowd saw the series of misses and unforced errors. Yet none in the audience minded. As far as they were concerned, the match had been worth the price of admission.
And then… it happened.
Sisca, grinning through her mouth guard, slapped Jen. Open palm, quick and not particularly hard, but it was the first attack to have landed in a whole minute. It happened so quickly, and so unexpectedly that the audience gasped.
Jen too was shocked. She froze, wide-eyed in disbelief.
But Sisca gave her a look – a smirk that said ‘give the crowd what they want’.
And Jen understood. She grinned back, and return fire. Her slap caught Sisca’s right cheek.
What followed was no longer a soldier’s fight. It was theater. Slap after slap was exchanged, landing after its mark, both fighters were too exhausted to put up a real defensive position. Each slap drew cheers, howls, and whistles from the crowd.
Then, the slaps came more quickly. But they cancelled each other out. Jen’s hands hit Sisca’s hands, and did so repeatedly. Eventually, their arms began to tangle awkwardly.
The two stepped back, now in a safe distance from the other’s slap. Both Jen and Sisca panted, clearly on their last reserves of energy.
It was at this time that they heard the once cheering crowd now chanting numbers. A countdown.
“Ten… Nine… Eight...”
Jen and Sisca looked on at one another, and nodded. Round Three, the whole battle was drawing to a close. And it was time for them to end this.
Both Jen and Sisca lunged, each having an arm winded up – palms wide open. And with all the energy they could muster, they launched the hardest slap they could.
*SLAP*, just as the bell rang.
Sisca’s left hand struck Jen’s left cheek; Jen’s right struck Sisca’s right.
Both slaps sent Jen and Sisca both tumbling down. Both sprawled on the ground, eyes closed and lips parted.
A double KO yet again.
***
Captain Sobieski grimaced as he heard the cheering crowd, louder than ever; they had gone crazy. “Two of my best operatives knocked each other silly… again. And this time, there are witnesses.”
Next to him, Lieutenant Ip tapped Sobieski’s shoulder; he smirked. “Have faith in them… right?”
Sobieski groaned. “Shut up.”
***
Jen blinked awake to the sight of a medic ascertaining her condition, but she knew she would be fine. Next to her was Sisca, also tended to by a medic. Sisca’s closed eyes and serene expression indicated that she was still out cold. But just as soon as Jen turned to face her, Sisca stirred groggily, and her eyes slowly opened as she regained consciousness – as if to deny Jen the satisfaction of knowing that she woke up first.
Neither were out for long, just long enough to keep the crowd on their toes. Silence reigned where noise once dominated.
With both women in the ring still lying on the ground, came the announcer’s voice: “With no clear winner by knockout, the decision goes to the crowd!”
The crowd erupted – not just in cheers, but in argument. There were shouting, laughing, and sign waving. Thus as the two contestants were recovering, the members of the crowd were choosing which woman had been the better fighter. The tally came quick, as the audience had been given wrist-linked devices upon entry.
The result? Dead even.
A tie.
Now back on her feet, Jen smiled. A draw yet again. She looked to Sisca, just as battered and bruised as she was, but also standing; Sisca nodded, giving her a look that said ‘I am satisfied with this result’.
She too was satisfied.
And so, Sergeant Major Keyes stepped between the two women, took their hands, and lifted them both.
“A double victory!” came the announcement.
***
After spending some time dealing with the audience who wished for photos and autographs, both Jen and Sisca, still in their sportswear, wanted nothing more than to hit the showers. But before they could do that, they were approached by a Corporal who saluted the two. Jen saluted back. Sisca nodded, she knew this Corporal personally – a good man always willing to volunteer for menial tasks.
“At ease, Corporal,” Sisca said. “What is it?”
“Orders, ma’am,” he responded. “From Captain Sobieski. He wants to see you in the west briefing room. Now.”
Sisca grinned. “Oh? Did he say what for?”
“No, ma’am. I have no idea why he’s asking for the two of you.”
Jen crossed her arms, also grinning. “I think I do.”
“Me too,” Sisca said.
“Then let’s go,” responded Jen.
But before they did so, Sisca gave the Corporal a sly look. “You are dismissed. But before you go, would you like some autographs? Both mine and Agent Jen’s.”
The Corporal beamed as he saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
***
Despite its name, the west briefing room was used more for debriefs. The atmosphere was tense, but not as tense as expected. Just in front of the two fighters was Captain Sobieski, or just Paul to the two of them.
Paul’s arms were crossed, his expression neutral though both women knew what he was feeling at the moment.
“The third round,” he said, “was not part of the plan.”
Sisca gave a sly smile. “The crowd loved it. And you did say give the crowd what they want.”
Jen grinned. “Also, it was for charity. And apparently, we raised a lot of credits.”
Paul sighed. “What you pulled off… was undisciplined. Theatrics. It’s not how the 717th fight.” Then he paused. “But with you two… I suppose it can’t be helped.”
Jen and Sisca exchanged looks. Both grinned. The unspoken truth was obvious: Paul had been a large part of their rivalry from the beginning. And for him to act like he had nothing to do with all this…
Sisca muttered, just loud enough for Jen, “Shameless, Captain”.
Jen chuckled but then she paused as a thought hit her. “Wait a second,” she said. “Someone in logistics told me that there were 4,511 people in the crowd.”
Sisca raised a brow. “So…?”
“So…,” Jen said, “that’s an odd number. How did the vote end in a tie?”
“Hmph,” responded Sisca. “It’s possible somebody forgot to vote.”
But at the same time, Paul blinked. Then he chuckled, the most awkward chuckle both Jen and Sisca have heard from the Captain.
Sisca leaned in, her expression one of suspicion. “Captain,” she said slowly, “who did you vote for?”
To his credit, Captain Sobieski regained his composure rather quickly. He folded his arms tighter. “I abstained.”
Jen narrowed her eyes. “But… why?”
Paul’s response was smooth, “Conflict of interest.”
Both women looked to one another, resisting the urge to roll their eyes. They didn’t believe him for a second.
***
Afterwards, both Jen and Sisca hung around with Paul for a bit more, but soon Jen made ready to leave.
“Well if you will excuse me,” said Jen. “I’ll be hitting the showers. What a day. I didn’t know slaps could hit that hard. Sisca, you slapped me so hard I didn’t even hear the final bell.”
Sisca paused. Something flickered in her expression, just for a second. Paul noticed, but instead decided to focus on Jen.
“You… didn’t?” Paul asked.
“Nope!” Jen said. “I saw Sisca’s palm striking my face, then everything went dark. The next thing I knew, I was on the floor.”
And with that, Jen excused herself and made her exit out of the debrief.
This left Sisca and Paul alone. And Paul, still thinking of Sisca’s reaction to Jen’s revelation, saw his opportunity. He made sure the door closed behind him.
Paul looked to Sisca. “You heard the bell, didn’t you?”
Sisca didn’t say anything. She just nodded.
“Then…,” Paul said, “she was out first.”
Another nod from Sisca. Quiet, controlled, and understated, as if she was ashamed of this fact.
Paul continued, “Then why didn’t you say anything?”
Sisca shrugged. “Because it doesn’t matter. Everyone saw a double KO. That’s what they’ll remember.”
Paul looked at her for a long time. Then he smiled. He placed a hand on her shoulder; the skin-to-skin contact a reminder to Sisca that she was still in her sportswear. Her face turned pink, but he missed it. Instead, Paul looked to Sisca, and gave her an earnest look before he spoke:
“Get some shower too, Lieutenant. Despite everything, I’m proud of you.”
And with that, Paul made his exit from the debrief.
Now alone in the west briefing room, Sisca was red faced, and her thoughts turned to her Captain, the man she had served with for years. Her mind became a cauldron of emotions, and of all the things she could describe the Captain as, at the moment she could only think of one word:
Shameless.
The End (for now)
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