The harm it does

Posted on 18 Jul 2016 @ 11:02pm by Ensign Katniss Sutherland

700 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Risky Business
Location: Holodeck 2
Timeline: MD4

Katniss was confused, Selah had told her to let Dzhossen cool down, to give him a wide birth. She didn’t understand why she had upset him so much, she was only trying to be friendly and was of course only kidding when she made her ideal threat, but again she was rejected. She didn’t always find it easy to make friends, she did after all keep people at arm’s length. Was this how it was going to be on board, would she actually make any friends?

“They already hate you” A voice in the back of her mind whispered, she came to a sudden standstill and the expression on her face changed to that or sadness and anger. Katniss pondered on the thought for a moment as she slowly hit the call button on the turbolift control panel. The voice was right, so far her off duty time was spent by herself in her quarters, she didn’t really know anyone, or have anyone to care for, and look at what happens when she tries to make them.

“You know what will make you feel better” The voice said again as the doors to the turbolift opened and Katniss walked inside.

“Deck three, holodeck 2”

The computer gave an acknowledging tone, the doors closed and the turbolift began to move, the voice was right, she knew what would help, she knew all too well.

It didn’t take Katniss long to reach the holodeck, she was stood at the control panel, she pressed a couple of buttons on the panel.

“Computer, access program Sutherland omega four one nine.”

A few confirmation tones followed and the doors to the holodeck opened, Katniss started to loosen her tunic as the holodeck doors closed behind her as she walked in. The terrain was rugged and inhospitable.

“Computer give me an opponent, human male, difficulty level seven.”

Again a confirmation tone, before an opponent suddenly appeared before her. Katniss smiled, for an opponent he was certainly good looking.

“Computer, disengage safety protocols.”

The computer chimed, this time it wasn’t just the normal confirmation tone. Instead an error tone sounded “Warning. Disengaging safety protocols present extreme risk of injury.”

“Override.” She replied

This time the confirmation tone followed “Acknowledged. Safety protocols have been disengaged.”

Katniss, threw her tunic on the ground and took up a defensive stance

“Begin program.” she commanded.

Another tone and the male opponent suddenly sprung to life. They slowly started to walk around in circles, the male was smiling at her, taunting her, before suddenly lunging at her.

After what seemed like hours it was over, Katniss was laid on the floor, she was panting for breath, and her whole body was crying out in pain, she had been tossed about like a rag doll. She had several injuries and she was bleeding from wounds in several places, her shoulder had clearly dislocated her should and the surrounding tissue had clearly been damaged, she could hardly speak but she whispered “Finish it” as the computer opponent stood over her, rock in hand, he reached above head, ready to end it all. For a moment she pondered it before drawing the last of her strength as she shouted out.

“Computer, end program.”

The computer again acknowledged her command, suddenly the opponent, surroundings and rock all disappeared. Panting she lay there, she tried to move, but her body disagreed, pain shot out from every nerve and she couldn’t move her shoulder, perhaps this time, a level seven opponent was too extreme.

“Computer, activate the Emergency Medical…….. No belay that command.”

Another chime, confirming her order. After all this wouldn't be the first time Katniss had put her shoulder back into place on her own and no doubt it wasn't going to be the last. Her modified tricorder had always managed to hide her past self harm and perhaps if her mind had been clearer she would of stopped and got her medical kit and dermal regenerator first and then suddenly the CMO's words came into her head "Try not to make a fool of me, okay".

"Shit" she shouted, as she prepared to pop her shoulder back in place.

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