A physical and Mental challenge

Posted on Fri Mar 10, 2017 @ 4:55pm by Lieutenant JG Jacob Hartley & Lieutenant Martha Cusack

Mission: An Orion to Die For
Timeline: MD 1 || 1845

Racing towards the edge of the building, Jacob took a deep breath and leapt across the gap, landing on the other building and rolling as he did. Standing up, he kept running until he reached the end of the building, and leapt downwards. As he fell, he grabbed hold of a balcony, and pulled himself up. Racing into the building, he quickly reached his target, and spun around, bringing his foot up into the face of his target. As the man fell, Jacob looked down, and shook his head. "Computer, time?" He asked.

"Two minutes, fifteen seconds." The computer replied.

"Too slow." He said, shaking his head. He wanted to improve his time on locating and tracking a target, but the chase was always taking too long. There wasn't much he could do, but he still wanted to try.

Martha finished her sprint to catch up to Jacob and came to a stop next to the man - bending over slightly and resting her hands on her legs. This sort of thing was new to her but parkour was certainly one of the new things Martha had tried that she liked.

"This is fun. I haven't done this before but I'm glad I gave it a try" Martha said.

Jacob smiled and nodded. "I thought you might like it. I've found it helpful for my line of work, and for yours it might even be an asset." He told her. "You kept up rather well, if I may say so."

"You could say that...although these days I'll probably spend a little less time running around after wanted criminals and more time shooting at their ships. But thank you - I've been doing running for about two decades now so I think I've managed to get enough practice" Martha replied.

"Anytime." Jacob replied. "I've been training in this since I was younger; my adoptive father was very strict and wanted me to train as best I could." He said, with a smile. "I'm always happy to train with you anytime you like."

Martha smiled. "I'd like that. Maybe in return I can be your sparring partner - that's unless it's not your thing or you have one already. I found working out and making myself fitter distracted myself from the negative things going on until I completely forgot about them"

"I'd like that. I'm always happy for a sparring partner. I was hoping you might also join me as a mental sparring partner: Chess, or other things. I enjoy training every aspect of myself." Jacob explained. "In order to train the body properly, you need to train the mind also."

Martha nodded and made a note to herself to invite Jacob along next time she went sparring in the gym. It was going to be today but seeing as she was invited to take part in parkour running Martha chose to defer it to the next day instead.

"Chess? I love chess. I think we can squeeze that in too seeing as most people I know don't know how to play it or give up after a few moves" Martha responded.

"I've always found the old methods of training the mind are better than the new. But my adoptive father was the same way. He even taught me to write with a pencil and paper. It's amazing how few people even use them these days." Jacob said. "How about a quick game now?" He suggested.

Martha nodded. She found mental discipline was just as important when it came to sticking to an exercise regime - after all - Martha had always been able to convince herself to do her regular exercise even after a long and tiring day.

Martha smiled. "Yeah...let's do it"

"Computer, load program Hartley Chess One Alpha." He ordered. The scene changed to show a chess board, and two comfortable chairs, in a small cabin, with a roaring fireplace. "This is my father's cabin. He took me here every winter as a kid, I learnt how to play from him." He said, sitting down.

Martha sat down in the seat closest to her and took a few moments to glance around the cabin and savour the warmth of its fireplace. It reminded her of home in a way but the house was the only good thing about "home". The Triumphant felt more like home than the place that she grew up in.

"I love it" Martha replied.

"My father was strict, but he was all about family. He taught me that every man has to have a code. His was about family. Spending time with them, having a home, and putting them above all else, being loyal to a fault." He explained, as he made the first move. "I share the same code. My family are important to me." He added.

Martha sighed "I don't like to talk about my 'family' to be honest - my only family are my wife and daughter...my parents never really approved of my career choice so I pushed them away after they pushed me too far"

Martha made her first move and watched the board to analyse her next possible moves.

Jacob smiled at her, as he looked at the board, considering his next move. "I'm sorry to hear that. My mother always said that you should never give up on family, even if they give up on you. But it's not easy when they don't trust you to make your own decisions." Jacob said. "My adoptive parents were good, but my real parents...they died when I was young. Killed a week after I was born. They were freighter masters, and an accident killed them and most of the crew. A Starfleet ship came and saved a few of us, myself included." He told her, making his move.

Martha made her next move and began to formulate a plan for her next set of moves - if Jacob made the move she thought he was going to that was.

"Thanks. I would love to give them another chance but they've never tried to reach out to me so I've left them to it - I've got my life out here and they have their life back at home. I'm sorry to hear about your parents though...I can't imagine how you feel about not knowing them" Martha replied.

Jacob flashed a smile at her. "Well, I think it was easier, not knowing them, because I didn't find out about them until I was sixteen. I spent some time trying to discover who I was, but it didn't change who I was. I had adoptive parents who loved me, and raised me to be a good man. Your parents may not have approved, but you might regret not reaching out one day. Regrets are not something good to live with." He said. "But that's just my view." He added, making his next move.

"My wife and I adopted our daughter four years ago and it was one of the best things we ever did. She works in The Black Hole and she's doing really well. I'm so proud of her" Martha said.

Martha quickly analysed the board and what moves could result from the one she had in mind. Deciding it was a good move she moved the piece she wanted to into its new position. Martha felt this wasn't going to be an easy game unlike previous chess matches she'd taken part in.

Jacob couldn't help but raise his eyebrow, much like a Vulcan. "How old is your daughter?" He asked. He hadn't read all the files on the crew yet, something he was still doing, but Martha...she didn't look old enough to have an adult daughter, unless she'd adopted a teenager...although that was unusual. Still, he had heard of stranger stories than a young woman adopting a teenager.

"She's 16. We adopted her because her father was arrested by Starfleet and she had no-one else to go to. They're in contact now but that's about it - she's happy living with Lucia and I" Martha replied.

Jacob nodded. "That's the important thing, being happy. If I have kids, I hope to ensure they're happy. At the moment, however, it isn't likely since I've not exactly made time for romance." He explained, making his move after considering the possible moves Martha would be able to make. "How did you and Lucia meet?"

"I was her department head on another starship. We weren't dating for very long before we got married - it just felt right for both of us and I'm very happy she's in my life. I never planned on making time for love until I met Lucia" Martha responded.

"Well, when you meet someone, and you know it's right, then go for it. Love is a powerful ally." Jacob said, with a smile. "I figure one day that's how it'll happen for me as well." He said. "Like I said, Family is important. Love, even more so. That being said, I've always been careful because in my line of work, love can mean vulnerable, and that means that I can be broken. Not something I want to happen."

Martha nodded as she made her next move. She thought about how much she loved Lucia and how happy that made her feel.

Martha spoke. "I've been hurt by love just as much as it's made me feel happy. One day it'll happen for you just as it did for me - I fell for her when I wasn't even expecting it even though I repeatedly told myself before I'd never allow myself to fall in love again. With Lucia though it's different and it feels great."

"If it happens, it happens." Jacob replied, considering the move. "Right now, my primary concern is my duty, and if love happens, then it happens." He said. He looked at the flames roaring in the fireplace, and the crackling they made. He sighed. "I have to admit, I rather enjoy my line of work. I've learnt a lot. I'm something of a master of Cardassian cuisine, Klingon, Romulan, Vulcan and Bajoran. Well, maybe not quite a master, but I have enough skills to pass muster."

Martha waited patiently for the move of her opponent as she felt the warmth of the fireplace radiate around the table and chairs.

"Your cooking is probably better than mine - in fact - I think anyone's cooking is better than mine. My cooking is apparently good but I'm not convinced...maybe my wife is just trying to make me feel better about it" Martha responded.

Jacob allowed a small smile as he made his next move. He smiled, knowing that the piece would be taken. But there was one of two ways the move could go. He wondered if Martha would see the trap. Somehow, he knew she would. "If you can cook anything, you're already ahead of many people these days. What is your specialty?" He asked.

Martha pondered and looked at the board. She wondered for a moment why Jacob had moved that particular piece and her instincts told her it wasn't worth taking the risk. Instead she went for a safety move to protect her key pieces as she prepared to move them out from the back a few moves later.

"In all honesty...toast. That's just about all of what my cooking skills cover" Martha replied.

Jacob smiled. "Well, I'm happy to give you lessons if you like. I can certainly teach you a few things to impress anyone, even a teenager and your wife." He told her, making the next move, one he had anticipated for.

"Be my guest. I wouldn't mind learning how to cook something more filling so I can take turns with my wife. I don't know how she doesn't get bored cooking every single night for three of us" Martha responded.

Martha made her next move and carefully ensured that a number of pieces were positioned in threatening positions to Jacob's key pieces whilst hers were well shielded - although there were a couple which she would sacrifice if it meant taking one or more of her opponent's key pieces.

"Well, I'll have to cook for both of you one night, give you a surprise and see what you think. I rather enjoy cooking. It's relaxing." He said, as he thought carefully. He knew the next move would be an important one, so he decided to play a risk. He moved his queen forward, and smiled. "Check." He said. He hoped she wouldn't notice that the wrong move would leave her in checkmate in three more moves.

"Oh that'll be good...but you'll have to do better than that to beat me" Martha replied with a smirk.

She moved her Knight to protect her King and then reached for the Queen she had taken and placed it next to the other pieces she'd taken.

"I was the chess champion of the USS Vindex in 2388 through to this year's tournament" Martha said.

Jacob nodded, and made his next move. "I've not won any tournaments, although I haven't actually entered any." He admitted. "If anything, I've been a little too busy."

Martha made her next move and thought about maybe holding one on the Triumphant if there was enough interest. There were certainly enough crew on board so it was entirely possible one could be organised at some point. She made a defensive move to compensate for losing one of her important pieces but Martha still felt confident she could stick to her plan.

"Well...I think we could organise one" Martha replied.

Jacob thought carefully. "That's not a bad idea. Chance to meet the crew, get to know one another." He agreed, with a small smile as he made his next move. "I think we'd need a bigger setting than the cabin though. But if you want to bring your family here anytime, you're welcome to use the program." He offered.

"Good. I'll see about arranging one in the next few days and give people a week or two to express interest. Thank you for the offer though - I appreciate it" Martha said.

She made her next move and collected another piece from Jacob's set and placed it next to her other captured pieces.

Martha smiled. "Check"

Jacob nodded. "Anytime." He said, returning the smile as he thought of his next move. He moved himself out of check easily enough, but it definitely cost him.

Martha took another one of Jacob's key pieces and placed it next to the growing number of captured pieces. She then planned how she was going to end the game and claim victory - although she had a couple of ideas how to do that depending on her opponent's next couple of moves.

"I'm enjoying this" Martha replied.

"I'm rather enjoying it too. It's been too long since I was able to relax and enjoy a game of chess." Jacob said, as he looked at the board, carefully considering the game. "It would appear that whatever move I make, you will have me in checkmate in about half a dozen moves. I believe the game is yours." He told her, with a smile. The only moves he could make would leave his king vulnerable. He had made a mistake two moves earlier, in taking the risk, but that was the nature of chess. "Congratulations."

Martha grinned and made the move she would have anyway to confirm her victory.

"Thank you Lieutenant. We should do it again - and of course - organise that tournament I suggested. Maybe something to do after all this has blown over? It would be something for us both and the potential participants to look forward to" Martha replied.

"Indeed. It would be most welcome I think." Jacob agreed, with a smile. "This has been an excellent start to my time aboard the ship, something I am grateful for. It isn't often I get to enjoy myself. Usually, I bury myself in my work."

Martha nodded. "I do that a bit too - but I still try and find some time to relax and do what I enjoy doing. I found being too heavily focused on work can have a negative effect and...well...that didn't end well for me so I've tried to make a few changes which have worked so far. I'm trying to be more social but I still don't get some social aspects yet."

"You're not alone in that regard. Not everyone does. But we all have our own way of dealing with that we don't understand. Some try to learn, others move on, thinking that they are unable to learn. We think of the future, of what to do if we can learn, or if we can avoid. But I think that when people do that, they become distressed because of it." Jacob said.

He looked at the flames, thinking for a moment. "The thing is, people tend to worry too much at times. But life is fleeting, and we don't have long in this life, on a galactic scale. In that view, life is but a blink of an eye. So we just have to make our lives the best we can, using what we have. What we want seems out of reach at times, and ridiculous to expect. So people never ask for it. But if we don't, then we will never gain that which we seek."

"I always worried about everything - and I mean everything. I learned that a lot of the time it wasn't even worth worrying about - and meeting my wife helped me change who I am into the person I am now. I nearly resigned from Starfleet a few years ago but I'm glad I didn't. I don't have much in my life but it's all I need and I'll never want anything else. It's just perfect" Martha replied.

"Then use that as your strength. If you worry about anything, think back to this conversation. Draw strength from whatever you need to. My grandmother, she had a saying. She always said that worrying was like a rocking chair. It gave you something to do, but it never got you anywhere." He said, with a small smile. "She would tell me that as she rocked in her chair."

Martha nodded. "I do - I remind myself every day of what I have that makes me happy and blank out what doesn't make me happy. I made the mistake of doing the opposite until one day someone flicked that switch inside me and made me feel so much better about myself"

"I suppose love can do that. Personally, I wouldn't know." Jacob said. "So when do you want to have another try with Parkour?" He asked. Whilst he often spoke of many things, love was not a subject he was familiar with...or comfortable with, at times. He regretted not falling in love, but he knew of no other way at the moment.

"We can do that again soon - I could probably do with more practice before then though so I suspect I'll be spending a bit more time in the gym. But yeah...love can do some strange thing" Martha replied.

"I have learnt that there are many strange things in life, including Love, Life, Heartbreak...life is full of variables, and the only guarantee is that it ends." Jacob said.

Martha nodded. "The only certain thing about life is that it's not going to last forever - but I'm going to make the most of mine no matter what. What do you say we go and get a drink or something from The Black Hole? Unless you have other plans of course"

"No plans. I'd be happy to grab a drink." He replied, with a small smile.

Martha smiled and stood up. After instructing the computer for the arch to exit the holodeck she waited patiently for Jacob to end the program. This had certainly been an encounter that took a few different interesting twists and turns but Martha had thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It was too early to say of course but Martha felt that she was going to have a very good friend in Jacob.

Jacob smiled. "Computer, end program." He ordered. As the holodeck reverted back to the usual black and yellow grid, he walked out of the holodeck next to Martha. He was glad to have a friend so early on in his tenure aboard the Triumphant. He only hoped he proved to be up to the challenge of being a good friend. It was something he didn't have much experience in, but he was looking forward to the challenge.