Guardians at Home: Part 2

(Read the first part here )

The main elevator started it’s downward trundle. A ping filled the cabin as the elevator stopped to pick up another passenger. A hunter sidled in and leaned against the wall. The elevator trundled down once again. As the elevator slid out of the inner section of the tower and down the outside of the Tower’s massive pillars. The city woke up before my eyes as we slid down closer to the ground. Within moments, the elevator entered the underground tunnel system beneath the Tower. In front of the viewplate the massive Gym complex appeared. As the elevator clunked into the clamp, the triple-reinforced glass parted and I stepped out. Over the PA, a frame’s voice rang out,

“Attention Guardians, today’s morning CQB class will begin in the 5 minutes, in Gym 4.” I walked over to a set of double doors and opened them. The smaller gym was already buzzing with Titans, and a few Warlocks working on Anti-Citizen techniques on some Punching Bags.

I joined them,

“Hiya, Sarech. Haven’t seen you around here for a while.”

“I’ve been out on Mars for a couple weeks. I’m based here for the rest of the month, then I’m out on Venus, I think.”

My fellow Warlock, a white-colored EXO named James-3, nodded and began using non-lethal techniques on a black punching bag. I grabbed a bag and started delivering quick jabs and hooks. Within minutes, a Frame entered the space and did the Frame equivalent of clearing it’s throat,

“Greetings, Guardians. This is the morning CQB class. Recording Playback initializing.

Lord Shaxx’s voice poured from the Frame’s tinny speakers, “Good Morning Guardians. Today we’re working on Anti-Citizen techniques. These techniques are most effective against Citizens of the City, should they assault you, or if you are needed to stop a crime in progress. Vanguard policy states that these techniques are only to be used defensively. Vanguard policy suggests that you do not use these techniques on any Hostile Races. Hostile Races are defined as…...I’m not reading all this hogwash, you know the drill. First exercise.”

We raised our gloved fists,

“Lead jab, Rear roundhouse kick, Rear knee strike.”

As we each carried out the combo, at different paces, I started punching faster and faster. James looked over as I vented my frustration about last night’s dinner party into the bag,

“You okay Sarech?”

“Fine!” I said through gritted teeth.

James looked the other way and did the combo again. And so it went on for another 45 minutes. Then,

“Alright Guardians, that’s all for today.”

The Frame’s voice speaks next,

“The next class in this gym is Morning Yoga, in 5 minutes.”

I turned and walked out the smaller gym and walked across the main Gym and through another door. As I stepped through the door, the distinctive, pop, pop, pop, of small arms fire splits the air. I grabbed a sidearm and stand in one of the lanes. I took a few shots, and just kept firing until I ran out of bullets. I lowered the gun and walked out. I entered the elevator, the glass slid together, and the machine started it’s trundle upward.

(Read the next part here)