A flash of loose blue gown and the clack of heels on the metallic floor were the only signal of Nightsea's arrival at the Holodeck. Checking the exterior controls, she discovered that someone else was already inside, running a program, at what she considered her normal time. Seeing that the session was programed to continue for the rest of the late evening, she decided that whoever was inside would have to learn to reschedule their use of this facility.

It was not a closed session, but there was a disclaimer by the program entry, asking that whoever wished to enter would speak loudly immediately, once inside. No reason for this strange request was specified.

Curious now, as well as still annoyed, Nightsea activated the door.

Inside, a tall human male was in the center of what appeared to be a brilliant ball of light. He was swiveling and discharging a variety of weapons at an astonishing rate, creating a half halo of rimfire around his well muscled torso.

Mindful of the warning now, Nightsea spoke quickly, "That is some fancy shooting!"

Hardly pausing in his swift and accurate bombardment of the holo-characters and targets that swirled around and blew up in nasty sprays of fake gore, he gave her a twist of a smile, and carefully blew apart the Romulan simulation just behind her left shoulder.

He continued to dismember and annihilate a few more creatures, before calling in a bored sounding voice, "Computer, freeze program."

"Something I can help you with?" he inquired impatiently.

"Yes, you can arrange to complete this exercise during another timeslot. I am accustomed to using this space at this particular time each day."

"Forgive me, m'lady, but I failed to notice your name on the signup roster." he bowed to her, mockingly.

"That is because, dear sir, I never had need to book my time in advance, as it is now common knowledge on this ship that Lt. Nightsea is here now. Since you do not know this, I assume that you are new, and will not hold it against you that you trespass", she half smiled at him, liking his demeanour.

"Trespass in a Holodeck. Interesting view. I think not! However, seeing as how this program is so unsatisfactory, how would you like to challenge me to a wager regarding this timeslot? I will lower the level on this program, agree to use only one arm and one eye, and allow you to set other parameters, if you agree that the winner will retain the option to use this public facility for this period each day hence. Are we agreed?"

Having just witnessed an incredible display, Nightsea was wondering if he himself was a holo-character set up to test her abilities by some unseen crewman. No one could perform that well without some trickery. She was in the mood for games tonight anyway. Why not show up the silly programmer with his own tricks?

"I will accept your wager, on the additional condition that I will be allowed to choose and program both your weapon and my own." she confidently stated.

"As you wish," he acquiesced gracefully.

Removing a tiny dagger from her thigh strap, Nightsea placed the real weapon on the ground and informed the computer to replicate a similar item from the holographic library. "This item will not be as flashy as what you were utilizing before, but the more primitive art of throwing has largely been lost to you technologically advanced Terrans. I think you will be glad for the safety protocols that are in place, and find that your supply of these missiles will not be depleted as rapidly or accurately as your other discharges," she laughed.

"Hmm. Daggers the size of needles? We shall see. How many daggers and how many targets for each of us?"

"A dozen should suffice."

"Let us begin, then," he said.

The game began with the appearance of the first Cardassian that flashed into being just a hands-reach away from Nightsea. The Cardie was impaled neatly in the center of the spoon-shaped spot on his forehead before she had realized he was there.

The next enemy being materialized beside the human and was struck similarly. The existence of the third and fourth aliens came about and dissipated simultaneously, having been stabbed at roughly the same speed. Nightsea glanced quickly at her opposition, and could clearly see that his supply of weapons was held only in one hand, and that he was squeezing his right eye shut.

Amazing!, she thought as she noticed the collapse of the fifth target with his blue tipped blade clearly protruding from the cranium.

Her red tipped blade was slow in arriving at the sixth as well. It landed well below the place where his shaft had killed the beast.

The seventh and eighth brutes fell in rapid succession, with credit to each participant.

One point then fell to him, as Nightsea failed to hit the next mark entirely. The helpless looking Andorian that appeared next had one eye left by the time she saw it. Slightly disgusted, she recovered and claimed the last two holo-lives, giving her a total of 4, to his 8.

"Thank you for the amusement. I must say, I haven't had that much fun from a challenger in quite some time! As the option is now mine, I will step aside and allow you the use of this room at this time each day. I admit, my performance was rusty with the blade, and I am grateful that you reminded me to practice with the slim and lethal variety. Besides, it will take me some time to prepare a regimen that will fit my particular needs. This, regrettably, was the most advanced program on the menu." he said, without seeming to boast.

Impressed despite herself, Nightsea curtsied and kept her eyes tilted up at him while moving. "And just whom shall I say allowed me this privilege?"

"Why, Lt. Derit Janson, at your service," he replied, and touched his chest with a large calloused hand.

"Our lack of uniforms at this hour is uncustomary on board this vessel. I welcome you aboard, Lieutenant. And request that you tell me just exactly how you accomplished my defeat so easily."

"That's for me to know, and you perhaps to discover.Perchance we could both eschew our Holodeck time tomorrow, and meet for dinner." His smile now seeming to be happy for a moment, he met her eyes.

"Yes, I would enjoy learning about you and your fascinating ablities. Gritspittle the troll will serve lobster in Ten Forward and I will arrive at 1700 hours."

"Till then, Lt. Nightsea," he said, gathering a few bulky weapons and striding confidently to the exit.

Surprised that anyone would have such items, Nightsea could not help but watch his smooth steps and wonder how this stranger had beaten her without effort. I will have to get him on my side!, she thought as she dialed up her regular male friend; his fins and tail more reassuring than the newcomer's deadly shaped curves had been.