---
"In this case, what I want is to make a note for my own ledger," he said. "If you and I ever meet again at the same rank, with no politics hanging over our heads, I fully expect you to be able to take me apart in ten exchanges. Twelve, if I am feeling generous."
"Ten," Kai repeated, half incredulous. "You think very highly of my ability to learn."
"I think very highly of your ability to be annoying," Vorak said dryly. "Given more time and a few more scars, that tends to translate into skill."
Kai snorted.
The movement made something in his side flare; he winced.
Vorak saw it and nodded toward Kai's ribs.
"How bad," he asked.
"Three fractured, maybe four," Kai said. "Nothing punctured so far. The mountain objects when I breathe too deeply. You."
Vorak glanced down at his own bandages.
