Combat Exercise

The chance to earn a promotion perked up Valerie's ears. "What kind of contest?"

"A combat exercise. You versus me. Let's see who is the better agent. If you win, you'll be back in the field.", replied Anya.

"And what if you win?"
"You need to be humbled a bit. Three months of training, under me."

"Where will this combat exercise take place?"

"In the urban training center", said Anya, referring to a large abandoned building used by the organization for training recruits in close quarters combat.

"What are the rules?", asked Valerie cautiously.
"Each combatant is assisted by a handler, just like a field mission. The only equipment allowed is a training pistol and knife. The goal is to tag your opponent the most."

The contest sounded tempting, thought Valerie. She was one of the better field agents, and being younger, had agility and reflexes on her side. While Anya's exploits on the field were legendary, she was almost ten years her senior, and hadn't gone out in the field for a few years. She definitely had a good chance of winning.

But something was missing. "You said something about a promotion before.", asked Valerie cautiously.

"I did - if you won. But if I am to stick my neck out and promote you, you'll need to wager something in return."

"What do you want?"
"Each time I hit you, something you're wearing becomes mine. I win when you're naked."
"You're insane. I should report you just for suggesting that."
"Fine, do it. And kiss goodbye to your career. I'll take you down with me."

Valerie couldn't believe it. This feud between them needed to be resolved, or it would follow her for the rest of her career. This woman clearly wanted to humiliate her, and she wasn't sure how to get her to back down.

"If you want a chance to humiliate me, then I should get the same opportunity. What do you say?", she asked, half hoping Anya would back down.

"Deal. Whenever either of us is hit, we lose one item of clothing. The first one naked, loses." Anya put out her hand. "Tomorrow morning, at 9."

Valerie felt nervous, but she couldn't back down now. Both women shook hands, and began to plan.