Let's begin . . .

Sarah tapped the button on her recorder. "First of all, we all know you're from the land down under. Just where in Australia did you grow up in? And do you have any family you'd like to say 'hi' to?"

"My family had a small ranch just outside of Melbourne. The folks worked in the city, but we also did a bit of farming to get by. Dad was a mechanic; Mum worked in an office. We lost her to cancer when I was twelve. Other than me ex-wife, I've also got a couple of sisters who I'd take a bullet for. Lori, Jenny, if you're out there, I'd like to say that I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch. Same to you, Pop; I love you guys."

Sarah couldn't help but smile; his compassion for his family was rather heartwarming. "One thing I've wondered is why do you have the nickname 'Shadow Ape'? I mean, it sounds so uncommon as to other nicknames that men in your profession used."

"It's a callback to me days in the OSI. Me eyes adapt to the shadows pretty quickly, like I'm a bloody Nyctalope. When one of my commanders found out that I'd graduated at the top of the class in Jungle Survival with the SASR, so he nicknamed me 'Ape' 'cause of that and my climbing skills."

"So it's like a Metal Gear/FOXHOUND sort of thing. Good to know. So you were a soldier before getting into wrestling?"

Adam nodded. "That's right, luv. I joined the military after leaving school mainly 'cause work was kinda lacking at the time. I was a natural at it, so after my first tour was up, I re-enlisted, decided to try to make it through the Special Forces unit. That's also where I met my wife, Stacy. The marriage only lasted about two years, though; the military was pretty much all we had in common.

While with the SASR, less than a month after training, the unit I was with briefly fought were sent to help out in a conflict in central Africa. It was my first taste of real combat, and I was hooked. Eventually, a headhunter for the OSI got wind of my talents, and I did a few years in other places, earning me stripes in about eight or nine cultures."

"Wow." Sarah was impressed. She'd known Adam was a soldier; his manner showed it quite well. "So, what got you into the Mixed Wrestling League?"

"As I said, it was the business in Africa that made me a bit of a 'combat junkie'. Once you've been in battle, it's hard for some people to turn it off. Me, I knew I wouldn't make it stuck behind a desk or as an instructor. After getting out of the OSI, I occasionally did freelance work as a mercenary. On some occasions, I took part in local tournaments: boxing, things like that. Just like with the OSI, an MWL scout spotted me, and the rest is history."

Sarah knew that the next part was a bit personal, but her bosses wanted her to ask anyway. "So, is it true about you being celibate outside of the ring? It just seems a bit strange for somebody in your . . . um . . . profession to have that attitude. I mean, why choose that type of lifestyle when there are so many women here who look willing enough to . . . um jump you?"

"First of all, luv, I ain't going the complete celibacy route; I'm not a priest or Mega-City Judge. It's just primarily in the few days before I have an upcoming match. I've read about gladiatorial combat in Rome, and that's what a lot of them did. Generally, after the fights were over, they'd just go nuts celebrating, either getting paid in coin or cunt, pardon the language.

Truth is, I ain't got a lot of a drive when it comes to women. I mean, Stacy and I screwed like animals every chance we got, and you can't really build a relationship from that. While there are plenty of women around here who've offered to 'train' with me, I'm not always feeling it. Cammy and I've got some common ground, background-wise, and have hooked up from time to time, but like I said, I'm a lot more at peace in combat than in off-time. I'm here to go up against people who give 110% in the ring, not simply to get laid. Strange? Absolutely. But it's just how I am."