A shot of pain burst in her legs as her feet connected solidly with Peterson's back. Her feet remained in contact with Peterson's arched back even after the blow. She pushed her legs out straight and sent Peterson tumbling forward. The action also slowed her own motion enough for her to make a smooth landing. Choi watched as Peterson toppled over and slammed his facemask into the corner of the solid control panel. He slumped to the metal floor of TES. When Peterson turned to face Choi his eyes were wide with panic and he was gasping for air.

Her attack had gouged a huge hole in the facemask. But she could already see the self healing materials kicking in. She couldn't reach him to press the attack before the mask was healed, so she stood her ground and prepared for the worst. Peterson held onto the side of the control panel and pulled himself up. His face was covered in dense sweat that trickled over his skin. He was suffering from more than the blow Choi had just given him. She was sure of it.

"We felt what you did to the others," Peterson said, his voice wavering slightly. "Twenty thousand three hundred and five of our kind. Destroyed by your plague." Peterson began a steady advance toward Choi. "Their deaths and sacrifice will pale in comparison to the suffering you will experience before you are decontaminated."

Choi clenched her fists. "You brought me to them. It was you who passed the plague on. You broke quarantine. You are to blame for their deaths."

Peterson snarled and lunged forward. Choi attempted to dive away, but one of his hands caught hold of her boot. He pulled her to the ground. In the next instant, Choi was pulled up by her legs and tossed toward the TES pit.

He's trying to throw me in! she thought.

She landed just short.

Choi regained her footing as Peterson reached her. She swung at his head and connected solidly, but the pain in her hand far outweighed the jolt Peterson received. Not conceding defeat, Choi ducked low and swung three left hooks into Peterson's side. Her punches had no effect. Peterson brought his arm up and caught Choi under her chin with his forearm. She sprawled backwards, closer still to the hole melted in the ice.

Peterson reached her before she made it to her feet.

"Time to feel real pain," Choi said through her blood soaked mouth. Balanced on one knee, she took careful aim and snapped her fist out like a striking snake. She connected dead on with Peterson's crotch. It was a blow that would have sent even the most disciplined man to the floor.

Peterson reacted like a castrated man. He smiled.

"I have disconnected the pain sensors in this mind," Peterson said. "You cannot stop what I am about to do."