Machia leaned forwards. Took a deep breath. Blew on your face - the side of your face, the hair, the rush of air where that sword just passed by. 

She is seeing the entire hexadrome now, how everyone moves, how everyone positions. The possibilities and limitations of each body. Her mind overlays it onto reality more completely than a VR simulation. She is not arbitrary when she inflicts two sudden pulls on the reins, lighter than the sword blow but still sharp. "When Khan misses she turns in the saddle and fires her contender in a parthian shot," said Machia. "Body shots. More relevant in a different training scenario. Only testing neck and control today." 

A series of sharp, stattico impacts, some softer tugs representing body impacts, occasional sharp pulls left and right from head strikes. She doesn't need to say it for you to recognize being drawn into a combo by Li Ting. The sequence has a rookie's predictability, none of Sammy's creative, improvisational flair, but is delivered with such sleek perfection that you could set your watch to it.

More than once you see Machia's hands twitch on the remote. She wants to stand up. Wants to use the strength in her own hands. Wants to lean over the table and wipe the floor with you herself. But she's not allowed to. Because of the experiment. Because of her injury. Her only way out is through you. Your only way out is through her.