Carvin Throble: Swordsman. The 'form'.

 

A few facts about life in 2076: 

Most people do not have jobs or careers. The only people with regular employment are those running things, Footnetcops, Footnetstaff, medical staff, cleaners and, of course, kints. The rulers decided to stop giving kints a living subsidy because they make more than enough following their favourite hobby - dobbing people in. Most jobs, like building and plumbing are very automated and are in the hands of the Footnetstaff. Supermarkets are fully automated, planes fly themselves and have attractive robots that serve drinks and food. 

As I told you, Carvin belongs to a form consisting of five swordsmen. These swordsmen hold regular practices to hone their skills. It is important to note that, when there is a swordfight, the object is not to injure the opponent, but to beat him with skill and humiliate him. Hence the fact that swords are blunt. Yes, there are woman swordfighters too but most women find it a silly activity and don't participate. In the early 2060s complicated tests were done that proved the average woman was much smarter and more mature than the average man. Obviously there are a lot of exceptions, like women who do those quizzes (yes, they're still there) on Footnet that ask questions like, "What sort of mermaid are you?" or "What famous person in history were you in a previous life?" 

For those who are not familiar with these quizzes, they always finish their summation of you with something like, "Karen you are a strong and fair mermaid and you are very kind and loving, but watch out for anyone who hurts someone you love!"  The crazy women who get involved with these quizzes never tire of hearing that reply and they never seem to realize that everyone is getting the same reply. Many years ago these women were schoolteachers, which was a bit worrying, but there are no schoolteachers now. Poor things (the women who take these quizzes). They'd be better off sword fighting.

There is a swordsman in Carvin's form named Stabby Adim. Carvin and Stabby are sparring partners.

Stabby Adim

Stabby is a remnant and his style of sword fighting is very traditional - he is definitely not into new moves and follows the 'set in stone' intentions of the old masters. Nevertheless, he is a very competent sword fighter.

I think I've covered all I need to. Next time we can get on with the story.