Squash Stack Studio

Next up is Yana Shemyakina of Ukraine and a BlueShift fencer just listed as “Training Robot #1.” That’s very odd, Barbara! Shemyakina doesn’t look thrilled about being paired off with a robot.

The fencers take the line and the ref calls “Fence!”

Shemyakina launches into a powerful lunge and scores an easy cut to five. “Training Robot #1” was pretty slow to raise the parry, Barbara! I hope this robot isn’t used to train serious fencers!

The ref calls “Fence!” again, and this time the robot fares better, performing a serviceable attack that Shemyakina parries with little difficulty.

Some back and forth now – I have to say, Barbara, this robot fences very … robotically. I don’t think this is much of a challenge for a fencer of Shemyakina’s calibre.

She scores an easy touch to the robot’s shoulder – and it appears to be frozen!

Yes, Barbara, “Training Robot #1” has stopped responding and appears to be stuck in a low 5^th position.

Here come the medics to haul it off the piste. BlueShift captain Azure Ray is on hand; she doesn’t look pleased – and I don’t blame her, Barbara! Her team keeps getting smaller!

Even if BlueShift makes it to the championship against the CrossPlane League, she may not be able to field enough fencers to compete! Bout to Hic et Nunc!