He doesn't have to worry about Steve. Most days on the ship, all he does is spend his time training when he's not making a complete hash out of being social. He doesn't tire, he doesn't distract easy, and even if his answering blows aren't sent with the same amount of brutality as Khan's they are enough to leave a mark.

It isn't until that growl rumbles out of Khan's throat that one of them gets the upper-hand. Steve lets his focus shift just slightly back to Jim. He's seen men with murder in their eyes before, and he knows what they can do. It's enough to fool him with that feint, right foot already stepping forward to block any attempts at the felled captain, and he takes the blow to his ribs with the full force Khan puts behind it.

It's enough to send him flying back, but maybe to Khan's despair, not enough to be lethal. Steve's no normal opponent.

It's not enough to disorient him, either. Once the shock of pain clears and his body skids to a stop against the far wall, he realizes his satchel is within reach. In one fast, fluid motion he thrusts his arm out, sends the leather flying free from his shield, and twists his full body into throwing it straight at Khan's body.

He doesn't even spare a second to see if the strike fell true before he's back on his feet, driving forward like a locomotive to catch his shield on the recoil and use it again if necessary.