Age of Lies (Original Version)

Chapter 1

May 29th, 2695

Deep within the star system of PA2-R1, a large military destroyer treaded carefully among the asteroid belt surrounding the orange gas giant Felius. The ship's thrusters fired light red emissions occasionally to slowly maneuver through the thinly spread asteroid field as the destroyer began to slowly break its orbit. The ship's dark grey hull showed dents and patch work and the ship's antenna broadcasted the ISMO, International Space Maritime Organization number, showing her ID as the USPF SHDD-0371, more commonly known as the USPF Prince.

Deep within the cargo hold of the ship, a half dozen men and women could be found working in a large tightly packed cargo bay taking inventory and sorting all manners of cargo. They worked at a quick steady pace for they each knew their own job inside and out. They were directed by a young officer who worked diligently beside them without complaint. After an hour or so, the cluttered cargo bay was finally close to being back in order when suddenly the personal comm unit on the young officer's holo-pad chirped alerting him to a new audio message. The officer took a moment to finish writing down his notes and he then opened the audio line. A moment later the second lieutenant's I.D came up with the message, "James Markelium? (Pronounced Mar-kel-um) Captain wants to see you in his quarters soon as possible. He also said to bring him the updated files on the cargo and supplies." Markelium sent his acknowledgment and the ever inquisitive logistic officer Robert gave him a questioning look.

Markelium noticed Robert's gaze and called out to him, "Captain just wants an update on our progress, and I will be back after I pass along the report. Just keep putting inventory up and double check the status on those special packages, okay Robert?"

"Aye sir," replied the tall lanky guy.

As Robert began resuming his work he began quietly muttering and grumbling about having to do everything himself. Markelium took no heed at the man's poor attempt of a joke and began making his way to small airlock on the other side of the cluttered cargo bay. As he neared the bulkheads where the airlock was placed, Markelium waved his hand over the sensor. This action keyed for it to begin cycling air pressure and Markelium patiently waited for the door to open. After the door opened he stepped in and cycled through the airlock, he then stepped out and made his way down the dim grey corridors in the belly of the ship. As he walked down the corridor he stumbled over a grey pallet that lay unseen and made a new note and muttered to himself, "Cargo corridor lighting needs fixed. Again. Maybe some rewiring is in order?"

He continued on his way stepping carefully in the dimly lit areas. He passed through three more airlocks until he finally reached one of the four small central elevator shafts. He waved his hand over the call button and soon the elevator arrived and quickly cycled the air pressure. The metal doors slid open with barely any noise allowing him to step into the elevator. He pushed the button for deck B and the doors slid close with a pressurized hiss. After a moment Markelium could feel the quick precise movements of the elevator as it took him to his destination. The elevator equalized pressure and then the heavy doors slid open and Markelium found himself on deck B near the front quarter of the ship. Taking a moment to double check his bearings, he then headed to the left. This route would take him down the bright winding corridors of deck B towards the stern where the Captain's quarter lay.

Fifteen minutes and eleven airlocks later, Markelium reached his destination. He walked up to the Captain's door and placed his hand on a scanner allowing the security system to alert the Captain to his presence. A moment later the silver door chimed and slid open letting a voice be heard, "Come on in James, I have several things that I wish to discuss with you."

The man sitting in front of Markelium was Adam Kelly, the Captain of the Prince. Kelly closed the thin folder in his hands and placed it on his desk. He then looked up from behind the reports that cluttered his desk, "Thanks for getting here as quick as you did. First of all I need you to send me a copy of our inventory needs so that I can double check it before sending it to Fleet-Com so when we dock at the shipyard above Levalos, they will have it all ready for us." He motioned for Markelium to sit down. After Markelium sat down Kelly continued. "How close are you to finishing the cargo list?" Markelium handed the holo-pad in his hands to Kelly, "Here's a list of what we have so far. We are nearly done with hold section C-3 and then all that's left is to double check the engineering section to see if they need anything extra for engine, gun, and shield maintenance." replied Markelium.