Age of Lies (Original Version)

Chapter 5

Markelium stared out of the forward viewing windows seeing nothing but a large black hole surrounded with dark blue electrical streaks pulsating as the ship traveled through it. Captain Kelly called for continuous updates from the bridge crew who were trying to find out more about the distress call.

"Captain, we are thirty minutes out from exiting warp," called the X.O.

"Quincy. Markelium. I want you two to head down to the marines' briefing area. You two will board the ship with them and figure out how we can help them and report back."

Markelium and Quincy stood up, "Aye aye Sir," they called out as they stood and saluted the captain. As they left the bridge, Markelium looked over at Quincy for the first time. Quincy was a man who looked to be in his late twenties and of average build. His uniform identified him as one of the ensigns belonging to the engineering crew that had been assigned to the bridge and upper levels as part of the damage control team.

As they finally reached the marines' briefing area, they were quickly approached by an older man with graying hair that stood roughly five foot ten and had a very weathered look to him. He called out in a loud voice, "HEY! WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING IN MY BRIEFING ROOM?"

Markelium spoke up, "Captain Kelly wanted us to go along for the ride. We are supposed to run a diagnostic test and report to him. I assume that you are Captain Travis? "

"Darn right I am. Do you see anyone else that could be in charge???" He suddenly looked past them pointing at a large fellow, "MILLER! I SWEAR TO GOD YOU BETTER NOT BE GETTING INTO THE EXPLOSIVES! WE ARE NOT USING THEM ON THIS MISSION!" The captain glared till the large guy shambled off with sad mumbling, and he returned his attention back to Markelium and Quincy. "I don't agree with having you deckies riding in with us, but cap called it so you better stay outta our way. If this run goes south and you get killed, not my problem. NOW GET YOUR SORRY SELVES A WEAPON. It's not like I'm gonna babysit you over there. Grab one from our supply officer and buckle up in bird one. We don't have long till we ride." Travis turned around to the rest of the marines that were gearing up for the run, "ALRIGHT MAGGOTS, WE GO IN T MINUS TEN MIKES. NOW DOUBLE TIME IT!"

"OOH RAA!" Called the marines as they rushed into their final phase of gearing up. Markelium and Quincy headed over to the supply officer that Travis had indicated.

As they got into talking range Markelium called out, "Hey, Captain Travis said to grab a weapon here, what do you have that Quincy can use?"

The man looked up studying them while chewing on a toothpick, "For you deckies I'd recommend the SLIP Protaru-287. It's the easiest to handle."

Quincy gave his approval and the supply officer pulled out two 287's and started showing them how they operated and then handed one to Quincy who took it and placed it in the holster. Markelium waved off the gun and instead said, "In the weapon room can you grab me the box marked TASP-259?" Markelium tossed the man a key, "I need the TLIR-615a with a type .58 eight ammo, an Eteri sight, a Rerla eight inch barrel and a standard fore grip."

The supply officer and Quincy looked up at Markelium for several seconds. Then the supply officer broke into a chuckle. "So that's your crate in there?" He moved his toothpick to the other side of his mouth before continuing, "Well then, ain't that a surprise. So do you want a standard Whittles? Or would you rather have the larger Telleni?"

"Well do you happen to have a spare Yapori? If so, I would much prefer that."

"I do have one, but I'd like it back afterwards in one piece if you don't mind," replied the grinning man.

Markelium smiled and nodded his thanks. Meanwhile poor Quincy was baffled at what had just transpired. "Um. . . Sir? What was all of that?"

"Just getting a gun," replied Markelium casually with a slight smile.