Tides of Change

[Caedes]

The headset buzzed to life and Marcus could hear the Chief Technician's voice.

"Okay, engine is good, nothing's leaking, power core is steady... Alright sir, that's enough, shut it down."

Marcus flicked some of the switches, pressed some buttons and the ship began to quieten down as everything was shutting down.

"Is the ship good to go, chief?"

"Well, we've still got a few checks to do before we do any actual flight testing, but considering what this bomber has been through, it's in pretty good shape."

"I've got something you can fix, chief, it's pretty stuffy in here."

"I'll get someone on it before we next get you in the cockpit. You can get out now, sir. We can do the rest of the pre-flight checks without your assistance."

Marcus took his headset off, placed it onto the console and made his way out of the ship.

Just as Marcus got his boots on the floor of the hangar, Chief Technician Nichols stood waiting.

"Marcus, when are you going to want to fly this thing properly? We've still got to get some weaponry for it, calibrate the shields and reinforce the hull and some other technical crap that would mean nothing to you."

"I'm in no hurry, I'm taking the next shuttle down to Cape Hope and I'll be there for two or three days." He said, not wanting to say that he had to go and see a therapist.

"Oh, that's ok then. It's going to take a while to get all the required equipment, for some reason, all our requests for equipment or personnel are being delayed or outright denied."

"They give a reason why?" Marcus asked, slightly curious.

"Well, it's highly classified. Something big. Techies and Mechs from all over the place are being transferred and the people over at Personnel Management won't tell us where. Most of the components required for ship construction and repairs are being diverted. Doesn't take a genius to figure out that we're building something. I reckon we're building a fleet. Some of the lads from the other sections reckon they're building a new ship, but the annoying thing about working for a covert organisation is that they're pretty good at keeping things secret."

Marcus shrugged.
"As I said, I'm not that fussed when it gets done. I'm just lucky I could requisition this old Sekhmet. If anything, you and your guys can take it real easy fixing the ship up. I probably won't be flying it for a week or two. Just try not to get caught drinking on the job."

"Heh, if we get in trouble, we'll just give your name and sell you out." The Chief Technician said with a half serious smile.

"I expect nothing less from you, Gary.. Anyway, I gotta go." Marcus turned around to walk toward one of the other Hangars to catch his shuttle.

"Hey Marcus, wanna get a drink at the All Ranks before you go?" Gary shouted across the hangar.

"Can't, I've been barred!" he shouted back.