The Quarry

[Rage Menelas]

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode]Quang Liu was lounging in mid-air, casually looking at a reader console. (The latter being a hand-held 5x8 electronic device used to read periodicals, manuals and the like.) He gave off a truly passive impression, like someone that was not interested at all in giving anyone a hard time about anything. Only the three armed personnel at the entrance belied that notion. These were dressed in what Ryan had come to know as Federation Naval uniforms – a black jumpsuit with diagonal gold stripes running from a starburst emblem at the heart down to the right hip, from there to sweep up across the back in an intricate arabesque pattern. Each carried a short plasma weapon strapped to their forearm. He had seen these wicked things in action in news-pieces and documentaries back on Dalca'odge. They were quick, brutal and effective in close combat, having both lethal and non-lethal capacities.

Charlie spoke briefly to one of the uniformed men, allowed his palm to be scanned, then was granted entry. Ryan sought to follow but was firmly barred until his boss vouched for him. Then they both walked cautiously toward the unconcerned marine, who had not even deigned to look up, still levitating nonchalantly in the corner.

“Quang,” Charlie spoke when it became obvious that the patient wouldn't. “How are you feeling?” This got his attention. Apparently, he had simply been totally absorbed in his reading. Now he looked up, a wide grin slipping onto his face.

“Old master...!” he cried warmly, slid onto his feet and strode purposefully across to embrace Charlie. “I am so very glad to see you again!”

“I am glad to see you are well,” his old master rejoined. “We were worried about you after the... er... incident...”

“Yes... I am sure...” then his eyes went to Charlie's companion. “And is this your latest apprentice?”

“I am,” Ryan stated boldly, extending his right hand. “My name is Ryan Manniks.”

“Ah... an American...?”

“Yes... well, I was... I guess I am Ka'Ossefetti now... like you...”

“Indeed...” he took the hand and pumped it vigorously once, squeezing just enough to make Ryan worry about a broken bone. “And are you the pilot I have to thank for my injuries...?”

Ryan sighed mentally. Here was the moment of truth. Well, no sense in dodging the question, he deserved to know. “Sorry, yes I was... didn't realize who you were...” His sentence was cut short by Quang's next movement. He leaped bodily at Ryan and grabbed him by both shoulders, one vise-like hand gripping either, and shook him briefly then stepped back.

“You are a fine pilot... a fine pilot...!” he laughed with genuine mirth, then folded his arms. “You know that we must do that again, yes?” His eyes twinkled with mischief, “...when I am more prepared.”

Ryan stood uncertain before him, then shrugged and remarked. “Anytime you like, Quang... but... next time I will know that it is a game and not to shoot holes in you...”

“Aha... yes...” he said, enigmatic smile still flirting with his lips, “but will I...?”

At this Ryan raised a brow until Quang began to shake with laughter again. “But no... we will be best friends... You will see... I am proud to have someone to spar with in the stars...” he jerked a hooked thumb at Charlie. “I love my old master but he has no real heart for the game...”

“Ah... well... I guess.. I do... but sorry about your ship and... your... wounds...” Ryan trailed off, didn't really know what else to say...

Quang stared at him, finally nodded his head then turned to Charlie. “I like this one, Master Erzo'acteru... he has iron in his belly... he may actually live...”