Marcus stood up as the Leviathan gave clearance for him to transport over. “Gunny, thanks for your patience during my field time. I learned a lot from you,” he said to her.

“Well, someone had to,” Lauren responded, “but as far as fleet goes, you did fine. We’ll make a Marine out of you someday,” she said, jabbing his side.

He placed his hand on her shoulder, “Stay safe,” he said with a small smile. They had spent a lot of time together in various environments, learning stealth, reconnaissance, close quarters, and other small unit operations. Being embedded with a tactical unit for fifteen weeks had been highly educational for him.

“Leviathan, one to beam over,” he said as he gave her shoulder a pat and picked up his gear.

Marcus allowed his eyes to adjust to the change in light as he materialized in the transporter room of his new assignment. He was admittedly surprised at being assigned to a clandestine unit for his first posting, which brought thoughts of his parents to mind.

He must have been an odd sight to the crewman managing the transporter, his muscles straining against the weight of the two cases he was carrying, and the large green sea bag strapped to his back. “Permission to come aboard,” he called out, standing as straight as he could despite the added weight.

“Permission granted,” the crewman said, not betraying any opinion about Marcus’s appearance. “You’ll need to check your weapons into the armory; security will escort you.”

Marcus smiled, stepping down from the platform. ‘Here we go,’ he thought. “Thank you,” he replied and followed the security officer to the armory. As they wound through the halls of the ship, the security officer pointed out various locations, but Marcus’s mind was elsewhere, focused more on what he needed to do and eager to get to work.

Upon entering the armory, Marcus placed his modified Type 3 Phaser rifle and ER-116 Projectile rifle into lockers.

Marcus then made his way to the security chief’s office. He gave polite nods as he moved through the ship, and upon arriving at the office, he pulled the sea bag off his back, holding it in his left hand as he knocked on the door.