Free LYCCYX Episode 1: The Declaration by Brian Barber Page B

starving.” He was grumbling.
                  Lately, it seemed like a lot of the guys complained about being hungry.  John’s theory is that the UCM were putting something in our food.  I think we are all just burning a ton of calories out here on this rock.
    “I’m going to check it out and then we can head back.” I assured him.
    “Fine.” He reluctantly agreed.
                  As I got closer to the object it became clear to me that it was made of a golden material.  I knelt down to dig it out of the lunar dust and grit and realized it was a coin, about the size of a challenge coin we learned about in Military History back at the Academy.  Caked with dust but still giving off quite a shimmer, the coin had some strange writing on it.  So I decided to keep it.  How on earth… wait – the moon did this thing make its way up here?
                  By now, the hunger gnawing at my innards was almost unbearable.  It was the kind of hunger pain that make you want to punch something, or worse, someone.  We better get back and get some chow or John is going to get a beating; I get so tired of his whining sometimes.

Parents Reply
    Dear Lucas,
                  Your mother and I want you to know that no matter what, we are very proud of you.  We always knew you were a fighter.  Not just some brainless brute but a cunning and decisive warrior.  You come from a long line of servicemen.  Your grandfather, three uncles, and many generations of Xanders have fought to preserve and protect our freedom.
                  While we are glad to see you pursue your dreams, please be careful.  Pay attention to
    your commanders and comrades.  Stay in the moment.  There are times to daydream and use your imagination but be sure to keep your wits about you when you are in the field.
                  Don’t worry about the tuition money.  We had that set aside years ago so as far as we are concerned that money was yours from the time you were born.  We have had to help your sister quite a bit in recent years and are always glad to help you too.
                  Keep us informed about your adventures.  We understand that you probably can’t share
    everything about whatever it is you guys are doing up there, but we would still like to hear from you and hope to see you when you have some time off.
    Love,
    Dad and Mom
                 

Something in the Food
    “I’m telling you guys, they are putting stuff in our food…” Stephan announced at random.
    “What do mean?” asked Dyas in a sincere yet inquisitive tone.  “Like poison?”
    “No, I mean performance enhancers, they’re doping us… making us stronger and faster than normal.”  Stephan complained.
    “So you think that’s a bad thing?” Baaz asked in that articulate manner of his – the guy was usually all business but tonight seemed a bit more laid back.  “Isn’t that the point of our training?  We’re supposed to be stronger, faster, and better than the enemy.” Baaz and I had been friends for years. He was a really neat guy, tall and lean, like a young Clint Eastwood.
    “You guys have way too much time on your hands,” I interjected.  “They put extra nutrients in there for sure, but that is exactly what we need with all the physical demands we face on this rock.”
    “Why so testy, Captain?” Stephan sneered in that condescending British tone that you couldn’t help but like.  “Did you lose your lucky coin?”
                  Silence filled the mess hall.  I wasn’t quite ready to tell anyone about the coin, at least not until I found out what the inscription meant.  It looked like an Earth language, probably prehistoric.  The thing was old and worn, but still very readable.  It was thick and heavy, about an ounce or more, and most likely solid gold or some kind of alloy.
    “No, I… I’m just tired.  Need some rest after