Gary Grey

Gary Grey is a human unlike no other. That's definitely what others think about him as well as his self although they may not be for the same reason.

Gary grew up on planet Sage admiring the technology all around him. There wasn't much he could do otherwise what with his relatively low strength and stamina. However what he lacked in physical might, he exceeded in the arts of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is what inspired him to go to university to study mechanical engineering. Unfortunately, life can be so cruel and unforgiving. The consequences for not going to university or even worse, failing university was a great dishonour in the Grey lineage. There was so much pressure riding on his weak shoulders. Alas, he failed his entrance exams. Determined to graduate university and not dishonour the Grey name, he was given a pardon and retook his exams in a more cool headed environment. Fortunately, he passed. That being said, all good things come to an end and when it came to his finals, he crashed and burned. Not only did this mean graduating was not an option, it also meant that the last 4 years was wasted on his dream. Whatever his dream was, he knew it was through mechanical engineering and what just happened is god took the key, closed the door and swallowed it Infront of Gary. He was devastated and couldn't afford to meet his family again.

With nowhere to go, Gary started investigating what engineering careers would be applicable to him given his lack of qualifications. Then it came to him. If there was one industry that would hire anyone, it would be the army. Landing a job in the Navy's engineering department, Gary got a better experience working there than what any book could have given him. If only he could tell his family. At this point in time, he was only helping where he could, and learning where he couldn't. He soon grabbed the ropes what with understanding how things worked as well as why they work instead of some other thing. He very quickly came to terms with generic engineering skills involving electronics, mechanics, basic combat as well as more generic tasks that everyone has to do including admin.

4 years later, Gary is a qualified pilot with the rank of Petty Officer III Class. His specialty in subsonic VTOL aircraft offered all the experience he needed. Gary was right where he wanted to be; flying and chilling. He often thinks back to his teen days and wanders why university is such a big deal. Much less stressful on the mind and pays while you learn. Granted he could barely keep up in the fitness exams but only a pass is required. This glorious lifestyle was awesome, until it wasn't another 4 years later.

During his ship inspection, there was a nasty accident which caused the loss of several people. Tragic indeed. Even though this couldn't have been a direct fault on his end, as it was his ship, he knew he was going to get the blame for the incident. The excuse of the inspection crew not doing their job properly, while would get them in trouble, wouldn't help his own. Needless to say, he had a good run and decided to end it all...

Not in that way. He was young, (almost) energetic and full of knowledge. The brain is only a void however and there was more to learn. Just not here. Not in the Navy. Gary took all the blame to create less hassle for others involved. He was sure no one else meant for any issues with intent. While noble of him, he was discharged and was told to prepare himself a lawyer for what happens next. In the waiting cell, he was sharing the same cell with a one John Bronston. Oddly enough, he kept calling himself Sausage. How can a man forget anyone that calls them Sausage? This made Gary laugh but was still stressed for he remembered why he was here in the first place. To Pass the time as Gary wouldn't be here long, Sausage and Gary exchanged wisdom and skills between them. This could prove to be a valuable trait to own, Gary kept telling himself. After the Lawyers came to bring the news, it would turn out that all the work is "Handled" and that he could leave, although it be best if he didn't come back to the navy. Gary panicked, but was released.

Given time, Gary would calm down and travel around for work, for his pockets were laden with only the finest nothing he could find. Then, all of a sudden, he gets a call from his pal he met when he joined the navy; Benjamin Blue. A name he thought he would never hear again. This wasn't mentioned earlier as during a combat exercise, another travesty happened shortly after Gary joined the Navy when due to faulty equipment, his one and only true mate in the Navy was aforementioned. Ready to hear what he might have to say, he picked up the communicator.

"I Got a Job for You, Grey..."

To Be Continued in "Traveller, A Bunch of Idiots and Their Adventures Through Space".