Marcus considered the question at hand for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. She really didn’t look like she would be much good if things got hairy with a Realian. She<span style="font-style: italic">did</span>have a gun, though… “Are you any good with that?” he asked, jerking his chin in the direction of the piece at her hip.<br/><br/>“Wouldn’t trust it,” Manny quipped as he carefully placed each piece of newspaper-wrapped machinery into Marcus’ backpack. “Didn’t even know the thing had a safety until a bit before you boys came in.” He offered the girl an apologetic shrug. “No offense, kid.”<br/><br/>Lex made a noise somewhere in the back of his throat. Marcus wasn’t too far from the same line of thinking. She was going to be more of a bane than a boon, but they<span style="font-style: italic">did</span>need to venture further. And she<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>conveniently available. “Those things are no joke. They’re smart. You need to be smart too, if you’re going to come out there with us.”<br/><br/>“You’re not serious,” Lex accused, blankly.<br/><br/>“Well?” he pressed her further. “Are you good with that thing, or not?”