As far as Paige could see, all anyone had were scraps of food.
“Wait,” something didn't add up to Paige. “Why are we eating here in the ships’ common room? I heard there were four dining halls,” Paige asked Rosalie.
They all shared a look between themselves, and Paige hated that. She wanted to be in the know as well.
“Hi. I’m Ben,” a man said with a shy wave. “It's true. There are dining halls there, but you have to have money to eat there.”
“Besides,” Rosalie chirped in. “The other colors don't like when we mix with them.”
Paige didn't know what to react to first. “I thought meals were provided in exchange for work.”
“Just one,” a chorus of voices corrected her. “The rest you have to pay for.”
That is barbaric!
“How do they expect anyone to pay? We fled Earth in a hurry,” AJ asked, anger obvious in his voice.
“The rich don't have that kind of problem, and the rest of us have to pay with working hours,” Ben explained.
Paige could only shake her head, too shocked to form a sentence in return.
“It is what it is,” Rosalie said with a sigh.
The more Paige learned about this place, the less she liked it.
We need to get out of here, ASAP.
“I prefer it here,” Sofia said, munching on some crackers. “It's cozy. It reminds me of a time my mother forced me and my brother to go to this summer camp. At first, I didn't like it, but after a while, I ’didn’t want to leave. Each night, we sat around a bonfire and shared sweets and cooked s’mores.” She wore a small happy smile as she shared that, and everyone stayed quiet for a while as if imagining that scene.
“I used to go camping all the time with my three older brothers,” a boy Paige didn't know said next. Just like that, the atmosphere between the Greens changes.
“They got me really good the first year. After I fell asleep, they teamed up and made all these sounds outside. I woke up and freaked out thinking there was a bear outside.”
“What did you do?” Jasmine prompted.
He shrugged. “I bravely returned to sleep.”
“Really?” A few people questioned his sincerity, but it was good naturedly.
“Okay, okay. I climbed up the highest tree and stayed there until morning.”
That earned him a lot of chuckles.
“And what about your brothers?” someone else wondered out loud.
“They spent the entire morning looking for me. I can still hear them calling out to me.”
Serves them right.
Paige remembered all the crazy things she did with her own sisters. They were a riot.
“I hope you got your revenge,” AJ said, and the other boy grinned wickedly.
“Oh, yeah. Big time. It took me a couple of years, but they never messed with me again.”
The laughter continued.
“That's the thing I'll miss the most,” he concluded.
“Camping with your brothers?” Jasmine asked.
The boy shook his head. “Yes, but no. The thing I'll miss the most is the smell of pine trees in the morning. It's so fragrant and peaceful. No matter if we end up on Mars or not, I’ll never get to smell that again,” he concluded sadly.
“I’ll miss my nana's tea,” Jasmine provided. “She claimed it was a secret recipe, and she put some kind of dried fruits with herbs in it. It was delicious, especially on an extra cold day. Drinking it against the window while the snow fell outside. That’s what I’ll miss the most.”
“Competin' in a rodeo is what I'll miss,” a bulky man confessed wistfully.
“What a coincidence—me, too,” AJ jumped in, and everyone laughed.
People continued to share stories and talk about things they would miss the most from Earth.
“Let's continue eating,” Rosalie prompted. “Our break won't last long.”
Paige guessed she was the unofficial leader of the group because everyone listened to her.
The pleasant chit-chat resumed, and it made Paige wonder. What will I miss? Of course, the answer was as clear as day. McDonald's.
Her mouth watered just thinking about it. Instantly, she got a crazy idea that made her jump back up on her feet. All eyes were on her.
“What is it Paige? You have that look on your face,” AJ said cheerfully.
He knows me so well, and that thought made her smile.
Instead of answering, she turned toward Rosalie. “Is all food prepared on the first level?” she asked, barely able to contain her excitement.
Rosalie's brow furrowed. She seemed confused by the question, but she replied. “Yes, all the food is prepared there then transported to the various cafeterias.”
That's all she needed to know. “Perfect,” Paige replied out loud.
“But I'm not sure you'll find anyone down there at the moment. They have to serve it as well.”
Even better. “How long does this break last?” Paige wondered.
“We can probably squeeze in an hour,” the cowboy replied.
That's plenty of time, Paige cheered. Am I really about to do this? She questioned her sanity for a moment but quickly found her answer. Oh, yes, I am!
“Paige, what are you up to?” AJ asked again.
“I’m going to treat us to a proper meal. We all went through so much, and we deserve it,” she announced. “How do burgers sound?”
Her question was met with a lot of enthusiasm.
“You’ll be punished, maybe even floated out if you get caught,” Sofia reminded her.
“She’s right, my dear,” Rosalie agreed. “It's not worth it.”
Paige wholeheartedly disagreed. “Then I just have to make sure I don't get caught,” she said with a shrug.
“Ballsy,” the cowboy chuckled. “I like that.”
“I'll go with you,” AJ said, standing as well. She had a feeling he would.
“No,” Paige told him. “This is a one girl operation. Besides, I need you to stay here to wait for Tilley and Peter.”
By the way he clenched his jaw, it was clear he wasn't pleased with her plan, but he nodded eventually.
“I'll walk you to the elevator,” he said, and they slowly moved between the people, trying not to step on those who sat on the floor.
“We’re savin' our appetites for burgers,” the cowboy yelled after her. “So, you better not disappoint,” he joked.
“I’ll make you the best burgers a spaceship can provide,” Paige joked back, and they all laughed.
AJ called the elevator for her. “Are you sure about this?” AJ asked once they were all alone.
“Yes,” she replied. Those people needed something good for a change, and it didn't look like anyone else planned to do something, so why not her?
“And what about your mother?” he asked next.
Paige took a deep breath then exhaled loudly. “I’m still working on a more viable plan, and besides,” she grinned, “we both know I think much better when I’m fed.”
“True,” AJ agreed. “See you in a bit then. Be careful,” AJ added as Paige stepped into the elevator.
“Always,” Paige replied as the doors closed between them.
Maybe her behavior would appear flippant to someone on the outside, but she needed a break. Besides, she knew where Angela was, and she knew her mother could look after herself until Paige figured out the right way to rescue her.
Who knew? While she flipped a few burgers, maybe inspiration would strike.
God knows crazier things than that have happened to me.
And she only thought about the last week.
Chapter Twelve
Dave looked at the list again. Aside from Tilley, all his friends had a G beside their names. That meant they were all Greens, just like his little brother.
Tilley was a Red just like him. He debated if he should look for her first but eventually ruled against it. As far as he could tell, colors didn't mix, so he hoped his best shot
of finding Peter was to look for Paige first.
Yeah, that’s the reason you want to look for Paige first, he thought, but he ignored it.
Dave felt confident with his plan. He started his search in the Greens' sleeping quarters. That felt like the most logical place for them to be. Gretchen had led Dave to his room immediately after boarding, so they must have gone there, too.
Once he arrived at the right level, only unfamiliar faces greeted him.
Not a good start, he thought to himself.
They all jumped up from where they sat on sofas and chairs, staring at him wide-eyed.
Is it because I’m in the red uniform? he wondered.
Based on the reaction the teacher, Maria, had after he snapped at her, it was most likely that the answer was a loud ‘hell yes.’
Dave tried his best to look non-threatening, offering a smile to the group.
This isn't working, he noticed quickly.
“Hello, I’m sorry to bother you,” Dave started politely, thinking that would put them at ease. He wanted them to know he wasn't there to cause trouble.
He was no stranger to how rude and cruel the rich snobs could be, and he didn’t want them to think he was one of them. “I’m looking for my friends. They wear green uniforms, just like you.”
He could see the utter shock on all their faces. They couldn’t believe he would have a Green friend.
“Could you maybe help me find them?” Dave asked.
“Yes, sir. Yes, of course,” they all jumped in.
“I don't know when they arrived or what ship they were on, just that they’re here,” Dave explained.
“And they’re wearing Green?” one bravely asked, though his voice sounded doubtful.
“Yes,” Dave nodded. “My friend’s name is Paige Moon. She arrived with her mother and another friend, AJ. It’s possible a smaller boy was with them as well, Peter Davis?”
Only blank stares greeted him after his speech. “I'm sorry, sir, but none of those names ring a bell,” that same man answered.
Well, fuck. This can't be it. Maybe they’re lying, covering for them.
If someone he didn’t know came around asking questions, he might act shady as well.
Dave had to accept that as a possibility.
Or maybe they truly didn't know them.
And then he got another idea. “Could I show you their pictures? Maybe that will jog your memory.”
They all nodded.
“Great, thanks,” Dave replied.
Dave tapped on the tablet Gretchen gave him and pulled up all their pictures. He showed them his brother's photo first, but they all shook their heads no.
“How about her?” he prompted, showing them Paige's picture next.
They all shook their heads, but one man at the back spoke up. “Could I look at that picture again, sir?”
Dave nodded, moving closer, so the man had full access.
“I recognize her,” the man announced, and it was pure music to Dave's ears. “She was there for the assessments with me. Two other people were with her, but they didn't stick around that long.”
Thank you, baby Jesus!
“The Blue Coat doing the testing wasn't pleased with them.”
Dave had no idea what he was talking about, but causing trouble did sound like Paige. Hearing that someone actually saw her made him happy. He felt like kissing the man for sharing this news with him.
“Are these the people with her?” Dave asked, showing pictures of both Mrs. Moon and AJ.
The man nodded. “I think so.”
Dave returned to Peter's picture. “Are you sure this boy wasn't with them?” Dave tried again.
“Yes, only the three of them came in to do the test.”
“But that doesn't mean he wasn't with them,” a woman spoke up next. “They separate the kids, you see.”
Dave didn't like the sound of that, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise since he already saw where the kids were held.
Still, there was no Peter.
Where are you, little brother? he wondered in exasperation.
“Thank you very much for your help,” he told the people from the Green level.
A part of him wondered if he should just stay down there and wait for his friends but looking at the surrounding people, he decided against it. He didn't want to put them through additional stress. He would find another way to find them all, Peter included.
Even though he didn't find them there, Dave still had hope since he had confirmation they were on the ship. They weren’t some random names on a paper or a tablet, but actually there.
That meant everything to him.
Calling an elevator, he pondered where to go next. Think Dave, come on. He felt like banging his head against the lift's door. Knowing his little brother—and Paige, for that matter—there was only one place he could go next.
Dave smiled, opening his map. He made a mistake going there first because, in reality, there was only one place that could bring him positive results.
Dave, you are a genius.
* * *
Paige, you are a genius!
She felt good while taking a quick ride to the first floor. The corridor looked deserted, but Paige remained on high alert.
Rosalie said the workers would be on the top floors serving food, but she would take no chances. Luckily for her, signs hung everywhere telling her where to go. Paige had no trouble finding the kitchen.
The person designing this place probably had orientation trouble just like me, she mused.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” someone yelled behind her, and Paige froze.
So much for staying under the radar. Did you honestly believe you could just walk right in here, cook for a dozen or so people, and then just walk away? she chastised herself, turning around to face whoever spotted her.
Unfortunately, she did believe all that because she was an optimist despite everything she’d been through.
When she turned, she saw it was another person in a Green uniform, and that somewhat put her at ease.
“I don't know you, who are you?” he asked, approaching.
“I’m new,” Paige replied vaguely.
“Are you supposed to be here?”
No, she thought with amusement.
He wasn't openly hostile toward her like all the Blue Coats were, but her presence obviously confused him, and Paige could understand that.
“Yes,” Paige lied.
“What's your name?” he asked, pulling a small tablet out of his pocket.
“I don't work here,” Paige blurted out, and he frowned.
You need to think of something good, Paige. Fast. Something believable.
“My boss from the fourth floor sent me here,” Paige explained.
I hope this works, or I'm in deep trouble!
“She wants a snack.”
He looked at her, crossing his hands across his chest. “Why not take it from the cafeteria? There are four of them.”
Paige couldn't argue with that, but she had to.
“She wants a specially made burger,” Paige said, and because it looked like the man prepared to tell her those were available upstairs as well, Paige beat him to the punch. “She's a Red.”
He nodded. “Damn snobs,” he spat. “They’ll be the death of us long before those bloody aliens.”
Paige nodded, letting him vent.
“Do you need any help?”
“No, but thank you,” Paige barely contained her happiness, knowing he was about to leave her alone.
“Okay then. Do what you must, but be quick about it,” he warned. “The dinner preparations will start soon.”
Dinner? The lunch wasn't even over yet.
After thinking about that for a moment, she supposed it made sense. There was a lot of people on the mothership, and they all had to eat. Cooking for all of them took time.
“Will do,” Paige replied politely.
He started to leave then paused. “What did
you say your name is?”
I didn't, she panicked.
“It's Paige,” she said, not wanting to lie about that, too. She figured she was in enough trouble as it was.
His eyes lit up, and he fully turned toward her again. “I knew I recognized you,” he announced, putting Paige on high alert.
“Recognized me?” Paige repeated his statement as a question.
“Yes, some boy in a red uniform came looking for you,” he informed her.
“What?” she squeaked before remembering to watch her reactions.
The man nodded. “He showed your picture around but learned nothing.”
“Did he say why he was looking for me?” Paige probed as her heart raced.
“No, but it can't be good if it’s a Red,” he added.
Didn’t she know it.
What did I do now? That lady told her to get lost from her job. Did she change her mind? Her mind spiraled.
“Thank you for telling me,” Paige finally said, remembering her manners.
“No problem and try not to piss off the wrong people. You can be floated out for that,” he advised.
So, I've been told.
“I'll try to remember that.”
He gave her a look as if he didn't appreciate her joke before turning to leave her alone.
Who's that Red? Why was he looking for me? Paige wondered. It bothered her that he had her picture.
Did they finally learn there was a connection between her and a crazy lady who held the pilot as a hostage?
That had to be it. What am I going to do? Paige's mind raced. I need to tell AJ.
Even though she wanted to get back to him as quickly as possible, she also didn't want to leave. She promised a meal to all those people. Besides, it would be smart to lie low for a while until she figured everything out. Nobody would look for her there because she wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place.
With her mind somewhat set, Paige proceeded with her original plan. She was concerned, but she wouldn’t panic until she learned more.
I can panic later if the situation requires it, she decided. Oh, my God, she thought as she gawked upon entering the kitchen.
It was massive with a dozen stoves and working counters. She was awestruck, and she wasn't that big of a cook, to begin with. Once she made her way inside and closed the door behind her, she realized she forgot to account for the most important thing.
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