Page 12

Grace

HOLDING UP THE SMALL tablet, Riley announced. “If I can figure out how this works we might be able to contact Luna Base.” She continued to check out the device, trying to make sense of what was on the screen.

Avery stood with her arms folded and her back against the wall. “And what will you tell them? We don’t even know where the hell we are for fuck sakes.” She cut her eyes at Riley.

Glancing at Avery, I shrugged. “Maybe the warriors would assist us in contacting people if we asked them?”

I had no idea why, but I wasn’t even scared of our rescuers and couldn’t wait to see where this new adventure would lead me. Provided we didn’t encounter anymore aliens intending to sell us.

Avery pursed her lips and gave me a scathing look. “I don’t trust these guys. You three shouldn’t either.”

I paid no attention to her and went to pick out a bed for myself.

The touch of the thin, satiny white blanket against my fingertips was cool and smooth as I carefully pulled it back. I picked up a limp pillow and fluffed it, restoring its plumpness.

The room’s temperature was much colder than I liked, and I hoped there were additional blankets to keep me warm. With the bed inspection complete, I settled onto it, intentionally averting my eyes from Avery.

Riley was taken with the tablet she was looking at and also avoided looking at Avery.

I chewed the inside of my cheek as I stared at the floor. Hell, whether I could return to Earth was irrelevant.

Nobody was going to be looking for me.

Nobody would even realize I was gone, because when I left the city, any work friends I’d had stopped contacting me within weeks of me being gone. Because of my demanding work schedule, I had always been lacking in the friend department.

Avery might be eager to get back to the Moon, but I sure as hell wasn’t eager to go back to Earth. Every day in that place felt empty and uneventful. I couldn’t envision a joyful future for myself back there.

Life on Earth had been a struggle for nearly every individual. Among those who remained, the majority were impoverished or lacked the motivation to begin a new life in space.

I had no incentive to go back to Earth. I wanted to stay right where I was, if they would allow it, because it seemed like the best option right now. At least until I understood the dynamics of how things worked out here.

Though on Earth, I didn’t ask for help from anyone and had managed fine on my own; I wasn’t on Earth anymore.

I was clueless about what to expect out here, let alone how to survive on my own. The truth was, I had to accept any help the new aliens offered me. I had no other choice.

A few minutes of silence passed before Avery let out a loud, exasperated sigh. “Don’t you guys want to get out of here? Why aren’t you more upset?”

I stood while shaking my head and clicking my tongue. “We owe our lives to these warriors. They saved us from the Zinids. Then provided us with translators. It doesn’t feel like they are a threat, Avery,” I admonished.

“That’s what they’d like us to think.” Avery scowled.

Twisting her mouth, Riley ignored Avery’s latest outburst, choosing to appear to focus her full attention on the electronic tablet in her hands.

A couple of minutes later, she raised one hand.

“I’m lost here. Everything’s in another language, and these strange symbols aren’t making any sense.

I guess the translators don’t work on written words.

” She pressed her lips and lifted her shoulder.

“Not much we can do, but wait and see what happens.”

Olivia sat watching us, but didn’t speak.

I was sure there was actual steam coming out of Avery’s ears. I covered my mouth to avoid laughing.

“Seriously, why aren’t you both freaking out?” Avery yelled, thrusting her hands out to her sides and stalking to the center of the room.

Standing up, Riley faced Avery. “I don’t think we’re at risk right now. So I prefer to wait until we know more.” Her voice was firm.

A buzzing sound coming from the door’s direction drew all our attention.

I walked over to it. Pressing the button on the wall, it slid open. “Captain? What are you doing here?”