Shafter by Margaret McGaffey Fisk

Author:Margaret McGaffey Fisk [McGaffey Fisk, Margaret]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure, young adult, coming of age, space station, training, cultural conflict, bullying
ISBN: 978-1-63139-000-5
Publisher: TTO Publishing
Published: 2016-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

30

Trina slipped back through the panel in Grandfather’s bedroom after making sure he hadn’t followed her. His apartment stretched so far along the wall that she’d seen markings for five different panels, but this one seemed the least likely to have people inside.

The plans turned over in her mind. She understood the meeting would be in that room and no other. Trina wondered if they’d chosen the room because it had no connection to the tunnels. If Grandfather knew about the ducts, why wouldn’t the other families?

She paused as the panel snapped back into place, listening. Spacerat. That’s what she’d become. Creeping around between the walls, sneaking pretty baubles.

Trina grinned. Only now, she put the shiny things in place. She tapped the pocket containing the necklace and trotted along the duct, listening for any robots, or other rats who took upright form. Two cross tunnels passed before she turned and made her way up the ladder to the final junction, seeing no need to delay her task.

Farnwark sat two sections above and the room she needed was on Level B. Trina counted off the openings as she passed them, hanging from a bent elbow every couple of levels to rest. Her panting breaths echoed down the crawlspace and would have revealed her, but she’d yet to see another human and the robots only cared about keeping the way clear.

Katie had asked about the tunic she’d hidden in the crane, but Trina pretended she’d left it behind for Piper. Just one more lie. Trina longed for the time when she’d be free of secrets, free to act like any other colonist and make friends while assembling the kits they’d need on the new planet as Katie had.

She couldn’t talk about what she did with Katie or anyone. Trina hadn’t realized just how much of a difference being able to discuss her marks with Katie and Piper had made even if she had to keep the details private. Now, she could only talk to deep space, but it never answered.

Her breathing even, she climbed the last half level and checked the illuminated markings to confirm she’d reached Colony Section One, Level B. She swung over to the platform, wondering if robots used the ladders or if they were meant for taller humans. Her agility allowed her to reach the platform from the ladder where another of her size might have failed.

Trina felt tension creep up her back, starting at her hips and gathering in the base of her neck. Adrenaline flooded her and her heart pounded louder than before. She listened for any sound and moved forward when she heard none over those from her body. She reached the first panel easily, pressing her ear to it by instinct. No sound carried through the thick metal. Could she do it? Could she risk everything for Grandfather? He’d offered her no guarantees.

She stared at the device, her finger hovering over the green button. The light leaking out around the panel illuminated other buttons. One glowed a faint yellow, just like the talk button on the door.

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