Milo and Eleanor parted ways when they reached the living quarters. After promising to sit together at dinner and grinning at their good fortune, the two entered their rooms. Eleanor was surprised to find two sets of bunks in her cabin. She had believed that she would have a room all to herself. Her luggage was already in her room, laid out on the lower bunk on the right. A Chinese girl who appeared to be around Eleanor's age sat on the bunk across from her. She wore breeches and a loose blouse. The dress seemed strange for a woman, but Eleanor ignored it.
"Hello!" Eleanor exclaimed, unsure if the girl spoke English. In her limited circles, she had little experience with people who weren't part of the upper class. She didn't know any elites who weren't caucasian like herself.
"Hello," the girl returned warmly. "I'm Sylvia. Linguistics."
Suddenly, Eleanor was flustered. Not only was the girl fluent in English, but she was a linguist! Was Eleanor supposed to have a title too?
"Oh, I'm Eleanor. Uh, Recruitment…of sorts."
"You're the rich girl, right?"
The voice came from the bunk above Eleanor's. She turned to see a Hispanic teenage girl, arms crossed, glaring at her.
"I…yes."
"Audrey," Sylvia whined.
Audrey climbed off the bunk without taking her eyes off of Eleanor. Though she wasn't very tall, Audrey already had an intimidating presence. She eyed Eleanor's outfit and motioned to her suitcase with her thumb.
"I hope you packed better exploring clothes than what you've got on." Audrey herself was wearing baggy blue overalls and a newsboy cap.
Embarrassed, Eleanor shook her head and turned her attention her bunk. The bed was unmade, but the blankets were folded and sitting on top. She lowered her bag underneath the bunk and began gently unfolding the first sheet.
Sylvia began chiding Audrey in a different language, so Eleanor tuned them out. She didn't want to be resented by them for her money. Sylvia seemed nice enough, but Audrey would be a tough person to room with if her attitude kept up.
"Will Milo Thatch please report to the bridge?"
Startled, but slightly relieved, Eleanor abandoned her bed making and stepped out of her room. Milo was backing out of his room, handing someone two giant beakers. He smiled at her, but he looked flustered.
"What was that?" Eleanor asked, matching his quick pace.
"Roommates," he replied shortly. "How are yours, by the way?"
Eleanor shrugged. "About the same as yours, I'd wager. One of them doesn't seem to like me much."
"Mine are a little too…familiar," he said with a grimace.
They met up with Helga Sinclair at the bridge. She wore practical clothes, much like Audrey. Eleanor scolded herself for being so foolish with her clothing.
"Welcome to the bridge, Mr. Thatch. Ms. Cooper."
A large group of sub workers sat before them.
"Ok, everybody," Helga announced. "I want you to give Mr. Thatch your undivided attention."
She turned to Milo and lowered her voice.
"They're all yours."