Somehow Jim drug himself up out of bed by six. Still half asleep, he pulled on a pair of soft pants and a long sleeved shirt. He'd skip the shower for now, he could do that when he was more awake. Maybe sometime before lunch, after he'd had a nice nap.
He abandoned his tablet on his bed but took the time to pull on his socks and boots. Bleary eyed, Jim stumbled out into the hallway. He wasn't quite sure how he managed to navigate his way through the mostly empty halls but somehow ended up standing in line for breakfast all the same.
Someone behind him touched his shoulder. Too tired to be startled Jim turned to see who it was. He couldn't help but smile. "It's your fault I'm here."
"I know." Sy smiled back at him. "I'm okay with that."
Jim slid his tray down the line. The cafeteria was unusually busy for a Sunday morning. They actually had to wait for the boys ahead of them to make their selections today. "I'm going back to sleep after this."
"I won't keep you up," Sy promised. "I'm going to keep 628 company until he has to head to his mission assignment. I think he's more nervous about being separated from Braxton than he's letting on."
Jim glanced over at Sy again. "We won't be separated. I promise."
Sy blushed. His eyes snapped to his tray so he could study his selections intently. "If we are, I'll be alright."
Jim nudged his shoulder gently. "I promise. I'll kick up a fuss until they put us together if I have to. You know I'll always keep you safe."
Sy raised his eyes. Green met blue. He smiled. "I know."
Jim swiftly returned his attention to the choices before him. Toast or muffin. A very difficult decision that certainly required his full attention.
By the time the boys were settled at their table together, Jim was feeling much more relaxed and awake. 628 and Braxton were conversing rapidly about their predictions for the upcoming missions. Matt sleepily stirred toppings into his oatmeal. Varian had a book full of equations spread out before him. Sy and Jim settled in beside their busy friends.
Braxton swiveled in his seat to face Jim. "What do you think?"
"'Bout what?" Jim asked as he loaded his eggs onto his toast.
"Do you think 628 can take out Matt before I take him down?"
"You don't even know your mission yet." Jim answered. Still, he couldn't help his grin. "And yes, I do."
"Well, we're obviously on opposite teams. We think we might be trying to locate a spy in our enclosure - that'll be 628, of course - and prevent him from taking some information." Braxton explained eagerly.
"How much sleep did you get last night?"
"What's that got to do with anything?"
"Oh, nothing much," Jim replied casually. "I was just wondering how many hours you spent developing this plan for your mission."
Braxton laughed brightly. "More than we should have. But coffee and excitement shall get us through the morning!"
Jim laughed. "Meanwhile, I get to take a nap after this. Our mission isn't until one."
"Sure, sure, rub it in." Braxton scoffed. "But when I'm done early and get to be first in line for dinner, and you're begging the cafeteria ladies for anything that's not gone cold, we'll see who's laughing then."
"Echidna likes me, she'll keep something warm for me." Jim answered hautily.
"She at least likes your softspot." Braxton casually speared a potato. "She'll save him something, I'm sure."
"Don't call him that," Jim huffed.
Matt yawned loudly. "Sorry, sorry." He was still absently stirring his oatmeal, not seeming to have fully registered he was meant to eat it. "'m just gonna nap a lil' 'for we start."
Varian looked up. "Come on Matt, eat up. You'll want the energy for today. Can I get you a refill on coffee?"
"Yes please." Matt gratefully handed over his coffee cup. "Thank you. I am excited for this. Couldn't sleep last night."
Braxton reached across the table to set his hand on Matt's arm. "You don't have anything to prove, you know that, right? You're going to be an amazing spacer. Who cares how you do in a fight, that's not what they want you for. You're going to be more useful than any of us."
Matt ducked his head, though a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, well, maybe I want to get better at fighting."
"And you will." Braxton answered confidently. "After all, you got me coaching you! Now, eat. We'll need you at your best so you and I can take down that spy!"
Matt flashed him a smile. "You're right. Thanks Brax."
"Sure, Matty." Braxton turned back to finish off his meal. "We'll head over as soon as you're done. 628, you're going to do amazing. I promise. Just follow the instructions and we'll see you soon!" 628 pressed his ears and antenna back with a pleased expression on his face. Taking the hint Braxton reached over to rub the top of his head.
628 trilled softly and leaned into Braxton's hand. "I kill all naturals."
"I know you will."
