Jim's alarm blared loudly. He sat up and dropped his hand on top of it to silence it. His blankets were tangled around his legs and his tablet was tucked half under his pillow. He kicked his legs a few times to dislodge the covers that tried to trap him to his bunk.

He located his hairband under his pillow and slid it over his wrist. Bleary eyed he stumbled away from his bed to find his clothes. Thankfully on Sundays recruits were not required to wear their uniforms, even if they had service. He pulled out a pair of black pants and a dark green shirt. Something he could get dirty if he needed. His muck boots he left sitting on his chair with his tablet. He would grab them after he cleaned up.

The showers were completely empty. He scrubbed up in silence, thankful for the lack of singing. As he was dressing he heard the water start in another stall. Whoever was up was in no mood for music either. He gathered his rat tail as he returned to his room.

Minutes later and he had dropped off his pajamas and grabbed his last few items. Feeling a bit more awake now that he had freshened up, Jim messaged Braxton on his way down the halls.

Jim 06:14

I'm heading for breakfast. You almost there?

Brax 06:14

Can't find my tablet. Can you come help me look for it?

Jim 006:14

Ha ha. You're not going to get me with that one again.

Jim headed into the almost empty dining hall. Here or there a couple early risers or recruits with service duty sat scattered about the room. Over at table 8-B a head full of black hair lay nestled on pale white arms.

Sy looked up sleepily when Jim sat down. He offered a smile that was interrupted by a large yawn. "Morn'n." Sy was dressed in black slacks and a blue collared shirt that brought out a certain softness in his eyes.

"Why are you here?" Jim couldn't keep from grinning. He set his tablet and sweater on the table beside him. "Aren't you supposed to be in bed?"

"Well who's gonna carry my tray if you aren't at breakfast?"

Jim reached over and gently touched the back of his friend's hand. "Thank you, Sy."

Sy shrugged and smiled down at his lap. "Dunno what you're talking about. You're the one gettin' me breakfast."

"Braxton's on his way," Jim said. He stood up. "Come on. Let's go get something to eat."

Sy got to his feet beside Jim. His cheek bore an imprint of where he had rested it upon his sleeve. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes with the tips of his fingers. Together the young soldiers headed to the meal line.

Braxton caught up to them near the bread section. The choices today were toast or muffins. Jim and Sy both took muffins. Braxton grabbed toast and jam. "What are you doing here, Sy?"

"I couldn't sleep, my hands woke me up. I thought I'd have breakfast with you two. I messaged 628 and Matt to let them know."

Braxton grinned. "Aren't you just so sweet, following up when you cancel a date." He winked at Jim. "Careful, or Matt's going to like him better."

"Shut up, Braxton."

Sy interrupted the fighting with an overly bright question. "Coffee, apple juice, or milk today Jim?"

"Coffee, thank you, Sy." Jim grabbed some sugar and creamer and dropped them beside his muffin. He picked up both trays and moved them beside the scanner. "Mine's the one on the right, thank you Gurgi." He scanned his id badge to register he got his meal, then nodded to Sy to take his turn.

Sy scanned his badge quickly and picked up the two drinks. "Mine and Jim's."

Gurgi studied the two trays seriously. Satisfied, he turned to Braxton's. His eyes lit up as he spotted the glass on his tray. "Munching and crunchings juice! Gurgi loves munchings and crunchings!" He snatched up the glass and drained the contents.

"Hey!" Braxton glared at the small creature manning the scanner. "Get your own juice."

"He's just thirsty, Braxton. Go grab another glass." Sy said. He gave Gurgi a pointed look. "I am certain he'll apologize as well."

"Gurgi is sorry." The small creature obediently said.

"See? No harm done." Sy turned away from the counter. Jim shrugged at Braxton and followed after his friend with both carefully balanced trays. Braxton joined them, with a new glass of juice, a few moments later. The cyborg had picked dark shorts that stopped above his knees and a hoodie. Sy was struggling not to stare at his metal legs.

Jim flicked open his tablet. "Braxton, what service do you have today?"

Braxton sighed and pulled up his schedule. "I was trying not to think about it, Jimmy." He grumbled under his breath as he checked his notice. "I have duty in the ship bays today and exceptional animals next week."

"Great! I've got the animals both days!" Jim sliced into his omelet. The food here wasn't as good as his mother's, but the young man was convinced nothing could live up to her cooking. Though he did have to admit that it was far more appealing to look at than Silver's had ever been.

Varian set his tray down beside Braxton. "Good morning!"

"Morning, Varian." Braxton said.

Jim snorted. "I don't get how you can get up at this hour willingly, Varian."

Varian laughed. "Why sleep when there's science to do!" He shoveled up a forkful of eggs. Nodding towards Sy he asked, "So what'd you do?"

Sy blinked. "What?"

"Why do you have service?" Sy shot Jim a look of confusion. Varian laughed. "He didn't tell me, but you look dead tired. Why else would you be here if you didn't have to be?"

Sy held up his hands. "I have to see Doctor Sweet. He's going to see if I can take these off today."

Jim shoved the top of his muffin into his mouth so the other two wouldn't see him grin.