Page 31 of Silver Elite

“Captain Cross,” I mock. “Aren’t you a little young for that rank?” He can’t be a day older than twenty-two.

He ignores that and says, “You can call me captain or sir. No preference.”

“What about Asshole? Can I call you that?”

He ignores that, too. “Did anyone bring you dinner rations?”

“No,” I say tightly. “I assumed your plan to starve me to death had commenced.”

“Nobody wants you to starve.” His voice takes on a mocking note. “We need you strong and healthy for the Program.”

Tension stiffens my shoulders. “What the hell does that mean?”

“It means you’re joining the Command.” He smiles without a trace of humor. “You start tomorrow.”

Chapter 7

My heart drops as his words wash over me, the gravity of my situation sinking in.

No.

Never.

My list of available options might be more meager than a Ward B citizen’s cupboards, but I’d rather eat rats than become a Command trainee.

“What?” I say, my lips parting in surprise.

“I don’t enjoy repeating myself.” Cross swivels toward the door.

“Don’t you dare leave without an explanation.”

He turns back, one eyebrow raised. “I’m curious. When did I give you the impression you’re entitled to an explanation?”

“It’s common courtesy.”

“Do I look courteous to you?” He sounds amused. But he folds his arms and takes pity on me. “I’ve decided not to send you back to your ward. Your skills will be better utilized here.”

“No, my skills are needed at my ranch. My animals rely on me, and without my uncle, there’s nobody to take care of—”

“Your ranch has been reassigned. The new residents take possession tomorrow morning.”

My heart sinks even further at his words. Now I’m in serious danger of breaking down in tears. The ranch is my home. My eyes sting as I struggle to breathe normally. I know it’s Company practice. Houses get reassigned all the time. Citizens transfer to new industries if the Company orders it. But I don’t care if it’s a common occurrence.

They gave away myhome.

Indignation rises inside me. Who did they assign it to? What if the new caretaker doesn’t treat the animals well? What if they mistreat Kelley? The thought of never seeing my sweet mare again cuts at my insides.

“Then let me go work for the new residents,” I find myself pleading. It sickens me to beg this man for anything. “I’d be a good ranch hand.”

“No.”

I’m trembling with anger. “I’m not joining the Command.”

“It’s either that or one of the labor camps.”

“Fine. I pick the labor camp.”

“You don’t have a choice in the matter.”

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