Page 59 of Whispers and Warriors
“Tell me about it.” Chris’s stomach growled, reminding him that they’d slept through breakfast. The scent of cooking food proved both tantalizing and torturous. “At least we’ll be first in line for lunch. I’m starving.”
“You and me both.” Bash clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s do a sweep of the room and then the actual mess hall. I want to know every exit and potential weak point.”
As they moved through the galley, Chris couldn’t shake the feeling of unease creeping up his spine. There was nothing off here, nothing wrong. Just his worry. Being separated from Emma and the others felt wrong, like an exposed nerve. He trusted Bash with his life, but there was safety in numbers.
They would do their duty, play their part in keeping the ship running smoothly. But Chris silently vowed that as soon as their shift ended, he would find Emma and the others. Together, they would figure out a way to stay close, to watch each other’s backs.
Adrift on a ship full of strangers, their bond was the only thing keeping them anchored. And Chris would fight like hell to protect it.
Chris scanned the galley, his keen eyes taking in every detail of the very crowded kitchen. The clatter of pots and the sizzle of frying food created a cacophony that set his nerves on edge. He longed for the quiet of their camp, the familiar routine of standing watch while the others slept. Hell, even the dangerous supply run or scavenger camp break up. It was too loud in here.
Bash moved beside him, his posture tense and alert. “I don’t like this,” he muttered, his voice barely audible above the din. “Too many variables, too many unknowns.”
Chris nodded, his jaw clenched. “We need to stay sharp. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”
As they patrolled the perimeter of the galley, Chris’s thoughts drifted to Emma. She was strong, resilient, but the weight of their survival rested heavily on his shoulders. He had sworn to protect her, to keep her safe, and being separated from her now felt like a betrayal of that promise.
“Stop it,” Bash said, his tone sharp. “I know that look. You’re worrying about her.”
Chris sighed, running a hand over his face. “I can’t help it. She’s everything to me, to all of us. If anything happens to her...”
“Nothing will happen to her.” Bash’s voice was firm, unyielding. “Alex and Liam are with her. They’ll keep her safe.”
Chris knew Bash was right, but the knot in his stomach refused to uncoil. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to go to her, to hold her close and never let go. “Shit, I never even made sure William got to his position safe.”
“Oh trust me, Captain has plans for him, he’s helping her leadership team.”
“Good, but fuck. He’s been restless lately and I couldn’t think of how to help him. Seems she did.”
The clamor in the mess hall grew as the lunch hour approached, a cacophony of voices and the clatter of dishes. Chris and Bash took their positions at the entrance, theireyes vigilant and their stances firm. As the first wave of crew members filed in, a pang of hunger twisted his stomach, the savory scents wafting from the kitchen a tantalizing reminder of the meal to come.
“Smells good,” Bash muttered, his gaze never leaving the growing line of people. “Been a while since we had a proper meal.”
Chris nodded, his mind drifting to the countless canned goods and ration packs they had subsisted on for so long. “I almost forgot what real food tastes like,” he admitted, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
As the last of the crew filtered in, Chris and Bash exchanged a look, a silent acknowledgment of their shared duty. They guided the stragglers to their seats, their presence a reassuring constant amidst the bustling chaos of the galley.
He spotted Emma with Alex and Liam but Ranger was nowhere in sight. Had he not been working, he would’ve found out what was going on, but he had a job to do and he wasn’t going to fuck around just because he was a leader.
When the room finally settled, Chris allowed himself a moment to breathe, to take in the scene before him. The laughter and chatter that filled the air felt like a balm to his weary soul, a reminder of the humanity they fought so hard to protect.
“Security, please come through the line in groups of two. First to patrol, first to eat.”
Chris’s stomach growled, and he was beyond thankful they’d somehow gotten there first. He’d expected to see Emma and the others, but food was brought to navigation.
“Come on,” Bash said, nodding toward an empty table. “Let’s grab a bite before it’s all gone.”
Chris followed his friend, his steps heavy with exhaustion but lightened by the promise of a hot meal. As they sat down, surrounded by the other security personnel and the galley staff,Chris couldn’t shake the camaraderie, a feeling of belonging he had not experienced in far too long, even if he was twitchy as hell.
A tray slid toward him with mashed potatoes, what looked like turkey and steamed broccoli before he grabbed a drink before they both moved out and grabbed a table to themselves.
The food was simple but hearty, a far cry from the bland rations they had grown accustomed to. Bash’s plate was filled with a steaming bowl of beef stew, rich with tender chunks of meat, potatoes, and carrots, all swimming in a savory, aromatic broth. A crusty piece of bread accompanied the meal, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious stew. He was surprised there were two options, but thankful for it because it meant there was diversity in the rations.
As Chris savored each bite, he couldn’t help but think of Emma and the others, hoping they too were enjoying a moment of respite amidst the chaos.
“This is how it should be,” he said softly, his gaze meeting Bash’s across the table. “Good food, good company. A chance to breathe.”
Bash nodded, his expression uncharacteristically soft. “We’ll make it happen, Chris. For all of us. For her.”
