Thumping can be heard across the hallway and through the corridors. There is a faint light shining in through the windows. My eyes scan the room as i attempt to take in my surroundings after yet another long, restless night. Yawning and stretching my feet and arms outward, I stumble to my feet and brush off my sleepwear, which is striped black and white like everyone else’s.

“Maddie, be in the food court in five minutes, breakfast is being served”, I hear from the door. Huffing and rubbing my eyes, I glance in the mirror as I pass by.

I don’t stand very tall; about 5’1” if even that. I’m younger than most, having turned sixteen only last week. It was on my birthday I was informed that I was to be put into Squadrant 3, which was scheduled to be deployed on Friday at noon.

Squadrant 1 has already been deployed, and Squadrant 2 is to be deployed today. We lost radio connection with Squadrant 1 on impact, and because of this, we have no idea if it safe. The President himself will be sending Squadrant 2 on their way, and we will wait for them to touch down before taking further action. If we have radio connection, Squadrant 3 will be deployed. If not, two adults will be sent down as scouts.

After realizing that I’ve run away with my thoughts, I shake my head and pick up the comb from my dresser, running it though my pixie cut. Well, it isn’t technically a pixie cut but it could be classified that way. The top falls over the side of my cheek and swoops over my forehead in a dark brown mess. Hearing a knock and a voice, I roll my eyes.

“I’m coming, I’m coming, jeez!”, I yell out to the guard, slipping on my boots. I open the door, and the smell of syrup wafting through the hallway brings a smile to my face.

“So, what’s for breakfast today, boys?”, I ask. Getting no response in return, as usual, I groan and make my way to the food court.

Upon entering, I hear the usual chatter as I scan the crowd for the majority of my Squad whom I would consider myself friends with. The movement of a hand waving catches my eye, accompanied by a familiar shout.

“Hey Maddie, over here we saved you a spot!” I head over with my tray and a juice box, then sit down, rubbing my eyes.

The first thing I hear after sitting down is the punchline of what I know is a perverted joke, and I immediately find myself rolling my eyes.

“Are you guys ever going to grow up?”, I ask. They all laugh, and I find myself laughing as well. I’m not sure what I would do without them.

My eyes scan each person individually and I am happy to see that everyone is present. We have Sara, a rather tall individual who always seems cold. Not cold hearted, just physically cold. Then we have Olivia, an artist and a substantial smartass, but with a good heart. Then there’s Ashley, Max, and Amber, the self titled “Nerd Herd”. Lastly, Jakob, who is standoff-ish and annoying, not to mention his reputation of playing with hearts. I am not exactly sure why we stick around him. Well myself for that matter, but the majority of the reason is because I pity him.

The intercom crackles to life and the chatter ceases. Buzzing over the monitor we hear the voice of the President. “ Good morning all units! We are proud to announce that Squadrant 2 has made landfall and the radio signals were received. After receiving that signal, we lost all contact. Squadrant 3 is now cleared to deploy tomorrow night and will arrive Friday morning on Earth. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this operation.”

As the intercom clicks to indicate the end of the message, we all fall silent for a moment. Even though no one speaks, the tension in the air is obvious. What was causing them to lose signal? This question was poking at my abdomen like a hot cattle prod. Many others were asking different questions. Questions like “if they made it, why are they still sending people out?”, and “I’m next, I don’t want to go, what’s down there?” float through our minds like clouds. Even as hushed whispers begin to break the silence, my Squad remains silent. I can feel gazes at my back as the crowd discusses the thought that runs through our minds on repeat. We have to leave tomorrow night. I take a deep breath and set my fork down. “Well,” I say, “we’re next.”