Chapter 87: Repast

Isaac followed Martha up to B1 and around the corner toward the mess hall, the swelling din of mealtime at Raptor echoing louder and louder through the level the closer they got.

Reaching ground zero, Martha and Isaac swung into the cacophonous chamber and scanned the dozens of long tables looking for their loved ones. A flash of bright teal sneakers caught Isaac's eye against all the muted clothing and Raptor Defense's signature gray tile - Jo. He'd helped her paint the shoes himself.

He pointed her out to Martha. "There."

Jo was precariously balancing a large tray of food and headed across the cafeteria.

"That can't all be for her," Martha wondered aloud. She motioned to Isaac to follow and they set off, following Jo's weaving trail between the tables to the far corner of the room.