Ash Ketchum: Hunt For Jade Dragon

Ch. 3 Bunk Hall

After separating Clemont from his mother, the men checked us for RFIDs, then Sonia Lynn led us inside the main building, which she called the Ranch House. We entered through the front doors-which had handles made from horseshoes into a large open room with hallways in three directions.

Like the deceptively simple wooden shack we had passed near the ranch's gate entrance, the outside of the Ranch House looked rustic, but the inside was filled with high-tech surveillance and communication equipment. In a way it reminded me of the Galactic Academy--but with cowboy art.

The main room interior was Western design. It had polished hard wood floors and a high, vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams. On one end of the room there was a massive stone fireplace that rose nearly two stories to the ceiling, tapering off near the top like a keystone.

Sonia Lynn led us to the right. "This way to the bunk hall, please." We followed her through a doorway and down a long, wood paneled corridor. All of the doors were numbered.

"I'm sorry there aren't enough rooms for each of you to have your own, but I think you'll still find your accommodations comfortable. There are two beds in each room, so pick a roommate. Ladies, let's get you settled first. Who would like room one?"

"Korrina and I can take it," Shauna said.

"Very good," Sonia Lynn said, writing on her clipboard. "I'll have your clothes sent right over. Next?"

"Looks like it's me and Iris," Serena said.

Iris put her hands on her hips. "Poor you," she said. "Having to share a room with me."

"I didn't mean that," Serena said.

"It sounded like it."

"Sorry. That's not what I meant."

"Serena and Iris, room two," Sonia Lynn said, ignoring the drama. "And room three is occupied."

"Who's in room three?" I asked.

"Lillie," she said.

Iris's expression changed. "Lillie is here? Lillie and I used to be buddies."

"Maybe you could bunk with her," Clemont said.

Both Serena and Iris glared at him.

Clemont wilted. "Just sayin'."

"Ash," Sonia Lynn said, "who are you bunking with?"

"Clemont."

"Let's put you in room four." She turned to Zeus. "Zeus, room five is reserved especially for you and whomever you're bunking with."

"What's so special about room five?" Zeus asked.

"You can shower," she said. "The water is distilled."

Zeus stared at her in wonder. "Are you kidding?"

Sonia Lynn smiled. "Why would I be kidding?"

"I'll bunk with you," Calem said, then added wryly, "Now that you won't stink."

"Yeah, thanks, man," Zeus said.

Nothing against Zeus, but it made me a little sad that Calem was paired up with him. Up to that point it had always been a given that Calem would be bunking with Drew.

"Brock, that leaves you with your own room."

"Make that my own suite," Brock said with a smile. "Comfort over company. I'll take the privacy."

"And I'll take a nap," Shauna said. "See you, boys." She blew Calem a kiss.

I walked up to Serena. "What are you going to do?"

"I think I'll take a bath," she said. "Want to go for a walk later?"

"Sure."

"Great, see you in an hour." She kissed me on the cheek, then followed Iris into their room.

I headed toward my own room. I wondered how long we would be here.