Together

Chapter 4★Amy

As it turns out, class is in the bunkroom, on our desks. Petra says it's because we're all at different levels in education. I log on and click the "Learn" icon. It immediately starts me off on basic courses, most of which I ace easily.

"Stupid trigonometry," I say. Out loud apparently.

"Problem, launchy?" says an unfriendly voice nearby.

"Nope."

"That's what I thought." He says. Geez. Hostile much?

I continue until Petra gets me for lunch.

"So, how's class, launchy?" Aiden asks, his mouth full of an unidentified substance in the large section of our food tray. I think it's meat of some sort.

"All good," I reply. "Except trigonometry." They all laugh at that.

"Yeah, you seemed to get done with the basics pretty fast," says Fly.

"So I guess the commanders were right," says Petra. We all give her confused looks. "Well, they did say you were good with aviation and stuff, and that's mostly what the basics are. Rocket science, physics, all that stuff."

"And trigonometry," I add. Everyone laughs again, including me. It feels so good to laugh with the closest thing to friends I have.

★★★

When we're all back in the bunkroom, Bonzo walks in with an announcement.

"Ten-hut! Officer on deck." A mechanized voice chirps. We all rush to attention.

"At ease. Tonight, we have gym instead of Battle Room." A collective groan rises from the soldiers. Except me.

"Colonel Graff's orders. Don't shoot the messenger." We all laugh as he turns and goes to do whatever he does during the day. Oh well, back to studying.

★★★

I understand why everybody hates gym. I hate gym. The gravity is so strong, it makes doing simple things like sit ups hard. And Bonzo constantly had us doing very physical stuff, no breaks, for two and a half hours. I'm going to have to take another shower, because quite frankly, I smell terrible.

□□□

"Ender Wiggin you are reassigned, Salamander Army, Commander Bonzo Madrid. Color code green green brown. Take nothing with you. Go now."

"What are they doing?" I ask Alai.

"They're promoting you," he replies, smiling at me.

★★★

When I get back from the showers, the toon leaders, Bonzo, and some of the other kids are about to start their baseball game thing.

"Wanna join?" Petra asks. Dink, Fly and Aiden eye me curiously, probably wanting me to say yes and join.

"Nah," I answer. "I've had my fair share of athletics for today, and trig warped my thinking processes so much, I don't think I could figure this game out if I tried." Everyone in the vicinity laughs, even Bonzo. I didn't realize I was this funny.

"Fair enough, Amy." Bonzo says. Oh. Wow. Launchy to Amy in one day. I guess I've done well. "Get some rest."

"Yeah, Amy. See you tomorrow." This from Petra. I wish them all good night and hear several "Good night"s from them in return. I almost skip to my bunk, happy with how my first day turned out.