Free The Incredible Space Raiders from Space! by Wesley King Page B

bean-flavored cardboard. It was mealy and grainy and a dark brown color that was really unappetizing. But Jonah felt like he hadn’t slept in days, with all the excitement since he’d been on the Squirrel , and he was really hoping his shift would be over soon.
    The hours dragged on, and one Space Raider after another marched past, glaring at him and shaking their heads at his badge. He watched Alex head off down Death Alley to cheers and well wishes from the others, but Alex didn’t say anything to Jonah.
    The one bright spot was a quick visit from Jemma, who just gave him a warm smile and said, “Welcome to the ISR.” Then she patted him on the arm and left again.
    But other than that, he just stared at the gray metal wall in front of him, wondering how old the Squirrel was and where it came from and whether or not he would get another food bar when he was finished. Disgusting or not, he was getting hungry.
    At one point, Ben the Brilliant walked by, looked at Jonah, and stopped, sneering. Jonah glanced nervously at the bonker in his hand. He really wished Alex had taught him some moves before he left.
    â€œSo you’re an official member now,” Ben said. He was even taller up close, at least four inches taller than Jonah.
    â€œYep,” Jonah replied.
    Ben met his eyes. “I don’t know how you managed to trick the commander, but we’re all watching you. If you make one wrong move, I’ll kick your heinie.”
    â€œThat’s the same as ‘keister’, right?” Jonah asked, trying to remember.
    â€œDon’t play games with me,” Ben said.
    â€œWhat game?” Jonah asked.
    Ben shook his head. “You think you’re pretty clever, don’t you? I think you’re just a cow-headed grass face.”
    Jonah frowned. “Is that an insult?”
    â€œWhat do you think, cloud brain?”
    â€œI don’t know anymore,” Jonah said.
    Ben leaned in. “You don’t belong here.”
    Jonah took a tiny step backward. “Probably not.”
    Ben smiled, exposing particularly yellow teeth. His breath smelled like old food bars. “Are you scared, monkey head?”
    â€œI will assume you’re not talking to an on-duty Space Raider,” Willona said suddenly, hurrying down Squirrel Street. “That would be against the rules, of course! Not good. Four hours in the brig, I think. Have to check the rules. Jonah might forget your bathroom break, too. Couldn’t blame him.”
    Ben glanced at her. “Of course not. Just making sure he was all right.” He gave Jonah one last sneer and then headed down the hallway.
    Willona reached Jonah and smiled. “How was it?”
    â€œLong,” Jonah said. “Why is there a guard when the brig is empty, anyway?”
    Willona seemed to think about that. “Rules,” she said finally. “Getting tired?”
    â€œYeah,” Jonah said. “Is it nighttime?”
    â€œIt’s always nighttime in space. But it’s time for you to sleep. You’re on again when Eric the Excellent is tired.You’re the only two brig guards.” She started down the hallway. “I have to go check on the Death Alley guards. I relieve them for bathroom breaks. Couldn’t find work for me, now that I’ve greeted everyone. We do need to have a rules lesson soon, though. Maybe I’ll wake you up a bit early. Oh, and get a food bar. It’s almost time for breakfast!”
    She stopped to knock on Eric the Excellent’s door, yelled for him to wake up, and then gave Jonah one last lopsided grin before turning down Death Alley. Jonah waited until a groggy-looking Eric the Excellent poked his head out of his door, and then he headed for the cafeteria.
    Lyana the Forgotten was sitting at a table when he walked in. She was just sitting there, twisting one of her long braids around her finger, staring at the wall.
    â€œYou’re a bit early for