Eli and Red were making their way along a tight access pathway that ran the length of ship. As they passed through the different sections they had to navigate turns and corners designed for service bots. After they had travelled a ways Eli thought it was a good idea to just stay hidden.
"You can stay if you want, but I'm going to see where this goes." Red's hushed voice strained as he twisted his body around a particular tight corner. He was attempting to gauge his progress by looking out an access hatch. What he saw seemed to be one of the main corridors on the ship, possibly near the crew quarters.
"We have a little further to go and we will be at the common area. Maybe we can see what's going on."
Eli scrunched up his face even though the older boy wouldn't see it and sighed. He really didn't want to proceed. Red continued onward and Eli stayed.
"If you really want to stay here that's okay. I can come back later. Just stay quiet."
Eli did just that. He didn't respond, simply remained where he was. Within moments Red was out of view and Eli adjusted himself to get comfortable in the narrow space. He listened as the other boy's movements as they faded.
Alone, the silence seemed threatening.
