Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 231

Chapter 231 A Pig for Dinner 

After resting for a bit. Ava suggested. “Malory, let’s go help set up the tents. 

.74% 

Their squad had received seven tents in total. The young men had already cleared a patch of ground, hacking away weeds and scattering insect–repellent powder around the perimeter before they started pitching the tents. Ava picked one up and helped Malory set it up, the two of them had it done in no time. 

Malory looked at her in amazement. “How do you know how to do everything? You’re basically as capable as a man! If you can handle all this yourself, what are we even keeping the guys around for?” 

Ava unzipped the tent and put her backpack inside. “Thanks for the compliment.” 

No, seriously, Ava. You being good at everything has got to crush those guys‘ egos.” 

Ava glanced over at her. “If a man’s ego is my job to look after, he’s pretty weak then.” 

Malory placed her backpack inside as well. The tent was surprisingly spacious–easily big enough for four. Ava, I’m sleeping with you tonight! Oh, I’m so happy!” 

Before long, the group searching for supplies returned once again fully loaded. Two guys even carried back a nearly 80–pound spotted pig lashed to a tree trunk. 

Malory stared wide–eyed. “Captain Oestergaard, you guys even found a pig?! Do you have X–ray vision or something? Nothing escapes you!” 

Linden didn’t answer as he prepared to slaughter it. 

Holly walked over, muttering, “Ugh, killing it is so bloody. Can’t you do it farther away?” 

Malory rolled her eyes. “Funny how you never say that when you’re eating it.” 

Holly ignored her and continued watching Linden. But he had no intention of getting involved in the girls‘ arguments and pretended not to hear anything. 

The pig was tied to a tree, squealing nonstop. Linden held a knife, glanced at Ava, and asked, “You’re not Scared?” 

I’m about to eat it–why would I be scared? I’m not a saint who gets sentimental about the food chain.” 

Her answer made Linden chuckle. He grabbed the pig’s snout and, with a clean and practiced motion, slashed its throat. 

Blood sprayed out. Linden kept a firm grip on the pig’s mouth while two guys held down its thrashing body. The blood soaked Linden’s hands as the pig choked out ugly, gurgling death squeals. 

Malory and Holly were terrified and quickly ran off. Only Ava remained, watching without flinching. She gave Linden a thumbs–up. “You’re a real jack–of–all–trades, Captain. If this were the ancient Terran era, you’d be one of the most sought–after butchers in town.” 

A butcher? Linden’s mouth twitched. What kind of compliment is that? 

Because they’d caught such a big pig, their harvest was much better than at noon. The promise of real meat made everyone work with renewed enthusiasm. 

As the designated head cook, Ava immediately began planning dinner. They kept only the heart, kidneys, 

1/2 

10:48 Fri, Jan 23 

Chapter 281 A Pie for Dinner 

and liver. No one wanted to wash the intestines or stomach, so she had Victor bury them with the lungs farther away from camp. 

Everyone stayed busy–except Holly, who claimed she wasn’t feeling well and sat aside doing nothing. 

74% 

Malory, who now had zero patience for her, walked up Ava. “She’s slacking again! Not feeling well, my a’s. She looks perfectly fine. Don’t let her have seconds later 

Ava glanced briefly at Holly. “Ignore her. After dinner, we’ll have her wash the dishes and clean up.” 

Malory snickered behind her hand. “Ava, you’re ruthless in your own way! Good thing I switched sides early -ran back to the bright side before it was too late!” 

Ava looked at her. “If you don’t know how to use expressions, stop using them.” 

When dinner was ready, Holly rushed over right away. The moment she saw the food laid out on the picnic mat, she swallowed hard. 

The main dish was a pot of pork and potato stew. The potatoes were cooked to a golden crust, mixed with juicy pork and bits of carrot. Just the smell made everyone’s mouth water. This was dinner. Compared to lunch, which even a stray dog might refuse, this was heaven. 

After a full day together, the group had grown a lot more familiar with each other. Linden gave her a thumbs–up. “Impressive. Does your family run a restaurant?” 

Ava shook her head. “No. I just really like eating.” 

Elio laughed. “You like eating so much that you turned yourself into a chef, huh? Honestly, most restaurant cooks aren’t as good as you.” 

Ava waved him off. “Don’t give me too much credit. Dario and Kenneth did all the cooking just now. I just stood there giving instructions. I didn’t even lift a finger