Grand Ridge Academy@Ruler Inc
Paige nodded to acknowledge Britney's apology, but said nothing. It was good that she'd recognised her mistake - or at least, what Paige considered to be a mistake - but she also didn't seem likely to avoid it in the future. Paige's opinion right now was that honesty was vital among the group, as secrecy would only lead to distrust, which would lead to failure. The stakes were high. They couldn't afford to do anything but trust each other, and yet trusting Britney was feeling harder and harder every time she had to come clean with the others. Paige was almost certain that Britney had more truths that she'd omitted, and while Paige didn't doubt that Britney had her reasons, she didn't believe it was worth sacrificing the unity of the group over.
Now seemed to be a good time, as nothing was trying to kill them yet, and so Paige decided now would be a good time to attempt to persuade Britney to explain whatever was left that she was hiding, in the hopes of preventing infighting in the future. However, Penny changed the topic quickly, so Paige was forced to wait, frustratingly. There might not be another good opportunity, and people might die if this didn't happen.
Anyway, though Paige listened with casual interest to the talk about Abstractions, but focused fully again when Britney started discussing their goals. Paige was prepared to follow orders as long as they seemed sound, which they did, if cold. Britney was clearly the type to think with her head rather than her heart. This was an entirely logical route to take, of course - Paige simply feared that when a person relies on logic entirely, the group is supported but not the individual. It's far too easy, when thinking in that manner, to see a human life as a necessary sacrifice, which is hardly a good way to inspire trust. Besides, Paige was a cripple - if anyone was being sacrificed, she'd probably be an early pick.
Alcohol was served. Rien was right, it was dangerous. Paige preferred to be at the top of her (admittedly weak) game while in so much danger, so she wanted to abstain. However, it felt disrespectful not to take part when the toast had been to those members of their group that had died, and so Paige limped over to pour herself a small drink. She did not return to her seat, instead taking up a space leaning against the wall, in such a location so that she would walk past Britney on her way over. As she passed, she leaned slightly towards Britney, and whispered "You need to reconsider your priorities
right now. No one will trust you while you keep these secrets."
She took her place on the wall and watched Britney closely, no longer bothering to obscure her face, simply presenting a calm, though judgemental, expression. If she thought Britney was going to get them all killed, Paige was prepared to strike first, and stop the problem before it could grow out of control.
