Sophie Under Pressure by Nancy N. Rue Read Free Book Online Page B

name’s Kateesha.”
    â€œOur home base is in Huntsville,” Sophie told her. “That’s who we communicate with while we’re in outer space.”
    They helped themselves to cookies shaped like moons and stars and rockets. Kitty giggled every time she popped one into her mouth.
    â€œDo they eat these in space?” Maggie said.
    â€œThey do now,” Fiona said.
    â€œIf I could have your attention,” Captain Stella said. “Now that our space station is almost completed, we must come to a decision about comparing gravity to microgravity. I would like for each one of you to present your reasons why you want it done one way or the other and then we will vote on which idea sounds the best.
    â€œWe’ll start with you, Nimbus. Please tell us your idea — ”
    The words instantly began to thud from Astronaut Nimbus’s mouth. “I think we need something besides just building the space station to compare. The only difference is that things don’t stay put in microgravity and they do here.” She furrowed her forehead. “That means there’s nothing for me to write down. I say we add some plants and see how they grow here and how they grow in space. I’ll do that. I know about gardening. My mom and I — ”
    â€œIt sounds like it’s all about you,” Astronaut Jupiter said.
    â€œI can’t help it if I came up with the best idea.”
    â€œWhat about yours, Luna?” Sophie said.
    There was silence.
    â€œKitty,” Sophie whispered.
    â€œOh — yeah — I’m Luna, huh?” Kitty giggled. “I’m Fiona’s assistant, so I’m going to vote for whatever she says.”
    â€œNot fair,” Maggie said.
    â€œIt is too fair,” Fiona said. “She’s taking her job very seriously.”
    â€œSo what is your idea?” Captain Stella said to Jupiter.
    Fiona pushed the hair out of her face. “If we try to grow plants out here, they’ll freeze at night. I say we just stick with the space station.”
    â€œBut then I don’t get to be the record keeper,” Maggie said. “It’s not fair.”
    â€œIt isn’t about what’s fair,” Sophie said. “It’s about what’s best for the project.”
    â€œThen let’s vote,” Fiona said.
    â€œAll for Maggie’s idea, raise your hand,” Sophie said.
    Maggie’s arm went straight up in the air.
    â€œAll for Fiona’s idea?”
    Kitty and Fiona raised their hands, and Kitty grabbed Fiona’s, the way Sophie had seen people running for president do with their wives on TV.
    â€œNot fair,” Maggie said.
    â€œHow is that not fair?” Fiona said. “It’s two against one.”
    â€œSophie didn’t vote.”
    They all looked at Captain Stella, who swallowed a large lump of a moon cookie.
    â€œWhose side are you on?” Maggie said.
    â€œLike I said, I want what’s best for the project,” Sophie said.
    She swallowed again. How does Daddy do this every single day? she thought.
    â€œSo vote,” Maggie said.
    â€œOkay. I think Astronaut Jupiter’s idea is the best. Only we could make it so that — ”
    â€œNot fair.”
    Fiona turned to Maggie, nostrils in a record-breaking flare.
    â€œYou know what, NIMbus?” she said. “You’re just mad because you didn’t get your own way. That isn’t very scientific.”
    â€œThis whole project is just gonna be dumb now,” Maggie said.
    And with that final thudding sentence, she snatched up her backpack and disappeared down the ladder. The other three Corn Flakes waited until they heard her land heavily in “Huntsville” before they said a word.
    Fiona let out a huge relief-sigh. “Good riddance is what I say.”
    â€œMe too,” Kitty said. “She’s way too bossy.”
    But Sophie shook her head. “Who’s going to keep the