Jay hefted the foul-smelling bucket to the tank, trying not to slosh it on herself. She used to breathe through her mouth, until she realized that just meant she could taste it. She carefully used her forearm to wipe the sweat from her brow. With each emptied bucket, the flies swarmed and buzzed.

At the washing station, she tried not to heave as she rinsed the buckets out. She wasn’t wearing gloves. They made her sweaty and irritated her skin, and when the tainted water got in anyway…She just made sure to wash her hands really, really, really well.

There was one thing, though. She was never bothered by anyone for a casual chat when she was doing this job. Not that anybody was being particularly friendly with her at the moment.  This made Rachael’s approach very suspicious. Jay was on her last run, pushing the cart of full buckets over the bumpy road towards the tank.

Jay squinted at Rachael. She didn’t care much for what people did or didn’t wear; fashion wasn’t exactly important to her, but seeing Rachael look so damn clean and probably nice-smelling, really pissed her off. Finally. Jay stopped the cart as Rachael met her.

Considering the end of the world and all, you’d this kinda bullying would be redundant.

Absolutely not! replied Rachael cheerfully. How else am I supposed to keep entertained? It is so satisfying to see the high and mighty Jay do some dirty work for once.

For once? Are you kidding? I haven’t seen you empty a poop bucket OR stick a skewer into your best friend once this year. Rachael’s mouth dropped open. Jay snorted at how quickly she closed it again, against the stench. Jay also regretted her snort.

How long you gonna keep this up?

I haven’t decided yet. Why – you going to tell your Daddy?

Nope. Just remember who keeps you alive around here.

Yeah, big bad-ass Jay, how can I forget? Rachael rolled her eyes. There are other people around here who can kill them, you know.

Sure, okay, Jay shrugged, unconcerned.

Anyway, said Rachael brightly, enjoy the rest of your day! Then with effort, which spoiled the effect, she pushed a bucket off the cart. Jay leapt back but still was splashed with muck.

And that was when Jay got her fight back.