'Sergeant Neff is a very experienced soldier,' the Colonel went on, ‘and I'm sure before many weeks you'll be the smartest platoon in the Academy.' The Colonel attempted a friendly smile. Then he turned to Neff. 'I'll leave any further introductions to you, Sergeant.'

Neff saluted smartly and watched as the Colonel waddled off, attempting to pull his unsuitable body into something approaching a military posture.

In the back row of the platoon stood an ungainly hulk of a boy, a full head taller than any of the others. He was startlingly obese for such a young man, and his neck and wrists protruded like ugly bulbs from a shirt that was too tight for him. His name was Teddy, and he compensated for his unpleasant appearance by bullying the other cadets, all of whom were smaller than he. Teddy's specialty, under the guise of fun, was a paralyzing punch to the shoulder that left its recipient's arm deadened for nearly twenty minutes.

Teddy decided it would be a good idea to play up to the new platoon leader at the outset, to be the first one to make an impression. He looked at the gleaming array of metal on Neff's chest. 'Sergeant,' he said, smiling obsequiously, 'what are your medals—'

'You'll speak to me only when you're spoken to,' barked Neff, ‘and you'll listen to every word I say! Because I intend to shine in my new job, and the only way I can shine is by making you shine. You're the little unit I have to polish until the glare of your achievement blinds everybody on this parade ground!'

Neff paused and swept them all with his glance. 'Understood?"

The platoon, much paler than before Neff had begun. speaking, nodded their heads quietly, instantly in awe of their new leader. Teddy lowered his head and swallowed hard. He didn't like having been shamed before his peers. He'd have to get even, somehow.

'I'll meet each of you personally in my office after breakfast,' Neff said. 'But for now, let's have your names.' He stood in front of Mark.

'Mark Thorn,' said Mark, quivering under Neff's stare.

'I like my rank, Thorn.'

'Mark Thorn, Sergeant!'

'Thorn, heh?' said Neff, smiling. 'Your family's got strong connections with this place, hasn't it?'

Mark, who, having been born to wealth and power, had been taught that it was rude to remind other people of that fact, didn't know what to say. So he said nothing, which didn't satisfy Neff.

'Well, hasn't it?’

Mark decided on a diplomatically noncommittal answer. 'My father and uncle were cadets here.'

'Good,' said Neff, impressed by Mark's presence of mind under the circumstances. 'But understand,' he went on, 'that doesn't entitle you to privileges. We're all the same here.'

Mark nodded sharply, anxious for Neff to move on. 'Yes, Sergeant!'