He stops talking and lets the message sink in. His thin eyes shift from face to face, inspecting the crowd as if searching for a stray whisper of dissent. When he’s stalled long enough, Director Estilon scratches the back of his head and continues.

“I have some honorary Officials and guests I would like to recognize, and then we can move forward with our night and get this week off to a great start. The first person of whom I speak is our own Commander Isaac Mannard, head of Shield Tower.”

Commander Mannard stands beside the Director and folds his hands at his waist. He’s young—maybe Victoria’s age—but he’s fierce. He holds his shoulders rigid and stares out with hardened black eyes. Father once told me Commander Mannard spends most of his time helping other planets develop their own military programs.

“Two weeks from tomorrow, Commander Mannard will pay a visit to Narviid and inspect their first independent galactic fleet. And that leads me to the guests of honor: we have visitors from Narviid’s ambassadorial sector among us tonight.” Director Estilon gestures at three men standing along the wall, all of whom are dressed in Narviid’s crimson uniforms. “I’d like to welcome Ambassador Jarvis Gantz, Captain Ricard, and Captain Plomar. These men and their crews have aided us while we recover from the loss of our own Ambassador Lance, so we thank them for their assistance.”

The assembly of Recruits and Officials applaud the Narvidians. I remember Ambassador Gantz: we met the day Father came home, and he spoke at Father’s funeral.

“I would also like to recognize General Corbard, the chief of operations within Horizon Tower.”

A thick man with gray scruff and square glasses stands to greet the light applause.

“General,” Director Estilon continues, “I believe you are taking one of these Recruits under your wing?”

“I am,” General Corbard announces. “That would be Mr. Emery Ashvant.”

At the far end of the banquet hall, a boy my age stands to salute both General Corbard and Director Estilon, who each return the gesture.

“Last of all, Commander Mannard has a special announcement for you all. Commander, if you would.”

The Director moves aside and Commander Mannard replaces him at the podium. When he speaks, the words sound forced and unnatural, proving he has disconnected from his youth.

“My presence during this particular week is unusual, as some of you will know. In light of this rare occasion, I went to Director Estilon and proposed that I host a Hologis tournament the night before the Induction Ceremony. He granted my request.”

There’s a sudden intake of breath around the room, which erupts into whoops and hollers from the thrill seekers. Glacia cheers and slams her hands together, clapping fiercely. Yup, there’s the Hologis junkie I’m used to seeing.

I knew that dress was just a disguise.