Glacia lets out an exasperated sigh. “Don’t you want to see what’s out there? It’s literally miles of nothing. Just you and the world. Why wouldn’t—”

I tap my headset twice to disconnect the communication line. Glacia’s voice cuts out. There, now I have nothing. It’s just me and the world—a world I’m sick of. The Embassy was supposed to be my chance to explore the galaxy and find a future with Ladia, but all I’ve gotten are Glacia’s lectures.

Victoria meets us when we return to the platform. Ellin’s transport is still high above, and Michael and John are nowhere around.

Soon we’re back aboard a maglev train, gliding below the city, and that’s followed by short ride in an elevator to Floor 30 of the Crown. Victoria takes us into an office with tarnished, embroidered silver trimming and deep blue walls.

“Yup, this’s my office,” Victoria says, amused by the curious look Glacia gives her.

“It’s so…colorful.”

“I took advantage of the customization option.”

She walks behind a long desk, on top of which are video feeds of different areas in the Embassy streaming from several projectors. Then she taps a panel: a section of wall moves aside and a slotted shelf slides out. Three stacks of sealed packs sit on the shelf. I see my name printed on a label, Glacia’s on another, and Ellin on a third. The other two slots are empty. Michael and John must’ve theirs this while we were flying.

“Uniforms,” Victoria says as she grabs mine and Glacia’s packs. “Five sets each, primed with coolant fibers and life signature monitors.”

My uniform is dark blue and has silver streaks across the chest and back. Glacia’s is also dark blue, but has orange stripes instead of silver. The Undil Embassy crest is stitched into the shoulders of both.

“Nice and official, aren’t they?” Victoria walks around to the front of the desk and sits on it. “Technically I’m not supposed to tell you until tomorrow night, but you both have been assigned to the Ember, along with Miss Mistin and Mr. Rafting.”

“What about John?” Glacia asks.

“He excelled in the test Horizon Tower gave him yesterday. The entire branch is open to him, and he still insists on pursuing cartography. City, planet, and interstellar.” Victoria folds her arms and gives Glacia a nod. “As for you, Miss Haverns… Training a new station pilot isn’t easy work, and Miranda Fallsten will wipe off that smile on your face.”

Ha, that’s just what Glacia needs.

“She’s a transfer from Shield Tower,” Victoria goes on saying. “It’s a wonder Orcher took her on board the Ember, but he seems pleased with how…effective she’s been. I swear that woman hasn’t got a single friend up there. In her eyes, everyone is doing their job wrong.”