“To be more accurate, it was a test within a test,” he went on. “On the surface, today’s simulation test was just another opportunity for advancement points, but for the last year or so, there has been another test embedded within each of these simulation tests. It was designed to see if you would let your own triumph and success get in the way of a successful mission, or if you’d work together for a common goal. One of the downsides to the current program is the competition element. We realized a few years ago that while we were turning out excellent Glitchers, those Glitchers often ignored other Glitchers in their need to succeed. That resulted in more than one failed mission and even the loss of some of our best and brightest. So, around five years ago, we started a new program to see if we could develop Glitchers who could work in collaboration with one another for the greater good. To further that end, and as a way to test our theory, we found two young Glitchers who we could train as the first partner team. Those Glitchers lived together, trained together, and worked together until they could finish one another’s sentences. It was a test program and as such has been kept under wraps, so to speak.”

“Wait a minute,” I said, holding up my hand. “You mean that our top secret Academy has another even more top secret layer?”

Professor Callaway chuckled. “That about sums it up, Cadet Fitz, but like I was saying,” he went on, “that first partner pair just graduated from our prototype program and entered active duty, and they are surpassing their single counterparts in almost every way. Especially when it comes to identifying and taking down members of Mayhem. As such, we have recently received the go-ahead to make the program permanent. I’ve been sitting in on all the simulation level tests to watch for compatible matchups.”

“So, we failed on an epic level,” I said flatly.

“On the contrary,” Callaway said. “You two scored off the charts for partner compatibility. Your strengths and weaknesses complement one another nicely, and had it not been for your rather unusual brand of teamwork, the entire simulation mission would have been lost.”

“What are you saying exactly?” Elliot asked.

“I’m saying that you have both been admitted into the Lewis and Clark partner program.” Callaway grinned expectantly at us, obviously waiting for us to cheer or hug him or something. He was about to be sorely disappointed.

Elliot stood up again. “And if we refuse the position?”

Professor Callaway shook his head. “I’m afraid you can’t. The Academy has made their decision. This is an honor not given to everyone, Cadet Mason.”

“The honor I wanted was to beat the record for youngest cadet to advance,” he said. “Are you saying that’s just gone?”