I had so many questions; I hardly knew where to start. Jones was a doctrinaire when it came to the law. If I presented her with evidence that the Vine Keeper’s presence at the Schoolhouse was unlawful, surely she would explain it to me. As a Teacher of the law, she would have to. I cleared my throat. “I want to understand why this new kid is here at all. Why is he posing as a Record Keeper when he looks like a field hand? Also,” I added, pushing past my fear, “does his presence have anything to do with the—the New Seed?” The phrase burned my tongue, but I had to know if Covington and the others had been telling the truth. Jetson’s words floated through my mind.

If Hasting can’t get Voltaire’s Army under control… the balance of power will shift, and who knows what will happen to us and our Senate seats.

Jones rubbed her bottom lip and smiled, unpleasantly. “Keeper Cobane, you’ve been gossiping.”

“No,” I said. My face felt hot and my heart revved like a hovercraft in my chest, but I didn’t take back my query.

“You’ve been listening to political talk,” she went on.

“Political talk is forbidden to students,” I quoted.

“As are political opinions,” she said.

I hung my head. She was right. Only… “Teacher?” I said.

She inclined her head impatiently.

I plowed on. I had to know if Jetson was right. My place in the Senate, my safety, depended on the veracity of his claim. “I was wondering—how is the Vine Keeper allowed to take the Final Exam without the proper training?”

She remained silent for so long, I thought my chest would explode.

I stammered to cover my nerves. “That is, the Niagara Compromise clearly states that the Record Keepers are to be set apart as infants. They are to be trained up as caretakers,” I quoted.

“What’s your point, girl?”

“Only that, he hasn’t received the proper training. The training he, by law, has to receive to maintain First Brother classification.” It was a neat argument, and I made it well. Still, I held my breath.

She sniffed. “You needn’t be concerned about such a small aspect of the law at this juncture,” she said.

I frowned. “But—it’s the law,” I managed. “The Compromise. No aspect is beneath our concern. That is what you’ve said—before.” I looked up. Our eyes clashed for the briefest moment.

Her unpleasant smile was gone, her mouth flat. “You’re quite the little student aren’t you, Miss Cobane?”

My gaze found the floor.

“Rest assured,” she said, “Master Vine will get exactly what he deserves under the law. More than that is none of your concern. I’ll keep you informed as the need arises.”