"Congratulations on moving from phase 2 to phase 3 of the academy. What's in store for you next? Something special." Vladimir gestured to the door, and it opened with haste, first walked in Aria who, made her way up to Kairo's row, before scoffing at Kairo. The conversation was brief and quiet, but Kairo caught every word: "I will be your mentor for the next month. I have selected you, Nova."
Then a bigger, heavier-set fellow walked in and made his way to the back, the steps creaking as he did; he then moved over to Sabir and, after a long, drawn-out conversation, Sabir got up and followed the Senior Operative out of the room. Then Maris... Then Jalen... Then Lambert... As the class dwindled to 5, he then saw Terrell walk in, and at least he would be picked...
...
"Man, you're a real smart kid, asking all the good questions. I would love to mentor you." The table nodded, including Cam Clark. "But you the kid Lucan brought in." The table almost came to a standstill, then the table turned to Angel. "What?" Angel asked, and the rest of the table did too, including Kairo. "Didn't you hate Lucan because Selene loved him or something?"
"Shut up." Angel looked annoyed, just a level away from pissed. Cam Clark laughed, "Selene has you around her finger." Then Terrell snickered, "My bros!" Before smacking him on the back repeatedly, hard... "Shut it... Besides... Selene... said..." The pause was longer. "Lucan didn't do it." Then the whole table erupted into laughter.
...
Terrell walked up to Kairo, and he sighed... "Sorry, kid... I got given the hands off." Terrell then walked away to the middle row and, before talking to Dakota, Dak stood and left with Terrell. Kairo's first thought made the leap to Lucan, but with Lucan branded an international terrorist, he put his head down; maybe no one picked him. Lambert left next, then Arienne, Nyla...
"Get ready." Kairo looked up to see Hinari, crouched down on the table; he hadn't even noticed her arrival.