Evening formation found Sunshine Squad assembled in their usual corner of the common area.
The space was crowded—more squads than usual packed into the hall, everyone talking about the Academy announcement in voices that ranged from excited to terrified.
Bright sat with his squad, a field ration growing cold on his lap. He'd taken three bites before deciding nutrition was sufficient and setting it aside.
Mara sat as far from him as the bench allowed. She'd been avoiding his eyes all day, and he'd let her. Simpler that way.
Duncan watched both of them with poorly concealed concern.
Adam, perceptive as always, said nothing—but his calculating gaze moved between squad members like he was assembling a puzzle.
Baggen and Rolf were deep in conversation about the Academy, their voices carrying unrestrained jealousy in equal measure.
"—heard they have access to Expert-tier cores, just sitting in vaults—"
