Rory came to lying on a cot next to Killean who was staring at him with a weird face. He choked out, “Howya, Kill. Why you lookin’ at me gammy-like?” Killean definitely had some messed-up face on, although Rory was too groggy to figure it out.
Killean didn’t respond for a while, just watching Rory for a few seconds until his face returned to his normal joking self. “I can’t believe you’re level eight,” he said. “That’s bonkers. Wait till word gets around. You’ll be famous!”
Wait, that was real?
Rory shook his head hard. “I thought it was four.”
Killean grinned. “Nope. Four full circles. Compatibility level eight. Definitely bonkers.”
“Eight…” Rory whispered. Then it hit him what that meant. “Wait, does that mean I’m higher than—”
Killean nodded. “Yep.”
Not sure how to process that and searching for a delaying tactic before he had to, Rory looked himself over. He found medical thingies attached to his wrists and feet. He scanned the room, seeing all the students looking about the same, including his friend.
“How long do we have to stay here before we can tell our folks?” Rory asked.
Before Killean could answer, the last student, the little orange-haired girl, was brough in on a bed like his and everyone else’s. The small floating medical bots swarmed her and started attaching the healing thingamajigs.
Before the door fully closed, it slid back open and the admiral lady entered in her fancy uniform followed by a smiling Vice-Principal Macmillan.
The vice-principal spoke loudly enough to get everyone’s attention. “In a few moments Ms. Homings will wake up and the admiral will speak with you. After that, you will all be escorted to your normal transports and head to wherever you go after a normal school day. For those who awakened a construct, I will see you at Arena B tomorrow for the lessons on your ghost, and then not again until imprinting day.”
Rory noticed she completely didn’t even mention the unawakened, which he understood. The Institute was for future experts, leaders, warriors, and crafters – not normals. Even wealthy well-connected kids couldn’t stay after age ten if they didn’t show at least level 1 compatibility.
Rory whispered to Killean, “Congrats on level 3. That’s savage. Yer pops gunna be crowin till ya turn scarlet.” Rory’s exhausted condition made his mouth run in a way their mothers would not find the least bit amusing. He tiredly held his closed fist out to this best friend.
After a few moments, Killean tapped his knuckles with his own. “You know it,” he said with a weak smile.
Just then, the last girl woke and the Admiral stepped up to the middle of the room. She called out in a strong voice that was deeper than Rory thought it would be given how slim the woman was.
“Her Majesty Queen Lizabetha IV, sovereign of the Great Galactic Britannian Empire, congratulates you all. For those that have awakened to a Soul Construct, she looks forward to your service to our Empire and support in our battles against our enemies. For those that did not, she accepts your fealty as one of the trillions across the galaxy who will serve the Empire in other ways, just as noble.
Sure they are, Rory thought sarcastically as he turned to Killean who rolled his eyes.
“For both, one of those other ways is in service to our Empire’s military. There is a place in the different branches for every Brittanian citizen. If you wish to truly serve our Empire in its full might, to defend and help expand our influence and territory, to bring the battle to the Empire’s many enemies, both human and not, then when you turn eighteen and become an independent adult under the Queen, think about entering one of the testing facilities for Her Majesty’s military service. You could one day be piloting starships around the galaxy in the navy, as I do. You could wear mighty suits of power and bring the fight to the enemy as a metal warrior of the marines. You could be flying fighter craft and battling our enemies in the skies of our planets. And many others like the army, medical, and even covert or intelligence services.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“There are numerous ways for both Soul Wielders and normals to serve our great Empire. And in thanks, Her Majesty will reward those who serve honorably for a term of five years after training. You will receive an education of your choice, the highest quality medical care for yourself and your immediate family, and a guaranteed job that will provide for you and yours. If you have any questions about serving your great empire, I will be waiting at the exit.”
Rory had to admit, she made a strong case that some of the normals would probably accept. But most wouldn’t because they were at a school for the wealthy and well-to-do and those that attended didn’t usually need the things that military service awarded. And five years was like forever.
Well, Rory was joining his da anyway, so it didn’t appeal to him even a little.
Vice-Principal Macmillan then stepped forward and took over again. “Thank you, Admiral. Last reminder: meet at Arena B tomorrow morning for the lesson, not your normal homeroom. No excuses if you show up late because you went to the wrong side of campus. Okay then. At this point, you are all free to go. Follow the gentleman with his hand up over there.” She pointed to one such normal in the facility’s gray uniform. All the medical machines disconnected themselves from the kids and the boys and girls got to their feet and started shuffling out.
Before Rory’s feet even hit the floor, he heard, “Mr. Sheehan, please wait,” in the Admiral’s voice.
Looking at Killean, who shrugged, Rory said, “See you tomorrow.”
Killean nodded, they bumped fists again and he walked out with the rest of the students.
Rory walked over to the admiral. “Yes, ma’am,” he said politely to her. His mother had taught him to be very respectful and fearful of any of the Queen’s agents.
The admiral looked down at Rory. “Mr. Sheehan, the extra-talented and gifted receive special treatment in Her Majesty’s military. You’re… unique makeup, means that you would be given only the best of the best. Special attention, special assignments, faster promotions, and overall favored status. You have many years to think it over, but I wanted you to know that in advance. I have added you to my personal list of contacts and you will find me added to yours when you receive your Soul Wielder’s commo.” She pointed at the vice principle and continued, “Your teacher here tells me you plan to join your family’s guild.” She stopped then, clearly waiting for confirmation so Rory nodded. She nodded back. “Loyalty to family is admirable, although I am certain the Crown will be contacting your parents. That said, I want to offer you this. Should you decide you want something different, reach out directly to me. I can guarantee you a spot when you are eighteen and an adult. I’ll keep my eyes and ears out for you. I promise I will take your comm when you make one.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Rory replied. If he really did have level 8 compatibility, he thought he understood why she was saying all that stuff about special treatment. And it wasn’t like he was ungrateful. But it wasn’t for him. He had a place to go. “I appreciate it, but I want to be in da’s guild. And Killean said he’d help me with the rest.”
The admiral looked at him strangely then. Rory couldn’t figure out what her expression was. She only said, “Be careful who you trust.” Then taking a breath she smiled at him again. “Next time we speak, call me Gina. Now off you go. Remember, you can call me any time. The invitation is open-ended.”
Rory had no idea what she meant about trust, so he thanked her again and went home, ready for a fun party.
***
Dinner that night at his da’s guild house was a banging affair. Everyone cheered Rory and patted his back and told him he’d be amazing. He was practically glowing by the end of it.
They informed him that they knew nothing about Chakram but would look it up and find the right trainers and such. He’d certainly get offers. Rory was disappointed that they couldn’t celebrate with Killean’s family, but they were probably having their own celebration, even bigger than this one, given how rich they were.
At the end of the meal, Rory’s mum and da took him aside and told him that they expected to start receiving comms about him when word got out, although everything about his results were being kept quiet until the Crown was notified. They wanted Rory to know that he didn’t have to join the guild and that he could be whatever he wanted.