Sofia Bel. Planet of origin, Laskin. Female. Thirteen. Four-six, thirty-four kilos. Physical development delayed due to history of malnutrition. Genetic deviation within acceptable parameters. No congenital defects present. Noted predisposition to early onset deteriation of hearing. Cognition... falling short of projection. Education lacking. Trauma response, favours flight...

Memories of a pleasant meal were cast aside as I stood facing my teacher, my gaze on the plush rug at our feet as he read aloud from a ream of papers. I did my best to follow along with the information being vomited in my direction, my cheeks heating up at my life being summed up in barely a fifteen-minute lecture. How does he know so much about me? I never knew this much about me, I wouldn't even be sure that my parents did either. His eyes never rise from the documents in his hands, yet I feel his gaze on me, making sure I remain at attention. MX is fond of corporal punishment, if I act unbecoming then running in circles will take up the rest of my day.

"I promised that I would send you to the schola, but if you are unable to focus when the subject of the lecture is your own health and wellbeing, I can only doubt if it will be worth my effort."

I cleared my mind of all superfluous thoughts, once more looking MX in the face. He placed the stack of documents on the counter and continued without sparing me a glance.

"I have glimpsed your potential. Your faith towards He on Terra runs deep, and the fury you direct to those who act against his will is palpable. Yet in reality you fall far short of the sector standard for a child your age." He brought his errant hands towards his center, clasping both within the long sleeves of his robe. "I do not consider myself to be a charitable man. If your effort falls short of my expectations, I will not hesitate to cut you loose."

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Thump.

My heart pounded in my chest. Cut me loose. He would. I am alone, my parents dead. Cut. I threw my torso forwards in a bow, the words fighting their way up from my stomach.

"—I undestand! Please-"

"Calm yourself. You will be given ample opportunity to prove your worth. Cease from clenching your jaw and listen."

I suppressed the urge to turn and run, absorbing all I could as MX spoke in his slow, droning voice. This vessel, a freighter, will be traveling through the void. It will take several months for us to reach our destination, across the sector, and I have this time to prepare for the schola exams. Apparently I'm small for my age, and could pass as a second year student if I can absorb the material in advance. A few months of studying as we travel, and I will be able to go to the schola. Our shuttle, where we'll be staying, is parked in a loading bay. We're sealed off from the rest of the ship, no workers or passengers will be able to bother us. When I'm not studying, I'm permitted to wander anywhere within this empty bay.

I can't wait, all this empty space to explore, it's barely big enough for me to run a la—

"It appears your capacity to focus is at its limit." The dissatisfaction in his voice was obvious. "How about you acquaint yourself with your new lodgings by running laps until your mid-cycle meal?"