Chapter 47: Review and Contract
The room shifted as everyone quickly arranged themselves into a single file. Oliver continued, "We'll be handing out new badges before assigning you to your test platoons."
He paused, glancing around the room. "Where are Bui Brunsik, Wes Oakley, and Tidwell Reiver?"
Kikaru stepped forward, her voice clear and steady. "Good morning, Sir. They're still in their pods. The shard imposed a penalty on them for failing to meet the physical and other listed standards."
Oliver frowned. "What kind of penalty? Is it permanent?"
Kikaru glanced briefly at Elias before replying. "It's hard to say. Their movements have been restricted, like playing with inverted controls on a game controller. If they meet the shard's—or the Doctor's—requirements, the penalty should lift."
The Chairwoman stepped forward, her voice commanding. "That's enough. Move aside, young man."
Oliver bowed slightly and stepped out of her way. Everyone's eyes shifted to the Chairwoman. Her dark complexion and streaked hair hinted at her age, but her presence was sharp and commanding.
She took a moment to scan the group. Then she spoke. "I trust the last few weeks—or days, depending on how long you've been here—have been enlightening."
Her gaze settled on the group as she continued. "A new opportunity has arisen, and I want to test three of you in a platoon squad setting."