Graduation Day

The alarm blared at 0600 hours.

Valerian was in the lab, tightening the final bolt on Elara’s cuff. He looked tired.

"They're coming," Elara said. She was sitting on the table, swinging her legs. She could feel the vibrations of boots on the stairs. "Security. A lot of them."

"I know," Valerian said. "Graduation is mandatory."

"Val," Elara said. She reached out and touched his face. "If they take me... I’m going to bite them."

"I expect nothing less," Valerian said. He didn't smile. He pressed a button on the cuff. A tiny green light blinked on the underside, hidden against her skin. "Listen to me carefully. When they take you, don't fight the dampeners. Let them think you’re subdued. Go dormant."

"Why?"

"Because a dormant volcano is safer to transport," Valerian said. "Until it isn't."

The doors burst open.

A dozen armored Enforcers stormed in, wands drawn. Dean Silas stood behind them.

"Valerian Cross!" Silas barked. "Step away from the asset! Security protocols dictate immediate seizure for the ceremony."

Valerian stepped back, raising his hands. "She’s all yours, Dean. Calibration is complete."

Elara looked at him, betrayal flashing in her violet eyes. "Val?"

"Take her," Valerian said coldly.

The guards swarmed her. They clamped heavy lead manacles over her wrists and neck. They injected her with a sedative that made her knees buckle.

Elara slumped, her eyes rolling back. She was dragged out of the room like a sack of grain.

Silas walked up to Valerian, clapping him on the shoulder. "Excellent work, Cross. The density readings are off the charts. You’ll be Valedictorian for this."

Valerian dusted off his shoulder where the Dean had touched him.

"I look forward to the speech," Valerian said.