into ranks and marched into the Academy's lecture
hall for their induction. At the head of Cadet Group A was Morn. At the
head of Cadet Group B was North. They came down the aisle and stood
before their seats as the rest of the Cadets were marched in.
54 "Cadet Officers, be seated!" someone finally called, and for a few
minutes they could relax. North looked across to Morn and his friend
returned his smile.
55 Again the unseen voice spoke. "Cadets, ATTEN-TION!" Everyone was on
their feet, standing rigid. From the corner of the stage before them,
an officer entered. On his uniform were more medals and service marks
than the young cadets had ever seen!
56 When he reached the podium, he sat the reading board he was carrying
on it, and spoke to the cadets. "Good day, gentlemen!" The "Good day
sir!" he received in reply was almost deafening! "If you haven't
guessed already," the man continued, "I'm Red Star, Commandant of this
Academy, and from now on, until you graduate, I am almost your God.
When I give an order, you will follow it without question, as well as
the orders of any Instructor, Upper Classmen, or fellow Cadet I tell
you to obey. But also any problems you have you will have my call
number, and if I can't help you, I'll direct you to somebody who can.
But don't bother me with trivial things. Try your Cadet Officers first.
If they can't help you, they'll instruct you to call me.
57 You are now entering what will probably be the five most grueling,
hectic, and bitter years of your life. They are meant to be. The course
you will take here is designed to put pressure on you ...if it can, to
break you, for it is far better to have you break under pressure here,
than in a command chair, where the lives of hundreds or perhaps
millions, may depend on your actions.
58 You are five-hundred of the best. You have passed through the most
grueling physical and mental tests that could be designed, to get here.
The mere fact that you made it, means you're above average. When you
leave here, you'll