The buses were quickly emptied, the troops formed into ranks. A truck with a PA system was parked beside the road. Samuel climbed onto it and took a mic.
"First contingent cadet trainees, Air, Land And Sea," he began, "ladies and gentlemen I am your commanding officer, you are about to take your base. The unofficial anthem that has been going around just became the OFFICIAL anthem. I want to hear it loud and strong from every voice as we pass through that gate, and I want you to understand that every word of it is true!
The First Speaker asked me to get you off to a good beginning. He asked me after he left this world, and if he thought it was that important, then by The Lords, I'll give you the best I can! And I ask that you give the same to me. Will it be?"
"YES SIR!" every voice answered.
"Bandmaster!" he cried "Strike up the band!"
Samuel took up position before the first column and when the music came back to the beginning he brought his hand down, and cried "Yo!"
The cadets behind him sang out and they marched through the gate. As they did so Samuel could have sworn he saw The First Speaker and Warlock Polley standing before the training cadry. As he took position and the cadets passed they turned into two winged beings and flew skyward.
"Should have known," Samuel muttered, "should have known! I'll do my best, sir," he whispered, I'll do my best!"
And he did.

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