he console for a moment, his hands trembling so badly he could barely operate the controls.

g the slate out with both han

is voice cracking with emotion.

e slate and

gle, massive character, glowing w

lden

voice choked with awe. "The third active

at that meant. It wasn't just a high score. It was a statistical impossibility. A legen

ant, orchestral fanfare that blared from the facility's central announcement system.

, regal woman in the dark robes of a high official appeared. Anja recognized her instantly: Directorate

ton. On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, I extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations.

smile and a nod. Inside her head,

ut carrying an undeniable weight of authority. "Standard protocols for a newly identified S-Class female must

g the portrait of a man who was almost illegally handsome. They were the cream of the crop, t

dangerous glint in his gaze. A brooding aristocrat with midnight-dark hair. Two o

lerius stated. It was a recommendation phrased as an order. "The Directorate strongly advises you accep

t of the boring, monogamous relationships on Earth, the compromises, the settli

ice was

ancellor and gave a slow, deliberate no

as captured and instantly replicated, searing itself onto the five digital contracts. In the vast, unseen network

intoxicating powe

wed deeply to her in unison. "We celebrate

ect your new status, effective immediately," the Chancellor said, her hologram

ogram v

ptain and his team were even more reverent than before, if that

the transport ship, she checked her perso

posited. The federal S-Class stipend. It was more money th

the leather of the chair softer. Sh

husbands. Her Consorts. She scrolled thro

rticular. The soldier. The one wh

ial Forces, 7th Division. Psionic Grade: A-

lders broad and powerful. His jaw was set, his expression severe, but his eyes... his eyes

on appeared at the

S-Class matching directive. Current location: Capi

eather seat, a slow, predatory

s already a