Chapter One: Twenty-Three Percent

Instructor Harren stood on the upper platform. He was a retired pilot with an artificial left eye. When that eye swept over Leon, red diagnostic characters flickered across its lens. "Leon Voss," Harren said. "Under academy regulations, your cadet pilot qualification is terminated effective immediately. Turn in the badge and leave the dormitory before afternoon." Leon looked down at the old badge on his chest. He did not clench his fists. He did not argue. Anger rolled in his ribs, but he forced it down. Anger could not change a number. Tears could not start a mech. The mines had taught him one thing before all others: in a collapse, the people who cried died first. He removed the badge and placed it on the edge of the platform.