“With all due respect, Commander Aslög, I’m happy here in my office watching the surveillance feeds. I’m not sure my coworkers would be able to get along without me.”

“But they do not yet fear you, Mr. Bennett. When you are advanced, you will have a tighter grip – greater control.” She paused and looked down the hallway to be sure no one was listening. “Don’t disappoint me, Mr. Bennett,” she said, pinching my cheek so hard the numbness lingered for the rest of the day.

“Yes, Commander Aslög,” I responded, rubbing the side of my face.

“There will be a recognition luncheon tomorrow to celebrate your advancement. Be prepared to give a short speech to your coworkers. It will be the last time they see you as you are now, Mr. Bennett. And please – no emotion.”

“But Commander!”

“You will have to leave your family for an extended period of time, but we will see to it that they are cared for.”

I knew all too well the ways the Corporation, Inc. cared for her people – quarantines, internment camps, firing squads.