I looked out at the four hundred empty velvet chairs.

From the raised podium, row forty was a dark line in the deep shadows under the balcony overhang.

Anyone sitting back there would have a clear view of the stage, but they would be completely surrounded by strangers.

“Sir, I have a request about the announcement of the top graduate,” I said.

“The protocol is standard,” General Thomas said.

“I read the academic honors, the physical fitness scores, and then the name.”

“I need you to read the name with absolute clarity,” I said.