He was calculating the value of the connections in the room.

He saw every person in the hall as a potential asset.

“I didn’t transfer,” I said.

“I enlisted right out of high school.”

“Well, the General gave quite a speech about your academic record,” Richard said.

“Top of the class is an impressive return on effort.

We always knew you had this kind of potential.”

I tightened my grip on the paper cup.