Lieutenant Cassandra Beaumont let her words hang in the air as she surveyed the assembled recruits with those piercing blue eyes. Several students shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny.
"You're probably wondering why you're not doing basic fitness tests or personality assessments," she continued, her voice carrying easily across the training deck. "The answer is simple: we don't have time for that bullshit."
A few recruits exchanged glances. This wasn't the polished introduction they'd expected.
"Let me be crystal clear about something," Beaumont said, beginning to pace in front of them like a predator sizing up prey. "You weren't invited here because you're special snowflakes who need careful nurturing. You were dragged here because you showed exceptional promise amongst your peers, and we need bodies that can think and fight."
