Page 84 of Remade

“Oh. Thank you.” I appreciated that. I’d call them tomorrow, including Aunt Laura.

She’d only met Bo and Alex once, but it’d caused a shift of some sort in our relationship. Almost as if the air was clearer. We texted more frequently, at least. And I suspected she was relieved I had a boyfriend. Maybe it took some pressure off her.

Bo and I were the last to enter the mess hall, and the first thing I noticed was how dim the lighting was. There were candles on the tables too. And it smelled great. Like grilled chicken and tomatoes and garlic and herbs and freshly baked bread.

My mouth watered.

Everyone sat together at one long table, with instructors on one side and recruits on the other. So, Bo and I each took a side, and I shared a tired grin with Tanner as I sat down next to him.

“Sorry, we’re late,” Bo said. “It took a moment to get that one out of bed.”

Sure, blame me. Throw me under the bus right away.

Operator Payne rose to his feet and smiled faintly, but I could tell it was a moment of gravity. He turned solemn as he glanced down at us.

“This evening marks the end of your training, and you’re no longer Hillcroft recruits,” he told us. “I’ve had the privilege of observing the journey you’ve taken since last summer, and we are all honored to call you colleagues from here on out.” He put a hand on Rose’s shoulder, and he stood up too.

He cleared his throat. “Em’s right. It’s been a privilege. I’m proud of how far y’all’ve come.” He accepted a printout from Coach. “In times like these, I sometimes wish this ceremony were a bit grander—but we use it as a reminder instead. Your careers will bring you long hours, spikes of adrenaline, bouts of incredible boredom, worry, determination, happiness, and relief. And rarely anything grand.”

We knew that part. No medals, no recognition.

“Nevertheless, this moment is significant,” he went on. “I want you all to stand up and, for the first time, recite the Hillcroft Operator’s Creed as new operators.”

I let out a breath and stood up, and I had to admit I felt a little nervous. Grand or not, Rose was right. This was significant. This was what we’d trained so hard for.

Poor Miguel was missing out! I hoped they spoiled him at the hospital in Quito.

Coach took the lead, and the rest of us chimed in.

We serve in silence

We serve without names

We wear no insignia

We show no fear

We could be the last you’ll ever see

The ones who protect

Those who bring destruction

Or the ones you’ll never know

If you know our history

You’re one of us

If you know our history

You’re one of few

We will never underestimate a foe

Or surrender to him

We will never be alone

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