Paz stood off to one side. He caught sight of me and rolled his eyes. ‘It went well, then?’ I asked. ‘I reckon she’s going to be a reporter.’ He shook his head. ‘She comes alive – loves the whole buzz of it.’ It would be on the evening news. ‘Silvern of Taris – media star!’ We laughed, but I wished I could have been there to watch. ‘How did Vima get on?’ ‘She did okay.’ But before he could elaborate, Fergus came into the communal dining room with Malia beside him and asked for our attention. His announcement drove everything else out of our heads. When we’d finished our meal, he told us, our task was to choose clothing from the storeroom in the basement. We were to go in relays, beginning with the stratum below ours who were deemed old enough to choose their own gear. ‘Never wear the suits you’ve got on now other than in this centre,’ he warned us. ‘Those images have been broadcast, so those outfits will make it obvious you’re from Taris.’ ‘Are we in danger, then?’ Aspa asked.
