Author's Notes- Warning: This chapter's a bit boring and a little sappy, just so you know, but you might as well read it anyway. You probably won't get some other stuff mentioned earlier if you don't. Sorry. I'm totally uninspired. I'll make an extra exciting thing happen in a few chapters to make up for this one.


Anah could not believe it. She was going to be a Preventer. Overly excited, she hardly slept at all the following night. At Victoria Colonial Military Academy, the new graduates were allowed to stay in their dorms three days and two nights after graduating, unless they were undergoing an internship at the school. The day after graduation was the career fair, the day after that was to finish packing, they were then to bid the school farewell the following morning.

It was the second day, and Anah, though she had not slept, felt very awake. She headed to the kitchen and got some breakfast. Corrine was still sleeping, so Anah got her some of her favorite breakfast foods- chocolate chip bagels, peanut butter, and a tangerine- and set them on the table.

Finally Corrine woke up.

I still can't believe you got picked. She told her as they ate breakfast.

How come you don't have any confidence in me? I got better grades than you! Anah said, with mock anger. Judging by the look on her friend's face, she added, Just kidding.

Of course I have confidence in you! It's just that you, of all people... it's just not like you to join Preventers.

What did you end up joining? Anah asked, trying to change the subject.

I was summoned by Sarah Mochrae of the Pacifists' Protection Agency. She said during their inspection she had a strong interest in me. So I joined.

You get to go to the Sank Kingdom!? Maybe I can visit you someday. It seems to be the site of many diplomatic affairs.

Corrine nodded and turned to the original topic. I just want you to be careful. I heard Preventers have the potential to be in great danger. When little battles start and the Preventers step in, many officials of the rivalling nations resent their involvement.

Anah sat quiet and peeled her tangerine. Finally she said, I suppose you're right. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime oppurtunity. And maybe I'll succeed in doing something good for this world. You never know. And I'll be extra careful. It's not like I can't defend myself. I beat Ray Li in my Swordsmanship class, and he got picked too!

Corrine laughed, remembering that event. It had been the talk of the whole school for at least a week. Chang Ray Li, a very skilled and well-trained fencer from the ancient-China-based L5 colony cluster had been defeated in a fencing match by a girl.

Oh fine. Go for it. I can't stop you. Just keep your sword with you all the time and don't you dare get yourself killed, because I'd probably be too busy protecting pacifists to make it to your funeral!

Hey! That's not funny! Anah laughed as she threw a tangerine peel at her.


Anah spent the rest of the day packing with Corrine. Her roommate proved to be much better at packing. Anah would throw a heap of clothes into her suitcase, and Corrine would end up following behind her, folding it all neatly.

After they finished most of it, Corrine asked, So are you leaving today?

Anah told her as she pushed some books into her backpack. The shuttle to Preventers HQ leaves today at two.

Corrine looked at the clock. You do know that's in a half hour, right?

Anah leapt up. Oh shit! She finished cramming things into her backpack and bumped into the sidetable as she ran to get her suitcase. Corrine just laughed. Finally Anah stopped rushing a second to say goodbye.

Corrine hugged her warmly. I'm going to miss you so much! And you better do something good for this world, cause if you don't I'll have the Pacifists come after you!

Anah laughed. I'll mail you every day.

I will too. Bye, Anah! Be a good Preventer! She called as Anah scurried down the hall.

Talk to you later, Corrine.