With a gesture from the Minister, the bloodied teenager sullenly stepped forward. Next to the thick blockiness of the Minister, the boy looked like an abused mutt- unclean, a little too lean, and constantly on the verge of snarling.

As the boy took a spot next to him, a smile touched the Minister’s lips and was gone. "This is Maverick. He’s going to help Miss Lira teach you about video games. He’s one of the best and will be real happy to answer any questions that develop, won’t you Maverick?

The boy who went by the odd name of Maverick seemed on the verge of spitting on the floor but something caused him to wince in pain. Instead of answering he gritted his teeth so hard that the bone along the side of his jaw quivered.

“Won’t you, Maverick?” The Minister repeated.

Maverick squeezed his eyes shut and raised a hand toward his face. “Yes,” he said woodenly, “I’ll be glad to help. In any way possible.”

“Because you are a good citizen and love your country.”

Maverick shot the Minister a dark look.