I stared out over the large group before me, pausing to absorb the feel of the crowd, then started to speak.
“Parents. Guardians. District commissioners. Commissars. Welcome! Welcome to the graduation of this fine group of children as they complete their learning and become fully fledged members of the Grand State Youth.
“I’m extremely pleased to announce that, as always, we have a one-hundred percent pass rate. I’m sure you are all aware that not every child given into our care is equal. When they arrive, some fully understand what it means to be a full member of society, that loyalty to the state comes before all else… before even loyalty to friends or family.
“Others… others have been exposed to malicious influences. To wrong thinking. Others had started to entertain thought
