Behind The Daily Acorn, Vinyaya's pointed ears twitched in interest when she recognised a voice amidst the babble of canteen conversation. Cadet Holly Short, sounding indignant - and coming closer.

“...said, 'Wanna ride my express shuttle to Haven?' Then he tried to grope me!”

“No!” gasped an undistinctive female voice. It'd be Laura Beech - kind, and spunky like Holly, but with only half the talent.

“I'm going to Lieutenant Granite. He'll have to listen this time. It'll be on camera, he can't ignore evidence!”

But Vinyaya knew. Poor child. You'll get used to it, she thought sadly, and ruffled her newspaper.