It was clear after the first ten answers that the test was a desperate failure. And twenty minutes of agony later, as Daniel’s skin grew red and covered with sweat, the view-screen shut down and Daniel could no longer enter any answers.

“Daniel Cotton,” the voice from the view-screen said, “you have failed. Please proceed to Remedial Hall.”

Daniel got up shamefully. While the other students anxiously filled out their tests, Daniel shuffled out of the classroom.

Dazed with the totality of his failure, Daniel stumbled to Remedial Hall—a red line appeared on the floor directing him there. The room was a simple white rectangle with small tables that could accommodate a teacher and a few students. Daniel sat.

"So— what happened, Daniel?" Miss Kate asked. Miss Francine Kate was a pale, thin woman with a crooked smile. She was the tutor. She was supposed to be a very good listener. In fact, she was supposed to be slightly telepathic. That’s what Daniel had heard but he never really knew what that meant. Now he hoped it meant he could retake the test.

"I studied for the wrong test. I studied for Chapter Thirteen," Daniel said. "Can I take the Chapter Thirteen test?"

"So you made a mistake?"

"Yes."

"Of course— mistakes happen."

"So I can retake the test?"

"Well, Daniel— you are old enough now to start taking responsibility for your mistakes."

"No,” Daniel insisted.

"Excuse me?" Miss Kate was surprised.

"No— I can make a good grade. I am Worthy. Just give me a chance. I can make it to Level Seven— at least Level Six— I'm smarter than that."

Miss Kate was silent for a moment.

"Daniel, we all serve the Alliance in our own ways to our own ability."

"But I know—" Daniel started and stopped. “It isn’t fair!”

“Fair?” she repeated and Daniel knew that he was in for a speech. “Daniel, I think you need to reflect for a moment—about why you want to be a Champion. It isn’t about fairness—I can tell you that. The Alliance is not here to serve you—you are here to serve the Alliance.”

“But I’m Worthy!”

“Are you? Genetically, yes. Your test scores also indicate great potential. But, young man, there is much more to being a Champion. Daniel, have you ever wondered why my eyes are so blue?”

“Uh… no.”

“Well, I’ll tell you—I was also Worthy, Daniel. I was chosen. And enhanced. And trained to be a telepath. But the process of becoming a Champion is a long one. And it’s not for everyone. It was decided I was better suited to serve here in the Territory. Helping children like you. And that was hard to accept. Very hard, Daniel. But it is not about me or you. It is about the Alliance and what is good for the Alliance.”

Daniel stared into her eyes. He was realizing now that the possibility of being a Champion was not just slipping away— he may have lost it completely.

“You need to begin thinking about how else you might serve the Alliance. Remember, no role is too small. We all can serve, whether as a Champion or something else. And you don’t know, there may still be a chance for you—but you should start to consider other possibilities. You are very smart, Daniel. And you have great potential. ”

But as he stared into Miss Kate’s pale blue eyes, he could tell that none of that mattered anymore. That his stupid mistake was all they cared about.

"Daniel, the grade stands for now. We will keep this mistake in mind when we evaluate you for ascension to the next level."

"But—."

"And we will keep your behavior in mind as well,” she said sharply. “Now sit quietly. You may study for Chapter Twelve— it is very important that you know about the Gamma Zone."

Miss Kate got up and a vid-screen appeared in front of Daniel. On it the words “The Gamma Zone” vibrated into existence. Daniel just stared at them.

He looked at the walls of the Remedial Hall, decorated with inspirational posters. A large banner of text stated, “Find Your Potential” with the P highlighted. Below it there were three posters: the first depicted a young man wearing a white uniform, one of the telepaths. The man’s strange blue eyes stared out, wide open. Pinned to his chest was a medal denoting intuition. The second poster showed a soldier, in the traditional red uniform. He crouched behind a building while holding a laser cannon. The third poster showed a man wearing the blue overalls of a worker, smiling as he labored at a factory machine. On the wall directly opposite, another poster depicted a Champion flying in the air. It was Ultra, the greatest Champion. Not old and weathered like Commander Freedom. Vibrant. Young. Strong. The future. His white cape billowed against the wind. Behind him, were the Metamorphosis Chambers, where young candidates were enhanced to become Champions and join in the fight. Underneath the picture of Ultra, large letters asked, “Are you Worthy?” Daniel stared. No, he was not. Not after today. And not ever.

Daniel knew that there were only two posters left for him—the red soldier or the blue worker. He stood between them. The others were out of his reach. He stared back at the view-screen, even less interested in learning about the Gamma Zone than before.