"Hey Tom," Hot Soup said one day at lunch. "Looks like someone's beat you out on the prized list."

Tom squinted to make out the soldier efficiency board over the crowd and the craning necks. "Ender Wiggin," he read. "Hm - never heard of him before. Probably some Launchy. Beginner's luck."

"I don't know," said Soup. "He could be good."

Tom scoffed. "Doubt it," he said. "Someday I'll probably be his commander. I'll stick him in D toon. Then we'll see."