“Welcome.” Met Sar’s voice was so comforting Nang felt fear melt, flow from his face, through his shoulders, down his abdomen, felt it piss from his groin, trickle down his legs and seep into the earth. He hunched there like an animal, humiliated.
“From today on,” Met Sar said loudly enough for all to hear, “you shall be known as ‘student.’ ” To the seven he said quietly, “Stand up straight.” He motioned them erect with both hands, palms rising. “In a line, please.” The conscripts formed into a row. “You shall be Student Pah. You, Student Eng. You, Student Ur. The Movement will heal your wound. You, Student Nang.” He continued down the line, then directed them to a dining area.
Training was rigidly structured and compartmentalized. Varying tasks were accomplished at dispersed locations i
