“I heard she’s dating a human.”

“Does she have clearance to do that?”

“I plan on giving her clearance.”

“Her?!”

“I don’t like it either, but I see the necessity. She’s a ship maintenance worker, but her progress on Earth has been astounding.”

“Isn’t there a better candidate?”

“We thought we had better candidates! Top of their classes, the best and brightest on Home!”

“Ugh, book-smart, but not street-smart. What’s that strange human saying? The first will be last, and the last will be first?”

“Cruel irony. We find ourselves subject to the ideals for which we once criticized them.”