"What else? I want to join the Vault," Thomas replied. He realised instantly that playing the humble, submissive scout wasn't going to work with this man.
The "Iron Maiden's" subordinates valued strength and audacity. If he acted like a victim, he'd be out the door in seconds. He straightened his back, meeting the man's eyes with a sharp, focused intensity.
"You don't have what it takes to be with us," the man said, waving a hand dismissively as if swatting a fly. "Go back to the streets, kid. Don't raise your eyes to places you can only dream of being part of. The Vault isn't for scouts; it's for the foundation of the Association."
"I'm sure I have exactly what it takes to be here," Thomas said, his voice dropping an octave. He didn't budge. He sat as still as a statue, his hands folded neatly in his lap, radiating a quiet confidence that seemed to irritate the interviewer.
