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worldwide operations. Some of their missions included preventing a plane hijacking, stopping a jailbreak in Iran and quelling an insurgency in the Balkans. However, alongside these successes, I regret to inform you that one of our operatives, Aoife Maguire, was killed on a mission in Morocco.’
    Several horrified gasps echoed around the auditorium.
    â€˜Most of you will remember Aoife for her sense of humour, her, shall we say, unconventional outlook on life and, perhaps less fondly, for her amazing roundhouse kick in tae kwon do.’
    â€˜I’ve got a pin in this arm from sparring with Aoife,’ the boy sitting in front of Jess whispered to the girl next to him.
    Jess shuddered.
    Metsen’s face took on a serious mien.
    â€˜Let me remind you that what we do here at the abbey and after graduation is very real and very serious. Unfortunately sometimes even brilliant operatives like Aoife die in the field. If any of you are having doubts, as always you are free to leave at any time, as long as you grab a glass of Memory Wipe on the way out.’
    A murmur rippled through the audience, but nobody moved from their seat. Jess couldn’t help thinking that Metsen was treating the girl’s death somewhat casually, if not coldly.
    â€˜This year, in addition to our Irish cadets, we welcome new cadets from Russia, the Ukraine, South Africa and Australia to our family. Even though the calibre of Irish recruits is just as high as usual, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity of inviting these exceptional individuals to join our special community. I trust that our broader student base will provide an enriching learning experience for all.
    â€˜Now for some school notices,’ continued Principal Metsen. ‘Due to Ms Maguire’s death, we have revised the syllabus. Our language programme will now include more language labs specialising in regional dialects and colloquial language. We are also introducing a new subject called “Advanced Counter-Surveillance”, which will be compulsory for sophister-year students.’
    There was a loud groan to the left.
    The principal snapped his head around.
    â€˜Mr Foley. Unless you want to end up dead as a P.E.P. Squad operative or knock back a glass of Memory Wipe, I suggest you revise your attitude.’
    After a few moments glaring at the unfortunate boy, Principal Metsen smiled broadly again.
    â€˜Now to more pleasant news. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Miss Ball to the teaching staff.’
    The woman sitting between Signora Enigmistica and Lieutenant Parry stood up and made a small curtsey.
    â€˜Miss Ball is our new Head of Arts and will be directing this year’s school musical: The Wizard of Oz . There will be a sign-up sheet outside Miss Ball’s office and auditions will be held later in the term,’ continued Principal Metsen.
    â€˜School musical!’ chuckled Matt.
    â€˜Now I’ll ask our transition-year cadets to stay seated. Freshman- and sophister-year cadets, please collect your bags and go to your dormitories to change into your regular uniforms. I’ll leave the rest of you in the capable hands of our transition-year coordinator, Lieutenant Parry, while I slip into something less shabby.’
    The principal virtually had to shout the last few words as two-thirds of the cadets left the auditorium with much chattering and laughter. Most of the teachers stood up and left too. Once the doors had banged shut the room was deathly quiet. Only twenty-four students were left.
    Lieutenant Parry walked to the front of the stage and sat down, dangling his legs over the orchestra pit.
    â€˜Firstly I’d like to offer you all a warm welcome and congratulations on being accepted into the P.E.P. training programme. I know a good group of candidates when I see one, and I can tell you’re all going to thrive in this environment,’ he said with a broad smile. Then the smile disappeared. ‘I’m not