"Deserve some agency", such a delightful turn of phrase, so lovely and inspiring.

This should fill our students with love and loyalty for the regime! And if not, they have an explodocollar.

eagerly awaiting the birth of the Ark Theatre Company

"Excel enough to deserve some agency" - holy shit, she did just spell that one out clear as day

Okay, NOW I'm hooked.

And ff8 Gardens vibe hits again.

Erin honestly seems surprised at the optimism the students have about their situation. Here's hoping that'll still remain after the training begins in earnest.

Or it could be a gentle punishment for those like Noah and Mr. Kimberly, forcing them to entertain other's as punishment for their lacking enthusiasm for activities.

She seems a little surprised at the realisation that uh... oh right these are kids and this is a school, as well as living weapon training center.

Love the sprite of Erin's "Bruh" smile in that last panel; it's a tricky mix of incredulity, genuine amusement, and customer servicee face.

She honestly seems to soften in the last panel. And I too hope they're able to keep hold of their hopes and dreams. With that said, I believe Status Quo have a song they should be listening to.

She got just a hair more chill in that last panel.

They are military conscripts in training, so of course their agency is severely limited, and anything not required by law is a privilege rather than a right.

I doubt any of the Justopeans are surprised to be reminded of that fact.

Anything to stay sane in there I guess!

of course there will still be the constant threat of explosive decapitation if and when the student activities exceed tolerable levels of noise or other annoyances to the powers that be