During a brief break between lectures, Marcus leaned over to Patricia. "Mandatory assembly. That's either very good or very bad."
"It's acknowledgment, which is something," Patricia replied quietly. "They could have ignored the petition entirely."
"Or they're gathering everyone to announce consequences for unauthorized organization."
"I guess we'll find out at four."
---
The news of the mandatory assembly spread rapidly through the academy, dominating lunch conversation.
In the dining hall, speculation ranged from optimistic to paranoid.
"They're probably going to address our concerns properly," suggested an optimistic first-year. "Two hundred signatures is too many to dismiss."
"They're going to make an example of the organizers," countered a more cynical third-year. "Public punishment to discourage future unauthorized assemblies."
"They can't punish students for peacefully organizing and asking questions. That's basic academic freedom."
