This is book 4 of the "Commonweal" series.

This note contains spoilers for the book.

We're outside the school, though the Independents passed from the school feature (I think; they take new names as Independents and while we got given at least some of them I'm not sure I remember).

Viewpoint is an unfortunate woman who is committed to being an Independent, but lost her ability to use the power in an accident (was near-miraculously saved, actual brain on fire was involved). She's trying to do something worthwhile with the life she has left before the Shape of Peace kills her (10 year deadline on returning for judgment), so she's working as a tech-writer. And gets assigned to a new experimental shot-making team, which is about as crazy as the old one (or is the old one in a new location?).

And ends up a Captain of the Line, after some unplanned on-the-job training when things go ugly while they're out testing something they can't test anywhere near home. The Shape of Peace makes a decision probably different from what the old one would have made, and keeps her around.

There are more indications that the entier Commonweal may be simply one move in a very long game some people the level up from what they call "preeminent" sorcerors (Halt is certainly on that level and certainly one of the players). And that the Second Commonweal has really serious problems, like not really having the population to maintain the tech base and security force they really certainly do need. No doubt this is setting the stage for future books.