The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy



"Really, improvements to Clark's training program," the Captain says, narrowing his eyes at Jackson. "And what qualifies you to decide how Cadet Clark's training should progress?"

I scowl a little, hating that they're talking about me like I'm not here and wishing they'd both just call me Ariel. It's not like we're keeping it a secret anymore.

"I've come along to all of Clark's practice sessions since the first one," Jackson says, standing straight, I think not liking the fact that he has to justify his insight. "I know the way that she shoots better than anyone else."

"You are not the subject matter expert, McClintock," the Captain snaps, crossing his arms over his chest. "I am."

"I'm aware, sir," Jackson says, holding his gaze. "But I have ideas for how Clark could use these skills in battle that move beyond sitting in a blind, waiting to be taken out by another sniper."

"And why would we need to know those?" the Captain enquires, his voice low, letting Jackson know he's on dangerous ground.

"Because," Jackson says, perfectly even. "I don't intend to let Clark go into battle without me at her side at every moment. So you're going to need to decide whose skills to emphasize on the field - either sending me up in a blind with her or teaching her to sharp shoot on the move."noveldrama

The Captain balks a bit at Jackson's gall. "That's not your call to make, Cadet," he growls.

"With all respect, sir," Jackson says, raising his chin, "it doesn't matter whether or not it's my call. If you're putting her on a battlefield it will be with me at her side. And I suspect Rafe and Jesse Sinclair will have the same response, as well as Luca Grant."

The Captain glowers darkly, looking between Jackson and I, realizing that Jackson's entirely serious. I lift my own chin in kind, letting him know that it's a fact. "I'm sorry, sir," I say. "We don't mean to be insubordinate. It is a fact though - we won't be separated."

The Captain doesn't respond, clearly displeased that we're calling the shot, but he takes a deep breath and moves on from it. Even if he does, I'm very aware that the Captain did not agree to what Jackson and I have laid out, a fact that gives me significant pause.

"What is this you're talking about," the Captain says, studying Jackson, "sharp shooting on the move? It would be a useful skill, but she still needs a great deal of training with the sniper rifle - I won't have her turned away from it. We need

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shipers in this war and she's shaping up to be one of the best."

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"I understand, sir," Jackson says, nodding precisely. "What I have in mind won't take away from her sniping practice at all. Just..." he purses his mouth in thought for a moment, "if we could have access to some of the weapons from the Games? The paintball guns? A shorter-range rifle, I think he says, glancing at the bag slung over my back that holds my precious sniper rifle, "could work."

The Captain sighs and shakes his head, looking down at the ground. “If we weren't training you for

command, McClintock," he says, "this could be considered insubordination. But we are

and frankly, it's a good idea. He sighs, looking back up and between us. "If it interferes at all with her sniping, it ends. But until then," he shrugs, "you can have access to the supplies you need."

My eyebrows raise as the Captain freely gives Jackson the code to the gun cage where the supplies for the Games are kept, telling him to keep strict records of those he uses and to ensure that everything is returned at the end of practice sessions.

"I'm proud of you, Clark," the Captain says after Jackson thanks him for his trust. He comes forward a step or two and claps a hand on my shoulder. “You did fine shooting yesterday at the Games. I'll look forward to seeing your further progression."”