The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0610

"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."

Jackson says, holding his gaze. "But I have ideas for how Clark could use these

we need to know those?" the Captain enquires, his voice low, letting Jackson

need to decide whose skills

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

gall. "That's not your call to make, Cadet,"

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

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

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

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