The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 0687

Jackson hesitates when he and Rafe turn the corner on the upper floor where the Captain's office is. He looks both ways, trying to decide which direction to go. "What's wrong?" Rafe asks, turning towards him with a frown.

"I'm supposed to meet Hank this morning," Jackson murmurs, looking down the hall to where their normal meeting room is. "I know the Captain wants to meet with us, but...if Hank did come, it would be rude to just let him sit there." Rafe smirks a little and nods to him. "It's fine - go let Hank know what's going on. But you know you don't have time for a full meeting with him, right?"

"No, I get it," Jackson says, running a hand through his hair and starting off down the hall. "I'll just go apologize and say it will have to wait."

"I'll stall the Captain," Rafe says, nodding seriously to his friend and starting down the hall to the office. "Come as soon as you can."

Jackson returns the nod and exhales, long and slow, before striding down the hall towards the usual door. When he turns the handle and pushes it open, he's not surprised to see the smaller man sitting in his chair, his laptop open before him, waiting. "McClintock," Hank says, nodding towards the chair. "Nice to see you today."

"I'm afraid I can't stay long, sir," Jackson says, quietly closing the door behind him and moving to the chair, taking his seat. "We've had some news."

"No worries, you're not breaking any secrecy pacts," Hank says, looking seriously at the young man before him. "The Captain told me this morning that my visit today is a bit of a wasted effort. Thank you for taking a moment to stop by, though." "I'm sorry," Jackson says seriously, "I wouldn't have wanted you to waste your time like this."

shrug, nodding towards the computer. "I've got enough here to keep me busy. All that's lost is a couple of wasted hours on a helicopter, which isn't a big deal, all things considered. I'll get a nap in on the way back." Jackson opens his mouth to ask if there's anything that Hank needs to know in the meantime, but then he pauses, his eyes falling

kid?" Hank asks, gentler than

staring hard at the floor, before raising his eyes

sir," he says quietly. "But do you

his

basically interacted

of incomplete

Community knowledge. Jackson!

asks as best he can, with complete clarity, but rarely - if ever

el:

Jackson is answering the questions because Ariel would want him to, because it helps her people, a group which includes the Community

the boy is hesitating