Worth the Risk (Closed)

[Asa]

Dr. Annika Jacobs reclined propped up against a couple of pillows on the lavish king sized bed. Feeling the warmth of the body resting against her brought a soft smile to her lips. A messy divorce driving her half way across the country just to get away from the petty garbage her ex was so deft at creating. Taking on a job and residence in a town that skirted the base of a mountain. It was beautiful land and the cabin she was able to get was nothing less than a dream. Isolated... Stunning views from any of the massive windows.

Sinking deep into her thought she reminisced over Her old friend getting her the job at this prestigious school... The first year dragging by with little to distract her beyond teaching class attending functions that her old friend would drag her to so that everyone could get to know her. Now her second year however has brought with it risk... danger... and desire with a pair of soulful eyes strong arms chiseled body and a desire to love and please...

There was risk there and yet she didn't care... there were somethings... some people worth the risk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sitting there on the bed she could not help but reminisce fingertips caressing the sleeping form next to her...

Dr. Annika Jacobs

Moving half way across the country had almost been enough to get away from the crap her ex loved causing. An old friend Jack Briggs had talked her into taking on a teaching job in a standard University instead of the military academies she had been used to teaching in before. She had been a soldier... but not even war could match the horror of the hell of divorcing her ex so getting a break from everything military was just what the "Dr" ordered. She could get away with that since Jack was a Psychology Professor and Dean of the department.

She taught ancient and Military studies... not a favorite class for many of the students but many were surprised that the new Professor for this boring class was younger than 40 and female. One year teaching was out of the way and now she prepared for her second year and yet another bunch of students that she knew half of them didn't want to be there so her intro topic on the board was always used to thin the herd as it were.

"The Ultimate manipulation... Sex as a cause or cure for war throughout history.*

She stood there in a fairly conservative black pants suit with a dusty purple blouse her eyes scanning the classroom watching all the either intrigue shock or disgust at the topic on the board and the very hard edged Military appearing yet very female professor standing by the desk in the lecture hall.

 

[Armphid]

Another wind swept fall of staggering beauty in the shadow of the mountains had begun, the weather chilling now just to be point of perfection after the relentless summer heat. Another fall meant more students for the bustling little college town, the school and the tourists who came for the outdoors the supports of the community.

A number of those students filed into the small auditorium style classroom in Sherman Hall, some chatting, many more poking and tapping away at their phones. One of them, a lean young man with the dark skin of Indian ancestry and a bushy head of hair glanced back at the taller youth behind him, "So how old you think Dr. Jacobs is going to be? I'm thinking he'll be 65 at least, totally wearing tweed and elbow patches."

"Dave, what does that have to do with anything?" Marcus Coulson shook his head and shifted the strap of his messenger bag back a bit further on this shoulder. "As long as he knows his stuff, I'll be happy." He was taller than the nascent friend he'd met in the dorms by quite a bit, standing at 6'5" tall with a strong build that was sleekly powerful; muscles clearly defined and built yet without sacrificing grace and agility. He was handsome but his features were rugged and a bit rough-hewn, though he would surely clean up very well. His eyes were a deep, rich brown, emotive and piercing, and his hair was a somewhat shaggy mass of wavy reddish brown locks that fell down almost to his jawline; clean but styled more by the wind than anything else.

He was wearing a dark blue t-shirt with a stylized gold lion's head on it that fit well across his strong, broad shoulders and slightly tapering upper body, as well as a pair of worn but clean blue jeans and stout hiking boots. He'd stuffed his jacket into his bag, the day not quite cool enough yet for it.

"Knows his stuff?" Dave shook his head as the two dormmates entered the classroom, "Dude, if I can keep awake in this class, I'll count it a victory. I mean, Ancient and Military Studies?"

"It's fascinating," Marcus disagreed. "I can't wait to see what-" He cut off as he walked into the smaller youth, almost knocking him over, "Whoa! Sorry, Dave. You all right? Why'd you..."

He didn't finish the question because the answer was obvious. Doctor A. Jacobs was definitely not 65, nor wearing tweed or elbow patches, nor a man. She was young and fit, dressed professionally and with class, her features clean and lovely, keen eyes large and expressive, lips full, her hair a lustrous black glory. She carried herself with a strong and confident bearing; something that screamed military in her stance and mannerisms.

He felt immensely glad that they were early.

Marcus and Dave both slid into seats near in one of the upper back rows, not all the way back however. Marcus looked past the crisp, striking woman to the subject on the board and his eyes widened and then became speculative. "The Ultimate Manipulation?"

 

[Asa]

Her eyes in a hawk like nature watching each student in turn. Several looking mortified at the topic. A few snickering some seeming to sink into thought while others seemed simply too shocked for much thought or words. Once everyone was in the class she introduced herself called roll and asked if any of her history majors could name 3 wars literary or historically were spawned at least in part by someone having sex with someone they should not have. Or wars that were ended or avoided by the marriage sex and offspring of certain peoples and lands. She watched as many students began to actively think on her question and slowly a few scattered hands raised. She wrote down the answers given and then added some that most history books ignore the more romantic solutions or.sacrifices made.

The class seemed.to pass quickly without her class realizing just how many notes they had taken or just how much they had really learned. She knew well how to keep them engaged and thinking while he two hour class passed along smoothly. She had noticed him but it was just a case of another student another young man who would be that vision of what she was too wounded to open up to. Plus he was what ... 18 or 19... too young for her and Jack actually suspected she might just scare staff and students alike. He was always looking for that shock value and keep people on their toes se one guessing everything. Him hiring her was met with question and speculations untilled he had dragged her to enough functions and people got used to her and.began.to.open up to her and she.learned to deal with civillians.

The comments.from students always amused him. Too afraid to fall asleep in her class fearful they would wake up shot. Or how unnerving it was to have a former soldier as an instructor... ancient how she was unbelievable in her ability to make.a class they were sure was going to be boring intensified actually fun.

She dismissed the class from their first day with a recommendation to choose even just one of the historical listings on the board and see if the could do what often kids younger than them had done for their nations and families.

 

[Armphid]

The class was amazing; totally unlike what he had hoped for and yet surpassing his expectations by a country mile. He'd anticipated something more conventional; starting with tactical or strategic concepts but the topic had been an utter surprise and far more involved than he ever would have thought.

Sex and war...he'd never thought before on how related they were.

He'd offered up a few examples when she'd asked them to come up with three, "The Roman kings were overthrown because of the rape of Lucretia, Henry V's invasion of France ended when he married the French princess, and..." Troy was just too easy, "I guess it's Rome again, it's said that Romulus was able to found Rome because he and his men took the Sabine women to make them their wives, though I'm not sure if that counts."

Their eyes met for a moment and the intensity and scrutiny of those keen eyes made him almost want to turn away. But he held her gaze, his own eyes eager and curious. A hint of a smile was on his lips as she moved on, getting the next example someone had.

The rest of the class flew by. He'd never seen anyone so in control of a class as she was; he had no doubt there was some military background to her now. Even before it ended he knew it was the best class he was going to have that day.

He made a few notes when they were dismissed of items on the board that he could look up and read a little about and make a brief report on. It would be fun, actually. History was something he was interested in, and military history in particular, but he'd never thought of this angle before.

As they were filing out, Marcus broke away to approach her, "Doctor Jacobs? I wanted to ask if I could come to your office hours tomorrow to talk about this assignment." It was somewhat intimidating to stand in front of her with her powerful bearing and presence but also there was an electric and thrilling quality to it. "This is a subject I never thought about before and I'd like to talk more about it. Maybe you could recommend some books too?"

 

[Asa]

My office hours are listed on your introduction to the class paperwork. That is perfectly alright as I said my oofice door is always open to my students who need additional help.

She smiled though never losing that professional demeanor glancing at this young man before her. Years ago... another time and place those looks and those eyes... she quickly dismissed those thoughts. Her life far too different and far too hellish for anything so... tender.

She watched his eyes though carefully gauge his sincerity on the subject. She had another class arriving soon as she turned to clear off the examples from the board from this class so the others could get a chance to possibly name others this class had not thought of.

The next day she listened as each student who wished to present their findings. She listened watching the other students some still balked at the subject material and their classmates eagerness to really discuss it. Her class roster would be down by ten students. More than likely loosing another ten to fifteen by the end of the semester.

She suspected however he would still be there.

 

[Armphid]

That focus and strong, professional front never wavered for an instant but her smile was still warming and he felt his heart beat a bit faster. God, she was gorgeous. It probably wasn't a good idea to think about his teacher like that but it was just the truth.

He smiled back, "Great! Thanks, Doctor Jacobs. I'll see you tomorrow!" The youth nodded and turned, walking away from the striking professor.

The next day, Marcus was one of the first to volunteer what he'd found. Unlike some of the others, he warmed to the subject and talked about how investigating Henry V and Catherine, he'd found other examples of sex stopping wars, even going back to the Peloponnesian War. Even in ancient times, the ability of women to give or deny sex had been used to alter conflicts in a way he'd never expected before.

It seemed like a lot of the students were still uncomfortable with the whole subject. Not that many presented and he was actually disappointed. How could they not get into this?

As he spoke, his eyes moved to the sultry and authoritative figure of the professor, looking for some sign of her thoughts on what he'd brought to share with the class. He met her gaze more than once, trying to read what was there in part, but also because he found that he rather liked her eyes.

 

[Asa]

She had to remind herself to relax some as she smiled slightly listening to presentations. After all these are not military cadets but standard civilian students. Once all the presentations were done added little points here and there about how vastly different things could have gone if clearer minds had prevailed as well as pointing out the impact other decisions would have had on modern time. How if one man or one woman had done even one thing differently... married choice A instead of choice B what could have happened. What countries might still be around and what kingdoms might not have lasted as long as they did.

As some of you know thanks to Dr Briggs... Yes I have served with several world militaries including the US military. Ladies and Gentlemen in many countries there is a standing law that everyone man or woman serves in the military and ladies that includes front lines special forces covert ops ... you name it. Throughout history woman have been unparalleled spies in cunning deception desire and sheer willpower. For those that are not squeamish look up what some women did to injure soldiers rather intimately during Vietnam.

There are even tribes where the women are the fiercest warriors and the men tea h the children to hunt fight build etc. Before anyone says it yes the Amazons are a good yet extreme example.

She smolders more as she relaxed more and even sat up on the massive table in the front of the lecture hall with her legs relaxed though crossed at the ankles as she sat there.

Gentlemen in matters about women in combat. You are the weaker sex and that's nothing to be ashamed of. While chivalry is not that old of a concept the desire to protect is strong in both genders. But for many recent centuries the man being the only person who can fight or go to war has made you believe and many women believe that they are incapable of fighting. Luckily slowly that sentiment is changing. And with that class is dismissed.

She hopped down off the table a.d. ollectd her things together to go get lunch then to her office.

 

[Armphid]

Marcus' attention never strayed from the beautiful and now certainly strong and deadly professor as she lectured. She'd served in several militaries...fascinating. Which ones? What had she done? She must have incredible stories and experiences.

It made him feel a little daunted. After all she'd seen and done, what could he talk to her about that would be interesting at all?

Which was also a dangerous thing to think about a professor who could probably delete him with her eyes closed, his height and weight advantage notwithstanding. But it was hard not to; she became more and more incredible the more he learned about her.

What she said about women fighting and working in the military he knew a little about. There were a number of stories about women spies in the Civil War, in WWI and WWII.

As he gathered his books and went to lunch, his mind kept coming back to one of the things she'd said. Gentlemen in matters of women in combat you are the weaker sex and that's nothing to be ashamed of. He turned it over in his head, seeing the meaning but still not certain of it.

Marcus was pretty quiet as he and Dave went for lunch at a nearby dining hall. He split from his friend on their way back to the dorms and made his way back across campus.

He felt nervous and excited as his eyes followed the numbers that would lead him to Dr. Jacobs office. Finding it, he took a deep breath and checked his phone again to make sure the time was right. Early to class was good; early to her office hours, probably less so.

Marcus knocked twice on the door. "Doctor Jacobs, it's Marcus Coulson. May I come in? If you're not busy. I did want to talk about class and what we've been learning."

 

[Asa]

Yes Mr Coulson come in.

She was sitting at her desk her jacket hanging over the arm of the couch against the far wall. Her hair was down as she sat there looking over some paperwork that the quickly stuffed away with a sigh. Clearly glad to be distracted from whatever it was.

Well then what has caught your interest so early about my class?

She looked over with a slightly smile.

 

[Armphid]

Wow.

With her hair down like that and her suit jacket off, Doctor Jacobs looked even better. Okay, he really, really should not crush on his teacher.

"It's strange to be called Mr. Coulson," he said with a chuckle, "you can call me Marcus or even Marc if you want, Doctor Jacobs. Thanks again."

Now that he was here, his nerves had increased in power. Her presence was so enthralling and so powerful. "A lot of things, actually, uh, ma'am. It's not what I expected at all, in any way. You're so much better than what I thought the teacher would be like and then the material...it's all things I'd never thought about before!"

"I was curious about a few things, but one I wanted to ask about was something you said as class was ending." The tall youth flushed a bit and recited, "Gentleman in matters of women in combat you are the weaker sex and that's nothing to be ashamed of," you said. Could you go into that a little more?"

 

[Asa]

She laughed a little at him talking about how she was not what he expected and the surprise angle of the material

I guess you an chalk that up to teaching in military academies for the past couple of years. As for calling you Mr Coulson be glad it wasn't cadet Coulson.

She laughed a little then hearing his question.

Your gender for the most part have fallen into this ingrained belief that women need protecting and that we faint like proper high society China doll women during the heyday if chivalry. And that has been the downfall of many a man and the detriment of many a woman who could have had a great path of command.

Your young friend from India... everyonein his country serves a minimum of two years in the military.... with nearly no exception even physical in most cases.

She watched his eyes... so full of life and wonder... and depth. She dismissed any further thoughts with no sign of any thoughts betrayed on her face or in her eyes.

 

[Armphid]

Her laugh brought a smile to his face, even though he faintly wondered if she was laughing at him. Marcus didn't mind as much as he thought he might; the beauty the smile brought to her face was enough to lighten any sting from the laugh.

"I wouldn't mind serving under you, Doctor Jacobs." He then flushed, "Uh, I mean, military academies, that's really cool." Everything about her was cool.

Her explanation made sense. "So if I had to fight against a woman, I'd be at a disadvantage because I'd underestimate her. But it also keeps men on the same side from taking women soldiers seriously. That's a waste of talent." He hesitated, "Is...that why you're teaching here instead of in the military now? I mean, it's obvious people would follow you."

He then flushed a bit, "Sorry if that was too personal, ma'am." Um, mandatory military service, do you think that's a good thing? I mean, I know some ex-military types don't, I mean, is it...all right that if someone isn't in the military or hasn't served?"

 

[Asa]

She knew why his words made him blush so you so eager for physical contact within the sexual realm flooding young minds. There was the briefest of thoughts gone nearly before acknowledging it as she continued listening to him talk.

A near cross country move at the recommendation of Dr Briggs to help me put some distance between myself and a toxic situation of a non military variety. This was the job he could help me get so here I am. But there is a military base just down the road if I get homesick.

So... whatelse would you like to discuss... Mr Coulson?

 

[Armphid]

Marcus' smile was honest and sheepish at once, "I hope we can make you feel welcome, Doctor Jacobs. I, uh, the students, the school, we'd all lose out if you went elsewhere."

She was so controlled, so in command. It was remarkable to witness. Those brilliant, sharp eyes were always on him yet neither they nor her full lips gave anything away.

Her question brought him up short. He didn't really have anything else...but he didn't want to go just yet either. "Uh, well," he took a deep breath, "Doctor Jacobs, I think I'd really like to learn more about what we've just been talking about. About the contributions and perceptions of women to war and sex in war. Can you recommend anything further for me to look at?"

Okay, that was really lame. It was true, he did want to learn more, but that was kind of a weak and obvious attempt to get more time with her, wasn't it?

"I, uh, I also was curious if...you did any research or anything using student assistance. Research assistant work-study kind of things, I mean." He felt incredibly foolish. "It's sudden, I know, I mean, it's only been two classes, but I've never been so...interested in anything or so inspired by someone before."

 

[Asa]

Actually yes. In two weeks I would love to be able to take my classes out to the base and let them see and get some quasi hands on experience in what our soldiers do. This is going to be a hard sell to the university who has shot down an ROTC program from day one. I think if enough students are interested and will sign therequest we might be able to give Dr Briggs the proof he would need to show the board this would be a good thing for the students. What do you think?

She then heard his compliment and was not really sure how to react the closest thing to a compliment in the academies was "watch out for Col Jacobs she will mop the floor with you if you disrupt her class."

Um... wow... thank you... I... I am glad I have made such an impact in such a short time.

 

[Armphid]

Marcus felt a stir of pride as she seemed honestly pleased and even a bit flustered by his compliment. He smiled and shrugged, flushing a bit again, "You really have. I've been thinking about you, uh, about your class I mean, all the time."

He didn't know the school didn't have an ROTC program. Was there tension between the school and the military? It had become a kind of oppositional paradigm since the 60's, though he knew from history that universities and the military were important to each other in the past.

"I'll get those signature for you, Doctor Jacobs. If you think it'd be good for us, then I definitely want to get the chance." Great! He could do something for her. Even if it was just a little thing, he liked that idea. "Give me the request form, ma'am, and I'll get more signatures than we need for it, my word on that." He paused, "Um, and maybe I can talk to some people and see if we can get a student petition going about an ROTC or at least looking into the option."

 

[Asa]

She smiled to him it was feeling a little more comfortable to her with a bit more military around her. Rushing her hair back behind her ear as she found the paper and as she handed him the papers she nodded to him...

I can give you till this coming Wednesday since I will have to have it to Dr Briggs in time for his meeting Friday morning. As for an ROTC program maybe the trip to the base will help stir up interest.

 

[Armphid]

God, that smile and the way she brushed her hair back behind her ear made his heart skip a few beats.

He really, really had to reel that it. She was a hard core military style woman who was smart, strong, and incredible. She probably had to beat guys off with a stick and not freshmen college students either.

Marcus took the papers gratefully, "This coming Wednesday, got it." He grinned, "Always fun to have a deadline; makes things a challenge. I won't let you down, ma'am." He tucked them under one arm, "I'm going to get started right away. Thank you for seeing me, Doctor Jacobs."

He smiled and inclined his head to the strikingly gorgeous and charismatic professor. Then he turned and headed out on his mission, determined to succeed.

 

[Asa]

The day of the trip rolled arround and as she told them all three of her classes were assembled in front of the building with Dr Briggs as a line of troop transport trucks drove up to meet them. Dr Briggs and a couple of fatigue clad soldiers helped the students into the transports. Dr. Riggs called out to everyone...

Dr Jacobs will be.meeting us there. She went on ahead to make sure everything is ready and safe as well as arranging an old team of hers that will be working with you. While you students will still be calling her Dr Jacobs you will hear the soldiers around you calling her Col.

With that the transports lurched back to life and followed the driveway back to the road then back home to the base.

 

[Armphid]

The transport trucks had not been what he was expecting; he'd thought they'd go to the base in bus or something. Marcus wasn't complaining though. He took a hand up form a uniformed soldier, "Thanks, sir," and then took a seat at the end of his vehicle.

The other students expressions were a mixed bag; some were excited as he was, though few were as excited, but a number were also nervous, some even afraid.

Dave was next to him as usual, looking more nervous than anything else. "Did they have to come get us in these trucks?"

"What's wrong with that?" Marcus looked at his friend in surprise, "It's actually cool that they picked us up in actual military gear."

"Yeah, I guess, but it's also kind of intimidating."

Marcus frowned and then reached up and grabbed one of the metal braces for the truck's canopy and pulled himself to a standing position, "Guys!" The students in the truck with him all turned to look at their classmate, "Don't be so worried! Doctor Jacobs is in total control, you know that. She's always in control and she wouldn't let anything bad happen. This is our military, they're here to protect us. They're on our side, so don't be scared. Let's see what they do and how we can take something positive from it!"

"Sir, you need to sit back down," said the fatigue wearing female soldier that was in the truck with them. He thought there might have been a hint of a smile on her face before she spoke though.

"Yes, ma'am. Sorry." Marcus shrugged and smiled, taking his seat back. Along the rows of students in the truck, a lot seemed to be considering what he'd said and by the time the trucks rolled into the base, the mood of the class seemed better.

 

[Asa]

When the transports pulled up she was standing there in black bdus with 4 others clad in various styles of camouflage. A table with various weapons laying on it and several full gear packs resting by the tables. The soldiers that brought them to the base saluted both Dr Briggs and Dr Jacobs before taking off to await orders to return the.students to campus. Dr Jacobs and the soldiers standing with her saluted Dr Briggs as he walked over telling them that was not needed and he was going to lunch with the base commander and left the students in her care.

Alright here is the agenda for today students. You will be divided into teams and taken through a live fire training simulation. This live fire simulation means you will be firing.g live rounds from the weapons you see before you. You WILL follow all orders given by myself or my team here before you. LT Davis...

When she called his name a mountain of a soldier in desert fatigues raised his hand. Clearly well over six foot and would make many a pro football player look puny.

Sgt. Edwards... a fairly wiry but toned man in Arctic camo raised his hand

Sgt Kavina... a woman steped forward in jungle camo raising her hand.

Lt Strakov... another fairly large but more sleek muscular man stepped forward in solid black bdus raising his hand.

Sgt Kavina will be working with the seniors. Lt Strakov and Lt Davis will be working with the largest group... sophomores Sgt Edwards has the Juniors and I will be working with freshmen... now lets get.you all geared up and packs on.

Withthat the other four sprang to action getting their respective groups split up and getting them.ready. Then e everyone was given weapons safety lessons and the simulation began one group at a time.

 

[Armphid]

Doctor Jacobs was the same potent and indomitable will as always but it was almost as if the scenery suited her better. She looked as sharp and beautiful as always in her black BDUs but the air of danger that was always around her was stronger and clearer.

Marcus thought it was interesting that Dr. Briggs was meeting with the base commander. Maybe he and Doctor Jacobs were going to take another stab at the ROTC thing. If so, he'd do all he could to help out.

He might even join up if it went through. He'd have to talk to Doctor Jacobs about it.

"Dude! Pay attention," Dave whispered, elbowing him.

"Sorry." He re-focused as their dynamic instructor as she introduced the officers that would be working with them. The students began to mill into different groups, surrounding the officers assigned to work with them.

The freshmen were the fourth largest group, the seniors being the fewest in number, and there being a large number of juniors, though there were clearly more sophomores than any of the others.

The first time he felt anything other than excited was during the weapons safety lesson. Marcus was not new to firearms; he'd handled shotguns and rifles in his time but nothing like this. Still, as Dr. Jacobs instructed, he knew that you didn't need to fear a weapon, just to respect it. Always respect it.

Doctor Jacobs had the class as much in control as she would have at the school or even more. Even the students who still looked a little afraid were composed as they were all loaded up with the packs lent to them and made their way to where the simulation was supposed to start.

His heart was pounding in his chest as the freshmen waited for their turn. he felt a bubbling, fierce excitement in his chest and was trying not to let his face split into a toothy grin.

 

[Asa]

Once the freshmens.turn rolled around there were many of the upper classmen either freaked.out at how.loud it all was or recoil or just way too intense with some students getting a little nauseous. Once on the simulation field that lethal command.edge intensified as she barked.orders as if it was her team.in the.field with her instead of a bunch of students. Leading them through each portion monitoring each and.everyone of them as they made their way through the course. Once on the other side they walked back around to the main group so the culd lose the heavy packs and any get aid for nausea if needed. A few moments later the base commander and Dr. Riggs walked up to the group. The base commander returned the salutes of the soldiers he turned to Dr Jacobs.

Col Jacobs... Annika the general has told me how you have these students ready to take on the board of directors to finally get an ROTC program. And the scores on the simulation by your students is amazing. So I hate to ask but how goes things outside of teaching and moving cross country... has the pompous prince figured out he does not have a leg to stand on and finally agreed to the more than fair terms?

Dr Jacobs shook her head. No still as pompous and determined as ever.

 

[Armphid]

They waited their turn and the tension grew with every moment. The freshmen's faces were pale and their hands sweaty. Most of them, anyway. Marcus still felt excitement, though it was tempered now. This was a real weapon in his hands, with real bullets. Even though this was a simulation, there was a reality to it that was solid in his hands.

The signal came and they surged out. Dr. Jacobs barked orders like the natural leader she was and even the most timid and frightened of the freshmen fell into line and obeyed. On her word they fanned out or retracted, fired this way or that, moving in tandem groups.

It was electric! His blood was singing in his veins, his heart pounding in his chest, and a fierce smile on his face the whole time. The retort of the weapons was loud; but it was like thunder to him, booming and magnificent.

He had no idea how long it had lasted once it was over. It had seemed as brief as a matter of minutes and hours long all at the same time; which fit with what he knew of the accounts of soldiers in their first, even simulated, firefight.

They deposited their heavy packs where instructed, also unloading and turning over their weapons before walking well around the simulation range and back to where they'd started. A few medics circulated to check on those who were nauseous or overexcited.

Marcus took a seat; his mind whirling. What he'd felt during that simulation...what had it meant? And Doctor Jacobs...God, she was amazing. The power of her will that he'd felt in the classroom had been unleashed out there and what a demonstration it was! She was like...a goddess of war, but also of learning. Athena. She reminded him of Athena.

Particularly because Athena was also supposedly beautiful as well; a triple threat, just like Dr. Jacobs.

Marcus was close enough to hear as Dr. Briggs and someone in a uniform who could only be the base commander appeared and approached. He couldn't help but blink in shock as he heard the officer speak. Dr. Briggs was a general? Holy fuck!

Well, that did explain how all this got set up...and why he met with the base commander at all. He considered the revealed general with speculative eyes as the man spoke about the students' scores. Had Dr. Briggs planned all of this for his new ROTC campaign?

He felt slightly used at that; they at least could have told them that's what this was really for.

However, he put that aside as they went on. Annika...so that was Doctor Jacobs first name. He smiled a bit foolishly; it was a pretty name too. Annika. As they went on, he felt curious but also suddenly worried. The way they were talking...was Dr. Jacobs married? He hadn't seen a ring on her finger. Divorced maybe?

That probably shouldn't be so important to him but it was. Marcus was honest enough with himself to know he was falling for Doctor Annika Jacobs fast and hard. But could she ever see him as more than just a student?

"Sorry to hear that. The arrogant idiot will figure out eventually though, I'm sure," the base commander went on.

 

[Asa]

Annular looked to them at the mention of scores then paused.

That's righht your base was one of the testing grounds for the new live fire simulators. Cross te threshold a.d in engages testing parameters every time. Since they were not wearing sensor tags it just tested the groups as a whole... I would love to see those scores.

She glanced around at her students and seeing looks of concern protective worry and confusion.

Divorce can be a bit of a headache especially when the one you are divorcing feels they are being attacked and they could have never done any wrong to cause this.