Worth the Risk (Closed)

[Armphid]

So they'd gotten some kind of score for their performance on the range? Marcus felt a sudden and strong desire to know what it was and how it measured up. The base commander had said that their score was "amazing," what did that mean?

However, he had to put that on the back burner. To his great shock, Annika...Doctor Jacobs, he reminded himself, spoke openly to them about her divorce.

Marcus may be speaking out of turn but he shook his head, "I've had a lot of friends have their parents divorce, it's almost always ugly. But I'll say this Doctor Jacobs, any man who'd do something to get you to divorce him is an idiot in the first place, it's no wonder he can't see that he's wrong."

He then blushed, "Sorry, if I shouldn't have said anything, but...well, it's true." He was going to stick with what he said. How could anyone not want her around? How could anyone treat her poorly? It made him furious just thinking about it.

 

[Asa]

The actual soldiers all agreed till they saw Dr Briggs expression and quieted down. The base commander however not intimidated by the retired general piped up...

See even this green kid has more brains than that spoiled puke.

The general shot him a glance as the.base commander just smiled. Annika.just smiled.


That is very kind of you to say in light of my having to fly back for.court tomorrow so after all of this no class for two days till I get back.

 

[Armphid]

There were disappointed "Ohh's" and "awww's" from several of the students gathered. Marcus agreed with them but also understood; this was something she had to do until it was all sorted out.

Despite the presence of the soldiers and two high ranked officers, he spoke up again, "I, uh, we'll miss you and your class for sure, Doctor Jacobs. I hope it all goes well for you though. It can't feel good to have something like that just hanging unfinished."

Dave gave him a light prod with an elbow and raised an eyebrow. Marcus flushed a bit but just shrugged at his friend. "So, what now, ma'am? Are we done at the base or is there more for us to do? Or to see?"

 

[Asa]

The General and my team will give you all a tour while I go get your results and check on a few things.

She smiled amazed a the difference she seemed to have made in these students lives in such a short time. Nodding to Briggs and the.others she.followed the base commander to.get.the.results.

 

[Armphid]

Marcus and the other students watched her go, then turned as Dr. Briggs cleared his throat. The retired general turned academician nodded to the throng of young people, "All right, everyone. Since we're out here already, we'll start by taking you to some of the other live fire and practice ranges."

Dave raised his hand, "Uh, Doctor Briggs, General, um...what should we call you?"

He shook his head, "Doctor Briggs is fine, I'm retired from the military. Now then, let's get moving. There's a lot to see at a base like this."

The tour was both long and impressive. Doctor Briggs seemed to want them to see all the sides of the military; the soldiers training and working out, the specialists working on equipment and vehicles, as much of the full experience as they could have. It was a real eye opener for many of the students; many of whom had thought of the military as brutal or cruel.

In some ways, it was like campus, just with more uniforms, guns, and a clear and unbending hierarchy.

 

[Asa]

Annika was gone a couple more days than anticipated and Dr Briggs filled in till she returned. She was still on edge her first day back teaching class not to mention favoring her right wrist a little. Her former team also seemed to just "drop by" alot for the next several days. Dr Briggs could be heard down thehall from his office chewing someone out almost daily as well. Then everything calmed and it was life back to normal for a while.

 

[Armphid]

Marcus grew worried when Doctor Briggs was in class for Doctor Jacobs. he could tell the retired officer was displeased as well but could get no answers from him. He actually got a stern talking to from the department head after asking again about his teacher the third day and insisting on being told something. He'd stood his ground against the academien but still learned nothing.

Then she was back. But she wasn't the same. Something had happened. The first day back in class she was on edge and unsettled, almost snapping a few times. Several people he didn't know also dropped by in the hallways of the history department to see Doctor Jacobs.

He'd gotten another chewing out from Doctor Briggs for trying to come to Doctor Jacobs' office hours the second day she was back. He wasn't the only one; apparently he was biting the heads off of students, graduate students, faculty, custodians, almost anyone.

However, the college boy would not be put off so easily. He was back the next day, intercepted by another faculty member. And the day after that, and the day after that. The professors doing so agreed to leave messages with Doctor Jacobs but he didn't know if they did so.

Then it all seemed to have blown over.

Marcus rapped on Doctor Jacobs door. Today he'd been able to avoid anyone who could intercept him and get him away from her. "Doctor Jacobs, it's Marcus Coulson, ma'am. I'm here for your office hours, may I come in?"

 

[Asa]

Yes Mr Coulson come in.

Her voice calm and back in command as she sat there behind her desk. Shoving some.papers away and putting them in her briefcase she looked over as he walked in.

What brings you in today Mr Coulson?

Her eyes emotionless as she watched him her facial expression just as professional as it was on base as she waited for him to answer.

 

[Armphid]

Marcus opened the door and felt his heart pounding harder as he walked into her office. Doctor Jacobs was looking up at him with emotionless eyes and a mask-like expression on her face. He didn't like that; her expression before had been different. Cool and collected, yes, but not so bleak.

The youth took a deep breath and then closed the door behind him. This could be a very bad idea but he said what he thought. "Well, I could lie and say I wanted help with one of your assignments but the truth is that I wanted to come and see you, Doctor Jacobs." He wanted to look down at his feet or away out the window but he forced his gaze to meet and stay focused on her powerful eyes. "It's none of my business and if you want to tell me off the way Doctor Briggs did for trying to talk to you sooner, feel free, but I wanted to know if...if you're all right. It seems like something happened, and I'm not asking what, but are you okay? And...is there anything I can do to help you?"

He shrugged, "I mean, I can help take messages or file stuff for you or anything you like, but if there's something I can do to make things a little easier on you or take some pressure off, I'd like to. Please."

 

[Asa]

Briggs and the others can be over protective Mr. Coulson. I can't really think of anything right now but you are we'll me to hang around here if you like. I just have to mail some paperwork back to my attorney.

She sighed trying to relax. Still favoring her wrist a little and trying not to aggravate it any as she did her work.

 

[Armphid]

He sighed but nodded, smiling a little, "I'd be glad to stay, thank you." Marcus sat in the unoccupied chair in the office, trying to keep out of the way but also watch her closely.

Her favoring her wrist was obvious and he hesitated a moment before speaking up again, "Doctor Jacobs, I know that the student med center is pretty good and I'm sure the university covers you. How did you hurt your hand?"

He should probably be quiet but he was honestly worried about her.

 

[Asa]

Its... nothing Ma... Mr Coulson. I'm fine ...

She glanced up with a smile to further convince him that there was no need for worry. What reason did her student have to know about her ex husbands temper or the fact that a love she once felt for that man gave him this edge over her knowing she would never use her full training on a civilian. She looked up as there was another knock on her door.

Come in...

Dr Briggs walked in and immediately started to say something to Marcus but she cut him off.

You or anyone else block any of my students from my office we will haves very big problem hi and I general... Is that clear?

Her told lethal but deadly calm as Dr. Briggs whipped his head back around to her and nodded with a very clear look of full understanding on his face.

 

[Armphid]

She almost called him by his name. It made him want to stand up and cheer. But that bubbly jubilation was dampened by her insistence that nothing was wrong. Something was clearly wrong. She was hurt and trying to hide it. "It looks like it hurts. I could go and get you some asprin or something at least."

Before she could respond, there was a knock and once she gave permission, Doctor Briggs came in. The department head's eyes locked onto him and Marcus gave the older man an apologetic smile. The retired officer opened his mouth to speak but Doctor Jacobs cut him off.

The teen felt sure that Dr. Briggs would take his frustration at being so firmly chided by Doctor Jacobs out on him later...but it was kind of worth it. She wanted to see her students no matter what, and...he could think of it as she wanted to see him. Even if it was just as one of her many charges.

Doctor Briggs grimaced but nodded, "I understand, Doctor. I simply wished to give you some space but your dedication to the students is commendable." he gave a considering look to Marcus. "If you have your documents ready I wanted to let you know that the fax machine is ready whenever you need to use it. I also wanted to see if you had any items you wanted to add for the department meeting next week."

 

[Asa]

I will get to the fax machine in a little bit unless you would be willing to fax them for me Briggs.

She then looked to Marcus realizing he was not going to give up on this and realized it was the.perfect way to get them both out of her hair for even a little bit. She smiled to them though her smile to Briggs was a very clear message of not to be upset with her student period.

 

[Armphid]

Marcus could see the trap springing shut on him. But he'd also said he'd do whatever he could to help her out. If she did want a little peace, then he could do this for her to assist her and be out of her way.

"Nice move, Doctor Jacobs," he said. Then he stood up, "If you'd like, ma'am, I'll fax those for you. I know how to use a fax machine and I'm sure you and Doctor Briggs both have more important things to do."

 

[Asa]

She knew he wanted.to.fax the.papers so he could get information and more aptly the truth. It was sweet bug why would this.young man care so much. It brought the briefest of smiles to her lips as she looked to Briggs

You know my normal ideas to the.board just use those Briggs. Beyond that I leave the.faxing.to.you two figure it out I am goin to go get food.

 

[Armphid]

The older man and the teenage both just stepped aside as Doctor Jacobs left to get lunch and leave them to deal with her documents. There was a slight smile that played about her lush lips for just a few moments and it made Marcus' heart both ache and beat faster.

When she'd passed, the two looked at one another. Marcus felt uneasy being under the scrutiny of Doctor Briggs. The man had a lot of clout and power at the school, and possibly outside of it being a retired general. If he wanted to, he could make Marcus' life hell pretty easily. The older man's gaze was steady and measuring; his eyes slightly narrowed.

Marcus met that direct, measuring stare without flinching or looking away. He didn't know what the department head thought of him and understood the man was suspicious. All the same, he wasn't about to back down. He'd come here to help Doctor Jacobs and he was going to do it. He cared about her; a lot more than just her being his favorite teacher.

After a few moments of silent staring, Marcus slowly reached out to pick up the papers from where Doctor Jacobs had left them. "I'll just take these to the office and get them faxed off then, Doctor Briggs. I'm guessing they're important enough to get sent right away."

Briggs measuring gaze didn't waver but the corners of his lips did quirk up a bit for a moment. The kid had guts. "All right. You know where the office is, just ask our Admin there and she'll show you where the fax is."

Marcus' surprise showed on his face but he just nodded, "Thank you, Doctor Briggs." The college student carefully shifted the papers into his hands and the two exited Doctor Jacobs' office, shutting the door behind them.

They walked up the hallway in silence before Doctor Briggs stopped at the door of another faculty member. "You behave yourself with Doctor Jacobs, Mr. Coulson," he said. "She's a good mentor and an excellent teacher, a hell of a soldier and a fine woman and she doesn't need any more headaches."

Marcus paused only for a moment in his walk to the office, "I'm not here to be a headache and if I am one, I except she'll tell me so and I'll respect that." But he wasn't going to be pushed around by Briggs or anyone else on the matter. Doctor Jacobs' opinion was the one that mattered. With that he went up the hallway to the office and the cheery administrative assistant took him back to the fax machine before returning to her desk.

He was tempted to look at the papers. They'd answer his questions, he was sure of it. But at the same time, it wasn't his business. This was Doctor Jacobs' private life here and if she didn't want to share it with him then he should respect that too.

But he wanted to know. And he wanted her to trust him enough to share what had happened, what her life was.

So he could use these to find out now or try and earn that trust. He sighed, "And I thought classes were going to be the hard part about college."

When Annika returned to her office, the documents were resting on her briefcase with the fax reciept page and a note from Marcus. "Dr. Jacobs, the fax went through fine. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you in person but I had another class to get to. I didn't look at them; maybe someday you'll tell me about it but it's your business and your call if I've earned the privilege. I'll see you in class tomorrow and your office hours too. Marcus."

 

[Asa]

Seeing the paperwork there she put it away and spotting his note she smiled. There was something different about Marcus. She realized she had nearly called him by his first name before... it was far too early and she was still far too set in her military academy ways to make a mistake like that this soon.

Perhaps oneday she would explain to her class about her divorce and all of that since in its own.way it was a war.

 

[Armphid]

Marcus didn't bring up her favoring her hand or ask about what had happened again; it was her choice if she ever wanted to tell him and he meant that. Not only was it a matter of principle and integrity but it mattered to him that Doctor Jacobs could see him as a person of principle, not just a student.

He shouldn't want her to see him as anything else. Marcus knew what was happening, he was crushing on her already, and starting to fall into something deeper. He should turn away; she wouldn't be interested in a boy like him, after all...but what if she was?

The earnest young man was one of the most common contributors in class, asking questions and offering examples, and he made an appearance at almost every one of Doctor Jacobs' office house. He would also ask if there was anything he could do to help her out and how she was doing, ending up doing small errands for her now and then. But he also came to ask more about the things they were studying; asking for additional reading or her take on certain things the textbook said. He did want to know, of course, but he also just liked to hear that warm voice talk with such certainty and command and see her gorgeous, strong eyes brighten.

He was also busy with the plans for the new ROTC proposal. Though he was just a freshman, he was one of the students most involved with it. He spent many of his hours out of class talking to other students about it, gathering support and signatures for petitions.

 

[Asa]

After a few more weeks.of.class and the constant presence of Mr Coulson in her office she had started to warm up to talking to him about more then class and ROTC. She had barely realized that she had been opening up a little to him but did not tell him the full reason why everyone was so protective of her when she would get back.

Sitting back she glanced over at him and smiled a little as she had some lunch letting him.do some filing and transcribing for her. It was nice to have the help and company.

 

[Armphid]

Marcus fingers flew over the keyboard, typing out the transcription Doctor Jacobs had asked for, his eyes trained on the text he was working from. Of all the things she had him do, this was the most interesting as it gave him insights not just into her or the class he was in but her other academic interests and the other courses she taught. She seemed a bit warmer to him lately, more open, a lot of the time when they spoke it wasn't just about class or the ROTC initiative but a little about each other.

Mostly he was the one sharing information but he didn't mind that. He had told her about growing up in the East in a small, rural town that had a small college of its own, about being in the Boy Scouts, going camping and canoeing, being an outdoorsman and kind of a geek all at once.

He was almost done with this transcription. Marcus looked up and over at Doctor Jacobs, as he did so often, just enjoying seeing her and watching her. He hoped she didn't catch him at it but then also wondered if she did what would come of it. Best not to find out probably; she'd already been very cool in accepting his presence and letting him assist her. He pulled his gaze back to the screen, "Doctor Jacobs, I'm almost done with this transcription. Were there any others for today?"

Marcus then paused, feeling his stomach knot. He took a deep breath. It was all right, he'd planned this. "You know, I saw that the Exhibition Center is showing a set of documentaries on the role of women in the military. Have you seen it yet?" Hell, for all he knew, she was one of the people who'd consulted or worked on it. "I was thinking of going to check it out tonight, maybe get Dave and some of the others to go. Uh, if you wanted, it'd be great if you came along. Kind of an unofficial class function, right?" And a way to go out with her without actually going out with her; a test of the waters, so to speak.

 

[Asa]

If I run into students from my class outside o the school I can be sociable and talk to them sour I get the chance to I may see you all there. No more transcripts for today and I do have another class to get to.

She smiled standing as she watched him for a.moment as he finished up. She was relying on him a little now and enjoyed his help and company maybe she would go see the film.

 

[Armphid]

Well, it wasn't quite what he'd hoped to hear but it was still good news. If she went and they were there, she'd talk to them, at least. A good first step, if a compromise from what he wanted.

Of course, what he wanted...well. There was no way that was ever going to happen and he knew that. But he couldn't help from trying. She was too incredible not to; well worth any risk in his mind.

"All right. Maybe I'll see you later then, Doctor Jacobs." He pushed his chair back and stood, picking up his satchel. Marcus gave her a fond smile and a little wave as he left her office, "Good luck with class!"

Hours later, the young man was milling around the showcases in the Exhibition Center. He'd decided to go to tonight's showing, even though almost everyone he'd talked to had bailed; Dave was supposed to make it though. Partly it was just out of genuine interest in the documentary but a small part of him also hoped that Doctor Jacobs would show up.

 

[Asa]

She could see him but saw no one else from class and knew that with only one student it might look bad and appearances must be kept not that she would not mind relaxed less formal.time with him the closer they grew. She knew she should not want time like that with a student. It was not right it was inappropriate what would a fine young student see in a professor anyways. It was a silly thought that she dismissed seeing other students walk over to Marcus and then slipped from he hidden vantage.

Hello students...

 

[Armphid]

Marcus waved at Dave as the smaller, dark-skinned boy approached with two of the other students from their classes. "Hey guys! Glad you could make it."

One of them, an athletic girl named Ruth red hair and freckles, nodded in greeting as the group came to a halt. "Hey. Hope this is good; I'm not usually a documentary kind of girl." She'd been one of the other students interested in the ROTC, Marcus suspecting she liked the idea of being a kick-ass woman who beat up guys right and left.

The other was a big and burly sophomore named Joe, "I'm just hoping there's lots of hot tough chicks in it."

Before any of them could respond to that, Doctor Jacobs seemed to come from out of nowhere and greet them. They jumped and there was a series of surprised, staggered looks.

Marcus recovered first, "Doctor Jacobs! It's really great to see you! I'm glad you could come." His smile was broad and earnest and his eyes were bright as he met her gaze. "Should we go into the theater?"