Can We Teach Them? (Sequel to Can You Teach Me?)

Chapter 13 Owen

Chapter 13 Owen

Bootcamp week 9 (starting Aug 7th)

"Good morning Miss Sorensen, Mr. Morgan."  Owen greeted us formally as he walked in our cabin stiffly.

"Miss?  Mister?  I thought you were the one in charge?  What is this world coming to Stone?"  Sergeant Cane was right on Owen's heels.

"I show respect and gain respect in return."  Owen stated monotonously.

"Poppycock!  Respect is demanded.  When it's not given, it is extracted."

"You rule your camp how you will, I lead my team as I see fit.  The result is the same." 

"The result isn't the same, and you know it Stone!  Why else would the Elders need the Toma team here?  Because they needed an individualized, one on one, ass beating, that's why."

"Hmmm."  Owen hummed.

Sergeant Cane looked over at Victor with his constipated shark grin, "It worked, don't you agree, Dap?  Those four will be Academy material before you know it."

I squeaked, "They are going to be representing the Academy in two weeks?  Are you nuts?"

"Not as a team, no.  Each will be placed on separate teams until they no longer need constant supervision."

Victor cut in, "Not to interrupt, but is there something we can help you with?  We have a weekly FaceTime meeting to get to before breakfast."

"Oh, right.  I almost forgot.  I was just telling Stone about the progress the Toma team has made in just one week with our camp delinquents.  Then we arrived here and I couldn't let Dap go without saying goodbye."  Sergeant Cane reached out toward Victor, hand open in invitation to shake it.  As they shook, Cane continued, "I am a huge fan!  Huge!  Have been for years.  Maybe we can get a special performance at our commencement ceremony in two weeks?"  He asked hopefully.

With a tight smile, Victor nodded.  "That can be arranged."  He then withdrew his hand, stepping closer to me.  I laced my fingers in his, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Owen stepped in front of us, motioning towards the door.  "Sorry to cut this short, Sergeant Cane, but we do have a meeting to get to."

"Right.  Sorry.  I'll just..." he motioned at the door before leaving.

Owen turned around, the corner of his mouth slightly upturned, one eyebrow raised, "Dap?"

Victor mimicked Owen, "Stone?"

I giggled, nodding at how well Cane had named my men from his perspective.  Victor chuckled, "Cane said I was very Dapper.  He shortened it to Dap."

"Ahhhh."  Owen pointed at his chest, "Cold as Stone, ergo Stone."  He chuckled under his breath.

Just then our FaceTime connected and North bellowed, "Tell me those little dîckheads got their ásses handed to them!"

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"Bye, see you all next week!"  I waved and blew kisses.  The guys playfully fought for the imaginary kisses like they were a grand slam ball hit in the bottom of the ninth inning at the World Series.  It melted my heart.

"I have to go now Princess, but we will all see you next week."  He pulled me up to standing and I stumbled into his chest.  "Are you okay?"

"Yes.  You just pulled me up real quick and I got a little head rush."  The dizziness subsided quickly.  I gave him a firm hug.  I hate saying goodbye days!