Verona wanted to experience a life full of challenges and no protection. She hoped at least the military school training of the new School, could give her the normal life moments she needed. Everyone got treated the same there. She had experience from survival camp of her old school so she had preparation. This school worked different and had its own rules and hierarchy... The activities were similar but there were visible differences in how things worked and were run.

Verona was standing in a line in military stance amongst her group of boys and girls that she was assigned with on her timetable that was due for military camp induction that period waiting in a field. It was going to be strange working under Ottavio. It was going to be interesting.

Throughout her life, Verona always got along with Ottavio and bonded with him. Now things hadn't changed much... But his feelings towards her had intensified for sure. After years of not seeing him she did feel she was still close to him but he felt she belonged to him.

Verona watched Ottavio appear from the woods and enter the field. She also saw Stanley followed him. Both captains entered the field. Ottavio looked serious but Stanley looked more relaxed. 

Ottavio reached the group and started walking along the line whole Stanley stood there at the side with his arms crossed looking almost bored. 

Ottavio addressed the group "I, Captain Ottavio Orsino and Captain Stanley Alistair from the Irish school would like to offer congratulations to all of you for being allocated to this particular group in this unit. You are one of the best of the best. Every single one of you. Every member in this unit had the highest scores. A few of you are transfer or exchange students or just joined. He stopped in front of Verona as he said that and winked. 

Verona did not react and knew Ottavio was making the most of the situation knowing she couldn't react. Ottavio remained standing in front of Verona "Some of you are a pleasure to teach and mentor. Believe me.... It would be my pleasure to make sure you enjoy your time at this camp..." He then carried on walking "Some of you would wish you never met me because you choose to cause problems... The choice is simple... Co-Operate. Do as you are told and we have no problems..."

Ottavio had reached the end of the line. He started walking to Stanley's spot and asked "Would you like to have a word with them?"

Stanley said "Not really... I am just here to assist as an experienced captain. My priority is the Irish camp.... But I would like to also say this unit has very impressive scores.... You deserve your place in this advanced group and have earned the right to be in this unit..... No one has to do any additional courses to be deserving and prepared for undergoing the high level training you get here...Everyone here has deserved their place... I have read the reports twice before I approved the list in this unit alongside Captain Orsino and believe me... No special treatment took place. You are all equal here..." His eyes were on Verona now when he said that. 

What Stanley said made Verona smile.

The exchange didnt escape Ottavio's eye. He narrowed his eyes as he looked between Verona and Stanley "Very Well... I would like to follow up with some inspiring quotations before we proceed with our induction session.... Maybe Captain Alistair can help too..."

Stanley chuckled at looking at his hard expression and nodded.

Ottavio was directly looking at Stanley and spoke with narrowed eyes "Someone once said that .... the greatest remedy for anger is delay. Do you have another quote to inspire this crowd?"

Stanley shrugged "Someone once said he who dares not offend can not be honest... There is no need for conflict sometimes Captain Orsino...."

Ottavio gave Stanley a hard look "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What do you say to that captain Alistaire."

The crowd of students could feel the tension in the air between the two captains but were confused about what was happening. 

Stanley smiled and turned to the crowd "You know what people? .... Someone once said the world is dangerous, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing... So I suggest you get moving... I think its time to get started with the first task...The challenge task today has one theme.... Team work... As someone once said ... It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies...."

Ottavio was staring daggers at Stanley but then turned to the crowd and said "You have a raft building exercise... The equipment is in the military school space clearing next to the lake side if you follow the signs ... Split into two groups. Girls and boys... There are equal numbers... Let's see which team makes the raft fastest and we test the raft to see which one does not disassemble and sink. As someone said where knowledge is a duty, ignorance is a crime... The tasks have no leaders... You are all responsible if there are failures... If you see a problem speak up and work as a team to fix it... All dismissed."

As the students dispersed Verona followed the girls group and glanced behind her as she saw the staring match between the two captains was continuing.

Verona followed the girls and once they reached the lake she joined them in building a raft where the equipment was laid out for them. The boys group was away from them. She could see them working hard too. They were located far apart so they didn't cheat and copy each other's strategies.

As the raft was almost finished, the girls suddenly went quiet. Verona looked up and saw Stanley was walking towards their group. In the distance, Verona noticed Ottavio was approaching the boys' group.

The girls were totally quiet working silently and finishing the work. Stanley started circling the group as he was silently inspecting the work they were doing. He had a clipboard in his hand and was grading the students based on his observations. Stanley stopped walking as he reached behind Verona. 

Verona felt him behind her as she was fastening ropes around the wood and the barrels. She felt abit nervous. He was inspecting her work closely. What if he failed her? He then heard his chuckle "Rosarios do everything their way... Its a unique way of knotting the rope I see here... Bonus marks for using initiative."

Had she heard right? It was hard to hear a compliment from a Captain. 

He then heard his footsteps walking away. He inspected other students' works. 

Minutes later Verona noticed Stanley looking at his watch. He announced "I give you another 20 seconds.. Then you can all get on the raft and test it in water. As your instruction sheets mentioned, one of you stays behind here for the questioning stage of assessment. I need insight into what went into team planning..."

Verona was the person the team picked for staying behind. She was voted as the best at explaining. 

Verona stood next to Stanley as the group sailed with the raft and answered his questions. Stanley looked at the raft sailing as he asked questions. The boys went into the water at the same time and someone stood behind with Ottavio. Verona could see Ottavio liked to shout his questions and intimidate the boy he was in charge of questioning as the raft was floating away. 

Neither raft was sinking which was a good sign.

Verona answered all questions and then there was silence. Verona was wondering to ask her question or not... She had to know "Can I ask you something? Something that's not formal? I am very curious... Sorry Captain Alistaire..."

Stanley was holding his clipboard behind his back as he was looking into the distance at the raft manoeuvring around some obstacles in the water. "Sure... Go ahead... I give you amnesty until your group with the raft comes back... Ask anything you want... When the raft hits the shore you are back on duty and formality...."

Verona took a deep breath and felt at ease "I want to ask.... Why.... Why didnt Ottavio come to inspect our raft?"

Stanley said in an accusing tone "Why? Am I not good enough?"

Verona quickly said "Oh... No... No... Thats not what I mean... "

Stanley chuckled "I am just joking ...."

Verona sighed in relief. She did not want to offend him. She explained "I just thought he might... You know... Because I am here in this group..."

Stanley said "Well... You deserve a fair assessment on your first day . Dont you agree?..."

Verona said "Oh... It makes sense... So others dont think I am getting any special treatment from Captain Orsino... It would be favouritism if he assessed me..."

Stanley said as he was looking into the distance at the group of girls working with the raft "Trust me... You do not need to worry about that....  No one in their right mind would think that.... Ottavio is brutally honest... And let's face it .... Your scores before joining this school tells me you do not need any favouritism to pass with flying colours.... Ottavio and I share leadership... But lets be honest here... Ottavio prefers to handle the boys in the Italian school most of the time and I prefer to handle the boys in Irish School often.... Ottavio and I have to be on the cases of the boys more and monitor them more closely ... We compete with other private schools that run this program in many competitions... There is no pressure on girls to win... But boys have to win or they answer to us captains.... But dont worry. You will get Ottavio from time to time if you miss him..."

Verona gasped "I don't miss him..."

Stanley said "You do subconsciously... You asked about him....."

Verona said "I was just curious..."  

Then there was silence as Stanley was observing the raft's performance and making notes on his clipboard.

Verona couldn't explain why. Stanley was so easy to talk to. She just trusted him like she had known him for so long when she hadn't. Verona asked carefully "Please dont take it the wrong way .... But doesnt he get jealous that you are here working with me... He is very jealous always..."

Stanley smiled as he kept looking into the distance "Not really. He has no reason to see me as a threat... Your man has the right to be protective and jealous... Trust me... You are the talk of my school already when some of the boys have hardly seen a glimpse of you.... The boys in that squad who saw you dont even know who you are really ...  They dont care... They all just want to ask you out... Your aunt Vienna caused some tension between some families who competed for her attention from what I have heard back in the day and the tension is still there... You have inherited her genes... Every male who is single would flirt with you unless you have your boyfriend around to put them in their place and tell them who you belong to..."

Verona looked at Stanley "Not every single male is like that... You have not flirted with me... You haven't tried...  There are a few girls who have met you in military school challenges before... They told me you are single though... I heard you have no girlfriend"

Stanley said "Yes.... I am single..."

Verona said "Oh... I was just wondering... It makes no sense for Ottavio for not seeing you as a threat if you are single..."

Stanley said "Technically you are single too... You haven't flirted with me though even though you are single... 

Verona said "Well... I am not Ottavio's girlfriend ... but I dont flirt with boys ...."

Stanley asked "Do you like him?"

Verona said honestly "I always have... But I am not ready to see him like a boyfriend..."

Stanley said "I have always liked this girl too who I know... But every time I have asked her out she has said no..."

Verona whispered "I say no to Ottavio too when he asks me out too..."

Stanley said "Maybe that's one thing Ottavio and I have in common... We love girls who say no to us ..."

Verona was taking in his words. "So he never gets jealous with you around me..."

Stanley stated "He knows I am no threat... But he does get jealous..." He sighed "You should have heard him earlier..." He then imitated Ottavio "Who gave you permission to smile at my girl?" 

Verona gasped "How did you respond?" She was worried. If any other boy in that school had smiled at her they would have been beaten up. But maybe Stanley had immunity.

Stanley shrugged as he was looking the approaching raft and making notes on his clipboard" I told him he is only mad because you smiled back when I smiled. I told him to admit it..." He shook his head "That did not go down well at all... He did not want to admit it... We clashed abit... But business partnership survives if you know what I mean... He tolerates me for now. I put up with his demands... I keep my end of the deal and help this place prosper with my hard work. He keeps his end of the deal and makes sure I have excuse and evidence to miss going home during weekends and holidays as much as possible... Good working partnership.. Good business... For now...." 

Verona could slowly make sense of Stanley and Ottavio's partnership. It made sense. It was with their best interests to work together.

Stanley then said in a serious tone "No more informal questions... Amnesty time is over..."

Verona said "Yes Captain..." She then took a step away and looked as the group of girls and their raft arrived. Stanley walked towards them "I give you a pass... Me and Captain Orsino will have a sit down and discuss our observations....  Your points add up over time and top members who perform well get promotions and rewards.... On the other hand those of you who dont perform upto standards will get reprimand and even demotion... So alot is at stake..."

Verona was glad they had passed and their raft hadn't sank. First test seemed to be ok.

****

Verona was sitting behind a table now in the library working through her homework in an empty corner during her free study period. She felt a presence next to her "Verona..."

Of course. Ottavio. How had he found her? She turned and looked at his towering figure.  "Ottavio." 

Verona noticed Ottavio'eyes were fixated on her homework. He was looking at her work silently.

Verona said "Erm.... What is it? What are you looking at?"

Ottavio pulled out a chair and sat down next to Verona. He said "You are going too far ahead in this project... You can work at the same time as the whole class..."

Verona asked "How do you know?"

Ottavio shrugged "I took this class last year... I did a similar project... I got full marks in the end and didnt even have to work very hard for it..."

Verona said "What? This project is hard... I read ahead to be able to keep up and understand... It is complicated..."

Ottavio said "I can tutor you if you want..."

Verona said "No... I dont want help... I want to do it myself... It would be cheating...."

Ottavio said "I said I would tutor you... I didnt say I would do the project or will give you my project to copy word for word... I would but then you wont learn anything... You can be tutored...."

Verona said "Actually.... You are right... Being tutored is allowed for this project,... But I dont want you as a tutor..."

Ottavio narrowed his eyes "Why not?"

Verona shrugged "I dont know... Let me think....I may not want to spend hours with you during my free time when I dont need to... But of course... I am desperate... You got full marks last year you say..." She then looked at Ottavio "Deal.... What's the catch? What's the payment for tuition by you for this project..."

Ottavio said "You will dance with me at the Legacy Summit that you said you will attend with your family...."

Verona gasped. "No way..."

Ottavio said "I dont want any other payment..."

Verona said "Have you lost your mind? My father would shoot you dead for dancing with me when we are not even dating..."

Ottavio said "No he wont... There is a no firearms policy for guests...."

Verona said "That wont stop my father... He would just disarm someone.... He would just grab a gun from a host or guard who has one...."

Ottavio said "So you dont mind dancing with me? You are just concerned your father would get angry?" He looked deeply into her eyes.

Verona sighed "I dont mind dancing with you Ottavio ...  Why would I? We are friends... I trust you.."  She then looked away and whispered as his stare had penetrated into her soul and had become too much too endure.  "I just dont think of you like how you think of me..."

Ottavio said "In time you will Verona... But let's discuss this later... Let the tutoring session begin..."

Verona turned to Ottavio "You are right.... We can discuss this later... So give me some feedback please on what I have done so far..."

Ottavio said "Gladly..."

After the tutoring finished, Ottavio took out two water bottles and handed one to Verona "Drink this and now tell me how was your day so far? Any troubles? Did anyone give you a hard time today?"

Verona drank from the water bottle "Today was ok... Why would anything go wrong? And who would give me a hard time? Seriously Ottavio... Do you even have to ask that? Everyone is scared of you and knows who I belong to as you put it..."

Ottavio said "Its good your day went ok... I want to know if the military exercise was ok too..." Ottavio then took a sip from his water bottle.

Verona sighed. Obviously Ottavio had ignored most of what she had said. She said "Military school here is good... I like it... I found some good friends... I found the exercise fun too... We passed... Stanley gave us pass... He must have told you how it went...."

Ottavio said "Stanley told me... Yes... He told me you worry about favouritism.... I favour you but not when it comes to grading... But you are my girl... You will always be on my special side Verona just like when you missed curfew... I gave you a punishment that I only give you and no one else..."

Verona said " Of course.... Coming to a party... I want normal treatment... I wonder if Stanley treats his girl like how you treat me..."

Ottavio said "His girl is not in his school..."

Verona said "Oh... I didnt know that... So... How do they see each other?"

Ottavio said "They dont...."

Verona said "They dont?"

Ottavio said "Not that I know of... Not at present... I dont know where she is now... Frankly, I am not interested in knowing about Stanley's personal affairs... Why should I be? His relationship with this girl is complicated."

Verona asked "How complicated?..."

Ottavio said "It is complicated Verona... It just is.....  I dont ask about his girl and what she is upto right now... I have no interest to know. The last I checked he still likes her alot and they are far apart right now... I guess he is in the same situation I was in with you pretty much but the last time he saw her was not that long ago...  Right now they are not near each other... They are apart... Just like how me and you were apart..."

Verona thought about his words  and said quickly feeling very nervous  "Oh.... Erm... You know what gets to me.... You and him have some things in common... Dont you think? Is that why you two get along?"

Ottavio said  "Me and him dont have that much in common Verona... But yes... There are common grounds.... We both love one girl only and we fight every obstacle that comes between us and the girl we love..."

Verona looked away as her heart was racing once more. He said words like he meant it. The thought of being his made her nervous.