The Sixth Line of Defense
Page 10
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"So.." Seila murmured as she wandered back into her kitchen as Devin anticipated her needs and offered silently to pour both of them a nightcap of something strong. She smiled her thanks and she accepted his silent offer and moved to sit nearby. ".. what do you think about all of that?" He chuckled back at her as he moved to settle nearby considering the many things he might say about that unusual encounter.
"I don't suppose, would be willing to return the favor and show me even a little of the confidential information you might have on young Vala." He commented back to her after considerable thought and a slow sip from the cool glass containing the firey liquid.
"Not a chance, because I know you.. you don't like X-factors with anything you are involved with. And if I even gave you a tiny clue to go on, you'd be unwisely investigating her by sometime tomorrow morning." Seila told him to which he chuckled, a bit annoyed by her claims to silence even as she gave him a small clue as to why he should just let the matter be left at that. She had mentioned to him once or twice before that a sizable percentage of the students that attended her school were the children of military officers. With their parents often enough spread across the many bases held by the Alliance or scattered across the stars, the boarding Academy could at least provide the children who went there with a stable environment if not with a stable family situation. If Vala was indeed one of those military kids, it was likely that any investigation Devin might put forth would raise very awkward question with his superior officers. He gave he a significant look, and she seemed to realize her mistake in the next moment as she glared across the distance between them. "Just leave her out of this." She reconfirmed her warning with a touch more intensity.
"Aye, ma'am." He teased and then gave her his best smile, she let herself relax just a little more. "Anyways, I wouldn't dare risk this chance that Shiva has. If Vala is the key to a much calmer Shiva I can't see how that would be a bad thing no matter what else is in the background."
"True enough." Seila agreed with a sigh. "She was certainly quick to get on the defensive back there."
"And from what Vala said.. well I can assume at least one of her parents was involved in the same things we were judging by that talent of hers." Seila grudgingly agreed to that, still annoyed that he could assume even that much. "How is Shiva's class schedule coming along?"
"Slowly." She murmured with a hint of aggravation. "My staff seems convinced if they stall long enough the can come up with a curriculum for her that will somehow keep her 100% challenged without sacrificing their other students. I mean.. I know you told me she was advanced.."
"Yes, well.. Shiva has implied once or twice she wasn't merely research, but she was doing research.." Devin informed her, though there was very little he could do to confirm or deny that.
"Maybe, I should just give her the same schedule as Vala, assuming this isn't just some sort of temporary crush. Vala's pretty advanced herself and is in all honor courses, and as long being together doesn't hurt Vala's education, maybe she can keep Shiva content if not interested." She commented to him thoughtfully. "Speaking of which.. Shiva seemed to be under the impression you were trying to establish a public record for her by putting her into high school.. delaying her for a few years so she wouldn't simply seem to come out of nowhere."
"Smart girl." Devin chuckled thoughtfully rubbing the stubble on his chin. "More or less, yes.. I am not entirely sure my budget for her would let me send her to college is the other reason. And with all her problems.. well I haven't had much luck getting that number to go up."
"Hmm.. as I thought.." She agreed with a sigh. "The thing is.. even if I put her with someone to teach her one on one, I honestly don't know how long I would be able to keep her here and content. If this thing with Vala isn't some fluke.. well Vala is just about ready for early admission into college as well. I could look into it.. make some discrete inquiries."
"That would certainly save me some trouble.. if a Lieutenant starts trying to talk to college Dean's about early admission for a girl not quite old enough to be a high school Junior.. well, those are the kinds of questions I am supposed to prevent." She nodded and smiled in return easily understanding that bit of reality.
"Her math skills alone would probably have the department heads ready to just throw gobs of money her way if the words came from the right mouth." She agreed touching her chest with a smile before taking a drink.
"Shiva isn't exactly a popular subject in most circles, but I'll do what I can to find a few high placed allies." He agreed darkly, feeling almost ready for the fight that might soon follow. "Do you.. think it's a fluke.. with those two?" She looked down as she intently considered her answer. When she looked back up she smiled and shook her head without the least little bit of uncertainty in her green eyes. "I didn't think so either." He agreed with a warm chuckle and the feeling that this time things might actually work out.