The trip home did allow her some quality time with her dad and Cal. And she managed to keep her cool around Carol. Bill was happy that Piper seems to be putting a lot of thought into the selection process and has a good idea of what she does and doesn't want. He decides to back off and let Piper handle it just as long as his criteria are met.

First thing Monday. "Hello Miss Chapman. Welcome to our training facilities. Can I get you anything" Mr. Weaks inquires.

"Nice to meet you too sir. And no I'm fine for now." Piper smiles warmly at the older man. "Can you tell me more detail about the courses I'll be observing today. And what particular pluses or minuses you are looking for in the trainees? And please call me Piper"

Mr. Weaks shows a genuine smile. "Piper, Bill tells me that you want to be extremely involved in the assessment and selection of your team. You're already asking thoughtful questions. I'd be happy to answer any and all of your questions. And you can call me Jason."

"Thank you Jason. I have taken a look at the roughly thirty who meet the criteria I agreed to with my Dad. I took a quick look at the certification criteria, but understanding it it greater detail would be a tremendous help to me."

"Makes perfect sense. Why don't I give a detailed explanation of the course we are watching at that moment. So as not to jumble up the information. I'll make sure to find you a compete detailed worksheet of each course that you can take with you. Will that work for you?"

Piper reads his face and decides he's being completely straight forward and truthful with her. "Yes Jason. That will work. How long until the first course begins?"

"Should be in the next ten to fifteen minutes. I'll give you a chance to go to the restroom or get something to eat of drink. Meet me at room A2 please."

"Alright. And where is the closest restroom?"

"When you open the door go left, you'll find it at the end of the corridor. There are maps placed in every hallway to help visitors and new recruits not get too turned around."

Piper meets the trainer at A2. It appears to be an observation room where they can watch and listen to audio from the adjoining room.

Jason informs her that the trainees cannot see or hear them. "So this course is hand to hand combat. We want to see how the trainees can diffuse a situation if possible. And if more action is required, how to protect the asset, our term for the individual being protected. We generally try to match skill levels in combat and calming down a heightened situation."

"Are there any specific qualities I should look at when considering their qualifications? Any red flags?"

"Personally Piper, I would consider someone who looses their cool or can't control their temper to be red flags. Those types of behaviors usually cause more harm than good and often escalate a situation instead of calming it"

"I wouldn't want someone with an unpredictable temper around me. I don't think I'd be comfortable with that." Piper pauses "I understand getting angry, but if it's not channeling into something else, then I don't see that as remotely productive in protecting me."

"Okay the next few sets coming up are trainees on the 20% list, who who have been doing very well at both of these skill areas. Let's watch and listen shall we."

Piper watches the first two guys both take a turn as protector and villain. "They both seem good at the combat part, but Chase seemed better at calming things down."

"That is exactly what the training notes keep saying. The next set are also both on your list" Jason smiles at Piper and her on-point assessment.

"Of these two, Tommy seems to blow his opponent out of the water in both areas." Jason nods his head in agreement.

The course continues at this pace, with Piper voicing the trainee that most impresses her with the particular skills. Jason mostly agreeing with her, but will throw out his opinion when his assessment doesn't match hers.

"These should be the last pair on your list for today's course."

Piper looks up from her notes and is surprised to see a guy and a very tall raven haired girl. "I didn't realize there were any females in the top twenty percent list."

Jason turns to her and laughs softly. "That's probably because her name is Alex. So it wouldn't have seemed to a place on the list." Piper has an odd look on her face, so Jason quickly asks" That's not a problem for you is it?"

"No not at all" Piper shakes her head and turns back to look at the captivating woman. She can't seem to take her eyes off her. 'Not only is she incredibly attractive with stunning green eyes, and pale skin to compliment her raven hair. But she's also been doing incredibly good in her certification training. I need to pay attention to her'.

After watching the pair, Piper found herself wanting to know so much more about Alex. 'Can't wait to get my hands on that video.' "Jason, I found Alex to be quite impressive. Do many women make it through certification training?"

"No, not really Piper. I've never seen more than three in a any class of trainees. And I think only one or two have passed certification in all my years here." Looking her in the eyes "I do agree with you Piper, she is certainly one of the better trainees, regardless of gender. There are several bright stars that you get to choose from and she is definitely one of them."

By days end Jason had walked Piper through three different courses. She was studiously taking notes on everyone she assessed. Half her notebook was filled and it was only the first day. Jason gave her the paperwork he promised earlier in the day, and sent her home to enjoy her evening.