"Piper! Welcome back to the training facility." Jason's voice is full of excitement as he extends his arm for the young blonde to take.

"Why thank you Jason." Piper's enthusiasm matches the head of training. "So what's in store for the dozen trainees I'm watching today."

"The last two weeks of the program we really step things up. Not only do the trainees have a number of tests, but we also add to the courses."

"What kinds of tests?"

"They will be tested objectively on measurable skills, such as weapon accuracy, hand to hand combat ability, professionalism, knowledge of the skills and tactics they have been taught. These are scored numerically. There are also more subjective measures that we examine. For example, a trainee may choose to use a tactic that we have not actively taught them. In such a cases, we give the opportunity for that individual to explain the thought process and reasoning behind their actions. The more persuasive they are in their arguments the better."

"The example you used for subjectivity is quite fascinating. Will you point out the subjectivity ones as we watch the trainees?"

"Sure, that's not a problem." Jason continues with caution and a touch of uncertainty in his voice as he dives into his next talking point. "Piper, would you want a more active role in some of the courses?"

"What do you mean?," a confused look evident on her face.

"Well mid-way through last week we started adding assets. Typically interns or an administrative employees with some downtime who get compensated by a gift certificate of their choosing off our list, since we can't actually pay them for their time." With a big smile, "as much as you seem to want to see and know about the trainees on your list, how would you like to be an asset?"

"What exactly would I need to do?"

"Think back to the first course we observed. In it we had two trainees going through a scenario where they tried to tone down or escalate a situation, depending on the role they were assigned."

"I recall. It was the effectiveness of toning things down that formed my earliest thoughts on the trainees." Piper proudly explains.

"Well in the same scenario today, there would be a third player, the asset, which would be you. It makes the trainees assess the situation with more sensitivity as they have to take the asset's presence into consideration. There is of course a safe word if the scenario becomes uncomfortable

to the asset in any way. That word stops the role play immediately." He looks straight into Piper's eyes, "Is that something you would be comfortable with."

Piper in lost in thought for a minute or two before replying. "Yes. I think I would. And I'm curious how they will adjust to having me personally as the person they are protecting. Hopefully giving me a sense of whose style and personality gives me a strong sense of comfort, and who doesn't."

"I do love your hearing your thoughts on this whole process. It's quite refreshing to see a balance of thought and passion." Piper smiles at the kind words. "Oh one more thing Piper, do you want the trainees to view you as just another person we've sent in or for them or to know about you specifically and that you will be the only one choosing which trainees will be offered a long-term detail upon certification?"

"Can I do both? Today be whoever they assume be to be, and tomorrow explain myself. I'm curious to know if anyone's actions change because of those details, and how I feel about that."

"Once again, an excellent request. Yes you can. I think the comparison and contrasts would be quite helpful in your selection process," the pride evident in Jason's voice. "So the trainees should be finishing up one of their weapons assessments. The next course begins in twenty-five minutes. We'll both be in training room A one today. Do you need anything before then?"

No Jason. I'll probably hit the bathroom before grabbing a snack or beverage." A quick pause, "Actually can I get video from the sessions I'm actually in, since I won't be able to take notes."

"I'll make sure they are recorded straight to dvd."

Piper is excited but slightly nervous as she approaches the training room. Thankful that Jason is ready to jump right into it. Introducing Piper as their asset for the day, and asking each trainee to formally introduce themselves. Piper smiles and shakes hands with each trainee. 'Some of them are even more charming than on tape.'

The last trainee in line is Alex. Their eyes meet each others and Piper is drawn into the vibrant green hue. She drowns in the view for a few moments before hearing "it's a pleasure to meet you Piper. My name is Alex." Piper notices the smirk and barely upturned lips on the dark-haired woman.

"It's nice to meet you too Alex. I'm looking forward to the exercises today." Piper smiles the most genuine smile she's had in ages. 'She is absolutely breathtaking in person. Reel it in Piper, you know almost nothing about her, except that she is total eye candy.'

Jason explains the scenario that the trainees will be doing today and that Piper is the one being protected. He also reminds everyone of the safe word and that all action stops immediately if Piper utters it. The first pair of trainees are called and Piper is positioned. The course will have elements of the first exercise Piper watched, only this time the 'villain' Chase is talking to Piper, trying to get close to her, and ultimately lure her away.

Tommy is then protector role. Piper keeps looking at both trainees trying to telegraph her unease at the aggressiveness. Piper pretty much has to yell out at Chase to leave her alone, before Tommy seems to snap into action. He roughly jerks her behind his back. Then has an escalated war of words with Chase, going as far as pushing him. Piper has a look of disbelief as she watches the scenario play out. 'Note to self, major negatives need to be added to Tommy.'

The trainees reverse roles. Tommy is just as aggressive as Chase had been, if not more so. Chase is quicker to pull Piper away, with less force than Tommy did. His body his squarely between her and Tommy. He tries to calm down the situation. It takes a bit, but at least he doesn't rise to Tommy's taunts and insults. Piper has been glancing at Alex repeatedly throughout the exercises and caught Alex trying so hard not to laugh. 'How is it possible that just looking at her makes me feel calmer. Shouldn't my protector in these exercises have that effect, not someone watching from across the room.'

Alex closes her eyes a moment recalling vividly every word an action Piper has made since entering the room. From her tall slim toned body, her blonde hair, to the excitement in her mesmerizing blue eyes. She smiles genuinely while assessing today's asset. 'I hope we get this one again. Not only is she easy on the eyes but her face, especially her eyes are oh so expressive. A novel I'd certainly love to read and understand.'

Alex's name is called out for her exercise along with Jeff. She's playing protector first. Piper smiles as her as they get into position. Jeff is quickly into his role. Piper's brain is trying not to focus on Alex. With a disturbing comment, Piper is pulled out of her haze. She looks at him with almost disgust. A quick glance to Alex then back at Jeff. Alex slides up next to Piper, putting her arm around the blonde and gently pulling her closer. Alex whispers in her ear, "Is there a problem here Piper?" Piper stares into those green eyes and nods her head yes. Alex places a kiss on the blonde's cheek "I'm sorry I took so long baby." Alex immediately looks at Jeff and extends her hand. "Thank you for keeping my girlfriend company."

Jeff looks completely shocked, it's clear to both women that he's trying to recall his role. Alex takes his distractedness as an opportunity to get Piper out of the situation. After a quick glance into those blue eyes, "Baby let's get outta here." She entwines her fingers with Piper's and leads her away from Jeff.

Piper is blown away by just how skillfully Alex handled the whole exercise. 'Damn she's good. He got in only one foul comment, far fewer attempts that any one the other 'villains' that tried to get her attention or lure her away. I think she just locked in her safety in the next set of cuts.' The smile just wouldn't leave her face when once again she noticed how comfortable Alex had made her feel. The reverse of the exercise showed Alex to be a total seductress. Jeff being clueless to Alex's subtlety and that he was failing to protect his asset from being charmed away.

After the course ended, Alex sought out the not quite as tall as her blonde. "Piper, can I speak to you for a moment?"

Piper excused her herself from her current conversation and followed Alex away from the other trainees. "So what did you wanna talk about?"

"I wanted to make sure that I didn't make you feel uncomfortable in the exercise. I didn't really have a chance to alert you to my tactic beforehand." Alex looks at her with a hint of nervousness.

"I was shocked for a moment. But I found out quickly just how effective your approach was to diffusing the situation."

Alex raises her eyebrow then smiles out of relief. "I should probably inform you that I'm definitely a lesbian. If that makes you uncomfortable, please let me know. The last thing I'd want to do is to make you uneasy with my actions. I'm supposed to be protecting you and calming you not the reverse."

"No you didn't make me feel anything negative." Piper ponders whether to add more put the look of relief from Alex makes her wanna continue. "Thank you for sharing your sexuality with me. I have no problem with it." 'If you really knew how the detail affected me. I think you'd be surprised by just how much you captivate me.'

"Thank you Piper. That quiets my fears of being unknowingly inappropriate." They eyes lock again, telegraphing everything to the other. 'Yup, I definitely wanna read the story of Piper. She's so very intriguing.'

Noticing everyone else has left. Piper smiles then rushes off to find Jason and see what course is next.

"Hey Piper!" Jason signals for her to follow him. "So how did it feel to play the asset? Same old same old you've experienced growing up or was it different somehow?"

"A bit of both. So many of the detail members in the past basically scared away who tried to flirt to me or even speak to me, it always frustrated the shit out of me. So I had never really been in the position that the exercise set up. I mean guys usually look at me like a piece of meat, a trophy, or a dumb blonde. They embarrass themselves by acting like I need them, as if their presence would complete me in some way. And they're so damn egotistical like they're God's gift to the planet."

"And how did the trainee aggressors make you feel?"

"Several truly disgusted me. At least one or two of them will NOT be making the next cut."

Jason observes her and carefully tries to draw out more information. "So did anyone surprise you or bypass your expectations?"

"Yes a couple really stood out. Alex was truly effective in both roles. She's always been fairly high on my list. I think with that one course she solidified her safety from the next cut. Also, Bradley earned himself closer consideration. He hasn't stood out to me until today. He was assessing my expressions much better than many of the trainees, he was also a lot gentler in his protecting duties."

"Bradley is more soft spoken than most his counterparts. Initially I thought that might cause him some difficulty. But I've been impressed by how he's quietly coming into his own." Jason's face shows his sincerity. "And Alex continues to impress, even though her approach is not what we've taught. I can appreciate how she showed strength and easily took control of the exercise."

"I was thinking something similar. I find her to be something of an enigma yet endlessly fascinating." Joy evident on Piper's face.

"And did her tactic make you uncomfortable or throw you off guard?"

"Alex asked me basically the same thing." She starts giggling, "Sorry that amuses me for some reason. But no, I wasn't uncomfortable. There was an initial moment of shock, but our eyes met and if it was as if she was telling me to trust her."

"And back to those who performed poorly in your eyes. Who would they be?"

"Jeff proved himself completely clueless in both roles. And Tommy, well his aggressor role made me uncomfortable, and on the flip side I didn't feel at all protected. His video had thrown up some question marks, but I put him through since most of my notes on him had been positive. But unless he goes above and beyond as far as redeeming himself, I don't see him making the next cut.

"I was disappointed in Tommy and Jeff myself . Neither was demonstrating behavior that took the asset into account. Like they lost sight of the fact that you are meant to be considered and protected." He searched for eye contact with Piper before continuing. "Are their any others negatives that you felt about one of several of the trainees?"

"Well, some were a little rougher than I would have liked in pulling me away, like my comfort was almost an afterthought."

"Who didn't make you feel that way?"

"Alex was exceptional, nothing she did felt rough or overly forceful. Bradley was probably second best in that way. And Chase disappointed me some, maybe dropped a spot or two, but I think he's probably still safe."

"Okay Piper. The trainees are in another objective test, this one on professionalism and knowledge of taught skills and tactics. Would you like to get some lunch in the meantime? I was going to order delivery, but I can take you to a restaurant if you prefer."

"Let's do the latter. It would be nice to get out of the building a few minutes."