best of each of those schools are tested after the first year. Twenty-five, that’s less than one student from every two academies, make it to QRMA, so only the very best. Let’s face it, Jason, you're the perfect candidate for a military school. Unfortunately, we don’t have any in the UK. If we did, we're sure you would be top in your class. We've arranged with the US to send you to the Quentin Roosevelt Military Academy. In exchange, they wish to send two US Marines to train with the Royal Marines.”
Jason sat quietly, trying to take it all in while gently sipping his Coke.
“Have you heard of Quentin Roosevelt? Do you know who he was?” Hollyingberry asked.
“Yes sir, he was an American President,” Jason said.
“No, Jason. He was the son of President Theodore Roosevelt. He was an ace fighter pilot in World War One; he died aged twenty-one when his plane was shot down in a dogfight. The academy is named after him. It has a reputation of being the toughest military school in the world. Two US presidents and a total of ten, four star Generals all went to QRMA,” Hollyingberry explained.
“How long do I have to go for?” Jason asked.
The question wasn’t answered. The room fell silent until Ray eventually spoke.
“It will be your new school son. You’ll be enrolled until you are eighteen, just like you are at St. Josephs. You’ll board at the school and come home on term breaks and recess,” Ray said.
Jason bit his bottom lip. He wanted to ask more. How could he continue with Karate and Judo or see Catherine and Scott? For now, he kept the thoughts to himself.
“There are a few points I have to make Jason,” Wallace explained. “First of all, you must control that temper of yours. George filled us in on the Paddington station incident. I also understand you have been suspended from school for fighting. You'll be representing Great Britain; we will not tolerate any of that nonsense. The second point is more important. You'll be given access to the top US military academy, you will be roommates and classmates with future American leaders. You will also have access to many places that no other country can get within five miles.” Wallace paused and sipped his tea.
“Although the US are our allies we may from time to time ask you to keep an eye open and an ear to the ground. Do I make myself clear?” Wallace stiffened.
“I never agreed to that. Jason is a perfect fit for a military school, and that’s what he’s doing. He is not on another mission,” Ray said.
“It’s not a mission, Ray. We just want a report, that’s all,” George said. “We have people in the US who will make contact with Jason.”
Jason sat quietly, feeling miserable. He looked at his father. “I thought we were coming here today because you was getting promoted, getting your own ship.” The room fell into an awkward silence. Jason eventually broke it and faced Hollyingberry. “Yes, sir. I will do Great Britain proud.”
George faked a cough and spoke. “On another bright note Jason, we caught the person they called ‘The Doctor’ and rescued three more children. He is actually a surgeon from Great Ormands Street in London and was selling human organs to rich people who needed body parts. He also carried out heart transplants. You saved many lives with your actions. Well done.”
“George, are you forgetting your department is being investigated for excessive force? I think a total of four people were hospitalized after that mission,” Wallace barked.
“Jason got the job done and put the bad guys away. No more children will get hurt thanks to him. I can deal with the paperwork and all the hassle that follows,” George said.
Jason said three words on the entire journey home. One was “no” when asked if he wanted a drink and “not hungry” when asked if he wanted to stop to eat. Once they arrived home Ray let him spend a few hours alone before trying to talk to him again. He knew his son would
Jason sat quietly, trying to take it all in while gently sipping his Coke.
“Have you heard of Quentin Roosevelt? Do you know who he was?” Hollyingberry asked.
“Yes sir, he was an American President,” Jason said.
“No, Jason. He was the son of President Theodore Roosevelt. He was an ace fighter pilot in World War One; he died aged twenty-one when his plane was shot down in a dogfight. The academy is named after him. It has a reputation of being the toughest military school in the world. Two US presidents and a total of ten, four star Generals all went to QRMA,” Hollyingberry explained.
“How long do I have to go for?” Jason asked.
The question wasn’t answered. The room fell silent until Ray eventually spoke.
“It will be your new school son. You’ll be enrolled until you are eighteen, just like you are at St. Josephs. You’ll board at the school and come home on term breaks and recess,” Ray said.
Jason bit his bottom lip. He wanted to ask more. How could he continue with Karate and Judo or see Catherine and Scott? For now, he kept the thoughts to himself.
“There are a few points I have to make Jason,” Wallace explained. “First of all, you must control that temper of yours. George filled us in on the Paddington station incident. I also understand you have been suspended from school for fighting. You'll be representing Great Britain; we will not tolerate any of that nonsense. The second point is more important. You'll be given access to the top US military academy, you will be roommates and classmates with future American leaders. You will also have access to many places that no other country can get within five miles.” Wallace paused and sipped his tea.
“Although the US are our allies we may from time to time ask you to keep an eye open and an ear to the ground. Do I make myself clear?” Wallace stiffened.
“I never agreed to that. Jason is a perfect fit for a military school, and that’s what he’s doing. He is not on another mission,” Ray said.
“It’s not a mission, Ray. We just want a report, that’s all,” George said. “We have people in the US who will make contact with Jason.”
Jason sat quietly, feeling miserable. He looked at his father. “I thought we were coming here today because you was getting promoted, getting your own ship.” The room fell into an awkward silence. Jason eventually broke it and faced Hollyingberry. “Yes, sir. I will do Great Britain proud.”
George faked a cough and spoke. “On another bright note Jason, we caught the person they called ‘The Doctor’ and rescued three more children. He is actually a surgeon from Great Ormands Street in London and was selling human organs to rich people who needed body parts. He also carried out heart transplants. You saved many lives with your actions. Well done.”
“George, are you forgetting your department is being investigated for excessive force? I think a total of four people were hospitalized after that mission,” Wallace barked.
“Jason got the job done and put the bad guys away. No more children will get hurt thanks to him. I can deal with the paperwork and all the hassle that follows,” George said.
Jason said three words on the entire journey home. One was “no” when asked if he wanted a drink and “not hungry” when asked if he wanted to stop to eat. Once they arrived home Ray let him spend a few hours alone before trying to talk to him again. He knew his son would
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