Several of the girls jumped, startled. What did he mean by making them step forward at a time like this? Their hearts filled with apprehension.
Vera Xavier thought about his rather unreliable ways and cursed silently. 'Am I getting dragged down with them?'
Sheldon Caldwell said, his face cold, "I already explained during the opening assembly that this training will be conducted with the rigor of military standards. I specifically emphasized that talking is forbidden. All of you just broke that rule. Now, run ten laps around the field!"
Vera Xavier spoke up loudly, "Reporting to the Chief Instructor, I didn't say anything!"
"So you're saying I was mistaken?" Sheldon Caldwell asked, staring at her.
His gaze was sharp, but Vera Xavier wasn't the least bit afraid. She replied with perfect composure, "There are a lot of people. It's perfectly normal for you to make a mistake. None of us will laugh at you."
The girls behind her chuckled softly.
