The ride to boot camp

You return Beryl's handshake and immediately feel that she could hurt you if she weren't so gentle. Beryl was half-a-head taller than you and looks like Lara Croft in the older Tomb Raider games except with long blonde hair and green eyes. "I'm Jane Doe" you simply reply.

Beryl points towards the bench and the two of you sit down to talk about your reasons for joining the army as you wait. You give a generic explanation that you want to serve your country and develop discipline and skills before starting a long term career being careful to avoid the point that your'e not sure what country you're in. Beryl quickly agrees before excitedly talking about how much fun it will be regardless. Working out, survival training and learning to operate every weapon, vehicle and gadget available. From the sound of it she would make a kick-ass "guy" friend.

The arrival of the bus interrupts you. The two of you climb aboard and considered where to sit when the vehicle lunged forward wildly. You hurriedly stashed your bags in the overhead compartment and sat down in the seat in front of two exotic looking girls who had got on before you. One rather chubby and the other as thin as a rake.

Beryl turns in the seat to shake their hands. "I'm Beryl Gunn, this is Jane Doe". The chubby one introduced herself as Hufriya in a smokey Persian accent and the other as Dinbanu. Again Beryl asks why they volunteered. Dinbanu, with a solemn and serene expression, replied "I have always heard Athena's voice calling me to action". Hufriya added "And I can't let my sister die as a heroine alone" with a laugh.

For the rest of the journey you are careful to listen more than speak. Not only because you can't tell them about how you were a man yesterday but also because there are many other cultural matters you don't understand. Besides Beryl is clearly enjoying leading the conversation.