Yvonne ignored Daisy and went back to making her bed. Just as she finished, Daisy walked over. The room had two bunk beds, each with a name tag. Yvonne and Marina had the bottom bunks. Doris was above Marina, and Daisy was assigned the bunk above Yvonne.
The thought of climbing up and down to get into bed infuriated Daisy. She kicked Yvonne''s bedframe. “Hey, switch with me. I don''t like sleeping on top.”
"Why should I? I''m not here to cater to you," Yvonne retorted. “Besides, even if we switch now, we''ll just have to switch backter. I don''t have time for your games.” She pushed past Daisy and went to unpack her suitcase.
Daisy was about to throw a tantrum when Marina stepped in. “Ms. Smith, I can switch with you. I actually prefer the top bunk." Marina''s bed was already neatly made with fresh, clean linens.
"Fine," Daisy said, begrudgingly epting.
Just as they finished swapping their bedding, a female soldier in uniform entered the room. She looked to be in her early thirties, with a stern expression and a ramrod- straight posture. Her every step seemed precisely measured. Her presence wasmanding, and the four women in the room immediately stopped what they were doing and looked at her.
"All of you, fall in!" the soldier''s authoritative voice boomed.
While the others were still
processing vonne, conditioned by years at the police academy, instinctively snapped to attention. Seeing her, the others quickly followed suit, lining up beside her The soldiers gaze swept over them, lingering a moment longer on Yvonne.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Instructor Janice, from the 2nd Regiment 3rd Battalion of the Istra Military Region. From today on, Twili be your drill sergeant. Now, from left to right, state your name, age, and hometown."
Yvonne, standing on the far left, spoke first, her words concise. "Yvonne, neen. Istra."
The military valued brevity, not long-winded biographies. Following her lead, the others introduced themselves without any major errors.
Ms. Janice surveyed them again, her face still grim. “You have three minutes to remove anything from your luggage that is not a daily necessity." She held up a stopwatch and started the countdown.
Doris and Marina scrambled to sort
through their belongings. Only
Yvonne and Daisy remained still. Yvonne, having been through police academy training, knew exactly what
was and wasn''t allowed. Heo suitcase was spartan, containing only essential toiletries like shampoo, face wash, and moisturizer. Daisy, on the other hand, just stood there with a look of utter disdain, as if she were above it all.
"Time''s up! Attention!" Ms. Janice''s sharp voice cut through the room. Doris and Marina quickly stood up straight. Ms. Janice then began inspecting each suitcase.