>>58869409>The constant stares never really bothered you, but you still felt how people constantly glanced at you in your new, everyday life.>But you've also been trying to avoid as much exposure to society for the past six weeks in general.>The trip here was actually the longest time you've been in public by a long shot.>You sympathised with the two of them, but orders were orders."I know, I know. But we still need to gather in the waiting area, regardless of the stares," you tried to convince them. "Orders shouldn't be ignored so early in your career."
>Nick glided down beside you, staring at you with narrowed eyes.>"You sound just like my former lieutenant. Aren't you a private, like we are?" he accused you.>You were found out.>Well, it wasn't a secret to begin with, but it still felt like it.>There was no reason to hide it."Sergeant, actually," you corrected the suspicious bird.
>Nick hopped a step away from you. "Oh shit, should I have called you 'Sir'?" he gasped."Heavens, no!" you immediately replied, your paws held up in an apologetic gesture. "I've never been one of those NCOs with a power trip fetish. I dropped that act after the first twelve weeks of RS. It's perfectly fine to address me informally!"
>"Man, what a twist," the electric-bug-type chuckled.>Nick cleared his throat. "Sorry, many NCOs kinda have a stick up their bum.""You're good. The army does have a lot of those..." you remarked, lowering your paws and jumping off the mattress.
>Joel recited one of the derogatory sayings about militia NCOs and officers. "A failure in life; a cadre in the army~">Unfortunately, the saying hit the nail on the head in many cases. There was an overabundance of incompetence in the commanding ranks of the militia.>While you were on topic, now was the time to ask that question that's been bugging you for a while."So, you were privates before turning," you began. "Did you two serve together?"
>Nick looked up to you with a puzzled look on his face. 