The physical was a formality. I was healthy enough, and took no drugs. Well, besides nicotine, but everyone in my line of work did, so.

  Next was orientation. It was set for today, in a mustering space, as is typical. I arived 10 minutes early, and was told to get in lines, no order required.

  There were a few others in the muster, so I just walked over and stood next to a random person. Je glanced at me, then flinched back, surprised. I watched him from the corner of my eye as I got into 'at ease'.

  "Damn, kid. I know I'm beautiful but ya don't gotta flinch from it." I mutter to him. I smirk as he flinched again, and mutters a soft "sorry..."

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  As more and more people flooded in, the reality set in for me. From the looks of it, these are all 18 year olds. I am 25ish, maybe 26? Honestly I forget. But I look in my late 30s to early 40s. Combat does that to a person.

  But it still strikes me that I am by far the oldest and most experienced person in almost every respect. It makes me shudder.

  At the appointed time, a captain stepped up. He began the typical 'Welcome to your new home' speech. I had heard it before, at least 3 times in fact. Each time had its variations, but the message was the same.

  "Do your duty."

  "Service is an honor."

  "We will remake you better to serve humanity."

  All that and more. When he was done, we got sent off to our living quarters. The academy, at least this one, from what I read before arrival, was for the 'well off.' So, add in this being the navy, I expected plush accommodations with wine and caviar. What I got was naval bunkers with 3 room mates.

  My expectations were shattered and my day, was ruined. Heh, still better then the dirt.