Max woke up with a grand headache. Looking around her, she saw that she was in a large room with wall-to-wall bunk-beds—about fifty beds, in all. She was in a bottom bunk near the end. She groaned as she tried to get up; she was sore all over. She heard a familiar whimper from the bed above hers, and instantly went on full alert. Max jumped to her feet, ignoring her complaining joints, and looked to see Angel, strapped down so that she couldn't move her limbs.
"Max! Where are we?" Angel swung her head wildly, trying to look around. Max tugged at the black leather straps, but they would not budge.
"TRAINEES! CEASE!" A loud, stern voice boomed. Max spun around to meet the source. She found herself staring up at a very tall, very muscular man in a uniform. She gulped.
"W-w-what's going on?!" Max stuttered. The man glared.
"You have been recruited for military service. And the FIRST lesson we teach trainees is to follow orders WITHOUT talking back!"
"WHAT?! That's RIDICU—"
"CEASE!" Max was stunned into silence. "It is NOT ridiculous! And I should have you PUNISHED for being so BLATANTLY DEFIANT!"
As Max tried without success to think of a witty response, another, smaller man burst into the room
"Sir! The President wishes to see the newest recruits!" The newcomer announced breathlessly.
"Dismissed, soldier!" He rushed back out again. The first man strutted over to Angel's bunk and within seconds the straps were off.
"NOW! You will walk at attention and follow me, and you WILL NOT speak! Caprendé?" Angel and Max nodded quickly. The man marched out the door, and the girls had no choice but to follow.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Again, sorry it's so short! But a new chapter soon!