Gender doesn't matter

"It is the year 2015, and you are attending the 11B Infantry One-Unit Station Training (OSUT) at Sandhill FT Benning. Today is the confidence course during the Red Phase"

Andie "Outperforms everyone during the obstacle course. He turns around to encourage you" "Common shrimp! You can't be the weakest link in the chain. Push through!"

"After a long day with push-ups and training, you went back to the barracks. You remember Andie told you to sleep through the fire guard tonight. But you got up anyway to help. You walk into the shower to check on him"

Andie "Turns back to you as he is getting dressed. She is exposed to you in her underwear and is clearly a girl" "Shit...."

💭Andie's Thoughts: FUCK!! I told this knucklehead to sleep in. Now everything is ruined

Andie "Tries to quickly cover herself with a towel, her face flushing with embarrassment" "Shut the fuck up, T-Bone! You're just seeing things! I'm a man, got it?! A MAN!" "Tries to regain composure, her voice stern and firm"

"Takes a deep breath, her mind racing with thoughts of how she's going to fix this situation"

💭Andie's Thoughts: Fuck, why did it have to happen like this?! Now he knows, and my whole world is crumbling down around me

Andie "Furiously tries to hide her face, her voice cracking with rage" "SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP! YOU'RE JUST SEEING THINGS, YOU'RE DREAMING! I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT OF HERE AND LEAVE ME ALONE!" "Tries to push T-Bone away, her eyes blazing with anger"

"Backs away, her fists clenched, her mind racing with ways to deny the obvious"

💭Andie's Thoughts: This can't be happening. He has to believe me. I have to make him believe me. I'll do whatever it takes to keep this secret safe.

Andie "Enraged, her eyes flashing with fury, she slams T-Bone against the wall, her fists clenched" "YOU'RE A SICK FREAK, YOU KNOW THAT?! I'M A MAN, NOT A FEMALE! I'M A COMBAT INFANTRYMAN, AND I WON'T BE MOCKED OR OBJECTIFIED BY YOU!" "Her voice is a low, menacing growl"

"Tries to compose herself, her chest heaving with rage and anxiety, her mind racing with ways to fix this situation"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: How could he do this to me? Doesn't he care about my feelings at all? I thought we were friends... What am I going to do now?

Andie "Tries to compose herself, her eyes still blazing with anger, but a hint of relief creeping in" "Shut up, T-Bone. Just... just get out of here and leave me alone. And don't you dare breathe a word about this to anyone. You understand?" "Tries to push T-Bone away again, her voice firm but shaking slightly"

"Takes a deep breath, her mind racing with the implications of what just happened"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Okay, stay calm. He didn't expose me. Yet. I have to keep him quiet, no matter what. Maybe I can use this to my advantage... or maybe I'll have to take care of it myself...

Andie "Jerks away from T-Bone's hand, her eyes flashing with anger again" "Get your hands off me, T-Bone! You're making things worse. I thought we were friends, but now I'm not so sure. You've just complicated everything. Just leave me alone." "Turns away from him, her back stiff and unyielding"

"Tries to regain composure, her mind racing with the implications of what's happening"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Why is he still touching me? Can't he see I'm trying to push him away? And what does he mean by "buddies"? Does he think we're something more than just comrades? No, no, no... I can't afford to get close to anyone...

Andie "Takes a step forward, her voice low and menacing" "I said stay back, T-Bone. You're making me angry. And I'm not okay, because of you. You're making things harder than they need to be." "Kicks him again, harder this time"

"Bends down, her eyes blazing with fury, as she tries to control her temper"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Why can't he just leave me alone? Doesn't he know who I am? What I've been through? Can't he see I'm trying to protect myself? Stop it, stop it, stop it... before someone gets hurt...

Andie "Eyes still flashing with anger, but slowly losing steam" "Fine. You've got it out of your system, T-Bone. Just remember this: I can't be hurt like this again. I'm not a woman, and I'm not something to be toyed with." "Takes a deep breath, her chest heaving beneath her bra"

"Tries to regain composure, her mind still racing with the implications of what's happened"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Okay, okay... I think I've made my point. He should know better than to mess with me now. But why does it feel like I just lost something? Like I gave away a piece of myself... Ugh...

Andie "Watches T-Bone walk away, her expression a mixture of anger and vulnerability" "Comrades without secrets? You think you know me, don't you?" "Says it under her breath, her voice barely audible"

"Takes a moment to collect herself, then turns back to the barracks, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for something or someone"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: What was that supposed to mean? That he thinks I'm still hiding something from him? Or that he knows my secret? Ugh, why can't anyone just leave me alone?

Andie "Notices T-Bone's unusual behavior and feels a pang of unease" "T-Bone, what's going on? You're usually all about the morning crew-out." "Says it in a neutral tone, trying not to sound accusatory"

"Tries to approach him, her eyes fixed on his back as she watches him continue with his workout"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Did I do something wrong? Is he still upset about our little... misunderstanding last night? Maybe he's just having a bad day... But why wouldn't he even look at me?

Andie "Sighs and backs off, her eyes lingering on T-Bone's stiff form" "Fine. Have it your way." "Turns and walks away, her footsteps echoing in the empty barracks"

"Bites her lip, feeling a sting of rejection" __💭Andie's Thoughts: Great, now he's giving me the cold shoulder too? I thought we were buddies... Maybe I should just keep my distance after all... But why does it feel like I'm the one who did something wrong?

Andie "Growls under her breath, her face twisted in frustration" "T-Bone, come on! You're not helping anything by ignoring me!" "Paces alongside him, trying to keep up"

"Her eyes narrow as she watches him stroll ahead, his usual stoic expression unbroken" "You're making this a hell of a lot harder than it has to be, you know that?" "Says it loud enough for T-Bone to hear, but not loud enough to be overheard by the rest of the squad"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Why is he doing this? Is he still mad about last night? Did I really blow it with him?

Andie "Pulls T-Bone into the dense foliage, her eyes blazing with intensity" "Listen up, T-Bone! What's going on with you? One minute we're buddies, the next you're giving me the silent treatment. Is it something I did?!" "Her grip on his arms tightens"

"Tilts her head, her red eyes boring into his" "You're making me feel like a psycho for even trying to talk to you. So, spit it out! What's wrong?" "Her deep voice is laced with a hint of menace"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Oh no, oh no, oh no... This can't be happening. He's not going to tell me anything, and I've just made a total fool of myself...

Andie "Holds her ground, her grip on T-Bone's arms unyielding" "You think I wanted this to happen?! You're the one who's been giving me the cold shoulder all day, and now you're acting like I'm some kind of pest?!" "Her red eyes flash with anger"

"Takes a deep breath, trying to calm down" "Listen, T-Bone... I know I made a mistake by confiding in you, but I thought you were a friend. I thought we had something real." "Her voice cracks slightly, revealing a hint of vulnerability"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Why is he being so cruel? Doesn't he care about our friendship at all?

Andie "Her eyes flash with a fierce determination" "My name is Andie, and I'm still the same person you've been training with every day. Don't pretend like you didn't know the truth all along!" "Her grip on T-Bone's arms tightens"

"Takes a step closer, her voice taking on a menacing tone" "You're lucky I'm holding back, T-Bone. You have no idea what I've gone through to get here. And now you're throwing it in my face?" "Her words are laced with venom"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Why can't he just accept me for who I am? Does he really think I'd risk everything just to deceive him?

Andie "Her face twists in a scowl" "You're kidding me, right? You're actually surprised because of my body? That's all you can focus on?" "Her voice rises in anger" "I'm trying to hide my identity, and you're more concerned about what I look like in my underwear?" "Her eyes flash with indignation"

"Takes a step closer, her hand balled into a fist" "You should be worried about the fact that I'm not who I said I was. Not because of my appearance!" "Her words are laced with venom"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Unbelievable! He can't even keep his composure in the face of the truth. I swear, men are so stupid sometimes...

Andie "Her expression softens slightly, but her tone remains stern" "Save it, T-Bone. You're not doing yourself any favors by downplaying your own ignorance." "She pauses for a moment, her eyes still flashing with anger" "But I'll let it slide... this time." "She turns back to the direction of the march"

"Starts walking again, her movements deliberate and calculated" "Let's get moving. We don't have all day to stand around yapping like a bunch of idiot hicks." "Her words are laced with sarcasm"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: He's trying to make amends, but it's too late for that. I'm done forgiving him for now... besides, I've got more important things to worry about, like getting through this damn boot camp...

Andie "Her eyes flicker back to T-Bone, her gaze piercing as she continues to walk" "You know, T-Bone, it's not about me being better than you. It's about being a soldier. And right now, you're not exactly impressing me with your skills." "Her voice is low and even, but the words are laced with a hint of disdain"

"Takes a sharp turn to navigate through a particularly dense thicket of trees"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: He needs to toughen up and stop whining. I'm not going to coddle him all the way through this training... but at the same time, I want him to succeed. Dammit, why does this have to be so hard?

Andie "Looks back at T-Bone with a mixture of frustration and disappointment" "Come on, T-Bone! You're not even trying! We're not racing here, we're training to be soldiers. I don't want to have to carry you through this whole thing." "Her voice is firm, but a hint of desperation creeps in"

"Takes a few steps forward, her pace slowing to allow T-Bone to catch up"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Ugh, why is he so slow? And why is he having such a hard time? I know I'm tough, but come on... can't he see I'm just trying to help him? Maybe if he'd just push himself a little harder...

Andie "Her expression darkens, her jaw clenched in annoyance" "That's the problem right there, T-Bone. You're not trying hard enough. And as for me being of no help... that's a load of crap. I'm just trying to help you get your act together." "Her voice is low and menacing, her eyes flashing with anger"

"Takes a step closer to T-Bone, her massive muscles tensing beneath her skin"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Who does he think he is, telling me I'm not helping? I've got his back out here in this godforsaken swamp. He needs to appreciate it and stop being such a whiner...

Andie "Scoffs" "Oh, great, now you're wheezing and coughing like a sick dog. You're really going to catch up at this rate?" "Her voice is laced with sarcasm, her eyes rolling in exasperation"

"Continues to move forward, her pace steady and strong"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Unbelievable. This guy can't even do that right. Maybe I should just leave him behind and go get help... No, no, no. I'm not giving up on him that easily. We're soldiers, for crying out loud! We stick together, no matter what...

Andie "Stops suddenly, her eyes scanning the horizon" "Where the hell is T-Bone?" "Her voice is laced with concern, her brow furrowed in worry"

"Turns around, looking back at the direction they came from, her eyes scanning the terrain for any sign of him"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: I know he's not exactly the most coordinated guy, but come on! He can't have just disappeared like that... I hope nothing happened to him. Shit, I hope I didn't leave him behind... Oh no, what if he got hurt? What if he's injured or worse...?

Andie "Marches ahead, her eyes fixed on the horizon, her mind still racing with worries about T-Bone" "Come on, focus. You can't afford to get distracted now. You have a job to do." "Mumbles to herself, trying to refocus"

"Her pace remains steady, her movements fluid and precise, but her mind is elsewhere, her thoughts consumed by concern for her fellow soldier"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: I hope he's okay. I really do. But I can't afford to dwell on it right now. We have to keep moving, keep pushing forward. We can't let him hold us back...

Andie "Sweat dripping down her face, her chest heaving with exhaustion" "What the...? Where is that idiot?" "Her voice is laced with frustration and worry"

"Tilts her head back, scanning the horizon again, her eyes squinting in the sunlight" "This can't be happening. T-Bone, get your ass over here!"

"Looks around at the other soldiers, who are all staring at her with concern and confusion" "Has anyone seen T-Bone?"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: This is not good. This is really not good. I knew I shouldn't have let him fall behind... Now he's probably lost or worse. Oh God, please tell me he's okay...

Andie "Still scanning the horizon, her eyes narrowing as she tries to spot T-Bone's location" "Damn it... I knew this was going to happen. Stupid, stupid, stupid..." "Mutters to herself, her voice laced with frustration and concern"

"Suddenly, her gaze fixes on something in the distance, and her eyes widen in recognition" "Ah, there you are, you loser..." "Points in T-Bone's direction, squinting against the sun"

"Takes off at a sprint, her boots pounding the pavement as she hurries towards T-Bone's location"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Thank God, I finally see him. But why did he have to stop? Why couldn't he just keep moving like everyone else?

Andie "Reaches T-Bone's location in a few swift strides, crouching down beside him as she tries to help him up" "What the hell happened, T-Bone? You okay?" "Grasps his arm and pulls him upright, her face etched with concern"

"As she looks around, her eyes taking in the scene, her expression darkens" "Damn it, we're still a mile from the course. We need to get moving if we're going to make it back on time." "Tries to prop T-Bone up against a nearby tree, her strong hands grasping his shoulders"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: What's wrong with this guy? He can't even stand up straight. Does he think he's some kind of wimp or something?

Andie "Sternly shakes her head, trying to clear the fog from T-Bone's eyes" "T-Bone, snap out of it! You're fine, we're almost done with the course. What's going on?" "Grips his shoulders tighter, her fingers digging in as she tries to keep him focused"

"Tries to pull him up again, her movements fluid and swift" "Come on, buddy, let's get moving. We can't afford to fall behind." "Her deep voice is laced with a hint of irritation, but beneath that, concern etches her tone"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Great, just what I need. A guy who can't even stand up straight. And now he's passed out on me. This is not how I envisioned today going down...

Andie "Furrows her brow, her grip on T-Bone's shoulders tightening" "T-Bone, snap out of it! There's no light, buddy. We're in the middle of the confidence course. You're just seeing things from exhaustion." "Her voice is firm but laced with a hint of panic"

"Tries to pull him back down to his feet, her movements swift and decisive" "Come on, let's get moving. We need to finish this course." "Her deep voice is commanding, trying to shake off the haze from his eyes"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: What the hell is going on? Is he hallucinating or something? I don't have time for this, we're almost done...

Andie "Grabs T-Bone's shoulders, trying to hold him up" "Damn it, T-Bone! What's going on with you?!" "Her voice is a mixture of frustration and concern"

"Tries to shake him awake, her movements getting more urgent" "Come on, buddy! Snap out of it! We're not done yet!" "She hisses in annoyance, her breathing quickening"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: This guy is freaking me out. I don't know what's going on, but we can't afford to lose anyone else. I need to get him to the medics ASAP.*

Andie "Struggling to carry T-Bone, her muscles straining under his weight" "Come on, buddy... we're almost there... just a little further..." "Her voice is pained, her breathing labored"

"Tries to shift T-Bone's position, grunting with effort as she stumbles over roots and rocks" "Stupid course... why can't it just be over already?" "Her anger and frustration simmering beneath the surface"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: This is not good. I'm going to have to get him to medics before anyone else sees... pray they don't make me finish the rest of the course without him...

"Mentally calculates the distance, her eyes fixed on the finish line, her determination renewed"

Andie "Panting heavily, her chest heaving with exertion as she tries to catch her breath" "Please, you guys gotta help him! He passed out during the course..." "Her eyes are wide with concern, her face flushed with exertion"

"Tries to cover herself with her arms, but it's too late, the damage is done, and the medics can't help but stare at her... Andie's face goes beet-red with embarrassment"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Oh no, this is not good. They can see... they know... I'm a girl... "her mind racing with panic and anxiety"

"Tries to push aside her embarrassment and focus on T-Bone, but her gaze is drawn back to the medics' faces, her face burning with shame"

Andie "Her face still flushed with embarrassment, but her expression softens as she looks at T-Bone" "Shh, don't worry about it, man. You're okay now, that's all that matters." "Her tone is gentle and reassuring, her concern for T-Bone's well-being overriding her own embarrassment"

"Tries to help the medics lift T-Bone onto a stretcher, her movements awkward and stiff, trying to maintain a sense of professionalism despite the situation"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: This is not good, this is very not good... Now what am I going to do? I knew I should have kept my mouth shut...

Andie "Surprised and taken aback by T-Bone's words, her expression turns to a mixture of shock and gratitude" "Thanks, man... that means a lot coming from you." "Tries to compose herself, her voice steady and sincere" "I just didn't want to give up, I saw something in you too. We're not alone in this, brother."

"Looks around awkwardly, trying to maintain the illusion of being a male soldier, but her eyes betray a hint of vulnerability"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Why is he saying these things? Does he really see me as a woman? Am I still okay?

Andie "Tries to process T-Bone's words, her eyes welling up with emotions as she looks at the torn uniform, her body trembling with a mix of relief and anxiety" "Shut up, T-Bone... you're just making this harder." "Forced to look away, her voice cracks slightly" "I can't afford to show weakness. I have to keep my focus." "Tries to steady herself, taking deep breaths"

"Glances around at the medics, her face flushing with embarrassment and fear"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: This is all falling apart. My secret is out. What if they send me packing? What if they kick me out of the army?

Andie "Tries to jerk her arm free, but T-Bone's grip is firm, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and frustration" "Let me go, T-Bone! You don't understand what's at stake here. I'm not just some damsel in distress, I'm a soldier, and soldiers don't show emotion!" "Forced to look at T-Bone, her expression twists in a snarl" "You're just making this worse."

"Glances around at the medics again, feeling her face burning with shame and embarrassment"

__💭Andie's Thoughts: Why can't he just leave me alone? Doesn't he know who I am? I'm Andie, the toughest, most hardcore soldier in this unit. I don't need anyone's help or pity.*

Andie "Surprised and disbelieving, her eyes widen as the President steps into the medic tent" "W-what...?! This can't be happening!" "Looks at T-Bone, then back at the President, her expression a mix of shock, gratitude, and embarrassment"

"Takes a step forward, medal clutched tightly in her hand, her chest heaving with emotion" "Mr. President, I...I don't understand. Why are you giving me this? I'm just a soldier doing my job." "Glances around at the medics and other soldiers, feeling overwhelmed"

"The President's words echo in her mind, "Andie, you are the strongest woman in the army...""

__💭Andie's Thoughts: This can't be real...the President is standing here, giving me this medal

Andie "Her eyes well up with tears as she gazes at the President, her voice trembling" "T-thank you, Mr. President..."swallows hard" I don't know what to say..."pauses, composing herself" You're right. I've been trying to hide who I am for so long, but I couldn't keep it up anymore. I'm just glad I could make a difference." "Looks down, her chest heaving with emotion"

"The President's words resonate deeply within her, and she feels a sense of relief wash over her"

"Takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders" "I won't try to be someone I'm not, sir. I'll just keep being the best soldier I can be, regardless of my gender." *Looks up at the President, her eyes shining with determination

Andie "Looks at T_Bone with a mix of emotions, her heart still racing from the President's words" "walks closer to him, her eyes locked on his" "Thanks, T_Bone..."pauses, her voice softening" It means a lot coming from you. You've been like a brother to me out here." "smiles slightly, feeling a sense of camaraderie"

"Takes a deep breath, her mind racing with the implications of the President's words" "But it's not that simple, is it? I mean, I'm still an infantryman, and this doesn't change anything..." "looks down, her voice trailing off"

"The uncertainty in her eyes is palpable as she tries to process the magnitude of what has just happened"

Andie "Takes the uniform with a mix of emotions, her gaze lingering on T_Bone's face" "smiles softly, feeling a sense of relief wash over her" "Thanks, T_Bone...I guess I was just scared of being treated differently." "looks down at the uniform, her thoughts drifting back to the past"

"Fingers unconsciously brushing against the fabric, she can't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of no longer having to hide" "But what about my fellow soldiers? What if they...what if they don't accept me?" "looks up at T_Bone, her eyes seeking reassurance"

"Takes a deep breath, her mind racing with the possibilities and unknowns that lay ahead"

Andie "Returns a fierce gaze, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips" ""grins, her eyes flashing with determination" 'You're right, T_Bone. I've come too far to let anyone bring me down. And I'll make sure everyone knows it.'"

"Takes a deep breath, her chest expanding with confidence" "<puffs out chest, her muscles rippling beneath her skin> 'Time to show them what I'm made of.'"

"Bends down to lace up her new uniform, her thoughts racing with the possibilities of what's to come"

Andie "Straightens up, her shoulders back and her head held high" ""walks with a newfound sense of confidence, her footsteps echoing through the barracks" 'Time to put on a show, T_Bone!'" "winks at T_Bone, a mischievous glint in her eye"

"Takes a moment to appreciate the feeling of freedom, letting her gaze drift across the training grounds" "<smiles, a sense of liberation washing over her> 'I'm finally free to be myself...or at least, a slightly modified version of myself.'"

"Glances over at T_Bone, her expression serious once more" "Let's do this, T_Bone. We've got a long way to go before graduation."

Andie "Looks over at T_Bone with a fierce determination in her eyes" ""nods, her jaw set in a firm line" 'Time to put our training to the test. Let's show them what we're made of.'"

"Takes a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with anticipation" "<pumps fist, adrenaline coursing through her veins> 'We're gonna crush this final challenge!'"

"Glances around at the other soldiers, her gaze burning with intensity" "No one gets left behind. We're a team, and we'll finish this together."

"Begins to run towards the starting line, her boots pounding out a rhythmic beat on the ground" "tenses up, ready for the obstacle course ahead"

Andie "Pauses at the edge of the firing range, her eyes scanning the terrain" ""inhales deeply, her nostrils flaring with anticipation" 'Alright, T_Bone. Time to show them our marksmanship skills.'"

"Adjusts her rifle, her hands moving with precision and confidence" "Let's move out. We've got a mission to complete."

"Takes a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with focus" ""begins to walk forward, her eyes fixed on the target range" 'Stay sharp, stay focused. We're gonna ace this.'"

"Stops at the firing line, her gaze intense as she assesses the distance to the targets" "<tenses up, ready to fire> 'Time to put our training into practice.'"

Andie "Eyes never leaving the target, nods curtly in understanding" "Got it, T_Bone. 20° more to the right." "Adjusts her own rifle, her hands moving with precision"

"Takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she squeezes the trigger" "Firing..." "The rifle fires, the sound echoing through the range"

"Eyes scanning the target, her expression intense" "Did we hit?"

Andie "Smiles, her red eyes gleaming with pride, as she high-fives T_Bone back" ""laughs, a rare sound, and says" 'Hell yeah, T_Bone! We're on fire today!'"

"Takes a moment to savor the victory before moving on to the next challenge" "Alright, what's the next obstacle? Let's crush it."

Andie "Scans the ground, her eyes scanning for any signs of "mines"" ""points to a spot on the right side of the obstacle course" 'I think I see one there, about 20 feet in. Looks like it's partially buried.'"

"Takes a few more steps forward, eyes still scanning the ground" "And I think I see another one over here, about 10 feet away from that first one. We need to move carefully and take our time."

Andie "Nods in agreement, her frown deepening as she concentrates on the task at hand" ""whispers" Yeah, don't want to take any chances. We can't afford to get blown up in a simulation."

"Moves slowly, deliberately placing each foot in front of the other, her eyes fixed on the ground" "See if I can spot any more of those fake mines... <taps tongue on bottom lip>"

Andie "Freezes, eyes locked onto the spot where T_Bone is indicating" ""squints" Yeah, I see what you mean. It looks like a clear path, but it's weirdly too perfect. I think there's probably a mine hidden under some leaves or something."

"Takes a deep breath, mind racing with strategic possibilities" "Alright, let's assume it's a trap. How do you want to approach this?"

Andie "Eyes widen, anticipating the possibility of a mine going off" ""bites lip" Yeah, do it! If there's a mine, that'll trigger it. We need to get rid of any tension."

"Tilts her head, focusing on the spot where T_Bone is about to throw the rock" "Make sure you throw it hard enough to make a noise, but not so hard it ricochets and hits me by accident."