Bulletproof Heart, Wounded Mind

Chapter one

"Women who stepped up were measured as citizens of the nation, not as women... This was a people's war, and everyone was in it„
~ Colonial Oveta Culp Hobby

May 15, 2050

It is now 2050... Ever since 2020 an ongoing war has been stripping the world of all humanity. Countries turning on allies, enemies teaming to destroy their enemies.
My name is Anna Jacobson and I've just enlisted in the US army.
I'm 23 and I plan to end this war.
I plan to make this world sane again, and I refuse to let the world kill itself for selfish needs.

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"Alright soldiers! Training starts now, first five to finish the course gets first dibs in the shower, all you other worthless brats? You'll be scrubbing the floors of mess hall. Ready? Go!" Our commander blew the whistle and everyone bolted.
I sped through the course, hopping from tire to tire, avoiding the electric wire as I crawled in mud, hopped walls, and my usual acrobats through the course. I had built something similar back home to help me prepare. I'm from a little town in Michigan, Milford and in that area there isn't much to do but scope the little shops. Me on the other hand, I hunted, I went to gun shows, shooting ranges. And once all hell broke loose with the world, I trained. I went to the gym everyday, I built courses and pushed myself until I knew the course like the back of my hand. I lived for this day, to pass.

The last part of the course would be hardest. One must shoot a bullseye with only three tries. If failed, you'd be sent to try the course again. It may seem easy but after running through a course your adrenaline is rushing, everything is shaking. I brought myself up to the guns. Sniper rifles. I picked mine up, checked my bullets, and took a breath, aiming.
I shot.
The whistle went off for me and I grinned, setting my gun down and running to the side lines.
First to finish. Only female in the group. My commander gave me a nod of approval before watching the others scurry to get to the guns and just finish the hellish course.
"Come on you worthless maggots! Don't let a girl be the only one to pass! Let's go let's go!" The commander barked. This always worked for the men, having this thing where they just couldn't loose by a girl. I didn't care, I found myself being more of a manly girl, a tomboy anyway.
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The course was finally finished. Four other men finished after me. All were pretty well. We claimed our showers and did our thing. Did I shower with the men? Yes, nowadays things were hard to come by with cut budgets and so women showered, ate, trained, and slept with men.
I felt like I was one myself so I never cared. And none of the men bothered me... Which however did bother me.
They all had their friends while I remained alone. No one approached me and I was honestly to shy to approach anyone else. However I let it go and just did my own thing.. I probably wouldn't see half of them after war anyway, and what's the use of getting attached if they'll possibly die in war?
I'd face my training alone.
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"Lights out ladies!" The commander sniggered as he walked off. The other men rolled their eyes but switched the lights off and partially dozed off.
I however remained awake, thinking of home... Praying for my family. My mother died giving birth to my little sister an my father worked hard jobs, I'd help with payments and such and make sure my little sis, Ina, was kept safe and happy. She was 15 now and was able to work and help our dad out. He recently met a woman who loves him dearly, and he loves her too. Me and Ina accepted her and they plan to marry when I come home for a little break. If I ever do.
"Hey Anna?" The call startled me.
"Yes..?" I called, unsure.
"It's me, Michael. Me and the guys were wondering, would you wanna train with us tomorrow? We liked your moves and wanna get to know you." The man answered. A quite chorus of agreement sang around the room.
"And this isn't a scam?" I challenged.
"No, honestly almost everyone in camp admires you, we've been a little to quiet and we really want to know you." Michael called. I could hear the honesty and I felt a little higher.
"Then, of course. It'll be nice to have people to talk with. And here I thought I was just that repulsive." I laughed at myself.
"Anna if anything you're amazing. And for a woman being in the army, you're very stunning." Another chorus of agreement, even louder.
"Thank you all. Now get to sleep before we're all scrubbing already clean floors." I snickered along with everyone else before I laid back and relaxed. I felt at ease.
Maybe I could just make a little group of friends..? I couldn't stay alone my whole life...