Not Quite as Planned

Nori's chest heaved with each rapid heartbeat as she clutched the scissors, their cold metal cutting into her trembling fingers. She stared at her long, fiery red hair cascading down her back, a symbol of her identity. With a shaky hand, she brought the blades closer and closer to her hairline until they finally made contact. The loud snip echoed in the quiet bathroom as Nori watched chunks of her vibrant locks fall lifeless into the sink. She couldn't believe what she had just done, but it was too late to turn back now.

As she lifted her gaze to the mirror, tears streamed down her face. Her once luscious mane was now a disheveled mess, framing her face like a wild animal. In that moment, she realized the gravity of what would come next.

Taking a deep breath, she picked up the gleaming laser clippers and positioned them at her temple. The laser diodes glowed against her skin as she moved the tool upwards, each pass of the laser bringing another lock of hair to the ground. With every pass, she felt a sense of weight being lifted from her shoulders, a release of all that had been holding her back. This was a transformation, a shedding of old layers and a rebirth into something new.

As she worked her way around her head, Nori marveled at the freedom she felt with each shorn strand. The once long and heavy locks now lay in scattered piles on the floor, revealing the sharp angles of her cheekbones and the curve of her neck. She couldn't help but smile at the sight, feeling empowered by this act of self-determination.

Finally, the clippers were set aside and Nori stepped back to admire her handiwork. Her fingertips grazed over the bristly stubble that now covered her scalp, sending shivers down her spine. This was her new identity, one that she had chosen for herself. And with it came a renewed sense of purpose in what she was about to do.

Nori's small frame moved with urgency as she darted towards her bed. She reached beneath it, her fingers deftly grasping at a small box hidden in the shadows. Her hands moved with practiced ease, flicking open the lid to reveal a hidden compartment filled with meticulously crafted United Territories’ identification documents. Each piece of paper was carefully forged with false information and signatures, a testament to Nori's skill and determination. As she gazed down at the contents, a sense of nervous excitement washed over her. It was time for her to put her plan into action.

The United Federation of Territories, known as the U.T, was a deeply patriarchal society where women were treated as second-class citizens and relegated to their domestic duties. The streets bustled with men in suits, striding purposefully towards important meetings and deals, while the women scurried behind them, tending to household chores and child-rearing. Their voices were often hushed and their opinions ignored, their worth measured only by their ability to serve and please their husbands. It was a world where men held all the power and women were simply expected to comply.

Nori emerged from her humble metallic apartment building, striding briskly towards the U.T recruitment center. She pulled up her hood, shielding her face from the bustling streets and the drizzling rain. As she made her way through the men-only walkways, a confident smile played on her lips. The lights of the city reflected off the wet pavement, creating an ethereal glow. Her determination radiated with each step she took towards the office.

Nori stepped into the recruitment center, her heart hammering against her ribcage. The sterile atmosphere of stark white walls and harsh fluorescent lighting made her feel exposed, like a specimen under a microscope. She squared her shoulders and kept her head held high as she approached the front desk, trying to exude confidence in every step.

A stern-faced receptionist with a military buzzcut looked up from his computer screen and eyed Nori suspiciously. His cold, calculating gaze swept over her appearance - the shaved head, the hood pulled low over her face.

"Identification," he barked, holding out a hand expectantly. Nori's hands trembled slightly as she slid the forged documents across the desk with a steady hand, mentally willing herself to remain calm. The receptionist scrutinized the papers for what felt like an eternity before finally nodding curtly and motioning for her to proceed.

Nori navigated through the maze-like corridors of the recruitment center, her senses on high alert. She passed by groups of young men in crisp uniforms, their faces determined and ready for whatever lay ahead. She knew they didn't believe she belonged here among them, but that only fueled her determination further.

Finally, she arrived at the room where the evaluations were taking place - the ultimate test of forged identity. Nori took a deep breath to steady her nerves as she entered the evaluation room, a hush falling over the space as all eyes turned towards her. The panel of military officials sat behind a long table, their expressions unreadable as they regarded her with scrutiny.

A grizzled commander with a stern countenance cleared his throat before speaking. "Name?"

She responded in a husky voice, trying to keep her composure despite the turmoil inside of her. "Norm Deluka," she managed to say steadily.

The commander raised an eyebrow at her, then gestured to a seat facing the panel. "Sit."

As she lowered herself into the chair, Nori could feel the weight of their gazes upon her. They began firing questions at her, probing for any sign of deception or weakness. Nori answered each one with unwavering confidence, drawing upon the persona she had crafted so meticulously.

After what felt like an endless barrage of intense questioning, the commander finally leaned back in his chair. His fingers intertwined and formed a steeple as his sharp gaze remained fixed on Nori. A sly smirk danced at the corner of his mouth as he spoke. "So you believe yourself to be capable,"

he stated, his voice laced with skepticism and challenge.

Nori met his gaze evenly, her own steel-blue eyes reflecting the strength that had got her this far. "I don't believe," she corrected him gently, "I know."

The smirk disappeared from the commander's face, replaced with an expression of surprise. He exchanged a quick glance with his fellow officers before refocusing on Nori. "And why should we believe in your capabilities?" he asked.

Nori squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, meeting the commander's gaze without hesitation. "I’ll show you," she replied coolly, her words echoing through the silent room. A murmur rippled across the panel like an unseen wave; they were not used to such audacity.

The commander scrutinized her for a moment longer before his lips spread into a thin smile. "Very well, Norm," he said, the doubt in his voice only faintly detectable. "We shall see."

As if on cue, another uniformed official entered the room carrying a tray laden with military gear: a set of camouflaged clothing, heavy boots, a helmet, and an unloaded rifle.

The commander gestured to Nori. "You will have five minutes to change into that gear and present yourself back in this room. A lad from our ranks will show you where. Any hesitation or inability to adapt will be considered an admission of inadequacy."

Nori took the proffered gear without hesitation, stacking it methodically in her arms. She glanced at the commander and nodded, a silent promise dancing in her eyes. "Five minutes," she echoed as she turned and followed the uniformed official out of the room.

The door shut behind them with a sound that echoed solemnly through the room, leaving an uncomfortable silence in its wake. The officers exchanged glances, uncertainty painted on their faces.

In the room next door, Nori was led to a cramped and utilitarian dressing area. The walls were bare and the air was stale, with a faint scent of disinfectant. She had no time for nerves or second thoughts as she entered the space. As soon as her escort was out of sight, she moved quickly but precisely, methodically changing into the crisp, military gear. The fabric was stiff and unforgiving against her skin, reminding her that she would soon be thrust into who knows what. But there was no room for hesitation or doubt in this moment - only swift action and unwavering focus.

The seconds ticked away like a ticking time bomb in her head, each one ushering her closer towards her destiny. A sharp rap at the door startled her out of her reverie, and she knew it was time to put her plan into action. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and walked with measured strides back into the austere chamber. The walls seemed to loom over her, the air thick with tension and anticipation. She could feel every eye in the room on her as she made her way to the center, her heart racing but exterior calm and composed. It was time to prove herself, and she was ready for the challenge.

All eyes were fixed upon her as she entered. The fluorescent lights overhead glinted off the polished buttons on her bulky uniform, making them seem almost like bright stars against the dark fabric. Nori's slender frame seemed almost swallowed by the oversized garment, but she held her head high, not betraying a hint of uncertainty.

The commander's piercing gaze appraised her silently before he spoke. “Okay, recruit. You have proven yourself adept at following orders so far. But we shall see if you have what it takes for real combat training." His words sent a thrill of fear and excitement through Nori simultaneously.

He nodded to the official who had escorted Nori previously. “Take her to the training grounds." As Nori fell into step behind the official, a prickle of anticipation ran through her. This was her chance to show what she could do beyond merely dressing the part, to prove herself as a true warrior in the eyes of her superiors.

Nori followed the official through a maze of sterile corridors, each branching off into more darkened halls lined with heavy metal doors. Their footsteps echoed sharply against the hard floors, the only sound breaking the eerie silence that permeated the compound.

Up ahead, Nori could see daylight filtering through a set of double doors thrown open to the outside world. As they stepped through, she had to squint against the sudden harsh glare of the sun high overhead. When her vision adjusted, a sprawling training ground spread out before her. Obstacle courses of rope nets and towering walls, shooting ranges, and combat rings dotted the complex.

Other recruits were already hard at work, grunting with effort as they hurled themselves up ropes or grappled in close combat. Nori eyed them warily, knowing soon she would be tossed into exercises alongside them.

Nori took a deep breath to steady her nerves as the official led her towards the first training station - a daunting obstacle course made up of towering walls, rope nets, and balance beams. She could see other recruits struggling through the various obstacles, some making it look easy while others clearly struggled.

Nori positioned herself next to a man who towered over her, his massive frame resembling a snow-capped mountain. His broad shoulders and muscular arms were enough to intimidate even the bravest of warriors, as if he could single-handedly crush any opponent with ease. On her other side stood a man who exuded wealth and privilege, from his perfectly tailored uniform to the way he carried himself with an air of superiority. He seemed out of place amidst the rugged surroundings, but his confident stance betrayed his comfort in any setting.

With a deep breath and a determined expression, Nori squared her shoulders and focused on the challenging course ahead. The blast of a shrill whistle signaled the start, and she took off with all her energy, eager to conquer the first towering wall in front of her. As she scrambled up the slick wooden surface, she could hear the grunts and scrapes of the other recruits around her, each one also pushing themselves to their limits.

But then came a sudden yelp of surprise from Nori as she felt a firm grip around her ankle, forcefully pulling her backwards off the wall. With a loud thud, she landed hard on her back, the wind knocked out of her. She looked up to see the pompous recruit who had grabbed her, peering down with a smug grin etched on his face.

"Oh, my apologies," he said with mock sympathy dripping from his words. "Did I perhaps interrupt your climb? How clumsy of me," he added with a sneer.

Just as he finished saying the words the gigantic man next to him gave him a swift shove that sent him sprawling into the mud. Nori looked up at the giant warrior who had pushed him and he gave her a quick nod before turning back to the obstacle course. Feeling emboldened, Nori jumped to her feet and leapt at the wall again, scrambling up faster this time. As she reached the top she glanced back and saw the pompous recruit glaring up at her, covered in mud. She couldn't help but grin in satisfaction before swinging herself over the wall and sliding down the other side.

With newfound motivation, Nori charged through the various obstacles, swinging over gaps, shimmying up ropes and balancing precariously over thin beams. The hard work and adrenaline coursing through her veins made her feel more alive than ever.

Nori could feel her muscles burning as she sprinted towards the finish line. This was the home stretch, just one last obstacle to clamber over. With a deep breath, she bounded forward and grasped the towering wooden wall, hauling herself up rapidly. As she reached the top, ready to swing her legs over and finish the course, a sudden shove from behind caught her completely off guard.

Caught in mid-air with nothing to grab onto, Nori felt herself plummeting downwards. She braced for impact, squeezing her eyes shut. But instead of hard ground, she felt two strong arms catch her. Opening her eyes in surprise, she saw the gigantic warrior had broken her fall.

Nori looked around to see the pompous recruit being scolded harshly by one of the commanders. She felt a swell of gratitude towards the giant warrior who had caught her fall.

"Thank you," Nori said to the warrior as he helped her to her feet. His name was Tor and he simply nodded at her with a slight smile.

Nori glanced around, seeing the other recruits gathering at the finish line, waiting for the commanders to decide what should be done about the pompous man who had tried to sabotage her. She felt frustrated that her moment of triumph at completing the difficult course had been ruined.

Tor put a hand on her shoulder. "Come on," he rumbled in his deep voice, "Let's go finish this thing."

Nori looked up at him and smiled, her frustration dissipating. She was here to prove herself, not worry about petty sabotage or what others thought. With Tor's encouragement, Nori strode with determination toward the finish line, crossing it triumphantly with Tor beside her. The other recruits cheered, celebrating Nori's grit and refusing to let sabotage stop her.

As Nori caught her breath, the rush of adrenaline still coursing through her veins, the head commander strode towards her. His footsteps were firm and purposeful, echoing off the walls of the training arena. 

"Recruit," he said with a proud smile and approving nod, "you have shown true warrior spirit today. You completed the course despite intentional interference, displaying perseverance and integrity which are crucial qualities in the core."

Nori stood taller, pride swelling in her chest. After years of hard work, her dream was within reach. She would join the prestigious ranks of the United Territories Battle Core, able to serve and protect the Federation.

Tor smiled and gave her a pat on the back. "You earned this," he said warmly. "I look forward to fighting alongside you..." he looked at her questioningly fishing for her name.

Nori grinned back at him, ”the name is Nor-m.” She stumbled slightly over the last syllable, her false identity still a new and unfamiliar role for her to play.

Nori felt exhausted but exhilarated as the day's training came to an end. Though the physical challenges had been grueling, she had proven herself against the test of sabotage. She had earned the respect of the other recruits and commanders.

As the last person finished the last course, the head commander turned to address the group of recruits, his voice rang out with authority and confidence. “The tests are now complete. Those who receive a green post on their door tonight will join us in the training yard at o five hundred tomorrow morning.” He then fixed her gaze upon the pompous boy behind Nori. ”However, those who receive a red post must pack their belongings and leave immediately." The weight of his words hung in the air, causing some recruits to shift nervously on their feet. "You are dismissed," he concluded with a finality that left no room for argument.

As Nori headed toward the barracks, Tor fell into step beside her. "You handled yourself well today," he said. 

"Not everyone would have stayed so focused under such circumstances."

Nori smiled up at the tall warrior. "Thank you again for your help. I owe you one."

Tor shook his head. "I only did what anyone should have. That man had no place interfering as he did." He hesitated a moment. "Get some rest tonight. I suspect tomorrow will be even harder."

With a subtle nod, Nori bid Tor goodnight before making her way into her private quarters. Slipping out of her worn and dirt-stained military fatigues, she revealed the large bandage wrapped tightly around her chest, concealing her feminine curves and identity as a woman in a world dominated by men. The fabric was stained with dried blood, evidence of the brutal training she had just returned from.

With a graceful descent, Nori settled onto the plush cushion of the chair, sinking into its comfortable embrace. Suddenly, a sharp knock at the door shattered the peaceful atmosphere, echoing loudly through the room. The hinges groaned as they swung open to reveal an unexpected visitor. It was the same pompous boy from earlier, his eyes widening in surprise as he caught sight of Nori perched on the chair. His face twisted in confusion and then understanding, a sly smile creeping across his lips.

He gazed at the tightly bound bandage that concealed her curves with a smug smirk. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he sneered. "Looks like I'll have the last laugh when the commanders discover your true identity as a woman. You'll be hanging in the square for all to see." His voice dripped with disdain and his eyes gleamed with malicious satisfaction. The threat hung heavy in the air, tinged with the scent of danger and fear. She swallowed hard, feeling exposed and vulnerable under his intense gaze. Her heart raced as she braced herself for the inevitable consequences of her deception.

Nori stood, unsure of what she would do, but knowing she had to act. Her mind raced through the possible options. She could try to reason with him, but his smug expression told her that would be futile. She could deny the accusation, pretend not to understand, but the evidence was damning. There was really only one way out of this.

Her movements were swift and precise, but he was quicker. He easily evaded her grasp and darted to the side, his lithe form slipping through the narrow opening like a shadow. In one fluid motion, he turned and fled the room, his footsteps echoing down the empty corridor. Without a moment's hesitation, Nori sprang into action, determined to catch up with him. She hastily pulled on her fatigues, feeling the adrenaline pumping through her veins as she gave chase. Her boots echoed loudly against the metal floors as she raced after him towards the commander's quarters.

Nori sprinted down the corridor, her breath coming in sharp bursts as she desperately tried to catch up to the smug boy. Up ahead, she could see him rounding a corner. She pushed her legs harder, knowing she had to reach him before he could reveal her secret.

As she approached the corner, the sound of plasma blasts reverberated through the hall, causing her heart to race and her skin to prickle with fear. The wealthy boy, who had previously exuded an air of arrogance, now wore a look of terror on his face as he backed up from the hallway. Suddenly, he was struck by the unseen force and violently thrown backwards, his lifeless body frozen in a permanent expression of shock and horror. The source of the blasts remained hidden down the darkened hallway, adding to the eerie atmosphere and increasing her sense of dread.

To Be Continued…