RANSVES Insvestia

As they stood together it was apparent to any casual observer that these two were not only brother and dister but twins, although because of their sex difference it was impossible that they were identical. Their appearance belied this, the same height, slender figure, blonde hair, blue eyes and wide full mouth. Certainly in no way could Janet be described as masculine but James was decidedly girlish.

“Jan, I'm in trouble! I can't go back after the end of this leave. I'm going to desert," James blurted out.

She motioned him to sit down and, after pouring him a drink, listened while James explained his problem.

His appearance was the starting point of his present trouble; as Janet knew. It had occurred before but had never reached these proportions. Not having to shave, shorter than average, his delicate appearance and no matter what he did to disguise it he still looked like a girl even in his shapeless army fatigues. He had managed to ignore the snide remarks and cruel teasing. The first two months were the worst but he had ac- cepted his trial and allowed his tormentors free rein. After seeing his efforts in basic training, the fact that only he and one other had passed unscathed through the very difficult assault course and that his shooting had gained the highest marks in the company, he had been accepted as being rather "odd" but one of the boys.

"But James, everything seems to be alright now and if you have man- aged to survive the first six months, the remaining eighteen should be easier?"

As James continued it became more apparent that the situation was untenable. It had been fine until the arrival of Major Webster and Ser- geant Black to the company three months ago. Both were sadistic bullics and even worse were homosexuals who used their position to obtain vic- tims. James had been chosen by them and his reluctance seemed to fur- ther whet their appetite.

He had been appointed company clerk directly to the Major who was the Adjutant and to Sergeant Black who was Headquarters N.C.O. and it had been strongly emphasized that unless he cooperated his life would become a permanent "hell on earth,” and now to seal his fate the com- pany had been informed that it would be embarking immediately for the Kuwait Dependency in Arabia for a twelve month's tour of duty im- mediately it returned from leave.

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