Ami was in the middle of things. She liked that a lot, and these days, she had the means to make it happen. That was worth it, wasn't it? So there was a second female soldier in the room, doing the opposite of staying out of the way as she chattered too brightly with some of the other girls and occasionally reproved a too-bold fella asking for a dance with a few cold words. She smiled quietly to herself with decided satisfaction as they went away humiliated.

It all took a strange turn soon enough. What was she doing in this type of dance hall instead of a club or karaoke spot in good old 2008? And big band, had that ever been her preference over classical (or the more secret liking for pop idols)? For that matter, while she'd lived there awhile, she certainly never joined the U.S. Army, yet here she was in a feminized version of their uniform.

Somehow, it all narrowed down to the other uniformed girl, who was just starting to draw quizzical looks from a few of the faceless crowd. Ami wasn't sure what to make of that, but she kept the wide smile as she decided to be upfront. It was the best way to an answer.

"What an honor to see you here as well!" she greeted Stephanie, a bit too airily to be entirely sincere, but without insult, either.