After the USAF officer got converted into a Bald Eagle Animalian, he had to sign up for mandatory Acclimation classes and flight lessons. While he was a little peeved about the acclimation classes being "mandatory", after he saw recorded footage of Heather Wilcox's attack, it made a bit more sense.
During the first class, he met one of Horizon's 'paper pushers' who helped explain some things with Animalia and the militaries of the world.
"One of the problems with Animalians in the military is modern weapons and armor not being 'standardized' for Animalians. For firearms, for example, they have to be larger and more robust to deal with Animalian's enhanced strength so it won't break.
While armor has to be custom made for different species and their needs. For Bulls, for example, helmets have to be custom made to account for their horns."
"Never thought about that." said the USAF officer.
"Not only that," said the paper pusher, "there's also the costs of manufacturing said specialized gear. But due to the way things are, not just factoring in the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, its just not worth it financially."
"Never thought about that either." said the USAF officer, having seen the arguments between political parties over who's going to pay for what plans, especially with recent plans to control Animalia.
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The officer also learned a lot from his first flying lessons. While Noble was a golden eagle, the way he seemingly acted like his superior tended to rub his feathers the wrong way. But he did have a lot of good points so he was willing to follow him.
"...so you should remember to keep your feathers in peak condition because otherwise you won't be able to fly. That includes bathing regularly."
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Probably what caught him off guard the most was probably the most unexpected and yet most expected (in hindsight). He was getting ready to deliver his report to his superiors when a female Bald Eagle Animalian suddenly ambushed him. But she wasn't attacking him, but snuggling up into him, much to his surprise and discomfort.
"I shouldn't worry too much about her." said the Horizon Scientist who had accompanied her. "She was uplifted recently because she was in an accident a few years ago that cost her one of her wings. She clearly likes you, so you should at least engage in courtship with her."
"But I don't know anything about courtship for eagles!" exclaimed the USAF officer, still off guard.
"No problem." said the female, "I can help you out all you need, and you can also help me in return." That was even more unsettling than before, but for those who witnessed it, very amusing.