The group were on the move, navigating through the now-empty training grounds of the expansive military campus. As their eyes observed the unfamiliar terrain, their minds teetered on the edge of uncertainty, adjusting to the new reality. Adara broke the silence, her voice slicing through the evening air, "Captain, approximately when will this industrialisation thing happen?”

Captain Oriana threw a glance over her shoulder at Adara. The setting sun cast long, stark shadows on her face. "I’m not too sure, actually," she confessed, her eyes returning to the path they were traversing. "They still have to build these factories, which is where the machines will be constructed and where the fossil fuels will be burnt. As Storm astutely pointed out, these could be disastrous for our health. So, they'll have to strategically place these factories far from the farmland, rivers, and residential areas.”

Their path veered off from the training grounds, leading them towards two imposing, stone buildings standing side by side in grim solidarity. The captain's voice echoed off the austere structures, "These are where you first years will be residing.” Gesturing to the respective edifices, she commanded, “Go inside, find an empty bunker, and put your stuff down. When you’re done, meet me back out here.”

Adara, Astrid, and Kenna followed her gesture and walked into the building on the right, while Storm, Kenji, Keanu, and Atlas veered towards the left. Both structures housed a similar layout—a long, narrow corridor that opened up into a vast dormitory filled with neat rows of bunkers.

"I sincerely hope no one snores," Astrid mused aloud, her voice bouncing off the stone walls. Finding a trio of vacant bunkers grouped together, they claimed their spaces and deposited their belongings. Their dormitory was eerily quiet, the other trainees having departed for the mess hall.

Across the complex, in the neighbouring dormitory, Kenji, Keanu, Storm, and Atlas managed to locate their bunkers with some difficulty. Once their bags were secured, they quickly exited the building, anticipation for the evening meal propelling them forward.

Once they reconvened, the group followed the captain down the path, listening attentively as she relayed crucial information about their meals and allotted exploration time. "Breakfast is after sunrise, lunch is an hour after noon and supper is before sunset," she instructed. "If you’re late, then you miss your chance to eat. Rations are distributed during training sessions. You will have the next two weeks off to explore the capital. You can venture anywhere except near the palace and the living quarters of the rich. If you are found there, you will be dealt with."

As they continued their walk, the looming structures of the surrounding buildings were bathed in the dim glow of the fading sunset. The captain led them to a colossal building, its stone facade giving off an almost palpable aura of authority. Halting before the massive wooden doors, the captain turned towards the group, "This is the mess hall. I will be returning to my duties as of tomorrow so, as I am sure you have noticed, the captains have a navy-blue uniform while the generals have an olive-green uniform. If you need anything, just look for the people dressed in these colours. When the Major gives his welcoming speech in two weeks, you will see that his uniform is black. These colours indicate our ranks."

Their stomachs rumbling with hunger, the group watched as Captain Oriana pushed open the doors of the mess hall. A cacophony of noise greeted them, the bustling dining area brimming with groups of trainees who were engaged in lively conversations, while others were contentedly enjoying their meals.

The captain gave them one final instruction before leaving them, "If you get here early, don’t sit at the first eight tables at the front. Those are reserved for those with a higher ranking. Find a table and the servers will bring you your supper.” The group thanked her with a respectful salute and watched as she strode off towards the reserved tables.

Finding an empty table at the far end of the hall, the group settled down, trying to ignore the curious glances thrown their way. Storm and Adara received the most attention, but their focus remained firmly fixed on their surroundings.

Food was served swiftly—chicken, potatoes, and two slices of bread for each. While they ate, they observed the goings-on in the bustling mess hall, conversations happening in hushed whispers around them.

As they finished their meals, the group watched as some of their fellow trainees left the hall. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, they had caught the eye of a particular observer—the general they had met earlier. Watching from a distance, the General noticed the cousin’s unfinished food and frowned, making a mental note to discuss their placement with the Major.

"They're borderline malnourished," he muttered to himself, casting a final glance at the cousins before he too, departed from the mess hall.

© Crimson B