"Welcome to your new home!"
As soon as he finished his greeting, dozens of men came out of the heavy metal double doors, armed with guns.
They formed a circle around all of the cars, tight enough so that no one could slip through.
"Alright, everyone, get out of the cars slowly. If anyone shows any sign of aggression, we won't hesitate to shoot!" the leader called out and motioned for everyone to get out.
Rayne stepped out, followed by Julian and the others. They all stood quietly in the center of the circle, waiting for what came next.
After the leader made sure that everyone was out of the cars, he walked over to stand in front of the double doors.
"Everyone needs to form a line. Once inside, you will be separated into smaller groups. Anyone who takes a single step out of place will be killed!"
The circle of people quickly morphed into one big line. Rayne and Julian were towards the front and were the first group called in.
They quietly walked through the metal double doors, entering a smaller room that resembled an airlock.
Inside, there was a very tall, burly man who wore sunglasses even though there were no windows to the outside.
"You five, step forward and lift your arms. I'm going to search you for any weapons."
Julian was in the first group and stepped forward, lifting his arms as instructed. Rayne was watching from behind, slightly nervous about how they would react if they found the pocket knife on him.
The man checked two people before walking in front of Julian.
"Sir, I have a knife in my pocket," said Julian, calmly.
The tall man paused and looked at him carefully, "Very well. Thank you for telling me."
He reached into Julian's pockets and pulled out the small pocket knife, inspecting it closely.
"Haha, this little thing wouldn't be able to do any kind of damage. Was it your father's or something? If you pass induction, I'll even return it to you," the man laughed.
Rayne let out a sigh of relief, glad that the man didn't cause trouble for Julian.
-
After the first five people were checked, they moved to the side so that the other five could step up and get checked.
Rayne was in the second group and followed the others, lifting her arms.
She was slightly concerned that the man would try to feel her up during the inspection, but thankfully, he didn't seem interested in that kind of thing.
He quickly patted her down and moved on to the next person.
"Okay, you guys wait in the next room. Once the others are in, we'll decide where to sort you."
Everyone quietly moved into the other room. Julian pulled Rayne to the back, "Babe, I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to stay together. Please place your safety above everything else."
Rayne nodded, "You too, hubby." She leaned over and placed a small kiss on his lips.
While everyone's attention was on the door, Rayne handed Julian a combat knife and a gun.
"We've already passed the checkpoint. There shouldn't be any more searches. Is there anything else you need?" she asked worriedly.
Julian took the knife and gun, slipping them into his deep pockets, "No, this should be enough. Too many things would make it harder to keep hidden."
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