Chapter 58: The Fort
Charon pushed open the wooden door to find himself in a narrow hallway.
Other doors lined the walls, leading like an arrow to a stairwell set against the far side. Placards were set beside every door, each carrying a name that began with the word "Lieutenant."
’This must be where they house all the lieutenant rank officers.’
Just like the High Elder said, the door across from his own had "Lieutenant Emerius" emblazoned across it.
Momentarily considering asking Emerius to join him, and deciding against it, Charon set off across the hallway and then down the stairs, counting the floors as he went.
He counted up to seven by the time he reached the ground floor, which led him into an open lobby. A kind old lady was sitting behind the front desk, fiddling with a holo-pad.
Approaching her, Charon gave her a warm smile and asked about a room key.
"Of course, dear, I was told to give you one the moment you asked. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to find me!"
She handed him a brass key with a small metal ring, which he slipped into his pocket.
Leaving the building, his eyes widened as he found himself on a busy paved street. Men and women ran everywhere, ferrying goods or running to reach their destination. In the very center of the road, Charon saw two small steel divots.
Initially confused, his question as to their purpose was answered when a train sped by, a series of cars connected to it.
People just avoided it as it moved, ignoring it in their day-to-day lives.