Chapter 16: A Hostile Enemy
Elias stepped outside his apartment, pausing on the stoop to take in his surroundings one last time. The building, though weathered and unremarkable, had been his sanctuary for years. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, then pulled out his phone and began typing as he started down the street.
From his chest, Dot's head popped out, her antennae twitching curiously. "Wh-what are you doing?" she asked, her small voice breaking the silence.
"A few things, really," Elias replied, glancing down at her with a faint smile. "Just because my life's turning upside down doesn't mean I have to neglect everything. I'm letting my mom know I'm heading out for a while, sending a message to my boss, and letting my landlord know what's going on."
"I see," Dot murmured, floating a little higher and watching his phone screen intently. "That's... considerate, I guess."
"Hopefully, whatever's happening doesn't take too long," Elias added, tucking his phone into his pocket. "I'm moving some money around to make sure I don't come back to an eviction notice. My mom's going to stop by and check in on the place every now and then." He glanced at Dot, his tone softening. "It's not much, but it's still home."
Dot didn't respond, but her gaze lingered on him for a moment, thoughtful.
As Elias continued walking, he approached a group of fourteen or so people clustered in a loose circle on the sidewalk. Most were young, with freshly buzzed or shaved heads. Some chatted and laughed, while others looked serious or leaned against their duffle bags with an air of indifference. The group turned slightly as an armored bus rolled up, its polished exterior gleaming faintly in the late-day light. A man in a PCA uniform stepped off, clipboard in hand, barking names as the recruits began to shuffle into line.
Elias kept walking toward the bus when one of the larger men in the group broke off and approached him. Standing at least 6'2", he had a commanding presence, his buzzcut neat and sharp, and his broad shoulders filling out his standard-issue military jacket like it was tailored for him. His face bore faint scars that hinted at a history of rougher work, and his sharp eyes took in Elias with a mix of curiosity and challenge.
"What are you doing here, old man?" the large man asked, crossing his arms. His voice was deep and carried the kind of weight that made people pause.