WITHIN THE STEEL FORTRESS
403 Words
They passed through a thick steel gate, the mechanical roar echoing as it slid open. A narrow corridor greeted them, lit by dim fluorescent lights. The air smelled of metal and machine oil. Occasionally, the distant clatter of weapons could be heard.
In the examination room, a cold steel table and blinding spotlight awaited Dmitry. A medic wearing a half-face gas mask checked him thoroughly—his pupils, skin, and a blood sample. A few minutes later, the results came back: negative. Dmitry was allowed to proceed further inside.
The next corridor was livelier. Soldiers cleaned their weapons, military radios crackled, and a few civilians sat whispering among themselves. Dmitry observed his surroundings with cautious curiosity.
An officer approached, his voice firm and authoritative.
“We welcome any survivors, but everyone must contribute whatever supplies they have to strengthen this facility.”
Slowly, Dmitry opened his tactical backpack. Though it contained a fair amount of food, he pulled out only a single dry piece of bread from the top layer.
“This is all I have left,” he said flatly.
The officer eyed him with suspicion but took the bread and noted something on his clipboard. Dmitry suppressed a faint smile—the supplies hidden at the bottom of his bag remained safe.
He was then directed to the east barracks. Rows of bunk beds stood tightly arranged, thin antiseptic-smelling blankets covered the mattresses, and an air of vigilance hung heavily in the room. Dmitry sat on an empty bunk, staring up at the concrete ceiling.
At the far end of the barracks, he noticed a small room with iron bars. Inside were four people—three men and a woman—sitting silently with pale faces. One man’s arm was wrapped in a dirty cloth, and though he offered Dmitry a weak smile, his eyes were restless.
Dmitry overheard a whisper from a soldier standing guard nearby.
“They claim they were bitten by wild dogs… but we all know those bites aren’t from dogs.”
Another soldier replied in a low tone,
“Orders from above—keep them locked up until we’re sure. If they’re infected, they won’t last long.”
Dmitry looked away, but a deep unease settled within him. Out there, the world was full of monsters, but in here… a more hidden danger lurked, and he might just be trapped right in the middle of it.
- Writer
