There is some back and forth between the voice of the girl and the grinding one. Eventually the grinding voice gives a heavy sigh. I hear some metal panels being ripped away from the door, and I brace myself. Finally, the door swings open and I practically fall out of the dark space.

I’m in a metal hallway. It reminds me of a corridor on a starship in a movie, or maybe a military vessel, or secret base. At least it would, if it were clean and had real lighting.

As it is, the main lighting seems to be smeared and stamped on the walls like paint, giving off an orange glow. I would say it was bright, but that is probably just because I’ve been in pitch blackness since I woke up in that closet, and not as bright as the torch carried by the bigger of the two strangers.

As for the corridor, it is one step up from derelict. The walls are streaked with rust, and there are mounds of rubble swept into the corners. Loose or missing panels in the walls and ceiling reveal pipes and wires. Whatever this place is it is old, unmaintained, and looks to have been scavenged for parts.

I stand up and brush myself off. My clothes are dirty, stained with rust and grime. I look up to take a close look at them as they are no doubt taking a look at me. I freeze…

1- What… what am I looking at?

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