The two soldiers marched Ren through the side gate and into a squat, unmarked building just inside the walls. The air shifted immediately cooler, damp, smelling of stone and something sharper, like chemicals mixed with sweat.
The captain knocked once on an inner door. It swung open, revealing a stern-faced woman in a crisp white coat over a tight black uniform. She was tall, broad-shouldered, with cropped black hair and eyes that scanned Ren like he was merchandise on a shelf.
"A new merchandise?" the woman said flatly, not bothering with greetings. "This the one you radioed about?"
"Yes, Madam Kora," the solider replied, shoving Ren forward a step. His body didn't protest, even as his mind snarled in protest. "Caught him at the gate. Healthy-looking. Strong build. No visible defects."
