Chapter 5: Rules and Regulations

After a bit, I spotted a tall woman with her brown hair pulled back in a bun. She comes across as confident and superb at what she does. She's wearing a jacket over a button-up shirt. Paired with durable trousers and sturdy combat boots.

"Are you Mr. Ivan Petrovich?" She asked while eyeing me from top to bottom.

"Yes ma'am, that's me." 

"Okay, please follow me."

As we moved through the bunker, the place buzzed with activity. In one corner, a group of people worked around a makeshift kitchen, preparing food with whatever supplies they had available. Nearby, men moved back and forth carrying equipment, crates, and basic necessities, each one focused on keeping the shelter running.

Farther ahead, officers were yelling orders as they walked around the cadets, and the noise blended with the sounds of weights clanging, boots thudding, and recruits breathing hard.

In the classrooms, groups of survivors huddled over maps, while studying every detail they could. Their faces were tense but focused, their minds fixed on the mission ahead, where this mission, for all they knew, might be their last.

"Where are we going?" I asked, my eyes darting around in genuine surprise at how organized and structured everything is here.

"I'm taking you to meet the new batch of recruits. You happen to be transmigrated with them here."

"Transmigrated? Wait, who said I'm joining you guys."

"Well, I hope to share your enthusiasm; I really do. But this is the last human stronghold, so you've got no other choice but to join us at this point."

I was planning on joining them, but knowing that I had no other choice but to leave my fate in their hands left a nasty taste in my mouth. After pausing for a second, I said: "Is there anything I should know about, like rules I should follow, responsibilities I should take, or anything that might be useful?"

Everyone follows 10 rules. If you don't follow them, you receive a strike. Three strikes and you're out, and you'll need to fend for yourself outside."

“The first rule is that food and water are rationed. Everyone gets their fair share to keep things balanced and avoid running out. Your earnings are tied to your contribution and how much your work benefits all of us here.”

“Second rule: no going out after it gets dark. Upon nightfall, all members are required to stay within their designated areas unless prior approval is obtained. If you have to leave base for a mission, another cadet will take your spot at night.”

“Rule number three mandates the careful conservation of all resources. Resources such as water, fuel, medicine, and ammunition are scarce. Waste is not acceptable.”

“Fourth rule states that each member is tasked with duties essential for the survival of the bunker. These responsibilities may include food preparation, maintenance, patrols, and defence. You'll have the opportunity to pick from a list of tasks, so no need to worry. Not every position places you in immediate danger. Some recruits have never fought an Ossarian in their lives."

“Rule number five requires sanitation to be mandatory. To avoid contamination and disease, it's essential to dispose of waste correctly and follow hygiene rules. Though it seems simple, new hires frequently don't grasp its significance.”

“The sixth rule states that no violence is permitted within the bunker. Peaceful resolution is required for disputes. Should a fight occur, both sides will be penalized, and the one who initiated it will get a double punishment.”

“The seventh rule is that communication is very strict and follows a set of procedures. Try to avoid rumours or spreading unconfirmed information. You will grasp it better after being placed in a group.”

“The eighth rule emphasizes the strictness of security protocols. Daily life here includes patrols, perimeter checks, and access control. The bunker remains secure because we track who comes in, who goes out, and what moves around our perimeter.”

Her expression hardened.

"No one enters without being checked. No one leaves without permission. And if something approaches the base, whether human or Ossarian, we respond before it reaches us."

"Ninth rule says you need to be present with training drills and training practices. We prepare for breaches, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and anything else that can go wrong." She paused, then added dryly, "And with our luck, things go wrong often."

"Tenth and final rule: Orders from command are to be followed and not to be questioned. Especially at this critical time."

I glanced at her, a bit stunned. No one memorizes rules and regulations. Who would be crazy enough to do so? But then again, we are living in a crazy world after all.

Seeing the look that I'm giving her, she chuckles a little and says: "Well, when you are stuck here for over 10 years, rules are the least of your worries."

"Wait, you have been stuck here for 10 years?"

"Hahaha, this is nothing; the previous leader was here for over 50 years before he was killed."

'I've grown numb to these surprises. I knew things were bad, but I didn't realize how bad it was until now.

We kept moving silently. She picked up on my drop in motivation after hearing what happened. Besides, plenty of people are more qualified than she is in improving morals or providing therapy.

We reached a small clearing where I saw 11 people. Some were engaged in conversation, their laughter echoing through the air. Others kept to themselves.

"We have arrived." The female soldier looked at the group and said: "This is Ivan Petrovich. He has transmigrated with you, apparently." Then she looked at me smiling and said: "Have fun. Gotta go."

After saying goodbye, I walked up to the group with a shy smile. "Hello, my name is Ivan Petrovich," I said. “I do not know about this place, just like you.”

A recruit with a smug smile just scoffed when I introduced myself. "Oh, fantastic," he said.

Next to him, a young woman was fidgeting, her eyes nervously scanning the clearing.

Then, from the other side of the group, a cheerful voice cut through the tension.

"Hey, no worries," a smiling recruit said, patting my back. We'll sort this out, yeah?

Across from the others, a fourth recruit stood with arms crossed, her gaze indifferent and cold as she watched us.

My eyes shifted between them as the heaviness of the situation pressed further into my chest.

‘This isn't going to end well’ I muttered.