17 Welcome home

Coming out of his daze, James shook his head and retracted his hand slowly and with a distinction that showed he was unaffected by Jenny's actions. He turned and strode out of the interior of the cell to the exterior leisurely. Leo, Lucas and Mirai followed him out like chicks following a mother hen. Walking past Jenny, so that he was at the forefront of the small group of young people, He turned and smiled amicably," Let's go." He stated softly.

The journey to the promised safe place was an agonisingly long journey. This was because of their slow pace which was a subsequent result of their emotional exhaustion and the stiff muscles of the younger ones, which had not been used in a long time. Twist and turns, bends and straights, they soldiered through the corridors in an exhausted silence, until they finally arrived at a long, half-circle archway that stretched to the ceiling.

The archway was intricately decorated with a beautiful array of artistically organised shapes of great variety and different colours, making one feel like they were standing at the pathway to an everlastingly warm happiness. The children gawked at the amazing artwork before them. It was truly beautiful. James couldn't hold back his amusement upon seeing their plainly visible amazement," This way." He chuckled.

Once they entered the room his smile faded and was replaced by a sombre look. He patiently directed them through the archway into a bright and lovely white room with snowy tiles which were complemented by an exquisite, large,ebony, ovoid rug that was fluffy. Additionally, there was an alluring, obsidian chandelier, suiting the rug perfectly, which was proudly hanging from the ceiling pouring out its light to the whole room with additional corner lights aiding in the lighting endeavour. To top it all of, the furniture in the room was meticulously placed to suit the elegant design of the room and finally a large secretary's desk situated at the corner next to another large archway.

He led them all to the secretary's desk, where a lone figure sat. Approaching the figure, Jenny, Leo, Lucas and Mirai were stunned to realise that it was an android.

"Welcome commander. What is your mandate?" The android asked in a cold feminine voice.

"I wish for the integration of these four into the system," James said without a shred of emotion as he gestured towards the four behind him.

"Order accepted, beginning integration process," The android stood and walked around the large secretary's desk towards the four," Please extend your arms with your palm facing upwards and clench your fists."

They looked at the android sceptically, then at James who looked unconcerned by the android's request towards them. Jenny flared with rage, this machine obviously wanted a blood sample, she observed James," What is the meaning of this? I thought we were done with the tests? In case you forgot, you weren't meant to touch the kids!"

"I know about them, but there are certain things that we require from anyone living within our boundaries. A blood sample and your fingerprint. From there, we will need your name, age, and gift." James explained.

" Why do you need our blood samples and fingerprints," Lucas questioned with hostility.

"The blood samples are necessary for a number of things; ensuring you are not an enemy, ensure truthfulness in information regarding age and gift, and lastly to ensure your bloodline is not a threat to us." James gave all of them deep looks," So avoid lying, we do not take kindly to deceitful people, The fingerprints are like your stamps to show you consent to living here."

They all fell silent. Everything James had said was reasonable, the safety of everyone was very important. Taking a deep break Jenny moved before the android and extended her arm with her tightly clenched fists."Fine." she muttered.

Immediately she extended her arm, the android speedily grabbed her arm and situated its other hand over the vein in her arm. A needle emerged from the android's left palm and pierced into Jenny's skin. After a few seconds, the needle was retracted from her arm and thrown into the nearby bin. Jenny was quickly patched up after that then the android spoke once more," Analysis has begun. Please un-clench your palm and join it to my palm for scanning." Jenny un-clenched her hand and connected it to the android's cold, metallic palm. They remained like this for around ten seconds.

"Complete." The android stated as it moved to the next person. Nodding towards them, the children became compliant and extended their hands obediently. The android moved efficiently and finished in record time. After completing its task, the android strolled back to its original position, behind the desk.

Once comfortably in its position, a hatch opened on the desk and on its left arm. A sealed test tube filled with deep red blood emerged from the hatch on its arm and it used its other hand to place it in the hatch that opened in the desk. This happened three more times, then the hatches finally closed. A small screen then emerged from the desk.

The android put its hands together," Thank you for your cooperation, I now require your names, ages, and finally, your gifts."

Jenny stepped forward and started," My name is Jenny. I am sixteen, and I am both a life bringer and a beast transformer."

Following her lead, Leo spoke," I'm Leo. I am thirteen and my power is ' Heavenly Flame' meaning I am good with fire." He looked at Lucas then pointed at him with his thumb," We are twins. He is the younger one."

"My name is Lucas. As my brother said, we are twins. I am thirteen and I have the ability to fight with any weapon as per my level. I will always start at level 1. It's called, 'Heavenly arms.'

"It's my turn, my name is Mirai, I'm twelve and I do not know my power yet."

After Mirai's words, the android spoke again, " Commander, please state the grounds for acceptance."

"Acceptance is due to, exchange of information, Article 5489," James stated.

"Grounds accepted, and there is no trace of falsehood in any of their words. They are now fully integrated. Here are your passes." The android said as it gave them hard plastic cards. upon taking them, they began to leave and the android thanked them for their time and it saluted James. It remained standing until they were out of sight, then it went back to sitting down alone as it stared into nothing.

James led them through the exit towards a sealed archway. Walking towards the wall beside the archway, James scanned his pupil and input a password, thus causing the sealed path to open.

Passing through the now open path,they entered into a gigantic dome-like space, space, which could definitely fit an army of giants. It had a bustling city on the ground. They were dazed, the place was packed, with too many people to count going about their daily lives, walking along the ground. It seemed there was no segregation who could come to their able headquarters; there were elderly people, adults and even children.

Together with the people on the ground, there were also people who were busily walking along the many railed paths and stairs that lined the walls of the domes. That was not all drilled into the walls were doors, too many to count leading, into the living quarters of many people. It was like a hive, where the honeycombs were the living spaces drilled into the walls. This place was really something else.

Looking at James, who was now smiling smugly, with awe for this incredible place. Not a single word could leave their mouths. He spoke lightly," Moonlight... everyone...Welcome home!"