Meeting Her Again[1]

"FOR ALL THOSE WHO WANT TO PASS THROUGH THE GATES OF ADEN, YOU MUST FIRST POSSESS A WORKING META-WATCH, WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING YOUR ABILITIES, RECORDED ON IT. HEAD TO THE REGISTRA TO GET THAT DONE!" bellowed a man dressed in military attire, his voice sharp and commanding.

...

...

The long line of people stretched endlessly under the harsh glare of the sun.

"Damn! This is going to take forever," complained one of the many individuals in the queue, fidgeting in discomfort. The sweat beading on his forehead glistened in the sunlight as he craned his neck, trying in vain to glimpse the front of the line.

The sheer length made it impossible to determine where it began, let alone where it ended.

"The line isn't even moving. This sun is killing me!" whined another, their voice laden with frustration as they swiped at their brow. A scowl marred their features, their irritation mounting with every second.