The brass buckles on the duffel bag clinked against the metal bed frame.

I checked the straps to make sure they were tight.

Sarah hoisted her first duffel onto her shoulder and adjusted the heavy canvas strap across her chest.

“I need to clear my weapons card at the armory,” Sarah said.

“I’ll see you at morning formation.”

She walked out into the corridor.

Her heavy boots echoed off the concrete walls.

Rachel stood up from the bed and walked over to the single narrow window at the back of the room.