The tour began almost immediately after the briefing ended.
A pair of uniformed guides led the group through wide, reinforced corridors lit by soft white panels embedded in the walls. The facility felt enormous far larger than Jacob had expected. The floors were spotless, the air cool and filtered, and everything hummed faintly with unseen machinery beneath the surface.
"This base was designed to function independently for years if necessary," one of the guides explained as they walked. "Power, water, food production it's all self-sustaining."
Their first stop was the communal hub.
The doors slid open to reveal a massive open space stretching several stories high. Natural light streamed in from artificial skylights that mimicked the sun. Tables filled the center of the room, already occupied by civilians Some talked quietly. Others laughed, too loudly, as if trying to convince themselves everything was normal.
"This is the central communal dining and gathering area," the guide said. "All housing quarters connect here."
From there, the group was led toward the residential sectors.
"There are five housing quarters," the guide continued. "Each serves the same purpose—safe, private living space but with different layouts and styles."
The doors to the first sector opened.
Ruby Quarter.
Warm red and gold accents lined the walls. The lighting was softer here, almost comforting. The hallways curved gently instead of stretching straight, giving the space a lived-in, almost home-like feel. Rooms branched off in small clusters rather than long rows.
"This quarter prioritizes community and adaptability," the guide said. "Many residents here prefer closer interaction."
Jacob felt something ease in his chest. It reminded him strangely of his neighborhood before everything went wrong.
Next came Diamond Quarter.
Sharp angles. Bright lighting. Clean whites and silvers dominated the space. Everything looked pristine and orderly, like a high-end apartment complex crossed with a research facility.
"Diamond is structured," the guide explained. "Ideal for individuals who prefer discipline and routine."
Jacob immediately knew it wasn't for him.
Sapphire Quarter followed.
Cool blues and deep navy tones filled the halls. The space felt calm almost quiet in a way that slowed your breathing. The rooms were spaced farther apart, and the ceilings were higher.
"This quarter emphasizes focus and recovery," the guide said. "Often chosen by those who value solitude."
Jacob could see the appeal but something about it felt distant.
Then came Emerald Quarter.
Living greenery lined the walls. Vertical gardens climbed toward the ceiling, and the air smelled faintly of plants and earth. Soft sunlight filters mimicked forest canopies.
"This quarter integrates natural elements," the guide said. "It helps reduce stress and supports mental health."
Jacob liked it but it felt more like a place to heal than to prepare for the end of the world
Finally, they reached Black Opal Quarter.
Dark, matte surfaces absorbed light rather than reflecting it. Purple and iridescent accents shimmered faintly along the walls. The space felt quieter, heavier like it was built for people carrying secrets.
"This quarter is reserved for individuals who prefer minimal interaction," the guide said carefully. "It offers the most privacy."
Jacob felt a chill crawl up his spine.
Each housing quarter had its own dining area and gym, tailored to the quarter's style Ruby's gym was open and social, Diamond's was regimented, Sapphire's serene, Emerald's integrated with greenery, and Black Opal's dim and isolated.
After the residential tour, they were briefly shown the training classrooms reinforced rooms equipped with observation windows, padded floors, and modular equipment. Jacob suspected these rooms would become far more important than he wanted to admit.
The tour ended back in the communal hub.
The guides turned to the group.
"You'll now choose which housing quarter you wish to reside in. Once selected, i becomes permanent unless approved otherwise. so choose wisely"
People immediately began murmuring, discussing options, weighing pros and cons.
Jacob didn't hesitate.
"Ruby," he said quietly when it was his turn.
The guide nodded, marking it down.
As the group slowly dispersed, Jacob glanced around the hub once more. Somewhere in the crowd, he spotted Emily laughing with another kid, holding a juice box like nothing had changed.
Jacob exhaled.
Ruby felt right.
Not because it was safe but because it felt like a place where people survived together.
And if this new world demanded fighters…
He didn't want to face it alone.
Back at the briefing center, the group assembled once more.
Sergeant Walker stepped forward carrying a small case. One by one, he handed each person a metal key with a number etched into it.
"These are the keys to your assigned rooms," he said. "The number corresponds to your room number within your chosen housing quarter."
Jacob turned the key over in his hand, the metal cool and heavy real proof that this place was now home.
Captain Duncan took over.
"You will be given one week to settle in," he announced. "Use this time to rest, recover, and familiarize yourselves with the facility."
A few relieved murmurs spread through the room.
"Starting next week, your training officially begins. Training starts at 0800 hours-eight a.m. for those unfamiliar with military time."
A few nervous chuckles followed.
"Training will run from 0800 to 1600 hours. You will be given a one-hour lunch break during that period. We expect you to use the remaining time afterward to socialize, rest, and prepare."
His expression hardened slightly.
"Be warned this training will be unlike anything you've ever experienced. Come prepared."
Silence settled over the room.
Captain Duncan gave a short nod. "You are all dismissed."
As people began to file out, Jacob closed his fingers around the key.
One week of calm.