The train was empty now, doors closing to leave thousands of people arranged in ragged lines perpendicular to its gleaming perfection. The air held the last remnants of the desert night, but the sun was rising, a feverish red glow sneaking into the sky above. Uniformed guards dressed in outfits that resembled riot police more than wardens were everywhere. They patrolled in glossy black armor, circular shields on their left arms, stun batons on their right, chrome visors hiding their faces, removing their humanity. A peculiar smell hung in the background that combined chemicals and disinfectant with something organic, like burned meat. Alice’s parched mouth filled with its taste. She risked a look behind her but saw nothing except a metal wall topped with barbed wire and received a smack on her head from a passing guard.