The van rumbles through the empty streets, heading steadily toward its destination. Its passengers can feel the heavy winds buffeting against the vehicle and see the small trees planted along the street sway, shaking and shifting shapes in the dim streetlights.
“I don’t know who they were.” Wei responds, “But I know what.” 

“They were corrupted. That’s what happens to people who’ve been exposed to too much Nox--or a Void. Sometimes they turn.” This isn’t common knowledge, the official line being merely that overexposure is poisonous to the human body. Not many civilians get to see the actual effects, and this one seems to be uncommon. 

“An Ars Magi will investigate this further. You four are going to be held under guard until we can ensure a safe transport.” 

She has little else to say on the matter, turning her attention a static-filled radio afterward. Several more minutes and dark streets pass until the transport arrives at the gates to Calcaria’s military base. It’s a cramped series of buildings and hangers, the roads between lit by small bulbs installed in the cement. The group is unloaded near the barracks, a spare room having been hastily prepared for their arrival. 

Captain Wei ensures that Crystal’s wound is attended to by a medic before she takes her leave, promising to return in the morning. The guards too make their exit, with several being posted outside for safety. The girls are left alone in their temporary quarters soon enough, just the four of them and several small cots that will serve as their resting places for the night.