Chapter 6: the pains of traveling

The dim light in the tunnel made her nervous. Will they find out? What will happen if they find out? How will we get out of here? Those were the questions going through Maria’s mind. Hobbies Kraft gave a muffled groan. Contrary to Maria’s new found hope he was still unconscious. This may very well be a favorable condition in this situation.

A creaking sound suddenly broke the silence and a single soldier stepped into the tunnel. His face felt somewhat familiar, but Maria didn’t have the courage to ask. On the other hand, his face was the incarnation of the word “ordinary”. He smiled, then readied his gun. “Could you please step away from the car and put your hands on the wall?” Maria did as ordered. She was neither afraid of the soldier, nor did she fear his gun. She feared the situation may go out of control if she did not comply. 

The soldier lowered his gun, then walked around the bus. “Are you traveling, Lady?” Maria’s heart started to beat faster. “We were planning on doing so, but my husband got hurt, so we have to rearrange our schedule.” The soldier gave a wry grin. “I thought so, you got quite the luggage in there. May I ask you to open the door please?” Again Maria complied. The soldier looked through the luggage, then went to take a look at Hobbies, whose face was still covered in bandages. “He seems to be unconscious, how long has he been like this?” The soldier didn’t seem very concerned; maybe he was trying to do some small talk? “I don’t know, maybe about 30 minutes.” As she frantically answered, Maria grew even more impatient. 

The soldier looked at her with an expression that seemed to say “Don’t be so hectic girl; I’m just doing my job.” The soldier looked back at Hobbies, then at the small backpack by Hobbies feet. After a short look at the contents it was put back in its place, then the soldier turned back to Maria. 

“Lady, have you heard about the recent smugglings?” Maria was confused. “No, sir, I haven’t.” The soldier looked at her face and apparently found her expression to be genuine. “I haven’t found any questionable substances in your car, so you may as well pass, but please be vigilant.”

The soldier walked over to the barrier and saluted, which caused the barrier to be raised. As Maria drove past the barrier she thought she had heard the soldier mumble something. “Good luck, drunken nun.”