The Space Station - Chapter 2 - Page 4

Disembarking, Functionary walked from the shuttle through the temporary tunnel which had extended from the station to provide safe and convenient passage from the vessel. Functionary entered a cavernous waiting area and immediately became aware that he and the rest his fellow travellers were to be subject to lengthy security checks. He bought a drink and took a seat. Casting his gaze around the large transparent structure he saw that, at one end of the room, people were slowly being called to several counters to have their documents examined and their luggage searched. Clearly, security was seen as paramount importance here. He became increasingly aware of the number of security personnel present and also of the extent to which some of them were armed. Some of them carried not only the usual side arms carried by security personnel throughout the System but also a variety of much larger arms as well. Similarly, people appeared deeply ill-at-ease and displayed a considerable suspicion of the newcomers. Of course, Functionary had witnessed high levels of security activity before, but there was an intense feeling of insecurity here, which he had not experienced before.