บท 90: Nagal - I
"General Nagal," The president began, her steady voice very commanding. "What is our objective?"
"Madam President," I said, maintaining eye contact, "our objective is to establish a foothold on the other side. Our drones have provided valuable visual information, but now... It's time for human presence."
I paused, taking a breath. I walked over to the television and used the remote to show some diagrams the boys whipped up.
"The team will be small, a mere fifty. Twenty-five marines and Twenty-five lab men." Next slide. "The initial focus...."
I drew a circle around a flat section of the map.
"...will be establishing a base camp and secure communication. All the fancy toys will be going with them."
"The scientists?" She prompted.
"Tasked with immediate assessment and ecological support. Will we need supply lines across the border? Is the atmosphere habitable? The basics. They'll indicate how we adapt our approach."
The president leaned forward, her eyes scrutinizing the graphics, "Whatever you need, Viktor. I want a foothold there by the end of the month."
"Yes, Madam President," I affirmed.
She nodded, a slight smile, "You have approval, make Earth proud."
The world was watching, and the unknown awaited. I gathered my files and unplugged the USB from the hub on the conference table. I exited the room and headed back to the World Command Center.
The convoy ride to the World Command Center was short. Inside, the atmosphere was electric. Twenty-five marines stood at attention, their full-atmospheric control suits glinting under the harsh lights. These suits were our lifeline, designed to protect us from whatever alien environment awaited on the other side. The men and women before me were ready to give everything for this mission, and it was my job to lead them.
I stepped forward, "Marines, listen up. What we're about to do is unprecedented. The closest being the moon landing and the Spanish conquistadors. We are the tip of a very long spear, the first human beings to set foot on the other side. Untapped riches, unexplored lands, infinite potential. We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for the future of humanity. Let's make tomorrow better."
As I finished, the scientists began to arrive, struggling under the weight of cases and crates filled with equipment. Clad in the highest level hazmat suits, they moved with a sense of urgency and purpose.
Dr. Elena Ruiz, the lead scientist, approached me, her voice slightly muffled by her suit. "General, we're ready. The equipment is calibrated and our teams are briefed. We're prepared for any contingencies."
"Good to hear, Dr. Ruiz," I replied. "Let's get this done."
The marines and scientists moved with practiced efficiency, loading the equipment into the transport vessels that would take us to the rift. I took a moment to look around at my team. These were the best and brightest, the bravest and the most capable, selected from millions of personnel for this task.
"Alright," I said. "Let's move out."
With that, they boarded the transport vessels, the doors sealing shut behind. I retired to my command quarters with a screen of monitors displaying the vitals and video feed from each individual heading to the door.
Several of my personal sat around computers, communications, and displays of their own helping to handle the scope of this mission.
The convoy rumbled forward, the landscape outside the windows shifting dramatically. Where once there stood a sprawling research complex—a hub of scientific advancement and discovery—now lay a graveyard of twisted metal and shattered glass. Our doorway to infinity had torn through its heart.
Massive cranes and bulldozers were scattered throughout, working tirelessly to clear the debris. Military checkpoints punctuated the wreckage, each one manned by stern-faced soldiers who scanned our convoy with unyielding vigilance. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burnt chemicals and the distant hum of generators.
The convey slowed as they approached a heavily fortified checkpoint. Barbed wire fences and concrete barriers funneled into a narrow passageway. Soldiers in full tactical gear waved the men through, their eyes hidden behind the reflective visors of their helmets.
A large, glowing wobbling hole in the world pulsated over the land. Numerous PhD-types watched over all manner of data emanating from the thing. One left their post to meet with the leader of the convey.
"We'll have our window as soon as she quiets down a bit. The drones... none made it across during this event." The head-scientist explained to the marines.
Haven't even stepped foot across yet and delays are already sprouting.
"Patch me through." I sternly said.
"You're in, sir." One of my assistance replied.
"The men need to be over that A-S-A-P. Understand?" I ordered.
"Yes, sir, but if you want them to get there alive we must wait!" The scientist replied.
I grumbled and looked at my man to cut off the transmission.
"Wake me when we are in another world."
"Of course, sir."
I stepped across the hall from the control room into my private barracks. I slipped off my boots and removed my pins and medals, setting them on my nightstand. I relaxed on top of my sheets and slept in my unadorned uniform, waiting for the buzz of the PA system.
The buzz came sooner than expected.
Only a quarter an hour later, the voice on the PA was urgent but controlled. "General Nagal, we're ready. The rift has stabilized. It's time."
I bolted upright, my senses immediately alert. I quickly donned my boots and replaced my pins and medals with practiced efficiency. I straightened my outfit and walked back into the command room.
The marines moved into position, their suits humming softly as they adjusted to the atmospheric conditions. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.
"Roll out!" I commanded, and the marines began their advance.
One by one, Humvees disappeared into the stable glow of the rift, swallowed by the unknown. The last vehicle through was a custom semi-truck fitted with a mobile lab for the analyses of everything they find.
"Status report," I called out.
"Perimeter secure, sir," one of the assistants replied. "No immediate threats detected."
"Excellent."
The marines were already establishing a perimeter, their suits protecting them from the alien environment. The scientists were setting up their sensors.
Strange plants with vibrant hues and unfamiliar shapes dotted the landscape, swaying gently in an unseen breeze.
As the scientists began their work, I monitored among the marines, checking their positions and ensuring our defenses were solid. Nearby, a team was setting up a makeshift lab to analyze air samples and any potential pathogens.
Then, out of the dense underbrush, emerged a creature unlike anything I had ever seen. It stood on two legs, its body covered in mocha hide with white short fur on top of its head. Its eyes were large and intelligent, fixed on us with what seemed like curiosity.
"Hold your fire," I commanded, "Let's see what it does."
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