Location: Cygnus Station, Antartica
"3... 2... 1... Engage startup sequence," the commanding officer's voice echoed through the command center. The machine roared to life, and hushed anticipation filled the room. It had been 23 years since the rift closed, sealing off a courageous contingent of UN soldiers and personnel on the other side. The realm beyond held both unimaginable wonders and lurking dangers, promising great potential for humanity.
"Initiation successful," announced a scientist, his voice a mix of excitement and caution. "Stable energy readings. Opening the rift."
Following protocol, the commanding officer tried to establish communication with Tartarus Base, desperately seeking answers and hoping for a breakthrough. "This is UN Command. Cygnus Station is initiating contact with Tartarus Base. Please respond."
Static crackled through the speakers, and the room fell silent as the skilled operators on Cygnus strained to decipher the faint Morse code message. It was a transmission from Tartarus Base, sent in a final, desperate attempt to communicate before the rift closed. The commanding officer's face tensed with growing concern as the message was painstakingly decoded.
"Last transmission received," the officer relayed, his voice filled with a mix of urgency and solemnity, adhering to the UN's standard procedure. "The message reads: 'TOTAL. LOSS. DO NOT RETURN.' Understood, Tartarus Base. UN Command acknowledges the message. Over."
The weight of those words hung in the air, a sombre reminder of the dire circumstances on the other side of the rift. The UN personnel understood the gravity of the situation, and their determination was unyielding despite the challenges ahead.
With heavy hearts, the UN personnel prepared for their mission. Equipped with advanced technology and driven by a sense of duty, a reconnaissance squad assembled, ready to venture through the newly reopened rift. Squad leader Lawrence addressed the team, his voice steady and resolute.
"Alpha Team, move out," he commanded, following the UN's operational protocols. "Secure the immediate vicinity. Report any anomalies or threats back to Cygnus Command."
The soldiers, disciplined and focused, nodded in acknowledgment. They stepped into the swirling rift, disappearing into the unknown darkness on the other side.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location: Remains of Tartarus Station
Year: Unknown
In the ruins of Tartarus, now an Euralian military outpost. Euralian soldiers patrolled the remnants of the base. The air was heavy with the echoes of past battles, and the scars of conflict marred the surroundings. As they surveyed the area, following a predetermined patrol route, a strange noise startled them.
"HALT, IDENTIFY YOURSELVES, AND SURRENDER IMMEDIATELY!" They shouted, their voices firm and confident.
Their eyes widened in disbelief as an immense rift, twice the size of its predecessor, materialized before them. A mixture of awe and fear washed over them, then a thought crossed both of their minds: could this perhaps be the work of the goddess? Their hesitation proved fatal as swift, silent rounds pierced their heads, silencing them forever.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location: Cygnus Station
Within the confines of Cygnus Station, the UN soldiers maintained their unwavering vigilance. The rift swirled with mesmerizing colors, intensifying the sense of anticipation. Scientists observed from the control room, their conversations hushed, carefully documenting every detail. Another scientist, her name being Dr. Reynolds D. Hopkins, was on the control panel of the machine controlling the rift, carefully watching the machine in case any errors occurred.
"Dr. Reynolds, confirm the stability of the portal," the commanding officer requested, his voice carrying a blend of caution and authority.
Dr. Reynolds scrutinized the data, and her response was measured and professional. "Portal stability is within acceptable parameters, sir. Proceeding with caution is advised."
Acknowledging her assessment, the commanding officer relayed the orders via Cygnus PA: "UN Soldiers, prepare for deployment. Maintain constant communication and follow established safety procedures. Our mission is to reclaim and honor the fallen. Move out with precision and utmost caution."
Humanity had returned.
And now, they embarked on their solemn duty to retrieve their fallen comrades, navigating the uncharted realm beyond the rift with precision, extreme prejudice, and
with the weight of the last message received from Tartarus Base still echoing in their minds.
YOU ARE READING
Into the Rift: Dark Emissaries
Action"Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoke...
