GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 2: The Great Alnus Turkey Shoot (Rewritten)

Yokota Airbase, Japan

February 18, 2028 – 16:42

The unmistakable hum of Blackhawk rotors echoed through the air as the helicopter touched down at Yokota Airbase. The members of Bravo 1, exhausted but alive, disembarked and were immediately greeted by their commanding officer, Captain Josiah Caldwell. His sharp gaze swept over the team, cataloging every scuff, bruise, and streak of dried blood. Yet, despite the weariness in their expressions, they stood tall.

"Glad to see you're all okay, boys," Caldwell said, his voice gruff but genuine. "Get some rest. We're going to be busy starting today. Be at the briefing room by 1800."

Adam nodded. "Okay, thanks, sir."

As Bravo 1 made their way toward their bunks, the surreal adrenaline still hummed in their veins. The Battle of Ginza was behind them, but the chaos still clung to their minds like a fog. They needed downtime—if only to catch their breath before the storm continued.

Briefing Room, Yokota Airbase

February 18, 2028 – 18:00

When Bravo 1 entered the briefing room, it was already packed with soldiers from across the entire Bravo Squadron. The air was thick with tension, punctuated by murmured conversations and the occasional glance toward the front of the room.

"Holy shit, boss," Perez muttered as they found their seats. "The whole squadron's here."

Adam scanned the room, nodding. "Yeah, makes sense. When the capital of one of our most important partners in the Asia-Pacific gets attacked, it tends to get people's attention."

Andrew leaned closer. "Heard PACOM's been scrambling, trying to figure out who was stupid enough to attack a major U.S. ally."

Hill snorted. "Whoever they are, they're going to regret it sooner or later."

Their chatter died down as three high-ranking officers walked into the room:

- Lieutenant Colonel Eric Blackburn

- Major Erwin Campbell

- Command Sergeant Major Fraser Hughes

The room fell silent at once. Every soldier's attention snapped to the front as Blackburn took center stage. His presence demanded respect, a leader who'd seen his fair share of battles.

"Alright, gentlemen," Blackburn began. "Before we dive in, I want to commend Bravo 1 for their outstanding work during the Battle of Ginza. You saved lives—many of them—and you made us proud."

Major Campbell chimed in, grinning. "You wouldn't believe it—the entire TOC was glued to the monitors the entire time. It was something to watch."

Adam gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, sir."

Blackburn continued. "Now, I know you've got a lot of questions—like who or even what attacked the Ginza District. The short answer? We don't know. And it's now our job to find out. Hughes, take it from here."

Command Sergeant Major Hughes stepped forward and clicked the projector remote. A colossal image of a gate-shaped structure appeared on the screen, filling the soldiers with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

"This, gentlemen, is what the Japanese are calling The Gate," Hughes said. "We don't know what it is or how it appeared, but what we do know is that the enemy came through it—and attacked indiscriminately. Hundreds of civilians were killed, and many are still unaccounted for. This includes 20 dead Americans and 30 missing."