PROJECT: WONDERLAND

72. INTERSECTION

The team reaches the crossroads, the tension palpable as they gather around.

Roland stands at the front, addressing the entire squad.

Roland: "And here we are! Just a reminder—Demolition team, you're heading to the west gate, straight into the desert region via the express transport pod. Recon team, you're taking the east gate, bound for the Arctic region. And Assault, you're with me. We're going north, straight to the lab facility. Any questions?"

A brief discussion breaks out among the soldiers, ensuring everyone is clear on their objectives.

Roland turns to Second Lieutenant Kyle, who steps forward.

Roland: "Second Lieutenant Kyle?"

Kyle nods and approaches Roland to discuss his plan.

Roland, serious but concerned: "One more time, are you sure about this? Remember, kid, the intel we've decoded so far is still uncertain about the existence of the fourth key. Are you sure you want to go looking for it?"

Kyle, resolute: "Yes, sir. My chosen team and I will search for the key in the forest area. Meanwhile, you'll look for the rest. Even if we don't find it, we'll rendezvous back at the stationary base when your mission is done. We'll cross paths again, sir."

Roland, giving him a respectful nod: "Alright, if that's your decision."

Roland, now addressing the entire group: "Alright, everyone. We're done here. Time to split up! Hoorah!"

The entire squad echoes the response.

All Soldiers: "Hoorah!"

Roland: "Good luck to all of us!"

Val, giving a quick salute to Roland: "See you soon, Cap."

Roland: "See you, Val."

M3, chiming in with his usual upbeat tone: "Till next time, you two!"

Val: "Till next time, big guy!"

Roland pats M3 on the shoulder with a grin.

Roland: "Bravo, Maurice!"

With their final words exchanged, each team moves toward the doors that lead to their respective missions.

Meanwhile, back at SIF headquarters, Anthony is giving directions over the comms, his voice steady and commanding.

Anthony: "Stationary Base, this is Eagle. You're clear to move out! Spread out and build additional bases at the front of each facility. Move!"

The SIF base buzzes with excitement, the anticipation finally leading to action. Soldiers and officers rush to their posts, executing the plan with military precision.

Amidst the flurry of activity, M3's two trainees, the fierce yet tomboyish Sergeant Eliza "Shrapnel" Connors, and the strong, stalwart Sergeant Jackson "Blastmaster" Hale, share a determined look. They exchange a quick, celebratory fist bump.

Shrapnel, grinning: "Finally! Some action!"

Blastmaster, his voice deep and steady: "Yeah. We're coming for you, boss."

They join the team heading out to build a forward base in the desert region, eager to contribute to the mission.

Back on the field, the Operation Havoc teams led by Roland, Val, and M3 manage to lead their respective squads to the doors that will take them to their assigned areas. Meanwhile, Kyle and his selected team venture deeper into the forest, hunting for the elusive key.

With all teams in position, it's time to breach the entrances.

The Recon team is the first to succeed, hacking the door open with precision.

CRACK! The door swings open, and they step into the waiting pod.

The door seals behind them, and a mechanical voice fills the pod.

Pod System: "Welcome to the Pod Express, Forest-Arctic route. How can I assist you today?"

Val, eager to get started, responds quickly.

Val: "Simple—get us there!"

Pod System: "Understood."

Val, switching to the intercom, addresses the Recon team.

Val: "Alright, team! We're on our way."

Roland, speaking into his communicator, reminds Val of their shared objective.

Roland: "Be careful, Lieutenant. Remember, our mission stays the same. Understood?"

Val, her voice steady: "Absolutely, Cap."

With Recon on their way, the doors to the lab and desert regions finally open as well. One by one, all the teams enter their pods, embarking on their separate but intertwined journeys.

To be continued...