COD: The First One's Story

Chapter 3: Group 935

Der Riese Radio 1

Maxis

Gentlemen, allow me to take this opportunity to welcome you to Group 935. This is a prestigious moment in the history of our race. You represent the future of technological advancement. You are the pioneers of human discovery. In your hands lies the destiny of mankind. In our hands is a great power, and with that power comes a price. You have volunteered to be part of this great experiment, and with that decision comes the responsibility of absolute secrecy. No one is to know what you do, where you work, what our research has recovered, or what our purpose will be. You will have no further contact with your governments or with your families. Your decision to fully dedicate your lives to Group 935 is absolute. In your lockers you will find your Field Ops Manual, which will direct you should our manifesto get compromised. We cannot afford to let this power fall into the wrong hands, and therefore the Field Ops Manual should be considered your Bible. Make your preparations now. A new dawn is beginning for mankind.

Moon Radio 1

Richtofen

Log Entry 38. Date: December 4, 1939. The matter transference prototype is prepared for test run number 151. We have now reduced our test subject's mass to prove that this is possible. Dr. Schuster, please give an overview.

Schuster

Yes, Dr. Richtofen. We have the new test subject, a walnut, weighing in at 10 grams. The target platform is now at three feet with no obstructions. We have one microgram of the Element, which, according to our calculations, will be entirely used up during test.

Richtofen

Excellent, Dr. Schuster. Commence test number 151.

Schuster

Yes, Doctor. Please, insert your ear plugs.

Richtofen

[Primitive Teleporter activates] Good God! We've done it!

Schuster

We have powered up the prototype, and it moved a walnut directly from the prototype device into the receiving device. It moved instantly. It- it-

Richtofen

Teleported. Get me Dr. Maxis immediately.

By December 4, 1939, Richtofen and another scientist, Doctor Schuster, commenced 150 tests on a matter transference prototype. Using a microgram of Element 115, Richtofen and Schuster used the prototype teleporter that they invented to teleport a walnut weighing 10 grams three feet away. Test 151 was successful.

Moon Radio 2

Maxis

But this is not the crucial experiment that you are supposed to be working on!

Richtofen

With all due respect, Dr. Maxis, this is a breakthrough of unimaginable proportions.

Maxis

What, that you moved a walnut a few feet? Yes, Edward, we will improve the human condition by revolutionizing the walnut industry. I can see it now: Edward's Walnut Delivery.

Richtofen

Don't be obtuse.

Maxis

How dare you call me that! We are at war, Edward! I will admit that there is promise here, but until this war is won-

Richtofen

Correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Maxis, but Group 935 is a research organization. What was the motto? To improve the human condition? What business of ours is this war?