Chapter 19: 12 billion

The sudden appearance of the door left everyone in the vicinity shell-shocked. Major Xaden, his stern composure maintained, was now confronted with an unexpected twist in an already mysterious mission.

As the soldiers exchanged wide-eyed glances, Major Xaden turned to Major Cris, who had been watching the situation unfold. "Cris, this is getting stranger by the minute. We need to find out what just happened inside that Iron Fortress. Gather a team, and let's move in."

Major Cris nodded, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Understood, Major Xaden. I'll assemble a team, and we'll proceed cautiously."

While Major Cris organized a group of soldiers for the impending entry into the Iron Fortress, the rest of the troops continued to murmur among themselves.

"What in the galaxy is going on here?"

"I have no idea, but this mission is unlike anything I've ever seen. The whole town is evacuated, and now we have this... door?"

"And that woman with a baby, talking about dreams and sacrifices. It's like a science fiction novel."

Meanwhile, Major Xaden dispatched a soldier to reach out to the mayor, who had been overseeing the evacuation efforts. They needed new orders and guidance from headquarters, as the situation had evolved beyond their initial expectations.

The soldier departed on his mission, leaving the others to grumble and speculate about the bizarre turn of events.

"I heard some rumors about this place being haunted."

"Haunted? Seriously?"

"Well, something's definitely not right here. I just hope we get some answers soon."

As the soldier went on his way to find the mayor, Major Xaden and Major Cris readied themselves and their team for the unknown challenges that lay inside the Iron Fortress. They knew that, with each step they took, they were getting closer to unraveling the mysteries of this enigmatic place and the desperate woman who had sought refuge within its metallic walls.

The soldier's journey to the mayor's location was filled with mumbled thoughts and uncertainty. He couldn't shake off the eerie feeling that had settled over Lost Enclave. The town had become a ghost town, and now with the appearance of the Iron Fortress and the mysterious woman, it seemed as if they had stepped into a twilight zone.

Upon reaching the mayor's temporary command center, the soldier quickly conveyed the unusual events at the Iron Fortress. The mayor's initial reaction was one of disbelief, but when the soldier insisted on showing the recorded video footage, the mayor's expression shifted from skepticism to concern.

The video was played for all present, including representatives from the Third Federation, Venturia, and the mayor himself. As they watched the enigmatic woman's dialogue, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. The mention of dreams, sacrifices, and her plea for help left everyone perplexed.

After the video concluded, there was a collective pause as they absorbed the bizarre situation. It was clear that the mission had taken an unexpected turn, and the soldiers on the ground were now faced with an ethical dilemma.

The mayor, taking charge, spoke to the group. "We must prioritize exploring the situation and put any offensive methods on hold. Our primary concern is understanding what's happening inside that Iron Fortress and ensuring the safety of any individuals present."

The soldier who had delivered the message from Major Xaden nodded in agreement. "Understood, Mayor. We'll follow your orders."

As the soldier made his way back to the troops stationed near the Iron Fortress, he was accompanied by a colonel who had been instructed to oversee the change in mission directives.

The colonel and the soldier walked together, discussing the evolving situation. "It looks like we've shifted from a military operation to a rescue mission," the colonel remarked.

The soldier nodded, his expression grave. "Yes, Colonel. It's a strange turn of events, but our priority now is to find out what's happening inside that fortress and ensure the safety of any individuals trapped there."

They continued their journey back to the Iron Fortress, where Major Xaden, Major Cris, and the rest of the team were preparing for a very different kind of mission, one that was shrouded in mystery and uncertainty.

Colonel Mitchell arrived at the command post, where Major Xaden and Major Cris were deep in discussion, studying the layout of the area surrounding the Iron Fortress. The clock had already struck 4:00 AM, and the moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the deserted town of Lost Enclave.

As Colonel Mitchell approached, Major Xaden acknowledged his presence with a nod, while Major Cris glanced up briefly before returning his attention to the maps spread out before them.

"Colonel Mitchell, I trust you had a safe journey," Major Xaden said.

The colonel saluted crisply. "Yes, Major. The journey was uneventful. I've familiarized myself with the mission directives and the change in priorities."

Major Xaden leaned over the map and began explaining the plan to Colonel Mitchell. "Our primary goal now is to enter the Iron Fortress, establish contact with the woman and her baby, and gather as much information as possible. We've selected a team of 250 soldiers for this special mission. Major Cris and I will lead the entry team. Major Shy will assist you here at the command post."

Colonel Mitchell nodded, his expression serious. "Understood, Major. I'll coordinate the efforts outside the fortress and ensure everything runs smoothly here. Major Shy, it's a pleasure to work alongside you."

Major Shy offered a warm smile. "Likewise, Colonel. We'll need seamless communication and coordination between the teams inside and outside the fortress. Our priority is safety and information gathering."

As they continued to discuss the mission details, the rest of the 20,000 soldiers stationed around Lost Enclave began to stir. Lights flickered to life in the buildings, and the air was filled with the aroma of breakfast being prepared. It felt like an army preparing for a battle, but the nature of this mission was entirely different.

Colonel Mitchell's voice held authority as he issued orders to his team. "Remember, our primary objective is to secure the perimeter and maintain constant communication with the entry team. We need to ensure their safety and provide support as needed."

The soldiers moved with precision, setting up their positions, checking their equipment, and preparing for the long hours ahead. The tension in the air was palpable, a mix of uncertainty and determination.

As the sun began to rise in the distance, the team selected for the entry mission assembled, led by Major Xaden and Major Cris. The rest of the soldiers waited in anticipation, ready to execute their respective roles.

Colonel Mitchell watched the entry team depart and turned to Major Shy. "Major Shy, let's ensure that everything outside goes according to plan. We're in uncharted territory here, and our priority is to bring everyone back safely."

Major Shy nodded, her gaze focused on the unfolding mission. The stakes were high, and the fate of the woman and her baby, as well as the mysteries of the Iron Fortress, hung in the balance.

Amidst the early morning preparations, soldiers stationed around Lost Enclave engaged in quiet conversations, sharing their thoughts and speculations about the mission ahead.

In one corner, a group of soldiers from different units huddled together, discussing the strange events surrounding the Iron Fortress.

"Did you guys hear about that woman and her baby?" one soldier asked, his voice hushed.

"Yeah," another replied. "They say she walked right up to the Iron Fortress like it was nothing. What do you think she's after?"

A third soldier chimed in, "I heard she wants a new life for her baby. Sacrificing herself to get it. It's hard to believe."

In another part of the makeshift camp, a few soldiers were discussing the shifting appearance of the Iron Fortress.

"It's like it's alive or something," one of them mused. "Changing colors and all that."

His comrade nodded, his eyes filled with curiosity. "I saw it with my own eyes. It's unsettling, to say the least. Wonder what's inside that thing."

Nearby, a group of soldiers in charge of communications were busy monitoring the situation and relaying messages.

"Keep an eye on the entry team," one of them said to his colleague. "Major Xaden and Major Cris are in there. We need to ensure their safety."

As they scanned their screens, the tension in the air was palpable. Each soldier understood the gravity of the mission and the unpredictability of the situation they were facing.

Back at the command post, Major Shy and Colonel Mitchell continued their discussions, making sure everything outside the Iron Fortress ran smoothly. Major Shy's expertise in communication and coordination was vital in ensuring that all the pieces of the operation fit together seamlessly.

As the sun continued its ascent in the sky, the soldiers' conversations shifted from speculation to focus. They knew that their mission was critical, and the safety of those inside the Iron Fortress, as well as the mysteries it held, depended on their precise execution.

All around the camp, soldiers stood ready, their senses heightened, and their determination unwavering. The Iron Fortress loomed in the distance, its metallic surface now gleaming in the morning light. The hours ahead promised challenges and discoveries they couldn't yet imagine, but they were united by a common purpose—to uncover the truth and bring everyone involved safely back home.

Major Cris paced around the camp, his boots crunching on the gravel beneath. He couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right. After a while, he decided to take a break and headed over to the command center where Major Xaden was.

"Mind if I join you for a drink?" Cris asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Xaden nodded, pouring a couple of drinks. They sat down, and Cris didn't waste any time diving into his thoughts.

"I've been pondering this for a while," he began, taking a sip. "Venturians are known for their strength and efficiency, but deploying 2,000 soldiers was already unusual. Why would the Third Federation send a staggering 40,000 troops to this small town? And assigning a local colonel specifically for this mission, it doesn't quite add up."

Xaden sighed and leaned back, staring at the night sky above. "It's not just about the numbers, Cris," he said, his voice serious. "There's more to this story than meets the eye. It's not just 20,000 people who've gone missing; it's a staggering 378,044 individuals, not just from Lost Enclave but also from Outlaw Heaven and nearby towns. This place is a crucial transit point for millions traveling to the Second Space Station. And beneath Lost Enclave's soil lies something special—space stones, used for the space station's operations. There's another critical aspect; a whopping 12 billion un is missing."

Cris raised an eyebrow, absorbing the gravity of the situation. "You mean to say everyone will find out eventually when we reconnect with the AI?"

Xaden nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, Cris. It's only a matter of time before the truth comes to light. But right now, our focus should be on completing this mission and getting to the bottom of these mysteries. There's more at stake here than we can comprehend."

Their conversation was punctuated by the sounds of the camp coming to life as soldiers prepared for the day ahead. As the sun's first rays broke through the horizon, the weight of their mission hung heavy in the air, and the mysteries of Lost Enclave loomed large in their minds.

Major Cris took another sip of his drink, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "You know, Xaden," he began, "it's not just the missing people and resources that bother me. It's the eerie atmosphere surrounding Lost Enclave, that colossal fortress that devours everything in its path, and those strange events we've been witnessing. It feels like we're dealing with something beyond our comprehension."

Xaden nodded in agreement, his gaze still fixed on the stars above. "I couldn't agree more, Cris. I've seen my fair share of battles and faced formidable foes, but this… it's unlike anything I've ever encountered. It's as if the very laws of nature are being rewritten here."

As they continued to talk, soldiers around the camp went about their duties, some preparing equipment, others chatting nervously among themselves. The sense of unease and anticipation was palpable, and the weight of the unknown pressed upon them.

Major Shy, who had been overseeing the preparations nearby, approached them, her expression a mix of curiosity and determination. "Gentlemen," she said, joining their conversation, "we're about to embark on a mission that could unravel the most significant mysteries of our time. We may not fully understand what we're up against, but we have a duty to those who've gone missing and to the future of our solar system."

Cris and Xaden both nodded, their resolve deepening. Major Shy's words resonated with the gravity of the situation. They were venturing into the unknown, facing a threat that defied explanation, and the fate of countless lives rested on their shoulders.

Colonel Mitchell, who had been listening to their conversation from a nearby table, cleared his throat and spoke up. "Major Xaden, Major Cris, Major Shy, you're right about the unprecedented scale of this mission. It's more than just a search and rescue operation; it's a mission to uncover the enigma that shrouds Lost Enclave."

He paused, his gaze fixed on the holographic map displayed in the command center. "The Third Federation, Venturia, and our local forces have all come together for a reason. We're dealing with a threat that has far-reaching implications, and the fate of the missing people, the resources, and our solar system's stability hangs in the balance."

Colonel Mitchell's words carried the weight of authority, and his expression was resolute. "Our objective is clear: we must gather as much information as possible, make contact with anyone inside the fortress, and understand the nature of this colossal structure. We're treading into uncharted territory, but we'll do so as a united force."

Major Shy nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting determination. "Colonel, Major Cris, and Major Xaden, we're the best of our respective forces, and together, we'll find answers. But we must also be prepared for the unexpected. Lost Enclave has already shown us that it defies our understanding of science and technology."

Cris added, "We'll need to adapt and improvise. Our primary goal is to retrieve any missing individuals and secure the resources, but we must also uncover the truth about this fortress and its capabilities."

Colonel Mitchell concluded, "Let's keep our lines of communication open, and remember, we're not just soldiers; we're investigators in this mystery. Stay vigilant, and let's embark on this mission with the determination to overcome whatever challenges await us."

Colonel Mitchell continued, "In light of the electronic interference near the fortress, I suggest we establish a reliable communication system that won't be affected by any network disruptions. I'm proposing the use of old-fashioned telephone lines with a wired connection. This way, we can ensure a direct and secure line of communication between our teams."

Major Xaden nodded in agreement. "That's a smart move, Colonel. We need a failsafe communication method, especially given the unpredictable nature of the fortress."

Major Cris chimed in, "I agree. We shouldn't rely solely on our high-tech equipment. A wired telephone system will provide us with a dependable means of staying in touch and coordinating our efforts."

Major Shy added, "It's a practical solution, and it aligns with our need for stability and reliability during this mission."

With unanimous agreement, the decision was made to establish a wired telephone network, ensuring that communication would remain uninterrupted and secure in the face of whatever challenges Lost Enclave might present.

The engineering division and local soldiers gathered around a makeshift communications hub. They were busy setting up the wired telephone system as per Colonel Mitchell's recommendation.

One of the engineers, Alex, scratched his head as he connected a series of cables. "You know," he said to a nearby soldier, "this feels like going back in time. Who would've thought we'd be using old-school phones in a high-stakes mission like this?"

The soldier, Sarah, chuckled as she helped secure a telephone line to a nearby pole. "Yeah, it's a bit nostalgic, but it's also reassuring. With all the electronic interference around here, these wired phones might be our lifeline."

Another engineer, Jake, chimed in, "It's all about adaptability. When the high-tech gadgets fail, we've got to rely on what works. And right now, these phones are our best bet."

As the team worked together to install the wired communication network, they couldn't help but appreciate the irony of using outdated technology in the face of the unknown challenges posed by Lost Enclave. It was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions were the most reliable in the end.