Smoke on the Water

by AnonymousFanPerson

Early Summer, 2020. A Gate to another world opened. But with it came an attempted invasion by a fantasy Navy. This story is not the gate you know. This time the Gate opens on the water. That changes the warfare. The countries involved are different. That changes the dynamic. This story does not follow any characters. But instead tells the events.

3. Chapter 2

Chapter 2, A Friend in Need

Whithouse situation room. 3 Hours after the attack began

The President of the United States, The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, And the Prime Minister of the Bahamas; All were on a conference call discussing what should be done about these invaders from another world.

"The USS Paul Ignatius, And the Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark arrived an hour ago. But because of the shallow water they can't approach the island." Said the Prime Minister.

"F16s overhead reported engaging enemy air assets in the beginning, As did your ship." Said the president. "But so far they have not launched any more of these dragons. It's safe to say we have air superiority."

The PM of the UK spoke next. "Warships are off shore, and fighters are overhead, But there are still civilians in the city. So right now this is the best we can do. We need to find a way to secure the safety of our people."

It was a predicament. The small island had dense population areas. Getting trigger happy would lead to unnecessary destruction and possibly kill noncombatants. Talking seemed to be out of the question too. The attackers would not respond to morse lamps from the ships. They would not answer any radio calls, Nore pick up a phone. The Nassau tried to send one of their RHIB's over with a negotiator, but it was fired upon by archers. The dragons also spat fire from their positions on the beach.

"Right now it seems they control a good chunk of the northern island. But they are not currently pushing into the wooded areas, or the southern island." Said the Bahaminin Prime Minister.

"Look yall." Interjected the president. "We know what needs to be done." He looked directly at the UK Prime minister on the scream. "Prime Minister, how long before your forces arrive?"

He was silent for a moment. "Twelve hours and we can have a sizable attack force in position. But that would require using US bases as a staging ground. I've already sent a carrier in that direction, But it's still three days out."

The President started to say they could have use of the bases as long as they needed. But at that moment a man walked into the situation room, He handed the President a few pieces of paper. One note and some photographs. The president flipped through them and thought for a moment. He handed the papers back before speaking.

"Send these to both of the Prime Ministers." The man nodded his head and walked off.

The president stood up. "You're about to receive the latest intelligence reports. Including photos from overhead drones. It seems our enemy has gathered a sizable number of civilians at that marina, And are loading them onto their boats tied with ropes. One boat has already returned through this stargate of theirs. We know little about these invaders; But given what we do know we can assume their intentions with these hostages are not good."

The UK-PM kept her straight face, But her eyes said everything. She remembered her history. She knew what often became of captured citizens in the days of Rome, and through the Medieval period.

The president continued. "You need twelve hours. I can have Marines ready and in position in less than eight. We take back the island, then hand it over to your forces when they arrive."

The PM was silent for a moment. Both the Bahamian Prime Minister and the President were waiting for his response. This would be the US coming to the aide of the British. But what choice was there? The Bahamian Military was out matched, Her Military would take too long to arrive. But the US was right next door.

"Mr President. You have my permission. Take back the island by any means necessary."

Miami ARTCC. Miami Florida.

The supervisor hung up the phone. He then made his way to the Control area. Entering, then taking a seat at his desk. He typed a message and sent it to all stations.

"ZMA, ZJX. ATC ZERO!" He sat back, and before too long he heard the various controllers start sending airplanes everywhere. Some were vectored for immediate landings. Others were sent back to their departure fields. Even more were being held at their departure fields. They had to clear the skies over Florida. A massive Military operation was about to begin. No one but Military, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Aircraft were allowed to fly for the next 48 hours. With a sigh, he typed out another message.

Homestead ARB, 7 hours after the attack began.

One by one, C-17s landed on the runway. Even more C-130s were behind them. They were carrying elements from the 22nd and 24th Marine Expeditionary Units. Air traffic all over Florida had been grounded, Nothing was in the air but these Military aircraft. The Florida Air National Guard had been flying up and down the East coast of Florida all day. If any of these 'dragons' made it past the 3 ships at Bimini, They would have a swarm of F-15s on them in minutes. On the ground, Every single F-16 at Homestead was being prepared. Some were being rigged for air to air combat. Others for air to ground. Though using air-ground munitions on the town was a last resort, Fortune favors the prepared. Additionally tankers and AWACS aircraft were sent from Macdill and Eglin.

Sergeant Lance Chapman walked down the ramp of the C-17. He followed the line of soldiers walking across the ramp to a large hangar.

"I guess we will finally find out what we're doing." He thought. They knew what was going on. And when they were told to board the planes heading to South Florida, He had a good idea of what they would end up doing. But the exact plan was still unknown. All they knew was Homestead was the staging ground. They will be briefed and kitted up here. Inside the hangar there were a few large projector screens set up. Along with speakers, and a lot of chairs.

"Hey chapman, Looks like the entire Battalion was sent here." The voice came from someone standing nearby. The sergeant recognized it immediately. It was Corporal David Tanner. One of the team leaders under Chapman.

"Looks that way." Replied Chapman. "We're going to see action soon. They just need to tell us how it's going to go down." Chapman noted that the rest of Tanners team was standing behind him talking amongst themselves. The group of soldiers took their seats and before long their Battalion commander came up to one of the microphones. The briefing was about to start.

Mission Briefing

Author's note: This section is dialog heavy. But it's only one person talking. As such there won't be a lot of character direction.

"As you all know, The island of Bimini was attacked by an unknown hostile force. The attack came as a surprise, And the island was quickly taken over. On top of that we have learned that the attackers have taken several people from the island, and transported them through this doorway. We presume this doorway is also how they arrived undetected. Gentleman I don't want you to worry about the how right now. Focus on your task at hand."

"Because of the shallow water, Naval assets have been unable to approach the island. And because of the risk of collateral damage, They nor the airforce can open fire either. The Bahaminian military is not equipped for a land invasion. Her Majesty's forces are on their way, but the island needs help now. so they have called on us."

"In one hour, Alpha Company will board the Ospreys, and fly to the southernmost island of Bimini. You guys get the easy job. Secure the southernmost island, Ensure no enemy combatants make it there. Your primary concern is the airport and resort. As of right now, Intel says they have not assaulted that island yet, and have remained on the northernmost island."

"Half an hour later, Charlie company will board the Ospreys; and fly to the northern island of Bimini. Half an hour after that, Bravo Company will follow. A flight of gunships will fly in front and clear the beach of any hostels. Directly behind them, The ospreys carrying Charlie company will dustoff on the beach. Marines! You will exit your ospreys and immediately head for the road. Once all marines have disembarked, Push eastward to the Marina. Your priority is to secure the marina and police station. Once both the Marina and Police station are secure; Bravo company will land on the beach and reinforce Charlie. Do not push north of the police station until Bravo company arrives. Second battalion will remain here, but will be ready to go on a moments notice should the need arise"

"It is vitally important we take the marina as soon as possible. It seems they have rounded up a sizable number of civilians there. We don't know their intentions. And we don't care. Rescuing these civilians is your number one objective. We believe they are using the police station as a command post. There will be possible HVT's inside. Of course the brass would like you to secure any HVT's you encounter. But if they resist deadly force is authorised. They have also concentrated civilians in the areas around the museum and industrial area. Again. Rescuing these civilians takes priority."

"As for the hostiles themselves. Intelligence reports they are Roman or Medieval in nature. Armed with swords, shields, polarms, your typical medieval weapons. But do not get careless! A blade is just as deadly as a bullet! Your weapons advantage is range. Do not let them get close! If they're using these types of weapons, then they will know how to use them. Additionally they do have archers, So ranged attacks can be expected. Look out for plunging fire. Last but not least. Dragons. I did not believe it either. But they do have dragons. Again focus on the now. Intel reports they have seven dragons. These beasts are capable of flight and spitting fire. Each dragon seems to carry a single soldier. Reports have not noted the dragon riders themselves to be armed, But since they have a dragon they probably don't need a weapon. Hopefully the dragons will be dealt with by our gunships in the initial attack. If not you are advised to avoid contact with these dragons. If contact is unavoidable, grenades are recommended. Try to drive them airborne so our Vipers can deal with them"

"Weapons. Due to the dense populated area, Naval and air assets will be unable to provide support unless it's absolutely necessary. Naturally since this is a beach landing, you will also be without armored support. This is what we specialise in Marines! Each fire team will be outfitted with their standard armament. Three M27s, and a M249. Additionally, for Bravo and Charlie companies; All ready infantrymen will be armed with an M1014 shotgun. This is in addition to your M27. You are advised to affix bayonets before touching down. You will be fighting in a dense urban environment. And there will be civilians present. Check all targets before firing. Watch your angles and know what's on the other side of your target."

"Lastly, Rules of engagement. As stated you will be on your own. No heavy weapons support. You are free to engage the moment you land. Do not take prisoners in the initial assault , unless they are HVT's. You will have no way to secure or transport them. After phase 1 you will be free to take prisoners once reinforcements arrive. Your first priority is the safety of civilians. The best way we can ensure nothing happens to them is with a quick rescue. That means don't waste your time with handcuffs. These guys are picking a fight, so give them what they want."

The briefing continued. Soldiers mentaly memorized the images. Dividing the island into zones and the operation into phases. After the briefing, All soldiers received their weapons and equipment. They were allowed a brief moment to rest before boarding the ospreys.

Sergeant Chapman checked his M38, Inserting the magazine and ensuring it was seated, But he didnt chamber a round yet. While the fireteams used M27's, as a squad leader he was given a Marksman Rifle. Functionally though it was the same weapon as the M27. He slung the rifle over his shoulder. Checked his pouches then sat down to finish what was left of the MRE he had been given. There was not much time between the briefing and boarding the ospreys. Though there was food available, it was only water and MRE's. Not that he cared too much, he managed to luck up with menu twentyfour. Southwest style beef with black beans. Nearby he saw Tanner's team sharing the components of a MRE, while doing a check of their gear.

Alice Town Police Station, 9 hours after the attack began.

Manius and Appius were standing on the docs as another ship approached. The commander of that ship jumped onto the docs and approached.

"Manius. His grace appreciates the sample you sent him. He said they will perform well. Additional ships and men are on the way. However he asks that you send 400 slaves instead of 200."

"Double!" Manius gasped. They had yet to accurately count the number of inhabitants captured. Sending to many would leave few to remain and run the town. Manius replied. "I understand. We must count the number of concurred people here first. I'll send back who we can." Manius and Appius started back towards their command post.

Appius spoke next. "We've conquered the entire island except for the forest region to the north."

"Good." Replied Manius. "I want you to lead our forces in sweeping that forest. Try to capture anyone there alive. What little resistance we did encounter was able to kill several men before being killed themselves. Apparently using those strange contraptions we found."

The two stopped in front of the former police station turned command post.

Appius Asked "What of those ships anchored off shore?"

"For now we leave them alone. I don't know how they got there without sails, And I don't know how the one took down a rider earlier. We will deal with them soon enough." replied Manius

Appius acknowledged his leader, then headed off to command the forces in sweeping the forest section. Manius stood near the building for a while longer. His thoughts were on how to deal with the hostile ships that arrived. They moved without sails, which was strange enough. But they also appeared to be made of metal, and suffered little damage when the dragon riders attacked one earlier. He also wondered why the enemy dragons simply circled the island instead of attacking. Were they afraid to cause damage to their own city?

He continued to ponder the situation until he started to hear a strange sound again. Different from the roaring sound produced by the enemy dragons above. This was more of a beating sound. Like someone was rapidly beating a drum far away. And the sound reverberated through the air. It was coming from the south. Manius entered the building and looked at a map of the islands on a table. The southernmost island had no direct links to this one. They would have to use boats to reach it. Then he had a hunch. "If those strange sounds are more enemy dragons, They may be using the southern island as a staging ground." He said aloud. "That's what I would do anyway. So we can expect a retaliation soon. If their anything like us it will take them at least a day to prepare a counter attack." He decided to discuss this with Appius when he returned.

Inside the Ospreys approaching Bimini

A flight of five MV22 Ospreys were rapidly approaching Bimini from the southwest. In front of them were two AH1W cobra attack helicopters.

"Venom 1-1 and 1-2, going in hot." Was heard on the radio. The cobras were beginning their attack run. Their plan was to approach the beach from the north, fly over and attack anything with their unguided rockets. They would then turn around and do a final pass with their guns. The Ospreys would be right behind them at that point. The idea was to not give the enemy a chance to form up after being scattered by the attacks.

"Juliet 1-Kilo, Cowboy 1-1. Approaching drop zone from the southwest. Dustoff in two mikes." The pilots in the lead osprey could see the cobras turning around for their second pass on the beach. The co-pilot reached up for the controls to lower the rear ramp. This signaled the marines in the back that touchdown was imanint.

Inside the Osprey's cargo hold, Corporal David Tanner Chambered a round into his M27 when he saw the ramp go down. Looking to his left he saw his fire team. Third squads third Fire team. Lance-Corporal Zachary Warren was doing last minute checks on his M249. He was the team's automatic rifleman. Next to him Lance-Corporal Hampton Wilcox, the team's assistant automatic rifleman, had his eyes closed and was taking deep breaths. And lastly Private Tyler Houston was the team's riflemen. Normally he carried a M27 as well. However due to this mission's special requirements, he was also armed with a shotgun this time. Tanner looked back towards the door. He could see his squad leader close to the ramp, and he could see the rapidly approaching ground. It was going to be a rough landing.

On board the USS Paul Ignatius

Major General Jaye Kendal was looking at the digital map showing the islands. About an hour ago the southern island was secured. Right now the cobras were completing their attack run, and the marines would be landing right behind them. The operation to retake the islands of Bimini, To fight off an aggressive advisory. The first battle of a modern 21st century force versus a medieval force was about to begin.

"There's a bunch of historians and scientists in the world trying to figure out life right now."

The sword meets the gun

A teenage boy and his little brother hide in the room of a building. They were outside when suddenly a small army of men in medieval looking armor started attacking the city. They took over the police station in the initial attack, so there was little to stop them from having their way with the entire island. So he did the only thing he could do. He took his brother and hid. They hid in the 2nd story room of a building they think may have been a restaurant. That was several hours ago. By some miracle they had not been found. Eventually however the bad guys will search this building. They had already seen several patrols outside. Including a few people passing by in quite ornate armor compared to the others. On top of that they were getting hungry.

The older brother looked out the window. There were ships anchored nearby. Both American and Bahaminian. They looked like warships too. Perhaps they could make a break for it. Run to the beach and swim for the ships. It was probably more than a mile swim, but it was better than waiting to be caught. The two discussed their plans. A few minutes passed by before the sound of helicopters could be heard. Then explosions just outside their window. Then more helicopters. What was going on now?

The older one looked outside. Ospreys had landed on the beach and were off loading soldiers.

"Those are American aircraft." He said.

"Are they here to help?" The younger one asked.

"Most likely. We should continue laying low for now. There's about to be a lot of lead flying through the air."

On the Beach

Tanner looked behind him to see the ospreys lifting back into the air, Dust flying everywhere. Up ahead the street was largely empty. It seems any enemy forces who were there have already run off.

At that moment, squad leader Chapmans voice came over the radio. "Third squad, Our objective is the police station. Alpha move up the northernmost road. Charlie team, you and me will take the southern one. Bravo split in two with one element on each side of the road. Cover our rear. That will let us pincer the police station from both directions. Third squad move out!" At the same time every squad that had landed began moving into the city itself. Third squad had to move north to get to their target.

Charlie team was up front. The team came to a stop at a corner of a building.

"Zach, Pointfire my direction!" Tanner crouched down leaning around the corner, nesseling his rifle into a fire position. Warren did the same from a standing position. The two looked down the road. Or rather it was a small foot path. "No Tangos!" Said Tanner. Alpha and Bravo teams then moved past them to get to the northernmost road.

"We'll hold here until Alpha gets in position." Said Chapman.

Gun fire could already be heard coming from the rest of the city. Quite a lot of gunfire too. After a brief moment a call came in on the radio. "Alpha here. No tangos sited, Advancing towards objective." With that the teams began pushing forward. Third squad pressed on to the police station. They meet with no enemy resistance. It seemed the bulk of the enemy force was elsewhere. Perhaps in the city itself, or on another part of the island.

Squad Leader Chapman felt he needed to inform the mission commander. "Sandshark, Sandshark. Charlie 3 Actual. Currently pushing toward objective Alpha. No resistance encountered."

Inside the CIC of USS Paul Ignatius.

"Acknowledged Charlie-3. Be advised there is moderate resistance in the city. We currently have aircraft overhead searching for the remainder of the enemy forces." There was a brief pause on the radio before Charlie 3's squad leader acknowledged the report. The operator then informed General Kendal of the squad's SITREP.

General Kendal had a map of Bimini on the computer screen. Overlaid on the map was the current zone outlines, And the position of the various teams in each squad. For the most part all squads were moving forward at the same pace, Despite the reports of moderate resistance in the city. It seems the enemy was no match for the Marines.

"I'm getting concerned." Said the general. "The SITREPs coming in from each squad point to less resistance than anticipated. Even a medieval army should be putting up more of a fight than this."

Another voice replied to him. "If the bulk of the army moved to the northern portions of the island; They would quickly return to reinforce their comrades now that the battle has started."

The general nodded in agreement. "That means Charlie-3 is going to be facing at least a battalion's worth of hostels in less than an hour." The general picked up a microphone. "Juliet-1 Kilo. I need an empty osprey to land at the airfield." He then looked over at another officer. "Have two squads from Alpha company head to the airfield. They will board the osprey and head to the main island to reinforce Charlie 3."

Back on the ground with Charlie 3

The third fire team moved along the footpath. Each soldier covers a different fire sector as they move. RTFA. The basic doctrine of urban warfare. Each soldier has a role, and a sector to cover. As fire team leader, Corporal Tanner focused forward. The team neared the Southern corner of the police station. The building was rectangular. And when Tanner reached the corner, he looked around it. There he saw an older man wearing medieval looking armor. However it was quite ornate. Featuring gold trim and etching along the plates. The man was looking down the road. He noticed Tanner almost instantly. The two locked eyes for what felt like several seconds. Though it was probably only one or two. The man then calmly turned and walked into the police station.

Tanner turned to look at Chapman who was right behind him. "Possible HVT, just went inside. He knows we're here."

Chapman nodded then radioed the other fire teams. "Alpha, Bravo. Status?"

"Alpha Team here. Were in position on the opposite side of the building."

Chapman then relayed orders to the other two teams. "Bravo. Regroup and move to cover the rear entrance. Make sure no one escapes out the back. Alpha, Join me and Charlie at the front for a takedown."

A few moments later, alpha and charlie teams had gathered at the front door of the police station. "Keep in two man groups as we enter. No one goes anywhere alone. Attempt to capture the HVT, But if he resists, use lethal force." Squad Leader Chapman said to both teams as they prepared to make entry. The gunfire in the city had subsided a bit now. It sounded like the first phase of the battle was winding down. Once the police station, and various other zones were secure; Phase 2 would begin.

Inside the police station

Manius walked into a room with three others. "To arms men! The enemy is at the door!"

"What! Already?" The three men looked at eachother. The enemy's counter attack had only started fifteen minutes or so ago. How could they already be right outside. They drew their swords.

Manius stood behind them with his sword ready. "I only saw one soldier. But he's definitely not alone. He had a basic helmet, but I did not see the rest of his body. So I don't know if he wears armor."

Manius stood with his bodyguards at the ready. These three were elite soldiers. Whos only orders were keep Manius safe. Since entering this new world they had been right there by his side. They would now face the soldiers of this new world.

The door burst open! Two soldiers storm in. To the elite bodyguards they wore cloth armor. Even their helmets and breastplates appeared to be made of cloth. But it was no simple gambison. It had several objects attached to it. Plating of some kind perhaps? Additionally they appeared to carry odd spears. Though they were very short spears. They clearly had a blade at the end. But the blade appeared to be a simple knife that was just attached to the staff. No swords. For some odd reason, These soldiers held the spears as if they were a crossbow.

Two body guards charged forward. These soldiers were clearly outmatched. They faced Elite Imperial Guards clad in splint-mail armor. Each wielding a war sword. Sounds of thunder filled the room.

5 minutes later.

Manius exited the building flanked on both sides by the other worlders. His hands were bound in what could only be described as a light weight metal. It seemed flexible when the other worlders had it. But now that it had his hands in a bind it was unyielding. He honestly had a hard time believing it. Just 2 soldiers were able to take down his elite guards. Worse yet they did so effortlessly. They did not even move from the doorway and were able to kill the guardsman.

"Here he is Chapman. One HVT, gift wrapped." Said one of these other world soldiers. He was talking to a person Manius assumed was the leader. This supposed leader responded.

"Alright. I'll let Sandshark know." The man then put his hand to an object on his breastplate and spoke. He talked as though there was someone right there. Yet no one around paid him any mind. Was he not talking to them?

A few seconds pass by. The man spoke once again to this invisible person. He then turned to the other and began to issue orders. It was as if he just received new orders from an officer. But there was no runner to deliver a message. A communication stone then. Only much smaller than anything the empire had, And it emitted no sound of its own. But clearly something was said to this man. Where was the other stone then? Buildings and trees are everywhere. They would disrupt a communication stone's ability to communicate. Was this something else then? Was the officer in one of those hard-winged dragons above?

Same location, Chapmans POV

"Tanner. Escort the HVT to the beach. There will be an osprey waiting. You board the Osprey and accompany him back to Homestead. Make your way back here once he's in jail."

Corporal Tanner acknowledged his squad leader. The team was just starting to make their way back towards the beach when a team leader of alpha shouted.

"Chapman. We got contact north of us! Whole hell of a lot of them!"

The squad leader looked past alpha team who had taken up position to watch the road heading north. He saw a large force of enemies. At Least a whole company's worth, maybe more.

"Charlie, new plan! Tyler and Hampton watch the HVT! The rest of you take up positions!" The soldiers all took up positions where needed. Without Chapman telling them where to go they formed a battle line to oppose this large enemy force. Automatic riflemen and most of the soldiers watched the road itself. While two others watched their left flank. To the right was water, The enemy would not likely come that way.

"Sandshark, Sandshark! Charlie 3 actual. We're facing a large enemy force coming down the road from the north. Tell those reinforcements to hotel alpha!"

Same location, Manius POV

Manius had only caught a glimpse. But he saw the first element of the main force returning. These soldiers may have gotten the better of his elites, But now they were facing the main force. There were only a dozen of them or so. There is no way they can face down this many of his soldiers. Though they seemed keen to try. They had formed a line up the road. Their strange weapons pointed towards his men. By now he had figured them to be some kind of magic crossbow. Quite powerful to be able to kill three elites without ever giving them a chance. The empire had nothing like this.

The thunder rang out again, Even louder than before. The line of this world's soldiers were fighting back. Though from his position he could not tell who was winning. Still he was confident his men would prevail. There were but a dozen of this world's soldiers. And eventually they would run out of magic power.

It was then he looked up. Off in the distance was one of the hard-winged dragons. Again it was moving towards his men without making a sound. This time though it was clearly going in for an attack. It spewed multiple fireballs from, it's nose? There was no mouth to speak of. And these fireballs, There were quite a lot of them. Smaller than those made by the Imperial wyverns, but way more numerous and fast moving. The dragon stopped and turned away.

Then the sound came. A roaring followed by numerous explosions. Destruction magic no doubt. Only the strongest mages of the empire could manage destruction magic. But these other worlders had dragons that could do it. With the amount of explosions he heard. His heart sank. He then saw another dragon come in, dropping objects from its wings. Followed by more, even larger explosions It was at that moment Manius knew. They had lost.

Back on board the USS Paul Ignatius.

"Sir. Aircraft reports three additional enemy ships have emerged from the gate. They are heading towards the marina."

General Kendal then turned to another man. "Captain, we need to take those ships out."

The captain responded with bad news. "Unfortunately our options are limited." He said. "They're too close to use a Tomahawk or a AGM. A harpoon won't be able to get a lock on a wooden ship. And with the island between us and them, Using the cannon is too risky."

The general then realised something. They had this enemy beat technologically. But the enemy had positioned themselves in a way that made it difficult to use that advantage to its fullest. It has been said before, More advanced tech is indistinguishable from magic. But that does not mean it was magic. The weapons and tech had limitations. Wood is not a good reflector of radar energy. Which meant their radar guided weapons were useless against these ships. But the general still had options. It would be unorthodox, But it should work on wooden ships.

The general picked up the microphone. "Juliet 1-Kilo. Have the Vipers attack the enemy ships." He said this knowing none of the F-16's were equipped for anti-ship combat. The only weapons they could really use in this situation were their 20mm guns.

Moments later the general watched the radar display while the captain watched the area the ships were through some binoculars. Pretty soon smoke could be seen rising from that area. One of the sailors then relayed a BDA report from the forward air controller. Two enemy ships were destroyed. One escaped back through the gate. This battle was winding down. But everyone on that ship and the island knew that the war was only beginning.