Chapter 9: The Brave New World Pt1

Peking Emergency Operation Coordination Center

General Youji Itami, Commander of the Russian Far East 11th Guards Combined Arms Army, gazed out of the window, his tired eyes scanning the chaotic remnants of what was once a thriving city of Peking. He couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of disbelief, as if he were trapped in a surreal nightmare. Just a week ago, a mystical portal, a conduit of death and destruction, had emerged within the very heart of the city. Now, he found himself in the Peking Emergency Operation Coordination Center, grappling with the monstrous consequences of its appearance. Itami sought solace in camaraderie amidst the tension-filled room.

The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the atmosphere, a tangible presence that no amount of military might could easily dispel. Itami, known for his laid-back and unserious demeanor, found himself having a small chat with his esteemed colleagues, General Jisung Vasilev of the Russian 17th Guards Combined Arms Army in Korea and General Alexander Von Orenburg of the Russian 9th Combined Arms Army in Peking.

"It's unbelievable," Itami muttered, still trying to process the catastrophic events of the past week. "A portal, right here in Peking... who would have thought?"

"Indeed." General Vasilev nodded solemnly.

"It appears that our Tsar, Charles I, has ordered a general mobilization of all 235 military districts of the Konstantinopol Treaty Organization," Orenburg solemnly announced, his voice reflecting an air of resignation. "The might of the Empire must be displayed before the world stage."

Itami responded with a dry chuckle, acknowledging the political chess game being played out in the face of daunting circumstances. "Quite predictable. Can't have His Majesty appearing weak on the world stage, can we?"

Vasilev chimed in, his expression etched with concern. "I've heard reports that the United States and the Franco-British Union have also suffered attacks from these aberrant portals," he disclosed, a trace of apprehension creeping into his voice.

"Our enemies may now find themselves united against a common foe," Itami remarked, contemplating the unprecedented nature of the situation.

"But do we yet know the nature of what lies on the other side of these portals?" Orenburg inquired, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and dread.

Itami shook his head wearily. "No concrete information as of yet," he admitted. "Based on the gargantuan dragon and insect-like creature that emerged from the portal here in Peking, it is safe to assume that wherever these portals connect to, it brings with it nothing but sheer devastation and terror."

Vasilev's gaze fell upon a group of scientists from Roscosmos, their presence hinting at a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. "We may not have to speculate for long," he remarked, pointing towards a massive machine within the center. "That, my comrades, is the Vostok-46 autonomous probe, designed for the Russian colonies on Mars. Equipped with the most advanced sensors available, it is capable of exploring foreign, hostile environments."

For a brief moment, a glimmer of cautious optimism traversed the room. The air was filled with a murmuring anticipation as the minds of the military leaders grasped at the potential of uncovering vital information. The corroded gears of hope began to turn, though their rotation was accompanied by the eerie awareness of the impending horrors that awaited discovery.

The Vostok-6 probe rumbled to life, its towering figure slowly inching towards the enigmatic portal. Hushed whispers reverberated in the room as all eyes became fixated on the monitor displaying the probe's data feed. Seconds turned into eternity as the signal vanished, leaving an unsettling void.

And then, a sight so grotesque, so nightmarish, unfolded before them. The portal revealed itself to be a gateway to a desolate beach, the gentle waves crashing against the shore, but the sand and sea stained crimson with the blood of countless insectoid creatures. The sheer brutality of the scene sent shivers down the spines of the onlookers.

"What in the name of all that is holy is this place?" General Orenburg exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Itami, always quick with a bad joke in the face of danger, retorted, "Well, it looks like someone didn't bother cleaning up after their picnic."

As the shock settled in, Dr. Valentina Karpov, an esteemed Exoplanet and Astrobiology expert, approached with a trembling voice. "Dear Lord, the data collected by Vostok-6 is staggering," she said. "This planet has double the surface gravity of Earth and ten times the atmospheric pressure. We are dealing with a super Earth here."

As the weight of the situation sank in, Itami pondered the implications of such extreme conditions. "These monstrous creatures we've encountered must have adapted to survive in this hostile environment. Their physiology, their very existence, is beyond anything we could have imagined."

General Vasilev interjected, his voice laced with concern. "If these creatures have the ability to breach into our world, it poses a significant threat to not only Russia but the entire world. We must act swiftly and decisively to protect our people."

Staring at the numbers and contemplating the dire implications, Itami knew that the gravity and atmospheric conditions of this newfound planet would pose unimaginable challenges in military operations. In such high gravity, both humans and vehicles would face immense pressure, making any mission an uphill battle.

Attempting to lighten the mood, Itami turned to his comrades with a mischievous grin. "Well, at least we'll all get a good workout, right? Gotta build those super-Earth muscles!"

Vasilev chuckled half-heartedly and replied, "You always have a knack for finding the silver lining, Itami."

As they contemplated the severity of the situation, Itami couldn't help but let his mind wander for a moment. He imagined himself donning a giant exoskeleton, battling monstrous creatures on this beach-like super-Earth. He pushed away the thought, realizing the grim reality that awaited them. "Our strategies and tactics will need to be reevaluated," Itami spoke with a mix of determination and concern. "We must consider the limitations imposed by this foreign planet's conditions and adapt our approach accordingly." His words hung heavy in the air, emphasizing the tremendous obstacles they faced in protecting their territories and containing this extraterrestrial threat.

As these men continued their discussions, the enormity of the situation weighed heavily on them. The once mighty Greater Russian Empire, already stretched geographically, now faced a new and daunting enemy beyond their wildest imagination. The portals had opened a new chapter in human history, testing the resilience and adaptability of mankind in the face of unprecedented adversity. With the knowledge of the dangerous environment awaiting them on the other side, these men knew that each decision would determine the fate of not only their people but also the entire world. The battle to protect their nations and push back against the encroaching horrors had just begun, and they were resolved to fight tooth and nail to preserve their existence.

Supreme Allied Headquarters in London

General Benjamin Lawrence, a seasoned veteran of the 3rd Anglo-South African War, stood on the observation deck of the Supreme Allied Headquarters in London, his mind still reeling from the events of the past week. It was almost impossible to believe that just seven days ago, mysterious portals had opened across the world, unleashing massive monsters upon unsuspecting cities. Two of these portals had opened in FBU cities, London and Bombay, and it had taken a significant show of force to contain and eliminate these monsters.

As General Lawrence conversed with his colleagues, Admiral Henry Forbade of the Royal Navy's Home Fleet and Air Marshal Phillip Steel of the RAF Strategic Bomber Command, the tension in the room was palpable. Their expressions mirrored the gravity of the situation.

"The situation is tense," said Steel, breaking the silence. "The Imperial Parliament has ordered a general mobilization of all 11 Dominions of the Franco-British Union."

Laurence nodded, understanding the need for a united front against the encroaching threat. "Quite understandable. The Union can't afford to appear weak before the totalitarian Russian Empire."

"I still can't believe what happened when that portal opened in the middle of the city," Lawrence muttered, reflecting on the chaos and destruction it had unleashed. As a proud veteran of war, he had witnessed many horrors, but nothing had prepared him for this.

Forbade chimed in, his voice filled with concern. "I heard the US and Russia were also attacked by these mystery portals."

Laurence sighed, acknowledging the global nature of the crisis. "Yes, it seems no nation is safe from this onslaught."

"Do we have any information on what lies on the other side of these portals?" Steel inquired, his voice filled with curiosity.

Laurence gestured towards a group of scientists from the Imperial Reconnaissance Office. "It appears we are about to find out. Over there is the Canberra U2, a hypersonic UAV equipped with the best sensors money can buy. It's ready for a reconnaissance mission."

The trio observed as the sleek unmanned aerial vehicle took off and flew towards the nearest portal, disappearing into its swirling depths. Tension filled the air as they eagerly awaited its return.

After a few moments that felt like an eternity, the UAV's signal was lost. The room fell into a hushed silence, each man contemplating the unknown. Finally, the signal was regained, revealing a tropical island on the other side of the portal, and a collective breath was released.

The room erupted with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Laurence leaned closer to the electronic display, studying the images transmitted by the UAV. The tropical island, with its lush vegetation and unfamiliar landscape, seemed simultaneously enchanting and foreboding.

Dr. Alice Walsh, an exoplanet and astrobiology expert, examined the data collected by the Canberra. Her eyes widened in astonishment. "Dear Lord, look at the numbers collected by the UAV," she exclaimed. "This place has twice the surface gravity of Earth and ten times the atmospheric pressure. It's a super-Earth!"

The room erupted in a flurry of shocked whispers and exchanged glances. Laurence could feel the weight of the situation sink deeper into his bones. Laurence's mind raced with the implications of this discovery. "So, this is an entirely new world we are dealing with," he said gravely. "Military operations in this environment will prove to be exceptionally challenging."

Steel rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "What else did the UAV discover about this mysterious land?" he inquired.

"Let see," Dr. Walsh continued, beckoning everyone to gather around the display screen. The UAV continued its flight to the west at Mach 10, eventually reaching a massive continent covered in extraordinary dense forests. As General Benjamin Lawrence, Admiral Henry Forbade, Air Marshal Phillip Steel, and Dr Alice Walsh processed the astonishing visuals fed back by the Canberra U2, they were struck with a perplexing mix of awe and trepidation at the sight of the alien forest. Their minds struggled to reconcile the bizarre landscape before them with anything they had ever encountered.

The forest, stretching as far as the eye could see, was a spectacle of otherworldly proportions. Towering trees, reaching up to five hundred meters in height, formed an impenetrable canopy that blocked out the sunlight. These colossal giants appeared to be waging their own battles, with long, sinewy branches intertwining and twirling around one another as if engaged in an ethereal dance. It was as if the forest itself possessed a consciousness, each tree a sentient being rooted in the very essence of this alien world.

The foliage of these colossal arboreal giants was unlike anything found on Earth. The leaves, an iridescent blue-green, were immense in size, each one spanning several meters in diameter. They shimmered like precious gemstones, casting an eerie glow throughout the forest. The very air seemed to be imbued with a mystical energy, crackling with an otherworldly luminescence that turned daylight into an ethereal twilight.

As the Canberra U2 delved deeper into the alien forest, the magnitude of its vastness became apparent. The forest floor was a complex web of twisted roots, vegetation, and undergrowth, creating a dense labyrinth that obscured any visibility beyond a few meters. Strange and vibrant flowers bloomed amidst the underbrush, their petals exuding iridescent hues and emitting intoxicating fragrances that permeated the air.

The sounds of the forest were an astonishing symphony of alien life. Chirping insects that resembled miniature winged dragons flitted among the leaves, their iridescent wings glinting with every beat. Whispers and melodic harmonies, reminiscent of an alien language, echoed through the forest as unseen creatures communicated with one another.

But what caught their gaze the most were the enormous trees that rose above the rest. These majestic giants, with leaves of a striking blue shade, ascended a staggering height of one thousand five hundred meters. Delicate tendrils, resembling long, sinuous tentacles, spread out from their branches, swaying gently in a bizarre ballet. The branches pulsated with an iridescent iridescence, emanating a faint glow that illuminated the forest with an otherworldly luminescence.

The tree giants themselves were engaged in a peculiar battle with gigantic insect-like creatures. The tree tentacles, immense in size and strength, moved with an eerie grace, their movements reminiscent of a deadly dance. They ensnared the colossal insects with a swift precision, capturing them in a vice-like grip before squeezing the life out of them. The trees seemed to derive sustenance not only from the rich soil but also from these bizarre creatures, feeding off their energy in a symbiotic relationship that transcended the understanding of the human observers.

The vibrant ecosystem teemed with life and movement. Sinewy vines slithered along the forest floor, coiling around anything in their path. Bioluminescent fungi glowed with a radiant luminescence, dotted across fallen logs and decaying vegetation. Small, luminescent creatures flitted through the air, leaving trails of sparkling dust in their wake. It was as though the entire forest was alive, pulsating with an energy that defied conventional comprehension.

The air was heavy with humidity, the increased atmospheric pressure exerting a palpable weight upon the interlopers. Every breath felt laborious, as if the forest itself sought to suffocate any intruders who dared venture into its depths. The combined effect of high gravity and pressurized atmosphere created a surreal and disorienting experience for the human senses, heightening their awareness of the extraterrestrial environment.

As General Lawrence looked out into this surreal landscape, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of humility and insignificance. He realized that the challenges they would face in military operations within this world would be unlike anything they had ever encountered before. The rules had changed, and they were but strangers in a strange land, faced with the daunting task of navigating the unimaginable.

Laurence's thoughts turned to the possible implications of such a formidable ecosystem. "If the vegetation of this new world poses such a threat, we can only imagine the challenges we will face in our military operations," he mused.

Admiral Forbade grimaced, contemplating the implications. "Our forces are highly trained and formidable, but we cannot deny the overwhelming scale of this new threat. Our conventional weapons may prove insufficient in the face of these colossal creatures."

The atmosphere in the room thickened with a sense of both trepidation and a determination to confront the unknown. General Laurence, his eyes burning with a resolve born of years of military experience, spoke firmly, "We must adapt. We will need to rethink our strategies, develop new tactics, and equip ourselves with weapons capable of facing this alien menace head-on."

Steel nodded in agreement. "Our scientific teams and military engineers must work together to analyze the data collected and devise new technologies to counter these creatures. We cannot afford to be caught unprepared."

As the room filled with discussions and plans, the urgency of the situation became apparent. The exploration had opened a Pandora's box of unimaginable possibilities, and the Franco-British Union stood at the forefront of this conflict. The trials yet to come would shape the destiny of nations, determine the survival of humanity, and test the limits of courage and ingenuity. And so, with the knowledge of the immense challenges that lay ahead, General Laurence and his comrades took their first steps towards unlocking the mysteries of this alien world.