The year is 2052, Major Alexander and his "COG" Or Combat Operations Group. They are riding in a Helicopter, heading towards a destination that they don't know of yet.
As our helicopter slices through the crisp night air, I can't help but dwell on the events of the past eight years. It's been a tumultuous time, with the world plunged into chaos by the relentless grip of war. India's decision to align with the Russians and Chinese was a significant blow to our forces in this part of the globe.
We're far from alone in this struggle. NATO, our alliance, stands firm against our adversaries, but the conflict has reached a stalemate. Neither side is gaining ground, and every move is met with fierce resistance. We're locked in a relentless battle for dominance, with the fate of nations hanging in the balance.
My small group, a mere cog in the vast machinery of war, is tasked with a critical mission tonight. As we soar towards Area 52, our destination shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty, I can't help but wonder about the twists and turns that brought us here. In this turbulent world, alliances shift like sand, and every decision carries weight.
But amidst the chaos, we press on, driven by duty and determination. The night is dark, but the resolve in our hearts burns bright. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together, united in purpose and resolve.)
"Major Alexander, Sir" The pilot's voice called, bringing Alexander out of his thoughts before raising his head to look towards the cockpit to see the pilot waving an arm at him, he then proceeded to get up and head towards the cockpit of the Vortex, when he entered, the main pilot looked up at him.
"We are here sir, you and your COG might want to get ready to disembark in 2 minutes!" The pilot had to shout over the sound of the engines to get the message over to Alexander, watching the Major take in the information before he asked the Pilot.
"Where are we landing!" At this, the pilot pointed forward to where they were heading. Alexander looked out of the large windows of the cockpit, seeing nothing but desert and some small mountains until a few distant lights popped into view once they crested over the mountaintops, Alexander leaned forward slightly, wanting to see what the lights were.
"What are those lights pilot?" Alexander questioned as they flew close to the top of one of the small mountains, kicking up dust which spiralled behind their Vortex aircraft before slowly settling back down on the desert tops. few clouds hung in the night sky which allowed any viewers to see the calm, quiet stars as a small meteorite harmlessly burnt up in the atmosphere, leaving a long trail of fire behind it.
"That's Area 52 Sir" The Pilot answered, his hands on the control stick as they grew closer to the awe-inspiring complex which was in a sense, the son of Area 51.
Hearing this Major Alexander gave the pilot a confused look, wondering what he was on about as he replied. "What happened to Area 51?" this caused both pilots to tense up before the main pilot answered after a few seconds.
"Area 51 was destroyed by a non-nuclear ICBM, the reason no one knows about this is because it was covered up quickly, which explains why you and your team don't know about it" The Vortex's engines roared as they began to slow down when they came above the complex.
Major Alexander turned around and headed back towards his group, grabbing onto some of the handing grips as the Vortex descended slowly.
"Alright, Get your things ready, we are landing" His COG team all gave him confused looks before Lieutenant James spoke up while he held onto his 30 calibre minigun, he also had an assault rifle, a belt of grenades, a pistol along with a shotgun. he isn't called a weapons specialist for nothing.
"Major sir, Where are we landing, aren't we meant to be heading towards South America?" The clicks from turning his minigun barrels echoed within the body of the Vortex Aircraft.
The Aircraft shook as they made contact with the tarmac of the runway, the engines began to wind down as the back doors slowly opened, allowing the team to see people running about from one building to another while trucks pulled trailers behind them to warehouses.
"You'll see soon enough Jimmy" Alex used James's codename, giving his American friend a subtly smile before they all grabbed their gear and left the Vortex. waiting on the tarmac was General Mitchell Stone.
"General, it's been a while, sir!" Alex shook the General's hand when the Vortex slowly took off from the tarmac. "Such a beautiful piece of engineering, don't you think son?" Stone said, looking up at the VTOL Style aircraft as its engine slowly turned from painting down to pointing behind it, accelerating it forward as it left the complex, heading back the way it came.
"That it is sir... Though may I ask sir, why are we here? Aren't we meant to be on the frontlines?" Confusion rippled through Alexander's words while General Stone gave him a side glance before turning on his feet and heading towards the main headquarters of the complex. "Follow me" Was all Alexander got out of the General so far, Alex and his group all looked at each other before they followed the General.
(This is strange, worrying and strange) Alexander thought to himself, shaking his head before he signalled his group to follow. they hadn't been able to sleep well for the past few weeks, so they were hungry, tired, and in need of a shower, yet they could wait as they all entered the large building, watching as personnel in uniform talked to each other, manned posts or did duties that needed to be done.
"This is Area 52, I'm sure the pilots have already informed you that Area 51 was destroyed" General Stone looked over his shoulder at Major Alexander, watching the young Major tense slightly before giving a nod. "Good! At least I don't have to spend the next two hours explaining that" He said the last part in a half whisper.
Making their way up some metal stairs, two guards who stood just outside the General's fairly large room moved aside to allow the General and the COG team to enter.
"This place feels, strange.." Private Takashi said, looking down over the railings as he watched army personnel from all kinds of countries, from European to Asian to African, all working in the same area before he entered the room where his team were waiting.
"So, this is the team I have been told about... Major Alexander, care to introduce them all to me?" General Stone sat down on his chair, reaching into his drawer to pull out a cigar before lighting it.
Alexander looked at his group and then cleared his throat as he began.
"As you know sir, I am Major Alexander, I am the leader of my COG team and have served throughout the eight years this war has been going on. I have been on the Ukraine front, the Iranian Front, and the Turkish Front" He then saluted before stepping aside to allow James to take point.
"Mornin Sir, the names Lieutenant James and I'm the weapons expert, My team call me the walking armoury, for reasons you can see, sir" He explained, letting the General see the countless weapons that clung to his large muscular build, a grenade falling off before hitting the floor, though no one seemed worried as the device wasn't armed, a few of the members of the COG silently laughed as they watched James explain all his weapons in detail to the General, to whom listened carefully to, for he knew James had a deep fascination with all kinds of weapons.
"James, that's enough, you can explain all of this after, but now is not the time," Alexander said while placing a hand on James's large shoulder, causing James to stop before backing off, carrying his weapons with him while Sergeant Hannah stepped up
"Yes, I've heard quite a few things about you Lieutenant James, some say you are America in human form... what I mean is you like guns, and America likes guns, though you are also extremely patriotic... Ah, Sergeant... Hannah, isn't it? It's always good to see German faces"
Hannah glanced over at Alex before she focused back on General Stone. "The pleasures all mine sir. My name is Sergeant Hannah and I have been with the Army for over five years now, It's been a fun time under the command of Major Alexander, sir" Her German accent clear as day before she too stepped aside to allow Private Emily to introduce herself.
General Stone tapped his cigar, knocking off the burnt bit at the end before puffing some smoke from his mouth.
"My name is Private Emily Sir, I have been under the command of Major Alexander as the medic for just under two years and have enjoyed every second of it, Major Alex is by far the best leader, and if I may speak for my group, I would choose no one else better than him to lead us once more" She by now was looking at Alexander, seeing pride flash in his eyes before Emily moved aside to allow Lieutenant Takashi to come forth and introduce himself.
"It is a great honour to meet you sir" Takashi bowed toward Stone, showing him the greatest respect before he continued. "My name is Lieutenant Takashi and I am the scout of the team. I carry my two trusted samurai swords with me wherever I go, it is a Japanese tradition for a Japanese warrior to always carry his samurai sword with him." He showed his swords, allowing Stone to see the beautiful markings etched into the blades. He then bowed once more toward General Stone before he turned and left to join Hannah, Alex, James and Emily while Lieutenant Yulia made her way up to the desk, placing her 50. calibre RTG-873 Semi Automatic Anti Material rifle.
*CLONK*
The heavy rifle made a loud sound when she placed it on the table before stepping back a step. "My name is Lieutenant Yulia General, and I'm the sniper of the group. This is my weapon, she's a 50 calibre RTG-873 Semi Automatic AM Rifle, the AM stands for Anti Material if you need to know. This weapon was produced in my home country two years before the war, the rounds it fires are an APFSDS round, HESH and a HEPF round, which is a Proximity Fuse round. My longest kill was at a range of 2.9 kilometres, where I took out a-"
"High-value target of the Royal Indian Navy... I must say, Lieutenant, that kill was most impressive. Taking out the Captain of their Supercarrier allowed NATO forces to damage the ship and cripple their task force, all because of you popping his head off" At hearing this Yulia smiled at the praise she had just got from General Stone, breathing in while her long blonde hair draped down her shoulders and back.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you all, I am sure you all are hungry, thirsty, and in need of a shower and some sleep. We have already made sure to build a full warehouse into a home for you all, giving you plenty of space for your gear and sleeping areas. Major Alex, I need to speak with you alone, the rest of you, Dismissed!"
The COG group all let out sighs, picking up their gear before they left the large office area, cheering as they ran down the stairs and towards where their new living place was. "What is it you wish to talk about General?" Alexander questioned, confusion flickering in his eyes while he and General Stone both made their way towards an elevator which had a sign.
*CLASSIFIED, AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLY*
Alex looked at the sign, wondering what was below before the hiss of the elevator doors opening brought him back. "Come Major, I wish to show you something" Alex slowly stepped into the futuristic-looking elevator when the doors suddenly closed behind him, he then felt lighter as the elevator sped down the shaft towards its underground destination.
"Sir... If I may ask, where are we going?" General Stone stood still as the elevator whirled while they descended, the sound of the brakes being applied meant they were already at their destination, and that was when General Stone spoke.
"Major, What I am about to show you is highly classified and must never be told outside of this facility, if you refuse to comply, you must never utter a word, do you understand" Alex felt the weight of the General's words, making him think on what to do.
on one hand, he could just leave and forget about all of this. Yet, on the other hand, his curious side was begging to see what was behind the large double metallic blast doors.
Carefully, Alex weighed his options, biting his lower lip while the General watched with careful eyes.
Taking a deep breath, Major Alexander looked back at General Stone before he spoke. "Alright sir, let us see what you have to show" Hearing this General Stone was delighted before he walked over to a keypad and typed in a series of numbers. after a few seconds, a loud hiss was heard as the double-blast doors slowly opened, exposing the sight of a gigantic underground.
"Welcome to the Cyroserpent Laboratories Major!" General Stone walked up to the overlooking platform, standing just behind the railings while Alex leaned over them slightly, looking down at what appeared to be five large objects.
As General Stone led Major Alexander down the metallic stairs into the depths of the underground facility, anticipation and curiosity gnawed at Alexander's mind. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease mixed with fascination as they approached the mysterious shapes hidden beneath the covers.
Upon the General's command, the workers swiftly removed the covers, revealing a sight that sent a chill down Alexander's spine. Before him stood a magnificent creature, its sleek metallic form gleaming under the harsh lights of the laboratory. It was a dragon, but unlike any he had ever seen before - a robotic one, crafted with meticulous detail and awe-inspiring craftsmanship.
Alexander couldn't tear his eyes away from the imposing figure, its icy exterior reflecting the coldness of its purpose. As he approached the dragon, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence and trepidation.
"Is that a...Dragon!" he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with disbelief and wonder.
General Stone chuckled softly, a hint of pride in his voice as he stood beside Alexander, observing his reaction with keen interest.
"Indeed it is, Major. And he is soon to be your new body," Stone replied cryptically, his words hanging heavy in the air.
Alexander's brows furrowed in confusion, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of the General's statement.
"Sir, what do you exactly mean by 'my new body'?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty and apprehension.
But before General Stone could respond, he simply gestured for Alexander to follow him further into the depths of the laboratory, promising answers to the questions that plagued his mind. With a sense of determination tinged with apprehension, Alexander followed, knowing that his journey was only just beginning.
As General Stone and Major Alexander ventured deeper into the bowels of the Cyroserpent Laboratories, they arrived at a vast chamber dominated by a large circular interactive map of the world. Lights flickered across its surface, illuminating the various regions and indicating the locations of recent battles with glowing dots of varying colours.
"This, Major, is our Command and Control Center," General Stone announced proudly, gesturing towards the impressive display before them. "It provides us with real-time updates on the status of conflicts around the globe."
Alexander's eyes widened in awe as he took in the intricate details of the map. Each dot represented a recent skirmish or engagement, with lines connecting them to illustrate the ever-shifting front lines of the ongoing wars.
"Here," Stone continued, pointing to two large purple dots that stood out amidst the sea of smaller ones, "are the portals to a new unknown world. These portals have been a focal point of our research and operations for some time."
Alexander's gaze shifted to the purple dots, his mind buzzing with questions about the mysterious realm beyond. Before he could voice his inquiries, General Stone proceeded to explain.
"We've managed to obtain rough dimensions of the robotic dragons through drone cameras deployed near these portals," Stone began, his tone grave yet resolute. "However, our knowledge of this unknown world is limited at best. We have no concrete information about the landscape, the climate, or the enemy forces that may be present there."
"And what about any inhabitants? Is that how you were able to gain information for that?" Alex questioned before pointing at the Icy robotic dragon.
"Why yes, that is correct" General Stone confirmed with a nod.
Alex paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in before continuing.
"Our primary objective is to gather intelligence and establish a foothold in this unfamiliar territory. We need to understand the lay of the land, identify potential threats, and determine if there are any strategic advantages to be gained."
Alexander nodded solemnly, fully comprehending the importance of their mission. The prospect of venturing into a realm as unknown and perilous as the Wings of Fire world filled him with a mixture of apprehension and determination.
"We'll need to proceed with caution," he replied, his voice steady despite the uncertainty that lay ahead. "But we can't afford to hesitate. The fate of our world may very well depend on what we discover beyond those portals."
With a shared sense of purpose, General Stone and Major Alexander turned their attention back to the interactive map, knowing that their journey into the unknown was only just beginning.
As General Stone and Major Alexander delved deeper into their discussion, the potential implications of their newfound knowledge began to crystallize. The robotic dragons, meticulously crafted to mirror the inhabitants of the unknown world, presented a unique opportunity for infiltration and reconnaissance.
"These robotic bodies will serve as our means of blending in with the local populace," General Stone explained, his tone tinged with a sense of excitement. "With these, we can observe their society, gather intelligence, and navigate their world undetected."
Major Alexander nodded in understanding, his mind racing with the possibilities. The prospect of assuming the guise of a dragon, even if it was a mechanical one, was both exhilarating and daunting. But in the face of their mission, he knew that such sacrifices were necessary.
"Indeed, sir," Alexander replied, his voice tinged with determination. "With these robotic bodies, we can operate behind enemy lines, gathering crucial information without arousing suspicion. It's a risky gambit, but one that could tip the scales in our favour."
With their plan taking shape, General Stone and Major Alexander turned their attention back to the task at hand, knowing that their journey into the unknown was about to take a drastic turn. Armed with their robotic dragon bodies, they would venture forth into this unknown world, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.