Raj stepped through the glowing portal, his coat fluttering behind him. The moment his boots touched the ground of Base 1's portal deck, dozens of soldiers turned and saluted.
Rick followed behind him with Meera and her parents. The base's medical team rushed forward with stretchers and gentle hands, quickly tending to the wounded. Raj handed the little girl to a kind-faced nurse, who smiled and took her gently.
"Treat them well," Raj said softly, then turned to Rick. "You did good, Rick. I'll make sure your work's recognized."
Before Rick could even reply, a soldier approached Raj.
"General Raj, sir! Urgent news. The high command just sent word—
The Leaders are arriving. A council meeting has been called."
Raj raised a brow. "So they're doing the meeting here... Interesting."
