Seventy-two hours passed in a flash.
Maine's crew, Valerie, and Jackie gathered again in the teleporter hall of the Wasteland Town laboratory.
Compared to their relaxed faces upon returning a few days prior, their expressions now held less ease and more gravity, mixed with a subtle anticipation for the unknown journey ahead.
All personal affairs had been settled, and carefully inspected and packed equipment and supplies were neatly stacked to the side.
Osiris stood before the main control console, his dark red mechanical body appearing particularly imposing under the lab's cool light.
His scarlet optical lenses swept over the prepared team members below. Without unnecessary pleasantries, he directly activated the holographic projection.
The projection displayed a set of coordinate parameters undergoing fine-tuning, along with limited and vague environmental prediction data derived from received signal analysis.
"This is the target dimension for our exploration," Osiris' synthesized voice calmly announced. "The coordinates are locked, stability is assessed as 'medium,' with slight energy fluctuations, which are not expected to affect the teleportation."
He magnified a portion of the environmental data: "Based on the received signal analysis, the target location likely has an atmosphere, but its composition is unknown; gravity levels are not significantly different from the baseline; there are clear signs of liquid water, and also… unnatural energy signals."
"Unnatural energy signals?" Valerie keenly grasped the key point.
"Confirmed," Osiris' response was devoid of speculation. "The signals are weak and dispersed, and their pattern does not resemble known natural phenomena. They could be remnants of some technological equipment, or traces of intelligent activity.
Identifying their source is one of the core objectives of this exploration."
He switched the projection, displaying the three phases of the operation.
"The mission is divided into three phases. Phase One: Preliminary reconnaissance and environmental assessment. Upon teleportation, the primary task is to establish a secure temporary stronghold.
Subsequently, drones will be dispatched to conduct terrain scanning, environmental monitoring, and threat detection within a five-kilometer radius. Simultaneously, air, soil, and water samples will be collected. The goal is to confirm if the environment is suitable for survival and identify any immediate threats."
"Phase Two: Expand reconnaissance range. If the environment is safe, dispatch reconnaissance teams to expand the search area. Focus on finding the source of the unnatural energy signals and attempt to determine the presence of intelligent civilization and its level of development. Direct contact with any potential intelligent life is strictly prohibited without authorization."
"Phase Three: Resource assessment and outpost site selection. After confirming a safe and valuable environment, conduct preliminary surveys of local mineral, biological, and energy resources. Simultaneously, search for suitable locations to establish a semi-permanent observation post."
Osiris' gaze specifically fell upon Maine and Valerie: "Maine, you are responsible for overall command and safety decisions. Valerie, you are responsible for intelligence analysis and reconnaissance planning. Jackie, you will assist Valerie and focus on evaluating any potentially valuable external items."
He paused, his tone serious: "The unknown implies both opportunity and an equal measure of danger. All decisions must prioritize team safety and mission completion. If an insurmountable threat is encountered, or environmental conditions exceed survival limits, immediately initiate emergency return procedures. The preset coordinates are the Death World Base."
"Understood, Boss!" the team responded in unison, their eyes firm.
"Your communication devices have been adjusted to maintain team contact in the target dimension and a basic connection with the dimensional teleporter. If you become separated or communication is lost, your primary task is to return to the temporary stronghold." Osiris made a final check of equipment and personnel status. "The servitor construct squad will remain at the base. This exploration will rely on your own strength."
His massive body turned towards the core of the dimensional teleporter, which began to emit a low hum and glow with an increasingly bright ethereal blue light.
"Conduct final equipment checks. In one hour, we will initiate the first active dimensional exploration."
The atmosphere in the laboratory instantly grew solemn.
The team stopped conversing, quickly dispersing to perform a final meticulous check of their weapons, protective gear, and critical supplies.
Only the low hum of equipment and the subtle clatter of gear remained in the hall, a silence mixed with tense anticipation and the pressure of the unknown pervading the air.
A brand new journey was about to begin.
— —
The intense sensation of spatial tearing gradually subsided, and everyone's senses stabilized once more.
They found themselves in a colossal underground cavern.
This space was clearly extraordinary—a soft glow emanated from the surrounding rock walls, as if some energy pulsed deep within the rock layers.
The air carried a fresh, damp scent, and in the distance, the faint sounds of dripping water and some subtle biological calls could be heard.
The light source within the cave came from the faint luminescence of the rock walls themselves, illuminating the glowing moss and some unusually shaped mineral crystals growing on the ground.
The entire space was full of life, exuding a tranquil yet peculiar ambiance.
However, the sudden appearance of this fully armed squad, radiating an aura of steel, instantly shattered the peace here.
"Stay alert!" Maine's low growl was the first sound to break the silence.
His modified body slightly lowered, and the energy circuit of his flamethrower on his left arm quietly activated.
Dorio swiftly moved to his flank, her heavy metal boots treading on the soft moss.
Rebecca agilely took cover behind a crystal cluster, her plasma cannon on her back beginning to pre-charge at low power, emitting a faint hum. Valerie and Jackie also sought cover, quickly scanning their surroundings.
Just as they completed their tactical deployment, five figures suddenly appeared at an exit-like location above the rock wall.
Among them were three middle-aged individuals in dark red uniforms—two men and one woman. The uniform material resembled high-grade synthetic fiber, with a sharp design, and they wore identical insignias on their chests.
The other two were a young man and woman, dressed in ordinary clothes, appearing to be technical personnel.
The three individuals in red uniforms each tightly gripped what appeared to be energy pistols. Although their muzzles were not yet fully raised, they were clearly aimed downwards.
Their faces were etched with shock and vigilance, their gazes fixed on the armed individuals who had suddenly appeared.
The leading middle-aged man stepped forward. His face was resolute, and the shoulders of his red uniform bore unique markings, suggesting he was a leader.
He shouted sternly, his clear English echoing through the cavern: "Who are you? How did you get here?"
His voice was slightly raised due to shock, and the hand holding the laser pistol was steady and strong.
Behind him, another middle-aged man slightly turned his body, maintaining his aiming posture, while the middle-aged woman vigilantly scanned the movements of each member of Maine's crew.
These words clearly reached the ears of every member of Maine's crew.
Only the faint hum of energy weapons warming up and the tense breathing of both sides could be heard in the cavern, as they each assessed the other's threat level.