Progression in Interdimensional Travel (37)

Lucy leaned on the railing, watching civilians go about their day. "Enjoy it while you can. We're heading into the unknown again soon."

The next day, they stood before the freshly constructed portal. This one was larger, designed to accommodate not just personnel but also equipment for potential colonization efforts. The swirling energy within the frame was unlike anything they'd seen before, its colors shifting unpredictably between deep purple and gold.

"Ready?" Lucy asked.

Ethel gave a firm nod. "Always."

As they stepped through the portal, there was a brief sensation of weightlessness, followed by a jarring lurch as they emerged onto the surface of the alien planet.