The Domes

In the year 2025, a crippled alien spacecraft crashed and burned as it plummeted to Earth, striking Jakarta with devastating force. The impact claimed countless lives, but the horror did not end there. In the aftermath of the crash, a resounding echo filled the air, and suddenly, a transparent dome materialized, creating an entirely new atmosphere within its confines.

This dome proved lethal to Earth's inhabitants, as the damaged hull of the alien craft unleashed a horde of ferocious creatures, resembling wild beasts, which roamed the land, attacking anything in their path.

Amid the turmoil that followed the first dome's appearance, five individuals emerged as unexpected survivors. These people didn't just survive—they transformed. Suddenly imbued with superhuman strength, they took on the monstrous invaders with nothing but their bare hands and makeshift weapons, achieving what modern firearms could not: piercing the creatures' impenetrable hides.

The atmosphere inside the dome was alien and hostile, making survival nearly impossible for an ordinary human. Yet, these five adapted, their bodies evolving to thrive in the dome's unique conditions. This adaptation was more than just luck; it was a profound metamorphosis. With their newfound abilities, they swiftly overpowered the monsters and took control of the chaotic situation.

Their survival and transformation didn't go unnoticed. The world watched in awe as these individuals became beacons of hope and strength, symbolizing humanity's resilience and adaptability. They marked the beginning of a new era where humans, equipped with extraordinary powers, stood as the last line of defense against the alien menace.

As more domes appeared around the world, similar survivors began to emerge—humans who had evolved to possess extraordinary powers. These individuals were swiftly recruited and trained to become Earth's defense force against the alien invaders. The original five were celebrated as the first Dome Rangers, legendary figures who paved the way for others to follow.

Thus, the Dome Rangers were born: an elite group of super-powered humans dedicated to protecting humanity from the relentless onslaught of monsters emerging from the alien domes. They stood as the vanguard in the ongoing battle, humanity's shield against the unknown.

...

May 5th, 2120.

It's been a month since the new dome appeared in the center of a coal mine in Sintang, West Kalimantan, marking the third dome to emerge in Indonesia in the last 95 years since the first one materialized on Earth.

The mine engineers, now forced to be idle, gathered at Timan's diner, just a hundred meters from the dome's edge. Inside the diner, they shared worries and hopes, gazing with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety towards the dome. Four men, all mine engineers, sat around a table, their conversation reflecting their uncertain future.

Man 1: "Looks like we'll definitely have to find another company to work for," he said with a bitter smile. "Of all the places on Earth, that ship could've landed anywhere, but it chose to land right in the middle of our mine."

Man 2: "Yeah, but I'm excited to see the videos of the fights against the monsters in there. Did you see the raid on the dome in Perth five years ago? Those Dome Rangers fought a giant bear-like monster with skin as hard as rock. They're incredible," he said, his tone filled with excitement.

Man 3: "Hey, get a grip. A lot of our colleagues died in that dome. No one survived this time. We're lucky we weren't in the mine. And you're thinking about entertainment?" he scolded, his voice stern.

Man 2: "Yeah, you're right. It's a shame no one survived this time. If anyone had, their life would've changed completely. They'd have superhuman strength, be able to fight monsters, and become famous."

Rangga Sakti, a 25-year-old Junior Engineer at the coal mine, was an unassuming figure. With a height of 175 cm and a slim build, he looked like someone who had spent his life buried in books rather than engaging in physical activities. His thick glasses rested on his nose, framing his thoughtful eyes and giving him an appearance that was more scholarly than rugged. As a first-year employee, Rangga was still finding his footing in this rugged environment, far removed from the academic settings he was used to.

Rangga, sitting quietly in the corner of the diner, slowly sipping his black tea, finally spoke up. 

Rangga: "But having superhuman strength isn't easy. That person would have to learn to fight, to battle monsters, which means risking their life," he said with a small smile.

Man 1: "No pain, no gain, young man. It seems like you have no ambition at all, especially for someone so young..." he teased.

Man 2: "Yeah, Rangga, who wouldn't want to have superhuman strength many times greater than an ordinary person? It's cool, you could become one of the strongest people on Earth!"

Rangga: "Well… not me, sir. I just want to be a regular guy," he grinned.

The elderly cafe owner, a man in his 60s, approached their table.

Timan: "What's important is that strong people have to take responsibility to protect the weak, isn't that right?" he said with a smile.

Man 3: "That's right. We're lucky those Dome Rangers chose to use their powers to clear the monsters. Otherwise, humanity would have been wiped out 95 years ago."

Man 2: "Yeah, but they also get rich by taking jade stones from the wild monsters they kill and selling them. Who on Earth wouldn't want jade? Just holding one can boost your energy and heal illnesses. Not to mention it's used for various other energy needs. The smallest jade stone with the lowest glow is worth Rp30 million, two months of our salary!" he emphasized.

Man 3: "Enough, enough... Think about your own situation first. Because now, you're unemployed..." he said, and they all laughed, finding humor in their predicament.

The conversation trailed off as they all stared out the diner's window, the imposing dome looming over their now idle workplace, each man lost in his own thoughts about the uncertain future.

Rangga: "Sir," Rangga asked Timan who stood at the table before him, "When will the Dome Rangers arrive?"

Timan, giving a warm smile, simply shook his head.

Timan: "I heard they're on their way to the mine, son."

As they conversed, the sound of engines could be heard from afar. Everyone in the diner turned to see a convoy of military tactical vehicles passing by. The vehicles looked like iron giants, gleaming under the scorching sun as they moved steadily towards the magnificent dome.

The diner's guests watched with a mix of awe and worry as the convoy passed by the diner. Inside each vehicle, nine Dome Rangers sat ready, accompanied by ten guards who watched over the convoy. At the rear of the convoy, a resource transport truck moved alongside, carrying 20 Transporters ready to ensure the success of their mission. A serious and prepared aura emanated from them, making the mine workers increasingly anxious.

Man 3: "They've finally arrived," murmured. "Let's hope they all come back safely."

Rangga observed closely. Though he had no grand ambitions, there was something in this scene that sparked his curiosity. Something that made him feel that a great change was underway, something that might change his life.

The military convoy continued to move, approaching the mysterious dome wall. The Dome Rangers, fully equipped, were ready to face whatever lay inside. Rangga took a sip of his tea, feeling the warmth contrasting with the cold feeling in his heart.

-end chapter-

Notes:

Transporters are highly skilled individuals responsible for transporting vital resources and equipment to support Dome Ranger missions. They are trained to handle various situations and are essential for maintaining the effectiveness of Dome Ranger operations.