Arrival at the Edge of Silence

One by one, magnetic-wheeled vehicles slowly came to a halt in front of the main gate of the Unified Forward Base.A dry wind blew across the highlands to greet them—this place was far removed from the bustle of Fortex's main headquarters, located precisely between its two most critical points: Fortex HQ and Facility D-7.

Zafran was the first to step out, wearing a field jacket with the Fortex emblem. He stared at the towering structure before him—the architecture of the new base was a blend of elegance and strength.Dark metal walls lined with thermal shielding, solar-powered roofing, and small drones hovering silently above, alert and ready to guard the perimeter.

"This is it," he muttered softly.

Furqon followed behind, nodding with a faint smile.

"Finally complete. Though... we barely get the chance to enjoy it."

Behind them, Gibran, Elya, and several other members of the Unified Division exited the vehicles. Some of them looked awestruck; this base was nothing like the others—everything was new, pristine, cold... and eerily quiet.

For a brief moment, they all stood still, letting the awe settle in silent admiration.

But it didn't last long.

Standing at the base's main entrance was Dr. Jarir, who had escorted them here. With his signature calm voice, he said:

"You can admire the view later. For now—it's time to prepare."

At once, the team snapped back to focus.There was no room for leisure in the middle of a mission.

Inside the base, they were led directly to the preparation room. Waiting there was a full set of extra heavy-duty winter gear: triple-layered suits, thermal core armor, facial shields, and snowfield-grade boots.

Furqon checked his jacket.

"Feels heavy," he remarked while fastening the thermal belt.

Gibran lifted a white helmet with an auto-tint visor and chuckled.

"Let's just hope if we fall in the snow, we don't turn into snowballs."

Elya glanced at them.

"Has it occurred to anyone that we haven't even broken in our new beds, and we're already heading back out?"

Zafran responded only with a faint smile.

"That's our life now."

Once all equipment checks were complete, the west-side doors of the base slid open—Fortex's specialized snow vehicles were already waiting. Their engines purred softly, ready to carry the team toward Facility D-7.

Dr. Jarir stood by the entrance.Before they boarded, he spoke one last time:

"This base will be your home. But today—our priority remains Facility D-7.Do what must be done, and return bringing the next leap forward for Interstellar X."

Zafran nodded.Furqon looked back once more, taking in the sight of the base they had only set foot in for a few short minutes.

"New base, new responsibilities," he whispered.

Then, they all climbed aboard the snow vehicles.As the engines gently roared to life, the Unified Division team moved out toward Facility D-7—cutting through the biting cold air.

A new step had begun.