Chapter 10: The Pentagon’s Plan

U.S. Military Headquarters – Washington D.C.

Back in the modern world, the Pentagon was in crisis mode.

Satellite images showed brief distortions—strange energy spikes matching the coordinates of where Captain Carter's unit had vanished. The Department of Defense had no explanation.

In a top-secret briefing room, President Mitchell sat with his top generals, scientists, and intelligence officers. The air was tense.

General Thompson stood. "Mr. President, we have reason to believe the time rift that transported our men… is still active. It's unstable, but it exists."

The President's eyes narrowed. "Are you telling me this could happen again?"

"Yes, sir," Thompson replied. "And we have no idea when or where."

A scientist from DARPA, Dr. Malcolm Reed, adjusted his tie. "Mr. President, we need to consider the possibility that our presence in their world changed history. If we don't figure this out, we might have ripped open something we can't close."

Mitchell leaned forward, his voice grave. "What are you suggesting, Doctor?"

Reed hesitated. "Sir… we need to send another team back. This time, not to fight—but to understand what's happening."

The room fell into silence.

The President sighed. "Prepare a covert unit. No unnecessary conflict. I want answers, not another war."

Thompson nodded. "Understood, sir."

Deep down, however, he had a terrible feeling.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.