TICONIC

The helicopter finally landed with a soft thud on the metallic pad surrounded by snow and ice. The facility loomed ahead like a fortress from the future—its silver-white walls shimmered under the Antarctic sun, with glowing blue windows and watchtowers flanked by patrolling drones.

As the doors slid open, a wave of icy air hit Kael and the others. Several Earth soldiers were waiting outside, dressed in high-tech, cold-resistant suits with visors that glowed faintly at the temples. Behind them stood a group of scientists in white coats, watching with intense curiosity, whispering hurriedly and jotting notes.

All eyes were on Kael, Parker, Teren, and Mira—as if they were mythical beings come to life.

One of the scientists murmured while observing Mira, "It's real... their bone structure, eye patterns… exactly like the Terra ancestor theories."

Another scientist pointed at Kael. "This one… he radiates a resonance far beyond our expectations."

Before they could speak or resist, the group was ushered through a narrow corridor lit with pale blue lights. On either side, thick doors hinted at hidden labs. The scent of antiseptic and metal filled the air.

After several minutes of tense silence, they arrived at an underground hallway. A massive metal gate opened automatically, revealing a chamber lined with prison cells—though these weren't ordinary. They were pristine, sterile, and glowing with cold energy. The walls were made of thick glass, and each cell was separated by humming force fields.

They were locked in one by one.

Kael slammed his fist against the glass as the door sealed behind him. "Hey! You can't do this to us! We're not criminals!"

One of the guards glanced at him, unmoved. "You're not prisoners. You're specimens. And the experiments will begin soon."

Parker clenched his jaw, eyes narrowing. "This isn't about discovery… it's about control. They've known about Ticonic for a long time."

Teren sat in the corner of his cell, glancing around. "We're really not home anymore."

Mira looked at Kael through the glass. "What are they going to do to us?"

Kael took a deep breath. "Whatever it is… we'll find a way out. We have to."

Outside, the scientists were preparing.

Inside, hope was thinning.

But Kael knew one thing—this wasn't the end.

Not long after Kael and the others were thrown into the cell, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor—lighter than the usual soldiers, swift, but with purpose. A girl appeared at the end of the hallway, dressed in a white military uniform with blue stripes running down her sleeves. Her long hair was tied high in a tight ponytail, swaying with each step. A metal badge on her chest read: Lieutenant Teresa Avenna.

She stopped in front of Kael's cell, staring silently at him. Her eyes were sharp, analyzing—not filled with hatred or fear, but… curiosity.

"So… you're the ones from Ticonic," she finally said, her voice clear but slightly raspy. "I've heard rumors about your world for years. But this is the first time I've seen it with my own eyes."

Kael stepped closer to the glass, meeting her gaze. "Who are you?"

"Lieutenant Teresa. Frontline soldier and researcher with the Nexus Project." Her eyes shifted to the thick book tightly gripped in Parker's hands. "And I think… we might share the same goal."

Parker narrowed his eyes. "You're one of them. Why would you talk like you're trying to help?"

Teresa leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Because I know this system is broken. I was trained to protect the border between worlds, not to abduct people and lock them up like animals." She glanced around cautiously. "Tonight, I'll be back. I can't promise much—but maybe… I can unlock one of these cells. Just one chance."

Teren stood quickly. "Why help us?"

She looked at them one by one, then finally replied, "Because I have someone in Ticonic, too. And if this system keeps going… they'll become a target."

Kael stared at her silently, then slowly nodded. "We'll wait for nightfall. But if you're lying—I'll remember your face."

Teresa gave a faint smile. "Fair enough."

She turned and walked away, vanishing down the cold corridor. But before the automatic doors closed behind her, she glanced back over her shoulder and said softly:

"Don't lose hope. You're more important than you realize."

That night, a small slot opened at the bottom of the cell door. Metal trays were slid inside one by one, each holding food that looked… completely foreign.

There were slices of perfectly roasted meat, soft golden potatoes, and some bright green vegetables that glistened under the dim light. Beside it, there was a small round piece of bread and a clear bottle filled with liquid.

Kael sat down, staring at the meal with a furrowed brow. The smell of the spices was unlike anything he'd ever known.

"What… is this?" he muttered.

Parker held his fork cautiously. "I… read about this once. That's beef. Cooked in a human style called steak. And this… mashed potatoes."

Teren poked the potatoes and took a small bite—his reaction was instant.

"Whoa! This tastes… weird. But good," he said, clearly confused.

Kael slowly bit into the meat. His tongue was stunned by the mixture of saltiness, savory warmth, and richness. It wasn't like the wild game back in Ticonic.

"It's so soft," he said, astonished. "The meat we hunt is tough and stringy. This… melts."

Mira took a sip from the bottle, then instantly choked. "Ugh! It's… sweet! Sweet water?"

Parker chuckled. "That's not water. It's fruit juice. Humans like sweet things."

For a moment, the tense air loosened. Though still in prison, the four young warriors sat silently, experiencing something entirely new—the taste of a foreign world.

But after the meal, Kael stared at his tray for a long time.

"They have all this… technology, comfort, luxury. And yet, they lock us up like criminals. Something's not right."

Parker nodded. "We're not just here because we know a secret. I think they fear we might open the way between the two worlds."

Kael clenched his fists. "We have to get out. Our world—Ticonic—can't fall just because they want to turn it into an experiment or a colony."

Teren leaned back against the wall. "Let's just hope that Teresa girl isn't full of it…"

And at that very moment—click—the soft sound of a magnetic lock echoed from Kael's cell door.

The hallway lights dimmed.

Light footsteps approached.

"Get ready," Kael whispered. "Let's see if she can really be trusted."