Chapter 5

Our lives on STEM2801 have taken a turn.

We’ve been gathered in a meeting with MIND specialists, Exarch Highbrow and other members of the MIND military forces following the events of this morning. Everything has been happening so quickly.

The ground was trembling and a strange hum was echoing in the town. At first, we thought it was seismic activity, however, our machines were not detecting any anomalies. The MINDS were visibly agitated, as we were walking with the crowd. We overheard concerned whispers of war. There it was, the source… The P.O.R.T.A.L. has been crackling and a plasma film was struggling to form. Faster than a mistress’ heartbeat at the sound of keys at the door, the royal guards made way for the MIND specialists to take a look.

At the moment of the meeting, we are still unsure how the P.O.R.T.A.L. functions, what fuels it or what happens when you cross it. Information so far is that it resembles a teleportation device to transport MINDS to another side of STEM2801. Its primary use was to transport MIND soldiers and equipment to the battlefields in the historic wars.

According to the locals, the P.O.R.T.A.L. was last used in the conflict between MINDS and the Defiers — a group of savage races focused only on physical dominance. We have observed the Defiers whilst still on Earth, yet we never noticed any interaction between them and the MINDS. The Defiers occupy some areas on the periphery of Neuropia.

It’s clear there is more to this war than we were told, given the rush of the meeting and the look on everyone’s faces. Exarch Highbrow took the lead and presented us with some surveillance materials. A lot of the files were lost when Larry volunteered to cover for the ill postman, but from what we can see the Defiers are divided into subspecies: Drakthers, Kroners, and Volboons. The Defiers modus operandi does not leave room for reasoning and debate. They use sheer force, unprovoked and relentless. They do not care. They do not think. They do not stop.

Did he just look at me when he said that?! I cannot believe he suspects our team has anything to do with this! It’s clear he doesn’t accept us here, but the P.O.R.T.A.L. was inactive since before we arrived on their planet. Locals said that’s also when the Phloxium gems disappeared…

*Door slams open as MIND specialists walk in. They speak under their breaths to the commander*

The P.O.R.T.A.L. has been stabilized and the first team of MINDS is ready to attempt a crossing. There is a notable sigh of relief in the room.

As I get up to speak to the chief-in-command regarding our crossing, he waves his arm to the side, denying us any comments or explanations. I sit down. I remember my ex for some reason. My fellow Researchers have triggered alarms to our base on Earth and await further instructions. I dread to make assumptions but it feels like the Defiers will make a move on the town…