I'll never forget the night it all began.
I was at my customary post, in charge of global operations for what we considered was the greatest threat to humanity at the time - ourselves. I am the Commander, a title that commands both respect and duty. I didn't ask for it, but I couldn't avoid it any longer. No, not after all we've accomplished, and not with so much at stake.
As the screen flickered in front of me, my hands grasped the edge of the desk, knuckles turning white. The steady vibration of electronics buzzed around the room, the illumination of dozens of monitors throwing long shadows against the concrete walls. Despite being surrounded by cutting-edge communication and monitoring equipment, I felt completely unconnected. Disconnected from the outer world, from a reality that was quickly spiralling out of control.
*Incoming unidentified flying object*
A high-pitched alarm interrupted the command center's hum. Bright red lights flashed, throwing an unsettling glow on my team's faces.
"Commander, we've got a situation," The voice of Central Officer Bradford cut through the tense sounds, his gruff tone a welcome anchor in the tumultuous sea of uncertainty.
On the large screen in front of us, a blip moved erratically over the Atlantic Ocean.
"Clocking speed at...impossible...It's way too fast to be one of ours"
"What the hell is that?" I asked, squinting at the screen.
"We're not sure, sir," Bradford replied, his face pale. "But it's coming down fast."
Moments later, a live satellite feed displayed a blazing object streaking across the sky. It was a sight both mesmerizing and terrifying. The object crashed down, and the feed cut out abruptly, replaced by static.
"Get me eyes on the ground. Now!" I barked, my mind racing with possibilities
"All we have is handheld, pulling it up now"
The crashing object had left a smoldering scar on the landscape, debris scattered for miles. There was no sign of survivors, but this was no plane crash. Images flickered across the surface, satellite feeds of the crash site. The downed UFO was unlike anything we had ever seen, a twisted amalgamation of metal and unknown materials. It was clear this wasn't from our world.
"Commander?"
I turned to face him, taking in the worry lines etched across his forehead, the steel determination in his gaze. "Yes, Bradford?"
"The team is ready. They're waiting for your orders."
I nodded, glanced at Bradford, his expression mirroring my own thoughts. "Deploy the squad, Bradford. Tell them to approach with extreme caution."
"Understood, Commander." He saluted, then moved briskly towards the communication hub.
After watching him go, I turned back to the hologlobe. The faces of the team appeared on the screen, their expressions a mix of determination, fear, and anticipation. They were soldiers, scientists, engineers, people who had been plucked from their ordinary lives and thrust into an extraordinary situation. They were the best humanity had to offer, and they were all looking to me for guidance.
I swallowed hard, squaring my shoulders as I addressed them. "This is The Commander. You are about to embark on a mission unlike any other. We don't know what we're up against, but I believe in each and every one of you. Remember your training, keep an eye on each other's backs, and get home safely. That is an order!"
The faces nodded, a chorus of "Yes, Commander" echoing through the communication line. I cut the connection, left staring at the hologlobe as the team's transport took off.
Silence settled over the command center, a pregnant pause as we all held our breath, waiting. I turned back to the main screen, the pulsing red blip a stark reminder of the challenge we faced.
"Collect the images and feed, I must speak with the council," I ordered, bracing myself for what I knew was to come.
I was used to late nights filled with strategy, geopolitics, and the occasional crisis, but nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.