The Barrier is the name given to an enormous stone gateway out in the middle of quite literally nowhere. A series of domed structures connected by branching corridors serves as habitable living space for both study and transit through the Barrier. A truck enters one of the exterior garages and decontamination teams run out to clean it. The rear ramp falls allowing scientist and soldiers to leave. All of them wore filter masks over their face towards the airlock and removing them once the cycle finishes.

Every corridor is the same plastic-like tube with bright strips of white light and no view of the outside. Even so, what would be the point when the landscape is a desolate wasteland no matter where you look. "Incoming travellers!" Announcement echoes and soldier run across the halls to the main area where the gateway stood. Automated gauss cannons aim at the swirling vortex as soldiers step through escorting trucks.

"You see that." The base General, a skinny framed man with dark chocolate hair and multiple implants along is right side, turns away from his view to three hanging monitors displaying shadowy figures. "300 tons of unrefined Etherium. The most versatile element we know of. Currently we use it as a power source. But we have yet only scratched the surface of what this stuff is capable of."

"General Ferro." The main figure on screen said in a warped voice. "This Council is displeased by the efficiency of this division." Images of a firefight between soldiers and an enemy beyond sight plays. "Too many resources are spent fighting the Magi and the Etherium brought back is not enough to replenish them."

"The Magi aren't willing to give up the Etherium." Ferro laughs as he walks around the desk and stands with his hands behind his back. "It was with this administration's authorisation that force needed to be used."

"That was the previous administration." The central figure interlocks their fingers and the image flickers slightly. "This administration demands to see profitable results. One that ensures the survival of all Mechanists."

"If you will allow the use of the Colossus, then can be done." Ferro leans back on his desk with a smug look. "We can send the full might of the Mechanist people through the Barrier and wipe the Magi off the face of the world."

"And risk turning a thriving world into a wasteland much like our own?" The central figure asked and Ferro's smile starts to fade, knowing well where this conversation is heading. "General Ferro. You will not be given that additional supplies requested until you can prove this division can yield results. The council has spoken." The screens switch to a repeated animation of the Mechanist flag waving and Ferro lowers his head with a sigh. He looks back over to a screen displaying the new arrivals being briefed.

"Alright people! I am Major Harrow and it is my job to inform you of the Magi World!" The large man stomps down the line of scientists, engineers, and soldiers who had just arrived wearing a heavy exo-frame. Fiona stands among with the rank Corporal. Not too happy about it but it beats jail time. "Behind me beyond that airlock is the Barrier. The gateway to a thriving green world. If any of you even know what that is! You will be disorientated upon passing through. Your bodies have adapted to the harshness of this world. It is advised you stay within the marked area of the Alpha Site as we are at war with the Magi." Marrow stops and bangs a metal fist on the back of an armoured transport and the door falls. "Civis on board! The rest of you proceed on foot!"

The engineers and scientist take their gear aboard the transport and the military personnel and fitted into their exo-frames. Fiona climbs into the frame and relaxes her body as it locks with her body and a small pain shoots through her spine causing her to gasp a little. "First time in a exo?" A fellow soldier, a young man around her age and the same rank. "You get use to it. Corporal Victor Ostagar."

"Corporal Fiona Helix." She introduces herself as an engineer comes around to stock her ammunition and battery packs. "Where are the filters on this?"

"No filters, ma'am." The engineer pulls a large cable out of her frame and she hits the ground. It calibrates her movements slowly. "Where you're going is fresh air and low rads."

Victor pushes himself off and stretch. "Let's get going then." He pats Fiona on the back, making her stumble forward slightly. "See you on the other side, Helix."

The soldiers assemble in the main hangar like before with Harrow at the doors. "This is Expedition-7. We're all set to move out." Harrow announces then all doors leading in are sealed off. The hangar doors begin to part with flashing lights and alarms. The Barrier only a short distance from where they all stood. "Move out people!" The trucks jolt to life and began to roll steadily towards the Barrier with the soldiers march along side. They vanish through the Barrier.