"Men. We've gone on a lot of suicide missions. Tested new technologies, been inserted deep behind enemy lines, faced impossible odds. We've done this for the fatherland, for our home. After years of blood and mud we're so close to victory, and now they want to bring in an entirely new world of enemies for us to fight. This cannot be allowed to happen! If we don't stop them from doing this thing, this atrocity, then the Empire will fall.
"The duty of a soldier of the Empire is to die, this time is different. I'm not asking you to die, I'm asking you to live. On the other side of that portal is all enemy territory. And there is no guarantee that we will ever be coming back. All I can do to reassure you is that our sacrifice will not be for nothing, our families will be treated as if we died with honors. If we are very lucky, we will die of old age in a foreign land, never to see our homes again."
The mood is grim. Then a laugh cuts the tension.
"You've asked us to die with you before, now all you want is for us to live for you… why not?"
General sounds of agreement swept through the crowd.
"Good! Lieutenant, get the squad into position. Doctor, we've planted charges in the bunker on a timer. It's all in your hands now doctor. If there is to be any hope for our return, it lies with you. "
"Yes, major." I watch her retreating form disappear into the portal.
