Caldwell saw the dancing lights and closed his eyes. He and his men had been ready for it, but a few of them called out in protest anyway. When he opened his eyes again, he was standing in another bunker. This one much larger, but with far fewer of the fixed guns and automated defenses that his original duty station had. This one was large, blank gray, and empty save his people.

“Alright everyone, IFV, now.” The room quickly darkened as the sparks of magic dissipated. Caldwell brought his own night vision goggles down over his face, and the room lit up in green and yellow. His sargents repeated his orders and in some cases helped those who struggled to get them on.

“Mines broken sarnt.” A young man's voice came from the far corner of the bunker. It was a whisper, but it still echoed off the concrete walls as if he had yelled it.

“No it's not, just the strap. Here.” Caldwell heard the pulling of duct-tape and then its liberal application. “You’ll have a bald spot, but it was time for you to get a cut anyway private.” The room filled with the light from two more teleports as Lt. Brown, and the marine that followed her around like a puppy dog appeared beside him.

Your force has been assembled. Please stand by while your opponent's forces are assembled and the arena is prepared.

Caldwell looked outside, the sky and earth were black as midnight even with his IFV goggles. The sight gave him chills, as the formless black shifted, heaved, and pulsed unnaturally. Whatever the System was doing to create the arena, Caldwell didn’t think it was right.

Your leaders have purchased a Boon for you and your team. Boon granted: Fire Support Options. Please see options under the Fire Support tab in your interface.

Caldwell did as instructed, and he found a tiny blinking indicator in part of his vision. With a mental comand it opened.

Fire Support Options

Communications Specialist (outside communications) - 10 Victory Points

Mk 19 Grenade Launcher Specialist - 10 Victory Points

Mk 47 Striker Specialist Team - 20 Victory Points

.50 Calibre Heavy Weapons Team - 20 Victory Points

Light Vehicle Support (Humvee, Transport Helicopter) - 100 Victory Points

Medium Vehicle Support (Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Blackhawk Helicopter) - 200 Victory Points

Heavy Vehicle Support (M1 Abrams Tank, Warthog Airwing) - 300 Victory Points

Artillery Bombardment (comes with spotter team) - 300 Victory Points

NOTE: Victory points are gained through the elimination of enemies, the holding of objectives, or the expenditure of EU’s by your superior officers outside the dual. WARNING: Victory points are calculated at the end of the engagement, the team with the most victory points wins.

“We might just be cooking now.” Caldwell said, and then explained what he had just been given by the general to his sargents, and Lt. Brown. They talked together quietly, while the outside world writhed in unnatural dark shapes forming the place they would spend their lives in defense of their home.

Lt. Brown and her bodyguard suggested a plan of action that seemed right to him. So they adopted it.

All they needed to do now was wait.