After a few days of traveling along the eerie path, Kara’s team found themselves navigating through strange plant life that seemed to grow directly from the steel of the bridge. The smaller vines and mosses clung to the surface, while larger, more peculiar plants had anchored themselves firmly into the structure, forcing the team to often walk around them. The bridge hummed beneath their feet with a low mechanical grind that echoed in the hollow spaces of their minds. Each step was cautious and measured, as if the Iron Horizon itself was watching. Somewhere in the distance, unseen gears turned—a reminder that this ancient marvel was still very much alive. But how? And for how long?

Zera was the first to notice the markings etched into the metal doors of the large steel shack, which was attached to the side of the bridge, positioned higher than the deck. The symbols were strikingly similar to those she had seen in her studies of an ancient alien civilization, a long-lost race whose enigmatic language had remained largely indecipherable. Zera’s curiosity was piqued as she studied the symbols, sensing their significance. Despite this, an underlying tension gnawed at her, as if something important was being communicated that she couldn’t fully grasp. "We should get inside," she urged quietly, the weight of uncertainty in her voice. It seemed as though the door hadn’t been opened in a very long time, and they struggled to get it unstuck.

After much effort, the door finally creaked open, revealing a lighted panel inside. Intricate lines, resembling an unknown language, glowed faintly with a soft blue light. Ryan stepped inside and approached the panel. As Ryan's fingers brushed over the glowing symbols, the blue light intensified, and the panel seemed to hum with renewed energy. The lines on the screen began shifting, forming new symbols that none of them could understand. Suddenly, the air around them grew dense, vibrating with power.

What’s happening?" Zera whispered, her eyes wide with both fear and curiosity.

 

Before anyone could respond, the space in front of the panel shimmered, particles of light swirling and rotating in intricate patterns. Slowly, the shimmer expanded, coalescing into a twisting array of light and energy. The round blue panel hummed softly, while the platform beneath it became encircled by pulsating lights that throbbed with an almost hypnotic rhythm. A faint mist began to rise from the platform, swirling gently as if stirred by some unseen force. Above the platform, the outline of a misty, circular portal gradually took shape, casting an eerie, ethereal glow that illuminated the steel walls of the shack. The gateway was now ready to be stepped into.

The team exchanged uncertain glances as the air around them seemed to hum with anticipation. Was this truly a doorway? Could they step through, by entering the swirling circle of mist to find themselves somewhere else? Perhaps this was the secret to traversing the bridge—a faster, more mysterious method of travel, lost to the forgotten tales of the Soomites. The unknown beckoned, the faint glow casting shadows that seemed to stretch and warp across the floor as the vortex pulsed with life.

What about the image that formed on the circular panel after the swirling vortex faded out? Was it a picture of the destination? Were there controls to set the location? There were no answers at this time. They had only their instincts to rely on, and the choice to step forward or retreat into the familiar shadows of the shack.

 

"We’ve... we’ve opened something, "Kara said, her voice trembling slightly. "It’s a gateway. But to where?"

The lighted panel stabilized, revealing a clearer view of what lay on the other side—an expansive section of the Iron Horizon bridge. The familiar structure stretched far into the distance, but something about it was different, unfamiliar. For a moment, the image flickered, the shapes becoming misty and indistinct, but the massive pillars and metallic architecture were unmistakable.

"Is that part of the bridge?" Kara asked, stepping closer. "But where? It doesn’t look like anything we’ve crossed so far."

Torik frowned, glancing warily at the shifting portal. "Could be another section of the Iron Horizon. Or it could be something much worse."

Zera, barely containing her excitement, was the first to move toward the circle of mist. "The Soomites must have used this technology to travel long distances. This could lead to anywhere—another part of the bridge, another world... maybe even a different time."

"Wait," Kara said, grabbing Zera's arm. "We don’t know what’s on the other side. This could be dangerous."

Zera hesitated but nodded, stepping back. "You’re right. But we have to explore it at some point. This portal could be the key to everything we’re trying to understand."

As the team debated their next move, the portal flickered again. This time, a deep, resonating hum filled the air, growing louder by the second. Kara’s heart raced. The bridge had been dormant for so long—what had they awoken? And was it even safe to find out?

"We need to decide," Torik said, gripping his weapon. "Do we step through... or shut this thing down?"

 

PrevNext