"It is very cold, or perhaps Afghanistan made me soft in all those years I spent down there" major general Alexei Kostadinov thought as he was entering the building of the Central Committee in Moscow. He showed his documents to the clerk working at the entrance who pointed him to the office where he needed to go.

When he arrived he knocked on the door and came in, he noticed that nobody was in the room. "It seems that I have arrived earlier than expected, no matter. I will just wait until he arrives" Alexei declared so as he unbutton his major uniform and put it on the nearby hat stand. He started rubbing his hands together, even exhaling his warm breath, as he walked near the window to see what is happening outside. The Moscow was as beautiful as he remembers it, not much changed in five years since the last time he was visiting the city. Alexei is standing and looking toward the eastern part of the city, part where he grown up as a kid. It is there where he got into his first fight, where he finished his grade and high school, where he got his first kiss from a girl. That place will always have a special place in his heart. He will never forgive himself for abandoning it after he finished Moscow University and enrolling into the army.

But that was also a long time ago and he is not a young man he used to be anymore. He is now 41 year old brigade commander with lot of medals and recognitions behind him. But he is also a man without wife and kids. His only family in his second part of life is his army comrades. He planned for early retirement or perhaps finding job in some state administration or political party position. Hell, maybe even starting how own private work. And then when he finally settles up he would get married and start a family of his own. His sister already has two kids and third is on the way, he enjoys being an uncle and buying them gift every year for Christmas. But he would also love to buy his own kids presents one day and watch them playing with them from the lovely embrace of his beautiful wife, on a sofa near the fire cabin.

But such desires, even if simple in nature, are very hard to obtain. He shifted his gaze toward Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, the place where all of this that is now threatening to take it away from him started nearly a month ago…

At that moment someone opened the door, Alexei turned around and saw a man who arranged this meeting. Ivan Lebedev, one of the head people in the Politburo and his childhood friend. Once Ivan closed the door and saw Alexei wide smile appeared on his face. He put his case on the floor and head toward Alexei, his hands widely opened to greet him.

'Alexei!' he shouted, Alexei himself got to attention and greeted Ivan.

'Comrade Director, I came here per your instructions' Ivan hugged Alexei and kissed him three times. Alexei had no choice but to break his attention and return the gesture.

'I told you million times that you don't need to be so formal in my presence. The dogs that do that are doing it because I made them, and for a very good reasons. But you Alexei, you are my man and as such you don't need to stand to attention when we are alone.'

'Understand comrade Director.'

'And please call me Ivan, we are friends after all. Right?' He winked toward Alexei and smiled, Alexei put smile in response. 'Why don't you sit down here' Ivan pointed to the chain in front of his desk. Alexei sit down with Ivan sitting in his place. As soon as he sit down Alexei continued to rub his hands.

'Don't tell me that the famous steel kid is cold? I mean… I know its 6 am and the temperature is still low but this should be nothing for a man like you.'

'It seems that my tour in Afghanistan made me soft, as well as my posting in Kazakhstan.'

'Da, it seems so…' Ivan makes a glaring look 'are you sure that you are still Russian?'

'Well I can still drink five liters of Votka before going out, does that counts?' Ivan started to laugh like crazy, Alexei's joke hitting his funny bone.

'Hahahaha… I see that at last you can still drink as Russian. While we are on this topic, would you want some Votka?'

'No thanks, I am still on duty' Alexei look sadly at the bottle Ivan is pouring for himself.

'Suit yourself' he poured a glass and drank it all in one shot. Alexei is a big Votka lover just like most Russians are. And the Votka Ivan is drinking is a rare sort and very expensive one. But Alexei is true to his duties and to him it would be a shame for Red Army officer to drink while on duty. You may never know when Motherlands will need you, and it is in those moments that you need to be sober.

'Ugh… this was a strong one… Right, we will get to business at hand as soon as the third guest arrives.'

'The third guest?' As soon as Alexei finished his question the door opened. He turned around to see men in dark brown coat entering room. Alexei recognized him as soon as he laid down his eye on him, a KGB agent. The agent put his coat and ushanka hat on stand and sits down in char next to Alexei.

'Alexei, this is agent Marko from the KGB. Marko this is major general Alexei Kostadinov' two of them shake hands and greet one another.

'It's a pleasure agent Marko.'

'Likewise major Alexei.'

'Now that we all met it is time to get down to the business' Ivan shifted his look toward Alexei, 'do you perhaps have any idea why I summoned you here old friend?'

'If I am to guess I would say that it has something to do with the incident from a month ago.'

'Indeed it does comrade major' Marko answered, Alexei then shifted his attention to Ivan.

'Tell me old friend, what really happened that day? I saw the news that day and I read papers ever since, but the answers I read there seems… unbelievable.'

'Indeed Alexei, if I had not seen the remnants of the incident myself I would have thought that someone is making a fool out of me.'

"The incident" that is name given to the event that shocked the USSR and the world. 8'th of March 1989, times are turbulent as we have just retreated from Afghanistan after 9 years of war. But people want to put bad memories behind them and on that day great celebration was made on the Red Square in Moscow. It was international women's day, so thousands gathered to see parade and to enjoy local shops with various goods like candy and country clothing. Everyone was having a good time, children were laughing, young couples dancing and old people enjoying the sweets that were offered on stands – and then it happened.

Some kind of object appeared suddenly, nobody was paying attention to it as everyone thought it was part of the program. And when unknown enemy force appeared from that object it was too late. Dead were stating to pile really fast and what few police officers were stationed that day were unable to stop the attackers who according to reports kidnapped large number of people and dragged them into the object. Disaster would be even greater if President Gorbachev didn't order for the doors of Kremlin to be opened for the people to seek refuge there and if Moscow garrison didn't react as fast as they did. The enemy even used some kind of flying beasts to harass the citizens around Red Square, but in the end they were no match for our MiG's and Mil's.

The entire incident was filmed and broadcasted wide, several foreign countries also managed to broadcast it thanks to their own crewmen's stationed there at the time. Needless to say, the entire world is still in shock and geopolitical tensions that shaped the world last few decades are almost forgotten now thanks to this new crisis. And everyone again look at USSR for salvation, this time even the US.

'But what you read in newspapers Alexei is not the entire truth.'

'That is to be expected, after all the people don't need to worry too much. Last thing we need right now is nation-wide panic that can turn global' Ivan smiles and looks at Marko.

'See, what did I tell you?'

'Well it is to be expected from one of such stature and such military record' Alexei looked at Marko. The man could not be more than 24. His tightly neat brown hair with brown eyes that shine like crystal and neatly cut mustaches could not hide his age showed by exposed cheeks, soft skin and not a trace of a beard hair above his neck. But the boy has well developed body, as expected from KGB operative, and his shirt and pants are so neatly tight that even parade participant would be jealous. And his stance was as his shoes – shining with pride in every manner possible, this man is the type of men you don't want to joke around with.

In comparison to him Ivan was like old men who just got into his late puberty. Overweigh, which is not good for his 48 years. His former glorious black hair is now mere shadow of its former self, now almost completely grey and with gigantic bold area at the top of the head. His eyes always red from many unslept nights and early alcoholic wakeups, his face pretty rough and unshaved, his nose short and fat unlike Marko's who is long and thin. Honestly now, if he was not such political animal and great administrator he would never go higher from market stand, probably selling Vodka of all things.

But Ivan is a good man, despite his hygiene and looks being very questioning. He helped more than one person in life one way or another and because of that he advanced really fast up to the Politburo itself. In contrast to him Marko looks like men without any emotions at all, quite normal giving that his job is to shoot enemy of the state without mercy.

'I see that you cheeked up on me.'

'Of course, and I am very impressed by your record comrade major general Alexei Kostadinov.'

'Thanks, I guess… So why bring me here old friend, what is going on exactly? Why is KGB interested in me all of a sudden?' Ivan suddenly became very serious and put his hands in front of himself, closing them together. Alexei knew the moment he saw it that something very serious is going to happen.

'As you said it yourself Alexei, the real truth is hidden from the public to prevent massive panic. But this time that is not the case. I can assure you that everything you read in newspaper and saw on television is true. USSR came under attack from foreign power, a foreign power that came from the object now known as GATE.'

'GATE?'

'A codename we have given to object, it is certainly better than "Object x-724"' Marko added explanation to Ivan's sentence, Ivan continued.

'The invasion force was beaten back and many prisoners were taken, but not without a cost. Around 3000 Soviet citizens have lost their lives that day. Further 2000 were injured including dozen of foreign guests. We have captured 480 enemy soldiers, all of them veering medieval armor and weapons.'

'Medieval?' I ask with my eyes wide open, I cannot believe what I just heard.

'Correct, and even if we did beat them here some of the retreated back and there is no way to know for sure will they launch another invasion one day or will the GATE collapse in a month.'

'We have send some recon teams through the GATE and they reported being on top of the hill, beyond which is vast valley, forest and mountains. There also reported about massive army gathering in the valley as we speak' Marko read from the report that he held in his hands.

'So they are planning for another attack.'

'Precisely Alexei, so we must act fast…' Alexei interrupted Ivan right there.

'Hold on… Are you telling me that there is actual land on the other side of the GATE?'

'Yes.'

'And that we are going to invade it?' There was a moment of silence, Alexei sighed as he knew the obvious answer.

'Let's call it "preemptive strike" for now. The one also requested in urgency by UN and western countries, as well as non-alignment movement. They want to make sure that situation is contained, and right now the Soviet economy as well the economy of our European allies is booming because of UN and western donations.'

'So they are giving us money to defend the world…'

'And we are using them to successfully implement Gorbachev's reforms of the Soviet system. A miracle I might say, and not too soon. The situation was becoming so dire that it is a question if Union would survive next few years. This invasion postponed that, for now at least.'

'Ivan… I know that our economy is not the strongest one out there in the world but was it really that bad?' There was silence for few seconds in the room. Ivan looked toward Marko who sighed.

'It was worse than it seems. Our investing into military stretched the budget to its limits, add Chernobyl disaster two years ago and Gorbachev's slow reforms and what you end up with is empty state budget. This invasion turned the tide, first US and UN send us aid in money and materials only to forgive all of our debts. They would never do it before as they see our country as oppressor of civil rights. But this situation changed everything, even nationalists who were secretly planning to secede from the Union now calmed down and abandoned their plans in favor of bigger security.'

'So in short, this invasion ironically saved the Union' Ivan nods.

'Indeed it has, and because of that we need to take action in order to profit the most from it' Alexei nod this time, fully understanding the stakes involved.

'What is plan comrade Director?' Ivan laughs. Alexei see that he even made Marko put a miniscule smile on his emotionless face.

'That's the spirit Alexei! Ahem… the next stage of the plan is preemptive strike. We sent expeditionary force through the GATE, defeat local army that is gathering there and take control of surrounding area. there, Once that is done we will establish base of operations and slowly expand out sphere of influence outside the imminent area around GATE, making our country and, indeed, our very planet safe again from foreign invasions.'

'Glad to hear it, and who will lead this expeditionary force?' Suddenly silence filled the room. Both Marko and Ivan are looking at me, serious gaze in their eyes. It took me moment to notice… 'Me?'

'That's right Alexei, congratulation' Ivan smiles.

'Wait, why me of all people?' Alexei stood up 'There are many generals and potential general in our great Red Army? Why should I be the one to hold the torch and head toward new world?'

'Because comrade major your profile marks you as a perfect candidate' Marko opened another set of documents from his bag. Alexei only now noticed that he entered the room with a bag full of documents. He didn't saw it at all when he entered the room. "So that's how good KGB is…" he thought. 'You are in your early forties and you are already a brigade commander. I see here that you were also awarded "Hero of the Soviet Union" medal for your heroism in Afghanistan. Very impressive… very impressive indeed comrade major.'

'That still does not explain….' Alexei tried to interrupt but Marko ignored him.

'I also see here that you are not like other commanders. You like to lead your men closer to the front rather from your base of operations, even going into fight yourself if the situation is dire enough. You are also very idealistic person, and that idealism does not stop only with soviet citizens. Because of that even US commanders regard you as "one of the levelheaded soviet commanders", I can see here that you even show compassion toward Taliban fighters. Arresting them and giving them to Afghanistan authorities rather than to outright execute them. I would personally do the latter' Marko stated so and looked toward Alexei. Ivan is also anticipating his answer. Alexei took a deep breath before he answered.

'I could not execute them, they surrendered. It would be a war crime in that case.'

'I see, and what about the fact that some of them probably killed your own men?'

'When we captured them it was in their village. Upon further investigation we concluded that they were not Taliban fighters.'

'They were not?'

'No, they were shepherds and villagers who got influenced by Taliban Islamic propaganda. They only wanted to defend their families and homes, and Taliban demonized us in their eyes. So instead of killing them I decided to turn them over to authorities instead and hope that they would be able to un-brainwash them from Taliban influence' there was a moment of silence, broken by Ivan's slow and silent smile.

'Hahahahaha… What did I told you Marko? He is perfect for the job.'

'Indeed he is comrade Director, only now do I see after witnessing his answering for myself.'

'Wait… you consider my methods perfect for this job? Wouldn't you be more suitable for someone harsher or with more combat experience?'

'Normally yes, but this is not the normal case. What we need right now is someone with a cool head, compassionate men, loved by the soldiers and civilians alike and one who will be approved by the west as well. You fit in all those categories' Ivan declared so, with a frim grim on his face. Alexei sees that he has no intention of hiding his happiness. He can also sense something else in all of this.

'Furthermore, you are going to embark on a campaign into the new world. We need to show everyone in that new world that Soviet Union is not their enemy. Sin that case calm and open-minded commander is much better choice than ruthless traditional one that sits in the top of our military HQ, our only conclusion when we took them into equation that locals of that world are going to rebel against us at first opportunity.'

'So in short: we need someone who will be nice toward the locals and someone who will get green light from the west. And you my dear Alexei fit both of those conditions' Alexei is lost for words. He lowers his head and thinks about all the options available to him.

'I should also mention comrade major general that there is really no option for you to refuse. Suitable replacement does not exist and Americans are already pressing for their own military force to be included in the expeditionary force. The longer we wait the harder it will be for USSR to exercise its power and sole claim to the GATE.'

'Suffice it to say: your Motherlands needs you Alexei. Would you turn your back on her?'

With this Alexei is pushed into a corner, he knew that they would play the one card he cannot refuse. To him, his Motherland is everything, his raison d'etre. To say "no" now would mean that all his life has been meaningless so far, all forty-one year of it. He took a moment to revise everything and in that moment he finally made peace with his wish. Wife, kids, life after service, grandkids… All of that will have to be postponed, probably indefinitely. But deep down inside Alexei was a soldier, an officer in the Red Army. And when Motherland calls you answer.

'I understand comrade Marko, comrade Director. I am glad that this duty has fell upon my shoulders and I promise that I will make our Motherland proud' Ivan is so happy that he could probably cry of joy.

'Excellent… most excellent comrade major general, or should I say – Comrade General of the Army' Alexei can barely believe what he is hearing right now.

'Congratulations on your promotion comrade army general,may you carry your new title with pride and responsibility that comes with it' Marko stands up and offers his hand. Alexe stood up and shake it.

'Thank you very much comrade Marko.'

'Well, if that is everything I would like to return to my duties comrade director' Marko shifts his attention to Ivan.

'Of course comrade Marko, thank you very much for participating and say hello to Boris down in the Lubyanka.'

'Will do, farewell comrades' Marko said his farewells, take his coat and closed the doors behind him. Alexei sit down again as he saw that Ivan has few more things to tell him.

'Alright, you are probably wondering about details now. Am I right?'

'As always old friend, but before all of that tell me…'

'… was there something else behind all of this? I see that you still have sharp eye Alexeei, there were some political games involved in this' Ivan talks as he pours another glass of Vodka. He takes a quick sip and puts one more. 'There were several candidates for the job, all pushed by old bastards in the committee who are still hungry for the glory of the old days. The generals they put forward are all great in their job but too ruthless and narrow to fit into what we need for a new world. I hate to say it but… if not for the Americans you would probably not get this chance. It is them who selected you out of all other candidates' Ivan drinks another quick sip and fills the glass again. 'I pushed you forward and supported you as much as I could with my political power. The Union was at the brink of collapsing, and I would not let some old glory boys to ruin our new chance just because they are too greedy for their own good' Alexei found it a little funny that he calls members of central committee "old" when he was around their age as well. At least most of them, as some of the member are well into their 60's and 70's.

'I understand old friend, now tell me: what must I do when I get there and what am I getting o command?' Alexei puts his question forward. Ivan finished one more sip of Vodka and decided that was enough. He put both glass and bottle in his desk drawer and concentrated on Alexei.

'You my friend are getting the best of the best - your own brigade from Afghanistan with Guard Tank brigade, Guard Motor brigade and one artillery division. We are taking all of them and forming a new army group called "New World front". This is all you get for now, after you break through the GATE and establish a base of operations there we will start sending aircrafts as well as ballistic defense brigade' Alexei chucked upon hearing that.

'Ivan, correct me if I heard you wrong but… are you basically saying that we will also bring nuclear weapons with us in the new world?'

'That is correct Alexei' Alexei's eyes are full of disbelief. He is alright with commanding an army but nuclear weapons are another area entirely.

'Are Americans aware of that?'

'Nope, we didn't tell them at all don't plan to tell them either. They will find out eventually, but by that time we will set them up in the new world.'

'I don't know about that Ivan…' Alexei does not hide his worries about the fact of having nuclear weapons on his disposal in new world. He really hoped he will not be forced to use them.

'It's ok, they will serve as preventive matter only. Either to annihilate potential danger to our own world or in worst case scenario to blow up the GATE after you retreat through it.'

'But won't the blas affect Moscow as well?'

'Our scientists are assuring me that the GATE would collapse instantly as soon as that level of energy is released near it. The GATE would not be able to withstand that and it would collapse. They were quite sure about that.'

'I see… Anything else Ivan?' Alexei swallowed his spit, he is getting more and more nervous with the task he was given.

'You r primary objective after establishing the base of operations is to form official relations with the people living there. Including the ones who attacked us, and I honestly thing that this will be most interesting to you giving how much you love history' Ivan smiled, Alexei wondered what he possible could mean by that.

'How so?

'First of all, it seems that the other world is technologically inferior to our own. They still sue swords and horses but also creatures we have never seen before. Many of them were not human at all.'

'Not human?'

'Some of them looked like…. pigmen or something… our air force also shut down several of their… dragon like things that they used to harass local population. So be especially careful when going there, but I think in the end that our advanced technology will rule the day.'

'I will' so fantasy like world, probably like the one on Tolken's books. Alexei liked the sound of that. He like Slav mythology as a kid and he used his connections outside USSR to buy and own some fantasy books that were popular in the west.

'And last thing, which is most interesting of all' Alexei look at Ivan with full attention. 'We are already able to decipher and understand their language' Alexei is confused by Ivan's revelation.

'Already? Didn't languages take months or even years before fully understood?'

'Normally yes, but when foreign experts started working with them they were able to find some similarities' Alexei is much more confused now.

'Similarities Ivan?'

'Indeed, one of the Italians who were part of the foreign team noticed that many words they were saying are similar to Italian. After further investigation they concluded that their language takes roots from ancient Latin, with slightly different way of talking. So we were able to make quite the dictionary thanks to support of few of the prisoners who were willing to cooperate with us. Of course, you will be sent out very soon and I doubt you can learn entire language in that short span of time but there are several people who are nearly finishing their language proficiency and will act as translators for you in the beginning. Alexei?' Ivan noticed that Alexei is looking at him with very confused look in his eyes.

'Ancient Latin? Are these people possibly Romans or descendants of ancient Rome?'

'We don't know that, we asked them about Rome and nobody knows what that is. But who knows what the real truth is? At least you got interested a little more, no old friend?'

Ivan is right about that. Alexei did get a lot more interested all of a sudden. He stop to think again about everything. This mission is very dangerous. Basically kills his chance at normal life and family but the benefits outweigh the negatives. Plus he can always find family in that new world and settle down if everything goes to hell and he is still alive in the end. And who knows? Maybe everything will be fine in the end and he will go into retirement in a few years. But first, he needs to start working toward that goal. And that work starts from today. Alexei got up and looks at Ivan with straight face at attention.

'Understood comrade Director, I will take my responsibilities with highest regards as Red Army officer and I will carry them with such virtue that I will make my Motherland proud' Alexei states so with pride shining from his stance. Ivan laughs as he cannot hide his enjoyment from this, he stands up and offers his hand to Alexei who brakes his stance and accepts Ivan's hand.

'That's the spirit Alexei, I have no doubt that you will be successful.'

'Thank you old friend' Alexei says so with big smile on his face. He has quite the challenge before him but he will be able to manage it.

Later that day Alexei went to his parents' home who were still living in the eastern part of Moscow, his sister was there as well with her husband and kids. All awaiting for him to return and have a decent family dinner at last, Alexei is a little sad thinking about it because he knows this will probably be the last time he will eat with them like this. Ivan scheduled expedition force to enter GATE in two days. Not a lot of time to do anything except to spend as much time with your loved ones as you could.

As soon as he came back home Alexei was greeted like a lost son, tears flowing from his family members eyes. His mother and father too happy to even move, his sister and her kids embracing him followed by hug from his brother in law. They all went inside and after Alexei settled up they all started to eat together, a nice family dinner that has become a tradition every time they are all together in one place. Before he sat down he gave kids toys he bought them while he was stationed in Astana and told them to go and play in the next room. His family faces became grim as they knew that can only mean one thing – he is going to tell them something they probably won't like. And he was right about that.

'Mother, father, sister, Stevan… This will probably be the last time we are eating like this. So I want it to be as memorable as possible' everyone is looking at him in disbelief.

'What do you mean by that Alexei?' his father asks him, Alexei took a moment to clear his throat.

'I am chosen as a commander of expeditionary force that will go on the other side of the GATE that appeared on the Red Square. Chances that our mission will be successful are not very high and as such I don't want to build false hope and promise that I will return' at that moment his mother and sister broke into tears and his father started to shout at him.

'How can you even say that in a time like this? Do you not care about the feelings of your mother and sister? Is the Army and service to the country everything that exists in your life?' Alexei didn't say anything, after few moments his father calmed and sit down again. 'Exactly when will you depart?'

'In two days, but tomorrow morning I have to be in Kremlin to be briefed and prepare. So this is probably the last night I will be spending here.'

'Come on Alexei, don't talk like that. Sure the chances are low but they are not nonexistent. There is a possibility that everything will be fine in the end' Stevan is trying to comfort Alexei, bringing entire dramatic feeling in the living room to a close. But his efforts are not that great.

'There is Stevan but like you said they are very low. We don't know what we will find on the other side, and furthermore we have no idea even if we succeed in establishing permanent outpost that the GATE will be there forever. I might die and also I might get trapped on the other side' Stevan just stared into his meal silently. Alexei looks around to see that the situation is quite grim, his father and brother in law are silent and mother and sister are still crying. He throw a quick glance toward the living room passage only to see his two nephews peeking in silence from the corner. Alexei decided enough was enough hand took a deep breath. 'In truth I never had option to reject this, as an Red Army officer it is my duty to answer each time the Motherland calls for me.'

'And the Motherland called you this time as well son?' Alexei's father looks at his son, unrivaled rage can be been in his eyes. 'Tell me honestly, why did they choose to send you out of all highly decorated generals that sit in the military HQ or in the party high payed places?'

'Dear…' his mother tried to interviewed but she was ignored.

'Tell me son, are you really going to serve Motherland in that faraway place – or are you going to there to make sure the good old folks in Kremlin will get all the resources and the fame while you lay dead on some God forgotten rock in the middle of nowhere?' Alexei's father is harsh critic of current Soviet Government. As men who saw WW2 as a kid and join partisans when he was just 14 he is deeply disappointed by how current Gorbachev's Government runs things. He is a man who admired Khrushchev and Lenoid's way of handling things. He see current president and his reforms the main reason why the current situation as bad as it is. Alexei knew that main reason is USSR's ridiculous spending in weapons but he is wise to be quiet and not upset his sick old father.

'You don't need to worry that much about me dad, I was selected because Ivan put me in front of all others and because western politicians approved of me. Apparently they saw me as "least hazardous" of all the candidates put trough' Alexei can see his dad easing down a bit.

'If that's the case then I will approve, I trust Ivan. He may be a drunkard but he is a good men' there was a moment of silence. 'Sorry Alexei, I just got carried away because this injustice is eating me alive. Why you out of all people? Why can they give you peace and a chance to start your own family already? Didn't you sacrifice enough for the state already?'

'I think so too Alexei, you deserve to have normal life more than most people I know. And even if I have two great grandkids already one or two more would not hurt' Alexei's mother expressed her own opinion as well.

'That's right big brother, I am sure Misha and Dusan would like to have another baby brother or sister to play with' Alexei's sister also tries to comfort him. But Alexei is keeping his cold officer's expression as he slowly eats away soup. In one moment he put down his spoon and cleared his mouth.

'Thank you everyone for looking after me like that, I am really happy to a family like this. I also understand that all you want is the best for me, and I honestly really planned to file up for pension and start my own work here in Moscow. Maybe working in city's administration or something like that, or teaching history in schools. A wife and kids would have been nice as well…' Alexei made a pause to calm down. He took a deep breath before continuing. 'But this incident happened, and many our citizens were killed or kidnapped. How many mothers lost their kids there? How many children lost their parents? How many people lost their loved ones? I have my wishes and desires but duty comes before everything else. As a soldier of the Red Army it is my sworn duty to protect this country and its citizens. If that means going to another world and conquering people living there so that they could no longer pose a threat to us then so be it'

Alexei finished his little speech. He can see that his family is still sad and disapprove but at least now they understand. He throws a quick glance toward the living room passage again, his nephews are still watching behind corner. But this time he can see glance in their eyes. They probably think how their uncle is a great man. They are also probably thinking how they too can be great soldiers when they grow up. Alexei thought how it would be for the best if they became engineers or diplomats instead. Solder's life is not for everyone. Only the strongest can bear it and go through battlefield unaffected. He out of all people knew that the best, especially after the battlefields of Afghanistan. But he is confident that his sister and brother in law will give their best to lead their kids as far away from military career as possible, they will have his support after all. That is, if he survives long enough in new world to see it happens.

The next morning Alexei said his goodbye's to his family, it was hard for him to watch his mother and sister crying. But he had to be strong for their sake, he didn't let a single tear or show any emotion as he finished hugging with everyone and board car sent by KGB to take him to Kremlin.

Inside Kremlin Alexei was briefed alone by Gorbachev himself and the head members of the party committee. Ivan was there as well, but he could hardly recognize anyone else.

'General Alexei, first let me congratulate you on your recent promotion as a general of the army' President Gorbachev started speaking.

'Thank you comrade president' Alexei said his greetings, which Gorbachev greeted with smile before he continued.

'Your primary mission is to establish a permanent foothold in the region. We are suggesting building a base and a town for troops to live in as soon as you secure area around GATE. Your secondary mission is to establish diplomatic relations with people living there, see if you can also establish relations with the ones who attacked us. Return as much of our citizens as you can, by any means necessary.'

'I understand comrade president.'

'And lastly, your third mission is to discover areas full of mineral wealth and exploit them. Your primary mission is to locate as much oil deposits as possible, but if you stumble across any gold, silver or other rare minerals you are to start excavating them as soon as you can and return them to the Motherland.'

'I understand comrade president' in that moment Gorbachev put down papers from which he was reading Alexei's orders, he also put his glasses down.

'Your loyalties lie to the Soviet Union and Communist Party comrade. As such we are giving you full liberty to choose the best kind of action in certain situations. Ivan as well as few others assured me that your judgement can be of most benefits to us, and it seems that Yanks do not mind that as well. For example, if you find oil deposit in territory of the nation you established diplomatic relations it we would not mind if you take everything for us or if you share some of the resource with the natives' Alexei was surprised to hear what kind of option will be present to him, he never expected for the heads of USSR to be such... liberal when it comes to these kind of things. "I guess times really changed" he thought.'

'As you may know from world history Alexei, wherever western imperials have gone they brought misfortune and genocide to native people while taking all of their resources for themselves. We now have a chance to show entire world that Soviet Union is not the same, that we will make good relations with new nation we come across. That we will help them achieve enlightenment and share our knowledge at how to manage those recourses. Not enslaving them and taking them all for ourselves just like western empires of old. Just like USA is doing to Latin America all these decades' Alexei now knows what he must do. And indeed, in a new world it is much better to fight as less you can and build powerful alliances instead. After all, USSR is still very rich country. It doesn't really need that many resources. But it needs as many allies as possible, especially in these cold war times. Alexei is certain that US will follow after then very soon. Gorbachev cannot hold UN at bay for long, so he must act fast.

'Do you understand your orders comrade general?' Gorbachev asks.

'Yes comrade President, I will make you and the Motherland proud.'

'Excellent comrade, now go and rest for tomorrow is a big day that will go down in history. And you need to be well rested to be able to show yourself in finest light.' With that said Gorbachev and the rest of committee disbanded, Alexei was greeted by two KGB agents and escorted to nearby hotel to rest for the night.

On his last night before heading through the GATE tomorrow Alexei decided to ask KGB agent to go to nearby library and buy as much classical Russian literature as he can. He could spend years in the new world and he wants to have as much books as he can to read. It was like in Afghanistan, even if he was hundreds kilometers form home when he read Pushkin he always felt as he was back in Russia. He sat down while gathering his things for tomorrow and thought about everything one more time. Sure, the chances he will never see Russia again are high. But these are those one in a lifetime chances not everyone will get. And for some strange reason he was selected for this one, for that he was grateful to any being that watches over him from above. That night before he went to bed he kneeled down beside his bed and start praying to God, and act forbidden for the likes of him and in the state in general. But Alexei didn't care, he is a type of men who thinks that nothing is coincidence in life and that God has plans for everything.

He is sure that KGB agents are probably watching him, but giving all the circumstances so far it is not worth the effort of jailing him over something as trivial as this. So Alexei took him time and without a grain of fear prayed until late in night before he finally feel asleep.

The next morning Alexei was stunned to see how many men and equipment he was getting for this task. He knew the numbers already, but knowing something and seeing something is not the same thing. Red Square is full of elite troops standing at attention beside his own brigade, armored brigades are armed to the teeth with upgraded T-72's and T-80's and artillery brigade is packed with Uragans and even new Smerch's. Ivan was not kidding when he said that they will be bringing the best of the best. After Gorbachev held inspiring speech to all troops present at assembly Alexei was given hand command. Alexei nodded and from his position, from a turret of forward T-80 tank, he gave his first order:

'Brigades of the "New World" front – march forward!'

At his order engines of tanks and troop carriers fired away and in mere seconds they were pressing at full speed across the GATE. Alexei was calmly watching as his own tank was pasing through the GATE. Complete darkness of the hallways intrigued him, he wondered what kind of science or technology is powering this portal? The Soviet as well as world scientists were confused and were not be able to give solid answer even after one moth has passed. But Alexei knew that answers for this GATE as well must exist at the other side of the GATE.

He got a word from the tank commander that they are approaching the exit on the other side. Alexei smiled, for despite all the unknown and scare things that are bound to await them on the other side at least it will be interesting to live through all of it. And Alexei couldn't wait for his new adventure to start and to see where it will end.