Area Patrol 1st Lt. Guest, United States Army Wadi Rum, Jordan August 18, 2026, 09:00

The heat wasn't just burning the skin; it felt determined to wither the very marrow of one's bones.

When they left Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, today's mission was supposed to be nothing more than a battle against boredom. A search and reconnaissance patrol through the red canyons of the Wadi Rum desert. It should have been one of those days where you return covered in dust, quench your thirst with lukewarm water, and write yet another meaningless report. The engine heat from 3rd Platoon's M2 Bradley and several HMMWVs parked near the AO mixed with the desert air, creating shimmering hazes.

That was when it happened. The sky split open.

And when eyes opened again, the Jordanian desert was gone.

Vision blurred suddenly, and a strange high-pitched ringing filled the ears. Coming to, the sweltering desert heat was replaced by a pleasant breeze, like a cool Sicilian wind, wrapping around the Humvee.