Beyond; chapter one

Hamaf climbed the wreckage carefully. No one knew what this terror was that had fallen from the sky. All that was known was that it had killed millions by coming.
"What is it?"
"I...I don't know."
"Electrical wires, bent steel, satellite maybe?"
"I didn't know something this big could fly, aren't most satellites like the size of a truck?"
"About, maybe it's magic."
The troopers stiffened slightly at Sharai's end-all explanation. None could wield the power, but they'd seen it used in tournaments by the nobles and the guardsmen. To face such a danger would spell death for them all.

"Captain, I found an opening!"
"Men, secure access. Jened, go inform command that we've found a way in."
The eager recruit sluggishly walked off.
"Put a move on soldier, He doesn't like to be kept waiting."
Jened rushed down with an impassioned haste.

An hour passed, and another. The second sun rose and found Hamaf and his troopers still watching over the gently glowing rift. No relief was in sight, but supplies were not running low and morale was still within acceptable levels. Boredom, however, was reaching critical levels.
"Sharai, stay here with your platoon and wait for reinforcements. If we're not back in three suns send for urgent assistance."
"Your call sir."
"Aren't you supposed to tell me not to go?"
"I'm just glad you aren't ordering me to lead the recon."
"Aren't we noble. May your children be as loyal and self-sacrificing as you are."
"With all due respect sir, go soak your head."
The captain smiled at his second in command. The young lady was coping well with the loss of her entire family. It'd been years, and she'd never gotten along with them, but he'd known few more staunch and able soldiers in all his years.

He beckoned to sergeants Jor and Collin. Their three squads descended into the sky-sent cavern. The darkness was broken only by the flicker of broken cables and a dim glow from the few surviving lights running along the shattered corridors. It was haunting, but Collin took the lead and proceeded up hill towards a twisted door.
"Should be powered, gear mechanisms in the floor and ceiling. Her fingers, tanned and worn by years in the slums, swept over a broken panel beside it.
"basic interface, twelve buttons, ten digits and lock/unlock commands. But the system seems disconnected, If it's locked it'll stay that way."
"Jor."
His captain's intent was clear. The burly farmer's son relaxed visibly, taking a fighter's stance before the ruined portal. Two thrusts to each corner were followed by a dramatic blow to the door's center. The metal door folded around his blow and collapsed inward under the force. After helping the Sergent to extract his foot from the wreckage the small force entered the room beyond.