Days later at the UN General Assembly hall buzzed with tension, the kind that had been steadily building as more reports of the strange rifts poured in from all corners of the globe. It wasn’t just San Diego anymore. It wasn’t just a singular event. The evidence was now undeniable—this was a global crisis.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, a thin man with steel-gray hair and a stern expression, stood at the podium, his voice carrying across the massive hall. "We have convened today to address what is quickly becoming the most urgent crisis of our time. The rift that appeared in San Diego is no longer an isolated incident. Similar phenomena have now been reported in Germany, Japan, Brazil, and the Middle East, and we must respond before these events spiral further out of control."

He gestured to the large screen behind him, where maps of the world displayed glowing red markers, each one representing a location where a rift had been confirmed. The murmurs among the diplomats grew louder, anxious whispers filling the room.

At a table near the front, Dr. Raj Patel sat beside General Nathaniel Hayes, both of them staring at the screen with grim expressions. Patel’s hands were clasped tightly together, his knuckles pale. He had spent the last seventy-two hours compiling data, coordinating with global scientific teams, and running simulations. None of it offered good news.

The Secretary-General looked toward Patel. "Dr. Patel, you may begin."

Patel rose from his seat and walked to the podium. He paused for a moment, scanning the crowd of diplomats and world leaders before beginning. The tension in the room was palpable. He cleared his throat and began, "What we’re facing is unlike anything we’ve ever encountered. These rifts—these tears in the fabric of reality—are not just isolated to a single region. Since the first rift opened in San Diego, we’ve observed four more that we are aware of. One near Tokyo, one outside São Paulo, Berlin and another in the Syrian desert."

A map flickered on the screen behind him, showing the precise locations of the rifts. The red markers pulsed ominously, spread across vast swaths of the globe.

"Our data suggests that these rifts are interconnected. They are not random. They’re following a pattern, though we don’t yet fully understand its logic. What we do know is that they are growing in frequency, and the creatures emerging from them are beyond anything we’ve seen before."

The room was silent. Patel’s words hung in the air, the gravity of the situation sinking in. He clicked a button on the podium, and a series of grainy videos appeared on the screen. First, footage from San Diego, showing the chaos of the creatures—hulking, distorted figures—tearing through the streets. Then, similar scenes from Tokyo, where civilians fled in panic, and from São Paulo, where emergency services struggled to contain the situation.

"This," Patel said, gesturing to the images, "is what we’re up against. These entities aren’t just anomalies—they’re hostile. They defy our current understanding of physics. Bullets have limited impact, and they seem to adapt to our attempts to contain them. We’re witnessing the start of something catastrophic."

As Patel continued, General Hayes watched from his seat, his expression stony. Patel was the scientific mind behind the effort, but Hayes knew the practical implications. He had also been on the ground in San Diego, and the thought of seeing that kind of devastation spread worldwide was unbearable.

Patel finished his presentation and stepped aside, and now it was Hayes’ turn. The general rose, moving to the podium with a commanding presence. The room seemed to straighten in response to his mere approach.

"We are running out of time," Hayes said bluntly. "Our response to San Diego was the best we could muster, but it wasn’t enough. What you saw in those videos is the future—unless we act decisively, and we act now. This isn’t just about one city. This is a global war waiting to happen, and every day we delay is another day we fall behind."

Hayes paused, letting the weight of his words settle. He continued, "We can’t afford to let each nation handle this on its own. These rifts don’t care about borders, and neither do the creatures coming through them. We need a coordinated, global effort—a united force to respond to these rifts as they appear, anywhere in the world. That’s why we’re here. We’re proposing the creation of the Global Rift Response Agency—GRRA."

A murmur rippled through the room, diplomats leaning toward one another in hushed conversation. It was a monumental proposal—one that would require unprecedented cooperation between nations, military forces, and scientific communities.

The French representative raised his hand. "General Hayes, Dr. Patel, what you’re asking for is essentially a new global military force. How do you propose we fund and govern such an agency? And more importantly, how can we ensure it doesn’t infringe on national sovereignty?"

Hayes nodded, as if expecting the question. "The GRRA wouldn’t replace national militaries. It would complement them. Think of it as a rapid-response force, deployed only when and where it’s needed. As for funding, we’re proposing a shared model, with contributions proportional to each nation’s GDP. But make no mistake—this is not optional. If we don’t act, these rifts will spread, and no amount of national defense will stop them."

The representative from China spoke next, his voice cautious. "And what about control? Who decides when the GRRA is deployed? How do we ensure this agency isn’t used for purposes beyond dealing with the rifts?"

Patel stepped back in, sensing that the technical details needed to be addressed. "The GRRA’s mandate would be strictly limited to responding to rift-related threats. It would operate under the oversight of a multinational council, appointed by the United Nations. Every mission would be transparent, with clear guidelines on its scope and objectives. This is about survival, not politics."

Despite Patel’s assurances, the room remained tense. The enormity of what they were asking for—the resources, the coordination, the relinquishing of certain aspects of national sovereignty—wasn’t easy to accept.

The Russian ambassador, his face stern, voiced the concerns of many. "This seems like a militarization of a scientific problem. Shouldn’t we be focusing on understanding these rifts before we start arming ourselves for a global war?"

At that moment, a powerful voice echoed from the back of the room. General Jonathan Harrington, a high-ranking official from NATO, stood up. His presence immediately commanded attention. He wasn’t officially speaking on behalf of NATO yet, but his voice carried the weight of authority.

"This isn’t just about science, nor is it just about war," Harrington began, his thick accent cutting through the tension. "This is about survival. The creatures coming through these rifts don’t care about treaties or diplomacy. They are already attacking, and more are coming. We must act before it's too late."

The room quieted as Harrington continued. "NATO is ready to assist. We have the infrastructure to support a global response force. We can offer the NATO base near Kaiserslautern, Germany, as the GRRA’s initial headquarters. We can begin the process of operationalizing this agency now, not in months. The threat is here, and we can’t afford to delay."

The Secretary-General looked toward Harrington, his expression thoughtful. "General, your offer is appreciated. However, this would still need NATO’s formal approval. But I agree with your sentiment—time is not on our side."

The conversation shifted. Harrington’s bold suggestion had altered the tone of the debate. The skepticism in the room was still there, but the urgency of the situation was undeniable. Patel and Hayes could feel the momentum beginning to turn in their favor.

The Secretary-General raised his hand to restore order. "The proposal to form the GRRA is now on the table. We will move forward with the creation of a task force to finalize the operational details, including NATO’s potential involvement. I urge all nations to support this effort. We cannot afford to let bureaucracy slow us down."

As the session came to a close, Patel exchanged a glance with Hayes. The first step had been taken, but they both knew the real battle was just beginning. The world had agreed to form the GRRA, but the challenges of making it operational—and effective—were immense.

A day later the steady hum of the plane's engines reverberated through the cabin as Dr. Raj Patel scrolled through the profiles on his tablet. They were heading toward the NATO base in Germany, which would soon become the nerve center for the GRRA. There was no time to waste, but even on a military flight, the task ahead seemed overwhelming.

Across from him, General Nathaniel Hayes sat reviewing tactical reports, his jaw set in concentration. Patel could sense the underlying tension between them—it had been there since their first briefing.

“We’re short-staffed,” Patel said, breaking the silence. His fingers tapped on the screen as he scrolled through names. “We need the best minds in the world. But not just the most well-known names. We need people who think outside the box.”

Hayes didn’t look up from his notes. "What we need are soldiers who can engage and contain the threat. We can’t have scientists poking around while creatures are tearing through city streets."

Patel sighed, already feeling the friction between them. "We need both, Nathan. Understanding the rifts is the only way we’ll ever stop them. Otherwise, we’re just putting out fires."

Hayes grunted, flipping through the next report. "Fires that will burn down entire cities if we don’t get ahead of them."

Patel shook his head, pulling up a new file. “That’s why we need people like Dr. Emily Carter, a theoretical physicist from Cambridge University. She’s been working on fringe theories about quantum resonance and exotic matter.”

Hayes finally glanced up, raising an eyebrow. “Fringe theories? I’m not sure we need someone on the fringe right now, Raj. We need results.”

“Her research aligns disturbingly well with what we’re seeing from these rifts,” Patel continued. “The scientific community dismissed her work, but that’s exactly why she’s the right fit. These rifts aren’t following any established rules of physics. We need someone who can think beyond convention.”

Hayes leaned forward, the skepticism still clear in his expression. “What are the odds she’ll join us?”

Patel smiled slightly. “If she sees what we’re up against, I think she’ll be all in. She’s been at CERN recently, working on quantum theories that could help us understand the dimensional disruptions we’re seeing in the rifts. She’s not just theoretical—she’s pragmatic.”

“Alright, get her on board,” Hayes said, handing the tablet back. “But make sure she understands this isn’t an academic exercise. It’s going to be dangerous.”

Patel nodded. “None of us are safe anymore, Nathan. That’s the reality we’re facing.”

The tension between them lingered. Patel understood Hayes’ concerns—the general was laser-focused on military containment. But Patel knew that unless they understood the rifts, they would just be reacting, not solving the problem. It was a cycle that would repeat with every new rift unless they broke it.

Dr. Emily Carter was just one name on the list. Patel had personally requested her, knowing her expertise in theoretical physics would be invaluable in understanding the rift’s mechanics. Hayes, meanwhile, had already tapped ukrainian veteran Major Elena Ivanov, a no-nonsense strategist with a reputation for leading tough operations in volatile regions during the war when Russia attacked Ukraine. She was exactly the kind of person who could command respect and get results in crisis zones.

Hayes shifted his gaze back to his reports. "Lang will handle logistics," he added, referring to Robert Lang, the sharp-tongued administrator from the US Department of Defense. "He’s not happy about the timeline, but he’ll make it work. The base won’t be fully operational for a few more days, but we can get a skeleton crew running the essentials until then."

Patel nodded absently, still thinking about the balance they needed to strike. “We’ll need to compromise,” he said, his voice quieter now, more reflective. “Military response teams to secure rift sites, backed by field scientists to collect data. That’s the only way we can handle this. We can’t just fight—we need to understand.”

Hayes closed the file he was reading and looked at Patel with a measured stare. “Agreed. But let’s be clear—if things go sideways, the science team pulls back. Understood?”

“Understood,” Patel replied, though the doubt lingered.

He knew the challenges they faced were far more complex than just throwing soldiers and scientists at the problem. The rifts were unpredictable. The creatures emerging from them were unlike anything humanity had faced before. The only thing more terrifying than the monsters was not understanding them.

Arrival at the NATO Base

The military transport plane descended into the airstrip at Kaiserslautern, Germany. The NATO base had been chosen for its strategic location and logistical infrastructure, but even Hayes knew they were working on borrowed time. The base was ready to house the GRRA, but it needed to be adapted fast.

As the team disembarked, Hayes immediately started barking orders to the local command, ensuring the initial setup was underway. Patel, on the other hand, was already reviewing the latest rift reports on his tablet. The data was troubling. The rifts were expanding at an alarming rate, and now Berlin had experienced its own incident—another second massive rift tearing through the heart of the city.

“Raj, are we ready to handle another one if it opens tomorrow?” Hayes asked, falling into step beside him.

Patel hesitated. “Theoretically, yes. But practically… we need more time. We need more data from the field teams. The new rift in Berlin—it’s exhibiting properties we didn’t see in San Diego. We need to study it.”

“We don’t have time for another debate,” Hayes said, his voice firm but not unkind. “We either handle it or the rift spreads.”

“I know,” Patel murmured. “But if we’re just containing them without understanding the root cause, we’ll be fighting them forever.”

Hayes clapped a hand on Patel’s shoulder, his grip firm. “Then let’s make sure your science teams stay safe long enough to figure it out.”

As they walked through the base, Patel felt the full weight of what they were about to undertake. The NATO base would soon become the global hub of the GRRA, coordinating military and scientific responses to rifts all over the world. But without the right balance of force and knowledge, they would always be one step behind the crisis.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

They reached the command center, where screens displayed real-time feeds of rift sites across the globe. Soldiers and analysts hurried around them, preparing for the next deployment.

Hayes turned to Patel as they stood in front of the command center’s massive display. “We’ll need to brief Ivanov and Carter once they arrive. They’ll need to know exactly what we’re walking into.”

Patel gave a small nod, glancing at the ever-growing number of red dots on the world map, each representing an active or potential rift site.

“This is only the beginning,” Patel whispered, more to himself than to Hayes. “We have so much work to do.”

After a few days the GRRA command center was tense. Monitors flickered with live feeds of global chaos, and the air hummed with the weight of mounting pressure. The core members of the newly formed Global Rift Response Agency sat around a large conference table. General Nathaniel Hayes stood at the head, his eyes scanning the room as he prepared to lead the briefing.

He clicked a button, and a global map appeared behind him, illuminated with red rift markers. "We’re in a race against time," Hayes began, his voice cutting through the low hum of the room. "Active rifts have increased to six: Two in Berlin, one in San Diego, Tokyo, São Paulo, and now Chongqing. The situation in China is particularly volatile—martial law’s been declared, and the local authorities are struggling to contain both the rift and the public."

Dr. Raj Patel leaned forward, shaking his head slightly. “It’s not just China. We’re seeing the same patterns globally. Mass hysteria, looting, and terror are spreading faster than we can respond. Civilians are losing faith in their governments.”

Major Elena Ivanov interjected, her tone sharp. "We’re not just battling rifts; we’re battling public perception. If we can’t contain this soon, we’ll be looking at a full-scale breakdown of order.”

Robert Lang, managing finances and logistics for the GRRA, chimed in. “It’s more than perception. The rise of groups like The Nomad is worrying. They’ve gone from a small survivalist community to a massive online movement in a matter of days. Civilians are following them, thinking they can survive better on their own than under government protection.”

Dr. Emily Carter, the theoretical physicist, frowned as she glanced at the map. “It’s no surprise. These rifts—what we’re seeing—is beyond anything people can comprehend. When science isn’t there to explain it, they turn to their own theories.” She paused, then added, “Our current understanding of quantum mechanics and dimensional anomalies barely scratches the surface of what we’re dealing with. Until we can explain it... well, the fear will only grow.”

Hayes nodded, acknowledging her point. “And that’s where we come in. Our mission is to control this, or at the very least, slow it down until we know more.”

Dr. Maria Gonzalez spoke next, her voice strained but focused. “The creatures coming through the rifts are unlike anything we’ve encountered, but our research is hitting roadblocks. The specimens we’ve managed to collect—they’re breaking down too quickly. Within hours, they decompose into this black, viscous slime. However...” She paused, glancing around the room. “Field teams have found something unusual within some of the remains. Crystal-like artifacts, embedded in what’s left of the creatures’ bodies. We don’t know what they are yet, but they might hold the key to understanding the creatures' biology or their connection to the rifts.”

Dr. Sophia Reyes, who had been silently watching, leaned forward. “The same goes for the flora around the rifts when recovered for study. Alien plants are springing up near every active site, growing at accelerated rates. I’ve been studying bioluminescent plants around the first Berlin rift. Their cellular structures are entirely foreign—nothing on Earth matches them. If we can understand how these plants interact with rift energy, it could give us critical insight into the rifts’ properties.”

Dr. Emily Carter added thoughtfully, “These plants might even help us find a way to manipulate the energy. We’re seeing dimensional shifts at the Berlin site—rapid, almost chaotic. There’s something happening with the rift energy that’s affecting the entire environment.”

Patel nodded in agreement. “The geological activity around the rifts is also off the charts. In San Diego, we saw plate shifts that made no sense—entire tectonic boundaries were displaced without any fault activity. If this continues, we’re looking at major earthquakes and natural disasters, on top of everything else.”

Hayes raised a hand to bring the room back into focus. “Alright, we need a clear strategy. The second Berlin rift seems to be expanding rapidly, and with the unrest there, it’s on the verge of becoming uncontainable. Major Ivanov, I want you to lead the response team.”

Ivanov nodded, already flipping through her tactical notes. “I’ll take the lead in Berlin. We’ll need tactical units on the ground, but we can’t go in blind. Dr. Reyes, you’ll join us to study the flora up close. Dr. Gonzalez, if there’s even a chance we can get a clean sample of one of those creatures, we need you there.”

Gonzalez met her gaze with a determined look. “I’ll do my best, but with the way those creatures break down, we’ll need to act fast. We can’t afford to lose another specimen.”

Hayes turned to Dr. Kenji Tanaka, the astrophysicist studying the energy signatures from the rifts. “Tanaka, keep monitoring those energy spikes. You said there might be a connection to cosmic events?”

Tanaka nodded, tapping a tablet that displayed recent energy signatures. “Yes. We’re seeing fluctuations in cosmic radiation, almost as if these rifts are interacting with what we suspect to be dark matter. It’s early, but the patterns are too consistent to be a coincidence. If we can understand these interactions, we might be able to predict rift formation.”

Carter’s eyes widened. “If we can predict them, we can get ahead of them.”

“That’s the hope,” Tanaka replied. “But for now, we need more data.”

Robert Lang tapped his pen against the table, his expression tight. “We’re stretched thin. Berlin’s a priority, but São Paulo, Chongqing and Tokyo can’t be ignored either. Resources are limited, and diverting too much to one site risks leaving the others vulnerable.”

Patel sighed. “We don’t have a choice. The situation in Berlin is more unstable than we anticipated, and if we don’t contain it, the two rifts might destabilize the entire region.”

Lang nodded reluctantly. “I’ll make it work. But we’ll need to find new resources soon. We’re burning through supplies faster than expected.”

Hayes looked around the room, making eye contact with each team member. “This isn’t just a military response anymore. We’re fighting a war on multiple fronts—against the creatures, against fear, and against the unknown. But we have the best minds and the best soldiers working together. We will find a way to contain this.”

Patel exchanged a glance with Carter. “And maybe, if we’re lucky, we’ll learn how to close them for good.”

“Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later,” Ivanov muttered.

The tension in the room was thick, but beneath it was a shared sense of determination. The GRRA was the only hope for stopping the rift crisis—and everyone in the room knew it.

The GRRA command center was eerily quiet after a few hours when the briefing ended. The live feeds from rift sites around the globe flickered on the large monitors, but only two people remained—Dr. Raj Patel and General Nathaniel Hayes. They stood at opposite ends of the room, both weighed down by the gravity of their responsibilities.

“This could have been our opportunity,” Patel muttered, still staring at the map that displayed China’s growing rift in Chongqing. “China turning down our help—it's a disaster waiting to happen.”

Hayes looked up from his report, his eyes narrowing. “China’s made it clear. They don’t want our involvement. They're claiming the PLA has it under control.”

Patel scoffed. “Their military might be holding the line for now, but the reports from the field tell a different story. They’re suffering heavy casualties, and their state media keeps pushing this propaganda that everything’s fine. We know it’s not.”

“They’ve chosen to manage it on their own, Raj. It’s not our call to make,” Hayes said, his tone flat.

“That’s exactly the problem, Nathan! We should be there—we should have our scientists on the ground, studying the rift, the creatures. They’re flying blind, and we’re losing valuable time!”

Hayes crossed his arms. “You think I don’t know that? But you can’t just walk into another country without their permission. China doesn’t trust the GRRA—they don’t see us as a legitimate authority yet. The PLA is their show, and they’re not about to let a multinational team waltz in and tell them what to do.”

“And meanwhile, they’re letting the situation spiral out of control,” Patel retorted, his frustration building. “This isn’t just about sovereignty, Nathan. The rift is expanding, the creatures are multiplying, and they’ve got no idea what they’re dealing with.”

Hayes sighed, his gaze hardening. “China isn’t going to bow to international pressure, especially not before the GRRA has been fully recognized on the global stage. They’re not going to risk losing face, especially with the world watching.”

Patel shook his head. “Losing face? We’re talking about losing lives. Every moment we’re not there collecting data is a moment we’re falling further behind. We need to understand these rifts—how they’re affecting the environment, how the creatures are evolving. Without that knowledge, all we’re doing is reacting.”

“And you think sending a team of scientists into Chongqing right now is going to change that? They’ll just be another casualty in the crossfire. The PLA is already getting slaughtered out there.”

Patel took a breath, calming himself before speaking again. “What about Berlin? Or Tokyo? We’re stretched thin as it is, and we can’t afford to keep diverting resources away from key rift sites.”

Hayes gave a firm nod. “Berlin’s a priority, and we’re sending Ivanov’s team there, but we can’t abandon the other sites. We need to keep a presence in São Paulo and Tokyo as well. We’re playing catch-up, Raj. That’s the reality.”

“And we’ll keep playing catch-up if we don’t start working smarter,” Patel countered. “This isn’t just a military problem, Nathan. It’s a global crisis that requires a coordinated scientific and military effort. The GRRA was formed for that exact reason.”

Hayes leaned forward, his voice dropping. “Not everyone sees it that way. China doesn’t trust us, and other countries are still on the fence. Until the GRRA proves itself, we’re going to face pushback. They see us as outsiders, interfering in their national security.”

Patel’s frustration boiled over. “This isn’t about national borders anymore! The rifts don’t care about sovereignty or politics—they’re a global threat. If we don’t start treating them that way, we’re all going to lose.”

Hayes stepped closer, his tone shifting from cold authority to something more personal. “Do you think I like watching this unfold? Do you think I enjoy standing by while countries turn us down? I’ve lost men in the field, Raj. Soldiers who died trying to buy us time—time for your scientists to come up with answers.”

Patel looked away for a moment, the weight of the situation sinking in. “I know. I know what you’re dealing with, Nathan. But every time we’re blocked from doing our job, it sets us back. Every lost opportunity means more lives lost. We need to convince these governments that the GRRA is their best option.”

Hayes’ jaw tightened. “Convincing governments takes time, and we don’t have it. What we do have are immediate threats that need to be contained.”

“So what? We just wait until they come crawling to us, begging for help after it’s too late?”

“Exactly,” Hayes said bluntly. “They’ll realize soon enough that they need us. And when that happens, we’ll be ready.”

Patel exhaled, feeling the weight of the discussion. “I just hope that by the time they realize it, we haven’t already lost the chance to stop this.”

Hayes turned back to the map. “We’ll manage, Raj. We have to.”

At 10 pm the next day a press conference was held to announce to the world of the GRRA. The hall buzzed with energy, packed to capacity with journalists from every major news network. Cameras flashed as reporters jostled for position, notebooks and tablets in hand, ready to capture every detail. Behind the podium, the newly minted GRRA emblem—a globe surrounded by rings of energy—was prominently displayed.

General Nathaniel Hayes and Dr. Raj Patel stood side by side, flanked by a few key members of their team. They had prepared for this, but the gravity of the moment wasn’t lost on them. The world was watching.

Rachel Weiss, the GNN anchor who had first covered the San Diego rift incident, stepped up, her voice cutting through the din of chatter. “Dr. Patel, General Hayes, what can you tell the world about the GRRA’s mission? Are we equipped to handle this crisis?”

Patel took a deep breath before speaking, his voice measured. “The Global Rift Response Agency’s mission is twofold: containment and understanding. We are forming and deploying rapid-response teams around the globe to secure rift sites and protect civilians, while also gathering critical data to understand the nature of these rifts. We’re working tirelessly to find a way to stop them.”

The reporters murmured amongst themselves, jotting down notes, but it wasn’t long before the next question came.

A reporter from the BBC, her accent cutting through the crowd, asked, “What about the sovereignty concerns raised by several nations? Some are hesitant to allow an international force within their borders. How does the GRRA address that?”

General Hayes stepped forward, his stance resolute. “The GRRA is a global coalition, with every participating nation contributing to its success. We fully respect national sovereignty, but let me be clear—these rifts don’t care about borders. This is a threat to humanity as a whole, and our response needs to reflect that reality. We’re working closely with all governments to coordinate efforts, but the priority is protecting civilians and containing this global threat.”

Another reporter, this time from Reuters, raised his hand. “General Hayes, Dr. Patel, you’ve mentioned rapid-response teams. Can you elaborate on what those teams will look like? How will they be deployed?”

Hayes gave a small nod. “That’s an important question. Today, we’re announcing the formation of an elite unit within the GRRA—the Mobile Task Force, or MTF. This task force will be comprised of the best soldiers and specialists from around the world. Their mission will be to respond to the most critical and high-risk rift related events, wherever and whenever they occur.”

Patel picked up from there, his tone serious. “The MTF will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and supported by our top researchers. They’ll operate in tandem with our scientific teams to ensure that we’re not only containing rifts, but also gathering the crucial data we need to understand and eventually neutralize them.”

The room buzzed with excitement at the mention of a specialized task force. Rachel Weiss quickly followed up. “How soon can we expect the MTF to be operational? And how will they be deployed?”

Hayes answered firmly. “The MTF will be operational within the coming weeks. We’re currently selecting personnel, but their first deployment will be determined by where the next major rift event occurs. They’ll be deployed on critical missions, where swift action is needed to prevent catastrophic consequences.”

A journalist from the Associated Press jumped in. “Will the MTF have authority to operate independently in any country? Or will they need permission from local governments?”

Patel responded, “The MTF will coordinate with local governments in every instance. However, the urgency of these rift events may require swift action. We are actively working with the United Nations to streamline that process, ensuring that our teams can respond quickly while respecting national sovereignty.”

A voice from the back of the room rang out. “With rifts appearing all over the world, do you have any idea how many more we can expect? Is there a pattern, and can we predict where the next rift will open?”

Patel hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “We’re studying the patterns of rift emergence very closely. Right now, there doesn’t seem to be a clear, predictable pattern. That’s one of the reasons the GRRA’s scientific teams are so crucial. Our astrophysicists, geologists, and physicists are working tirelessly to understand the energy signatures associated with the rifts. While we can’t predict them just yet, that’s a top priority.”

Another hand shot up, this time from a French news outlet. “And what about the civilian population? What measures are in place to protect people living near active rift zones? Are evacuations underway?”

Hayes stepped forward again. “Evacuations are a key part of our containment strategy. In areas where rifts have opened, local governments are working with GRRA units to ensure that civilians are evacuated to safe zones. Our first priority is always saving lives.”

Another reporter raised her hand. “General Hayes, there have been reports of heavy military presence in China, but no GRRA involvement. Can you comment on that?”

Hayes’s expression tightened. “China has chosen to handle the situation within their borders using their own forces. While the GRRA is available to provide assistance, China has decided to use their military, the PLA, to contain the rift. We respect their decision and remain ready to assist if requested.”

The journalist pressed. “But reports indicate that the situation in Chongqing is far from under control, despite the official stance that everything is stable. How do you respond to that?”

Patel leaned in. “We’re monitoring the situation closely. While China has chosen not to involve the GRRA, we stand ready to assist if and when they change their stance. Our goal is global cooperation, but each nation has the right to decide how they wish to handle these events.”

As the press conference began to wind down, one final question came from a Wall Street Journal reporter. “Do you have any idea how long it will take to close these rifts, or if that’s even possible?”

Patel exhaled softly before responding. “We don’t have all the answers yet. Our research teams are focused on finding a way to neutralize the rifts, and we’ve made progress, but we need more time. What I can tell you is that the GRRA is committed to finding a solution. We will do everything in our power to protect humanity.”

As the conference drew to a close, Hayes looked out at the sea of journalists, his voice resolute. “The GRRA is not just an organization—it’s a global effort to ensure the survival of humanity. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re fighting every day to find them.”

Patel glanced at Hayes as the cameras continued to flash. “Let’s hope we can live up to their expectations.”

Hayes gave a grim nod. “We don’t have a choice.”