MOA Complex – Pre-Deployment Hangar
0400 Hours, Local Time
Eight Overwatch special forces operatives stood in a line, already geared up in dark-gray tactical suits reinforced with lightweight ceramic plating. Their helmets bore infrared visors and voice-dampening masks. Each soldier carried a suppressed carbine, sidearm, breaching tools, and compact hydration packs. A few had drone uplinks on their backs, others carried explosive charges.
At the front of the line stood Phillip, running his final checks on a data-slate secured to his forearm.
Beside him, Thomas Estaris strapped on a matte-black combat vest. He wore a reinforced load-bearing rig with dual pistol holsters, a suppressed DMR on his back, and an Overwatch officer's insignia across his left chestplate.
"You sure you want to come?" Phillip asked, adjusting his rifle sling.
