Developing an Arsenal: Overwatch (The Unit)

Chapter 3: Something Personal

As dinner was finished, Aaron and Apollo sat at the lounge waiting until the briefing happening at 7:00 PM. Atticus enters the room, wearing the red tinted bifocal glasses. The white pale skin made him look old, but the light blond hair created a young image at the same time as he looks out the window that provided the calm view of the sharp, rocky cliff below. The man was a mystery to look at, even for Aaron who doesn't judge people based on looks.

"So, what brings you here Atticus?" Apollo asks. Even by hearing two words, the Russian accent stuck out.

"I don't know. I was thinking about who would show up to meet us as we are just a Special Forces unit."

"Maybe our reputation against terrorism have earned us the opportunity to work with Overwatch rather than from behind the scenes to help them out on their war against Talon." Aaron suggests.

"Maybe." Atticus notes as he paces back and forth in the room. "But I'm worried about the rising spite toward Overwatch from the public. I can't say that they have grown too powerful. It feels like someone is building that mindset within the public."

Apollo laughs at that statement. "Oh come on. The world media spews a ton of crap these days. They aren't getting their tragic story or shocking report of the day with Overwatch preventing terrorist attacks."

"You got a point there. But it feels weird that things haven't been peaceful as soon as my Dad returned home from the war against the machines. The end of The Omnic Crisis is said to have started world peace. There is terror and crime, and Overwatch isn't doing well with public relations. Is this a message that the good times don't last?"

Everyone gave a shrug. No one seem to have the answers to everything in the universe. Suddenly, Barnes enters the room, fuming.

"Is this is how we represent the Navy SEALs? Lawson is going to arrive in a several minutes and wants you guys at attention in the briefing room. Head there now!" Barnes says raising her voice.

Aaron, Apollo, and Atticus spring up from their seats and strapped onto their formal uniform to be ready for their close up. As soon they get onto their formal attire, they stood at attention in the briefing room at the far end of the room, all lined up in shoulder to shoulder. They stood still as Lawson walks in. He had black hair, glasses, and a tough posture. He is wearing his U.S High rank officer uniform, decorated with various ribbons and badges to signal that a war hero has entered the building. He turns his attention to Barnes as she stands next to Aaron along with the other two soldiers.

"Thanks for getting the guys ready, Barnes." Lawson says before he faces his attention to the open door. A man with blond hair and small stubble enters and closes the as four armed guards that were trailing behind position themselves outside of the room.

"Agent Lacroix, this is The Unit. The best SEAL team our country has created." Lawson says pointing his two fingers toward the men assembled in formation. The men stood at ease, their eyes front, not an arm, leg, or neck moved an inch.

"Units, this is Gerald Lacroix. He is a agent at Overwatch." Lawson points his finger to the agent standing next to the commander. "He is going to take over from here to brief for your next mission."

The French agent clears his throat. "So, you guys are The Unit." The English language sounded peculiarly ugly out of his lips. Even the word 'are' sounded more like 'vare'. But it is the only language he could speak, as none of the four soldiers he spoke to in the room understand French.

"I hear a lot about you people. You guys are like a real horror story for the Talon operatives we capture. I'm amazed of how quickly four SEALs cleared the Baltimore hotel in my homeland and saved all the hostages in a matter of minutes. It's your success that's led me to head over to America myself as I ask you a important question."

The Unit didn't show any sign of excitement or anxiety, as instructed by Lawson for discipline. Lacroix takes a breath.

"For many years, I conducted intense operations against Talon for Overwatch many, many times. As a result, Talon attempted numerous assassinations on my life. Everyday, I am in constant danger thanks to them."

A flare of frustration picks up on his face. His clenched fist tight as he prepared to speak why he was here. "Two weeks ago, Talon went 'bold' by kidnapping my wife, Amélie. A few hours ago, my men have located her to a compound out in the Amazons. I have decided on not to deploy my men and I to rescue her. I want to send in the most fearsome unit this country has in their pocket to rescue her."

This was a tone of vengeance coming from the French agent's mouth. What Talon did was personal by kidnapping and possibly harm his wife. So Gerald decides to return the favor by sending the monsters that hide under Talon's bed, which kept them awake at night.

"Head over there and retrieve my wife. Do everything you can to return her to me as soon as possible. Do it for me and the four of you will bring tremendous help to Overwatch. Any questions?"

"Have they made any demands in exchange of her safety, sir?" Atticus asks Lacroix.

"No, they haven't made a single demand. I think it is bait to lure me out, which is why I ask of you. Plus, do you really think I would even negotiate or beg towards those cowards?"

"How fortified is the compound, sir?" Aaron shoots with a question.

"Our satellite images show that she is in a fenced-in base with three small wooden buildings. Infiltrating is going to be easy, but you're going to need to be silent before you head in. They have a alarm that will notify their patrol squad scanning the jungle which could make extract difficult."

"Are we going be provided with Overwatch support?" Apollo chimes in.

"Yes, you will receive support from Overwatch. They will provide a crew with gun boats to extract your men out of the jungle."

The marines fell silent, signaling no further questions. Lawson takes over the briefing to conclude the session.

"Thank you for your time, agent Lacroix." Lawson turns his attention to his group "Everyone, I want you to pack up your weapons and ammo. Grab the Raven drone and head out." Lawson points to the miniature robot that resembles an expensive RC plane. Lawson focuses on Aaron "Manhattan, I want you to pack up that sniper rifle. The rest of your, head to the hangar."

"Yes, sir."  Aaron notifies.

"Barnes, you are going to help Grief with insertion.  Ursus will spot targets for our overwatch team. We will bring in a UAV drone for an eye in the sky. Ready to head out?"

"Yes sir!"

"Operators, dismissed."

The four SEAL operators head out of the briefing room to gather their weapons. Aaron grabs The Massacre and a Mk.14 marksmen rifle to store in his bag before heading back upstairs to meet up with the rest outside as a drop ship touches down on the helipad at the top floor of the log cabin.

Apollo, Atticus, Aaron, and Barnes head inside a V-TOL airship a helicopter with two twin jet engines on the side. The Unit suits up in jungle themed attire, their faces painted in a green, black, brown and dark yellow pattern. They are dressed to be ready to blend in with the most inhabitable jungle on the planet. Aaron places his ear buds as he watches the back cargo door closes. The aircraft starts its ascension, hovering straight up high in the sky. Then it begins to thrust forward, away from the mountain HQ as it takes them on a one-way trip to the Amazon to rescue Amélie Lacroix.

A/N: A wild random chapter appears!!!! Nah, I felt like to release it before Thanksgiving weekend. You guys will get two more chapters in this book(and possibly a thanksgiving special in the main book, idk) Well, Im really happy for the support I have been receiving ever since I started this book. Thank you all for the generous feedback. It means a lot to me. If you like where this is going, leave a vote and I will talk to you guys later.