November 26, 2025 — 4:42 AM
MOA Complex – Hangar 4
The air inside the hangar was cold and still.
Only the soft hum of power tools and the occasional click of boots echoed through the vast space. Overhead lights glowed in dim red to avoid attracting attention from the outer watchtowers. At the center of it all sat the C-17 Globemaster III, silent, grounded, and fully loaded.
The aircraft loomed in the dark like a sleeping beast. Its belly was full—relay towers, solar conversion kits, surveillance drones, and tactical supplies all secured and double-checked. But tonight wasn't for cargo.
Tonight was about the engines.
Thomas Estaris stood just outside the side hatch in his black Overwatch flight uniform, visor clipped to his vest, headset hanging loosely around his neck. The control tablet in his hand displayed the four engine modules and their diagnostics—cold, nominal, prepped.
