December 15, 2025 — 02:48 AMMOA Complex – Hangar 4
The MOA Complex was silent, cloaked in darkness. Most of the base slept, save for the scattered perimeter patrols and rotating rooftop snipers scanning the distant coastline for movement. But at Hangar 4, something massive stirred.
The lights were off inside. Only the amber glow of the overhead hazard strips lit the hangar floor.
At the center sat the C-17 Globemaster III—designated for this mission as Atlas One.
Fully loaded. Engines cold. Ramp closed.
Standing just outside the lowered crew ladder was Thomas Estaris, dressed in full Overwatch flight gear. His helmet was clipped to his side, gloves already on. Beside him, Reyes checked over the last of her navigation data, flicking through the map tablet by the faint red light of her visor.
"Final pre-flight status?" Thomas asked.
"All green," she replied. "Fuel at 100%. Wind vectors are stable. No radio traffic. We're clear all the way to Japan."
