General POV:
The day had finally arrived and not a moment too sooner. Even with new developments opening up opportunities against the omnics, it still wasn't an easy fight. Every day while humanity's numbers would dip, the omnics forces would surge. With it nearing the first year of the war, things would have to change or there wouldn't be a second year.
Fortunately, with the campaign in North a success, and the Detroit omnium permanently shut down and contained, the areas have calmed down with omnic activity. With roughly 65% of America in omnic control, the newest campaign was to push to the second-largest omnium in the world, California. Shutting that down would allow them to head South, clearing up the rest of the cities and freeing them. As for the state of New York, it was left to the Canadian forces and other members of Overwatch to push through Toronto and clear it up.
Meanwhile, the other countries were slowly realizing the potential Overwatch possessed, and we're one by one pledging the own alliance with them. Overwatch operatives were sent to various countries as their own campaigns to oppose the omnics were started. Save Russia, who gave no effort to respond to Overwatch's calls, and chose to stand alone.
Shawn POV:
That concluded our briefing on the matter. The news of the current state of everything had everyone a bit shaken. I guess they expected me to have the same reaction, as they mentioned my home state. But, from a tactician's point of view, it was strategically sound. That other omnium was supplying too much pressure to the middle states and further south into Mexico. Shutting that down was top priority, as any omnic reinforcements would have to come from either South America, or overseas.
Knowing our mission, the resources for an all-out assault wouldn't be possible till we reached the omnium itself. So, counting our team, only 300 soldiers were deployed to halt their advance, which is what made everyone so nervous. One would think that they were purposely trying to make me fail due to the deal, but I knew that really wasn't the case. We just didn't have the resources to spare as most of it was directed towards New York.
In the stratoscopter, everyone was nervously gripping their guns, silently praying to themselves as they feared for the success of this mission. My team was no different, as I could feel them question whether they were making the correct decision in our training. Only experience would show them how correct their decision will be.
We touch down, as everyone rushes out the stratoscopter as a perfect place to set up our hold is picked by the command on this mission. There were a lot of higher ranking officials to ensure that in case the worst happened, it wouldn't fall down to me to call the shots. I only had a say for anything medical-wise.
As they were just an hour away from this location, the plan was to whittle their numbers down before they occupied the next town that was already evacuated and stripped it of its metals. My team was set up further back as they lie in wait for the enemy, I remain with them.
"So, everyone just remember training, and everything will be fine. Runners, we won't leave immediately, as we'll have the advantage of a surprise attack on our side. However, I figure after five minutes, their numbers are going to be a bit overwhelming, calling us into action. I'll head out with them, S3bastian, remain here to protect and provide medical.
They nervously look at each other, as they have little choice but to wait patiently as we get all our medical equipment set up. Our calculations are incorrect somehow, as the within the next thirty minutes, a distant thumping can be heard. Next, huge explosions as the sound of gunfire erupts along with it.
From the timing of it, I could tell that we activated the explosions too early, therefore, we've already lost our advantage. "Runners. Let's head out." Six of us begin sprinting towards the battle, and I can feel their fear practically radiating from them. It was understandable, this was a lot of their first time in battle. I was going to help them by elevating their fear by controlling their bioelectricity, but I stopped, as they would have to learn how on their own. I would just serve as a guiding hand.
As we neared the battle, the signs were present everywhere, as flames raged, cutting the omnics from outright marching to us, but only for a moment. Bullets tore through trees, as my runners immediately dropped to the ground in fear, while I remained standing.
"Everyone, pay close attention. Do not under any circumstances, get close to the battle without my say so. There are three injured to the right. Felix, Spencer, and Dwayne, you all handle them. The rest of you, stay close to me." As they grabbed the men who were on the ground suffering, we continued on.
I immediately noticed that the fight wasn't happening as we were hoping. While a line of fire separated us from the omnics, it didn't stop them from flanking to the right side. So, our troops were being pushed to the left, towards the exit of the forest rather than towards the city.
However, I found that we still somehow had the advantage, as I had yet to spot someone dead on our side. That would imply that the Ravager had a bad vantage point, so they couldn't exactly pinpoint our location, despite making the correct plan. Which would mean that the Ravagers location would be further behind all its own omnics.
We find more injured just as the first set of runners start their return. Leaving the rest of them to handle that, I make my way towards the front lines. There I find two men on the ground, riddled with bullets because they were facing a transfigured Bastion unit who was clearing the trees with it's fire. The rest are on the ground, doing their best to lay down covering fire.
Pulling my pistol, with one well-placed shot, I dispatch the turret form Bastion, and rush to the aid of the men. They weren't dead yet, as the bullets missed their vitals, but they were bleeding out. Placing my hand on both of them, I close their wounds, grabbing them as I rendezvous with my team.
"These two are ok, they're just unconscious. This is a safe point for the moment, but keep your eyes peeled for any signs of flanks or anything. If you see someone injured, check to see if it's safe before grabbing them, understood?" After getting nods from everyone, they head towards where they heard someone scream out in pain, but Virginia remains.
"What are you going to do, sir?" She asks.
I smile, no harm in keeping secrets with them, as they're soon to find out the exact scope of what I can do anyway. "I'm going to cut the head of the snake."
[A/N: Hey sorry guys on the late chapters. I'm still getting things together because I had to evacuate when that hurricane came by. Thankfully, everything's fine this time. I think I owe like two more chapters, so you'll be getting three chapters Thursday.]