Chapter 2 – Delivery

As the evening aged, staff and security found themselves regaled by stories of Colonel Lacroix's daring exploits. His wife, Amélie, teased that he was a relentless braggart, though hardly unjustified in doing so. Especially when it was not him, but others who brought it up.

"Talon subverted our supply chain-it's a hazard when there are sub-sub-sub-contractors working with advanced technology. They'd retreated to a base somewhere in the Indian subcontinent" (he wasn't going to give away too many details). "While Blackwatch may be fond of Vishkar and their agents, not everyone shares that opinion. I asked to send in my team first."

Lacroix had to tamp down a debate about the merits of Vishkar before it could start, and continued with his story.

"We were able to get past their snipers-thermal camo works wonders-plant a detonator on the main door. Unfortunately, the reason they'd gone after our experimental self-healing armor became readily apparent in the form of troopers wearing it."

Even in present company, eyes became noticeably larger, people sat up straighter in their chairs.

"I was pinned. I broke open a nearby 'In case of emergency' cabinet that contained sonic weaponry meant to dissuade approach to the facility. These were different than the usual 'riot' versions. Military ShockWaves could be dialed to very lethal settings-and unlike our Heavy Pulse Rifles that seemed to be doing nothing, I watched nearly-invincible armor literally melt under ShockWave fire."

He lowered his voice as if spilling a secret.

"I also sent the data directly to Overwatch as having our strongest defenses defeated by something as simple as a sonic weapon is not acceptable. Needless to say, Vishkar was furious that Talon managed to obtain their best sonic devices, but as I pointed out, they also grabbed proprietary Overwatch armor which was the reason for the mission in the first place. Our EMP wiped out all data at the facility. I'd call that a success!"

As the party began to wind down, cleaning crews moved in to take away empty champagne glasses, dirty plates, and soiled napkins. Talon had no need to remind everyone how direct they could be, but chose to do so anyway as several staff members dropped dead.

"They aren't being very subtle about this, are they?"

Lacroix followed procedure, keeping close his assigned protectors.

"Put your security in my hands" said Fareeha Amari. Despite being mostly present for optics, Amari the others on his security team carried military rifles and used them to great effect.

"Armored fighting vehicle!" called out one. "Get to cover!"

You weren't supposed to try to shoot the lifters on an anti-grav vehicle. Not that they exploded or anything, but rather due to any practical military example being covered by armor plates that left such a small profile of the device itself that shooting a weapon out of someone's hand might have better odds. The sharp reports of Amari's weapon belied her attempt to do so anyway.

CRUNCH.

"Target eliminated."

Well, not eliminated, but immobile. Instead of being able to use the vehicle as cover while advancing relentlessly forward, Talon's operatives now found themselves stuck with a rather vehicle-shaped bunker since it could not move on only two lifts. Already, Overwatch response units were making themselves known as Talon's lightning-quick attack plan bogged down.

"You really do have your mother's eyes" complimented the Colonel. "I'll make sure this is noted."

Within minutes, Overwatch soldiers swarmed the building, utterly outclassing everything Talon brought to the table. Reliance on "hit-and-fade" only worked when the "fade" part wasn't cut off by a half-dozen infantry fighting vehicles.

"That was completely against protocol, reckless, and uncalled for!" scolded Lacroix as he turned to leave. He let his voice drop. "Nevertheless, this tendency to leap without looking in pursuit of the greater good is something Overwatch values highly in the right person…"