*Russia: The Front*
Russia was one of the first countries to be affected by the First Omnic Crisis, suffering heavy casualties for the world was woefully unprepared for such a brutal and sudden invasion from what was once their tools. With supreme effort the Russia was able to repel the Omnic Advance by itself but not without sacrifice, millions have been slain to grind their enemies to a halt before tearing it apart piece by piece.
As if history has repeated itself, the Second Omnic Crisis has begun within Russian lands. However, the Russians are now prepared. Within their ranks they employ particle cannons, advance vehicles, drones and, perhaps their most powerful weapon, the hulking giant honor guards of Volskaya that equates a skyscraper, the Svyatogor Mechs.
However, despite their preparations and advance technology, the Second Omnic Crisis gained ground. Though unknown to most of the Russian citizens, the Russian government and military know full well that their "victories" so far were hollow and they would have been defeated if it were not for the vigilantes.
This is mainly due to the fact that within a few months, their most capable military leaders and soldiers died rapidly throughout the war. Though they were buried with full battle honors or reported as natural causes, they knew the truth, they were all murdered. Some speculate it was the vigilantes who carried out the deeds so they could gain glory in battle while others believe that it was just a horrendous case of bad luck.
Regardless of their theories, many Russians look to Katya Volskaya, the most powerful woman in Russia. Recently her popularity soared, prospects of new Mechs and surviving an assassination has given the Russian people hope and revived the fighting spirit.
Each day more and more pilots volunteered to test the new Mechs, their experience in the battlefield provided vital input that will ensure that each unit will be used to its fullest potential.
But even with every factory in Russia producing Mechs each day, they still could not produce enough for everyone. Facing this fact, infantry divisions still remains as the largest force in the army. However, with the death of many of its veterans and commanding officers, casualties have never been higher.
Despite this however, a rising star has shot through the ranks, the last veteran who survived countless battles and has always led the charge. Aleksandra Zaryanova, an athlete who gave up her fortune to fight for her country.
As a celebration for their recent victories over the Omnics, Russia has organized a parade in their honor for them and also to show the might of the Russian army to keep morale high among the population.
"What is the point of a parade? We barely push back the last assault!" Zarya shouted, slamming her fist onto the desk.
"You have your orders, you are to return to Saint Petersburg to participate in the parade that will be held in your honor" the Colonel said.
"What honor? The last battle we barely pushed the Omnics back, we almost lost our forward base!"
"Did you not lead the charge that ensured victory from the last assault?" the Colonel asked angrily.
"Yes but.."
"Did you not destroy an Omnic Titan singlehandedly?"
"It was already damaged when I got there and…"
"Enough. Your transportation is already here, pack your things and go, they will be expecting you tonight"
"But tomorrow is our last push! I could not leave the front to receive some stupid flower and bits of metal!" Zarya said angrily "I must lead my men!"
"You will return to Saint Petersburg tonight to participate for the parade and that is a direct order!"
The finality of his statement ended the discussion. Even if she convinces him not to send her back, someone else would've dragged her back anyway. With a reluctant salute, Zarya left the office and returned to the barracks.
"Here comes the Russian hero!" Private Ivan shouted as she walked in. The soldiers cheered, throwing their fists into the air as she sat down on her mattress.
"Common now! We couldn't have the hero of the Army to sit down there! Here!" Ivan continued, throwing a bottle at her which she caught "Let us celebrate your victory over a Titan!"
"It was nothing" she said with fake bravado "You boys would've handled it"
"Handled it? It stomped our tanks and ate our rockets! If you didn't show up, we'd be dead!" another shouted, followed by another cheer.
"Drink comrade! For tomorrow we charge back into the gates of Hell!"
"I will not be going tomorrow" Zarya said heavily as she drank.
The happy faces around her changed to confusion at those words, she has always led the charge even when she is injured, what happened?
"What do you mean Zarya? Where are you going?" Ivan asked quietly
The doors swung open and 3 political officers marched into the room. The entire room stood in attention and salute at their presence as they walked past them.
"Your transportation is ready Sergeant Zarya" one of them said.
Zarya looked at them coldly before grabbing her gear.
"Don't worry boys" she said to the soldiers who remained at attention "I will be back as soon as I can, until then, don't die"
"Permission to speak Sergeant" a soldier requested, whom she recognize as Private Bobkov.
"Granted" she said.
"Watch your back" he said simply.
Everyone stared before the whole barracks fell into a roar of laughter. The 3 political officers looked at them disapprovingly while Zarya smiled. She has always shouted that at them during battle and this was the first time someone ever repeated it back to her.
Flexing her arm for all to see, she parted with a shout "Remember! Together we are strong!"
"Together we are strong!" the soldiers echoed with a cheer.
Zarya smiled as she gave them all one final look before leaving with a heavy heart. It is not right for her to enjoy the pleasures of life as long as her men are suffering.
"You would make a good politician Sergeant" another officer commented as they walk towards their helicopter.
"I do not think that life is for me" she said simply.
"Who knows, maybe it is if you give it a chance"
"What is that?" Zarya asked as the saw another helicopter has a container attached to it.
"It is for the parade" the officer said simply.
Zarya's eyes narrowed but didn't think much of it, though the sight bothered her and she does not know why. She decided to ignore it for now and made a mental note to be present when they open the container.
The helicopter took off before the one with the container as it has extra weight. Once the pilots saw their signal to leave, they took off, oblivious to the fact that every crew member at the airfield had just been taken out one by one by Hellfire Shotguns. Oblivious that they have a stowaway on their cargo as he Shadowstep on it, his claws gripped around the cable as his cloak billowed around him in the ice cold wind.
"Death comes for you"
*Gibraltar: Watchpoint*
"So how is our new recruit?" Morrison asked the Drill Sergeant as he receive the daily reports.
"Sir he... May I speak frankly sir?" he asked.
"You may"
"I have no clue why he is in Basic Training sir" the Drill Sergeant admitted "He has performed better than anyone I've ever trained, he even perfected the Navy Seals course within 3 days"
The Commander did not say anything but continue flipping through the file.
"3 days sir... Even an Omnic couldn't do that if it were not specialized for it!"
"What is your opinion Sergeant?"
"I suggest to put him to combat duties immediately" the Drill Sergeant said without hesitation "He will be a great addition to our cause"
"Will he now..." Morrison said, more to himself than to the Sergeant.
"Sir?"
"Thank you, Sergeant, that will be all..."
"Sir" the Sergeant saluted before leaving the office.
Judging by the reports the results are indeed impressive. Durability, accuracy, mentality, martial arts, and even instincts are honed to an incredible level. However, it is not good enough. Being able to go through the harshest physical training with relative ease disappointed the old veteran greatly.
There was a knock on the door as he puts down the file.
"Enter"
"We need to talk Jack" Winston said as he came in, shutting the door behind him.
"What do you want Winston?"
"I want to talk about how you are leading Overwatch" the scientist said as he sat on the floor.
"They are soldiers Winston, they are here to be pushed" Morrison said bluntly.
"Jack... You sent agents all over Russia with little to no rest, you ordered Tracer to a dangerous mission with no one else close enough to reinforce her, and you almost killed an unarmed man"
"We are all soldiers now Winston and we are at war. Rest is not a luxury that we can afford. Is that not why you forced me to come all the way from Mexico when you realize playing hero is too much for you?" Morrison said, his eyes narrowing.
"I brought you back from Mexico to rejoin our family"
"And you needed someone who knows how to win wars"
"Your experience from the First Omnic Crisis is indeed valuable, especially after what we faced in Paris, your experience is needed more than ever" Winston said carefully "But more than that, we needed you to keep us together and focused Jack, just like the old days where we showed the world to what it could be"
Jack Morrison said nothing for a while before replying.
"Those days are over Winston" he said slowly "We are all criminals here so we must be harsh"
"We are not some gang in Dorado" Winston sighed "We are Overwatch, we are family and we must do what is right, even if the world thinks otherwise"
Morrison chuckled for a moment "We are no longer heroes Winston"
"Then help us be the good guys"
Morrison said nothing for a moment, as if he is actually contemplating the idea. Winston knew that deep down, Jack misses the comradery they all once had, that he desires to revive the glory days where they focus not only to win a war, but to be a beacon of advancement of culture and science.
"No. Not until I find the ones responsible for what happened. I need to find Reyes. I need to find Talon" he said finally.
"Jack, this is much bigger than Talon, we must-" Winston began.
"NOTHING" Jack shouted "Is more important than finding the ones who tore us apart Winston! Isn't that what you promised me when you found me? To hunt them down with all our resources?"
Winston said nothing as Morrison continued his tirade.
"But no! You showed me another war that you needed me to win! You and your empty promises Winston! If it weren't for..."
Before Morrison continue, there is a banging on the door.
"What is it?" Morrison shouted.
"Private Alex here sir! I am reporting that the Agent Genji has woke up and -"
The door flew open as Jack and Winston ran past the Private, nearly crushing him as they dash towards the Medical Bay.
Hello readers!
I will be changing my posting to a more engaging method. So starting from next week, I will still be posting 2 chapters, each in different days.
For example:
1. Wednesday: 1 chapter
2. Friday: 1 chapter
I will still try to maintain the time to be at or before 20:00 AWST.