- Doomsday - Volume One: Gods and Monsters

Chapter 51: Assault on Pretoria Part. 1

[10/9/2058, 2300]

"---communications from within the Australian outback has ceased altogether, with the destruction of the Australian Omnium facility, reported to have been perpetrated by AFL members, having destroyed most technology within the region." A slicked-back black haired news broadcaster held his signature neutral expression, shuffling the large stack of papers within his hands, rummaging through every few moments. "With this catastrophic act of terrorism, the Australian mainland will take many decades to recover from the fallout."

A brief pause descended after the previous story had ended, the news broadcaster's face soon turned anxious, pressing two fingers into a small ear-piece. A new bundle of papers appearing off-screen from an immaterial pair of arms replacing the stack already present. "Breaking news folks! The Overwatch Strike team in coordination with the United Nations has just called an emergency press release. This is the first we have heard of any press release, we know just about as much as you do, but the importance of the information disclosed will supposedly speak for itself." The news broadcaster said, quickly scanning over his new lines.

"Bringing you live footage from the main stage as we speak." the News broadcaster said as the screen was soon torn away from his camera, rather now displaying a grand stage with many influential figures standing from within the Overwatch hierarchy. The stage had been equipped with a large mic stand atop a podium, and reporters had already begun filling out the room considering the short length of the announcement time. Perhaps they had already given a notice to some agencies before the general announcement was made to allow for the widest reach? Security personnel lined the rooms, Overwatch had ensured that every inch of the facility would be safe. Overwatch high-command had been placed on display proudly, Jack Morrison, Ana Amari and Vivian Chase, finely decorated in suits rather than their usual combat attire. Petras stood centre stage, hand's firmly digging into the podium, the group all donning stoic grimaces preparing for the event to begin.

Petras slowly tapped against the mic, a booming noise deafening the room and allowing a silence to foster across the wide auditorium. "Ladies and gentlemen, first let me apologise for such a short announcement time before release, we believed to ensure the success of our operation we had to ensure our window of surprise, we hope you will all understand." Petras said, coughing slightly to warm up his voice, the man looked tired and drained, work leaving obvious signs of wear. "Getting straight to the point, the world has evolved past human and omnic conflict, it has been over a decade since the Omnic Crisis was officially declared to have ended, yet Overwatch still remains."

"Today, I will be announcing Overwatch's shift in its main focus. The world has evolved rapidly since the war, instability and conflict fester and are enabled by the unchecked growth of terrorist militants around the globe. Overwatch will be taking a far harsher stance against these groups, unfortunately we will have to withhold much information for the moment, but we will be beginning our work immediately. Today, in conjunction with the UN and the governments of the world, we will be declaring war upon those who seek to undermine the global order, human or machine, until every inch of the planet is safe from tyranny."

A roar of questions exploded out from the crowd, the threat against all who worked against the global order was bold and unexpected, "No questions, thank you." Petras said into the mic, quickly turning towards the Overwatch high-command, before the four quickly marched off stage. The camera lingered upon the stage for an uncomfortable moment before reverting back towards the iconic news broadcaster "Well that was unexpected, we will be attempting to get a personal contact with an Overwatch official for more information upon the matter soon, but for now we will be providing round-the-clock coverage on the emerging conflict."

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Angela once again dialled in the number upon her phone, looking deeply on the screen, nervous and worried, again and again, "Where are you [Y/N]..." the medic spoke to herself. Angela was fully armoured and ready for combat, the young woman having not seen the frontlines for a little while due to personal life. Her squad had left later then the rest, she would be leaving with Morrison, Amari and Chase after their press release, accompanied by a retinue of veteran Overwatch soldiers, destination South Africa.