The Hunter | Overwatch

First Impressions

The hum of the stratoscopter filled the cabin, drowning out Shaunʼs own racing thoughts. Strapped into his seat, he felt every shudder and jolt as the aircraft cut through the icy winds of the northern mountains. They were flying deep into Canadian territory, to a hidden Special Forces base that was, as Jack had explained, “practically invisible in the snow.”

This mission was Overwatchʼs first collaboration with the Canadian Special Forces in the region, and Shaunʼs first experience in the field. Though heʼd barely gotten out of the last mission in one piece, he still felt a quiet thrill. His injuries ached with every movement, a stark reminder of how unprepared heʼd been, but his resolve only hardened. This is where he wanted to be.

Across from him, Jack, Torbjörn, and Liao were deep in conversation, reviewing details on portable screens. Jack kept his usual air of calm authority, though he shot Shaun occasional glances, eyes flicking to the bandage on his arm. Torbjörn was more animated, grumbling as he tapped at his screen. Liao, on the other hand, was quieter, withdrawn and intensely focused. Shaun couldnʼt help but notice the tension simmering between Torbjörn and Liao-every now and then, she would murmur a suggestion, only for Torbjörn to grunt dismissively, his expression cold.

And then there was Sojourn-Vivian Chase, as she was known for now. Shaun's eyes strayed to where she sat near the cockpit, helmeted head angled slightly to monitor the cockpit controls. She hadnʼt spoken to him directly, but he'd felt the weight of her scrutiny ever since they boarded. Though she wore the Canadian Special Forces uniform, her cybernetic arms were a dead giveaway of her capabilities and her rank. He could tell she was assessing each of them, especially Liao, with a mixture of caution and curiosity.

As they descended toward the snow-capped peaks, the stratoscopter lurched, hitting a pocket of turbulence. Shaunʼs grip on the armrest tightened, but he managed to keep his face impassive. He could sense Chaseʼs gaze flicker to him, and he met her eyes briefly. She seemed to assess him for a second longer before turning back to the controls, her expression unreadable.

Jack reached over and gave Shaun a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “You doing alright, Shaun?” he asked, voice barely audible over the drone of the engines.

Shaun nodded, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, Iʼm good.”

Jack nodded back, though Shaun could see the hint of worry in his eyes. Jackʼs support was comforting, but Shaun felt the weight of expectation pressing down on him even harder. He wasnʼt just here as an observer; he was here to prove himself.

---

The stratoscopter sliced through the mountain mist, and finally, their destination came into view-a concealed facility built into the side of a snow-laden cliff, barely visible among the icy peaks. The base looked less like a fortress and more like an extension of the mountainside itself, blending seamlessly into the landscape. As they neared, lights along the landing pad flickered to life, illuminating the swirling snowflakes in the air.

The stratoscopter touched down, and as the doors opened, a rush of cold mountain air hit Shaun, sharp and invigorating. He followed the team out, trying to mask the limp in his step. His injuries tugged with every movement, but he clenched his jaw, unwilling to show any sign of weakness.

They were greeted by a squad of Canadian soldiers, saluting as Chase stepped forward, exchanging brief, businesslike nods with each. She motioned for the rest of Overwatch to follow her inside, but when Shaun moved to join them, she raised a hand.

“Not you, Oxton,” she said, her tone as cold as the air around them. “Youʼre injured. I've already arranged a space for you to rest while we debrief.”

Shaun's heart sank. He opened his mouth to protest, but one look from Jack told him to stand down. Begrudgingly, he stepped back, watching as Jack, Torbjörn, and Liao disappeared into the base's cavernous hallways. His fingers twitched, wanting to be in there, part of the team. Instead, he was left standing alone in the freezing air, frustration simmering beneath his skin.

---

Inside the base, Shaun was led to a small room with a cot and a single window overlooking the sprawling snowfields below. He sank onto the cot, a wave of fatigue washing over him. His mind drifted back to the recent battle, the adrenaline, the sound of gunfire, the scent of burning metal. For all his training, nothing had prepared him for the visceral reality of combat.

He thought of Jack, leading them with calm authority, unshaken even as bullets and explosions surrounded them. Torbjörn, as gruff as he was, had been unflinchingly steady, his turrets laying down cover fire. And then there was Liao... He wasnʼt quite sure what to make of her yet. She seemed almost detached, her focus more on the data and the mission parameters than on the people around her. Shaun had overheard Chase and Torbjörn talking about her, their voices low, tension evident in their words. They respected her intelligence, but there was something about her approach that didn't sit right with them-or with him.

The door opened, pulling Shaun from his thoughts. He looked up to see Chase standing there, her gaze fixed on him with a sharp intensity.

“Enjoying the downtime?” she asked, arms folded over her chest.

Shaun rose to his feet, wincing slightly as his injuries protested. “Iʼd rather be in the meeting,” he admitted, his voice steady.

She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Thatʼs not what I asked.”

There was a heavy pause, and Shaun shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny. Chase sighed, crossing the room to stand by the window, her cybernetic arms catching the light.

“You know, I've seen a lot of rookies come through here,” she began, her voice low but firm. “Some make it because theyʼre smart, some because theyʼre skilled, and some because theyʼre just plain lucky. Which one are you?”

Shaun hesitated, unsure of how to answer. “I... I donʼt know yet.”

She turned, her gaze hardening. “Then figure it out. Because out there, you don't get second chances. I need to know that you're not just another kid playing soldier.”

The words stung, but Shaun held her gaze. “Iʼm not playing at anything,” he replied, his voice firmer than before. “I know I have a lot to learn, but Iʼm not here to back down.”

Chase studied him for a moment longer, then nodded, a slight, almost approving smirk playing at her lips. “Good. Then prove it.” She straightened, heading for the door. “The next mission will be tomorrow morning. Get some rest and be ready. You'll need it.”

As the door closed behind her, Shaun sat back down, the weight of her words settling on him. He realized that he wasnʼt just here to fight; he was here to earn his place among them. And though it wouldnʼt be easy, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.