The Hunter | Overwatch

The Detroit Gambit

The Next Day, 9:30 A.M.

The overhead lights in the mess hall cast a harsh, white glow, illuminating the faces gathered around the table. It was a mix of soldiers and engineers, strategists and warriors—each one bringing their own experiences and scars to the mission they were about to discuss. The silence stretched as each person settled into place, the weight of their task palpable in the air.

Chase looked around, gauging the determination in every face. “Alright, let’s get straight to it,” she said. “Hypothetically, let’s say we want to take down an omnium. What would it take?”

The room buzzed to life, ideas firing off almost immediately.

“We could try explosives,” Jack suggested, his voice gruff but steady. “Enough firepower, and we can destabilize the core. Might be able to bring the whole place down.”

Liao shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she thought. “That would cause a chain reaction. The omnium’s core is linked to its power grid and fuel reserves. A direct attack would risk a catastrophic explosion—one that could wipe out everything for miles.”

Jack’s jaw tightened. “We don’t have the numbers or equipment to mount a full siege around the omnium either. Even if we had support, that place is fortified to the teeth.”

Torbjörn chimed in, crossing his arms with a grunt. “No doubt. Titans, Bastions…they’re all stationed at that omnium, and they’re not just there for show. We’d be sending people into a meat grinder.” He paused, and his usually gruff expression softened. “We’re fighting an uphill battle, and the risk is damn near insurmountable.”

---

Shaun sat quietly, his eyes shifting between the faces at the table. His mind worked through the tactical challenges, recalling lessons Jack and Reyes had drilled into him during training. He had learned a lot recently—about himself, about Overwatch’s purpose—but this was his first real chance to prove himself in the field. Tentatively, he raised his voice.

“What if…” He hesitated, feeling the weight of their gazes. “What if we could disrupt the omnium’s resource flow? Cut off its communication?”

The room went quiet. It was a simple suggestion, but one that hung in the air with a strange weight. Liao leaned forward, her eyes lighting up with a glimmer of interest.

“That’s…actually a smart angle, Shaun,” she said, nodding approvingly. “In fact, I’ve been looking into the omnium’s telecom systems. I found something strange—an active relay connection. Those systems should be offline. If we can disable the access points, we might be able to sever its connection to whoever is controlling it.”

Jack’s face clouded with apprehension. “Liao, that would mean going inside the omnium. You’re the only one who understands their systems well enough to pull that off, but it’s far too dangerous.”

Liao met his gaze, her expression unyielding. “Jack, I know it’s dangerous. But every day, I stay here, sitting behind a screen while omnics destroy city after city. I can’t just watch anymore.”

Jack’s fists clenched, his reluctance evident. “Ottawa was different, Liao. We almost lost you back there, and if something goes wrong this time…”

Shaun stepped in, his voice firmer than before. “Jack, she’s right. Her knowledge is invaluable, and she’s the only one who can pull this off. If Doctor Liao thinks this is our best shot, then I believe in her.” His gaze met Jack’s. “We can do this. I’ll be there to back her up.”

Jack sighed, looking between Liao and Shaun. He knew Shaun had been progressing in his training, but it was still difficult to accept that they were risking one of their most valuable assets—and one of their youngest members.