Flashback: Five Months Ago
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The military transport plane sliced through the stormy night, its engines roaring defiantly against the turbulent skies.
Ethan sat by the window, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the armrest, lost in thought.
Across from him, Gunnar remained silent, his scarred face illuminated by the dim cabin lights, sharp gray eyes fixed intently on a tactical map glowing between them.
The seven members of Aegis-7 were scattered throughout the cabin, each immersed in their own preparations, checking gear, reviewing mission parameters, or simply bracing themselves for what lay ahead.
Suddenly, the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom.
"Approaching LZ. Prepare for landing."
Ethan leaned forward eagerly as the thick clouds began to part. What he saw made his breath hitch in his throat.
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