The following morning began with the sound of helicopter rotors.
Long before the sun had fully risen above the eastern hills, the flight line of Atlas Base had already become a hive of activity. Ground crews moved between the Black Hawks carrying toolboxes, fuel hoses, and maintenance equipment while pilots conducted their pre-flight inspections with practiced efficiency. Nearby, mechanics removed inspection panels from one of the aircraft to check hydraulic lines and electrical systems before carefully reinstalling each section. Every movement was deliberate. Every checklist was followed exactly. No one needed Marcus to remind them that if the coming operation succeeded or failed, many lives would depend on these machines.
Marcus watched the activity from the edge of the tarmac with a mug of coffee warming his hands.
