The Overwatch Story

It was a cloudy morning in London, with sunlight occasionally piercing through the clouds. Lena Oxton stood by the window of her spacious apartment, a coffee mug in hand, still catching her breath from her morning run on the treadmill. With her free hand, she opened the window, welcoming the fresh breeze that carried hints of rain and city life. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, savoring the blend of her coffee's rich aroma with the fragrance of the flowers on her windowsill. From her seventh-floor view, she could see much of the city—a mix of sleek architecture and cozy perches with potted plants that adorned the buildings around her, though none were as tall as her own.

A commotion from the street shattered her calm. Even from her high vantage, she could make out a gathering of people near the entrance of the building across from hers, with police vehicles parked close by and officers milling around. Such scenes had become disturbingly common. Even years after the war ended, hostility toward omnics persisted. The resentment had only grown worse since Overwatch was disbanded five years ago. Omnics, once integral parts of society, were now confined to quarantine zones—out-of-sight areas like the one on London's outskirts, though it was far from visible from her window. These zones were set up under the guise of "peaceful living spaces" but offered omnics only the bare essentials to survive, with little chance to thrive. Governments hoped this isolation would prevent another uprising, though Lena believed there had to be a better way to coexist.

Peering down, Lena could see the next inevitable scene unfold: three omnics were being escorted from the building. She felt an unexpected smile form and immediately raised a hand to her cheek, surprised by her reaction. The reason for her smile lay in a quiet truth: these omnics had managed to stay hidden in the building because someone—some human—had helped them. Despite everything, there were still people who saw omnics as friends, who believed in peace and unity. But as the relief faded, she remembered the harsh reality: those who sheltered omnics would now face consequences. In London, hiding or aiding omnics was strictly against the law.

Suddenly, one of the three omnics broke away and ran. Lena couldn't blame him for trying to escape; anyone would, given the alternative. She clenched her fists, knowing all too well what would happen next. He would likely be shot on sight for attempting to flee. She closed her eyes, unwilling to witness it.

A part of her wanted desperately to go down there, to intervene somehow. But Overwatch was no longer free to act as it once had. During the war, Overwatch had led the fight, rallying people and spearheading missions that turned the tide. Afterward, their presence in conflict zones continued, and the world viewed them as heroes. Yet, governments grew uneasy with Overwatch's influence, fearing it could overshadow their own authority. Under pressure, they enacted the Petras Act through the International Justice Commission and the United Nations, rendering any Overwatch activity illegal and prosecutable. Initially, Overwatch continued to operate, ignoring the restrictions, but soon governments branded specific members as criminals disrupting the peace. Public opinion turned against them, and the team faced mounting resentment. Many members couldn't bear the label of "fugitive" and slowly drifted away, until only Winston and Lena remained. Now, it had been some time since they'd last gone on a mission, and the name "Overwatch" was little more than a fading memory.

With a sigh, Lena closed the window but left the curtains open to let in the morning light. She glanced at her unmade bed, deciding to leave it as it was and headed for a quick shower. Once dry, she rifled through her closet, looking for something low-key. She chose a blue hoodie, paired with graffiti-patterned leggings and blue sneakers that matched her outfit. Tightening her laces, she took a steadying breath and placed her hand on the door handle. Excitement bubbled within her—today she'd be seeing Winston, her closest friend and last link to the Overwatch she once knew.