Oil Refinery

The Black Hawk sat on the helipad, its rotors idle but ready to spin up at a moment's notice. The dull hum of the engines filled the early morning air as the team made their final gear checks.

Thomas stood near the chopper, watching as Phillip and five Special Forces operators finished loading their weapons. They were dressed in standard combat gear—plate carriers, combat fatigues, and tactical helmets. Their weapons were a mix of MK18 carbines and M4A1 rifles, all fitted with suppressors, holographic sights, and IR lasers for night operations.

Phillip approached Thomas, adjusting the strap of his rifle. "Bird's fueled and ready. No external ordnance. We keep it clean and quiet."

Thomas nodded. "This is recon first. If we can take the refinery without a fight, we will. If it's hot, we pull back and call for air support. No unnecessary risks."

The team gathered in a semicircle near the chopper, and Thomas began the briefing.