The flight line was alive.
By the time Albert and Ward returned to the command center, the Global Hawk was already surrounded by techs and operators pulling out checklists, laptops, portable ground-control cases, and umbilical cables. What was once an empty patch of land was now a makeshift HALE drone launch pad in the middle of a fantasy world.
Specialist Harker jogged toward the drone, his headset hanging around his neck, his face wearing a mixture of fear, pride, and "holy crap I'm really doing this."
"Sir, I'll start pre-flight checks immediately," Harker said, tapping his tablet. "Never thought I'd fly one of these outside Edwards or Beale… let alone in another dimension."
Ward snorted. "Welcome to Atlas."
Harker didn't answer. His eyes were already on the machine.
He placed his hand on the fuselage like a priest touching an altar.
"Let's get her airborne."
