A World in Crisis
In an age of technological marvel, humans created robots to increase manufacturing and create economic equality. For a time, these machines (known as Omnics) lived in peace with their creators but something went wrong with their programming. The Omnics rebelled, launching the world into the most dangerous extinction level conflict since the Cold War. It was war on a global scale as the factories once used for creating goods now churned out a seemingly endless army of war bots.
We Could Always Use More Heroes
Desperate for a task force to combat the Omnic threat, the United Nations pooled their resources together and made Overwatch. It was a group of the best soldiers, scientists, tacticians, and anything else that could give them the edge over the Omnics. This first rendition of the powerful group would wage asymmetrical war against the robots. Command of Overwatch was held by Gabriel Reyes, a super soldier created by the United States. He might have held the title, but the person who structured Overwatch as a whole was the war hero Jack Morrison. With his guidance, Overwatch pushed back the Omnics and earned the adoration of the world. He was quickly made into the head of the organization.
A Generation of Adoration
After the Omnic Crisis, Overwatch became something of a celebrity. With new resources and funding, the organization was able to have global presence. With this power they were able to secure several decades of peace, inspiring exploration, innovation, and discovery. As they continued to globally recruit new members, their research capabilities expanded from space travel to medicine. They also continued to suppress crime throughout the world, engaging in combat with the terrorist group Talon on multiple occasions. The militaristic nature of their problem solving began to stir internal conflict.
Deceit and Doubt
Twenty years after its founding, the public eye began to furrow its brow at the international peacekeepers. Rumors of corruption began to spread as Overwatch struggled to retain its reputation. Several allegations were made including negligence resulting in high-profile mission failures; corruption and mismanagement; weapons proliferation; human rights abuses; and more. Protests began, claiming that Overwatch was the source of the world's problems. A UN committee launched a lengthy and secretive investigation on Overwatch to determine if the rumors were true.
An Explosive End
Some time during the investigation, an explosion rocked the Swiss Overwatch headquarters. Among the apparent casualties were Morrison and Reyes. The UN insisted that there was no foul play involved, but leaked reports showed an internal rebellion tore the group apart. Morrison, determined to keep Overwatch together, and Reyes who still held bitter feelings about Morrison being chosen as the head of Overwatch instead of him. Their fighting caused the explosion and they were believed to be dead.
Disgraced But Not Defeated
The ongoing investigating, and the disastrous events in Switzerland were the two final nails in the coffin for Overwatch, and the group disbanded in disgrace. Former heroes were now held in suspicion in the public eye. In the following years, little has been resolved on the decline of Overwatch. Despite their shameful resignation, many of the soldiers of Overwatch continue to operate off the grid, keeping the world safe. Through their efforts we remain safe.
Overwatch may have come and gone, but their impact remains. A world that continues to spin thanks to their efforts. Though they may have been dissolved, they are far from forgotten. So long as threats remain, the ideas they embodied will be carried on by others who think the same. The technological breakthroughs they made continue to enlighten mankind and usher them into a brighter era.
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