[h3][colour=efcc00]Archer “Griff” Griffin[/colour][/h3][hr][table][row][/row][row][cell][h3][colour=efcc00]Richmond upon Thames, London, UK[/colour][/h3][/cell][cell]
[h3][colour=efcc00][right]2022-11-15, 08:36, UTC+0[/right][/colour][/h3]
[/cell][/row][/table]For any other normal, non-military, family, receiving a knock on the door at this time in the morning would almost be unheard of but not for the Griffins. Stood at the door was by all regular standards, a military recruiter. His Father was beaming with joy when Archer walked into the room, completely unaware of the implications of happenstance.

"Archer, I knew you'd come around eventually," his father said, clapping him on the back with a broad smile. "This is a proud moment for our family. I’ll leave you to it. Got to head to the base myself."

Archer watched as his father grabbed his coat and left the house, still basking in the moment he believed to be a turning point in his son's life. The door clicked shut, leaving Archer alone with the recruiter, Langley.

Langley stepped forward, his demeanor professional yet approachable. "Good morning, Archer. My name is Langley, and I represent a special task force. I'm here to discuss a unique opportunity, one that requires someone with your specific background and capabilities."

Archer's curiosity was piqued. [color=efcc00]"A special task force? What's this all about?"[/color]

Langley opened his briefcase and pulled out a dossier. "Your academic achievements, physical training, and the legacy of your parents make you an ideal candidate for Task Force Obsidian. But more importantly, your recent emergence of a Noble Arm has caught our attention."

Archer's eyes widened. [color=efcc00]"My Noble Arm? I didn't think anyone outside my family knew about that. Honestly, I don't even think it's anything special."[/color]

Langley raised an eyebrow. "Your Noble Arm has great potential, even if you don't see it yet. Task Force Obsidian has suffered significant losses and is in desperate need of new talent to rebuild and face the challenges ahead. We believe your Noble Arm could be a crucial asset in our operations. This isn't a typical recruitment. You'll be part of an elite team, working on critical missions that have far-reaching implications. It's a chance to contribute to something greater, to be a part of history."

Langley handed Archer a manila folder marked with a red [TOP SECRET] stamp. "Take this folder and discuss it with your parents. I know this is a big decision, and it's important that you have their support and understand the gravity of what we're asking."

[table][row][/row][row][cell][h3][colour=efcc00]In-flight to the Philippines[/colour][/h3][/cell][cell]
[h3][colour=efcc00][right]A few days later[/right][/colour][/h3]
[/cell][/row][/table]Archer stared out of the airplane window, watching the clouds drift by. The decision hadn't been easy, and even now, he was filled with uncertainty. His parents had talked him into considering this, their happiness and pride palpable as they encouraged him. They believed it was a great opportunity, and seeing how proud they were had ultimately swayed him. He still had doubts, unsure of how useful he could really be, but the thought of making a difference and stepping out of his comfort zone had convinced him to take the leap. He was on his way to the Philippines, ready to join Task Force Obsidian and face whatever challenges lay ahead.

[table][row][/row][row][cell][h3][colour=efcc00]La Trinidad de Manila Academy[/colour][/h3][/cell][cell]
[h3][colour=efcc00][right]Present Day[/right][/colour][/h3]
[/cell][/row][/table]Griffin was wide awake, staring at the ceiling of his dormitory room. The soft hum of the air conditioning unit and the faint glow of dawn seeping through the curtains were his only companions. He glanced at the clock on his nightstand – it was just past 5 AM, but his internal clock was still on London time, making it feel like 9 PM.

He hadn't been able to sleep all night, his mind racing with thoughts of the unknown. He slipped into his ACU trousers and a t-shirt, then reluctantly put on his jacket despite the humidity. He hated having his bracers on display and felt almost embarrassed by them. The jacket provided a sense of concealment, even if it made him uncomfortable in the heat.

Griffin quickly splashed some water on his face, hoping to shake off the last remnants of fatigue, and donned his hat to cover his messy hair. A knock echoed through the hallway, pulling Griffin from his thoughts. He opened the door to find Myron, their acting CO, standing there with his usual stern expression.

Griffin nodded and fell in line with the others. They moved through the quiet corridors of Trinidad Academy, the early morning light casting long shadows on the walls. As they neared the auditorium, he spotted Mikey jogging to catch up with the group.

Griffin glanced at her, his own uncertainty reflected in his eyes. [color=efcc00]"I have no idea,"[/color] he admitted. [color=efcc00]"I just got here a few days ago. I guess we'll find out soon enough."[/color] He shared a brief, understanding look before continuing on their way.