The Shadow Teams, led by Ryan, were preparing for their eventual deployment. It would be a small team, consisting of five special forces since they were only going in for reconnaissance. They were equipped with standard gear, each carrying an M4 Carbine configured for close-quarters work.
Ryan moved down the line, checking each man one by one.
"Optics?" he asked.
"EOTech, magnifier attached."
"Suppressor?"
"Mounted."
"IR laser?"
"Active."
Ryan gave a short nod and moved to the next.
Plate carriers were secured tight across their chests, loaded with magazines, medical kits, and essentials. Radios were clipped and tested. Night vision devices were mounted on their helmets, flipped up for now but ready to deploy the moment they stepped into darker ground.
"Comms check," Ryan said.
"Loud and clear."
"Green."
"All good."
He stopped at the last man and gave a final look.
"No unnecessary weight," Ryan said. "We're not staying long. In and out."
"Copy."
