January 9, 2026 — 04:45 AM
West Philippine Sea – Combat Patrol, 87 Nautical Miles West of Palawan
The ocean before dawn was vast, black, and heavy with mist. Beneath the rolling gray swells, sonar pings echoed through layers of saltwater like distant, muted thunder.
On the bridge of the OWS Bulwark, Thomas Estaris stood beside the captain's chair, arms crossed, eyes locked onto the large digital display hovering in front of him. The destroyer cruised at 22 knots, a low, steady hum vibrating through the deck under his boots.
Off to starboard, her sister ship—the OWS Sentinel—cut through the sea in parallel, separated by 1,500 meters of open water. Their twin wakes traced glowing lines under the moonlight. To the rear, the Support Barge Hephaestus maintained its slower pace, flanked by two Sea Phantom II patrol boats acting as close escorts.
The sea was calm. Too calm.
