Doctor Angela Ziegler was having a quiet night. Sipping tea from a mug painted by her young niece, flipping through various files, that sort of thing.
Was.
"Angela, come in." Her radio crackled, Jack's strong voice catching her attention. Setting mug and papers down, she swept up the radio from her desk.
"I am here, is everything alright?"
Today was their day off, Jack and Ana had gone out to show Mccree the sights in Hanamura. Something about her Commander's tone told the doctor that raman and arcades wasn't all their night had involved.
Accompanied with more static, Ana's accented voice came over the radio.
"We found a young man. He's extremely injured." Her clipped words conveyed more than she could have said. Not much shook the seasoned veteran, but this…this must be different.
Angela was already on her feet, lab coat flapping behind her as she strode through the pristine halls. Other Overwatch members hurried out of her way. When Doctor Ziegler is on the move she is saving lives, and no one wants to interfere. A nurse fell in behind her, jogging every few strides to keep up.
"I'm prepping a surgery and ICU room now. What can you tell me of his injuries?"
"It...seems as if third degree burns are covering his left side, arm, and most of his face. He also is covered in several long, deep gashes. Dozens of smaller lacerations. Several deep puncture wounds. It appears as if he fell from a great height and landed on his feet, his ankles are both shattered...I can see bone. I wouldn't put broken ribs past him either."
Angela felt herself pale slightly. If not already, the man must now be on the brink of death with blood loss. A few words dispatched her nurse tail to gather as much O negative blood as possible. Operating room assistance scurried back and forth-the doctor's orders had preceded her, her equipment was laid out ready.
Thanking them with silent nods, the young woman turned to face the door her patient would likely come through.
"How close are you?" she asked tersely, consciously slowing her breathing and focusing herself on saving this life.
Her question was answered as the double doors down the hall burst open. Jack and Ana were heading the group, with the patient between them. A pale, quiet Jesse followed, and behind him was a small group of staff members gawking at the patient. Both men were shirtless, and Ana had lost her scarf and light jacket. Angela thought she recognized the fabrics, torn and bloodied, at different places on her patient's body. Torquients were placed over both legs and the right arm, but crimson blood still ran in little rivulets onto the hospital wing's floor, leaving a dark trail.
Experienced doctor though she was, Angela's stomach turned. How could she possibly save this man?
Jack's steady eyes met hers as he and Ana maneuvered the man onto the operating table.
"You can do this, Angela."
Swallowing hard, she nodded. A deep breath steadied her, despite every sense being flooded with the slick, coppery smell of blood.
"Go get washed and dressed. There is no more you can do now," she ordered. Ana rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder and left the room with the others. As the operating doors closed, leaving a morbidly curious crowd outside, Angela turned to her patient.
Burned and destroyed muscles contracted before her eyes, stripped of skin, as he tried to open his eyes. She flew to his side, a soft hand barely touching his head.
"Do not worry," she said softly, smiling slightly, "I'll be watching over you."
Seemingly overwhelmed by pain, the man's eyelids fell shut again. Angela motioned to her assistants, and they began.
14 Hours Later…
Stumbling slightly as she pushed the door to the dressing room open, Angela pulled off her hair covering and mask, both covered in rusty stains. Next to go was her operating gown, the third one of the night, changed after the other two had been soaked through. Shoe covers were next, and lastly she stripped off her gloves. One inside the other, to ensure cleanliness, she dropped them into the bin after the rest of her gear.
Swaying, Angela saw the room begin to spin around her, and would have collapsed if a pair of strong arms hadn't kept her from slamming into the ground.
"Easy there, angel. I've got you."
Sweeping her up, he strode through the halls, ignoring looks from the staff. In his arms, Angela allowed her eyes to close, head resting against Jack's chest. Distantly she noted that he smelled like gunpowder and lavender. It was a strange combination, she thought, but not bad.
The crowds around them grew thinner, and with a swipe of his keycard Jack unlocked Angela's room, stepping in and letting the door swing closed behind him. As he gently laid her on her bunk she stirred, looking up at him with bleary blue eyes.
"Where-"
"I brought you to your room," Jack said softly, sweeping a lock of hair behind her ear. "You've done well, Angela, but now you need to sleep."
She paused as if considering this, then her eyelids seemed to close of her own accord.
"Just...just a few hours. Then I need to check on my patient…."
"Alright doc," he smiled, standing and heading out of her room. "Sleep well."
She already was.
