76. That was how many times that Gabriel Reyes, Strike Commander of the Overwatch unit, had walked down this corridor. It was still as hard as the first time.
The first time, he was unsure of why the UN had called him to this lab. He ended up having to be removed by force.
Coming up near the nondescript door with two nobody guards standing by, he didn't bother saluting back as he walked by. His eyes quietly roamed around the room, taking in all the scientists that were scurrying around. Finally, they caught the form of one person in the midst of the motion just staring at the giant tube in the middle of the room.
The figure only nodded her head as Gabriel approached, turning her head back to the tube.
"I would have thought that you wouldn't appear."
Gabriel only huffed as he took his place next to her and observed the tube. It was only then that he exhaled, his shoulders slumping for the tiniest second. Gabrielle Adawe noticed.
"You know, we would have understood if you didn't. I believe you and him were more-"
Whatever was on Gabrielle's tongue was silenced as Gabriel held up a hand, the mask on his face slipping just a bit.
"He deserved better than this."
Gabrielle didn't flinch.
"They all deserved better than this. But, you know as well as I do, this war demands more of everyone."
Every time he entered this place, she would give that kind of response sooner or later. And every time, he resisted the urge to punch her in the face.
Then he had to remind himself that there was a part of him that agreed with that sentiment, and that galled him enough.
After a few more minutes of observing the activity, Gabriel was about ready to leave. It took some time of staring straight at what the scientists were cooking up to know for sure. They were cooking it up because someone had to be the brave hero and charge through bastion unit fire to get to another wounded comrade.
It took a moment for him to unclench his fist, another to force the feeling behind his eyes down.
Then he noticed that the energy around the room had changed. It became…frantic.
"Status report!"
"Subject: Soldier 76 is coming out of REM state. He's waking up ahead of schedule!"
Gabriel peered closer. It was slight, but he could see its eyes slightly open, one of its finger twitching. Turning around to see everyone practically panicking, he couldn't help but chuckle a bit.
Even dead, he was still a handful to someone.
Gabriel turned to walk away.
After all, someone had to tell the rest of the team that "Jack" would be returning to service.