#
Gerard Lacroix, the Deputy Head of Investigation, was sitting in his usual place on the long sofa placed against a wall in the Commander's office, facing the opposite wall decorated with medals and recognitions issued by various government heads. The man who generally occupied this vast office was running late from some other meeting, so Gerard was having a bit of 'time off' going through his files on his Overwatch issued portable pad, sipping his second cup of coffee this morning.
On the other side of the sofa sat the Commander of Blackwatch, the covert operations group, the shadowy group of agents who got their hands dirty on behalf of the highly publicized frontend Overwatch. Commander Gabriel Reyes sat silently, also going over the same file Gerard had transferred. They had met many times and were in friendly cooperative relationship. Anything Gerard could not do legally, Gabriel and his men gladly took care of. In fact, Gerard admired the veteran of the Omnic Crisis. Gabriel Reyes and Jack Morrison. The legends who were now heading their respective Watches.
"To be honest, I have doubt about this Talon business." Gabriel broke the silence.
"Hmm?" Gerard gave him a side glance.
"Looks like we just don't have enough leads on them."
Gerard sighed.
"Yeah, you are right."
"Besides, " Gabriel leaned over. "We don't want to overfish our fish, do we?" He winked.
"Oh, come on." Gerard got the joke. "There always will be some bad guys to pew pew at."
The older man chuckled leaning back. "Just point your fingers, son, and I'll blow their heads off."
"As a last resort." Gerard added.
"Ah, you boys with your laws and procedures…" Gabriel threw his hands, mocking despair.
At this moment the door to the office opened and Commander Jack Morrison walked in, trailing his Deputy in command Ana Amari. Jack gestured to the two gentlemen to remain seated, grabbed a wheeled chair from a corner and sat in front of the sofa. Ana sat in between Gerard and Gabriel, making some hand signs to someone outside the open door to bring something to drink. Within a minute a coffee tray rolled in.
#
"Sorry about the delay, gentlemen. Can't be everywhere same time." Jack apologised and the two guests just nodded.
"So, Gerard, what did you want?" The Commander of Overwatch asked, getting straight to the business.
"Commander, I want to talk about the recent accident that killed my boss."
"Terrible loss, I must say." Ana chimed in.
"Indeed, Madam. The thing is...although it looks just like a normal accident on the surface...everyday tragedy, yes, but I have a hunch."
Jack raised one of his eyebrows. Gerard continued.
"I have a reason to believe that his vehicle had been tampered with."
Gabriel leaned forward in his position as Jack raised another of his eyebrows. His decision was quick.
"We have a high regard to your capability as an investigator, Gerard, and that's why you are already a Deputy Head at your age." He quickly glanced at Gabriel and Ana for approval. Not meeting any objections he continued.
"If you think you have a good enough reason, act upon it. You are the Acting Head of Investigation after all...speaking of which," He turned to Gabriel.
"Gabriel, the Council demands that I place you as the new Head of Investigation."
"What? Why?"
"Er..Technically Blackwatch does not exist. Only a select few members of the council knows you are running Blackwatch. So...as far as the Council in its collective form officially knows, I'm letting you rot without a significant role within the organisation."
Gabriel sighed. Gerard sat there blinking. 'What? I can kick off the investigation? Just like that?'
Jack continued.
"I'm going to reject the Council demand. I'm afraid Overwatch can't have you in a public position, Gabriel. Your hands are…"
"Too dirty?" Gabriel suggested.
"Sorry."
"Don't be. I'm OK with it, but I have a lot of dead boys and girls watching over my shoulder, Jack. You be sorry for them."
Jack sighed.
"I assure you that I will never forget the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the greater good of the world."
"Listen to yourself! Listen to yourself, Jack! You listen to yourself saying those words and tell that to the families!" Gabriel burst out, took deep breaths, then quickly calmed down.
"I'm sorry. It's just...you just sounded like a some bullshit politician. I'm sorry, Jack."
Gerard kept silent, but he was getting very uncomfortable.
"Jack, please remember that the families are not being properly cared for." Gabriel pleaded.
"We are aware of the situation, Gabriel, and we are doing our best to secure more budget in that regard." Ana decided to share the aggro with her boss. "But, at the moment Slipstream has the priority."
Gabriel stood up.
"Ah, the miracle flying machine, Slipstream,that bends the fabric of space and time at its will. A weapon platform to end all conflicts anywhere anytime as soon as they arise" There was a sarcasm in his tone. Without further words, he walked out the door.
#
"Well, he got his message delivered." Jack broke the gloomy silence. "Ana, please review what more we can do about the widows and the kids."
"Nothing short of bringing back the dead will be enough. You know that, Jack." Ana sighed, and continued.
"It's not like we can go and tell a kid that his mom died a heroic death while trying to sexually approach and assassinate an NGO leader and by the way here is your college money."
"Aw, fuck, Gabriel." Jack lamented burying his head in his hands.
#
Ana turned to Gerard.
"Son, it's good that you are here. I meant to ask you a small favor."
"Yes, Madam."
"We have a young lady who needs a place to stay for couple of months."
"Yes, Madam."
"Normally we'd put her in the standard accommodation protocol, but the lady in question is quite...she likes to keep things to herself and...how do I put it?" Ana mused for a bit. "Ah, yes. She just sits there and makes her own life dull and miserable and boring as hell."
"What can I do, Madam?" Gerard was puzzled. Ana gave him a warm smile instead
"You and your wife. I know your type of people. Take her in, be a family." Ana ordered, and Gerard could not refuse.
"May I ask who she is?" Gerard inquired. Jack answered instead.
"She's the pilot. She is to fly Slipstream."
#
Gerard thought Gabriel had gone, but the older man was waiting outside the door. They walked side by side down the corridor to the elevator.
"So, son. If you need something from me during your investigation just let me know." Gabriel offered.
"Thank you. I'm just…"
"Surprised you got a green light?"
"Well, yes." Gerard continued. "I mean he didn't even ask what my reasoning was."
Gabriel chuckled.
"Detail is your job. At his level his job is to decide when to trust your judgement, say yes or no, and take the full responsibility."
They stopped and waited for the elevator to arrive.
"Gerard, did you notice how he subtly blackmailed me not to challenge his grip on Overwatch?" The founding member of Overwatch asked.
"Pardon?" Gerard did not understand the question. Even though Gabriel was addressing Gerard he was rather muttering to himself.
"He's taking us to a wrong destination, son. We built this together, but he's now handing it over to idiots."
-to be continued-