"Poisoned? by who?" Magnus questioned.
"Who knows at this point…right now they're being examined. They were at a local hospital but we had them transferred back to Zurich with the MDs that diagnosed them," Aleks exhaled.
"Did you inform the Lieutenant or the Commander?" Linda asked.
"I sent a message to the Commander since he's running their Intel for this mission…but…" the blonde trailed off.
Silence blanketed the room as the news of their comrades being poison sank in. They knew that Malaysia had been somewhat peaceful with minor disturbances, nothing large enough to cause alarm.
"Do we even know if it was deliberate?" Magnus was the first to break the silence.
"We aren't sure. The MDs that accompanied them back are filling in Dr. Ziegler and her team as they try to figure out what the hell is going on,"
"All while Commander Reyes and the Lieutenant are out," Linda sighed.
"They should be finished soon…this recruitment ops should be no longer than just a night," Magnus commented and attempted to bring up the current mission dossier for the group. He received an
"Access Denied" message instead.
"Um?"
"All of the Commander's missions along with Lieutenant Dontsova's mission have been restricted by the Director," Aleks commented.
"When did this happen? Did we get a memo about this?" Magnus questioned as he leaned on to his desk.
Aleks hesitated, Magnus raised his eyebrows at the man's reaction. Aleks never hesitated on sharing pertinent information that they needed to be aware of but his hesitation proved that there were other factors at work.
"A few weeks ago,"
"How do you expect those who are assigned to those missions to access their dossier information? Don't you think that information is integral?" Magnus shot questions at him, he was focused on discovering the root of the issue.
"Those that are selected to provide support for the mission are granted access to that information," Aleks began.
"Can we access the Director's dossier?" Linda asked as she attempted to access Kallista's mission dossier only to find nothing.
"What?"
"As far as we know…everyone on that mission is technically not on a mission,"
"Aleks…is there something going on that we need to be aware of?" Each word that came from the man's mouth was hesitant, carefully selected. Aleks sighed and ran his hands through his thick blond hair, he scratched at the stubble that had grown due to lack of time and motivation.
"Aleks—"
"Look it's hard to say, but…probably. As right now there's nothing that we can do at the moment," Aleks finally spoke.
"That's the vaguest shit I've heard you say in a long time," Magnus scoffed.
"And this is why I didn't want to say anything," Aleks replied nonchalantly and noticed that Linda had become silent.
"You ok over there?"
"I'm fine," Linda replied as she looked at the man.
"We have to keep our mind focused on the current tasks at hand. Magnus, I'm handing over Kallos' information to you while I work out this mess with the Malay base and Konrad,"
"Right," Magnus huffed as he focused on his screen, Linda quietly followed suit and began to work on her current project with recon agents in the local area.
"Hopefully, I'll be back in 20 minutes," Aleks murmured as he looked at the two before he stood. He wanted to tell them what Kallista had told him before she left, but her suspicions were rightly placed. This was information that needed to be withheld until there was absolute proof had been found.
Aleks shook his head and exited the room.
"Now do you believe me, Magnus?"
[10 minutes has passed since the Frost agent has entered the room…]
Jesse glanced up from his cell phone as he heard Lyudmila's voice over their comm units.
[Look alive people. Be on guard just in case back up is needed. Kaines I have a new plan for you, siphon as much information as you can from the casino servers. The Frost agent should be fine for a few minutes longer. McCree, you're Kaines' backup until then]
"Oh wow, Reyes. I'm only good for backup huh?" Jesse scoffed.
[You're definitely not the brains on this mission]
"Ya know what—"Jesse began.
[Focus or kiss that Italian vacation goodbye]
"Sounds like a plan boss," Jesse was quick to change his tone at the mention of his vacation being threatened.
[Was there anything specific you wanted?]
[VIP clientele, funding, payouts, etc]
[Understood]
[Dontsova has already changed her position so your chance to get to the VIP floors is nil, McCree. I'm already working on a different way for you to get to the upper floors. Standby]
"Stand by he says," Jesse murmured to himself as he looked around the floor and towards the VIP stairs. Lyudmila had indeed kept her part of the plan- she made sure that the Frost agent got to the VIP suites, accessed her target location, all without issues. It was now the Frost agent's turn to complete her part of the mission.
Jesse sighed heavily as he tried to act normal, he made small talk with those willing, flirted with the hostesses on the floor, gambled his limited amount of credits away and gained some, indulged in too many drinks. Sure this was a good start to his upcoming vacation but it made him uneasy.
Could the agent be trusted?
Would she complete her part of the plan?
Would someone catch on to her?
Would someone catch on to them?
Albeit this wasn't his first undercover mission, he had learned and completed many covert missions under Blackwatch, some were less enjoyable than this however questions lingered at the back of his mind. He knew that he was a part of the finest team but knew that any mistake they made could cost them the mission, their lives.
Jesse sighed again as he looked at his cell phone when Kallos' voice abruptly pulled him from his cell phone and a plethora of messages from 'friends'
[McCree. Eyes on the director now]
"What?" Jesse said out loud as he looked around. He quickly regained his cool and spoke again.
"Is she ok?"
Jesse began to move through the crowd all while attempting to not draw attention to himself as he searched for the woman. Jesse didn't want to assume the worst about Kallista, she was kept off the field for various reasons so he assumed the worse, her cover was blown and she was recognized by someone.
[Change in plans, McCree you know how things work. We picked up the Frost agent's beacon]
"Yer kiddin' me,"
[Nope. Get a move on]
"Will she be ok though? You tell me that an' I'll get a move on," Jesse asked as he continued to look around the crowd for the woman.
[So worried about the Director…I'll be sure to let Reyes know you're still doing your duty]
Jesse heard the man snicker on the other side of his earpiece, Jesse rolled his eyes. "C'mon now,"
[She'll be fine I'm sure. You need to get to that VIP floor]
Jesse had made it almost on the other side of the casino when he casually stopped at one of the various bars that littered the casino floor when he spotted Kallista cornered by one of the more hidden casino terminals. Jesse clicked his tongue in annoyance at the man's persistence, it was Carmelo Mendoza, Blackwatch's recon target. For a moment, Jesse hesitated to follow through with his orders, he knew the man would be an issue when he fixated on Kallista the first time she had appeared. He didn't know he would be this persistent in pursuing her.
"Where is Reyes?" Jesse questioned as he continued to watch the interaction between the two.
[He's on a call with the Strike Commander and Petras]
"All of the times fer a phone call. You sure she's gonna be ok?" Jesse scoffed.
[You have a mission to complete. Worry about her later, she is a trained agent just like you are]
Jesse looked at his cell phone, he still played into his part in trying not to look suspicious. "I'm pretty sure I have more training than she do,"
[You can rub it in her face later, McCree. Get a move on]
"I'm getting', I'm getting"
Jesse made his way to the VIP suite stars and looked at the fairly large and bulky man that stoically looked down at him.
"Can I help you?"
"Well ya see there's a party my friend is hostin' and I—"Jesse began.
"If you're not there now that means you weren't invited," the man cut him short.
"I got caught up in my game. Ya know we can't just leave when the pickin' is getting' good," Jesse began as he sized up the man.
"Do you have a key card?" the man questioned him, Jesse hesitated for a moment.
[Left breast pocket, Kallista put it there earlier]
"Keycard ya say?" Jesse began to dig into his pockets in search of the keycard Kallista slipped into his breast pocket. He dipped into his overcoat and pulled out an ebony card. The large man-sized up Jesse before he stepped aside slightly and allowed him to the stairs.
"Go on up and try not to cause any trouble," the guard mumbled as Jesse walked past him.
"You got it, boss," Jesse smirked as he quickly ascended the stairs.
"I'm clear," Jesse whispered as he began down the hall of doors.
[Far right room, room 18]
"Got it," Jesse huffed as he quickly moved down the hallway in search of the room. He steeled himself for what would be behind the dark-colored door before he used the ebony keycard to enter the room. He didn't know what to expect behind the door, what if the woman was being held at gunpoint, already dead?
Jesse sighed heavily and carefully swiped the ebony card and gained entry to the suite, the man was nearly toppled over by the body that nearly collided with him.
"The fuck-?"
A larger bulkier woman attempted to restrain the Frost agent and could see that the woman struggled as she subdued another woman that attempted to choke her. Jesse moved quickly to take out the assailant and to help the agent. With a bit of a struggle, the two managed to subdue the larger woman.
"Well shit," Jesse sighed heavily.
"Who are you?" Moira panted as she slicked back her hair and adjust the large bunny ear accessory she wore.
"I'm help…you ok?" Jesse asked.
"You didn't answer my question," Moira narrowed her eyes at the man, ready to attack him if she needed.
"Woah sweetheart, no need to get all in arms, I'm just here to help…sent by Blackwatch," Jesse replied as he held up his hands to show that he meant no harm to her. Jesse noticed the woman eyes as they roamed over him in search of anything that would show deception.
"We good?" Jesse questioned.
"For now,"
"Well shit, what a tough crowd. I come in here to help out and yer judgin'me," Jesse scoffed.
"Now my dear…"
"You're very persistent you know," Kallista commented disinterestedly as she tried to hide her annoyance with the man. He had caught her as she was using the terminal behind her to enter into the casino's servers, she took a gamble by hacking into the system to upload one of Blackwatch's seeker and observer programs into the servers so that she could get in and get out without being caught, but now Carmelo Mendoza had been sought her out since she encountered him on the casino floor.
"I am very persistent when it comes to something I like," Carmelo replied, his voice low, hints of a playful danger laced every word.
"Oh? If I were to say that I'm not interested? What then?" Kallista posed the question to the man and took note of the slight twitch in his eyebrow.
"C'mon don't be like that at least give me a chance and don't give that look. Have we met before or do you have a twin?" Carmelo began, blatantly ignored Kallista's question and continued to push.
"I don't-"
"Camilla-"
Carmelo and Kallista turned towards the voice that had called out to her, annoyed Carmelo sized up the man before he spoke.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, actually. It seems to me that you are bothering one of my employees,"
Kallista sighed softly as she recognized the man in front of her, it was Ruben, another agent, who must have seen her interaction with the man and decided to step in. The man was not apart of the mission originally, for him to step in was an impromptu decision.
"This is my boss," Kallista spoke up.
"I'm talking to her at the moment, I'll be done in a few minutes," Carmelo replied.
"Sorry, sir. She is on the clock. You can talk to her after her shift. Camilla, come here," Ruben replied curtly as he held out his hand for the woman to take his hand. Kallista nodded as she tried to move away from the man only to have Carmelo block her with his arm.
"I said I would be done in a few minutes," the man pressed.
"Sir, please do not make me throw you out for harassment," Ruben began as he held contact with Kallista, Kallista rolled her eyes.
"It's bad for business throwing your customers out. I know the owner of this casino and if you want to keep your job I suggest you buzz off," Carmelo waved off the man and turned his attention back to Kallista.
Ruben quickly placed a hand on the man's shoulder and before he could utter a word, Carmelo threw a punch, Ruben stumbled a bit and quickly followed up with a punch of his own.
"Bloody Hell," Kallista sighed as she quickly moved out of the way of the fight
[Kaines…what the hell did you do?]
"I didn't do a damn thing," Kallista scoffed.
[Fix it before it gets worse.]
"I'm working on it," Kallista sighed exasperatedly, at this rate the mission could go south and fast.
[The timing of everything will be critical, there's no room for hesitation]
"I know, it's just a matter of time before the shit hits the fan," Gabriel exhaled smoke and snuffed out his cigarette on the alley wall.
[I know. You know my hands are tied unless I have proof to show Petras….and you know how anal he is about that. You'd be up shit creek in no time be sure to communicate with Verona]
"I'm sure she's gonna be happy to see me," Gabriel replied sarcastically.
[She's doing her job]
"Aren't we all? Anyway, you already know how I feel, I don't need to say anything," Gabriel huffed as he looked in the direction of the van. There was a pause on the other end of the phone, the man indeed understood why his division was becoming more and more restricted, scrutinized and was forced to 'ask' for permission and clearance.
There were signs that he and some of his team noticed that seemed to be on a crash course towards the other division, an explosion.
[You may be right...but we can't let this bring us down, we got shit to take care of]
"Yeah,"
[Also...thanks for doing this mission, I heard your team is getting something out of this as well]
"Naturally," Gabriel leaned against the alleyway wall, his mind mulled over the restrictions the Blackwatch division had been hit with.
[I'll see you when you get back...Also…Gabe]
"Yeah," Gabriel knew what was coming next, he wanted to know about her, about Natalie.
[…I want to know about Natalie when you get back and after the mission debrief]
"You're not even hiding it anymore…but sure I can give you an update on her," Gabriel sighed and ran a hand through his hair, it had gotten long almost too long.
[Why hide it when you already know. You're supposed to know everything, remember?]
"Oh look at you and your smart remarks," Gabriel scoffed.
[Thank you]
"Yeah," Gabriel answered back and ended the call. He shoved his cell phone into his trouser pocket and made his way back to the truck, as he opened the doors and was greeted by an ear ringing alarm.
"Kallos-" Gabriel started.
"I'm working on it, everything just decided to go bad all at once," Ellias replied, his eyes darted to and fro the various screens with security feed in the casino.
"Where is the Lieutenant?" Gabriel asked as he grabbed his dress coat and quickly put it on.
"Moving towards one of the sources of the disturbances," Ellias replied.
"I'm going in," Just as quickly as Gabriel entered the truck, he was out of the truck and briskly slipped pass the distracted security and into the crowd of people that were cautiously made their exit from the casino.
"Yer ankle ok?" Jesse asked as he helped the woman stand.
"It'll be fine. It was a stupid mistake," Moira chided herself as she went over to her unconscious target. As Moira took the woman's cell phone and attached a device to it, Jesse noticed a red emergency light that had begun to blink as if something had triggered it. He quickly looked around before he moved over to the viewing window and looked down at the casino floor.
"What the fuck?" Jesse hissed at the small commotion that seemed to escalate into something bigger as it moved around the casino floor.
"Kallos-"
[You have two minutes before the Italian authorities are on the scene and on your ass]
"Are you fuckin' kiddin' me?" Jesse hissed as he turned to Moira and looked her over. She was injured and based on her reaction she would hide her injury until much later.
[Jokes on missions are not my thing McCree]
"Fine. We got this," Jesse replied.
Moira pursed her lips together as she continued to siphon information from the woman's phone, and moved towards Pavetti's phone while the other continued to work. She had done this many times before and under more pressure than the Italian authorities.
This wasn't anything new.
But her sprained ankle from the sudden rush of being assaulted by one of the larger ladies and then the guard- Moira criticized herself for the mistake.
"Fuck," Moira cursed under her breath as her fingers began to hesitate.
"What's the status? Do we know what happened?" Jesse questioned and turned his attention back to the woman. Moira glanced at him then back to her mission, she had already made one mistake, she couldn't make anymore.
"I got it," Moira huffed as she took a step forward, pain shot through her ankle and caused the woman to stumble. Jesse moved quickly and caught the woman before she fell.
"Don't touch me," Moira hissed as she shoved the man away, Jesse held up his hands to show that he didn't mean to offend her.
"Hey. I'm jus' trying to help whether you like it or not peaches we're stuck together an' we gotta get a move on before we're caught," Jesse scoffed at the woman. Moira clicked her tongue in annoyance, she knew the man was right and everything would have gone smoothly if she didn't let her guard down for that split second, she would have been out of the suite and out of sight without his help.
[Tierra…this is Reyes from Blackwatch. What's your status?]
"I've completed my task, the commotion on the casino floor poses a problem of securing an escape route," Moira began as she shifted her weight.
[I've lost connection with my agents. There's something here jamming our signal but not yours. You know the layout of the place right? You have one minute before the place is surrounded. Use that time wisely]
Moira scoffed at the man's warning and began to limp towards the door with Jesse right behind her.
"I assume that was Reyes? I lost connection with him," Jesse began as he tried to help her, again Moira shoved the man away.
"Back off," Moira growled.
"Listen, Angel Face. I ain't tryin' to get caught again, not now, not ever. I got a real sweet vacation ridin' on this mission's success, so you let me help you on outta here and that's it," Jesse stated firmly. "You hurt an' that's gonna slow us down. So you tell me where to go an' we'll make it outta here,"
Moira knew the man was right but her oversight was heavy on her mind, it weighed down on her consciousness.
"Fine,"
As soon as the word left from her lips, Jesse had scooped the woman up into his arms and was already headed down the hallway opposite of the commotion. Moira shifted the white wrist cuff to reveal an ebony bracelet around her slender wrist, with a simple tap a blue holographic screen appeared.
"What's that?" Jesse questioned as he suddenly darted down a darkened hallway to avoid security guards that dashed around the corner and down the hall they were just in.
"A map, what does it look like?" Moira scoffed, Jesse rolled his eyes at the woman as he cautiously stepped back into the hallway.
"Well sweetheart, I hope yer better with directions than compliment, cos we need to get a move on—"
"There was a fourth party within the casino?" Magnus questioned.
"Yeah, that's what the director told me. She's trying to see if Kallos can pinpoint the source but his chances are almost nil at this point," Linda sighed.
Linda was contacted by Kallos as soon as Kallista and the others were in a safe distance and hidden from the authorities as the chaos escalated within the casino. Kallos wanted to confirm that Jesse and the Frost agent had escaped and stayed out of sight. Kallos and their Commander had lost communication with all of the Blackwatch agents on the field. She worked together with the man to establish a connection with the Frost agent's network, reestablished communication with Jesse and confirmed they were ok.
As for the fight that had broken out between the two men, it was contained by both Gabriel, Lyudmila and other security within the casino, but the events that occurred next stunned the crew and the agents at the casino. Other fights began to break out, it was almost as if a riot had begun for no clear reason. There was something in the casino that had triggered the reaction. Both women and men were affected, guards viciously attacked anything and everything in their immediate sight, Omnic servers, dealers, other guards, etc.
It was Chaos.
Mass Chaos.
Neither the small Intel crew of the mission team had seen something unwarranted spread so quickly and viciously. Once Kallos had contacted the Intel crew, Kallista followed up with the crew and alerted them to something big on the horizon. For once she didn't have an idea of what could happen, they were in the dark.
"You think it could have been some type of neurological agent that caused the reaction?"
"Who knows but that looks to be the likely answer. There were no other indicators that point to something different," Aleks replied as he clicked through the images of those that were arrested.
"None of these people have criminal backgrounds…"
"This is a whole other investigation that doesn't include us. We have all of these recon reports coming in…and we're down two people," Magnus began. He knew that the crew needed to focus on their current work and parse the information and relay it to the appropriate agent all while dealing with the current missions of other Blackwatch agents.
New outbreaks of riots against humans an omnics alike…
Talon had made an appearance again under the guise of two new companies that focused on biomedical and biogenetics.
The Cheshire cat had made its appearance in the United States, again.
Something within the casino was the catalyst and now everything in the world moved at an accelerated pace, almost too fast they couldn't keep up.
"When is the Director returning?" Linda questioned.
"Approximately three hours from now. Is there something you need?" Aleks asked as she clicked over from the photos and back to the world map with current missions.
"Just curious…we…I want to know what I need to do," Linda replied.
"Have more faith in your judgment, Truffles. You know what to do," Magnus chuckled.
A few days had passed since the recruitment mission in Italy, the paperwork for the transfer for Moira Cruz to join Overwatch had been approved and she was slated to start within the coming weeks. She was to work mostly with Overwatch missions and part-time with Blackwatch due to Gabriel's connection with her former employer.
Gabriel had already returned from his short mission to Poland and was slated to leave in the next few days. It was just to be another observation mission on a Polish nationalist group that was steadily becoming a voice that the Polish government couldn't ignore, neither could Overwatch.
The man was seated at his desk, focused on the mission dossier, an unlit cigarette hung from his lips as he leaned back in his chair.
Knock…knock…
"It's open," He continued to focus on the dossier as the person walked into his office and stopped at his desk. There was a hesitant silence in the room as Gabriel looked up at the man that stood silently in front of his desk and then to the datapad he had placed on his desk.
A datapad with the digital letters that read 'Letter of Official Resignation', he took off his glasses and picked up the datapad.
"I suppose you finally figured out what you wanted to do," Gabriel commented. Mikael placed his glasses on the top of his head and rubbed his eyes before he managed to nod his head in agreement. Gabriel was thankful that the man didn't hide this from him, he had come to him several times in search of guidance, for answers on what he should do.
He always told him the same thing- that he should do what he thought was best for him and his future.
Gabriel looked over the document, it stated the formalities, the reasoning for the resignation, the date of the last day and finally the spot where Gabriel needed to sign.
"Two days, huh," Gabriel commented.
"Yeah...I didn't know what-" Mikael started, Gabriel held his hand to silence the man.
"You don't have to explain yourself. You're doing what you think is right for you and your future," Gabriel replied and gave his signature of acknowledgment, submitted his signature and handed the man back the datapad.
"T-Thank you...it's a bit difficult to completely wrap my head around this," Mikael sighed. Gabriel nodded as he watched the man nervously fidget underneath his gaze, the silence was heavy, both of the men could feel it.
"Do we need to have a going-away party for you?" Gabriel asked and cleared his throat, hoping to diminish the silence in the room.
"Maybe," Mikael replied cheekily.
Gabriel looked at the man surprised, he knew that the man had told a select few that he thought about resigning and hadn't decided on his answer yet, to have a party to announce that would be—
"I'm kidding, don't give me that look," Mikael said and nonchalantly cracked his neck.
"You know I want this to be as painless as possible...if I see everyone it'll make it harder to leave," Mikael replied. Gabriel nodded in agreement and stood from his chair.
"No party and my lips are sealed,"
"Thank you...Gabe. I appreciate it," Mikael sighed heavily. Gabriel took a good look at the man, he looked tired, had bags and dark circles underneath and around his eyes, he looked a bit pale.
Over the years Gabriel watched the man grow and flourish in Blackwatch under the role the man had given him. They both knew the role wasn't perfect but Mikael took on his role with pride and assisted with missions and gear as much as he was able to. The role of Defense Specialist with the background of an archeologist, but it worked out in the end.
It was bittersweet to watch the man leave.
"You're one to talk," Mikael also chuckled. Gabriel smirked as he walked over to the man and extended his hand for him to take. He could see the hesitation in Mikael's face before he took his hand and gave it a firm shake.
"Thank you for your service, Mikael. You were an important member on the team, you will be sorely missed," Gabriel began when suddenly Mikael pulled him into a hug.
"Alright, Alright you big softy," Gabriel chuckled.
"Just let me hug you damn it," Mikael hugged the man tighter, Gabriel laughed again as he patted the man on the back and returned the hug.
"Alright, Genji this test will show us how you will fair in battle and to see if we need to make any adjustments to your tendons and sensors. Please inform us if you experience any pain and we will stop the test,"
Seraphina looked down at the two men from the safety of the viewing glass several feet above the chamber. Her brows knitted together in frustration as she looked at the cyborg-like man that stood in front of what looked to be a Blackwatch agent. She was told that the man would not be included in war or bloodshed, she was told that she would be the first to help rebuild a man and give him back the life that was taken from him.
Not this.
"Dr, Ziegler…," the pink-haired woman began.
"I know Dr. Hasibuan…this isn't the best path for him…but…" Angela trailed off.
"As Doctors, we are supposed to—"
"I am well aware as to what doctors are meant to do, and I know that you are more than well aware," The blonde said as she turned to face the woman, Seraphina could see the apprehension on the woman's face. She knew. She knew that what they were doing to this man was wrong.
"Then you already know what I am going to say. You already know my disapproval with this," Seraphina stated firmly.
"I am sure that you are well aware of his condition…just imagine if we were to leave or remove ourselves from this project…he could be subjected to something much worse than this," Angela continued.
"He already lost his past life, why would Overwatch put him back on the field? For him to possibly lose his life again?" Seraphina questioned.
"I…I don't have all the answers…and I will admit that I have attempted to remain numb to this…but…" Angela trailed off.
"Is everyone and everything just an expendable soldier to Overwatch?" Seraphina began as the anger that she had kept compartmentalized as she worked on Genji's recovery began to unravel.
She wasn't one for allowing her emotions to interfere with her work but the amount of time she had spent with the man and watched him recover from the incident that had left him in the condition he had arrived in, and now to see the man—
"Dr. Ziegler—"Seraphina began.
"I know! I know…I don't need to be accused of anything…" Angela trailed off.
"But take a moment and think Dr. Hasibuan…knowing what you know about Genji, you've been by his side since he began his recovery and his surgeries…take a moment to imagine if you did decide to leave and about the next person to care for him…."
Seraphina crossed her arms and sighed as she listened to the woman, she already knew what the woman was going to say and had gone over it a million times in her head as she cared for the man.
Angela, several other doctors, and Seraphina were tasked to assist that man known as Genji Shimada back to full health by through all of the cutting edge technology that Overwatch possessed. In a way, the man was the reason she had been sought out by Overwatch. They wanted the best of the best to be on this team, she didn't know the story behind the man or why Overwatch wanted to, in a way, resurrect the man. His injuries were severe, both Angela, Seraphina and the team of doctors nearly worked around the clock to keep the man stable, to keep the man alive.
Seraphina had spent nearly all of her time with the man and when she wasn't she attempted to sleep, to assist with the injuries of the agents that came in from missions.
She knew what the woman was going to say.
Angela turned to look at the woman, her brows furrowed, her lips pursed together, Seraphina sighed heavily.
"I get it…I don't like it but I get it," the woman replied.
"I had an inkling that you may have already understood where I was going to go. I've thought about this several times…It…would be best that we stayed with him…until he's fully healed," Angela sighed as she turned back to the viewing glass.
"Let's just get this over it,"
At that moment, the doors slid open and Strike Commander Morrison followed by Ana Amari and Winston entered the room.
"Strike Commander, Captain Amari, Winston! I didn't know that we were having visitors," Angela commented.
"Me either," Winston replied nervously as he moved over to the large viewing glass.
"I wanted to see the progress on this project and if there have been any improvements," Morrison said as he walked over to Angela and Seraphina.
"I was just curious," Ana commented with a small smile.
"You are more than welcome to view," Angela smiled.
"Now that…Genji…" Seraphina began
"It that what he asked you to call him?" Morrison questioned.
"Yes. Now that Genji has complete function he has improved 75 percent and shows signs of steady improvement. His cognitive function is normal, blood pressure, normal, he has been outfitted with what you see currently to fit the needs of Commander Reyes, Overwatch, and his own personal needs," Seraphina explained as she looked at the man's medical charts on the screen next to her.
"I see. Has he been in battle yet? Not simulated," Morrison asked as he too moved over to the window.
"Not quite yet. We put him through simulators first as Winston and Agent Spiros and the Blackwatch mechanics team worked on his weapon," Winston replied.
"So then this is the first training session with his weapon," Ana commented.
"Yes. For obvious reasons," Morrison added as he glanced at Ana.
"Just thought I would ask,"
"We've put Genji through therapy sessions, both physical and mental just to cover all of our bases even if there were no discrepancies…" Angela trailed off as she turned towards the window and to the two men on the ground below.
"Start the training session,"
Angela nodded to the man, then glance to Seraphina next to her, Seraphina looked away from the woman. Angela sighed quietly as she leaned forward to the microphone.
"Agent Van Gogh...Genji...please begin combat,"
Kallista sighed softly as she felt the soft scratch of the man's beard against her arm, lips on her shoulder and then to her ear. A strong arm wrapped itself around her waist that anchored her to the man, the heat gently roused her from her sleep.
"Gabriel," Kallista murmured as she melted into the man's warmth, the man whispered a rumble of a 'hey' against the shell of her ear before he placed another kiss on her shoulder.
"Good Morning to you too. You're wide awake and clingy, Gabriel," Kallista murmured.
"It's the afternoon and you slept through training and your morning meeting," He placed a soft kiss to the shell of her ear.
"Oh shit…" Kallista sighed heavily.
"How are you feeling?" He questioned as he placed another kiss on to her shoulder/
"I've been…exhausted…a little weak but the medication that Angela gave me is helping…I think," Kallista sighed.
"Let me know if I can do anything for you..." Gabriel trailed off.
"You know I can help myself," Kallista chuckled softly as she reached back to caress the man's cheek. She slowly opened her eyes to a dimly lit room, her blackout curtains partially raised to allow some sunlight into the room.
"I know, but I'm also your CO and I also don't want you to collapse from exhaustion," He placed another soft kiss on her shoulder before he spoke again.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah…" Kallista sighed heavily as she ran her hand down her face.
"So…tell me…" Gabriel began.
"Hm?"
"How long did it take you and your friends to create the Cheshire cat?"
The shiver that ran down Kallista's spine chilled he blood despite the warmth the man gave and the heat shared between them. The kiss that he placed on her shoulder sent another shiver through her body.
"What?" Kallista whispered.
"You heard me…tell me everything about it and no more hiding Kallista,"
