Kallista sat a bit agitated at the realization of what she allowed herself to fall into, she had sat on the issue too long in hopes that the mole within the Overwatch Foundation would reveal themselves quickly but that didn't happen. It didn't help that her thoughts were a jumbled mess paired with the revelation that someone had stolen the God Brigade's code and morphed it into what the world knows as the Cheshire Cat.

A code that was once a joke was now a serious threat to AI and Omnic security.

After the conversation she has with some of the members from the God Brigade, Diana and Gabriella had sent more data about the Cheshire cat and possible leads to where it was stolen, where it was recreated and modified. But one of the statements that played over and over in Kallista's thoughts was Gwen's statement about the Cheshire cat's current algorithms compared to the original.

If this is truly a sentient virus...there is a possibility that this virus has already attached itself to a host, a body

It had grown and adapted to something completely different than the original, it even surpassed its original modifications and only continued to grow. With the constant change of its processes and firewalls, it would be difficult to work with but she was confident enough that she would be able to find a weak point.

However, the most important and more pressing detail was the fact that it could already have a host and time was against her.

With an exaggerated sigh, Kallista leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. Gabriel had already discovered that she had been withholding information from him about the Cheshire cat, but she was lucky enough that no one in the R&D department spoke a word about her hacking into Sterling Black's network without the proper clearances.

But now, the Cheshire cat had evolved into something she knew that she wouldn't be able to handle solo and would need the help of the others to quell the now rogue A.I. Despite how serious the situation was the women in the encrypted group call, the women laughed at the prospect of them helping her and how much she had changed.

She worked for the people that they and the others sought to expose years ago.

There were a few other details that Kallista purposely omitted from the conversation, the unknown experiment that had left her with chronic pain that left her unable to function, the bouts of blindness, muscle soreness and more.

Nor did she tell them that the man they once targeted for their planned "Justice Crusade" was now her commander and lover.

"Athena,"

Yes, Director Kaines

"Has Agent Malik Ramos returned?"

Negative

"Thank you," Kallista straightened herself in her chair as focused back on the uncompleted mission dossier she had begun nearly two years ago only this time she had more information to begin to formulate a plan. Three possible leads that took her to the United States, to California to be exact.

She already had a list of those she could call on, of course within her means of being Blackwatch's Intel Director.


"You want her to join?" Lyudmila asked, her expression was stoic but she was in fact shocked at the suggestion from the red-haired woman.

"Oh c'mon Lyuda," Danica began to jokingly plead with the taller woman. Lyudmila sighed softly and crossed her arms.

"Have you even spoken to her about this?"

"Naturally. You don't really believe I would suggest someone join without asking, do you?" Danica asked with feigned surprise.

"You are seriously asking me that Bradley?" Lyudmila countered.

"...Good point but I'm serious this time. I know we're lacking a bit especially with Konrad being out, you the lack of resources, a possible investigation-" Danica began and immediately stopped when she noticed the woman's sharp stare on her.

"An investigation? Who told you that?" Lyudmila questioned, at that point, Danica knew her casual demeanor needed to be dropped and quickly

"I heard it as Reira and I were finishing up my therapy a few weeks ago in the courtyard," Danica began.

"Reira was able to get some information from Dr. Mikami but not a lot though,"

"I'm surprised Jin would say anything," the taller woman commented as she kept her cool.

"You know the saying, be wary of the silent ones. He looked to have secrets underneath his lab coat," Danica commented.

"And the loud ones?" Lyuda questioned with an arched eyebrow.

"They're idiots, they run headfirst into things," Danica replied and crossed her arms.

"I believe otherwise, the loud ones may be idiots but they know the most and use the fact that people believe they are idiots to hide what they know," Lyudmila replied.

"You think so?" Danica commented.

"I've seen it too many times to count..." Lyudmila trailed off and heaved a sigh. "I'll mention your suggestion to Reyes on one condition though," Danica's eyebrows perked up as she waited for the woman to continue.

"We need to have a talk. You, myself and Reyes. We need to talk about what's going to happen once you're medically cleared," Lyudmila began.

"W-what do you mean?" Danica asked hesitantly.

"You sound unsure. We just want to talk about your future in the Blackwatch and what's best for you," Lyudmila replied. She could see the hesitation that had set in Danica's features, even so, the woman nodded in agreement to the terms that she had set.

"Y-yeah sure," Danica nodded with a hesitant smile.

"I'll talk to Reyes about Asuka but don't expect too much," Lyudmila said as she turned to leave.

"S-Sure," Danica smiled as she watched woman leave.

Buried in the depths of her mind, there was always the lingering feeling of fear that had steadily grew as she recovered. She had been off the field for nearly three months and the pace of her recovery only fueled the fear within her. She barely cleared her therapy sessions and nearly failed the checks to clear her for training. Just the mention of future talks and her place within Blackwatch frightened her, it made her sick to her stomach just the thought of being...released...released from Blackwatch, the only thing she had left.

She had been told many times that she would recover with time and with the advanced medicine she would recover quickly and yet she still pushed herself. She pushed herself because she needed to be on the field, she needed to be active for Blackwatch, she pushed herself because this was everything to her.

Danica watched silently as the taller woman walked away and once the woman was out of earshot, the woman momentarily lost her composure. She slumped slightly against the wall as her shoulders trembled, her heart drummed in her ears as she tried to calm herself down before she began to panic.

She couldn't let them release her, she would have nothing left.


Lost in their own thoughts, lost in the revelation of what had happened to their loved one they were oblivious to the woman that called out to them.

"Hayden? You ok?"

They flinched at the sudden hand that was placed on their shoulder, they quickly turned to focus on the smaller woman that stood next to them. With a shaky sigh they nervously they ran a hand through their hair, they watched as Tali sat across from them at the table they had managed to take.

"Tal, how's it going?" Hayden smiled, Talli crossed her arms as she looked suspiciously at them.

"I should be saying that to you," She replied, Hayden chuckled nervously.

"I have no clue what you mean? How is Daniel?" They questioned in an attempt to try to change the subject.

"If you try to change the subject again I will make a scene," she threatened boldly as her honey brown eyes scanned cafe. "And there's a lot of people here, your choice Hayden,"

"What? Tal, you drive a hard bargain. Why would you do that?" Hayden sighed as they looked down at the immovable and unwavering woman.

"Well?" She said expectantly.

They knew that the woman wouldn't give up until she got what she wanted and she was right there were a lot of people in the cafe. They had decided to dress in their civilian clothing and hang out in the Overwatch Foundation cafe, away from their comrades and other agents, just around civilians. With a sigh, they began to speak quietly.

"I'm just hearing a lot of chatter about something that happened a while back and to put it bluntly I am not happy about it," Hayden began, Talli intertwined her fingers together as she listened to Hayden speak.

"There's just a lot of changes and I guess I'm just having a hard time adjusting,"

"I see what you mean...others have seen the change and strain on Overwatch and especially in Blackwatch," the woman said as she leaned back in her chair and began to pick at her cuticles.

Over the past month, the Overwatch Foundation had been targeted by smear campaigns, departments that thrived in Overwatch had been consolidated into other departments or completely gutted. Those changes alone added to the stress of the already taxed departments and it occasionally left gaps for the departments to manage. To add to the stress, the recruitment for Overwatch field officers have been on the decline whereas the terrorist like groups and organizations were on the rise.

Bulgasari

Null Sector

The Cheshire cat

The Honorable Society of the Sons of the Nation

Talon

and more

Blackwatch already had an idea of what was going to transpire around the world, overwhelm Overwatch. Systematically overwhelm the organization, expose its weaknesses and break it down piece by piece. No one had an inkling of what would happen if Overwatch fell.

"But, we can only follow orders and do so much. You're just going to stress yourself out for no reason," Talli began.

"Tal, It's our job to be five steps ahead of Overwatch and ten steps ahead of the enemies," Hayden began.

"That may be true but you stressing about what hasn't even happened yet. It takes your focus away from the present, the now which is important," the woman sighed.

"You're right...and I'm sure there are a few people that need to hear that too," Hayden chuckled.

"No kidding!" Talli grinned.

"But you know...all we can do is keep our heads high...at least that's what Gabe would have said," Hayden sighed.

"Our fearless leader, Blackwatch has got it rough," Talli added.

"Tal...you're a Blackwatch agent too," Hayden chuckled.

"I don't feel like it! Reyes and Lyuda never include me on missions," Talli huffed. "I only get to go in extreme circumstances,"

Hayden chuckled at the pouting woman, they had accidentally heard a few conversations about the woman's instance or 'mildly' annoying persistence to be put on the field. But what the woman didn't know was that Reyes was protective of her and wanted to keep her far from the field as he could. Despite the woman's traumatic childhood, she persisted on joining Overwatch, more so Blackwatch. She was placed in Overwatch's Engineering department but worked closely with Blackwatch and their separate projects as needed.

"You know that Reyes put you where he knows that you would excel, and I know that Lyuda agrees. You're a smart woman, your education and experiences with engineering, science and in the biomedical field damn near is on par with Torbjorn and some of the top nurses and doctors within the med division," Hayden explained.

"Thanks but save it, I've heard that excuse from Angela and a few other more than I can count," Talli huffed. "I know the real reason as to why I am where I am I don't need it to be sugar-coated,"

"Ouch Tal. I was only telling the truth and besides you might replace Mikky-" Hayden said and almost immediately regret washed over them as the woman immediately focused on him.

"Mikky? What' happened to Mikael? What happened?" Talli questioned as she sat up in her chair. Almost immediately, Hayden kicked themselves at the mention of the man's name and tried to quickly change the subject.

"H-have you thought about what Daniel would think if you were suddenly put on the field? I'm sure he wouldn't want his soon to be wife on the field in danger,".

"He has his first escort mission coming up. Me being on the field is no different. What happened to Mikael?" Talli questioned. Hayden sighed and ran a hand through their blond hair and ran a hand down their face, he knew the woman wasn't going to stop questioning them until she had the answer she searched for.

"Well?" Talli looked up at them expectantly as she crossed her arms.

"C'mon Tal don't put me in a bind like this," Hayden sighed.

"You did this to yourself. Now it's time to deliver. Talk,"


"Well...this is it Spiros," Gabriel began.

"Although we didn't work with each other often it is still hard to see you go," Morrison began.

"Thanks...it's a bit strange to hear that coming from you but I understand where you're coming from," Mikael replied. "Formalities and such,"

"Not only that, but the work that you've done for both Overwatch and Blackwatch is priceless," Morrison continued.

"So much praise…" Mikael chuckled with a smirk.

"Did it change your mind?" Morrison quipped.

"Well…" Mikael began

"Stop trying to butter him up. He handed in his resignation, and no take-backs. He's out," Gabriel scoffed jokingly.

He joked but his words were true, he wouldn't let the man back in once he had the resignation letter. Of course, Morrison would be able to override his decision but he would try to stop the man in any way. Their job was dangerous on and off the field, Mikael had decided to escape the delicate and dangerous cycle of protecting the lives of the innocent with their own lives.

He was free of the vicious cycle.

"Oh gee...thanks Gabe," Mikael scoffed.

"You knew what you were getting into. You knew this was coming," Gabriel replied.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Mikael sighed as he waved off the man's reminder.

"Talk about tough love," Morrison commented

"This is normal. I'm sure you know that he means what he says,"

"True, so very true. But you can call me Jack," Morrison said as he held out his hand to shake.

Mikael glanced at the man's hand momentarily, stole a quick glance at Gabriel before he took the man's hand in a firm handshake. The two men glanced at each other gave each other a firm handshake.

"It'll take a bit to get used to it...like a year or longer," Mikael commented. Mikael had an ear to ear grin on his face as he looked to Gabriel, in turn, Gabriel gave him a knowing silent glare.

"That's fine," Morrison nodded. "I wish you all the luck, Mikael,"

"Thanks," Mikael nodded.

"Good luck out there Spiros, you know how to get in contact with me," Gabriel nodded and held out his hand to shake.

"Yeah, thank you for that. I really appreciate it," Mikael replied as he took the man's hand and gave it a firm shake. Without warning, Gabriel was pulled into a hug-

"Gaaabe- tha mou leípseis" Mikael whined in his mother tongue "Make sure you call me for the weddings,"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get off of me," Gabriel sighed as he gave the man a quick pat on the back.

"Wedding?" Morrison gave Gabriel a questioning look, Gabriel shrugged as the man still held on to him.

"Pnigese se mia koutalia nero!" Mikael sighed as he released the man from the tight grip of his hug.

"Don't let that look fool you, he knows what I'm talking about," Mikael said as he released the man from the tight grip of a bear hug.

"Sure, I'll call you for Tal's wedding," Gabriel shrugged.

"And yours " Mikael cheekily added.

"Get out of my sight Mikael," Gabriel growled.


"Thank you for all of the work you and your team have done for me. It really cuts down on the leg work," Kallista began. "All of the reports seem to pinpoint to the west coast. I hope you don't mind my short intrusion for a bit, Melody," Kallista's hands seemed to glide over her holographic keyboard as she spoke.

[No. No. No. You're fine. There's no such thing as intruding! You're my boss. Tell me what you need and I'll be sure to have it waiting for you]

"I don't need much, just the agents that's been working on what I gave you a couple of weeks back, and access to the portal," Kallista replied as she pulled multiple holographic screens from her main monitor, the screen had images of agents within the woman's, Melody's, jurisdiction.

[Understood]

"As it seems right now...the data that you've given me points to Seattle, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego. I'm not too surprised seeing how they are the biggest technology hubs on the west coast but it could also be a fruitless chase," Kallista commented.

[It could be, but Director Kaines two of my agents confirmed strong leads in Seattle and in Los Angeles. It's a legit company...lemme see what kind-one sec..uh]

Kallista arched an eyebrow as she waited for the woman to continue, papers were shuffled, data pads clacked against each other and a short cry came from the woman on the line. With a soft sigh, Kallista leaned back in her chair as she waited for the woman to continue.

[Hold on I got this...it's a pharmaceutical company to be exact]

"A pharmaceutical company huh…" Kallista trailed off.

The agents the woman referred to were agents that had recently left from annual training and assessments at HQ and back to her assigned station in California, Thea Warg, also known as Artemis. She was an agent for the recon division for Blackwatch that was stationed in the United States. The second agent was Maxime Lavoie, known as the Huntress, another recon agent based in Washington and near Canada. These two women were the two agents that gathered and confirmed the vague data Kallista had sent a week before.

Upon being given the role of Director of the Intelligence Division that also gave her the responsibility for the entirety of the vast network of agents Reyes had stationed around the world. There were some agents who she would know only by name and voice and never meet, and there would be those that she would see regularly.

[When are you expected to arrive in Seattle?]

"You'll know when I get there," Kallista replied and took off her glasses.

[Is there something wrong knowing when you're arriving? Is there something I should be aware of Director?]

Kallista hesitated to answer the woman's question, she had a sneaking suspicion that someone had breached various mission dossiers of high ranking agents and with the recent missions, losses and casualties Kallista began to think that whoever were viewing these details were from the recon division.

"No. Nothing is wrong. Just formalities…" Kallista sighed. There was a pause on the other side, she knew the woman wanted to press but decided against it.

[Right...ok then. Will you need transportation?]

"Yes," Kallista began as she slid her glasses back on and began to type. "I've sent you the request. Commander Reyes has already approved it and-"

[You still call him Commander Reyes?]

"Pardon?" Kallista questioned.

[...How is Commander Reyes? Is he doing well?]

"He is well…" Kallista replied suspiciously.

[That's good. I also received your request. I'll make sure it's there for you]

"Thank you, Melody,"

[Not a problem Director, also I'm a little excited to meet you in person]

"I am nothing special. I am just a simple woman in charge of many moving pieces, that is all," Kallista replied.

[You sound so modest and posh at the same time...I know who you used to be and who you are]

"You saying that makes me believe that you've been doing some unnecessary research," Kallista began.

[Not entirely...just the standard lookup. Besides...the legendary Fata Morgana working for Blackwatch? How could I not?]

"That was six years ago...leave it where it is," Kallista commented.

[I suppose you're right...sorry about that. Do you need anything else, Director?]

"No. If I do I'll be in touch,"

[Sounds good. Have a good day]

"You as well," Kallista ended the call and leaned back in her chair.

Six years had passed since she was captured by Blackwatch since she was called Fata Morgana, since she even had the idea to search for her parents. In the back of her mind, she knew what the woman was going to say Once a hacker always a hacker.

Kallista knew the woman was right, but she was more disciplined, other things to focus on. She had given up the search for her parents and the group known as the God Brigade had moved on with their lives - an abrupt gasp shot from Kallista as she gently touched the back of her head.

"Fuck..another episode…" Kallista cringed as she carefully began to rub her temples in hopes to soothe the oncoming pain.


"McCree why are you in my office? Don't you have somewhere to be?" Gabriel asked as he looked at the man from his computer monitor. Jesse had lounged in the man's office for the past three hours on his phone and idle chatter. It was rare for the man to be in his office for more than ten minutes before he hauled ass off somewhere else to avoid anything work-related, but now the man casually lounged and kept himself occupied.

"It seems like you dun want me in here jefe," Jesse replied as he continued to scroll through his phone. "You expectin' someone?"

Even though he couldn't fully see the man's face, he could feel that man smirking from behind his cellphone.

"And who might I be expecting?" Gabriel questioned.

"I dunno...you tell me I asked first," Jesse replied as he finally took a glance at Gabriel, the look was enough to tell him to drop whatever joke he led up to.

"Aw c'mon, don't give me that look everyone needs a break here an' there," Jesse countered.

"You had a three-day vacation two weeks ago," Gabriel replied

"Ok...but this is-" Jesse began.

"Get out of my office Mccree," Gabriel sighed.

"But ya didn't-" Jesse began again.

"I said out,"

"But-!" Jesse tried

"Out!" Gabriel growled

Mccree exaggerated his sigh as he stood and shoved his phone into his pocket. With an annoyed look, Jesse glanced at the man, turned heel and exited the office all while muttering words under his breath.

Gabriel shook his head as he watched the man leave. He noticed that the man had been nearby since he returned from his vacation in Italy, at first Gabriel didn't think anything of it but Jesse continuously spent more and more time around him.

It was rare.

Abruptly the door to his office burst open and nearly had the man with a gun aimed at the person who stood in front of his desk.

"Jesus fucking Christ, Malik," Gabriel sighed in relief and removed his hand from the gun underneath his desk.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Malik started and stared intensely at the man.

"What do you mean?" Gabriel questioned, he took note of their intense stare, heavy breaths.

"What didn't you tell me he was leaving?! Why didn't you tell me?!" Malik shouted and suddenly hunched over on the man's desk, gloved hands balled into a fist.

Gabriel looked stoically at Malik hunched over on his desk, it seemed as if they had just returned from a mission, their exoskeleton was on as well as his field gear. It took Gabriel a moment to realize what they were referred to and another moment to realize he knew that this was coming. Ever since they had rescued Malik many years ago, Malik had attached themselves to Mikael like a security blanket and distanced themselves from the man known as Jin Mikami.

He just never knew how attached they were to Mikael and how much it would affect them.

"Malik-" Gabriel began firmly

"No! You knew! You knew and you didn't tell me, Reyes!" Malik shouted in response, it caught Gabriel off guard.

"You thought you were protecting me?!"

"No...I didn't," Gabriel replied calmly, he knew they were dangerous when unstable.

When they first and Malik at an abandoned Talon facility they unexpectedly experienced Malik's true ability. Whatever Talon had done to him and possibly many others, it gave them abilities that he had never seen before.

Mind-altering abilities.

"Then why?!" Malik shouted

"I was asked not to say anything by Mikael," Gabriel replied as he watched the man's golden eyes slide close, his body still trembled.

"So, I need you to calm down before you hurt yourself or others,"

"I...don't...really care," Malik murmured.

"Malik," Gabriel began as he watched the Malik collapse back into the chair in front of his desk. There was a moment of silence between the two, Gabriel kept his attention on them, their eyes were squeezed shut.

"Did...did I do something wrong?" Malik began. "Did I do something wrong that he didn't want to tell me that he was leaving?

"No. You didn't do anything wrong," Gabriel replied.

"Then...why didn't he tell me? Why didn't he wait for me?" Malik questioned as they looked to Gabriel for answers. "Why didn't he tell me?" Tears threatened to spill from the corner of Malik's eyes.


-The Next Day –

"I'm not sure what else you can say to help them. The choice was ultimately Mikael's," Lyudmila sighed tiredly.

"There isn't anything I can do. I'm not some god that can bring people back against their will," Gabriel replied. "They have to accept what's going on and learn how to move on from it,"

"Exactly, have you told Kallista about it and what to expect?" the graying woman said as she stirred her dark-colored drink.

"I haven't, I actually haven't seen her all day," Gabriel commented as he realized he in fact that he hadn't seen her since yesterday.

"Oh? That's not like you, Reyes," Lyudmila replied tiredly.

"I'll get to her. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of seeing how Kallista will be out of the office for a while,"

"Sending your trump card out on to the field?" Lyudmila chuckled.

"She has a mess to clean up of her own making," Gabriel replied

"Let me guess…the Cheshire Cat," Gabriel nodded silently.

The entire situation with the Cheshire Cat seemed to worsen as time progressed and the world had become more and more strained the longer the Cheshire Cat existed. With the information that he had drawn from Kallista, her and her old partners knew how to handle it quickly and effectively.

They had other things to worry about.

"Reyes…" Lyudmila began, the man arched an eyebrow as he looked at the woman. "Supposedly...there's a pending investigation into Blackwatch,"

"...I know...I heard," Gabriel sighed.

"Any information you would like to share?"

"Not really. Verona contacted me yesterday and wasn't able to give any more details about it but you know we'll hear about it first," Gabriel replied and lounged back in his chair. Lyudmila grimaced and sipped her drink as she too leaned back in her chair.

"Is it the leak?"

"Not sure. Kallista is also looking into that but…" Gabriel trailed off "We have to be prepared for whatever happens,"

"You sure do ask a lot of your team Reyes," Lyudmila commented before she sipped more of her drink.

"Only because I know that my team can handle it," Reyes replied.

"You assume so-" The woman began when suddenly the man heaved and started to cough. "Reyes-"

"I-Im-fine," Reyes coughed as he turned away from the woman. Lyudmila pushed a box of tissues towards the man as she watched to see if she needed to act.

"I'm good...I'm good," Gabriel sighed and looked at his hand, there was blood void of its normal crimson color but black.

He quickly clenched his hand and grabbed a tissue with the other, and hoped that the woman didn't catch a glimpse of it. A short pause quickly settled between the two before Lyudmila spoke.

"Bradley approached me with proposition…" Lyudmila began.

"Yeah? About what?" Gabriel cleared his throat and silently thanked the woman for not questioning him right then and there.

"She suggested that Asuka joins the Blackwatch support division,"

"Asuka? The nurse that's in charge of her recovery?" Gabriel questioned.

"That's the one," the woman replied,

"Of course she would," Gabriel scoffed and chuckled slightly. "I hope she gave legitimate reasons instead of half-assed ones,"

"Asuka is field support agent currently in the Overwatch division, you know that we need all the support agents and assistance we can find since our numbers were cut," Lyudmila began.

"You're right but I am not going to put anyone on the field. She is still new to Overwatch and I'm not about to put an inexperienced agent on the field," Gabriel countered the woman's argument.

"I understand but…" Lyudmila trailed off, She didn't have to say it, he could see it in her worn and tired features, she was worried.

They had suffered some losses, cuts to their funding and agents and now this unknown impending investigation that would be launched against Blackwatch.

"I know you're worried...but we've been with less...this is nothing," Gabriel replied

"That's not entirely what I'm worried about Reyes,"

"Then?"

The woman's hazel eyes slowly roamed over the man before they slid closed and a sigh passed her lips.

"I'm worried about morale, I worried about the agents, I'm worried about you," Lyudmila replied, he sighed quietly and shifted in his seat.

"Lyuda...we will be fine...I will be fine...everyone here is built to handle whatever is thrown at them," Gabriel began softly as he looked at the woman.

What he said was true about everyone in Blackwatch, but she had every right to be worried and even though he wouldn't admit it to her or anyone, he had his own worries about Blackwatch and those who plotted against Overwatch.

"You say that even though I know better," Lyudmila sighed and whispered something in Russian.

"We've been through worse, besides, Jack nor Verona will not leave us to hang," Gabriel added.

"Hopefully," the woman sighed tiredly.


"Fuck...I'm exhausted," Magnus sighed heavily and reclined in his seat.

"I'm surprised. You're usually the one who sleeps like a log," Linda commented.

"I had...a bit of a self-realization yesterday that kept me up," the dark-haired man replied.

"Self-realization? You?" Aleks questioned.

"You make it seem like it was something I couldn't do," Magnus shot back.

"Just...surprised is all," Aleks replied softly.

Linda glanced at the dark-haired man before he and Aleks began to bicker between one another. With a sigh she ran a hand through her long blonde hair and grimaced at the split ends she saw before she turned her attention to the empty chair adjacent to her desk.

"Do you know when Malik is coming back?" Linda spoke up.

"He should have returned yesterday, but I'm sure he's recovering or at least attempting to," Aleks replied

"Oh…" Linda replied softly.

"Worried about him?" Magnus questioned

"A little bit. I wanted to know how he was doing...you know we haven't seen him in weeks," Linda commented.

"Oh...I know it's not really our business-" Aleks began

"It's important to morale," Linda cut in.

"Since when is morale important to you?" Magnus questioned as he sat up in his chair.

Silence fell between the three, they knew the office was small and a close-knit group. But the sudden change in Linda's tune about Malik was strange.

"Hey y'all-,"

The three in the room turned their attention to the men that had entered the room.

"McCree? What are you doing here?" Aleks spoke up in an attempt to break the sudden tension that filled the room.

"We interuptin' something here?" Jesse questioned as he looked at the three quietly. Magnus sighed as he sat up in his chair, Linda slicked her blond hair back silently and turned her attention to the monitors.

"Well ok then," Jesse looked at the three and then to the man next to him.

"Kallos what's up?" Magnus questioned his eyes focused on the box in the man's hand.

"What do you mean?" the man asked as he entered the room and placed the box on to the other empty desk.

"I didn't know you were coming today...the director didn't mention it to us," Aleks said and took out his cell phone to check for any missed messages.

"Speaking of the director, where is she?" the man asked.

"Ah...Kalli is in the med bay," Jesse spoke up as he leaned on the door frame.

"Is she ok?" Linda spoke up her attention suddenly focused on the man at the door. Jesse looked at the woman curiously before he spoke.

"Yeah...just a standard checkup…" Jesse trailed off. "She told me to tell yall not to worry about Malik or her an' deal with the Epsilon files...whatever those are," Jesse began when a hand was placed on the man's shoulder

"Hm? Van Gogh? You still here-?"

"The Lieutenant wants to see you," Ruben said as he nodded to the others in the office.

"Yo Van Gogh," Magnus gave the man a quick wave. Ruben nodded again and promptly left.

"Thanks," McCree called after the man. " Well...Lyuda's callin' and it look like yall already know each other. So catch y'all later,"

Jesse nodded to the group and stepped out of the doorway to allow the door to slide close.

"Epsilon files huh...I guess this is a bit of a training session…"Aleks began

"Better now than later?" Kallos added.

"Yeah, I suppose so? Go ahead and get yourself settled, we could all use a refresher on these files," Aleks sighed as he sat down at his desk and focused onto his monitors

"So how did you get roped into Blackwatch?" Magnus questioned.

"You make it seem like Blackwatch isn't the place to be," the man chuckled and place a piece of his loose dark hair behind his ear.

"Well.." Magnus trailed off. "We've been dubbed the 'Shit Starters' by Reyes so…"

"I wonder how we got that name," Aleks commented sarcastically.

"Blame Malik and Natalie," Magnus replied nonchalantly.

"And you," Linda added.

"Whatever do you mean...Linda," Magnus replied sarcastically.

"Elias...ignore those two," Aleks sighed, Elias chuckled.

"I didn't get roped in, Director Kaines and I have worked with each other on other missions, I am familiar with the way she works," Elias started. "Besides Blackwatch is an integral piece to Overwatch even though not everyone understands that,"

"Aww thanks for the compliment Kallos," Magnus smirked.

"It's true though, I'm not being facetious. Blackwatch does more for Overwatch than you or the others may know," Elias replied.

"Rub it in why don't you Elias," Magnus said sarcastically. Elias shrugged with a smirk


"Director Kaines are you sure you should travel abroad in your condition?" Angela questioned the woman as she put her shirt back on.

"I don't have a choice, Angela. I can't put this off any longer. Besides, it's a direct order from Commander Reyes," Kallista replied as she adjusted her black turtleneck.

"Even so. If you explain to Commander Reyes about your condition, you know he would agree with me," Angela replied.

"And that's why I won't say anything. Neither can you," Kallista replied as she turned to the young blonde doctor. The woman pursed her lips together as sh looked at the dark-haired woman. She was right, she couldn't say anything to Reyes no matter how much she wanted to.

Doctor-Patient confidentiality.

"Kallista, please at least consider at least telling him," Angela pleaded with the woman.

"It's nothing serious, I've been dealing with this for six years I think I'll be ok," Kallista replied

"That's is not what I am referring to," Angela replied firmly.

"I'll tell him when I get back, besides the medications you gave me are supposed to help right? I'll manage," Kallista replied.

The blonde sighed heavily and crossed her arms.

"You two are so stubborn. Fine. You are to report any symptoms or abnormalities as soon as you begin to experience them. I mean it Kallista," Angela stated firmly.

"Ok, mum," Kallista replied with a smug smile.

"Kallista, I am serious, I am worried about your health and you've been avoiding your check-ups," Angela began to scold the woman. "And I am worried about your condition worsening while you're abroad,"

"You're worrying too much. If you keep this up and you will have gray hair just like Morrison," Kallista huffed.

"Don't give me that haughty attitude of yours Kallista," Angela crossed her arms as she looked at the woman.

"Sorry, I know you're worried about my well being, but I will be quite alright," Kallista sighed "I promise, I'll be fine,"

"I will make sure that there is emergency medication for your specified locations," Angela began as she turned her attention to the small data pad in her pocket.

"You sure-"

"It's only standard medication...well...the dose isn't standard but I think you understand," Angela began.

"I do...and thank you,"

A pause had settled between the two women before Kallista began towards the door but stopped as she heard the woman speak softly.

"I...I wish that I could help cure you all faster…"

Kallista stood with her back to the woman, hand just above the panel to open the door, she knew that the woman wanted to help the three of them with their symptoms but a cure was far from her grasp. Since the incident five years ago, the woman increased the time she spent on research, consultations, experimentations, anything she could find, anything that could give them some type of relief from the pain that seized their bodies.

"I-" Angela began.

"That should be the least of your worries Angela," Kallista replied.

"It's something I think about constantly. What if something happens to Jack or Gabriel on the field? What if something happens to you-"

"Dr. Ziegler," Kallista began as she turned to face her, Angela flinched at Kallista's sudden movement and focused on her.

"We're soldiers, agents, we do what we are ordered...even myself. You can't shield us from whatever happens on the field. You should know this," Kallista continued.

"I understand but if anyone I want to help...is you. What happened to you was wrong and shouldn't have happened," Angela began "If I-"

"Stop. I told you I will be fine. You have other more important tasks to work on so please don't worry about me, " Without another word, Kallista promptly exited from the woman's office.


Rough Translations:

tha mou leípseis - I will miss you

Pnigese se mia koutalia nero! - You'll drown yourself with a teaspoon of water/ Stop being so dramatic