Mercy

She awoke to a sharp pain in her neck. Squirming through the discomfort, Angela rubbed the tender area, pushing herself up in bed and blinking rapidly to get her eyes adjusting more hastily than they wished to. The spasm continued and, as if encouraged by the present stabbing, her heart fluctuated alarmingly until the nanomachines seemed to level themselves, calming the irritation progressively.

'Ever more…' Angela uttered darkly.

The doctor checked her phone, leaning back upon the pillows and reviewing two dozen messages, half flagged with "urgent". By the time she finished with approximately six of the e-mails, a jolt shook her soul, and she looked around frantically, remembering where she was quite suddenly.

Oasis. A hotel. The convention and presentations would start today. She needed to get ready.

Then, a more elating recollection. Angela glanced to Fareeha's bed, the sheets somewhat pulled neatly over the mattress, but no woman present whatsoever. Angela went back to the home screen of her phone and checked the messages from her usually rather vacant social folder. There rested a little note from Fareeha.

"Going for a jog. I'll be back by nine. Good morning."

Angela's eyes flickered, and she covered her face with her hands, the heat resonating from her cheeks soothing, at least.

'That somewhat lacks tact, Ms. Amari. I…want to see you.' Angela admitted openly. There was a hole in her chest, and she understood now why it was there. She missed Fareeha, as silly as it sounded. She made love for the first time in her life, and it was, quite fortunately, with someone she was certainly in love with.

In love.

It was such a curious notion; one Angela had begun to suspect she would never fully understand beyond familial adoration. And yet, she and Fareeha had talked so late into the night after the extreme act of intimacy which, even now, stirred Angela's desires with the mere thought. More than that, however, was the absolute trust she felt with Fareeha. Laying on her arm, feeling the woman's hand gripping her bare shoulder, and revelling in the way she gently combed Angela's hair with her strong fingers was comparable, somehow, to the actual act of love prior. Further still, the more Angela simply interacted with Fareeha on the most basic of levels, the more her feelings grew, and it was almost frightening how rapidly she adored the younger woman.

Angela stared at the floor for a moment, recalling how Fareeha's hands had explored every inch of her body. She had no intention of allowing the girl to do any such thing, but the arousal of the situation gave her little to counter with, and before she knew it, she was viewing the way Fareeha's navigation of her form provided more pleasure than she could have imagined. She had a strong touch, but was so gentle when it came to the most sensitive part. Such consideration could only lead to satisfaction, and what Angela eventually felt left her dumb, drunk with lust within the present reflection.

The doctor shivered, diverting her attention back to her phone and responding to the last cries for help. She still derived joy knowing she was helping others, but this selfish side of her drew concern. She was distracted with the newness of these emotions, and had difficulty focusing completely on anything else. What of her current projects? What of her research? What of the great doctor's ambitions to help the world where it wouldn't help itself? It was much more difficult to consider giving everything she had to such grand ideas when she knew a tug on her heart came from the mere concept of spending time with Ana Amari's daughter.

She had to tell her.

Ana deserved to know. In fact, she would prefer that all of her close comrades knew…for a number of reasons. It's not as though Angela was completely embarrassed, but she supposed she wasn't exactly free from any shame either. Growing up, Angela never felt attraction to another woman. Indeed, it wasn't a path she gave any form of consideration to. She knew of the social deviance, for even with the legalities of marriage squared away for most of the world it was still – somehow, someway – viewed as a choice in the minority, thus making loving one's own sex, at the end of the day, odd. Yet, Fareeha was the sole exception. It would appear that sex didn't matter when it came to love, in Angela's case. She fell for Fareeha as a human first and foremost. The fact she was a female was just that. All in all, Fareeha did have a semblance of masculinity about her, so, perhaps that's what made her completely irresistible.

What perhaps gave Angela pause even more was the age difference, she concluded. Fareeha was so young, it seemed, when Angela first met her. She recalled the little girl, perhaps no older than thirteen or so, in a pretty little dress with pretty sparkling eyes. Ana was so proud. The way the woman showed Fareeha off to any who would give her the time of day was adorable. Logistically, the five-year difference shouldn't mean a thing whatsoever, but something in Angela wiggled in discomfort, as though she were taking advantage of a young woman before she could make clear, uninfluenced decisions. Obviously, this wasn't true in the slightest, but humans had a bizarre way of viewing scenarios, at times. Answering to Ana, with all this in mind, was just a touch intimidating.

Nonetheless, Angela would do it. She wanted to show how proud she herself was of Fareeha Amari, and the first step could be taken today, if she had the courage she claimed she housed.

A beep slipped through the door, and the much thought of, dark-skinned woman stealthily snuck in, but then found Angela's eyes, and grinned charmingly, a wave of heat instantly coursing through Angela's veins.

'Good morning.' Fareeha said almost in a whisper, her hair up in a rare ponytail, only a sports bra and shorts covering her toned, attractive body.

'G-good morning.' Angela stuttered, shocked by how flustered she was in Fareeha's presence suddenly. The other girl was damp with sweat, her deep blue sports bra darkened by her perspiration. Her stomach – one of Angela's favourite features, admittedly – invited the soft lighting within the room to illuminate the muscles within, lines and subtle shapes enough to curl Angela's toes under the covers.

'You look beautiful.' Fareeha said so easily and slyly it caught Angela off guard. She shivered, bringing her phone to her face to hide the inevitable reddening.

'I honestly doubt that, but thank-you.' She paused, feeling as though it was always Fareeha paying such compliments, and wishing to return the favours as easily. 'I missed you.' Angela admitted, hoping it was enough. The sparkle that flickered through the tall woman's eyes seemed to suggest it was.

'Sorry. I…needed the workout. After last night…I was anxious. My chest hurt, and I didn't know what to do with myself. I sometimes wonder if I'm allowed to be so happy. It doesn't seem fair considering what parts of the world are going through; what might still happen considering the swelling crisis. I try to think that this love I feel for you can only make me fight harder, as it did in China. When I look at our relationship from that perspective, it helps.'

'The fact you have such thoughts convinces me that I have chosen quite correctly, Ms. Amari.' Angela smiled, patting a spot next to her on the bed.

'…I'm sweaty.'

'A perpetual source of hesitation, it would appear. I care not. I missed you, Fareeha; didn't I make that clear? Please sit next to me for a spell.'

Fareeha did as she was told, a sweet scent emanating from her body.

'Heheh. You do smell rather fresh.' Angela giggled, and Fareeha stood up again abruptly.

'Teasing me already? I'm going to shower.'

'A fine idea.' Angela pushed off the bed. 'I suggest we participate in a method of conservation and do so simultaneously. It would effectively save water and time, wouldn't you say?'

'Er…well, yes.'

'Then it's decided. You don't mind, do you?'

'…I don't.'

And it was quite obvious the Egyptian woman was doing anything but lying, for she was quick to strip Angela naked and escort her into the lovely accommodations, turning the water to the perfect temperature and lathering the doctor with a pleasant, pomegranate-flavoured bodywash. Their curves and mounds brushed one another constantly, and there was a certain excitement involved with seeing Fareeha drenched, her dark hair straight and sticking to her closely.

Angela turned, lifting her hands around Fareeha's neck and looking up at her, staring into her brown eyes. Water splashed between them, and Angela shuffled in a little closer, their breasts pressing into one another's. No words were spoken, but their gazes never wavered, and then they were kissing deeply, as if continuing their intimacy from the night before.

'Your grip is so strong.' Angela commented eventually, Fareeha's hand moving from her lower backside to her hips suddenly. 'Oh, I didn't say to stop. Surprisingly, I rather like the way your somewhat large hand squeezes my ass.'

'Hahah! It's so odd to hear you use words like that.'

'Heheh! Quite liberating, I must say. It's been so long since I could relax like this in the presence of another.' Fareeha's hand returned, massaging Angela anew. 'Mmm…That feels really good.'

'Almost as good as saving the environment by not wasting water.' Fareeha laughed, pressing her forehead against Angela's. She couldn't help giggling as well.

'So true! We are quite the activists! Completely unselfish!'

'Oh, I couldn't agree more. I definitely do not revel in the fact I have been blessed with this moment of closeness with you.'

'Suffocating, really.' Angela embraced Fareeha tightly, resting her head on her collar, the water washing over her cheeks, blending a variety of moisture. 'Thank-you…'

'For what?'

A beat.

'For being here; with me.'

'Naked in a shower?'

She opened her mouth to say more, to perhaps express the morbid fear entering the formulas hidden deep in her mind. But Angela couldn't. It didn't seem right. She wasn't even certain. So, she simply gripped Fareeha, caressing her gorgeous skin.

'Heh. Naked in a shower.'

Breakfast was had, and then preparation for the convention began. Angela insisted on changing in the washroom, while Fareeha did so in the main area of their hotel room. Naturally, it wasn't out of shyness that Angela got ready in a separate room; it was out of pleasure, for she wanted to see how Fareeha looked at her once she had changed. She put much more effort into her outfit than ever before, although ultimately went with something a little simple.

A white, rather tight dress that tied around her neck and had quite the high slit on her left side was her choice for the festivities. The headband she had purchased as well, almost completely as an aside, was a pleasant addition. It was also white, but had a beautiful soft pink and white floral arrangement. Angela did her hair up in a little fancier of a ponytail, and finally put in a small pair of pearl earrings. She evaluated herself in the mirror, nodded with approval, and stepped out, wondering if Fareeha would be in a suit or something of that nature, knowing the other woman.

However, once Angela was back in the main room and spotted Fareeha, she nearly forgot to breathe. The woman cleaned up like nobody Angela knew. How could someone be so masculine and intimidating in one breath turn into one of the most attractive, "feminine" women Angela had ever seen? Fareeha brushed some hair from her eyes and angled her head pleasingly, waving a little to Angela, showing a slight amount of nerves as she did so.

Fareeha was wearing a stylish dark aqua dress that cut very deep down the middle into a thick, black leather belt around her waist. Then, the remainder of the piece had pronounced, golden buttons squaring the rest until about her knees. The partially accented shoulders and gold choker only added to the visage. Angela couldn't look away from the amount of cleavage Fareeha was comfortable showing; it did not seem like her at all. The cut of the top met just below her shapely breasts. Overall, however, Fareeha was absolutely stunning. The colour choice was perfect for her skin tone, and the way she did her makeup made her brilliant, sultry eyes pop even more.

'Do I look strange?' Fareeha asked after a little too much silence passed between the two women.

'N-no…Not at all. I…Well, I'll admit I didn't expect you to dress as such.'

'Tracer helped me pick it out. I think she knows I like you. It was difficult to hide my intent. She's also very persistent.'

'She is that.' Angela shook her head. 'But, my God, I didn't anticipate this. You could be a model. Did you know that?'

'I am too muscular, I think.'

'Hardly.' Angela sighed, still shaking her head. 'Unbelievable. A small wonder the men wouldn't leave you alone.'

'I could say the same to you, Dr. Ziegler. I thought an angel had stepped out of the washroom for a split second. How am I expected to perform my duty as a bodyguard when I'll be constantly distracted by the spitting image of perfection?'

She meant it. It was clear she meant every word. Perhaps that's why Angela couldn't stop blushing.

'You're a professional. I have my faith.'

'I am glad.' Fareeha lingered, and then she approached Angela, almost somewhat predatorily. She touched her bare shoulders, and her warm hands calmed Angela, the tension in her muscles soothed. 'If you are…approached, how would you prefer I act?'

Angela smirked slyly, touching Fareeha's angular jaw and kissing her lips tenderly.

'Allow me to handle such an occurrence, won't you?'

A taxi was called, and it took Angela and Fareeha approximately half an hour to arrive at the convention, its scope even larger than the last event Dr. Ziegler had been invited to. The omnic driver tipped his hat, and both women thanked him generously, shuffling out of the nice vehicle and standing before the enormous celebration of science and technological advancement. The first big presentation started in about an hour, so, Fareeha and Angela were cutting it a little close as it was, but they entered the slow-moving line to the main area, the outer perimeter filled with some aspiring innovators putting on free shows of their discovery with hope of catching someone's eye that had influence. Angela took note of a few experiments that appeared particularly promising, and wished she had time to investigate further.

The convention itself was incapsulated by an enormous tent, hard-light technology implemented to erect buildings and showrooms as necessary. Brilliant minds spanning between humans and omnics filled the area, and navigating the masses was already proving to be a challenge.

Angela and Fareeha presented their identification to the final checkpoint, the facilitators giving them approving nods, and then they were in the thick of it, pamphlets dictating which panels were occurring when and the main presentations outlined exceptionally clearly, the expectation that any scientist worth their salt would be witnessing the discoveries warranting such a gathering.

'How many of these…er…panels do you usually attend?' Fareeha asked, the two women finding a small area to make some form of plan.

'Not many, truthfully. Some of the biological ones can be intriguing, but – '

'Dr. Ziegler! Is that really you, Dr. Ziegler?'

A man called out, and he was hastily joined by a multitude of others.

'Are you kidding? Of course, it's her! Looking younger every day!'

'What incredible discoveries will you be displaying for us during this convention?'

'The last thesis you presented on the theory of transferring information from a dying brain to an artificially created, nearly perfected one was fascinating!'

'No, no! I was much more invested in the theory of nanotechnology and the ability to duplicate cells in the attempt to prevent aging.'

'Clearly that is no longer a theory, is it?'

'Hahahah!'

'Hohohoh!'

'I see.' Fareeha acknowledged, perhaps putting the pieces together.

'Thank-you, my friends. I am just a guest this time. I am curious to observe what my colleagues have managed to discover, however.' Angela politely dismissed herself.

'Oh? Taking an extended vacation, are we? Perhaps it is for the best. Gives the young ones a chance to shine.'

'Resting on one's laurels can be a graceful way of alleviating the pressure of one's own impeccable success.'

Angela shrugged nonchalantly, noting the double-edged compliments, but so used to such cawing that it mattered little to her. She was always slightly isolated growing up because of how differently she saw the world, and that only carried over to these social gatherings as well. She was talked at; very rarely to. She was seen as an ends to a mean. As someone great things could be derived from. Overwatch made her feel differently, because it was comprised of geniuses from a multitude of fields. Perhaps that's what ultimately made her dedicate her talent to the organization to begin with. That, and she could…

'She was here, in the forgotten parts of this country until recently, working in a decrepit hospital giving care to individuals leaders, who truly sometimes "rest on their laurels", have deemed unworthy of energy or resources.' Fareeha cut in, obvious anger in her voice.

The fellow scientists and enthusiasts flinched back, and some of them even appeared embarrassed.

'Is that true?' One of the older men asked.

'It is. I had no intent of advertising as much, mind you. Thus, although I've dabbled further in my nanomachine experimentation, my focus has been helping those in need; primarily in locations few doctors are willing to work with. The Omnic Crisis left many places in shambles, and I refuse to dismiss such locations as unworthy of my time.'

Another pause, but this time, a small applause began, and Angela's face burned, waving her hands to try and calm the act of appreciation.

'Stop it, really…'

Excusing themselves from the miniature crowd eventually, Fareeha and Angela lingered around the showroom, more scientists with sectioned-off zones giving lectures and displaying what discoveries they had made. Fareeha retrieved some water for both herself and Angela, cracking open the doctor's before handing it to her. It was such a little act, but somehow it filled Angela with more emotion than any word of admiration from her fellow scientists. She consciously stood close to Fareeha, wanting to feel the woman's body against her back, the amount of people present making their closeness not worthy of questioning.

'So, you are one of the leading minds in such a field?' Fareeha asked.

'Only as far as human health and biology might reach. Those were where my studies focussed, and I simply happened to excel at advancing the medical practise to the point that I am somewhat recognized.'

'I've seen your name mentioned numerous times on television, and heard it on the radio back in the army. You've helped millions because of your discoveries.'

'I can only hope.' Angela answered honestly. 'The gifted should always use their abilities for the betterment of mankind. I am able to live comfortably because of my contributions, and any excess monetary gain I have is automatically distributed amongst a number of charities once my account reaches a certain pre-authorized limit. I have no need for multiple houses or the latest mode of transportation. Such frivolity has never meant anything to me. Seeing a saved patient smile in a way only one who thought they were destined to die within days can is worth every discovery and advancement I make. Reaching out when nobody else will; that is what it means to be a doctor and hero of what I believe Overwatch can be.'

Angela coughed, drinking more of her water and turning to the side.

'Excuse me. That almost sounds arrogant, doesn't it?'

Fareeha's hand found Angela's shoulder, and the doctor touched the warm grip, closing her eyes a moment.

'Your ability to impress me has no limit, it would seem.'

'That wasn't my intent…' Angela replied honestly.

'I know. But you rarely speak of such personal things. I feel lucky.'

'Well, perhaps you should…' Angela tried to jest, but the embarrassment had her distracted. She glanced around the convention more, wanting to hold Fareeha's hand but instinctively resisting the urge. Finally, someone's panel truly caught her eye, and she tugged at Fareeha's sleeve, pointing to a somewhat vacant little display.

'Come with me, Fareeha.' She urged, and within minutes, they were standing before a homely looking, young Chinese woman who Angela had had many interactions with; although not in person, in most cases. Still, this scientist was one of the few Angela honestly respected, and she greeted her enthusiastically.

'Dr. Mei-Ling Zhou. How are you? I don't think you've aged a day since I last saw you. What's your secret?'

'Hahah! Angela! I'm well. And to answer your question: Cryostasis. But I'm not sure I'd recommend it.'

'Fareeha, this is Dr. Zhou. Mei-Ling Zhou. She was part of the multi-year initiative to look into planetary disruptions via eco-Watchpoints. Her field of expertise is abnormal climate phenomena.'

'Oh. I see! You were part of the original Overwatch?'

'In a manner of speaking, yes. A lot happened, and I got Winston's call…eventually, but he highly encouraged me to attend this event, if possible.'

Mei's little robot companion, Snowball, bounced about, cooing in an adorable fashion.

'A pleasure.' Fareeha extended her hand, giving Mei's a shake.

'Ow!'

'I-I'm sorry!' Fareeha stammered.

'Your bodyguard?' Mei batted her hand in the air, her glasses sliding off her button-nose and her hair already in disarray thanks to the humidity seeping into the well-conditioned tents.

'Quite. She is Ana Amari's daughter. Interesting, no?'

'That explains the monstrous strength.'

'We scientists simply aren't meant for physical activities, I suppose.'

'Meh. It doesn't help that I have Snowball do so much.'

The machine blipped.

'Are you okay?' Fareeha persisted, and Angela patted her arm, knowing the woman would struggle with the idea of hurting one of Angela's few friends.

'She's fine. Mei's always been a little dramatic.'

'Aw! Don't be mean, Angela! I'm fragile, okay?'

'Of course, you are.'

There was some laughter, and Angela swallowed, clearing her throat and continuing the conversation prior with a focussed mind. Now or never. This was the perfect opportunity to prove herself.

'Fareeha isn't only my bodyguard, I might add. I am quite proud to say she is my girlfriend as well.'

'Oh!' Mei nodded, and Angela saw the way Fareeha looked at her, obviously perplexed by the sudden claim. 'How nice! Friends are always important; especially on such an important mission.'

Snowball almost sounded like he was frustrated for a moment as Angela persisted, the temptation to go along with Mei's misunderstanding annoyingly present.

'No, Mei. We are in a romantic relationship.'

Mei blinked, fixing her glasses and shaking her head spastically.

'You!? Wha~at? I don't believe it!'

'It's true. I am also honoured to be valued so by the world-famous doctor.' Fareeha stepped in, her smile unrelenting. It was wonderful to see.

'W-wow…' Mei trailed, and then almost crowded Angela. 'What is that all about!? I thought we were sisters! You know? Married to our work! How did you do it? Do I have to go after girls, too? No. I couldn't. No offense. But it's just not me. Although you're very beautiful, Fareeha. But…b-but…Ugh!'

Snowball chirped a little, tapping at Mei's tea on the corner of her desk. The quirky girl sighed, giving Angela back her space and taking a sip of her beverage.

'Boy, oh, boy. That's just crazy. I'm happy for you, really, but I didn't think you'd ever find someone to live up to your impossible standards; much less another woman. I'm totally shocked.'

'She often makes me wonder if I'm worthy of her, I should add.' Angela bragged.

'Angela…Don't say that.' Fareeha attempted to refuse.

'Huh. You two do kinda fit though, don't you?' Mei went on, grinning a little. 'Hard to put my finger on it, but it's organic, you know? Like, stuff in nature just sorta makes sense. I get the same vibe from you both. Neat. Super cute, too. I'm getting less jealous. You're both obviously totally into one another. Aw…'

'A-anyway.' Fareeha was apparently done with the compliments. 'How is your panel progressing?'

'Not so great. I get a lot of people laughing at what I'm saying. It's not the most interesting stuff either, so, yeah. There's that.'

'Of course.' Angela scoffed. 'Our planet doesn't matter; who needs it?'

'Right? Hahah! It's pretty frustrating.' Mei took off her glasses and wiped a spot off them, it seemed. 'But the main event is starting soon, isn't it? I heard something about a new omnic type being introduced. Insane, am I right? I'm pretty curious though! It's been so long since a new model came out, what with the legalities of it all getting tougher and tougher to work through.'

'Indeed.' Angela nodded, reflecting upon the omnic she and Jack had fought in St. Petersburg. The thought ran a chill through her spine, and she felt Fareeha's warm hand touch her exposed skin.

'Should we make our way over there, then?' Fareeha offered.

'Oh! Do you mind if I tag along? I just need to tidy up a couple of things.' Mei requested, and it was impossible to say no to the cheery, hardworking girl.

As the trio (also including Snowball) traversed to the main "hall" for the scheduled showcase, they were progressively forced to navigate an ever-growing crowd. Angela was spoken to here and there, but Fareeha was somewhat forceful with moving things along, likely encouraged by Angela's claim to their relationship.

Angela took Fareeha's hand amidst the montage of people, and felt her heart murmur. She was happy to have told Mei the truth, and looked forward to being more honest back at Overwatch's main base of operations in Gibraltar. Ana was the only real form of intimidation, but beyond that, Angela hadn't lied when using her words before. "Proud" didn't begin to describe how she viewed Fareeha in her mind, but it was a satisfactory start, at the very least.

Everyone was soon ushered into a rather large, arena-like area, its construct somewhat artificial looking, the seats and even stage emitting a subtle, soft blue hue. Angela suspected the infamous hard-light technology at play, thanks to the Vishkar Corporation. She personally didn't love the advancement in science, but she couldn't deny its uses here and there either. It was a nod to the corporation's success, and thus, made sense to be in use at such an event.

'I heard Ibrahim Hassoun, Anya Al-Shahrani, Youssef al-Jabiri, and Mehmet Farhat would be present during this presentation. Apparently, we should expect something quite amazing.' Mei whispered, the mentioning of some of the creators of Oasis intriguing enough.

Angela nodded, looking through one of the pamphlets she had been given upon arrival and noting the lead scientist for the main event of the weekend. A coolant filled her veins, and she narrowed her brow, not exactly surprised, but irritated nonetheless.

'Dr. Moira O'Deorain is the guest of honour, it would seem.' She expounded upon verbally.

'Mm.' Fareeha grunted.

'Right. I'm supposed to keep an eye on her.' Mei lowered her voice. 'She's…a bad guy now?'

'I would have never considered her "good" to begin with.' Angela muttered. 'Nonetheless, a conversation with her wouldn't be out of the question, if she would see me.'

'If you asked, I'm sure she would. I think you're one of the few individuals she feels some respect for.'

'Perhaps.' Angela breathed out slowly. She hadn't engaged in many direct conversations with Moira, but the ones she could recall were frustrating at best. She was an arrogant woman, but it wasn't precisely misplaced pride either. She was also a genius; one that would haunt Angela's ambitions for the rest of her life, she feared. What had Moira created that was worth such a spectacle? Instinct told Angela to be especially wary.

'Oh…!' Mei exclaimed, hard-light walls erecting around the stadium and all natural light being lost to darkness, only phones and omnic receptors illuminating anything for a moment.

'It's starting, I guess.' Fareeha crossed her arms.

'This is rather frightening. You'll protect me, won't you?' Angela giggled quietly.

'Without hesitation!' Fareeha nudged her back.

'Shh!' Mei huffed, her jealousy seeping through again.

An enormous screen projected before the audience, and sombre music began as a desolate sea of sand filled the image. A panning shot encompassed the empty landscape, a harsh environment if ever there was one on full display.

"In the beginning, there was no hope for this country. The Omnic Crisis stripped the momentum of potential and scarred those in power beyond repair."

Slowly, and perfectly rendered, a city was erected in the sand, its swirling streets and sky-scraping buildings formed before the naked eye majestically. It was an impressive display, Angela thought, the inspirational movie enough to move those easily swayed.

"Yet, thanks to those with vision and ambition, and through the power of science, engineering, and harmonious dedication, Oasis was built where many had claimed to be a dead land. Because of science, we have gathered here today in celebration. And as the world moves on, science – and all the technological, biological, and psychological benefits it enforces – will remain the pinnacle of human and omnic advancement."

The shot zoomed out, encircling Oasis, and labelling the final image with text that called out to the convention, various sponsors (including the Vishkar Corporation, Angela caught) flickering. The music reached its crescendo, and the audience clapped rather enthusiastically as the hard-light walls were disengaged alongside the projection, and a singular woman stepped onto stage looking just a little uncomfortable. She was of Indian descent, presumably, and her skin tone reminded Angela of Fareeha's, instantly making her more attractive to the older woman. Her features were extremely sharp, but as a doctor, Angela immediately identified something just slightly off about the way she took everything in.

'Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. My name is Satya Vaswani, and I am a representative of the Vishkar Corporation. Thank-you for having me and allowing me this honour. All hard-light engineering at work is thanks to my company, and should you wish to learn more about us and our goals for world peace and progress, feel free to visit our company's site within the convention area.'

She barely looked at the crowd. In fact, she actively avoided making eye contact. Stage fright? Perhaps. Yet, Angela was beginning to make a diagnosis. What Satya did next nearly finalized all deductions. The woman snapped her fingers, and then began what appeared to be a dance, more music joining her that clearly had roots in her country. As she moved, she seamlessly created what looked to be a grand display meant for mounting an idol, or something of that nature, although the said item worthy of the detailed, hard-light creation was sorely vacant.

The audience ate it up, Satya's shapely form and almost tantalizing activities likely not going unnoticed by the male population either. An applause sounded once more, and Satya gave a bow, still avoiding looking directly at the audience. A touch of autism, perhaps? Angela couldn't be sure. She would have to interact with her personally or witness the way she handled herself in a more intimate social setting. Curious.

The music faded once again, and Mei tugged at Angela's arm, bouncing a little as she did so.

'Oh! I-I think it's time!'

A deep, humming tone echoed through the auditorium, as if the beginning to a particularly epic movie was being mimicked. A high-pitched sound harmonized with the tune, and soon, three individuals slowly stepped out from the main sector of the convention. Before the figure's faces were fully in view, the crowd exploded, and Angela recognized the creators of this progressive city. Ibrahim Hassoun, Anya Al-Shahrani, and Youssef al-Jabiri appeared, their lavish robes and luminescent accessories making them all spectacles of varying degrees. They carried presence with them, and alongside that a wealth of knowledge and influence few men or women could without successfully influencing the world dramatically or living in a fantasy realm of pure ignorance. These individuals, Angela would say quite assuredly, were of the former variety.

'One's missing. That's a little strange.' Mei mumbled.

Ibrahim lifted his hand after much longer than Angela would have, and the sounds from the audience ceased instantly. He breathed out dramatically, and nodded to those on either side of him, Satya's creation still glowing brilliantly behind them.

'Human. Machine. We are all one within the Iris. These were some of Tekhartha Mondatta's final words. Words we have kept in our hearts since his tragic passing.' Ibrahim was the tallest and most slender of the lot, his tanned skin and overly long, white beard fitting his mannerisms perfectly. He preferred reddish-hued accessories, a rather gaudy amount of jewellery hanging from his neck and decorating his fingers.

'Keeping these words in mind, we have collaborated with one of the most brilliant souls in the world to bring humans and machines closer together than ever before.' Anya added on cue, the staged presentation a little irksome in its delivery to Angela for some reason.

'Allow us to introduce our guest of honour, and newest member of our personal council here in Oasis, Dr. Moira O'Deorain, who will present one of the greatest scientific achievements of our time.' Youssef finished. At least they weren't dragging out the scenario unrealistically. These were men and women of science, and that meant theatrics were not their forte or the audience's primary interest.

Fareeha's hand touched Angela's, and she glanced to the girl, somehow almost forgetting she was sitting beside the beautiful woman. She grinned a little, shrugging nonchalantly.

'You're irritated?' Fareeha whispered into Angela's ear, and her neck prickled.

'Inevitably. Does it show so obviously?'

Fareeha smiled charmingly, turning her attention back to the presentation so as to not be rude.

'Not really.' She answered slyly, and the implications gave Angela some spark of pleasure.

Moira practically glided onto the stage, her perfect posture and robes matching that of the three greater scientists and visionaries. She opted for primarily gold and white colours, an accented purple touch here and there to make for quite the outfit. When she stood before the crowd, her attention went immediately to Angela, whom she somehow picked out without even looking, and a tiny smirk played across her snake-like features. She then began speaking, the silence of the crowd truthfully screaming in anticipation.

'For years, Oasis has been conducting experiments on a mass of black, symbiotic matter akin to that of near alien functionality. Through experimentation, this contained, spherical substance revealed signs of conscious, instinctive thought similar to that of a plant or other "living" organism. With my assistance, we have managed to begin harnessing this mysterious entity's properties, implementing them into possible use, although the finite source restricted outsourced theories and concepts.'

Angela recalled the black matter Moira spoke of. It was in the news quite some time ago. The strange, excavated collection of shadowy, nearly breathing liquidized energy pulsated as though it were a breathing, giant nut with fluctuating, rough surfaces. A use was finally found for it, then? Much more interesting than Angela foresaw this presentation being.

'Allow me to present the fruit of my labours and the opportunity of a lifetime for omnics worldwide should we manage to procure more of this substance and streamline its distribution to those who wish to undergo a minor operation.'

A pause, and the humming music escalated as another human stepped onto the stage. Murmurs fluctuated through the crowd, and as the shape got closer and closer to the front of the stage, cameras flashed, and phones were lifted high into the air. Moira extended her arms out triumphantly, grinning almost manically, even her normally unenthused persona slipping in the face of what she had accomplished. The "human" stepped up and onto the platform Satya erected, and Angela gasped, covering her mouth, her stomach aching in recollection of the extreme damage her body had endured in the face of a similar being.

It was no human. It wasn't quite an omnic either. With black skin stretched across its features, the humanoid creature waved, a terrifying smile reaching completely across its face. It's glowing, blue eyes scanned the crowd, and they found Angela, a blip of red passing through them before returning to their original colour.

The audience screamed with excitement and encouragement, and inside, Angela wasn't so different, although the emotions associated with the sound couldn't be more opposite.