Revised on the 30th of October 2017


Hey guys, PoeticPillock here! Just wanted a forewarning that like the "King's Row" chapters, this chapter is going to be split into two parts, so it isn't one big chunk of text. It'd be fair to say that I went overboard with this chapter. Nonetheless, hope you enjoy!


The dark room was deafeningly silent, a man sitting unconscious in the middle. Restrained to a chair, the Talon agent quietly slept, almost seeming serene if it wasn't for the fact that duct tape was plastered all over his face. Then, the door to the room opened, the noise loud enough to wake the sleeping man up.

The man winced and slowly, he began to stir in his chair and lift his heavy head up. His eyelids tiredly parted and blinked multiple times as his vision tried to adjust to the space around him. He could barely see in the darkroom, walls of black surrounding him, barely able to see the faint silhouettes of the furniture moved around him. The only light source in the room being the three glowing blue lines that were right in front of him. Forming an upside-down triangle staring at him.

His eyes almost bulged out of their sockets, instantly waking up from his stupor. He looked back to see his hands were tied, fruitlessly trying to shake himself free from the binds. The blue lights only got closer to him, until they were standing right over him. The prisoner looked up at them, his eyes darting around the figure, seeing the hood faintly illuminated by the blue glow. They lowered themselves, the shape getting down to his level. He found himself staring eye to eye with the glowing visor, a million terrified thoughts running through his mind because unlike some other poor saps who would be in his position this Talon operative, unfortunately, knew who was behind that mask.

"Aww, you look tired," a withered, yet motherly voice spoke out from beneath the mask.

Despite the tone of her statement, it was clear that he was terrified, his forehead perspiring and feeling his cheeks heat up where the duct tape smothered it. His eyes darted to the lower-left, seeing something rise from the dark. A hand grabbed the end of the duct tape on his left cheek and swiftly ripped it off, the operative immediately yelling and grimacing as it stung all over his face. He wallowed in pain for a little bit until she spoke up again.

"Oh good, you can speak," the hooded figure dryly quipped before she grabbed the man by the chin and forced him to look up into her visor. "Maybe you would be able to tell me what I need to know, hmm?"

He fidgeted under her scrutiny, trying to figure out something to say. Not break in so easily and falter to the enemy, muster up the resolve to get through this. Talon had a reputation for a reason. One that he wasn't about to tarnish. He hoped he wouldn't, at least.

"I-I know who you are!" he exclaimed, rather proudly but trying not to choke. "Hiding behind that mask won't help you!"

"Really?" she questioned, acting as if she's surprised. "They you won't mind if I take this off, no? It's getting stuffy in here."

That didn't work out how he intended it to. Bringing the same hand she used to rip off the tape up to her face, she then pressed a button, causing the mask to separate into three pieces and retract back into the hood. Two retreating along her cheeks and the main visor retreating to atop her head. However, due to the dark, the man couldn't make out her features. She turned around and went to the door, reaching for something on the wall.

"It's a bit hard to see without the mask," she admitted, her hand patting something alongside the door.

With a click, light flooded into the room from above, blinding him for a second. As he blinked more, wincing from the sudden exposure, he looks up once again to see the Old Sniper standing over him in all her glory. Her eye regarding him with expectancy.

"Now that we're face to face, maybe you could start explaining what Talon's doing here," she suggested, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm sure you would have many interesting things to say."

"I'm not going to tell you anything!" the operative responded with, really, the only thing he would be allowed to say in this situation. A cliché, but it made sense.

"I see you want the hard way, then. That's fine."

Her eye glanced to the wall behind him, giving a quick nod. He scowled in confusion, wondering what she was looking at before a red and black blur grabbed him by the throat and threw him and the chair down onto the floor on his back. Recoiling and dazed, he looks up and sees a grizzled, mask man staring down at him with a thin red line for an eye. The man applied pressure to his throat with a boot, the agent making guttural noises as he tried to breathe. She came back into view, looking down at him, too.

"That's enough, Jack," Ana commanded, her old friend regarding her for a second before he lifted his foot throat off his windpipe.

As soon as the sole of his boot was up, the agent started coughing violently and gulping in much-needed air. He felt himself rise as the chair was pivoted up from the floor and back on its front legs. Facing the Old Sniper once again.

"If you know who I am, figuring out who he is shouldn't be challenging," Amari stated, pointing her thumb to the man standing next to her, looming over them. "And he is much less forgiving."

The operative's eyes darted to the Old Soldier, who growled lowly and glowered at him when he did so. He looked back to Ana, a much calmer demeanor on the old woman's face.

"I'm sure you're smart enough to know what you need to do next, dear," Ana calmly said, giving him a quaint smile.


Oasis, Iraq

2076

It was afternoon in the living room of the Presidential Suite, Fareeha watching the interrogation on her holopad, the audio and video footage being streamed from the point of view of her mother. It had been a few hours when they started the session, the operative thankfully being compliant and making it easier for both parties. While the information he was spilling was somewhat lacking, they weren't sure to chalk that up to lying or ignorance on his part as an operative. Talon had a history of keeping people, even their own personnel, in the dark and giving them only the bare minimum in mission intelligence. Enough to do their job and nothing more. It made dealing with the shady terrorist organization problematic then, and problematic now. Even today, people aren't sure what their motives are supposed to be.

As Fareeha watched the stream, she was going through the captive's backpack, checking the equipment he had with him. The inventory was typical for a field agent, a pair of binoculars, a comms earpiece, a holopad to act as a log, one pistol with a couple of magazines, a canteen, and some snacks. There was also a keycard, but it was blank, and she wasn't sure what it was for. Cracking the pad wasn't hard, but the information it had were only updates of his spying on Angela and Nathan, ever since they came here. The earpiece didn't have any better luck either, as it only led to a dead frequency. It's must've been changed or cut off.

A door opened behind her, and she turned around to see Nathan walking in from the bedrooms, but dressed in a gray suit with a white dress shirt. He was pulling at the collar and rolling his shoulders, uncomfortable in the formal casual wear. Seeing him fidget like that amused the Career-Soldier, somewhat.

"I fuckin' hate suits," the Wastelander muttered under his breath, feeling the fabric chafe.

He spotted Fareeha on the couch, looking back at him. Then noticed the holopad on the table and what she was watching.

"Did your mother and Morrison make any progress, yet?" he asked, getting close to the couch to see it for himself as he still chafed under the shirt.

"Some," she responded, turning her eyes back to the footage.

"That's good to hear," Nathan dryly remarked, leaning onto the back of the couch to watch the show.

"Stop worrying. Mum will get her way. I know she will."

The way she said that didn't entirely convince him.

The New Californian wasn't particularly fond of the Egyptian Soldier on the couch and didn't really care what she thought or had to say, as long as it didn't get in his way. The feelings were mostly mutual from her side. Her mother, obviously, was much more… Apparent with hers. Ana made things very clear between herself and the Waster, and that short little spat they had the night before did little to improve their relationship as co-workers.

However, he still wasn't sure why there seemed to be some friction between the Mother and Daughter. He never bothered to ask about their history, just more concerned with how it could mess things up.

He stopped leaning off the couch and went around to sit down on the adjacent loveseat. Swiping one of the snack bars off the coffee table before he flopped onto the fine cushion, retiring with a groan. Wanting to kill some time.

"I'll be waiting, then," Nathan said, unwrapping the bar and sniffing it, smelling something both salty and sweet. "But we still only have one more night to figure out where Hakim is."

"I know," Fareeha conceded, her head turning slightly to look at the man on the couch. "Isn't it a bit too early to be wearing that suit? You still have some time until the banquet starts."

"Didn't pack anything else to wear, so it was either this or walking around naked. Unless you have a better idea?"

She rolled her eyes at the response.

"Acknowledged," she sighed. "Just be careful not to get any crumbs on your suit. It'll look unprofessional. More so, in your case."

His eyes snapped to her, unsure if that was a joke or a legitimate concern because of her tone. She didn't bother to regard him as her eyes were still glued to the holopad, still maintaining a neutral look. Even as she leaned forward and picked up one of the granola bars, opening the crinkly wrap.

"Thanks for the concern, Security-Chief," Brin returned, waggling his eyebrows. "Surprised you'd care."

"Considering the event you and Angela will be attending is going to be broadcasted worldwide," Amari mentioned rather nonchalantly. "I'm sure maintaining a good public image would be something to worry about."

"Wait, what?"

Nathan sat up, facing Fareeha with a serious expression. His laidback demeanor now diminished.

"'Broadcasted?'" he questioned earnestly, trying to clarify what she meant. "As in, television and the… 'internet' thing?"

"Yes," Fareeha answered, wondering why the Wasteland Veteran seemed so worried until her eyes widened in realization. "Oh…"

With a sigh, the Courier got up and went to the kitchen. A minute later, he came back with a bottle of whiskey and glass with ice in it. Two glasses, in fact.

"Alright," he muttered, sitting down next to her on the couch and setting the glasses down. "Let's discuss the implications this could have."

Before going forward, he uncaps the bottle of caramel-colored liquid and pours it into both glasses, halfway. The ice cracking and the glass fogging as the alcohol washed over.

"First and foremost," Brin started to explain, leaning back and already taking a sip. "That would mean my face - which hasn't been associated with the 'man in black armor' – would be on public display to whoever's watching. Including the people I probably don't want my face to be seen by."

"You're not wearing your black armor, though," Amari replied.

"No, but how many six-foot-six men with RobCo tech hanging around ex-Overwatch personnel can you think of?"

"RobCo?"

"My Pip-Boy. Angela told me mercenaries are always covered in equipment, calling it 'impractical' at times. You were in a security firm, right? How does this look?"

He punctuated the question by lifting his left arm up in the air, brandishing the large wrist-computer attached to it. The glowing amber-screen facing her. While the device itself was new to her, the overall design and shape of it made it stand out from most modern-day, wrist-worn computers. The size and bulk alone really distinguished it from most. Even the ones mercenaries commonly wear. It looked… Rustic. As if the designer decided to go for a more "classic" design.

"It is more… Noticeable," the former-Helix employee observed, looking back to the other pieces of tech on the table. "It would stand out among the crowd. Has anyone noticed it, so far?"

"Two hulking Crusaders back at Germany did," he recalled, thinking back to the newscast that was once the most amount of exposure the world had to him. "The Vishkar lackey looked at it, too, but I don't think she was looking at it because she heard about it on the news."

"So, it would be your 'Pip-Boy', not your face, that would be the damning piece of evidence."

"Most likely."

Hearing that, Fareeha shut her eyes and exhaled briefly as she thought over the implications.

"It wouldn't be just you that would be in the spotlight," the Security-Chief sternly stated. "Angela would, unfortunately, be in it, as well. Guilty by association. That wouldn't bode well for any of us."

"I was thinking about that," he admitted, concerned how it would affect the others. "Any ideas how to avoid this?"

"Why not take it off before attending?"

The Courier was already shaking his head.

"No way," he flat out stated, placing his right hand on the Pip-Boy's hard casing. "This thing's been with me through thick and thin. There's no way I'm willing to part with it. I'd be completely naked at the event without this."

"I see," Fareeha acknowledged, noting how connected he seemed to the device. "I may have an idea, but it will require some work back at Gibraltar."

"How so?"

"Do you remember Hakim's compound? How there were security cameras at the front where all the fighting took place?"

He nodded.

"After we had left and before the U.N. could figure out what happened, Athena was able to set up a connection to the security tapes and distorted them to the point where Angela and I still aren't associated with Overwatch despite video evidence."

"Just you two?"

"McCree was already on everyone's wanted list and you were just a man with a mask. Athena could only do so much with the time she had. It was better than nothing."

"Then what do you suggest happens soon?"

Fareeha looked at her holopad, the gears in her head already turning to figure out a way to cover their tracks in Oasis.

"I can contact Winston and Athena to see if they could do anything about the broadcasts at the banquet. If it's being broadcasted live, that means it will be streamed. Which then means Athena could sever the connection and prevent footage of you and your Pip-Boy being seen with Angela, all over the world. If Athena can do that at all."

"If?"

"She's never done something like this before. So, it's not a guarantee."

"Hmm… It sounds like the best plan we have if there are no alternatives."

"So, it seems."

As her eyes drifted back to the holopad she had noticed the screen had gone black and the transmission was dead. They heard the doors opening and closing behind them at the end of the hallway and moments later, Ana and Jack walked out into the living room. Ana smiling warmly towards her daughter until it shifted into a neutral expression as she saw her sitting next to the Waster. Fareeha stood up while Nathan continued to sit on the couch and drink.

"How was it?" Fareeha asked, going over to them.

"Didn't you see?" Ana asked back, handing her a small camera that was mounted to her chest. "Poor thing tried his best to be helpful but didn't seem too knowledgeable. We couldn't find where Talon's base of operations or what their interest in Oasis was, but he did confirm that Hakim is here."

Hearing the news, Nathan turned around on the couch with a drink in hand, before slumping back into the seat and throwing his head back in bliss.

"Ughhh, fucking finally!" he exclaimed, happy to hear confirmation about why they were in Oasis. "'Bout time!"

The Old Sniper addressed him for a split second before looking back at her daughter.

"But," she started to talk again. "He said Talon is here because something caught their interest. Something scientific, of course. And Angela's invite to the city of Oasis is just a happy coincidence that they wouldn't hesitate to exploit. How? We don't know yet."

"What about Vishkar?" her daughter asked.

"Nothing about them either. It's probably a coincidence that they're here. Still, we should keep an eye on them. For now, we just have the banquet to worry about."

Her eyes darted back to Nathan, who was finishing the last of his drink before standing up and turning around to them. She almost wanted to roll her good eye, seeing that. Wondering why her daughter would choose him to act as Angela's bodyguard for this mission, and how he's succeeded so far. She never was one to judge others so quickly - with the thing's she's seen and been through - but so far, she wasn't impressed with this man. And the Old Overwatch Sniper had a harder time believing the things Winston and Angela told her about him. Even if he had that thing on his arm.

And to think he had the gall to suggest his interrogation "techniques".

"About that," Nathan started, rounding the couch to walk over to them. "What's the next step?"

"There's been a slight change of plans," Ana stated, looking over her shoulder to Jack. "Since this banquet will be a large event with lots of people, it's almost certain Talon will attempt something. So, Jack and I have decided to provide additional watch over the event. In case things do go wrong, we need to make sure Angela is safe."

"What about Hakim?"

"Angela first. Then, Hakim."

"Can't argue with that. Where is Dr. Ziegler, anyway?"

Then, as if on cue, the doors to the hall opened once more and all of them turned to see the Swiss Blonde walk but wearing a luxurious orange dress that went down to her ankles. While the color was mainly orange, it had ornate, branching design that looked like the veins of leaves, in the color of mainly white and gold. A gray cloth with more ornate designs was wrapped around her midsection, and a see-through yellow veil that almost seems to sparkle was around her neck. Her hair was still tied into a ponytail, but she had her halo hovering above her head. Everyone in the room was caught off-guard by the dress.

"Can't wait to be done with this," Angela muttered under her breath, fidgeting with the dress as she walked out. "Sorry, I took so long… Uh, how do I look?"

Ana looked her form up and down and smiled warmly at the sight. Almost forgetting how beautiful Angela looked even when she was getting older. Not as old as her, of course, but it was a good thing to see. She was about to compliment the blonde doctor but got cut-off.

"You look nice, Dr. Ziegler," Nathan complimented from behind, his head tilting as his eyes scanned over her form. "That's a pretty-lookin' dress. Did you bring that with you?"

"Thank you, Nathan. And no. Unsurprisingly, this is another gift from the Ministries. Something to wear to the banquet. It doesn't really seem my type, though…"

"You look fine, Angela," Ana said as she walked up to her, looking down on the dress and fixing the cloth with her hands. "They made the right choice. It fits you perfectly."

"Thank you, Ana."

After regarding the older women with a thankful smile, she looked back up at Nathan with expectancy.

"Shall we get on with this?" the Doctor asked.

"We shall," the Waster responded, going over to the coffee table to pick up some equipment he'll need.

After he did so and was about to make his way to the elevator, he felt something tug on his arm and making him stop. Turning around, he sees the older Amari holding him and looking up at him with a face only a mother could give. To an unruly child.

He can't catch a break.

"Remember, you're watching over Angela," Ana iterated, not breaking eye contact with the tall man. "Don't screw it up."

"I got it," he responded, scowling as he shook his arm free. "What do you think I've been doing for the past two days? I'll keep my eye on her."

"Keep her safe, then, please."

Nathan walked through the door and the two finally departed through the elevator. Ana and Jack gathered their weapons and equipment, making their way to the balcony door. Opening it, a gust of wind blew in and threw the curtains around. However, before leaving Ana looked back to her daughter, who was standing at the balcony's doorway.

"Hold down the fort while we're gone," she requested of her daughter. "Okay, Fareeha?"

"I will Mum," Fareeha responded.

Ana smiled and nodded, activating her faceplate to link and cover her face. She jumped off into the city, and Morrison was about to follow suit until he stopped and looked back at Fareeha. She noticed and gave the old soldier a simple nod. He returned the gesture, long and considerate in his motion, his red eye unwavering as he did so. The Old Soldier soon joined Ana as he jumped off into the dark.

Now alone in the huge hotel suite, Fareeha let out a deep sigh, knowing full well that the night was far from over for her. She looked back to the coffee table and saw the holopad. Walking over, she sat back down on the couch and activated the device, beginning to set up a connection to Gibraltar and inform Winston and Athena of what needed to be done. As she waited for the connection to be established, her eyes drifted to the left and spied the second glass of whiskey Nathan had poured, untouched and the ice cubes frosting the glass.

The Security-Chief regarded it, thinking over the past few days and how… Interesting things had become for her, for the lack of a better term. She leaned over and wrapped her hands around it, feeling the cold condensation as she lifted it up to her face. Fareeha smelled it, letting the pleasant whiskey aroma fill her nose, before slowly bringing it to her lips and taking a sip. It burned as it went over her tongue, making her wince slightly. She still drank it down, feeling it burn down her throat.


Once again, Angela and Nathan found themselves in another limousine ride through the city of Oasis, the latter becoming rather accustomed to sitting through a car ride. Rather than staring out the window, however, he was squirming even more with the suit. His brow sweating as he pulled at the collar even more. As his sense of discomfort only grew, he spotted the limo's dock of beverages and thought about taking a drink to relieve some of the pressure. As he thought about it, however, he decided that this time the casual drinker should restrain himself. He had to watch over the woman he was supposed to be guarding. To have complete control over his senses and to be aware of what will be happening. It was a party after all, and while he hasn't attended many, they can be filled with distractions. He didn't know what this world had in store for him this time.

The woman sitting next to him couldn't but help notices him fidget.

"Nervous?" she asked, watching the man shuffle in his seat.

"Nope," he responded. "I just hate wearing suits. Doesn't feel right being in this."

Angela looked down at herself, seeing the dress that enveloped her form.

"Same," the Doctor empathized. "To be honest, I wouldn't even mind wearing my Valkyrie suit just to feel more comfortable."

"Really?"

"Don't get me wrong; This dress is nice, but I guess I'm too used to wearing that suit to even think about putting anything else other than a doctor's coat on."

"Like a second skin?"

"Perhaps. It's proven very effective and invaluable at saving lives. An important tool to have when much of your career is as a doctor, and as a field medic"

The Courier couldn't but help glance at his Pip-Boy as she mentioned the utility and importance of her Valkyrie suit. How she would prefer not to be away from it as much as possible. At least she had her halo, whatever purpose that served.

"Why did you name it that anyway?" Nathan posed, looking up from his Pip-Boy to her. "'Valkyrie'? What is that?"

"Have you not heard of a 'Valkyrie', before?" the Swiss woman asked.

"I think I've heard the name once or twice, but speaking as someone who grew up in an irradiated Wasteland? No, not familiar."

"That's a shame. They're very well-known. Valkyrie's are female figures from Norse mythology, who are said to guide those who have died in battle to a place called Valhalla, where they spend the afterlife."

"'Valhalla'? That sounds familiar. So, they're like Angels? Your suit looks like an Angel."

"Not quite. As they chose who gets to live through the battle, but also who gets to die. Of course, I'd like to avoid that second option as much as possible."

"So, after they take those they chose to this 'Valhalla', what do they do there?"

"I believe they have a feast and drink mead for an eternity."

His ears perked a bit when he heard that.

"That doesn't sound so bad," he said, wondering how mead tastes like. "You seem to know this stuff."

"I read the stories when I was a child. They stuck," she shrugged, not seeing it as a big deal. "And I'm not surprised you seem to know what mead is."

Nathan could only shrug, smirking and seeing the irony.

Suddenly, radio static sounded off in their left ears, followed by the voice of Fareeha. Their impromptu comms officer for the mission. She was fit for the role.

"This is Pharah," she called in, using her call-sign. "Everyone else, check-in."

"Shrike, checking in."

"Soldier, checking in."

"Mercy, checking in."

"Uh… Courier, checking in."

After everyone checked in, 'Pharah' spoke once again.

"All right, I can hear everyone loud and clear," the Security-Chief confirmed. "Be advised, I was able to contact Gibraltar and Athena has agreed to disrupt the broadcasting signals from the cameras that will be present at the banquet."

"What? Why?" Angela questioned, her brow furrowed as she was not familiar with this part of the plan. As well as the Solider and Shrike.

"Na- Courier expressed some concern. That the footage of him with his Pip-Boy may create incriminating evidence not just for him, but for everyone involved in this operation, as well. Thus, as a precautionary measure, Athena is going to establish a connection and temporarily distort the broadcast."

"Couldn't he have just taken it off?" Morrison notified over the comms, his voice sounding more gravely through the device.

"I couldn't. For the same reason you rarely take off that mask," Brin responded.

Ana spoke next, taking the opportunity to express her thoughts.

"If it is vital to the success of the mission and making sure Mercy is safe; So, be it. And whatever Athena is going to do, she better do it soon. I can see their car fast approaching."

Sure enough, Angela and Nathan looked ahead to see that she was right. They were approaching a tall building – one of the taller structures in the city – and at the entrance, there was a huge gathering of people. Spotlights emitting beams of light going high to the sky, and flashes of bright lights appearing at the stop they were approaching. There were crowds of people at the entrance, confined by golden barriers of light that rose from out of the ground. Positioned along those barriers were men in suits, standing idly as everyone else moved around them. They also noticed they were in a caravan of limousines, the automobiles one-by-one dropping off the important figures they were transporting to this event. All of them walking along a red carpet. It was one of the flashiest things the Wastelander has ever seen, and he hasn't even gotten out of the car yet.

"That seems excessive," was all the Doctor could say about the welcoming, astonished at how much of a deal they were making of this event.

"No expense spared…" her bodyguard muttered under his breath, watching as their limo got closer and closer to the venue. "Pharah, how are we on that transmission?... Pharah?"

The response was only silence, their limo only getting closer with every passing second. It got to the point where the limo in front of them had finally dropped off its guest, and theirs was pulling up to the curb. The door getting close to the red carpet. Finally, the silence broke.

"She got it!" Pharah declared, followed by a sigh of relief. "You're good to go!"

Nathan looked back at Angela, who was straightening out her dress and adjusting her halo. She looked up and saw him looking at her. The Doctor gave her bodyguard a simple nod. That was all he needed as he opened the car door. In his left ear, he could hear the faint murmuring of their Sniper. Sounding both playful and serious.

"It's show time."

As the car door hinged outward, Nathan was the first to step out and the first to be blinded by the barrage of lights – flashing or otherwise. It felt like he was back at the Strip. As the sound of a thousand camera shutters flickering pervaded his ear like insects, he got both feet on the ground and turned back to the limo. Seconds later, the guest of honor to the jewel of the desert stepped out of the black limousine and was also showered by the bright lights. If her dress glimmered back at the hotel, it shined out here. They could hear the cameras increase in frequency as she stepped out. After she took a helpful hand from her bodyguard to stand, they spotted the entrance to the building way ahead of them. The red carpet providing the path, of course. "James" looked down to Dr. Ziegler, and with a small smirk, motioned to the red carpet.

"Ladies, first," he offered, still smirking.

"Such a gentleman," the charge commented, before looking ahead and walking forward.

Shutting the door behind him, Angela began to walk across the red, velvety path with Nathan in tow. As they walked, they were still bombarded by flashing lights, but her bodyguard tried his best to focus on the task at hand. His eyes scanned the crowds and tried to spot out anyone that stood out, possibly posing a threat. People with cameras, local bystanders, and tourists populated the crowds gathered. He could feel the eyes on them, mostly directed at Dr. Ziegler, of course. The bodyguard also noticed the people operating the bigger cameras, the ones that need to be on their shoulders, were fiddling with them and becoming frustrated. The Waster could guess what was causing that.

While they continued to make their way down the stretch of the rug, he could hear the chattering of the crowd. Loud and overwhelming because of the numbers. Much of it was in a language he couldn't understand, but he noticed some English in the batch. From fellow tourists, he presumed.

"Look! It's her!"

"I love her dress!"

"Damn, she's pretty hot."

"Where's her Valkyrie suit?"

"She looks shorter in person."

"Is that her boyfriend?"

That last one caught him off-guard, and it took some self-control to stop himself from bursting out in laughter or have a shit-eating grin suddenly appear on his face. He made it through, though, and soon enough they were out of the public view as they went through the main entrance and were in the building's lobby. The other guests were also gathered here, as it seemed they were waiting for the event to start. It was a spacious area and gave everyone enough room to be spread out. Nathan and Angela hanged from the sidelines. Both sets of eyes scanning the crowd.

"Recognize anyone?" the bodyguard asked, his eyes darting place to place.

"No," the charge responded. "I'm sure these people are important, but I can't spy anyone"

She interrupted herself as she spotted a certain young woman approaching her and making her face light up.

"Aida!" she exclaimed, hugging the University student, who was dressed in a sleek black dress. "It's great to see you, again!"

"And you too, Angela!" the young woman returned, breaking away from their hug and standing back to take a good look at her dress. "You look beautiful! I love your dress, and your halo is cute."

"Thank you. At least you seem to like my dress."

"And James, you look pretty snazzy in that suit."

He wasn't expecting a compliment from the young lady.

"Oh, uh, thank you kindly," the Waster still appreciated it, nonetheless. "Excited for the event?"

"I'm excited for Angela!" Aida expressed, a big smile on her face.

Then, they noticed another face approaching them. An older gentleman, wearing a sleek white dress that was like a robe, yet had some ornate, futuristic designs over the cloth. One of the most important figures in this city, one they had seen at the gardens just days earlier

"Oh, Dr. Ziegler!" Dr. Hassoun greeted, grabbing one of her hands and planting a kiss on the back. "You look wonderful! How has everything been so far? We've been planning this event for weeks."

"Well, Ibrahim, you certainly know how to roll out the red carpet. Literally!" Dr. Ziegler stated, astonished by everything she saw up to this moment. "Forgive me, but I imagined the event would've been… Humbler."

"It is a special day, so we must treat it as such. Now, please, Aida will guide you to your table. Let us start the night!"

Saying that Aida held out her elbow for Angela, who chuckled and took it graciously as she linked her arm with hers. Before following them, however, Nathan tapped Dr. Hassoun on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Oh, uh- Y-yes, Mr. Boone?" the scientist let out, wondering what the bodyguard needed.

"Sorry to bother you, Doctor," the bodyguard started. "But as Angela's security detail, I wanted to know if the event will be properly safeguarded. In the case of something happening."

"Of course, Mr. Boone! Everything is in safe hands. The Ministry of Law Enforcement made sure to plan for this event and make sure everything operates as smooth as silk."

Suddenly, "Pharah" spoke out in his left ear, unbeknownst to Hassoun.

"'Ministry of Law Enforcement'?" she questioned, clear that she was confused about something. "I've never heard of that branch. Does he mean the 'Ministry of Public Safety'?"

That sounded questionable, for one of the founding members of this city to not be familiar with its own government.

"N-Nonetheless," Hassoun continued. "As I've stated before, Dr. Ziegler will be safe in Oasis for the duration of her stay. So, please. Relax, grab something to drink. You wouldn't want to stress yourself more than needed, no?"

"I'm fine. Thank you, doctor."

With that, the doctor turned and went to where the other guests were congregating. Making their way further into the building. Nathan couldn't but help notice him pull out a piece of cloth from a pocket and bring it up to wipe his forehead.

With a murmur, he turned around and followed where Angela and Aida went. A door that was different from the ones the other guests were using - Both in placement and direction. After going through and jogging down a few hallways, Nathan finally catches up to the two women having a friendly chat.

"Where were you?" his charge asked, turning her head over her shoulder.

"Had to ask Dr. Hassoun a question," he explained, before regarding Aida. "Where we headed?"

"Backstage," she said. "Angela's table, along with other notable figures, is on the center stage. They thought it would be better if I escorted her to the table from there."

"Isn't theatrics a bit much for a banquet?"

"Maybe."

While they walked further down the hall, another voice crept into Nathan's ear.

"Award ceremonies always try to make a big deal of things," Morrison's gravelly voice spoke over the comms. "Always so flashy and imposing. Might as well forget why you're there with all that grandeur blinding you."

"Soldier, don't ruin this for her," Ana sternly responded, not wanting to hear it. "This may be a mission but it's her night. For now, at least."

They were now at the stage, looking on to see that they were literally center-stage of the event and saw the huge room the banquet was taking place. Decorated tables lined with fine tableware spread all throughout the floor, the walls glowing like sand dunes, and the ceiling high to the sky with grand chandeliers hanging above. The Waster couldn't help but be impressed, especially by the lengths the Ministries went to essentially tell a doctor "thanks".

Aida escorted Angela to one of the two tables on stage, which were long and filled with more fine tableware as a fine white cloth draped over them. The Swiss Doctor was at the center of the table on the stages right. In between the two tables was a podium with a microphone on top. Nathan noticed there were camera crews along the floor, some of them pointing towards the stage. He made sure to stay on the sidelines and out of the spotlight. Literally, in this case.

"Christ that's a lot of people," the Courier muttered, his eyes darting through the crowd. "How are things on your end?"

"Quiet," Shrike replied. "The crowd outside largely dispersed, now."

"Right. Pharah, there are cameras in here. Anything we can do about them?"

"Negative," she replied. "Any more disruptions may raise suspicions. You'll just need to keep yourself hidden from now on."

"Copy, that."

And so, for the ten or more minutes it took for everyone to get settled and for the event to finally start, Nathan stood by the curtains. Hiding in the shadows. He felt weird, just creeping in the corner like a weirdo. Didn't help that he had to keep a constant eye on the Doctor.

"Champagne, sir?"

The bodyguard looked to his right to see an Omnic waiter that had come out from the back with a silver tray of champagne on his left hand. This Omnic, like the ones at elBuffi, also had no legs.

He looked at the alcoholic beverages, seeing the golden liquid bubble as condensation frosted the glass. The avid drinker was tempted but had already decided to abstain from the liquid depressants.

"No, thanks," he said, passing on the offer. "I'm good."

"Very well, sir," the waiter acknowledged, before floating on and offering the drink to guests at the table.

Nathan looked ahead and saw they were many more of the waiters on the ground floor, serving the many guest and patrons with alcoholic beverages or cooked meals. The Courier tried to spot out the faces of the people, nothing really standing out from a few of them. He also noticed they weren't a lot of Omnic guests, either.

He looked to the table on the stage, seeing Angela again chatting more with Aida who sat next to her. Hassoun was also sitting on stage at the other table, but just minding his own business. However, he noticed another familiar face sitting at the end of that table.

'Vaswani,' he recognized, not really surprised to see her here of all places. 'Who's that next to her?'

Sitting next to her was a man, brown hair and with lighter skin. He must've been Vishkar, as well, as his uniform was like the woman sitting next to him. However, as the man was idly chatting with someone next to him, Satya only sat there staring down at her feet. Not even attempting to regard anyone else.

"Heads up," the Courier said, bringing a finger to his ear. "I spotted Satya Vaswani at the banquet, literally sitting a table away from Mercy. There's a man with her, too. Brown hair, olive complexion. Know him?"

He could hear someone typing into a holopad as he said that.

"Yes, I think I know who you're talking about," Pharah stated. "Sanjay Korpal, another Vishkar representative. Also, oversaw the company's contract in Rio before that fell apart. Recently, he's been named in a recent scam involving LumériCo in Mexico."

"LumériCo?" Soldier's voice spoke out, sounding surprised. "I knew they were up to something. I never thought it would be with Vishkar, though."

"Nonetheless, keep an eye on him. His presence here cannot be a coincidence."

The Courier acknowledged that last transmission and went back to keeping a watchful eye on the two Vishkar lackeys. While also trying to keep a watchful gaze over Angela. She seemed fine for the most part. Happily chatting with Aida. Then, he noticed the lights around the banquet hall began to dim. Not to complete darkness, but just enough for everything to still be visible. Then, the noise from the crowd lessened, to where there was only faint murmuring until complete silence. Finally, a woman's voice echoed through the hall, possibly from a speaker system.

"Ladies and gentleman, Dr. Ibrahim Hassoun!"

With a raucous applause, the hall echoed as Dr. Hassoun got up from his chair and walked over to the podium. Waving to the crowd as a spotlight followed him. Even when he did reach the podium, the crowds still cheered and clapped for almost half-a-minute for the scientist until they settled down.

"Thank you, and welcome!" he started, speaking into a microphone that amplified his voice. "As some of you may have realized, my name is Dr. Ibrahim Hassoun: co-founder and scientist to this beautiful city in the desert, aptly named 'Oasis'."

That resulted in more applause and cheering from the crowd. Hassoun waited for it to die down before he spoke again.

"But, if it hadn't been for the collective genius and effort of some of the world's most brilliant scientific minds, Oasis would not be one of the most advanced cities in the world. A city that is innovating on the disciplines of technology, biology, physics, and genetics to name a few. Disciplines that our very Ministries work tirelessly to study, research, and test. For the betterment of not just our city, but of –"

"He sounds more like a politician than a scientist," the Courier grumbled under his breath as Dr. Hassoun continued to speak. His speech slowly becoming white noise.

"He wouldn't be unique," the Soldier concurred. "They always try to make everything sound so positive and swell, rather than telling how grueling and dirty the work can actually be. Trying to fool everyone… Seen it countless times."

"Trust me, I'd know the feeling. Their heads might as well be indistinguishable from their asses."

"Ain't that the truth."

An Omnic waiter holding an object with a golden rectangular base floated to Dr. Hassoun's side. On the base, was a crystalline statue of a staff that was being encircled by a single serpentine creature that twisted up to the top, its head at the tip of the rod. Upon closer inspection, it appeared the rod and the snake wasn't connected to the base but was floating above it. The Wastelander wondered why almost everything hovered in this world.

"Today," Hassoun spoke again, taking the object from the Omnic and holding it up in the air. "We honor the discipline of medicine because with us we have a very special guest and a very, very brilliant mind to celebrate this banquet to. Hailing from Zürich, Switzerland, she became a head surgeon at one of the nation's most prominent hospitals and eventually pioneered a breakthrough in nanobiology, changing the face of medicine as we knew it. Due to these achievements, she was recruited into Overwatch, during the 'Golden Age', where the organization led the world in scientific advancements. The field of medicine, of course, being one of them. Even after the organization faded away, she, driven by compassion and selflessness, and donning her angelic Valkyrie suit, went to where a doctor was needed most: Areas struck by disaster, poverty, and war. She tended to the sick and dying, the old and young, the rich and poor. If they needed medical attention, she would be there. So, without further ado, please welcome the brilliant and beautiful Dr. Angela Ziegler!"

As soon as the words left his mouth the entirety of the hall broke out into thunderous applause. Almost rocking the entire building and make it feel like it was about to collapse. Nathan looked to the far-left and even saw Satya clapping, though she seemed not as enthusiastic about it as everyone else.

The Doctor stood up from her chair and walked to the podium with the spotlight now on her. Her dress glistening even more in the bright light. Now reaching the podium, she took the award in her hands and exchanged kisses on the cheeks with the older gentleman. He walked back to his chair and left Angela at the podium, who also had to wait half-a-minute for the crowd to be done with their applause for the Swiss Physician. After the almost deafening clapping and cheering finally subsided, did Angela take the time to pull out her holopad and speak into the microphone.

"Well, I'm sure we're all in agreement that no one could certainly ask for a better welcome," she stated, resulting in a collective laughter from the guests.

"But, jokes aside, it is an absolute honor and privilege to be invited to this beautiful city and to be awarded for the work I have done, not just as a doctor, but as a caring and selfless human being. Something that we can all strive for, even today. Even though I am receiving the award, there were many people in my life who I should thank for the path that led me to this career. First, I would like to thank my parents that, even though they have been gone for most my life they have taught and instilled the values of compassion, generosity, and peace. I would like to thank the rest of my family for taking care of me and being there to make sure I did not grow up alone. I would like to thank the professors and tutors who were astute in their instruction and helped me carve my career path and pursue medicine as my passion in life. I would like to thank the staff members, nurses, medics, relief workers, and volunteers who have assisted me in providing aid to those who need it most around the world, putting in hours of hard and diligent work, even if it seemed like an impossible task at times. And…"

She paused for a second as if she was unsure if she wanted to read the next few lines on her screen. The pause didn't last long, though.

"I would even like to thank the people I had the pleasure of working and researching with during my time in Overwatch. Despite that I never really saw eye-to-eye with Overwatch's leadership, I still learned invaluable things and accomplished incredible feats with the organization. Many of its former members I'm not afraid to call friends even after it was disbanded. One thing that I am proud to have learned in my time in Overwatch is that my research and work have not only saved lives but have helped inspired many others to follow a similar goal in the hopes of helping people. Especially the young eager minds who go through sleepless nights of fervent study and revision in hopes of finding a breakthrough as significant as my findings in nanobiology."

With a smirk, she looked over her shoulder to her biggest fan. Who was grinning madly when she heard that.

"And really, inspiring one life can be as valuable as saving one. As they may go on to save lives, as well. So, please, do not just hold this banquet in my honor, but also in the honor of those who are pursuing and seeking the methods of making life more forgiving in what may seem like harrowing times. Thank you, and have a great night!"

As she signed off, the crowd roared into a standing ovation. People cheering and clapping for the award recipient. Even Nathan felt an inclination to join in even though he was hanging back.

"Wow," he said, over the loud roaring of applause. "That was something."

"Yup," he barely heard Jack confirm over the radio. "She always was a good speaker. In front of everyone."

"Jack…" Ana growled as if she was losing her patience.

"What?"

Nathan's bearded face scrunched up, wondering why Ana seemed irritated at Jack.