I tried to take my mind off the event that just occurred earlier that afternoon, but I just couldn't do it. Every now and again whilst helping Winston with more work in tracking Doomfist, I kept getting distracted, thinking about my conversation with Sombra. Looks like there was a report of a low scale politician of some sort getting shot in Italy. It may not seem related, but according to Athena, there has been a surge of Talon activity there before the attack at Winston's workshop. We were updating the NSF of the find when Winston finally seemed to notice my behavior.

When he asked me if I was feeling alright, I just kinda. . . froze. Could I tell him what happened?

But Sombra hacked my communicator somehow in order to message me. Is she listening in to my conversations right now? Is she monitoring me? What if I tell the truth, and the next thing I know, she makes the call and Widowmaker could kill my brother?!

So. . . I ended up lying to Winston.

It didn't feel good.

In the end, I told him that I was just tired, and that I wasn't feeling well. Made up an excuse that something I ate earlier that day probably didn't agree with me. In a sense, I wasn't wrong. Thinking about what Sombra said made my stomach do back flips, and it actually did make me sick.

The scientist hummed as he nodded with understanding, letting me stop early for the night. Genji was kind enough to prepare a cup of herbal tea for me before I was sent off to my room. I felt bad about accepting it, but maybe it would help me calm my stomach and nerves for a bit.

I sat against the headrest of my bed, pillows propped up against my back as I took a sip of my tea. I stared at my reflection through the drink, my hold on the cup tightening.

My brother's life was on the line. . . but could I really trust Sombra to keep her word? Was that a risk I was willing to take?

I pulled my smart phone out of my pant pocket, unlocking that screen as I opened my contacts folder and tapped Dave's name. My thumb hovered over the call button. I so badly wanted to know if he was okay. This was all happening right under his nose. He is completely unaware that his life is hanging by a thread.

But what if Sombra is tracking my phone somehow? If she knows who I am, did she hack it too? Surely she's gotten my number. . .

Setting my cup of tea to the side, I reached into the bedside table drawer, pulling out a tiny USB. Winston designed it as a "virus cleaner". It can scan any electronic device and detect if it's been tampered with by an outside party it doesn't recognize. In this case, Sombra and Talon.

I inserted the USB into the charger input of my phone, and the display on my screen changed to Athena's symbol.

"Hello Miss Ivery," The AI greeted. "How May I assist you?"

Right. . . Winston must have implemented a part of Athena's AI into the USB. It's smart really, she sure knows her stuff.

"Can you run a security check on my phone, please?" I asked.

"Of course," she complied. "Give me a moment,"

Her symbol vanished and was replaced with a progress bar, steadily going up at soothing rate. Once it reached the other end, the blue bar glowed green.

"Scan complete. No viruses or any other bugs detected in this device," Athena proclaimed.

"Thank you, Athena," I smiled politely. "I just need to unplug it, and my screen will return to normal?"

"That is correct," she confirmed. "If you don't mind me asking, but why did you want me to run a security check?"

"Oh. . . Well, with what happened earlier last week, I guess I'm just feeling a bit paranoid, that's all," I replied, rubbing the back of my neck.

Man, Hanzo was right. Lying does NOT look good on me.

"I see," Athena acknowledged. "I suppose one can't be too cautious,"

"Thank you again for your help," I praised.

"You are welcome. Goodnight Miss Ivery," Athena spoke in farewell. "You may eject when ready,"

I pulled the USB out of the port and all of the apps on my phone returned as if nothing had actually changed. Tossing the USB back into the drawer with the remainder of a few of my personal belongings I bought over the week, I shut the drawer and laid back against my pillow, returning my hold to the tea cup.

Back to business then. . . The mission. . .

"What do I remember of Zarya. . ." I mumbled to myself, my gaze drifting off to the ceiling as I picture the previous memory in my mind, playing it back like a film. 

My first interaction with Zarya didn't exactly go smooth sailing. She didn't treat Genji as an equal. She looked down upon him like he was a piece of trash and it made my blood boil. But even after that, Zarya doesn't deserve to get possibly ambushed by Talon in order to protect Sombra just because I was upset with her calling Genji an Omnic, right?

But what if what Sombra said was really all true?

I sighed, setting my cup down on the bedside counter as I sat up from the bed. I can't just sit around all night thinking about this. I need to move, and get my blood flowing.

I walked over to the giant window that gave me a stunning view of Downtown Numbani. Raising my wrist up, I activated my communicator, bringing up a holoscreen as I google searched Zarya, reading up her profile.

"Aleksandra Zaryanova, eh?" I mumbled to myself.

Looks like she was a champion weightlifter before joining the war against the Omnics attacking Russia.

Sombra said the Russian would be meeting an Omnic hacker named Lynx-17. If she wants me to report their activity, I'm going to need to find his address. I scrolled through my message board. . . nothing from the Spanish hacker. It appears she wants me to really work hard for this. In a sense, I get why.

"Looks like this is going to be a tailing mission," I realized.

I zoomed in on Zarya's profile picture, taking a few minutes to try and memorize her face, eye colour, her hair (though I'm sure it'll stand out once I find her out in the streets), the scar above her right eye, her "512" tattoo on her left shoulder, and her pale skin.

Once I was satisfied, I powered off my communicator as I walked back to the counter, finishing the cup of tea before I got ready for bed.

I'm probably going to get in huge trouble with Winston. . . again. But I don't exactly have a choice right now.

*******

Sombra pushed the large doors open, strutting into the office of Talon Director Agrippa. The older woman sat at her desk, chatting with Akande who stood by her, discussing plans and other possible targets to hit.

The hackers sudden appearance caught the Director's attention as she turned her head to acknowledge her approach. "What is it, Sombra?"

"You told Reaper that you wanted to see how Ivery would handle herself in a fight, right?" The Spanish woman recalled, a smile spreading on her lips.

"Sombra, what exactly did you do?" Akande questioned, his arms crossed over his chest.

She giggled darkly as she snapped her fingers, her techno-wired gloves materializing a holographic screen that displayed her signature skull, it's lips moving as it played back a recording.

"I've just discovered that she'll be looking around Numbani tomorrow. She's supposed to be meeting up with a amateur Omnic hacker by the name of Lynx-17. I want you to follow them, learn what they're up to. That's your job," - Sombra

". . . And if I do this, you'll call off your spider to stay away from my brother?" - Hope

"Cross my heart and hope to die," - Sombra

Sombra paused the recording as she exchanged glances between the pair, seeming proud of herself.

"So that's why Widowmaker seemed to vanish yesterday," Doomfist mumbled to himself.

"Well?" Sombra idled, waiting for an answer.

"This certainly is a quite. . . direct approach," Agrippa admitted, cupping her chin as she leaned back against her chair. "I take it you'll be monitoring her progress?"

"Correct! She'll find out what our Russian friend is up to, and once she relays that information to me, I can deal with Miss Zaryanova," She explained. "What do you think?"

"Does Reaper know about this?" Akande asked.

"Uh, duh!" Sombra rolled her eyes. "I'm the one that convinced him to send her to Dave Ivery's location,"

"Alright then, we'll go along with your little plan," Agrippa confirmed, sitting up in her chair. "Report Hope Ivery's statistics to the two of us once the mission is done, that way we can properly assess her for Project Disciple,"

"You got it, boss," the girl saluted the woman before turning on her heels. She was about to make it to the doors when---

"And Olivia?" Agrippa called.

Sombra flinched, freezing in her place as her head idly turned to glance at her employer.

"Don't get caught," The woman commanded.

". . . Yes, ma'am," The Hacker replied as she left the room.

Satisfied, Agrippa stood from her chair, slowly walking towards a giant glass window behind her as she observed the view outside, Akande standing near her position.

"Since we'll be learning about Miss Ivery's capabilities tomorrow, we should start preparations early for Project Disciple," she spoke, hands behind her back. "Overwatch has learned of your presence in Monaco, and it may not be long before they discover our traces in Venice,"

Akande listened inventively, and it was then his eyes widened with surprise as he took a step closer towards his boss. "Are you suggesting that we--?"

"Akande, what were the last known whereabouts of our geneticist, Moira?" Agrippa asked, turning her head towards him.

"The last I heard from our intel department, Ms. O'Deorain is continuing her work in Iraq," Doomfist recalled.

"Oasis?" Agrippa perked up, a brow raised with interest. "How intriguing,"

"I've heard she's made quite a name for herself," The man commented.

"Once Sombra delivers Miss Ivery's stats, I'd like you to pass them on to Moira and bring her back here. I want our top scientist here if the Project is be a complete success," Agrippa ordered.

"You don't trust me to see the projects success myself?" Doomfist teased with a smirk.

Agrippa scoffed playfully, completely turning her body to face him. "All due respect, Akande, your job is to train our new additions and see to it that their physical capabilities are perfected. Moira, on the other hand, will be giving them new life,"

********

I woke up early the next morning. It was quite possibly the earliest I've ever gotten up. My eyes fluttered open to see the digital alarm clock in its big red bold letters display "8:00am".

"Time to go," I muttered.

Pushing myself out of bed, I quickly showered and got dressed for the day, wearing the outfit I wore yesterday to save time. I slipped my communicator onto my wrist, shoved my phone into my pocket. Walking towards the door, I carefully and as quietly as possible, opened it and peered through the crack to see if anyone else was awake.

Winston had fallen asleep at his desk, and was snoring away, occasionally scratching his belly. I smirked playfully at the sight before my eyes drifted elsewhere, scanning the rest of the living room. It looked like Genji and Zenyatta haven't woken up yet, and are still retiring in their room next door to mine.

I stepped out into the living space, slowly shutting my bedroom door. It clicked quietly and I paused for a few seconds to see if it would do anything to wake up the gorilla scientist. Nothing. All was good.

I breathed a sigh of relief before speed walking to the front door, pausing once again to check if Winston was awake. He shifted in his seat, moving over to sleep on his side, his back turned against me.

"Sorry big guy. . ." I mumbled before grabbing my room key and swiftly exiting the hotel room.

My heart was pounding as I walked down the hall and stopped in front of the elevator, waiting for it to come up to my floor. I was so anxious, I was impatiently bouncing in place, just wanting to get this whole thing over with. I didn't like--- no, I hated going behind my friends backs like this.

But Dave. . .

The elevator chimed it's arrival, snapping me out of my thoughts. Just as I was about to take a step forward, I stopped, freezing in place as a familiar Brazilian man stepped off the elevator. His hair was down as sweat beamed off his forehead and neck. His eyes snapped in surprise when he saw me, startled as his hand hovered over his chest.

"Hope, hey!" he squealed. "Sorry about that, I didn't see you there. . ."

"No, no, it's okay," I waved my hands reassuringly. "What are you doing up this early?"

"Hm? Oh, I was just down in the hotel gym for a bit," he answered, grabbing the towel that rested along his left shoulder as he wiped some of the sweat off his face. "They have a pretty decent set up. What are you doing up?"

"Me?" I perked up, and I swore I could feel my heart seize to beat.

"Yeah, I heard you weren't doing so well last night," he clarified with concern. "Are you feeling any better?"

No, I'm not. Quite frankly, my brother's life is on the line and I'm being forced to do dirty work for the Talon hacker, which I can now confirm is named Sombra, and I have to spy on quite possibly the most strongest woman I have ever seen in my life, and I have to do this all alone, cause if I tell anyone, it could put my brother in even more danger than he already is!

"Um. . . a little bit," I gulped nervously. "I was just going to pop outside and take a walk to get some fresh air into my system,"

"Oh, well, if you give me a few minutes to get changed, I could join you if you'd like?" Lucio offered. "Efi told me about this great breakfast buffet that's a couple streets down from the hotel,"

Yes! Yes, I would love that more than anything in the world!

"Actually, Lucio. . . I kind of just want to me alone for a bit," I answered.

I could see the look of disappointment in his eyes as he nodded his head with understanding. A small smile still perched on his lips, but I could sense he was feeling otherwise. "No problem, I understand. . ."

He kindly stepped aside, waving his arm forward to allow me passage into the elevator. I smiled curtly as I walked inside. I turned my body around, watching as the elevator doors slowly began to close, and Lucio was about to take his leave. It made my heart ache. I wanted to so badly reach out to him, but I couldn't could I?

I hummed nervously before without making any second thoughts, I reached my hand out and signaled the doors to stop. They retracted upon sensing my motion as I poked my head out. "Lucio?"

My voice caught his attention as he stopped, turning his head to face me. "Yeah?"

"Thank you. . . for, uh. . . everything you've done for me this past week," I spoke slowly. "It really means a lot to me,"

That seemed to relax the young man a little bit as his genuine smile returned, his body completely turning around to face me. "Well, yeah, anytime. What are friends for, right?"

"Yeah. . ." I smiled in return. "Friends,"

But why am I getting a sense that maybe we could be. . . something more?

"How about tomorrow morning then? For the breakfast buffet?" I suggested, sounding hopeful.

Lucio's eyes sparkled like a little kid had gotten all of the presents he wanted from Santa at Christmas, his smile glowing brighter. "Really? Okay, sure!"

I giggled at the sight. It was kinda adorable. "That settles it then,"

"It's a date!" He proclaimed. He paused, taking a moment to process what he had said before his expression changed. He looked terrified as he quickly rose his hands, waving them apologetically. "Not like an actual date, what I mean't was, I mean. . . it can be?"

I swore my heart fluttered back to life after hearing those words. I sucked in my gut, muttering up the courage to say these next few words. "Would you like it to be a date?"

I could feel my cheeks flaring a bright pink, I wanted to hide in that elevator for the rest of my life. I just asked out Lucio on a date!

"I mean, I'd like for it to be. . ." Lucio replied, rubbing the back of his neck as I swore I could see a hint of pink forming on his cheeks too! "If that's okay with you?"

I hold on the elevator doors tightened as I took a quick breath to try and calm myself a little. "It's more than okay with me,"

"Well, awesome!" Lucio gasped in shock. "I'll see you later, then?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "See ya!"

He waved goodbye at me before turning the corner and vanishing into the hallway. I let go of the doors as the elevator doors closed on me and I pressed the Lobby button. I leaned back against the wall, my heart racing as a huge smile formed on my face and I found myself squealing with joy.

Tomorrow morning I was going on a date with world famous freedom fighter and DJ, Lucio!

But first, I've got a Russian to spy on.