Chapter 1:Prologue and Anonymous Letter
Some nightmares, are best to be forgotten. Pushed to the back of your mind where the brain can't be forced to dwell upon it. However, this nightmare isn't one that can be disregarded easily. Especially by her. Rebecca Chambers had been plagued by constant nightmares from the Spencer mansion incident. It had been six months now, but it had all seemed like yesterday. Those vile zombies whom were once human, now wandering around without a purpose, except for the extreme urge to feed on the living. A sad reality really. Many of the S.T.A.R.S. team members had fallen victim to these undead creatures. In fact, Rebecca was the sole survivor of the Bravo team, along with a few members of the Alpha team to make it out alive. If things weren't bad enough, prior to the mansion incident, she trekked her way through another hellish Umbrella owned company. The Umbrella Research Center. She didn't have to go alone on this one though. Nope!. She formed an unlikely partner with former marine Billy Coen. Whom at the time she understood was wanted for murder. Through some persuasion, She got his side of the story, and the truth un-folded itself to reveal that he had been wrongfully accused all along. It was bullshit in a matter of speaking. Proving his innocence would be difficult. Who was going to believe him now. Except for Rebecca. The two of them worked side by side as a team. Occasionally separating to cover a little bit more ground, but they always regrouped later. Billy was a bit of a jerk at first to her. Perhaps it could have been because of the fact that she appeared young and naive, that he felt he could hassle her around a bit. Especially with his special pet names. It irritated the hell out of her and she just learned to ignore it but, she had also come to the realization that someone was showering her with some attention. A male counterpart. Despite it being the horrid situation they found them selves in, she found it quite exhilarating to have him accompanying her. Both of them had their moments, where either one of them was caught in a death defying situation, but luckily their partner made it in the knick of time to save them before they could meet their certain demise. As time had passed by, the horrific secret behind Umbrella had revealed itself. Rebecca and Billy were once again, thrown into a battle for their lives. Both hero's were so tired already, but they fought hard and managed to succeed in killing the monstrosity before them. There was no time lingering around though, the Umbrella Research Center was moments from self destructing. It was time to run like hell.
Both made it out safe to a hillside landing. After what had seemed like an eternity, they both could finally rest. Not likely though. Rebecca had orders on her part to regroup with the rest of her team at the Spencer Mansion. There would not be any resting for her now. She quickly took Billy's dog tags from him and fastened them around her neck. Noted that he was officially dead, and having his tags would justify that as proof when she made her final report. The next part was going to be difficult. Saying goodbye. Rebecca could not muster up the words to say to him. Not even a "thank you" came about. The time the two spent together, trying to survive and saving each others ass, which had not seemed long enough. There was a bond of trust that developed between them. Was it friendship? or something deeper? The emotions became overwhelming within her that it was necessary to suppress it for now. It was not the time nor the place for this. She liked him, she admitted to her self, but she had to do what was best for everyone. She had to let him go. She stood there in silence in the daylight, and properly saluted the soldier, that she had come to know. He saluted her back. She then broke away and left, feeling deep remorse. Billy watched her, feeling more in a state of peace knowing that he was free. However he had come to find he had mutual feelings towards her too. He wondered if she would be ok going down to that other mansion. Of course she would though, she's regrouping with her team. Everything would be fine. He purged the thought out of his mind as he turned and began to walk away in the opposite direction. Never to be seen again. But still though, something felt wrong. He couldn't help but think that Rebecca's life may still be in danger. Unbeknownst to her, she was about to walk into, another nightmare.
It's September 1998. Raccoon City was a beaming metropolis. It was forever expanding it's job market, which drew in many new residents annually. Thus adding on to the vast growing population of the city. The expansion of industry continued to increase steadily. More specifically, in pharmaceuticals. The surviving S.T.A.R.S members had some suspicions that maybe Umbrella maybe behind that. But quickly rid the notion of that right away. They destroyed that one year ago. They had better things to worry about now. Although Raccoon City is advertised to be quant and pleasant, the crime rate has been increasing. The Raccoon Police Department has had their hands full with burglaries, vandalisms, traffic violations, you name it. It's nothing that S.T.A.R.S can't handle though.
The RPD was a little on the quiet side today. No known reason for it, just a typical hot summer Friday afternoon. S.T.A.R.S were scattered around the office trying to look somewhat busy. Barry sat casually on top of his desk, doing a thorough cleaning of his colt python. Jill was nearby talking with him. Claire was on the phone gabbing away with someone, and Chris was out in the hallway, speaking with a fellow police officer. Rebecca sat at her desk looking rather glum. She fought hard to sleep these days, knowing the nightmares of the year past would resurface. Sleep or awake, it didn't really matter, it was permanently on her mind twenty four seven. Not only that, she thought about Billy. She wondered if he could still be alive. Rebecca was acting strange today, and not because of nothing either, or lack of sleep that is. Two weeks ago, she had received a letter in the mail from an anonymous writer. Her initial thought was that it was addressed wrong and that maybe she could return to sender. But something in her, told her to read it. Curiosity got the best of her, so she did. The letter had been composed for her eye's only, and in a manner that she would only understand. She read through it silently again: Dearest Rebecca, It's been too long since we last seen each other. A year really. I guess a reunion is in order. I would be delighted if you could join me, up near the town of Stoneville. There's a map I included here. Follow it closely, and you will find me. Please doll face, I really need to see you again before it's too late. Yours truly, William C. "It was him, it had to be" she thought quietly. There was no mistaking it. No one else knew to call her by that pet name, other then him. He was very much alive, and he was requesting to see her. "Why though? and what did he mean by, too late? she glanced up from her desk in a sort of trance. Her vacant hand slowly reach down. Tracing along the necklace chain, and down further to the dog tags that once belong to him. She couldn't resist a smile. "Hey girl, whatcha up to?" Claire abruptly broke Rebecca's moment of peace by leaning up against her desk. "Oh um! Hey Claire, I was just reading through some of my mail, that's all" She quickly folded up the letter and stashed it away in her side pocket of her vest. "Ooo! got a secret admirer?" Claire playfully replied with a raised brow. Now the thought of Billy sending her notes had made her blush. However, the last thing she wanted was to clue everyone on his whereabouts. Rebecca was going to have to fabricate some kind of story quick. She sat upright in her chair and was hesitant to look at Claire, but finally forced herself. "No! nothing like that. My Uncle has invited me up to his home in Stoneville this weekend. For some kind reunion I guess" she lied cleverly through her teeth, but she was hoping that Claire bought it. " Huh! That sounds terribly exciting. I always hated family reunions. And for that matter, you should go Becca. You have been looking dreadful for months". Claire grabs a chair and sits down next to her. "Is it that obvious?". "Yes, you look miserable. Your overworked and you look god awful tired. Why don't you take a vacation?". Rebecca held back from replying to that. She just sighed out loud. "Because Claire, the more I work, the less I have to to focus on what is really ailing me". "What's that dear?". Claire awaited an answer from Rebecca, but she got nothing. Rebecca turned her head downward to her feet. Avoiding eye contact with Claire. Claire was about to open her mouth and repeat her question when Chris walked up. "Hello ladies, how are we doing over here?". Both women perked right up upon his presence. "Hi Chris" Rebecca managed. "Hey big bro. I'm trying to cheer up Rebecca here by coaxing her into taking some time off". "And what Miss Redfield doesn't know, is that I already have decided to do just that" Rebecca stood up from her desk and glared at her and smirked. "Good for you Becca. You deserve some much needed time away from this hellhole" she stood up with Rebecca and gave her a big hug. "It's not all that bad around here Claire. So where are you planning on heading to Rebecca?" Chris casually asked without getting overly excited on this news. "Um…to Stoneville" Rebecca calmly spoke in a hushed tone. Again, worried about letting anyone on to her plans. "Stoneville…Stoneville…..that's up in the Arklay Mountains" Chris replied sounding rather disturbed. "So what?" Claire butted in. "So, that town is near the Spencer estate. The one we destroyed last year. That entire area has been quarantined for possible viral outbreak". Rebecca stood up from her desk to face Chris. "But Chris, the virus, and all remnants of it were destroyed when the mansion blew up. I can't see how this is a threat now". "Last I heard was that Stoneville was free of any viral activity" Claire added. Chris sighed and began to pace . Even if that's true, that area is nothing but deep forest. It's full of dangerous wild life. Some could even be…infected". "I don't think that's going to deter her from still going Chris" Claire protested. Chris shook his head. There were times when he just could not reason with woman. This was one of this times. He walked around in front of Rebecca and touched her shoulder. "All I'm saying is…be careful Rebecca. I don't want to see anymore S.T.A.R.S members killed off". "I understand Chris. Have faith in me. I survived two of Umbrella's hellish nightmares. I think a drive up through the mountains is certainly a step down from that" She gently smile up at him. He returned the smile and acknowledged her by a simple nod. "Than I won't object to your leave of absence this weekend". "Thanks Chris. What are the rest of you going to do while I'm away?" Rebecca casually changed the topic. "I'm staying put in Raccoon. I'll probably just bust a few traffic violator's ass's. Highlight of my day" Claire replied with a very un-thrilled attitude. "Not me. I have a romantic weekend getaway planned for me and Jill. I've been looking forward to this for some time now" Chris boasted proudly as both ladies mimicked oh's and aah's over his plans. "Don't count on it Mister" Jill's voice echo'd through out the office. Chris spun around to find Jill side glancing him over her shoulder. "But Jill, what about our weekend? We planned to….". "I'm with Claire. I'm staying in Raccoon City. Someone needs to keep everyone safe". Claire swung her arm around Jill. "That's right, us ladies can handle anything that comes our way". "Your breaking my heart Jill" Chris dramatically whined. "Your a big boy, you'll get over it". Barry's low toned chucked was heard from across the room. "You kids". "Did you put Jill up to this Barry?" Chris pointed his finger in his direction, but Barry said nothing except put his hands up in surrender. Chris shook his head in disbelief. Everyone in the office was silent "All right, we'll talk later than. Rebecca, have good vacation. Be safe out there. Before you leave, stop by the armory and stock up on some ammunition. You have clearance.". Rebecca just nodded. Afraid to say another word. Chris looked at everyone else. "We all have our duties to do". With that, he made his way to the exit. "Is…he going to be ok? Rebecca inquired with a sense of concern. "Give him a couple hours and he'll be back to his norm. Now will you get going girl". Claire began to shove Rebecca towards the door. "Alright alright! Just remember where to find the first aid supplies. I wont be here to put band-aids on you in case any of you get paper cuts or scratches". She had to have one last second of fun with everyone. So why not get a bit cocky "Oh Becca, your so cruel. Now git". Claire's sarcasm shown through as clear as day. Jill and Barry joined in on one last laugh before Rebecca left for the day.