Chapter 1
Part 1
12th July 2005, 11:05am
Somewhere in Europe
John Norths ran briskly along the dim, grey corridor. 'Why do I have to tell him?' he thought as he turned a corner and nearly bumped into a technician.
"Sorry," he murmured, before resuming his run. 'Mr Seiker won't be pleased to hear this news at all,' John continued to think as he brushed a lock of brown hair out of his eyes. 'Why did they have to start now, interrupting my research like this.?' The man slowed down to a walk as he approached a large ornate set of oak doors. A brass plaque was affixed to the left side of the frame. On it read:
Doctor Alexi Seiker BSc Hons
President of UMBRELLA Inc.
John reached out and put his hand on the door handle and attempted to slow down his breathing before opening the door.
As the door swung open, the strong smell of varnish greeted John's nostrils. He gagged slightly before walking forwards. A large table was placed near the back of the room with several files scattered across it's marble top. Behind the table was a large, black leather chair with the back facing the door. A large fireplace fixed in the wall was emanating heat into the spacious room. John slowly turned and shut the door behind him.
"What is it, Doctor Norths?" a voice asked from beside the fire, making John jump.
"Oh, umm, I have two pieces of information for you, Doctor Seiker, sir," John replied, stuttering slightly.
"Now, now, there's no need to worry Doctor Norths. Come, take a seat," the man finished, indicating to a black office chair.
"Thank you, sir," John said, before sitting slowly down into the chair.
"Now, to business. What is this news you have for me. I hope it regards the success of your new B.O.W, because I do not wish to have to scrap another project," Alexi started, waving his arm over several of the folders.
"Do you mean that all of the other B.O.W's that have been in development are all failures?" John replied
"Unfortunately, yes," Alexi started. "I was hoping that your prototype would be ready for combat testing within this week, because I'm looking for some success within our projects. Remember that we are now in competition with North Cross."
"Yes sir, how could I forget."John added.
"Then give me your report, North's.." John looked at the back of Alexi's chair and took a deep breath.
"Well sir, the good news is that the 'Desolator mark II' is indeed ready for testing, but the bad news." John cut off.
"Yes? I don't like to be kept waiting John," Alexi encouraged
"Sir, the North Cross has brought 76% of our shares, they effectively own us now. They sent a note informing us of there take-over. Their officials arrive here tomorrow," John breathed out as he finished talking.
"They think they can buy us out just like that, eh? Well, when they arrive here tomorrow, they will have a big surprise waiting for them. Order the staff to evacuate immediately, and tell them to go to the Echo city facility and wait for further instructions," Alexi ordered
"Sir, can I ask why you are ordering us to abandon the UMBRELLA headquarters?" John inquired.
"Because, I intend to release all available B.O.W units into the base to wait for the North Cross officials. When they enter the base, they will all be slaughtered,"
"But sir, that will be considered an act of war!" John put in
"Not if they think we lost control, it won't. Tell the security teams to stay put and wait here," Alexi continued
"Then you intend to kill all the guards, just to cover an act of aggression!! Sir, you can't do that!" John shouted.
"Yes I can, John, and if you continue to argue with me, I'll make you the first test subject for your own B.O.W,"Alexi replied, turning his chair to face the man. John stood and stared at him, unaware that he had knocked his chair over in the rush to get to his feet.
"Sir, you wouldn't." John stuttered. He had seen what the desolator could do to a solid concrete wall, and feared his own creation more than anything in the world.
"Yes I would John, now give the order. I'll meet you in Echo City in a day,"Alexi finished, turning his chair to face the fire once again. John continued to stare at the man before turning to leave the room.
"Oh, and John?"
"Yes sir?"
"Don't fail me." John lowered his hand to the door handle.
"Yes sir." He walked out of the room, the threatening last words of his boss echoing in his head.
As John Norths left his office, Alexi stared deep into the fire, appreciating its warmth and colour. He sighed to himself before turning to the intercom. "Claire, do me a favour, take an early leave. I want you to go to echo city and wait at the laboratory there" He spoke into the black microphone.
"Of course sir. Can I ask you why?" came a reply in a female voice.
"The headquarters is shutting down for repairs, i'm moving all personnel to the Echo Base. When everyone is there, I'll give you a pay rise" Alexi finished
"Thank you sir!! I'll head there straight away!" Came the girls excited reply. Alexi turned away from the intercom and picked up a file off of the table, and began to read it.
"Desolator mark II" He thought aloud, "The newest model in the line of Desolators, it is capable of destroying a 9 inch solid concrete wall with a single punch, and can be programmed to target a single person, or group of people if necessary. However this is yet to be proven due to a lack of testing in the subject. Possible improvements:
An increased injection of a mix of Progenitor and the new 'Z' virus will force a mutation, creating a faster stronger hunter. However, this mutation will lower the creatures intelligence dramatically" Alexi finished. He stared at the attached picture of the biological monstrosity. It stood 8 ft tall and its arms were as thick as tree trunks. From the back of the creature protruded three long spikes, which curved into the shape of the creatures back. Alexi allowed a cold grin to cross his face as he pictured the death of North Cross' most important officials. " I'll show them not to mess with UMBRELLA! They'll pay for what they have done to my company!!" Alexi said to himself, before letting out a low malicious laugh.
14th July 2005,6.09am
New York, USA
The echoing rings of the telephone jolted Ben from his sleep. He turned and made lazy and inaccurate swings for the receiver of the phone, still half asleep. At last his hand found what it was looking for. He raised the phone to his ear and sat up slowly.
"Hello?" Ben answered.
"Good morning captain Blaze," a voice replied, jerking Ben out of his sleep. He didn't recognise the voice, yet it knew his military codename.
"Can I help you?" he replied.
"I believe you can. Am I correct in assuming that you are captain of the STORM team?"
"How do you know about the STORM team? It's supposed to be secret!!" Ben asked, surprised that a stranger knew about his job.
"I know because you come highly recommended for.special missions, if you know what I mean," the voice continued.
"Yes, I think I do, but I only work for registered customers, if you know what mean," Ben replied sarcastically.
"I see. It would appear that you do not trust me, captain. Perhaps you might if you switch on the news," the voice ordered. Ben reached for the TV remote that lay at the bottom of his bed and pressed one of the buttons sleepily. The television set flashed on, displaying a woman wearing a blue jacket with a white T-shirt underneath.
"Good morning," the woman started. "Today, a horrific accident has occurred in Echo city. At approximately 6am this morning, a large explosion was heard, and all communications was lost with the population, which is currently residing at approximately 1,000,000.When a news helicopter was sent in to investigate, it returned to us horrific images. We go now, live, to that helicopter" As the woman finished, the shot changed from her organised office to a devastated skyline. Plumes of smoke rose in great columns, covering the city in a veil of black, impenetrable smoke. Everywhere the camera turned, all that was visible was destruction. Ben turned his attention back to the phone
"How..did you know?" He stuttered.
"That is not important, what is important is the job I'm offering you. I want you to go into Echo city and find out what happened," the man started.
"Who is employing us, and what is the pay?" Ben inquired.
"The pay is 8 million dollars. You are being employed by Umbrella due to confidential reasons that I cannot distribute over the phone," the voice continued
"We'll take the job, but first tell me who you are," Ben questioned
"My name is Alexi Seiker, I work for Umbrella. So when will you begin the job?" Alexi asked.
"We'll begin as soon as my team is assembled and I have all the necessary information, Mr Seiker," Ben finished.
"I will e-mail it to you at your teams' address. I expect results within the week, Goodnight," Alexi finished, hanging up the phone. Ben replaced the receiver, confused by the mysterious call. He wondered about it before picking up the phone and started to dial the necessary numbers to assemble his team.
14th July 2005, 15.12
STORM HQ, somewhere in the Mojave Desert
The hot desert winds beat against the metal walls of the warehouse in which the STORM teams headquarters resided. Inside the building stood the almost legendary team every military personnel knew about. The seven soldiers sat waiting for their captain, confused why the team had been called three weeks after they disbanded.
"Hello everyone, it's good to see that you all made it here. Good, good," Ben started, walking out from a small room near the back of the warehouse.
"Ben, why did you call us here?" one of the men asked.
"Have any of you seen the news lately?" Ben continued.
"You mean the Echo city incident, right?" the soldier continued.
"Yes, I do. We have been asked to fly in and see if we can resolve the situation and rescue any survivors. Any questions?" Ben finished. The rest of the squad starred at him, looks of horror and disbelief spread across their faces.
"You mean you ant us to go INTO that hellhole!?! No way man! That's a death wish!!" a second soldier shouted.
"Let me finish. This job is dangerous, yes, but the pay is worth it," Ben interrupted.
"What do you mean?" a woman asked in a calm voice.
"I mean that when we finish this mission, we'll be rich. Our employer is paying us 8 million dollars to complete our objective. All we gotta do is go in and come back out." Ben replied. The team looked at him, before one of the women stepped forward.
"I'll come with you," she said.
"Amy, are you sure?" Ben questioned.
"Yes, I am," Amy replied
"Then I'm coming too," a man said, stepping forward.
"Jason, I wouldn't leave without you my friend," Ben said, smiling as he shook hands with the man.
"Then we all go, it's the only way this mission will get any where," A second man added, followed by numerous murmurs.
"Then it's official. The STORM team is back in business!!!" Ben finished, raising his voice to a shout as he announced the decision.
"Yeah!!". Ben smiled as the rest of the team cheered with him.
"Joe, when can you get us ready to leave?" Ben started, pointing at one of the younger men.
"Tomorrow at dawn," came a reply
"Then it's settled. Everyone, be ready to leave tomorrow at dawn," Ben finished, saluting to the troops, before turning and walking back to his office, smiling.
John Norths ran briskly along the dim, grey corridor. 'Why do I have to tell him?' he thought as he turned a corner and nearly bumped into a technician.
"Sorry," he murmured, before resuming his run. 'Mr Seiker won't be pleased to hear this news at all,' John continued to think as he brushed a lock of brown hair out of his eyes. 'Why did they have to start now, interrupting my research like this.?' The man slowed down to a walk as he approached a large ornate set of oak doors. A brass plaque was affixed to the left side of the frame. On it read:
Doctor Alexi Seiker BSc Hons
President of UMBRELLA Inc.
John reached out and put his hand on the door handle and attempted to slow down his breathing before opening the door.
As the door swung open, the strong smell of varnish greeted John's nostrils. He gagged slightly before walking forwards. A large table was placed near the back of the room with several files scattered across it's marble top. Behind the table was a large, black leather chair with the back facing the door. A large fireplace fixed in the wall was emanating heat into the spacious room. John slowly turned and shut the door behind him.
"What is it, Doctor Norths?" a voice asked from beside the fire, making John jump.
"Oh, umm, I have two pieces of information for you, Doctor Seiker, sir," John replied, stuttering slightly.
"Now, now, there's no need to worry Doctor Norths. Come, take a seat," the man finished, indicating to a black office chair.
"Thank you, sir," John said, before sitting slowly down into the chair.
"Now, to business. What is this news you have for me. I hope it regards the success of your new B.O.W, because I do not wish to have to scrap another project," Alexi started, waving his arm over several of the folders.
"Do you mean that all of the other B.O.W's that have been in development are all failures?" John replied
"Unfortunately, yes," Alexi started. "I was hoping that your prototype would be ready for combat testing within this week, because I'm looking for some success within our projects. Remember that we are now in competition with North Cross."
"Yes sir, how could I forget."John added.
"Then give me your report, North's.." John looked at the back of Alexi's chair and took a deep breath.
"Well sir, the good news is that the 'Desolator mark II' is indeed ready for testing, but the bad news." John cut off.
"Yes? I don't like to be kept waiting John," Alexi encouraged
"Sir, the North Cross has brought 76% of our shares, they effectively own us now. They sent a note informing us of there take-over. Their officials arrive here tomorrow," John breathed out as he finished talking.
"They think they can buy us out just like that, eh? Well, when they arrive here tomorrow, they will have a big surprise waiting for them. Order the staff to evacuate immediately, and tell them to go to the Echo city facility and wait for further instructions," Alexi ordered
"Sir, can I ask why you are ordering us to abandon the UMBRELLA headquarters?" John inquired.
"Because, I intend to release all available B.O.W units into the base to wait for the North Cross officials. When they enter the base, they will all be slaughtered,"
"But sir, that will be considered an act of war!" John put in
"Not if they think we lost control, it won't. Tell the security teams to stay put and wait here," Alexi continued
"Then you intend to kill all the guards, just to cover an act of aggression!! Sir, you can't do that!" John shouted.
"Yes I can, John, and if you continue to argue with me, I'll make you the first test subject for your own B.O.W,"Alexi replied, turning his chair to face the man. John stood and stared at him, unaware that he had knocked his chair over in the rush to get to his feet.
"Sir, you wouldn't." John stuttered. He had seen what the desolator could do to a solid concrete wall, and feared his own creation more than anything in the world.
"Yes I would John, now give the order. I'll meet you in Echo City in a day,"Alexi finished, turning his chair to face the fire once again. John continued to stare at the man before turning to leave the room.
"Oh, and John?"
"Yes sir?"
"Don't fail me." John lowered his hand to the door handle.
"Yes sir." He walked out of the room, the threatening last words of his boss echoing in his head.
As John Norths left his office, Alexi stared deep into the fire, appreciating its warmth and colour. He sighed to himself before turning to the intercom. "Claire, do me a favour, take an early leave. I want you to go to echo city and wait at the laboratory there" He spoke into the black microphone.
"Of course sir. Can I ask you why?" came a reply in a female voice.
"The headquarters is shutting down for repairs, i'm moving all personnel to the Echo Base. When everyone is there, I'll give you a pay rise" Alexi finished
"Thank you sir!! I'll head there straight away!" Came the girls excited reply. Alexi turned away from the intercom and picked up a file off of the table, and began to read it.
"Desolator mark II" He thought aloud, "The newest model in the line of Desolators, it is capable of destroying a 9 inch solid concrete wall with a single punch, and can be programmed to target a single person, or group of people if necessary. However this is yet to be proven due to a lack of testing in the subject. Possible improvements:
An increased injection of a mix of Progenitor and the new 'Z' virus will force a mutation, creating a faster stronger hunter. However, this mutation will lower the creatures intelligence dramatically" Alexi finished. He stared at the attached picture of the biological monstrosity. It stood 8 ft tall and its arms were as thick as tree trunks. From the back of the creature protruded three long spikes, which curved into the shape of the creatures back. Alexi allowed a cold grin to cross his face as he pictured the death of North Cross' most important officials. " I'll show them not to mess with UMBRELLA! They'll pay for what they have done to my company!!" Alexi said to himself, before letting out a low malicious laugh.
14th July 2005,6.09am
New York, USA
The echoing rings of the telephone jolted Ben from his sleep. He turned and made lazy and inaccurate swings for the receiver of the phone, still half asleep. At last his hand found what it was looking for. He raised the phone to his ear and sat up slowly.
"Hello?" Ben answered.
"Good morning captain Blaze," a voice replied, jerking Ben out of his sleep. He didn't recognise the voice, yet it knew his military codename.
"Can I help you?" he replied.
"I believe you can. Am I correct in assuming that you are captain of the STORM team?"
"How do you know about the STORM team? It's supposed to be secret!!" Ben asked, surprised that a stranger knew about his job.
"I know because you come highly recommended for.special missions, if you know what I mean," the voice continued.
"Yes, I think I do, but I only work for registered customers, if you know what mean," Ben replied sarcastically.
"I see. It would appear that you do not trust me, captain. Perhaps you might if you switch on the news," the voice ordered. Ben reached for the TV remote that lay at the bottom of his bed and pressed one of the buttons sleepily. The television set flashed on, displaying a woman wearing a blue jacket with a white T-shirt underneath.
"Good morning," the woman started. "Today, a horrific accident has occurred in Echo city. At approximately 6am this morning, a large explosion was heard, and all communications was lost with the population, which is currently residing at approximately 1,000,000.When a news helicopter was sent in to investigate, it returned to us horrific images. We go now, live, to that helicopter" As the woman finished, the shot changed from her organised office to a devastated skyline. Plumes of smoke rose in great columns, covering the city in a veil of black, impenetrable smoke. Everywhere the camera turned, all that was visible was destruction. Ben turned his attention back to the phone
"How..did you know?" He stuttered.
"That is not important, what is important is the job I'm offering you. I want you to go into Echo city and find out what happened," the man started.
"Who is employing us, and what is the pay?" Ben inquired.
"The pay is 8 million dollars. You are being employed by Umbrella due to confidential reasons that I cannot distribute over the phone," the voice continued
"We'll take the job, but first tell me who you are," Ben questioned
"My name is Alexi Seiker, I work for Umbrella. So when will you begin the job?" Alexi asked.
"We'll begin as soon as my team is assembled and I have all the necessary information, Mr Seiker," Ben finished.
"I will e-mail it to you at your teams' address. I expect results within the week, Goodnight," Alexi finished, hanging up the phone. Ben replaced the receiver, confused by the mysterious call. He wondered about it before picking up the phone and started to dial the necessary numbers to assemble his team.
14th July 2005, 15.12
STORM HQ, somewhere in the Mojave Desert
The hot desert winds beat against the metal walls of the warehouse in which the STORM teams headquarters resided. Inside the building stood the almost legendary team every military personnel knew about. The seven soldiers sat waiting for their captain, confused why the team had been called three weeks after they disbanded.
"Hello everyone, it's good to see that you all made it here. Good, good," Ben started, walking out from a small room near the back of the warehouse.
"Ben, why did you call us here?" one of the men asked.
"Have any of you seen the news lately?" Ben continued.
"You mean the Echo city incident, right?" the soldier continued.
"Yes, I do. We have been asked to fly in and see if we can resolve the situation and rescue any survivors. Any questions?" Ben finished. The rest of the squad starred at him, looks of horror and disbelief spread across their faces.
"You mean you ant us to go INTO that hellhole!?! No way man! That's a death wish!!" a second soldier shouted.
"Let me finish. This job is dangerous, yes, but the pay is worth it," Ben interrupted.
"What do you mean?" a woman asked in a calm voice.
"I mean that when we finish this mission, we'll be rich. Our employer is paying us 8 million dollars to complete our objective. All we gotta do is go in and come back out." Ben replied. The team looked at him, before one of the women stepped forward.
"I'll come with you," she said.
"Amy, are you sure?" Ben questioned.
"Yes, I am," Amy replied
"Then I'm coming too," a man said, stepping forward.
"Jason, I wouldn't leave without you my friend," Ben said, smiling as he shook hands with the man.
"Then we all go, it's the only way this mission will get any where," A second man added, followed by numerous murmurs.
"Then it's official. The STORM team is back in business!!!" Ben finished, raising his voice to a shout as he announced the decision.
"Yeah!!". Ben smiled as the rest of the team cheered with him.
"Joe, when can you get us ready to leave?" Ben started, pointing at one of the younger men.
"Tomorrow at dawn," came a reply
"Then it's settled. Everyone, be ready to leave tomorrow at dawn," Ben finished, saluting to the troops, before turning and walking back to his office, smiling.