Disclaimer: Resident Evil is a product of Capcom. If anyone from Capcom is reading this, please don't sue me. You won't get that much from me if you do.

Only one way, and that's my way

Grim Reaper calling, judgment day

Ten, let the countdown begin

Method Man- Judgment Day

Prologue:

In the last years of the 20th century advancements in both genetics and medicine made it possible to both treat and cure a variety of diseases that originally seemed impossible to beat. Recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy, gene splicing, and powerful new drugs presented an opportunity to improve the quality of life. Even the aspect of cloning seemed to give new options in the combat against sickness. Like it had many times in history, civilization had entered a new age, the Genetics Age. But as with all ages before it, this age had its own dark side. The advancements in genetic technologies had opened the door for new, terrifying weapons. Viral warfare had been developed and nowhere were the ramifications more clear than in Desert Storm, where American GIs were infected with what would be know as Gulf War Syndrome. Sadly, that event would only be a harbinger to the terror to come. One company, Umbrella Inc., a pharmaceutical conglomerate, found profit in creating weapons of death, Fueled by the discovery of an alien virus the company created the ultimate biological weapon. The T-virus, a mutagenic toxin capable of turning ordinary humans into flesh-eating zombies.

            Umbrella's experiments remained a dark secret for the later half of the 20th century. However, events occurring in late 1998 would reveal Umbrella's unholy experiments and lead to an event that would alter history forever. It all started in a remote town called Raccoon City where a series of brutal murders had occurred. In late July the Special Tactics and Rescue Squad, or S.T.A.R.S. team, was sent into the mountains surrounding the city to investigate. It was here that the team discovered a dark, secluded mansion in which Umbrella had perfected the T-virus. Out of the twelve members, only Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Barry Burton, Rebecca Chambers, and Brad Vickers survived. Despite their best efforts the survivors could not convince the town of Umbrella's crimes. But in a few months the town's ignorance would prove to destroy it. For in late September the T-virus and the G-virus, a stronger version of the T-virus, would infect the city. Out of a population of thousands only eight survived. Jill Valentine, who had stayed in Raccoon, escaped with Carlos Oliveira, a member of Umbrella's U.B.C.S. team. Claire Redfield, Chris Redfield's sister, Sherry Brikin, daughter of William and Annette Brikin, creators of the G-virus, and Leon Kennedy, a rookie cop, managed to escape the city vie an emergency train. Nicholai Ginovaef, leader of the U.B.C.S., escaped by helicopter. Ada Wong, and Umbrella spy, and Hunk, an Umbrella solder, also escaped. Thou both were sent to get the G-virus, only Hunk succeeded. Raccoon City was soon destroyed by a nuclear missile to insure that the bizarre disease did not spread any farther.

            This outbreak cost Umbrella three facilities, but they would loose more. One was Sheena Island. This island base had suffered the same fate as Raccoon City. Vincent, the island's supervisor, had deliberately set the virus loose. But like Raccoon, there were survivors. Ark Thompson, a friend of Leon, had escaped with two children, Lott and Lily Clien. Chris and Claire Redfield also found themselves pulled into another nightmare, surviving both Rockfort Prision and a base located in Antarctica. They would also have to face the Ashfords, who created the T-Veronica virus, the most powerful of Umbrella's viruses. They also had to face Albert Wesker, former captain of the S.T.A.R.S. and traitor. Ultimately, Rockfort was destroyed and the Antarctic base was annihilated by a nuclear bomb. With three more facilities gone Umbrella was to begin a campaign to eliminate its enemies.

            It wouldn't be easy, for the survivors were spread far and wide across the globe. Chris and Claire had returned to Paris, France. Jill was somewhere in Europe, searching for Chris. Barry had returned to his family in Canada. Rebecca, Leon, and Sherry were somewhere in the U.S. Carlos had left Jill and had tracked Nicholai to Berlin, Germany. Ark, Lott, and Lily were currently in Rome, Italy. Ada was now in Spain preparing for her next mission. Hunk was on leave after completing his mission. Soon, these individuals would be draw together by an outside force. This force would open the way for a battle that would change history forever.

Resident Evil Judgment Day

Chapter 1: Vagabond Warriors

Paris, France

            "I think this is stupid." Claire said. "Why out of all the places in the world did we have to come back here?" Claire and her brother Chris were currently walking down a crowded street in Paris. She was wearing jean shorts and a yellow top. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark blue top. "It's only been a week and a half."

            Chris wrapped his arm around Claire's neck. "Let me explain one more time. Umbrella is currently after both our asses. Now they expect us to be in hiding. They don't expect us to be walking around in the open, and in their own back yard at that. Their thinking is that only a couple of idiots would return to a place where they were either caught or were being watched. Because we're here that makes us…"

            "A couple of idiots." Claire cut in. "I don't like this idea Chris. I've already been through hell once. I don't what to repeat it again."

            "Umbrella will think we're stupid to come back here, so don't be so paranoid." Chris said. "Also, if any of my friends come looking for me, this will be the first city they search."

            "I assume you're talking about Jill, Barry, and the others." Claire said. "You know they could have died in Raccoon or have been captured."

            Chris hung his head. "That's something I'd rather not think about."

            Claire stared off into the distance. She knew Chris worried about his friends, especially a woman named Jill. Chris had talked about her often. Claire knew that her brother had something for that woman. As the two continued to walk, she turned to Chris. "I bet you anything that they're here already looking for us."

            "I hope you're right Claire." Chris said. Suddenly he heard a familiar voice and froze.

            "What is it?" Claire asked.

            Chris raised his hand, signaling Claire to be quite. He tried to pinpoint the voice and traced it to a woman to his left. She had on a pair of kaki pants, a gray top, and a brown jacket. Her dark brown hair fell just above the collar of her jacket. As he listened, he could hear her speaking to a man behind a booth.

            "I'm looking for this man." She said, showing that man a picture. "I heard that he was in this city. His name is Chris Redfield. Have you seen him?" The man behind the booth shook his head. The woman hung her head in defeat.

            "Jill?" Chris said.

            The woman's head snapped up and she turned around. Her blue eyes lit up as she saw Chris. "Chris!" She hugged him hard. "I've been looking all over for you. I thought I'd never see you again."

            "Looks like I found you." Chris said. He turned to his sister. "Jill, this is my sister Claire."

            "Hi." Jill said, holding out her hand. "I'm Jill Valentine, Chris' old partner in the S.T.A.R.S."

            Claire, who had been watching the whole episode with a confused look on her face, snapped out of her stupor and took Jill's hand. "Hi, I'm Claire, his sister."

            "So I've been told." Jill replied. "So you're the infamous sister Chris kept telling us about? Nice to finally meet you."

            "How long have you been in this city?" Chris asked.

            Jill scratched her head. "Just got here yesterday. I found out that Umbrella was watching you and the last place you were was here. Funny thing was I got the information from a letter with no returned address. I received it while in London."

            Claire looked around nervously. "Maybe we should talk someplace else. I have this funny feeling that we're being watched."

            "You're right." Chris said. "We shouldn't be talking out in the open. Listen, where are you staying?"

            "The Lay Charie." Jill replied.

            "We're staying at the Marcs." Chris said. "It would be better if we stayed in the same hotel. We should pick your stuff up and get back to our hotel."

            Jill nodded. "That would be great. It's so good to see you again."

            "Same here." Chris replied. The group left for Jill's hotel, unaware of the black van following them.

            It was getting dark by the time the trio reached the Marcs. As they entered, Chris noticed a black van, the same one that had followed them earlier, parked across the street. Jill had managed to get a room two doors down from the room the Redfields had. After she had got done packing the three talked for a while. Jill had gone back to her room to change for bed. Claire emerged from the bathroom in her nightgown to find Chris staring out the window, dressed in flannel shorts and white T-shirt.

            "What are you looking at?" Claire asked.

            "There's a black van parked outside the hotel." Chris replied. "Been here ever since we arrived."

            Claire chuckled. "Now who's being paranoid?"

            Chris gave his sister a dirty look. "There's a difference between being paranoid and being cautious. Being paranoid means that you believe that someone is following you when no one is. Being cautious means that someone is following you and you know it."

            "Anyway, at least your wish came true." Claire said, brushing her hair.

            "And that would be?" Chris asked.

            Claire gawked at her brother. "You're not that dense, are you? You found Jill and you know that your other friends are alive." Claire went back to brushing her hair. "You know, Jill's really nice. I bet see had the same problem I had. She must have had every guy in the RPD pawing at her. I had to fight off guys too you know."

            "Is there some point you're eventually going to get to, or am I gonna fall asleep before you do?" Chris asked, sitting on his bed.

            Claire set down her brush and turned to her brother. "Fine, do you to have something or not?"

            "Define "something." Chris said.

            Claire smacked Chris upside the head. "Are you two close, attached, together, a couple?"

            "Don't start this." Chris groaned. "I had to go through this with just about every member of the S.T.A.R.S. Jill and I are just partners."

            Claire started to laugh. "Bullshit. I know when two people are more than just friends. I went to collage for Christ sakes. She practically died when she saw you earlier. And I noticed how you two looked at each other. I bet you that if I wasn't here you two would be banging each other's brains out."

            Chris shot up. "Why don't you shut up? You don't know anything about us."

            "HA!" Claire said. "I hit a nerve. Admit it, you're in love with her."

            "Maybe, a little." Chris said. "I don't want to talk about this now."

            Claire rested her hand on Chris shoulder. "I've been in the same boat as you. I didn't want to admit that I was in love with Steve. When I finally did it was too late. You don't know how much I wished that I should have let him kiss me on the plane, or told him straight out. Instead I let my pride keep me from doing that. I don't want you to go through the same thing I did. If you love her, tell her before you lose her."

            Chris sighed. "I guess I should. I don't know what to say or how it'll come out."

            "I'm sure she'll understand." Claire said. "Now go." Claire watched Chris leave the room. When the door shut, she sat on her bed a softly began to cry.

            Jill stood in front of the mirror, wrapped in a blue bathrobe drying her hair. For the first time in a long time she was happy. She had finally found Chris, the person she had been looking for for the past couple of months. "I'll call Barry tomorrow, hitch a flight to the U.S., find a way to contact Carlos, and get down to business. This wasn't such a bad day after all." She said to her reflection. She heard a knock on her door. "Come in." She turned to see Chris enter. "Chris, I thought you'd be asleep by now."

            "Couldn't sleep." Chris replied. "Have too much on my mind. I never expected to run into you here. Hell, I thought you may not have made it out of Raccoon."

            "I almost didn't." Jill said. "Barry got there just in time. If it wasn't for him, Carlos and I would be goners."

            "What about Carlos?" Chris asked. "Where is he now?"

            Jill hung her towel over the back of a near-by chair. "He learned where Nicholai was and decided to track him down. That was about two months ago. Since then I haven't heard from him. For all I know he could be dead."

            "You two close?" Chris asked, hoping she would say no.

            "A little. I owe him my life. He got me out of some jams in Raccoon. At first I thought he was a prick, because he was Umbrella and the fact that he kept hitting on me. After a while he grew on me. He's not that bad when you get to know him."

            Chris' heart sang. "You miss him, don't you?"

            Jill detected the disappointment in his voice. "Why do you ask?"

            "You seem to take about him fondly." Chris replied. "You two together?"

            Jill knew where this was going. "We would, but I'm currently attracted to someone else. He's a little shy but I consider him a good friend. I just wish he'd say something."

            "Who is he?" Chris asked.

            "About 5'9", 5'10", brown eyes, black hair, kind of handsome, and the person I've been looking for my whole life. And now I believe I found him." Jill moved up to Chris and put her arms around his neck. "Ring a bell?"

            Chris smiled and stroked her cheek. "I should have told you this a long time ago. I love you Jill. You're the only person I've thought about since I left Raccoon. The moment I met you something clicked. I don't know why, but you're the first woman I really got attached to. I just wish I told you sooner."

            "I love you too." Jill said. "All I could think of was finding you. I should have said something before too. Guess my past experiences with men got in the way. Now I know you're the right man for me."

            Chris leaned in and gently kissed Jill. She returned the kiss. After a few seconds their lips parted and they held each other. "I swear I'll never leave you again or let anything happen to you." Chris said. "I promise."

            Claire removed her ear from the door. She had listened to the last few minutes of the conversation. Pleased at what she heard, she left for her room.

            Chris opened his eyes and turned his head to the right. Jill was sleeping peacefully next to him, her head on his shoulder. He gently stroked her hair, admiring her beauty. He was just about to close his eyes when a scream filled the floor. Chris immediately knew it was his sister. Jill was awaken by the scream and looked around frantically.

            "Who, what?" Jill asked.

            "Claire." Chris replied as he jumped from bed.

            Claire was crying hysterically as Chris and Jill entered the room. Chris held his sister and immediately began to consol her. "It was horrible." Claire sobbed. "They just kept coming no matter how hard I ran. I couldn't get away."

            "It's OK." Chris said in a soothing voice. "You're safe. They can't get you now, they're all dead. Just calm down and go back to sleep. I'll be right here if you need me."

            Claire regained herself and in a few minutes had fallen back to sleep. Chris laid her down and pulled the covers over her. He then sat in a chair placed in the corner of the room. Jill sat on Chris' bed and looked at Claire.

            "Does this happen every night?" Jill asked.

            Chris looked out the window. "Almost. Some nights she doesn't have nightmares. Other nights she wakes up screaming. Recently she's been good, but I guess she was due for one."

            Jill looked at Claire, then back at Chris. "Have you had nightmares recently?"

            "No, not for a couple of weeks." Chris replied. "After the Spencer Mansion I used to wake up in a cold sweat. It was always the same dream. I would be stuck in the mansion and I'd be surrounded. Then after I heard that Raccoon City was nuked the dream changed. Now I had to watch as you, Barry, Rebecca, everyone died. You would all become zombies and then the nuke would come. Guess it was all the guilt about leaving."

            "So," Jill said, "I had nightmares too. Only mine involved you getting killed by that Tyrant or the Nemesis driving its tentacle through my skull. I managed to stop having those nightmares by telling myself that this would be all over soon. How'd you beat your nightmares?"

            "I came to the realization that Raccoon was doomed from the start. It was only a matter of time before something like that outbreak occurred. From what I heard the RPD got the same reports they got before we went to that hellhole. I used to think that I could have done something if I stayed, but then I realized that nothing I could have done would have mattered. For all I knew, I could have died like everyone else."

            Jill laid back on the bed. "On the helicopter I swore I'd make Umbrella pay for what they did to my home. I intended to do that."

            "We'll all make Umbrella pay." Chris said. "We all will."

Calgary, Alberta Canada.

            A red car pulled up in front of a colorfully decorated house. The car stopped and shut down. The door opened and Rebecca Chambers got out. She looked the house over before walking to the door. She zipped up her wool jacket and blew into her hands. It was freezing, as it always was in January. She rang the doorbell and rocked on her heels as she waited. The door opened and a woman with long, brown hair and blue eyes met Rebecca. The woman smiled as she recognized her visitor.

            "Rebecca, how nice to see you." The woman said. "What brings you here?"

            "Hi Kathy, I was wondering if Barry was here." Rebecca replied. "I need to talk to him."

            Kathy nodded and let Rebecca in. "Is this about Umbrella?" Kathy asked.

            "It is." Rebecca replied. "I'm sorry I have to do this so soon after the holidays. I wish this could have waited until later."

            "Don't worry. At least Barry was here for Christmas and New Year." Kathy walked over to the stairs. "In fact he made it his New Years Resolution to stop Umbrella. BARRY, ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS IS HERE!"

            Rebecca heard footsteps clamber down the stairs and two girls appeared. They saw Rebecca and ran to here. "BECKY!" The oldest, brown haired girl shouted with glee.

            "Moira, how are you doing?" Rebecca asked, hugging the girls. "You're getting to look more like your mother every time I see you. And Polly, you're looking just like your dad."

            The redheaded girl giggled. "No I'm not."

            "No, you're looking more like your mother." Barry said, reaching the bottom of the stairs. "Becky, didn't think I'd see you here. What's up?"

            "Something important." Becky said in a grave tone.

            "I'll get the girls something to eat." Kathy said. "She led the girls into the kitchen.

            "We better go upstairs." Barry said to Rebecca. He led her up to him room. He closed the door and leaned against it. "I thought you didn't want any part of this?"

            Rebecca lowered her head. "I didn't. Truth is I was scared that I could die. When I took the job I thought I'd spend time in a lab or in the back lines patching up wounds. I never expected to have to fight zombies or monsters. I'm a medic, not a solder. I guess I couldn't take the pressure."

            "Then why did you come back?" Barry scratched his beard. "I figured that you'd be as far away as possible."

            Rebecca sat on the bed and sighed. "I heard about Raccoon. I was afraid that Chris, Jill, and Brad were dead. I figured that I would come here to see you and find out if they were alive. I would have come sooner, but I knew that if I did, I'd get pulled into it. After a while I knew that I had to help you because you guys need me. I know now that if I don't face my fears that they'll never go away. I just hope I'm not too late."

            Barry sat down next to her. "Jill is fine. I rescued her and another guy just in time. Right now she's in Europe looking for Chris. He left a few weeks after the mansion incident."

            Rebecca lit up. "Did she find him yet?"

            "No, but she called about three days ago and told me that she had an idea where he was." Barry replied. "Some informant sent her a letter explaining that Chris was in Paris. She's there right now. As for the other guy, he went off on some personal business. Neither Jill or I have heard from him."

            "What about Brad?" Rebecca asked.

            Barry let out a sigh. "He was killed by a Tyrant."

            Rebecca hung her head. "Poor Brad. Why did he have to die?"

            "Why'd anyone have to die?" Barry said, standing up. "Why'd Umbrella have to make that damn virus? All that I know is this. Once Jill finds Chris we'll stop Umbrella once and for all."

            "Count me in." Rebecca said. She sprung from the bed and assumed a fighting stance. "I'll show them all that I'm not afraid at anything they throw at me." She then pretended to twirl a gun. "I'm a S.T.A.R.S. member, and I have a job to do."

            Barry chuckled at Rebecca's actions. "Calm down tiger, you'll get your chance soon. Jill will bump into Chris anytime now."

            The phone rang several times before Kathy got to it. "Maybe it's Jill." She said to herself. "Hello?"

            "Is Mr. Burton there?" A low, distorted voice asked.

            "Who is this?" Kathy asked in a nervous tone.

            "Who is not important." The voice answered. "What is important is that I speak to Mr. Burton immediately. We need his help."

            Kathy was beginning to get frightened. "Who are you? Tell me this instant."

            Barry and Rebecca came down the stairs and saw Kathy on the phone. "Is it Jill?" Barry asked.

            "No." Kathy answered. "It's some man asking for you."

            Barry took the phone and spoke into the receiver. "Who is this? What do you want?"

            "We want you." The voice replied. "Whether you know it or not, we're on the same side. We both want to bring down Umbrella. We believe the time to strike is now. We already know where your allies are. They are being watched and soon they will be brought together."

            Barry walked over to the window and looked outside. "Are you watching my family? If you are, so help me I'll make you suffer."

            "We're not watching you now." The voice said. "We knew where you were and that you haven't left. We need your help to stop Umbrella, and we also need your help to find another one of your allies. We need to know where Rebecca Chambers is and how to contact her. We believe that she is currently in danger. Umbrella is searching for her as we speak."

            "Becky's here with me. She arrived a few minutes ago." Barry looked at Rebecca. "Why do you want her and me?"

            "Simple," Came the reply, "You are a weapons expert and a former S.W.A.T. team captain. Rebecca Chambers is an expert in biochemistry and field medicine. We are lacking people in those fields. Your help would be appreciated."

            "How do I know this isn't a trap?" Barry asked.

            "You'll have to trust us." The voice said. "Are you in? I promise that your family will be safe. Umbrella still does not know where they are."

            Barry took a deep breath. "Fine, I'm in. Just tell me who you are."

            "You'll find out soon enough." The voice replied. "Now listen carefully, go to JFK International Airport. There you will meet your contact and all your questions will be answered. Leave now and don't tell anyone except you family where you are going. We'll see you soon." The person hung up.

            "Who was that?" Kathy asked. "And what do you mean I'm in? Don't tell me you're going to do whatever that person told you to do."

            Barry hung up the phone and turned to his wife. "I just have this feeling that whoever he was is telling the truth. I think I should go."

            "Don't you mean we?" Rebecca said. "I thought we were in this together. If you go I go."

            Barry shook his head. "I need you to stay here in case Jill calls. I also need you to look after Kathy and the girls."

            Rebecca put her hands on her hips. "I'm going with you. You need my help, and I'm sure whoever wanted me had a good reason. I am going with you, whether you want me to or not."

            "Rebecca can go with you." Kathy said. "It would make me feel better if you had someone to cover your back. Beside, the girls and I can take care of ourselves."

            "Are you sure?" Barry asked. Kathy nodded. "OK, Becky get your stuff, we're leaving in ten minutes."

            Barry finished packing his bags and descended the stairs in a pair of dark green sweat clothes. Rebecca was waiting for him next to the front door. "I'm set to go." He turned to Kathy. "I'll call you when I can. Are you sure you'll be fine?"

            Kathy wiped away some tears. "I'll be OK. Just take care of yourself and if you get into trouble, remember that there is no shame in running."

            Barry walked over to his daughters. "Girls, I have to go away for a while. I'll call you as soon as I can. Margaret, take care of your sister for me, OK."

            "Don't worry daddy," Moira said, sobbing as she did, "I will."

            "Polly, you behave yourself." Barry said. Polly nodded and gave her father a hug. "I'll see you as soon as this is over." He got up and walked to the door. He and Rebecca quietly left the house.

            "Just come back to us." Kathy said, wiping tears from her eyes.

Richmond, Virginia

            Leon laid on the couch in his apartment in a white T-shirt and torn jeans. Sherry was sitting on the floor busy watching a cartoon on TV. Leon looked at Sherry and smiled. She looked so cute sitting there in jeans, a blue and green-stripped shirt, and her jacket that Claire had given her. Her blond hair was tied back in a ponytail just like Claire's. The girl adored Claire and kept asking when she would be back. Each time Leon would have to tell her he didn't know. He wished he didn't, but it was the truth.

            Just then Sherry turned to Leon and asked him the question he had heard many times before. "When's Claire coming back?"

            Leon covered his face with his hands and rubbed him eyes. "I don't know Sherry. I'm sure when she's ready she'll call." Lately he began to doubt what he was telling Sherry. Ever since he learned that Claire was captured, the hopes of her still being alive had dwindled every day. "She has my E-mail address and Chris has my phone number. They can contact me any time they want."

            "Do you think she's dead?" Sherry asked.

            Leon was caught off guard by the question. "What makes you ask that?"

            "It's just that I heard you talk to Chris." Sherry answered. "I heard you say she got caught. Do you think she escaped?"

            Leon forced a smile. "From the impression I got from talking with Chris, I say Claire had a pretty good chance of getting out of there. I'm sure she's fine."

            "What are we going to do now?" Sherry asked. "Are we going to move again?"

            Leon sat up and looked at the little girl. "Not for a while. I'm sure those Umbrella goons don't know we're here. Don't worry kid, nothing will happen to us while I'm around." He got up and headed for the kitchen. "Want something to eat?"

            "Sure." Sherry got up and darted ahead of Leon to the kitchen.

            Leon turned off the TV and followed Sherry.

            "What are we gonna do when Claire calls us?" Sherry asked, taking a bit out of her peanut-butter sandwich.

            Leon took a ship from his cup. "First, we'll find a safe place for you to stay. Then we'll go and take down Umbrella. After that it'll be happy ever after for us all."

            Sherry laughed. "You're funny."

            "Funny?" Leon asked. "How am I funny?"

            "You always find a way to make everything seem better." Sherry replied. "And you always make me laugh." Leon was about to say something when his cell phone went off. Before he could react, Sherry ran to it and picked it up. "Claire, is that you?" Sherry asked, hoping it was. Her eyes widened and she handed the phone to Leon. "It's for you."

            Leon took the phone and spoke into it. "Hello?"

            "Hello Leon." It was the same person that had spoken to Barry. "I was hoping you were still alive."

            Leon's expression changed to a half-scowl. "Who is this, Umbrella?" He asked in a harsh tone.

            "No, we're different." The voice replied. "We want what you want, Umbrella's destruction. We want Umbrella to pay for destroying Raccoon City. But to do that we will need your help."

            "Why should I help you?" Leon asked. "And how do I know you don't what to hurt us?"

            "If you don't trust us, then maybe this will prove that we are on your side. Go to the window and look out of it." The voice instructed. "Across the street you should see a black car. That car is full of Umbrella agents sent to bring you in."

            Leon went to the window and looked out. Sure enough there was a black car parked on the other side of the street. He pulled back from the window. "How did you know?"

            "That is not important." The voice said. "What is important is that you get out of there now. Don't take anything, you don't have time to pack."

            "Then how do you suggest that I do that?" Leon asked. "I can't waltz out the front door. Sherry and I will be dead for sure."

            "At the end of the hall is an apartment numbered eighteen. The door is unlocked. In the bedroom is a fire escape. Climb down it and head down the ally to your left. Make it quick, you only have five minutes." The line went dead.

            "Hello? Hello?" Leon went back to the window and looked outside. He saw four men getting out of the car. "Shit." He ran to his bedroom and retrieved his VP70 from his dresser and ran back out. He grabbed Sherry by the arm and led her out of the apartment. "Come on Sherry, we're leaving."

            "Where are we going?" The confused and scared girl asked.

            "I don't know." Leon got to apartment eighteen and tested the knob. The door was unlocked. Without hesitation he led Sherry through the door and closed it behind him. They made their way to the bedroom and went to the window. Sure enough there was. Leon opened the window. "Sherry, go out first." Sherry nodded and climbed onto the fire escape. Leon followed and shut the window. They then proceeded down the fire escape.

            The door to Leon's apartment burst open as four men barged in. "Check every room." The man in charge ordered. "They have to be here somewhere." The men tore the place apart, checking every closet and possible hiding spot.

            "We can't find them." One of the men said.

            The man in charge took a radio from his belt. "Sir, we entered the apartment. However, we are unable to locate the targets. It is unlikely they knew we were coming."

            "God damn it." Came the response. "Someone tipped them off. Did you notice anyone else suspicious around their apartment?"

            "No Sir." The man said. "And even if they were tipped off, we would have seen them exit the building."

            "Then maybe they found another way out." The radio crackled, the man on the other end sounding annoyed. "Search the entire building and get some men outside. Report back when you have done that."

            "Yes Sir." The man said. He shut off his radio and turned to the others. Pete, Hughes, get outside now. Sprewell, stay with me. We have to check the building." The four men left the room, leaving it a mess.

            Leon reached the bottom of the fire escape. Sherry was already looking around nervously. "Come on kid." Leon said. "Whoever called me told me to go left." Leon and Sherry began to head down the ally. A gray Oldsmobile pulled into the ally and stopped in front of them. "Stay behind me Sherry." The girl ducked behind Leon.

            The door opened and a woman leaned out. "HURRY, GET IN! WE DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME!"

            Against his better judgment, Leon took Sherry to the car and put her in the backseat. He then got in the passenger side. "Who are you and how did you know we were here?"

            The woman put the car into gear and pulled out of the ally. She was pretty, about 5'7" with short, black hair and brown eyes. She had on a red and brown checkered shirt and black pants. "My named Quick, Samantha Quick. And to answer your other question, I'm with the group that just saved you."
            "Whom do you work for?" Leon asked.

            "You'll find out, like the others that will join us soon." Samantha said. "You see, we know where all your friends are, and you'll all see each other soon enough."

            "Do you know where Claire is?" Sherry asked, leaning on the back of Leon's seat.

            Samantha looked at Sherry and smiled. "We have an idea where she is. We think she and her brother are in Western Europe, possible in France, Spain, or the UK. We also believe that another one of the people we're searching is in the same area."

            Sherry bounced on her seat with joy. Leon looked at Sherry and then back at Samantha. "Miss. Quick, do you know where Ark is?"

            "You can call me Sam, and we know where he is." Samantha said.

            "Where is he then?" Leon asked.

            Samantha chuckled. "Where he is now doesn't matter. Soon we'll all be together and then we can take down Umbrella for good."

            Leon stared out the window. "I'm not going to get a lot out of you, am I?"

            "Pretty soon you'll find out everything you want to know." Samantha said. "Until then I suggest you relax. We have quite a trip in front of us." Leon continued to stare out the window as Samantha drove on.

Berlin, Germany

            Dusk was setting in the business district of Berlin. Carlos peered from a side ally at the area. He had tracked Nicholai to the produce section. As he watched, merchants were packing up their wares for the day. Carlos' combat fatigues helped him to blend into the shadows. He gripped his M16 as he scanned the area for his prey. He soon found what he was looked for. Nicholai walked past him dressed in simple clothing and continued down the street. Carlos steadied himself and emerged from the shadows. He pointed his rifle at Nicholai's back. "Don't move you bastard, I have you in my sights."

            Nicholai froze. "Mr. Olivera, what a pleasure to meet you here." By this time most of the merchants had taken cover. Nicholai looked around the area for possible cover. "What brings you to this town?"

            "To sent you to hell." Carlos replied. "Because of you my friends are dead and Jill almost died. I'm here to settle the score."

            Nicholai laughed. "How romantic, tracking me down to avenge some woman. You always were a ladies man. I'm sure killing me will really improve your chances of getting laid."

            "Shut up." Carlos spat. He noticed that Nicholai had his hands in front of him. "Raise your hands where I can see them."

            Nicholai gripped his SIGPRO and readied himself. He spun around and fired at Carlos while simultaneously diving behind a stand. Carlos immediately dived behind another stand and fired at Nicholai. Bullets tore through Nicholai's stand, taking off pieces of wood. "NOT BAD MR. OLIVERA. YOU ALWAYS WERE A GOOD SOLDER!" Nicholai shouted.

            ""I'VE GOTTEN BETTER!" Carlos shouted back. He was about to ready his rifle when Nicholai fired at him. Carlos ducked down as the bullets hit the stand he was hiding behind. When the shots ended, he lifted hid head out to see Nicholai run into a butcher's shop. "You won't get away from me that easily." Carlos growled. He entered the shop and saw Nicholai run into the back. He followed his target until he came up to a walk-in freezer. He cautiously entered, his rifle raised. There were several large pieces of meat hanging from hooks and several crates stacked against the walls. "Where the hell are you." Carlos muttered.

            Nicholai watched from behind one of the pieces of meat as Carlos made his way through the freezer. He waited until Carlos was passing by before slamming the piece of meat into him. Carlos was sent sprawling to the floor, his rifle knocked from his hands. Nicholai stepped up and pointed his pistol at Carlos' head. "If seems that this time one of us won't make it out alive."

            "And it sure as hell won't be you." Nicholai looked up to see another man standing against the wall with Carlos' rifle in his hands. He looked to be 5'9" with brown eyes and a buzz cut. He was dressed in black clothing and had a wicked grin on his face. "Isn't this a bitch?" The man said. "Do you shoot the gun with the gun or the guy on the floor? What a predicament you have."

            Nicholai fired two shots at the stranger before bolting for the door. "Next time you won't survive Olivera." Nicholai said as he exited the door.

            Carlos got to his feet and stared at his rescuer. "Who the hell are you?"

            "I'm the guy that just saved your ass. Now let's get out of here before..." He was cut off as Nicholai slammed the door to the freezer shut. "Before that happens."

            Carlos ran up to the door and tried to open it, only to find it locked. "Damn you Nicholai." Carlos sneered as he pounded on the door.

            "I want you to burn in hell." Nicholai said. "But before you do I want you to feel the cold touch of death."

            The man casually walked to the back wall. "Oh well, plan B."

            Carlos turned to him. "What the hell are you doing? And why are you so calm?"

            The man produced a piece of plastic explosive. "Since we can't get through the front door, we'll take the back door, or to be more precise make our own. "Oh, you may want to find something to hide behind."

            Carlos ducked behind some crates. The man set the charge and joined him. "You know that you're nuts. You may bring the whole wall down on us." Carlos said

            "That's what the Marines told me." The man replied. He hit the detonator and the wall blew out. "Now let's get out of this ice box. My head is starting to get cold." The man walked through the hole in the wall as Carlos followed him.

            "Who are you?" Carlos asked. ""How long have you been following me and why did you save me?"

            The man turned to Carlos. "Scott Dales, formally of the U.S. Marines. I've been tracking you for the past week. Finally, my boss wants you to help us take out Umbrella. You'll learn more when we get to our destination."

            "Where are we going?" Carlos asked. "I have to go after Nicholai, or at least call my friend."

            Scott turned to him. "You mean that Jill chick? Don't worry; we're looking for her too. And as for Nicholai, you can get that asshole later. And finally, we're going south. And if we're going to get there by the time the others do we better book it."

            Carlos was confused. "What others?" When Scott didn't answer, Carlos shook his head and followed.

            Nicholai opened the door to the freezer. "What the?" He stood in shock at the large hole in the wall. "This will not go well with my boss." Nicholai said to himself as he left.

JFK International Airport, New York

            Rebecca's red car pulled into a parking space and the occupants got out. The sun was already starting to set. "This is bullshit." Barry said. "Where are we supposed to meet whoever's going to meet us here?"

            "Maybe we should try standing at the main entrance." Rebecca said.

            "Good idea." Barry got his bag out of the car and began walking towards the airport. Rebecca got her stuff and followed. It was about an hour before Samantha's Oldsmobile pulled up and parked in front of Barry. "Are you the people we're supposed to meet?" Barry asked.

            "Yes." Samantha answered. "Get in the car. We have a private plane ready for us. I'll take you there." Barry and Rebecca got in the car and Samantha drove to the plane. "Get on board, we take off immediately."

            "First I want some answers." Leon said.

            "I'll tell you whatever I can during the flight." Samantha replied. "Now please get on the plane. We have to take off now if we want to get to our destination on time." The group reluctantly got on the plane. Soon the plane was in the air.

            "Where are we going, and who are those two?" Rebecca asked.

            "My name's Leon and she's Sherry." Leon said. "We escaped from Raccoon City when it got infected. I was supposed to be a cop for the RPD."

            Barry spoke next. "I'm Barry and she's Rebecca. We we're members of the RPD's S.T.A.R.S. unit. Since we know each other now, who are you and where are we going?"

            Samantha cleared her throat. "My name is Samantha Quick. Right now we're heading to Rome."

            "Why Rome?" Leon asked.

            "That's where my team is." Samantha replied. "All that I can tell you is that the group I work for has been watching Umbrella for some time. We've also been watching you. We couldn't tell you who we were over the phone because we couldn't run the risk that your phones were tapped. My boss will explain everything when we get there. Until then, I suggest we get some sleep. We have a long trip ahead of us."

            Everyone sat back and tried to sleep as unanswered questions bounced around their heads.

Rome, Italy

            Ark sat in front of his laptop in a white shirt and shorts. He had spent the last few days in front of the machine. It was boring, but that time did produce results. "Guess this wasn't such a waste." He had made a lot of progress in his job. It made him feel good that he had accomplished so much. "Now all I need is some sleep."

            Lott came walking into the room. He was still impressed with the place he was staying in. He saw Ark sitting in front of the four laptops lining one side of the wall. "Hey Ark, how are you doing? You look like you need some sleep."

            Ark yawned and stretched his arms. "You are so right Lott. If I don't get some shut eye, I'll start to look like one of those zombies."

            Lott laughed. "You look like one now."

            "Is that so? Then I need brains." Ark pretended to be a zombie and shambled towards Lott. He grabbed the kid and tapped on his head. "Not quite ripe yet. I'll have to wait a little longer." Lily came walking into the room. Ark turned his attention to the girl. "Little children are tasty." He started to stagger towards Lily, who in turn screamed and curled into a ball. Ark grabbed her and lifted her off the group. "Let's see, dump her in a big pot, add some vegetables, a little pepper, some oregano…"

            Lily started to squirm in his arms. "Let me go Ark." She giggled. Ark set her down, still laughing.

            "You sure are fun to hang out with." Lott said.

            "Thanks Lott." Ark said. He sat down in a chair next to the door and sighed. "I still can't believe we managed to run across the guys that own this place. Too bad I couldn't have called Leon earlier about this place."

            "Why didn't you?" Lily asked.

            Ark rubbed his forehead. "Because the boss had other plans. That's the price of staying here. We're safe, but we have to follow the rules."

            "Do you ever have any guilt about not calling your friend?" Lott asked.

            "Sometimes." Ark replied. "I've ever thought about calling him, no matter what anyone says."

            "Then what about your obligation to the group?" A man asked, walking into the room. He was older than Ark and was 5'10" with brown eyes. His black hair was frizzled and he was dressed like collage professor in a blue dress shirt and kaki dress pants. "Remember, you're part of a team, and there is no "I" in team."

            "Yes Connors." Ark said.

            "Ark, I've told you how many times to call be Tom." The man said. "I hate formal titles, just like the rest of us."

            "I understand Tom." Ark replied. It's just that I wish I could fill him in on what's been happening. He's probably worried that I'm dead."

            Lott turned to Tom. "Why can't Ark call his friend?"

            Tom looked at the children. "Because this is a very difficult time. We have to operate in secret until we get these people. The only way to do that is by waiting for the right time and place to approach them. Try to understand, this is a war we're in. We have to plan strategically. Now happens to be the right time to get them. In a very short time you'll have a new bunch of friends. Then we can beat Umbrella and get back to our lives."

            Lily looked a little confused. "What's strawtegacally?" She asked.

            "You'll learn someday." Tom replied. He turned to Ark. "What about the guys in the field?"

            Ark got up and presented his report. "So far one of our field agents has secured her targets. Just by shear luck the one woman we were looking for was with the one guy. Last report was they were on the plane heading here. Out other agent secured his target and is currently on his way."

            "Good." Tom said. "What about the other three?"

            "Our field team located them in Paris." Ark replied. "They also said that one of the people we are searching for happened to run into the other two by accident. All three of them are now in the same location. Only one small problem though, Umbrella has sent an operative to take them out. Best guess is tomorrow morning."

            Tom went through what he had heard. "Ark, tell the team in Paris to stand by for extraction. Hopefully they can get the targets before Umbrella does. After that, get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day."

Paris, France

            Claire opened her eyes and slowly sat up. Rays of light poured through the windows giving the room a warm glow. She look about to find her brother asleep in the chair and Jill lying on the other bed in her blue robe. Claire smiled and got out of bed. Chris had always comforted her when she had a bad dream. Now Jill had come too. "I'm going to get along just fine with you Jill." Claire said softly.

            "Thanks." Jill replied, opening her eyes and getting up. "I've been through the same stuff. What we went through isn't easy to get over."

            "You heard me?" Claire asked, a little surprised.

            "Sure I did." Jill said, getting off the bed. "I'm used to getting up early. I used to be in the Deltas, so for a couple of years I had to get up at the crack of dawn for morning exercise."

            Claire looked over at her sleeping brother. "We better talk somewhere else. I don't feel like waking Chris up." The two women went into the bathroom and closed the door. "So, what happened last night?" Claire asked Jill, squeezing some toothpaste onto a toothbrush.

            Jill began to comb her hair. "The details of what exactly happened are not for public consumption. Besides, I don't think you're old enough."

            Claire spit out the toothpaste and wiped her mouth. "Excuse me, but I happen to be twenty. I'm more than capable of hearing whether or not you two did it last night."

            "Did what?" Jill asked.

            "It." Claire replied. "Please don't tell me I need to spell it out for you."

            Jill laughed a little. "I know what you're talking about, and I'm not telling."

            Claire started for the door. "Then I'll just have to ask my brother."

            Jill grabbed her arm. "Please Claire, I'd like Chris to think that we weren't gossiping behind his back. Can we just drop it?"

            "Boy, you can't take a joke, can you?" Claire said. "I'm not that insensitive."

            "I'll tell you this." Jill said. "Your sense of humor is just like Chris'. I can definitely see that you two are related."

            After a half-hour the women exited the bathroom. "Damn." Jill said. "Chris is still asleep." She pointed to Chris, still sleeping in the chair.

            "He's a heavy sleeper." Claire said. "Expect him to be out for a while."

            "I thought you two would never get out of there." Chris said, a smirk on his face. He opened his eyes and looked at the women. "I was beginning to worry."

            "How long have you been awake?" Claire asked.

            "Long enough." Her brother replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get dressed." Chris got up and pulled some jeans and a patterned long-sleeve shirt from a bag and walked into the bathroom.

            "That did not sound good." Jill said. "I hope he didn't hear our little talk."

            "You and me both." Claire answered, starting to pick out clothes. She got out some kaki pants and a gray polo shirt.

            The phone rang and Jill went to answer. "Did you guys request a wake-up call?"

            "No, not that I'm aware of." Claire said, putting on some underwear.

            Jill picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

            "Don't hang up the phone. Listen to what I have to say." It was the person who had talked to both Barry and Leon. "You and your friends are in grave danger. There is an Umbrella agent on his way to eliminate you. Get out of the hotel now. You don't have much time left."

            "Who is this?" Jill said, fear in her voice. "And how did you know where we were?"

            "That is not important. Get to the Eiffel Tower. There people who have been sent to retrieve you will meet you. Do this now." The line went dead. Jill set the phone down and ran to the window.

            "What happened?" Claire asked. "Who was on the phone?"

            "We have to leave." Jill said. "We have to leave now."

            Chris exited the bathroom fully dressed and saw Jill in a panic. "Someone want to tell me what's going on?"

            "That's what I want to know." Claire said. She grabbed Jill and shook her. "What did the person on the phone say to you?"

            "That we have to get out now." Jill answered. "Umbrella knows we're here. They're coming to kill us."

            Chris knew Jill not to get upset if something wasn't wrong. "Claire, give Jill something to wear. I'll keep watch outside. Besides, I was planning on leaving anyway." Chris grabbed his tan jacket and exited the room as Claire tossed Jill some clothes.

            The trio walked into the parking garage. Before they left, Jill had gotten her jacket from her room. Claire had taken her red, leather jacket too. "Just how are we going to get out of here?" Jill asked.

            Simple." Chris said. "We drive out." He walked up to a red pickup truck. "Get in." Chris got behind the wheel while Jill and Claire got in the passenger side.

            "How did you manage to buy a truck?" Jill asked, sandwiched between the Redfeilds.

            Chris started the engine. "We didn't exactly buy the truck. It was more of a five finger discount."

            Jill looked at him in shock. "You stole this? How could you do something like that?"

            "It's not like the guy who owned it is going to care." Claire replied. "He's dead."

            Jill turned to Claire. "You killed someone for a truck?"

            "He worked for Umbrella." Claire said. "He tried to kill us. If I remember correctly, he tried to run us over."

            Jill sat stunned as Chris pulled out of the garage. She looked into the review mirror and saw four cars quickly approaching from behind. "We have company."

            Chris checked his side mirror. "Umbrella must really hate us. Ready for a little fun Claire?"

            "Sure am." His sister answered.

            "Jill, there are some guns in the glove box." Chris said. "You and Claire take them. I have to concentrate on driving. Do you understand?"

            Jill nodded and opened the glove box. She took one of the Berettas and handed it to Claire. She took the other Beretta and pulled back the slide. The first car zoomed up and slammed into the back of the truck. Jill braced herself to avoid crashing into the dashboard. "These guys aren't playing nice, are they?"

            "Then we don't play nice either." Claire said. She wrapped the seat belt around her right arm leaned out the window. She fired a few rounds at the pursuing car. Meanwhile another car came up the left side. Chris swerved into the car, causing it to quickly brake.

            "Are you two crazy?" Jill asked.

            "Is that a rhetorical question or do you want an honest answer." Chris said. "Fire out the back window. Claire can't do all the shooting herself."

            Jill turned herself around so she was facing out the rear window. She slid the window open and aimed at the pursuing car. She fired, hitting the driver. The car swerved and crashed into a parked car, exploding on impact. "Got him."

            "Nice shot." Claire said, still hanging out the window. "One down, two to go." Claire and Jill continued to fire on the remaining cars. Claire ran out of bullets and pulled herself back inside the truck. "I'm out."

            "Then get another clip." Chris said. He swerved around a car in front of him and gunned the engine. He checked the mirror to find the enemy still on his tail. "Persistent, aren't you?" One of the cars accelerated and slammed into the truck. It hit two more times. "Hold on girls, I'm gonna try something." The women braced themselves, not knowing what Chris was going to do. He waited until the car accelerated for another hit before slamming on the brakes. The car hit the truck like it was hitting a wall, the front crumpling. Black smoke began to pour from the hood.

            "Good one Chris." Claire said as her brother pulled away from the car.

            "We still have two more." Jill said. She watched the cars trailing them and found it odd that one car was staying behind the pack, like the person driving was watching everything unfold. Her train of thought was shattered as gunfire came from the other car.

            "You did not fire at us?" Claire hissed. She leaned out the window and fired back. "Now I think they're pissed at us."

            Chris veered around some more cars. "Why whatever do you mean?" A bullet shattered the rear window and just missed his right shoulder. "DAMMIT!" He swerved wildly across the street. One of the Umbrella agents fired at the rear, right tire. The truck flipped onto its right side and skidded into a light pole, the wheels still spinning.

            The driver's door opened as Chris climbed out. He held his left arm as he looked back into the truck. "You two all right?"

            "Fine?" Jill replied. He reached down and pulled Jill out. She jumped down and immediately leaned against the underside of the truck. She covered a cut above her right eye with her hand. "Shit, must have hit the dash."

            Chris hopped down and looked at Jill's forehead. "It doesn't look bad. I think I smacked my arm off the wheel." He looked back at the truck. "CLAIRE!"

            "Still in one piece, more or less." Claire said, kicking out the windshield. She crawled out and stood up. She staggered around the truck. She froze when she saw Jill bleeding. "Awe shit. I hate to be pushy, but maybe we should get out of here before those assholes arrive."

            Suddenly the remaining cars pulled up. Umbrella agents got out and pointed guns at Chris' group. "Put your hands where we can see them." One of the men barked. "And don't try anything funny."

            Just then the black van Chris had seen the night before screeched to a halt. The side door opened and a man with short, black hair, glasses, and dressed in combat fatigues fired at the Umbrella agents. Most of the men were taken down and the rest took cover. "Get in." The man said. Chris, Jill, and Claire quickly got into the van. The man shut the door and turned to a woman dressed the same way with long, black hair. "GO!" The woman slammed on the gas and the van took off.

            The window of one of the cars opened, revealing a man with short, brown hair and hard, brown eyes. He was wearing a black uniform with the Umbrella logo on the chest. "Mr. Umbrella won't like this at all." He turned to his men. "Let's get out of here before the police arrive." The man quickly got back into the cars and drove off.

            Chris leaned against the wall with Jill's head resting on his lap. "I don't want to sound rude, but who the hell are you?"

            The man adjusted his glasses and leaned against the back of the passenger seat. "We're working for a group that wants your help. My name is Marcus Hollows. That's Heather Mansfield." He said, pointing to the woman with long, black hair and green eyes driving the van. Heather just waved.

"You're the people that called us and told us to get out." Jill said. "And you people must have sent me that letter telling me where Chris was."

Marcus nodded. "You could say that."

"Where are we going now?" Claire asked.

"We're currently on our way to Rome. There, you'll meet our leader and your friends." Marcus replied.

            "We're just like you." Heather said. "We want to take out Umbrella too." She switched on a CB radio fixed to the dash and took the receiver. "We have them Sir."

            "Good." Came Tom's voice. "When do you think you'll make it to Rome?"

            "My best guess would be late afternoon." Heather replied.

            "By then the others should be here." Tom said. "You know where to go. Connors out."

            Heather switched off the CB. "Don't worry, any questions you have will be answered soon. Just relax."

            "I better fix up your friend's cut." Marcus said.

            Chris nodded and closed his eyes.

Rome, Italy

            It was getting dark as the van pulled up in front of a large warehouse. "We're here." Heather said. "The others should be here by now." She and Marcus led the group into the warehouse. The interior was dark, lit only by beams of light that filtered through the windows.

            "Glad you could finally make it. We've been expecting you." Tom switched on an electric lantern. Several other lanterns turned on, revealing the others who were impatiently waiting. Now maybe we can get on with the meeting."

            "CLAIRE!" Sherry shouted. She ran to Claire and hugged her.

            "Hey Sherry." Claire said. "I told you I'd see you again." She let go of Sherry and saw Leon. "Leon, how are you doing?"

            "As good as can be expected." Leon replied. He gave Claire a hug. "It's good to see that you survived."

            "Jill." Carlos said, giving her a big hug. "I see you got drug into this too."

            Jill motioned to Chris and Claire. "I want you to meet my friends. This is Chris, my old partner. That's Claire, his sister." Both Chris and Claire waved to Carlos.

            Carlos nodded to the Redfields. "Where did you meet them?"

            "In Paris." Jill replied.

            Carlos noticed the bandage on Jill's head. "How'd you get hurt?"

            "Escaping from Umbrella's hit squad." Chris said. He pointed to Marcus. "According to him, it's not serious." He turned to see Barry and Rebecca. "Barry, Rebecca, you're alive. How have you guys been?"

            "Fine." Barry said. "Becky came to my house yesterday. That's when we got the call. I tell you, this is weird."

            "Hey Chris." Rebecca said, giving him a hug. "Didn't think you'd see me, huh?"

            Chris smiled. "I had a feeling I'd see you sometime, just not so soon."

            Rebecca ran over to Jill. "Hey Jill. Long time no see."

            "I bet." Jill said. "Looks like the S.T.A.R.S. are back together, right Barry?"

            Barry nodded. "Looks that way."

            Leon led Claire over to Ark. "This is my friend Ark."

            Ark waved to Claire. "Leon here has told me all about you. Didn't tell me you were so cute."

            "Thanks." Claire said.

            "I feel so left out." Scott said to Samantha. He looked at Rebecca. "I think I'll go introduce myself." He walked over to Rebecca. "I'm Scott. You must be Rebecca. No one told me you'd be this good-looking."

            Rebecca looked at him funny. "Thanks, I think." She said, walking away from him.

            "Smooth one." Samantha said, giggling. "You really made a good impression with her."

            "If I could have everyone's attention," Tom said, "I'd like to start." Once he had everyone's attention he started to speak. "I know that most of you have questions concerning why you're here and who we are. First I want to ask you something. Do you believe that the U.S. government is doing anything about what happened to Raccoon City?"

            "Obviously not." Chris replied. "No one believed us about the Spencer Mansion."

            "Well," Tom said, "officially the government is not investigating Umbrella and its possible connection to what happened in Raccoon. However, unofficially the government is very interested in what really happened. What you see here is the team that was assembled to investigate Umbrella. These people are ex-military and former government agents. In using us, we would have no official connection to the U.S. Lately our objective has switched from investigating Umbrella to shutting them down. To do that we needed people who had first-hand knowledge of what Umbrella has done. It's only ironic that most of you are also ex-something. Air Force, Delta, S.W.A.T., and police officer. You are perfect for this type of unit."

            "What type of unit are you?" Barry asked.

            "We're the type of unit that doesn't exists." Tom said. "We're Black Ops."

            Jill's jaw almost hit the floor. "I've heard about the Black Ops units. I always dreamed about being in one."

            "Well honey, your dream has come true." Scott said. "We are one of Uncle Sam's little secrets."

            "I believe it's time to introduce our members. My name is Thomas Connors, but you can call me Tom. I used to be in the CIA until I quit." He pointed to Scott and Samantha. "That man is Scott Dales, formerly of the U.S. Marine Corps. The woman next to him is Samantha Quick, ex-FBI." He then pointed to Marcus and Heather. "His name is Marcus Hollows. He used to be and Army Ranger. The woman is Heather Mansfield. She was a Navy Seal." He pointed to Ark. "Finally, his name is Ark Thompson. He was an investigator until recently when he joined our little group. He survived Sheena Island." Leon looked at Ark, who had a guilty look on his face.

            "What does this have to do with us?" Claire asked. "Why all the cloak-and-dagger shit?"

            "Because one, we didn't want Umbrella to know that we were looking for you." Tom said. "And two, we need your help. You may not know this, but there is another company we have to deal with. Its name is Genoas. We believe they're trying to compete with Umbrella in the market of biological weapons. Despite what we know about the situation with Raccoon we still have no idea how to deal with whatever either company makes. You have experience handling what we're going up against. So what I'm asking is that you help us take down both companies and avenge what happened to the people of Raccoon. Basically, we can't do this without you."

            "I'm in." Chris said. "You are going to need help. Besides, my friends and I would be dead if it wasn't for you. I owe you that much."

            "I'm with my brother." Claire said.

            "I believe I speak for the rest of the S.T.A.R.S. when I say that if Chris is in, we're in." Barry said.

            "Don't leave me out." Leon said.

            "If Jill's going to be involved, so am I." Carlos said.

            "Then it's agreed." Tom said. "Welcome to Black Ops 6. Time to show you to your new home." Tom led the group to a set of stairs. The team climbed the stairs and stopped at a door.

            As Tom opened the door, the reaction was pure amazement. "Go ahead, look around." Tom said. The party wondered around the building. The floor was covered in red carpeting and florescent lights hung from the ceiling. The door opened into a small hall. To the right was a long hall A door to the right led to a large dining area and a door to the left led to a kitchen. At the end of the hall was a living room area with a big screen TV. To the left was the same computer room Ark had been in before. A row of laptops lined the wall to the right. Through the door opposite of the one from the hall were a flight of stairs. A door across the room from the computers led into a lounge, complete with TV, a bar, pool table, and a piano. The team wandered through the rooms. Rebecca eyed the piano keenly.

            "You like that piano?" Heather said, sitting on one of the bar stools.

            Rebecca sat down and started playing "Chopsticks". "I used to take piano lessons. I used to be good, but it's been awhile."

            "Looks like happy hour has begun." Scott said, getting behind the bar. He pulled out a three glasses and filled them with beer. "One for me, one for Heather, and one for Becky."

            "I'm sorry." Rebecca said, holding up her hand. "I'm not old enough to drink."

            "This is Italy." Scott replied. "There is no real drinking age. Besides, no one has to know but us. Come on, have a drink."

            Rebecca sighed and left the lounge. "You sure are smooth." Heather said.

            Scott took a sip of beer. "She'll come around. And you should talk. Ever since that Ark guy got here you've been eyeing him. In fact, I think you have a crush on him."

            "The people in the Navy were right." Heather said, getting up. "Marines are assholes."

            Scott watched Heather storm off. "Oh well, no one's perfect." He finished his beer and began drinking the others.

           

            "This is wonderful." Jill said, looking at the spacious living room. "I wish that I could have a place like this."

            "Maybe you will someday." Chris said, holding Jill close.

            "Yeah right." Jill replied. "I bet anything that even if everyone here chipped in we still couldn't afford a house even remotely as nice as this place. Face it Chris, this is something only the government could afford."

            "Maybe if we pull this off the government will give us a place like this." Chris said. "That is, if we can pull this off."

            Jill looked at Chris. "You think we can do what Connors said?"

            Chris took a deep breath. "We'll try."

            Carlos watched the conversation, and then went into the dining area. He found Barry sitting at the large table. Carlos took a seat next to Barry. "Can I ask you something?"

            "Shoot." Barry replied.

            "Have you noticed how Chris and Jill are acting around each other?" Carlos said. "It's strange. I thought Jill would want to walk around with me."

            Barry chuckled. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you're jealous. Look, they were close friends before this whole Umbrella thing began. They haven't seen each other for a long time. I think they're just catching up. If you really want to know, ask Jill how she feels."

            "I will." Carlos said. "Thanks Barry."

            "Anytime." He replied. "Anytime."

            Ark stood in the hall, looking out the window. He had avoided Leon as best he could. The look Leon had given him wasn't nice. Claire walked up behind him. "I thought you would talking to Leon?" Claire said. "You guys do have a lot to talk about."

            "I don't feel like facing him." Ark said. "I think he's pissed that I didn't tell him I was involved. It wasn't my fault, I was just following orders."

            "I'm sure he'll understand." Claire said. "Listen, I'll go talk to him. OK."

            Ark forced a smile. "Thanks."

            "Don't mention it." Claire replied. She walked into the computer room and saw Leon sitting on a couch. "How are you holding up to this?"

            Leon looked up at her. "As good as I can." He replied. "I thought this was going to be hard, but now that there are two assholes we have to stop I'm beginning to think that we might not pull it off."

            Claire sat down next to Leon. "Listen, I just got done talking to Ark. He seems pretty bummed. He has the impression that you're mad at him."

            "Of coarse I'm mad at him." Leon said. "He could have told me he was alive. I've been waiting for several weeks for him to call. I mean what's his problem?"

            "He said he was following orders." Claire said. "Besides, at least you know he's alive."

            "Still, he should have told me what was going on. If I was in the same situation I would have called him." Leon got up and headed for the bar. "Tell him he can take all that order bullshit and shove it."

            Claire watched Leon disappear into the lounge. "Why do I have a feeling that things are going to get worse from here."

            After a while Tom called everyone into the hall. "There's just one final detail to work out." Tom said. "Upstairs are plenty of bedrooms. The sleeping arrangements are as follows. Chris and Claire will bunk together. Jill and Barry will share a room, as will Leon and Carlos. Sherry will be in the same room as Lott and Lily. As for Rebecca, a room hasn't been assigned for her since we didn't expect to find her so soon."

            "Rebecca can share my room." Scott said. He winked at Rebecca, who just rolled her eyes and turned away.

            "Fine." Tom said. "For now I suggest that we relax. We have a big day tomorrow."

          Author's Comments: It has begun. The first chapter of my newest story. And in case you didn't notice, this won't be as cut-and-paste as Armageddon. At least in the last story you had an idea who was on which side. It won't be that simple this time around. With this story expect plenty of backstabbing and more twists than a roller coaster. Also, as you can see things won't be so cheery between the characters. And don't worry; there will be other problems with other characters later on. Also expect plenty of large battle, both external and personal. Anyway, we have been introduced to about roughly a third of the major characters. There are still a lot more on the way. We also learn that this Black Ops group has been watching the survivors for some time. Also, the fact that there are two companies instead of one will make things more complicated. Of coarse, things will get stickier as time goes on. With that said, let's move on to the next chapter.

          In the next installment we meet the bad guys. We'll find that a bunch of old foes are back, but some new guys are here to liven things up. We'll also see that one of the companies is about to resurrect something thought to have been destroyed. You won't want to miss this chapter. All this and more in Judgment Day: Chapter 2- Faces Of Evil.