Chapter 1 - Prologue: One
The sun stared at the world without pause through the crystal clear sky.
The magnetosphere was this crackling little lens, protecting all the roaches and rats that scrambled beneath, blissfully unaware.
Heat radiated from the streets soon created the feeling of being trapped within an oven.
Most people sought comfort from the mugginess by eating ice cream or drinking chilled beverages.
The amount of clothing reflected that as well.
The city block had plenty of life within the shade. Stores abounded with the promise of cool air, and umbrellas, shaded ivory, protected the lively people.
A car drove past the block as the driver scanned the avenue. Everything looked to be about the same as it normally was.
A green taxi left the block as it made a right turn, off to a secluded building, about 3 kilometers away. It sat in the middle of an open field, a flat black top.
The lot had fallen into disrepair, and the buried weeds had grown where the sun once shined. The tar had cracked and shifted apart.
There sat a ten story building across from them. The car followed the disrepaired road to drive along the side the building. It parked in a vacant space.
A brunette woman exited the back seat and readjusted a charcoal grey baseball cap. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail that hung out of the open back end of the hat.
The woman closed the door behind her, then set her hands in her pockets and walked away. She wore a black, plain V-neck T shirt, and beige jeans with grey, athletic boots.
Inside, the woman was met by a familiar face, "Valentine, good to see you today."
The woman smiled.
"Barry? I thought today you'd take Polly out for a walk." She crossed her arms nicely.
Barry Burton, a long-trusted friend. Tall and armed with a calm exterior, he was imposing enough to make a person feel like they were in the presence of a bear.
He wore a thin red vest with a black undershirt, and dark brown, carpenter pants. He glanced back at the wall and nodded his head to a nearby elevator as Valentine walked beside him.
"Oh thanks, nice to see you too." Barry sarcastically retorted, teasing.
Jill laughed and shook her head.
"Cut it out, how's Moira and Kayla?"
Barry gently led her to the elevator.
"Moira's doing well at school. Soon enough, she'll be done with elementary. Kayla's fine. A little stressed, but for some reason she loves to annoy me."
Jill pressed the button for the eightieth floor and they were sealed in.
"I'm sure Moira is excellent right?"
"Of course! She's a Burton." Barry bellowed with a long hearty laugh.
Jill's expression changed within seconds, remembering the issue at hand.
"So tell me, is it really true? About Sergei I mean." Jill opened a door to a busy hall and the two walked out together.
"Sadly yes. There is more to the story than what you know . . . Another reason I was asked to be here is to see if I can offer some insight in the whole issue.
I was still blackmailed by them, but that means there's still more at play here.
Did you get the updated report: DSO tracking down former Umbrella Employees?" Barry spoke in a worried tone.
"I did." Jill and Barry nodded to a receptionist they walked past. "The U.B.C.S. mercs have been the unruly ones, but the USS are way trickier."
They went past a waiting area, and a small cafe to have some drink and rest.
Offices were in the front, occupied by agents wearing light grey shirts, a text in their back proclaiming what they served.
The Federal Bioterrorism Commission, led by Morgan Lansdale.
Former Chief Secretary of Foreign Affairs for a president back in 1988.
"I've heard that the FBC is looking for some recruits." He whispered and opened the double door of the boardroom.
"Interesting." Jill nodded as she looked into the boardroom.
Most of the chairs inside were occupied with unfamiliar faces. She assumed they were from the FBC or newbies who wanted to help with investigation.
Right at the end, a man in an olive green jacket and brown pants stood with his hands behind his back. Barry and Jill took their seats.
"So, is everyone here?" The man asked them, to a wave of uniform affirmatives.
"Good. My name Clive Richard O'Brian." The man mentally counted everyone and nodded.
"Alright, let's begin." He took out some papers from nearby briefcase.
He separated the documents in half then passed them to both sides of the table. The members took it upon themselves to hand out the papers.
"With intelligence supplied by the DSO, we have learned there is human testing taking place in Russia." Clive looked around the room.
He appeared to be in is mid to late fifties and had a round face to prove it. His hair was combed downward, which made his head look a little plumper than it perhaps should have.
"Remember the name, 'Sergei Vladimir.' A high ranking executive of the Umbrella Corporation.
Highly recognized as the rank of Captain, formerly of Umbrella Military branches, the USS and UBCS.
Our sources tell us that he's the one responsible for harmful experiments done within the region.
The growing number of missing individuals in the country of Russia has been reported to be roughly unable to enact.
We have the permission of the Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia that we can be given a brief window to act.
It was heard that another 'Hunters' experiment was done too. It's possible Sergei created a quite worrying number . . ."
Jill squinted at the paperwork, and felt somewhat concerned on the potential recourse . . . If this mission completely fails.
"Of course you're wondering how we got a hold of such information.
It's thanks to a former employee who turned himself in and gave us this.
Along with some coordination with DSO intelligence. They confirmed the info is legit."
A woman in front of Jill spoke. "How do we know this isn't just a trap, sir? Can we really trust this man?"
Jill held her hand up, "Seconded. Wouldn't there be an immense risk involved?"
"There's always that chance when doing a mission with intelligence. This is still Umbrella we're dealing with.
I asked each of you to come here because you all possess skills in this specific brand of warfare."
Clive took a deep breath and looked at the group once more, finishing with, "That's right Miss Valentine, there is still the risk attached to this."
A man with curly hair, sitting next to the first woman who'd spoken, winked at her.
"There has to be more to this."
"Which is why I requested Mr. Redfield to come to this briefing."
A man in his late twenties got out his chair and held a small clipboard.
He nodded and looked out the group. He had dark brunette hair, completely combed backward, with gel keeping it in place.
He wore a black jacket with a grey undershirt. Khaki cargos adorned his legs.
Jill knew him, his name was Chris.
"The remnants of Umbrella is both selling, and adjusting themselves, with the science they created. The harsh truth is that biological weapons is a growing market, globally.
Weapons that could effectively clean out an entire population without the issue or backlash of harming the local environments are now incredibly viable.
In Russia, we know the research there is to create the ultimate life-form: Tyrants, and any other creatures along those lines.
So with this Mission, the hope is to prove to the world governments that there has to be task force willing and able to deal with BOWs.
This is our chance to prove ourselves, and halt the developments that could threaten the well-beings of civilians everywhere."
Everyone grumbled at him, but ultimately agreed.
"Yeah that make's sense." A cynical agent replied.
"So, we need to find him and finish this once and for all, right? I'm going." Another, more enthusiastic soldier stated
Clive admitted this outright, "Look people I need to know who would like to be part of this and those who won't."
Barry raised his hand.
"Excuse me, don't drag me into this. I'm not supposed to be part of it."
"Yes Barry. You'll stay here for a while, they'll ask you a couple of questions, that's all." Clive responded.
Jill checked the papers they passed to her. The image of a man, seemingly in his late forties, was attached to it.
The man had a clean face, apart from a scar that ran across it.
All the while, his hair was completely snow white, as he wore a trench coat similar to what Tyrants wore.
She thought troubles like this wouldn't ever show up again. It's kind of funny how dead wrong she was.
Guess Raccoon City wasn't an isolated incident.
"Please, look over this proposal, and ask me any questions. If you have none, you're dismissed." The man nodded as he looked around the room.
There weren't many, and after sometime, everyone left, except for Jill.
She stayed, looking down at some notes she'd scribbled.
"Hey Jill."
She looked up at him and smiled.
"Hey Chris! It's been awhile."
Her old teammate came closer and took the seat next to her.
"Excuse me, Barry."
"No, please! Go on." Barry said as he left to meet Clive at his desk, eager to discuss something privately.
Jill stood up instead and nodded at the door for the both of them to walk outside.
The low hum of the room's conversations slowly raised in volume.
"How're you doing? Feels like we haven't seen each other in ages." Chris blurted happily.
Jill chuckled and flipped to the next page.
"I'm doing fine, thank you! Little tired lately, but I'm okay. What's with this Russian guy?"
"You don't believe it, do you? Rumor has it that Sergei is planning some kind of . . . new race of 'beings' to take over the world. Sounds familiar, right?" Chris lightly motioned.
Jill let go of the papers, she turned to look at him, veins popping out of her neck and forehead.
"Christopher Redfield, are you insuinating I'm a dumb girl for thinking something might be true? Or do you want me to break your face on the table?"
Chris looked up and smiled.
"Still got that fire in you. Glad to know ya haven't changed."
Jill closed her eyes and took a breath.
"Haah . . . I'm sorry, I just don't feel good when it comes to this subject. Let's just- let's just not talk about this, okay?"
"Why?" He brought the chair closer to her, "Did something happen?"
Jill touched his shoulder and sighed.
Chris watched her silently, her body language.
Such attitude was a little bit strange for somebody like her, though he stayed silent, not wanting to pressure her.
Jill shook her head.
"No, it's just that- I guess I never expected this was something I would be asked to be part of. It's so soon. I'm not even sure if this'll pay well." She was troubled by it somehow.
"I don't either, but I'm sure I can make it work." Chris boasted.
"I see you haven't changed either." Jill shrugged.
"I'm glad to be working with you again." Chris replied, happily nodding, "How about we go for some coffee? We already got the briefing. We've got a lot of catching up to do."
Jill agreed and followed him silently, for she didn't feel comfortable around him for some reason. The time changed them, broke their friendship.
It's been years since the two last contacted each other after the Mansion Incident and Raccoon City's Destruction.
Chris got a job in the Air Force while Jill took a policing detail in a different state. She grimaced to herself as she walked out into the lobby.
One of the few teammates she knew back from her STARS days, it was a friggin miracle they were both able to still stand there alive.
The small place in the other side of the floor was quite fancy looking.
It had the theme of a rainforest. There was a beautiful waterfall in the wall, designed like the water was emerging between two trees.
Chris and Jill took a seat at a table near the glass door. Chris ordered a coffee for himself.
"Are you sure about this Chris? I mean, for me, this hour isn't so good."
Chris laughed and waved his hand.
"Don't worry, it's my routine. What do you like?"
Jill put the nib of her index finger to her chin, thinking for a moment as she glanced down.
"Some green tea for me."
Chris looked back at the young waitress, and she nodded, taking the order down.
"So what's up?"
"You tell me first." Jill replied immediately.
"Well, after all the commotion on Rockfort Island, Claire wants to finish off college. So that's what she's doing at the moment.
There also seems to be interest for her in a nursing job. I'm not sure though, she's still looking over a few others at the moment.
I'm sure she'll move out somewhere when she's done. Still though, didn't stop dad from lecturing her. He actually demanded that I teach her some self-defense techniques."
"I'm glad to hear. I do miss Claire. Say hi from me to her, would ya?"
Chris smiled, "I will, I will."
"So what about you?"
"Me? Nothing special. When my lead in Europe went cold, I became a civilian pilot at a hospital. An emergency response helicopter pilot.
I decided to work with a small time mercenary group on occasion. We did some stuff in private security and it was good money.
It didn't turn out to be something I liked, but I helped pay off Claire's tuition costs and I just put the rest in my savings.
About a year ago, I got a request to meet Clive O'Brian. I've been working with him on this proposal for the BSAA program. That's how I got here."
After spouting off that mouthful, the man looked at his partner with that incredible smile.
"Enough about my autobiography. What's up with you?"
Jill swallowed a lump on her throat, not sure how she was going to sound. Still, this was Chris, her good friend from the old days.
"I . . . I'm doing okay, I guess. I've been having to look after someone for a while now." She wanted to tell him of her daughter so bad.
"Really? I thought you lived alone." Christ replied, intrigued.
"Ah, well, it's sort of a fosteerr-No! It's a- uuhhh . . . It's a sort of- I don't know."
The scene before Chris was at once both humorous as well as a bit disconcerting.
He liked Jill, even though time wasn't kind to their friendship.
"Hey, it's okay. If you got a boyfriend or something, that doesn't bother me."
"What? No, no. No. Thats- It's completely different." She tried explaining.
"Okay, you're making it hard not to ask. What is it then, did you adopt someone?" He followed up her explanation.
"No, no, no." She replied.
'God damn it, that would've been my out!' She mentally kicked herself.
Jill found it hard to explain now.
"It's just, she's- It's someone I care about." Her face burned red at the notion. This was harder than she thought.
Should she really tell him?
"Hey, it's cool. I'm not gonna judge you."
"Hey! I'm not ashamed of it! I'm so proud of her, you've no clue!" She growled back at his bitchy comment.
"Proud of who? Oh m- Are-. . . Are you-?"
She stared cluelessly at him, unable to realize where he was going. What did he mean?
"Are you- God, this is never an easy question." He sighed as he buried his forehead in his hand. Shaking it off, he looked at her, "Lesbian?"
He was really trying to be as kind and considerate as possible.
Jill's eyes flared, and he knew he'd screwed up.
"What!? No! Well- There was that one time in college, but no!" She proclaimed.
"Hey, hey, alright I'm sorry! It was just a question, don't-" He looked around, then lowered his voice, "Don't overreact."
There were a few other people around them looking confused.
Now both of them were blushing.
"Well, if it's none of those things, what is it?" He said. He saw from the look on her face, so he changed his mind, "You know what, it's not really my business. I'm sorry."
She sighed to herself.
"No it's okay. I'm just finding things are pretty surreal recently. I'm not sure I could tell anyone whats going on with me yet." She gave him that look, like the old days.
The one that said, 'Hey I'm vulnerable, don't push it.'
So he just smiled and grabbed her hand.
"You can tell me whenever you feel comfortable. It's me. So lets just drop it for now." He was always comfortable to be around, and she genuinely felt he was good at this.
She could always trust him, no matter what.
For the most part, she could safely say they were reconnected.
Good, good, they'd need to be for future missions anyway.
"Alright. You're right."
They finished their drinks as she told him how her parents were doing. Her father was French, and he'd married an Asian American.
This was why Jill looked so ambiguous, she could've been native to America or not. She'd moved here when she was just a newborn.
Her parents loved her but lately they'd become overbearing, wanting greater control over her future.
She made jokes, told Chris some other things that had happened to her, and then realized it was time to get home.
They parted ways, and that was that.
Well wishes and a sad-happy goodbye ended the company perfectly happily.
Jill made her way back home two hours later than she wanted.
It was nightfall.
The crushing sounds of taxi horns blared nonstop, chattering wild voices with laughter.
She could hear the sound of traffic stopping and starting as the lights shifted.
Doormen opening the entrances of the nearby hotels made a distinct whirring sound.
She noticed the late night workers running for cabs, scrambling and clanking their heels on the concrete sidewalks.
Her building came into view, situated in a lovely setting that overlooked the clean park.
Jill payed the driver and closed the door gently.
She rushed over to the stairs and greeted the receptionist.
"Hey Maxine!" She said as she waved happily, "Anything today?"
"Hi Jill," She nodded, "Nope, no new mail today."
"Huh, oh well. Thank you!" She said as the elevator doors opened. They closed as she pressed the button to the seventh floor.
Jill closed her eyes and took off her baseball cap. Running her fingers through her hair, she waited due diligently for the typeface to display the floor above the doors.
Ding.
The hall echoed as it took her a few seconds to reach her door.
At last, her footsteps rung through the silent corridor as she went past a number of apartments and around the corner for her humble home.
She took her keys out of her pocket and put the right one in the hole quietly, not wanting to make much more noise.
Lightly she opened the door and went inside.
A ginger woman welcomed her, "Hey there Jill."
"Hey Marie! I'm sorry for bothering you." She took off her sneakers and went inside the small hallway.
Marie Anderson, Jill's good neighbor for almost a year now. A middle-aged woman that lived across the hall, Marie offered a helping hand since she knew Jill had a new, stressful job.
Her daughter was a little handful, that's for sure.
Marie shock her head and chuckled, "Don't be silly, I love kids. I know you need the help anyway."
With that, the woman passed by her, exchanging more pleasantries and goodbyes before leaving the apartment.
Jill went for the kitchen and put down her bag and the green file they'd all been briefed with.
"Baby." She called out, bearing a cheerful smile.
Though she didn't get an answer, she walked out of the second door of the kitchen and went for the living room.
In front of the T.V. there was a little girl sleeping peacefully.
She had a shoulder-length bob cut, silver in color. Like the way her mother used to be, her skin was pale.
Jill knelt down and touched her shoulder.
Once the child felt her touch, she opened her eyes.
"Mommy you're back." She grumbled hazily, rubbing her eyes. The young girl crawled into her arms.
Jill happily wrapped her arms around her.
"Hey honey, how was your day with Marie?" It was a weekend, so no school.
Work never stops though.
"How was work?" The child said while she touched her mother's cheeks.
"Ah, don't worry about that sweetie, its's all a lot of hoopla."
"What's hoopla?"
"Overexcitment and a lot of bravado, I'm gonna make some dinner."
The child's face changed to sadness without warning.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
The child pulled away from her arms and went for the kitchen.
Jill watched silently as her daughter took a lighter and returned to the living room, "See mommy?"
Her mother's eyes widened, a part of her realizing what she was going to do.
"No wait!" Jill leaned forward, but it was too late.
Isara clicked the flame alight and put her hand over the fire, staring at Jill with a smile.
"Fire doesn't hurt me. I only feel a slight tingling. Kinda tickles."
Jill ripped the lighter from her hand and grabbed her daughter's shoulders.
"Will you stop doing this!? You can't play with fire!" In a reprimand, she was enraged at the girl, "Isara, where in the hell did you learn to use one of these!?"
"But mom, this is just-" Isara tried, but Jill cut her off.
"Stop it young woman, you know perfectly well I don't smoke. Where did you get this?" She asked, holding the lighter up, demanding the answer.
"A friend at school . . ." She said meekly.
Jill gave a long, harsh sigh. She held the item in her hand as she thought of what to say.
"Haah . . . The next time she wants to show you something 'cool,' say you don't want to. Your friend doesn't understand how a bad thing can happen."
"B-But, they didn't put the fire to their hand. It hurt them when they tried at home! I though I burnt myself but then . . ." She started to look down.
Jill sighed and just knelt back down to hold her daughter in her arms, silent.
"I know. I know. There's nothing wrong with you . . . Your father could do it too." She reluctantly replied.
She disliked mentioning him around her child, gave her ideas about where he might be, who he could possibly have been.
'I can see him in you.' Jill thought to herself as she carried her darling little girl; Isara was her name.
Ready to take her to the bedroom and read her favorite stories.
Dinner would be late that evening.
Thanks for reading, please tell me your thoughts in a review :)
Thank you The95will for your help.
Thank you Angel Wolf, my new beta reader