Evil Redefined

The Umbrella Corporation had its secrets.

STARS Bravo Team, on the hunt for a group of serial killers deep within the Arklay Forest stumbled upon an abandoned Umbrella Corporation laboratory…and encountered the horrors within.

Rebecca Chambers, Bravo Team's rookie medic, encountered the escaped convict Billy Coen. At first mistrustful of one another, the two were forced to work together in order to escape Umbrella's twisted experiments. Ultimately, they encountered the man behind the madness, former Umbrella researcher Doctor James Marcus. The duo foiled Marcus's plans to spread his specially engineered Tyrant virus across the globe, putting an end to the resurrected scientist.

Meanwhile, young SWAT Mat Dawson fell in with a group of Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasures troops, sent to clean up a spill at a second facility, this one still a going concern. The team encountered Timothy Cain, a former Major within the Company's security forces and now an agent of Doctor Marcus. Manipulating the test subjects still inside the facility, codenamed the HIVE, Cain killed off the commandos one by one. Mat was the only survivor, and only through the sacrifice of Rain Ocampo, one of the commandos, who gave her life to destroy the Hive.

The night gave way to day, and Enrico Marini, Bravo Team's captain, attempted to lead the remnants of his squad to safety. Ultimately, they came upon a strange mansion deep inside the Arklay Forest. Seeking sanctuary, Enrico led his two surviving teammates, Richard Aiken and Forest Speyer, into the Mansion. But things were not what they seemed…

Umbrella bio-weapons were loose inside the estate as well. Infected, zombie-like humans mortally wounded Kenneth Sullivan; a giant snake poisoned Richard while he was trying to protect Rebecca; something drove Forest insane, prompting him to attack Mat and forcing him to kill the STARS member in self defense.

Back in Raccoon City, STARS Alpha Team was eager to go on a rescue mission for their friends on Bravo Team. They awaited only the word of Albert Wesker, their Captain.

But Alpha Team would find more in the Arklay Forest then their wayward comrades.

Evil is constantly changing, constantly reshaping and redefining itself. And it is always hungry…

Prologue:

The Forest

(JOSEPH)

Joseph Frost was going stir-crazy. He hated sitting around; he wanted to be doing something, anything. His friends were out there, somewhere, probably hurt and possibly dead…

And where was Joseph? Stuck on the roof of the RPD building. Joseph had come upstairs, hoping to be alone with his thoughts. Once there, he had disassembled his shotgun and begun to clean it.

The weapon was a Benelli M3, but modified by Richard Aiken so that it was pump-action and could fire solid lead slugs. Richard had said the extra firepower could come in handy…

Richard Joseph thought. I hope you're okay, buddy.

Joseph had been a member of Bravo Team, promoted to Alpha only after the new girl, Rebecca Chambers, had joined the Force. Joseph didn't really know her; she was an egghead and a bit shy. But she wasn't so bad looking, either…

Joseph had come to the roof to be alone, only to find Alpha Team's pilot, Brad Vickers. Brad was doing maintenance work on the remaining STARS chopper. He did a lot of muttering to himself, and was rather jittery. Had it been anyone else, Joseph would have thought that was a sign of nervous. But Brad did that all the time. Joseph thought it might be a sign of mental imbalance.

The door to the roof burst open, causing both Joseph and Brad to jerk their heads in its direction. In strode Peyton Welles, one of the SWAT team leaders. Joseph did his best to be invisible. Welles looked like he was in the mood to start tearing new assholes for anything with a STARS patch.

No such luck. "Frost!" Welles spat. "Frost, where's your captain? I wanna see that sonuvabitch, now!"

"I'm sorry sir, but I don't know" Joseph said truthfully. He didn't know where Captain Wesker was, and he could sympathize with wanting to harm the man. Half the STARS go missing and he vanishes without a trace…

Welles kept going as if Joseph hadn't said anything. "That asshole Marini goes gallivanting off with my men, and doesn't even ask permission first? What the hell is this? How am I supposed to run an outfit when I can't find my own goddamn men?"

Joseph debated the merits of responding versus those of not. He'd never been good, even in the SEALs, at seeing rhetorical questions.

He was saved by the arrival of the rest of his team.

"You want to calm down, Peyton" said Barry Burton. Barry, with his broad shoulders and red beard, looked like some sort of barbarian lumberjack. He was a nice enough guy, but definitely not someone you wanted to cross.

He was also a former member of SWAT, which was why he could address Welles on a first name basis.

"I don't want to be calm!" the SWAT captain spat. He looked like he wanted to be spitting fire, but couldn't quite get up enough steam for it. "He took Dawson God-only-knows-where, and now he's gone! What the hell am I supposed to do?"

"Wait, like the rest of us" said Chris Redfield, standing beside Barry. Joseph liked the Alpha team marksmen; he and Forest Speyer had invited Joseph to the shooting range with them on numerous occasions. He was a great cop, even if he was former Air Force.

"You want me to wait?" Welles demanded. "So help me God, what I want to do is rip Enrico Ma-fucking-rini a new asshole. Since he's not here, Albert Wesker will do."

"Well, Wesker's not here either" said Jill Valentine, joining the other two Alphas on the roof. "What do you want us to do about it? It's not like we can just pull him out of our asses."

Welles looked like he wanted to argue with that, but couldn't find a flaw in Jill's logic. That was the thing about Jill; she was smart and attractive, in a very mature sort of way.

She was also dating Edward Dewey, Bravo Team's pilot and sniper. Joseph often wondered if Ed knew just how lucky he was.

Then again, maybe he wasn't so lucky. After all, wasn't he missing?

Welles's eyes darted around, looking for something for him to vent at. "What are you all waiting for? Your B team and my man are out there somewhere, and you're sitting around on your asses like it's some kind of picnic? Let's see some action!"

"We can't move until Captain Wesker gets here" said Joseph cautiously. "Besides, it's RPD policy. We have to wait twenty-four hours before a search and rescue can be mounted."

"But by then, they're all gonna be dead!" Welles screamed. "Incompetence, I swear to God! Wesker thinks he can set up his own little empire and take whatever he wants from the rest of the Force, does he? I'll show him. I'll-"

"You'll take it up with Chief Irons, Peyton" said Barry quietly. "And you'll keep in mind that you're not the only person here who's missing someone. Enrico Marini is one of my best friends. Believe me, we wouldn't be here if we didn't have to. We'd be out there, finding Bravo Team and your Mathias Dawson."

"He shouldn't even be out there in the first place!" shouted Welles. "I come into work this morning, only to learn that one of my own fucking men has gone missing on a mission I was never even informed of? What the hell kind of way to start the day is that? Who authorized this?"

"I did" said a calm voice from the doorway. All heads turned to look at Albert Wesker, who lounged against the doorframe casually, his trademark sunglasses in place despite the fact that it was well past dark.

"Just where have you been?" Welles demanded. "Wesker, you bastard! You went over my head! If you ever do that again, I'll-"

Wesker didn't interrupt Welles. It was more like he just refused to recognize the SWAT captain's right to keep talking. "Sorry I was late. I've been trying to get authorization from Chief Irons for the past few hours." He gestured toward the chopper. "Brad, can she fly? Because we're going in, just as soon as possible."
"Good to go, sir" Brad said, at the same time Chris asked: "We're going in now? As in, this minute?"

"Glad to hear it" Wesker said to Brad, before turning to Chris. "And yes, we are. Is that a problem?"

Chris shook his head. "Hell no, sir."

"Good." Wesker turned to look at the other Alphas. "I want all of you to gather whatever you think we'll need: handguns, ammunition, and first aid supplies. We'll go in light; this is a rescue mission, remember." He looked over at Joseph. "Glad to see that you're so prepared."

"Thank you, sir!" Joseph beamed; praise from Albert Wesker was rare indeed.

But Wesker had already moved on, talking to Brad and Jill. Welles glared after him angrily.

"We aren't finished yet, Wesker!" he shouted. "You authorized the use of one of my men without my permission or even my knowledge."

Wesker didn't even look up. "Attempts were made to contact you, Peyton. If you are not inside the Precinct when such attempts are made, then it isn't anyone else's fault, is it?"

Welles stood there, spluttering for a moment. "I'll-I'll-"

"You'll leave the helipad now" said Wesker. "We're in the middle of preparations, and you're in the way. Good-bye." Then he turned and began to help Barry load supply crates into the chopper.

Welles spluttered something else, incoherent and probably not complimentary. Wesker raised his hand in a cheerful wave, again without turning his head or acknowledging the SWAT captain. At a loss, Welles stormed away.

Joseph didn't watch the routed police officer slink away. He was too busy getting ready. There was a lot to be done.

But at least he wasn't bored anymore…

It took him five minutes to get his gear together. Since it was a rescue mission, all Joseph took was his custom Benelli and his Samurai Edge, plus a few rounds of reserve ammo. He doubted he'd need it, but all the same. Luck favored the prepared.

He grabbed his knee and elbow pads, and strapped them on. Those made shooting crouched or prone for long periods of time easier, and again, there was luck to consider.

The last thing Joseph did was check the flashlight on his Benelli. Seeing that it was fully charged, he headed back upstairs.

"I don't care about that" Joseph heard Brad say as he climbed the stairs leading up to the roof. "We don't need it!"

"What's it gonna hurt?" Barry asked.

"What's it gonna help?" Brad countered.

Curious, Joseph stepped around the corner, to see what the two were arguing about. Brad squatted on the inside of his bird, trying to keep Barry from carrying a large, black metal box onboard. Joseph blinked. Why is Barry trying to take the rocket? The rocket launcher was part of Chief Irons' rather infamous paranoia, but Joseph couldn't think of a single instance when it would be useful. Maybe back in his old days as a SEAL. But with the RPD? The thing was just a waste of money.

"What's the problem, gentlemen?"
All three STARS whirled around to see Wesker coming up from the RPD's rear lot. He was already suited up, his Samurai Edge holstered opposite the heavy maglite he habitually carried, his dark blue uniform immaculate. Despite the time of day, he still had on his aviator's sunglasses.

Brad pointed an accusatory finger at Barry, like a petulant child trying to shift blame. "S-sorry sir. It was Barry. He was trying to bring along the launcher, but I told him that-"

"It's fine" Wesker said calmly. "It won't matter one way or the other." He paused. "And Brad? Lighten up, just a little."

"Yes sir."

Wesker turned and motioned to Joseph. "Come along" he said. "Chris and Jill are already aboard."

Joseph hurried after Wesker, scrambling into the chopper…

The flight was rather uneventful. The STARS sat in silence, aside from occasional monosyllabic comments passing between Chris and Brad in the cockpit, and the constant spin and click of Barry as he fidgeted with his revolver, the Silver Serpent.

Joseph guessed they were all thinking about their opposites on Bravo Team. He knew he was.

Joseph had known the men on Bravo Team since he'd joined the police force. He'd served with Richard Aiken back when the two had been in narcotics; he'd gone to the shooting range along with Edward Dewey, Forest Speyer, and Chris Redfield; both he and Enrico Marini were former soldiers. He'd even known Mat Dawson, the kid from SWAT, pretty well. He'd never really talked to Kevin Dooley, and Rebecca Chambers was too new for him to have known, but he still hoped they were all okay…

"Hello? STARS Bravo? This is Alpha Team. Is anyone out there? Over."

Brad had been repeating the radio cal for the last fifteen minutes. There was no answer. He was clearly beginning to loose all hope of there being one. Joseph had to agree. Surely by now they would have heard something

"There!" shouted Chris, pointing at something on the ground. "That looks like their bird."
"Shit, you're right" Brad said. "Hang on folks, I'm takin' us down."

Joseph felt the helicopter descend, then a jolt as the skids met the ground. Barry slid open the heavy door, then made an abbreviated leap out of the troop bay, his head barely missing the rotors. Wesker and Jill were right behind him. Joseph squared his shoulders, racked his shotgun, and followed suit…

Joseph took point on clearing Bravo's helicopter. It was obviously totaled and obviously abandoned, but all the same, they needed to check it.

Joseph ran his fingers along the flashlight mounted on the rail of his Benelli, turning it on. The light fell on a slick stain along the side of the chopper, and immediately he felt sick. All the same he pressed on, the stench of death getting stronger…

The sight of Kevin, or at least what had once been Kevin, made Joseph loose everything he'd eaten throughout the day, and a little bit left over from the day before.

"What happened?" Chris asked, jogging forward. Joseph couldn't stop being sick, so he just pointed vaguely ahead of him. Chris stepped into the chopper and got the message soon enough.

"Son of a bitch" he muttered. "What could have done this?"

"I don't know" said Barry, patting Joseph on the back as he tried to catch his breath. "Let's just hope it doesn't come back."

"Brad, radio back to headquarters" Wesker said over the shortwave. "Tell them we have one KIA: Kevin Dooley. Over."
"Roger that" Brad responded. In the darkness, the well lit cockpit of the chopper stood out starkly, and Joseph saw him mutter one word. Shit. It was a fairly apt summation.

"Okay people, let's spread out" said Wesker, gesturing with his left hand. "I want a sweep of the area. Find out what went on here." He sounded calm, but Joseph noticed that his right hand never left the butt of his Samurai Edge, riding on his hip.

Joseph headed toward a stand of tall grass. He heard a footstep behind him and spun around, aiming his shotgun…at Jill, who took a step back.

"Easy, partner" she said. "Watch your back."

Joseph lowered the shotgun. "Sorry. You too."

But Jill wasn't listening anymore. She had headed farther ahead, her mind somewhere else. Probably worried about Edward Joseph thought. Then he heard something rustling in the grass before him, and his mind went to the job.

(JILL)

There was a body in the ditch. Jill didn't recognize the man, only that he wore some sort of military uniform, with the stained MP patch on his sleeve.

Curious, Jill rolled the man over. Why is there an MP all the way out here? she wondered. She leaned forward, trying to study the head with her flashlight. The beam wasn't very powerful, and was casting all sorts of weird shadows, but it looked like the guy had been shot through and through in the head. Execution style. What the hell?

"Hey Joseph?" she called out. "C'mere, buddy. I need your help. Joseph?"

(JOSEPH)

Joseph heard Jill calling his name. He'd been staring at the grass for a moment, but when nothing leapt out to end him, he relaxed.

He turned to face Jill just as she shouted his name again.

"What is it?" he asked.

Then he saw a look of pure horror cross Jill's face, illuminated ominously in the glare of her flashlight. He spun around just in time to see something leap out of the grass, gaping jaws wide open to clamp onto his throat…

(JILL)

Jill watched in horror as three enormous dogs leapt out of the grass and attacked Joseph from all sides. The one in the lead knocked him off his feet, pinning his riot gun to his chest as it went for his throat.

Joseph kicked and fought, but he was being overwhelmed; the dogs simply everywhere at once. The two in the back tore at his arms and legs, while the one on top bit at his face and neck.

Jill had the Samurai Edge up and had opened fire, her gunshots joining Joseph's as he tried to kill the dog immediately on top of him. He fired until the slide locked back, the gun almost up against the dog's chest.

Jill kept firing until her own gun did the same, even after Joseph let out a wet gurgle and was still, even after the dogs began to tear off large chunks of his body.

"No" she said softly. "No, Joseph…"

She took a step back. In the sudden quiet, the sound of her boot snapping a rotten branch caused the dog closest to her to perk up its ears, its head whipping around in her direction. Oh no Jill thought, taking another frantic step backward…And falling flat on her back, the dog bounding toward her.

The dog jerked back in midair, its body a ruined mess. "C'mon!" Barry shouted, gesturing with his hand, the other trying to steady the Silver Serpent as he prepared for a second shot.

Beside him stood Chris, his handgun also ready. "Let's go, Jill" he said, offering her his hand. She took it, climbing unsteadily to her feet.

"Go on!" Barry shouted. "I'll catch up."

"You sure?" Chris asked.

"Yeah" he replied curtly. "Just get going!"

Chris shoved Kill ahead, urging her forward. "C'mon!" he shouted, echoing Barry. "Back to the chopper!"

"Where's Wesker?" Jill asked, fumbling in the dark for a spare magazine. In the process, she dropped her flashlight, and reflexively ducked to grab it.

Because of that, the dog leaping for her went over her head, instead going after Chris. She saw him raise his arm to take the bite from the dog's open jaws…

Then, the dog let out a yelp, and fell to the side. A few feet away, Wesker lowered his handgun. "Let's move, people!" he shouted, his cool veneer suddenly gone. He was just as keyed up as the rest of them, Jill realized. He just hid it better.

She saw Barry break off and fall back, flicking out the cylinder of his revolver as he did so. He tried rather unsuccessfully to reload the weapon in the dark, muttered a curse, and shoved it back into its holster, which normally hung across his chest and in the running had worked its way to his stomach. He pulled out his own Samurai Edge, then ran backwards, firing as he went. His weapon fired heavier .40 slugs, and kicked more, but Barry was still more then capable of covering their retreat to the chopper.

Except, the chopper wasn't there anymore.

"Wait!" Jill heard Wesker shout, at the same time Chris yelled out "You son of a bitch!" She looked up in time to see the chopper rising over their heads, circling for a moment before scurrying away.

"Don't stop!" Wesker shouted to her. He pointed up ahead. "Get going! Head that way. I think I saw some sort of structure there. Hurry!"

Jill nodded, then sprinted in the direction he had pointed. Behind her, she could hear the sounds of the other STARS as they fired into the night. The sounds were rather small and pitiful, compared to the howls of the dogs as they charged the gauntlet…

Resolving itself out of the darkness was an enormous mansion. Jill ducked between two broken down fence posts, putting on her last burst of speed for the front door. She shoved it open and darted inside, holding it for Wesker, who staggered in next. He leveled his Samurai Edge, firing two shots into the darkness. Jill didn't think he could see anything, until she heard a dog yelp in pain.

Barry hurtled out of the darkness and tried to pull the door closed behind him.

"No!" Jill shouted. "What about Chris?"

But Wesker put a hand on her shoulder and gently led her away.

"Jill," he said quietly, "he's not coming. He didn't make it. We're all that's left."