The suited men arrived in what Hunk suspected to be morning. Each of them had shades and handguns. Outside the cell, however, two men were dressed in body armor under their jackets with P90 submachine guns. In a way, it flattered him. This much hardware and eyes for a forgotten mercenary.
From the narrow opening of the door, they gave him clothes. He put on an olive green long-sleeved shirt with brown carpenter pants. The shoes were not military sized but were a size too big. They can flatter a prisoner but are not as thorough. Hunk knocked from his side of the door to signal that he was ready. A guard entered as four others leveled their weapons at Hunk while a set of handcuffs on the wrists and ankles. Even if they believed their shades could hide their eyes, it did not stop their body language. One of them had a very itchy trigger finger.
Another guard appeared from the back with a black bag. He was young and didn't accurately fill the dress code of tailored suits and shades. He instead wore blue jeans with a green t-shirt and thick-framed glasses.
"Uh sir, if you don't mind?" The boy quivered.
"Out with it." Hunk jingled his handcuffs. Half of them flinched as the rest flicked the safety off their weapons. Where they find these guys?
The boy leaned his head down. "Sir if you would kindly bow your head."
Hunk scoffed. "If it'll make you feel better." The boy placed the bag over his head.
One striking observation from inside the bag. It was washed with scented detergent and soft on the skin. This kid is not part of Simmons lousy guy parade. One hand was firmly placed on Hunk's left shoulder as he glided down the narrow corridors. It didn't stop the mercenary from counting every footstep. A mental map of sorts. A car door opened up that could be a van or SUV. He was put in the back so Hunk can have someone there to observe him. If he tried something, he'd be dead in no time.
From what Hunk guessed it to be an hour the vehicle stopped. He was led inside and was forced to sit down in a folded out chair. The cuffs were put on his back as he paid attention if there was an echo to the room.
"Here he is ma'am." The kid stated.
"So this is Mr. Death?" A forced feminine sultry voice beamed. "You can leave now."
"Yes, ma'am."
The bag Hunk lifted off his head as the kid exited the room. The woman tilted her head as she smirked at the mercenary. She went by the name of Jessica Sherawat. She had a slight tan, with silky brunette hair and hazel green eyes. She was wearing a crop top shirt that exposed her mid-rift with tactical pants. She had a sidearm at her hip as well.
"You like what you see?"
"In all honesty, no." Hunk said seriously. Jessica frowned as she lifted her leg from the ground and hit him directly under his jaw. He was able to pull his tongue back in time to not bite it. The pain burned for a moment as he stared back at her, unfazed.
"Wrong answer." Jessica lowered her leg.
Hunk leaned forward to spit blood from his lip. That was a clean kick; at least Jessica knows how to fight.
"I'm glad to see you two are getting acquainted." Another feminine but a softer voice called from the right. The voice belonged to Ashley Graham. Ashley had her dark blonde hair tied back, and she was wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt with black pants; her light complexion was the same as the photos of when Leon saved her.
Damn, why did I have to think of that bastard again? Hunk decided to concentrate at this moment instead. "Wow, you're just of what I had imagined, Hunk. Or should I call you, Paul, John, Keith or Anthony?" Ashley leaned forward with a childish grin.
"Just stick to Hunk for now, if you don't mind." He sighed. To whomever, Simmons served seemed to have collected information on all of Hunk's backup plans.
"Alright then Hunk, you work with us I'm-"Ashley was cut off by Jessica.
"He already knows who we are." Jessica removed Hunk's handcuffs.
Hunk stood up from the chair. "Saves me the trouble," Ashley said then paused. "How did you know about me?"
Hunk turned his head. "When Umbrella disbanded, I adjusted myself in freelance work. I was the one who acquired intelligence for Leon's rescue operation. If Leon failed, I would have taken his place." Hunk walked to a table to grab a bottle of purified water. Beside the water was an impressive picture frame.
Hunk did not react as he turned around.
"I never came across such information." Ashley glanced at her side puzzled.
"There was no record of my assistance; otherwise it would make the US Government look hypocritical considering of my disposed employers."
Ashley and Jessica exchanged looks at one another.
"Daddy had to be there for his little girl." Hunk put the cap on the empty bottle.
"Wow, you're an asshole." Ashley moaned.
"He is, but from his history, he's worth it." Jessica walked next to Ashley. She passed a PDA tablet. "Ashley, can you explain the situation to Hunk here?"
"Sure." Ashley scrolled through the documents. "So Hunk, you're the help Simmons promised us." He opened another water bottle and did not stop drinking water but nodded.
"Good, there is a civil war that erupted in Edonia. Reports of BOWs are in use. It has been a massive change from the standard isolated incident. Raccoon, Terragrigia, Willamette. In response, the BSAA has amassed a task force to launch a counteroffensive. The attack is happening in three days." Ashley passed Hunk the PDA.
"Our mission is to observe Sherry Birkin making contact with a person of interest Jake Muller. We believe he has developed antibodies to the current widespread use of the C-virus. We must remain undetected in her presence. So far the name of Neo-Umbrella has appeared all over claiming the various attack and weapons distribution. We believe they are the ones who are manufacturing the C-Virus and selling it to the black markets."
"We're the lifeline for Sherry then. Why the secrecy?" Hunk put the PDA down.
On it was the image of Jake Muller with a bloody gash on his cheek. Jessica walked to the table and began browsed through the PDA. "This is a test of the resolve of Sherry Birkin and Jake Muller."
"Understood, what kind of gear are we working with?" Hunk put the cap back onto the now empty bottle.
Jessica walked to a door. "Follow me." She led Hunk down a short hallway into a large room that turned into a makeshift armory. In it was a wide array of weapons and gear. Many of the guns had that new gun shine and glimmer.
"Now you like what you see?" Jessica walked close to the main wall where the weapons were hanging. She waved her arms like she was some well-dressed woman you see in those game shows.
Hunk walked to the wall and picked up a Five-Seven pistol. The mercenary pulled the chamber back to hear the familiar click of a clean weapon. He looked at Jessica. "I do." Hunk smiled with his fangs exposed.
Ashley walked into the armory. "Having fun? I have to sort out some documents that were sent in along with Hunk." Ashley said that she turned around then walked into the dim hall.
Hunk continued to inspect the weapons. It was all impressive but could never compare to his preferred gear. Jessica came around with a heavy duffle bag and dropped it to the ground to grab Hunk's attention. The air whiffed out with a puff of dust as well.
"Here, we got what we could," Jessica said then rested her left hand on her hip.
Hunk shrugged. So it was clear now that Jessica was the shot caller while Ashley was intelligence while he was the muscle. There were a few names he could recall that would easily replace both of them to get the job done. Hunk put the handgun down then walked to the duffle bag. He pulled the zipper to see his old gear.
It was dusty for sure, but it was all there. The helmet, radio, the custom TMP Submachine gun and even his gas mask. The thing was the same as when he repaired it. The gas mask still had its wide soul piercing red eyes. As he kneeled down to inspect it his thumb drifted along a scar on the right cheek of the mask, it was still visible even with the repairs.
A gift from William Birkin.
"So I was wondering how Leon Kennedy could overpower the mighty HUNK." Jessica joked.
Hunk put the gas mask down inside the bag. "Do not say that name in front of me."
"Why, was it because he kicked down your front door and proved that you're just a rusted tool?" Jessica took a step back. Hunk stood up and cracked his neck. He looked around the armory to see a clearing in the room.
"Leon had the support, and I got careless. That will never happen again." Hunk turned to Jessica. "What do you say we do a quick spar? I would hate it to learn that Commando Barbie is just all show." Hunk straightened his back, and his legs bent. His left arm was a fist and kept at ninety degrees with his right arm relaxed and close to his stomach.
"Loser has to say they're sorry."
"You're on." Jessica raised her chin. She removed her gun belt slowly. Just a distraction tactic she relied too much on her appearance, Hunk deducted. Jessica placed one leg ahead with her other leg bent slightly and her upper body straight. She turned her body slightly so that her back is facing away from Hunk. She made a fist with her right hand then at ninety degrees; she kept her arm by her right hip. Her left arm was relaxed and stayed as a palm then continued straight down along her body.
Hunk did not wait for Jessica to make a move. He sprinted forward, Jessica braced herself then crouched and made a sweep motion with her right leg. Hunk saw this and jumped. She spun around Hunk landed and brought his right leg up for a kick. Jessica knew what was coming and she didn't get to her feet. She countered with a sweeping motion again, and this time it worked. Hunk tripped and landed hard on his back. Jessica reeled in her leg, and she kept the momentum going and she brought her leg onto Hunk's chest.
"Are you going to call it quits?" Jessica taunted while she applied pressure.
"Never." Hunk freed his right arm and did a clean punch on Jessica's leg. She did not expect it, so she lost her grip. Hunk raised his legs and flipped himself back to his feet. Jessica got her bearings then show signs of repressed rage. Hunk extended his left arm, then with his index and middle finger. He made a wave motion.
"Come on." Hunk returned to his stance. Jessica took the offensive. Her pace confused Hunk, it was not related to any formal training. It was quick paced danced movements, Jessica concentrated by brief glances. Jessica came in close with her left palm aimed at Hunk's face. He brought his arms to his face with his guard, but Jessica did a fake out. Instead Jessica with her right leg she did two quick jabs into Hunk's right shin. By reflex Hunk's upper body lowered. Stealing the opportunity, Jessica did a swift left knee kick into Hunk's forehead, and while he stumbled back, then she kicked his stomach.
Hunk vision was blurred, so he shook his head rapidly. "Well done."
"I'm not here to impress you." Jessica sneered.
"You're right, and I'm not Chris Redfield." Hunk retorted.
"WHY YOU!" Jessica shouted.
Hunk advanced when he spotted Jessica twist her body for a double fall kick. Hunk ducked in for a quick left straight punch on her right shoulder. She was stunned, so Hunk closed the distance even further and jabbed her sternum. She was stunned further, so Hunk made a scythe of his right arm and wrapped it around her neck. He turned with his arm and stood behind Jessica.
"I'm not done yet!" Jessica coughed.
"I know." Hunk whispered seeing Jessica raise her left leg to peg his head. He did not feel her struggle too much, and she was confident to escape his grip. In response, Hunk leaned forward while her leg rose so instead her leg caught the ground and Hunk flipped off her back then she stood up again. Hunk had a piece of a loose rope of Jessica's pants, and he yanked on it, so she dropped stomach first to the ground. She felt a tug oh her legs. Hunk has pinned them. Jessica tried to shake herself free, but Hunk did not let up. She relaxed her body and rested.
"Fine, you win." Hunk freed her and Jessica flipped herself around to face the ceiling.
"I'm sure you noticed that you rely on your legs too much." Hunk offered her a hand to stand up.
"As you should talk, you're too stiff." Jessica accepted Hunk's hand of support.
"You proved you're not helpless. I'm sorry I called you out on your ex-partner." Hunk dusted himself off.
"How did you know about that?"
"I saw a photo of you two. In it, you were the only one smiling." Hunk spoke calmly.
"That guy never did get the hint." Jessica joked.
"Wow, that was way better than any movie fight I have ever seen," Ashley called from the entrance of the armory.
Hunk walked to the duffle bag and lifted it off the ground. "How long have you been watching?"
"From the beginning. I heard Jessica insult you." Ashley tried to conceal a stun gun behind her back, and Hunk pretended not to notice.
Jessica walked to the weapon racks. "Oh I see, I forgot to give you back your PDA, I'm sorry." Ashley moved away from the entrance.
"Do I get a room for myself?" Hunk asked.
"Yes, you do." Ashley handed her PDA. "Go back into the room where you were freed from and on your left. Your room and cot is the second door on the right."
"Understood." Hunk pulled the duffle bag slung over his left shoulder then left the armory.
Both ladies waited for about ten seconds until a door closed in the distance. Ashley turned to Jessica.
"So how was he?"
"He is no pushover. Simmons wasn't kidding on supporting us with a heavy hitter." Jessica fixed the strap on her pants.
"Thank you for testing him, and I wasn't sure if he was any good," Ashley said scrolling through her PDA.
"No problem." Jessica paused. "Can you tell me what went down when Hunk surrendered? I only understand the aftermath not during." Jessica was changing out of her tank top into casual clothing.
"I'm already on it. I want to know too." Ashley sat down on a crate. Jessica noticed everything moved aside. The clearing in the room had never been there until today. Clever girl. Jessica rolled her eyes.
"Wait for a second, did you make that little arena?" Jessica pressed her hands tightly on Ashley's shoulders.
"Details, details." Finally, the PDA lit up. "Do you want dirt on Hunk or not?" Jessica released Ashley.
"You bet I do." The two sat side by side.
