BLACK INVITATION
Created by : jitan88 | Beta-reader : a super duper hot writer called CK – Ace.
Disclaimer: All Resident Evil characters belongs to Resident Evil - Capcom.
Note:
- Timeline : After Resident Evil 6 (Slight spoiler RE 6)
- Rated : T
- Genre: Action / Adventure / Romance
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BLACK INVITATION
CHAPTER 2: THE DEAL
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Washington D.C. - F.O.S Central Office
Sounds of typing adorned each room in an all white atmosphere, filled with many monitor that displayed various kinds of graphs, location, pictures or maps. The phone rang endlessly, blended with sounds of transmission which informed all the recent updates from field agents. Luckily all the noises were absorbed by the silencer walls. They should reduces the noisy atmosphere to maintain any confidential information, and also to reduces the stress of all F.O.S agents. They had to work hard in this kind of atmosphere every day, no matter if the sun set or rise.
A man approximately of fifty years old was pacing busy on the office, he occasionally looked at computer screen and checking his mobile phone between intervals. Ignoring a bunch of report documents that need to be check out, he abandoned them on the desk. Repeatedly he spoke to his right-hand man to track satellites but until now there has been no sign of the presence of their field officer.
"Have found the location of Birkin or Jonas?"
He asked the same question as he patted the shoulder of his assistant who kept watch on a big screen in front of him. There's only two of them in this room, the man on his thirties shook his head, "Negative, Sir. I'm still trying to track them down."
"Keep looking! It's already past three hours from the time they landed, they should have made contact with us... Especially Jonas, he wasn't a reckless agent who usually fails to report," the man said again,"do everything that you can to find both of them... You may not know how precious their life."
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Middle Eastern, Amozi - Local Hostel
Sherry Birkin was standing in front of a two storey building which was quite rundown and shabby. Yellowish cream color of the walls has peeled off with some cracking walls. When she looking up, the porch on the second floor was fitted with a fence of rusty iron, and in the vicinity is decorated with potted green plants. Jake had already went inside and then followed by Sherry who still reluctant. She wondered about what his plan for bringing her into this kind of place, but she knows it was useless to ask. The floor inside the building was gray with little lights lit, she found the atmosphere wasn't as bad as she had imagined. It's comfortable and clean, although the furniture is quite old but still well preserved.
The circumstances was so quiet, it's unknown whether the building had people or not other than themselves. They climbed the narrow wooden stairs which occasionally creaky due to their body weight. On the second floor there's a hallway with five doors, Jake got to the second door and he stopped. Then he took out the key, turned the knob and opened the door, glancing to where Sherry was standing.
"Let me introduce; this is my room," said Jake, "And because I'm not that good at cleaning the room, so it quite a mess..."
Jake enters his own room and put his luggage on a table but Sherry still standing on the outside, she doesn't have any idea about his plan. From behind the door Jake turned and pulled his head outside, "Hey! What are you doing, daydreaming?! Come in, so we could start to negotiate already!"
She sighed.
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Negotiations?
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After she went in and Jake closed the door, he asked Sherry to sit on the only chair in the room. The room was small, there's only one bed, a pair of table and chairs, as well as a small closet located next to the window. There was no bathroom nor refrigerator, the ceiling mounted with only one lamp and on one side of wall there's a small air conditioner installed. Jake Muller sat on the edge of his bed, handing a grocery bag that he bought in the market.
"Eat this, it's already time for lunch."
Sherry shook her head and refuses, "No. Could we start our negotiation, Jake? I don't have time to mince words here, how much do you want? "
"I'm sure from the first time you had arrived at the airport, you didn't touch the food or water at all, then you were hunted down and have to survive from robed bastards. After all the tension like that, you definitely need some of the nutrient intakes, even if you have a kind of super power. Eat this, you don't want to fell sick while on a duty right? Amozi is not like America," Jake insists on thrusting the food, he bought a variety of breads and fruits.
"Take one of those, and eat." He's a little pushy.
Finally he smirked after seeing Sherry chew one of the breads.
"Supergirl, while you're eating... We'll talk here, because I don't know another place that could be labelled safe. Okay?" Sherry wants to replied before he held up a hand to stop her, "Hey, just chew your food. I know that you still had a bunch of Q&As with you but now it's my turn."
He chuckled to see the face of her protest, "First of all, the way we played; I ask and you answer. Got it?"
Sherry nodded.
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"How long has it been since you arrived at Amozi?"
"Probably about three or four hours ago."
"When was the last time you make contact with your office?"
"Before the plane took off. Oh, come on Jake! Actually what-"
"Shh... The rule is; I ask and you answer, Sherry..." Jake's index finger pointing to the front of his lips, told Sherry to silent.
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Sherry was forced to return struggling with bread in her hand.
"Why did the men chased you?" Jake asked again.
"I don't know."
"Who were they, supergirl? You know anything about them?"
Sherry again shook his head, Jake snorted.
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The situation turned out to be quiet and he just observed as Sherry ate her food.
"You're done? Now may I ask you some question?" Sherry asked.
Jake nodded slightly, "Yeah, sure. Throw em' at me."
"Why are you here? You know your answer back then didn't really answer anything." Sherry replied,"And how could you be in that tunnel? Even knew about the rope, chimneys, stairs... It's not only a coincidence, I know you're hiding something."
Jake's facial features changed, he looked away and avoid the gaze of Sherry.
"Huh. You don't think that I am a savior who came just in time to save the good people?"Jake chuckled, looking at the floor, "You know my job, Sherry. I was in Amozi since two months ago, blend with local people and stay in places that aren't obvious like this. Specifically, for some work as a mercenary."
"So, where do you work?"
This time Jake Muller looked back at the face of Sherry Birkin that had stood from where she sat.
"I was called by an organization called Black Spider. All I know is, it was a veiled and non-legal organizations in this country. Yeah sure, you can imagine what tasks they provide? And that got me interested in joining are..." he couldn't help but laugh after seeing the expression of Sherry.
"Let me guess, money." Sherry answered it with a mocking tone.
"Che, whatever… Happy now?" Jake replied nonchalantly. But when he looked at Sherry who stood and folded her hands in front of him, Jake seemed hesitant for a moment, "Hmm, this is a stupid question, but... Do you trust me?"
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Sherry transfixed for a few seconds, then nodded, "Yes. I think I have to believe in you, Jake..."
"In fact, the four robed man who had been chasing you in the tunnel... They're also Black Spider members, all of them are mercenaries. Although I don't really know them, I'm not joining the mercs to make buddies." he paused and bowed his head, "I'm sorry, Sherry. I... I lied."
Jake suddenly choked up and couldn't continue his words.
"Sorry? About what?" Sherry decided to sit next to Jake, waiting for this man to continue his words. While continuing to pay attention to the movements of Jake, Jake Muller sighed and stared at Sherry. He caught a slight nod from her, asking him to tell the truth.
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"I was assigned to kill you ..."
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April 22th, 2014 - Republic of Amozi, Unknown Place
A man with long black robe passed in the hallway of the building. Darken and dampen, along the long hallway there's only one lit room. The door was knocked, and he heard a deep husky voice that let him go inside. Right after the door was opened, he could smell a cigar's smoke filled the room, the yellow lights which refracted cabinet's shadow makes this room feel heavy and the atmosphere became more tense. Right in front of the door there's a brown long wooden table, a pile of papers piled on the right side, while on the left side there are the bottles of liquor and cigar box that had opened.
Behind the wooden table looks a middle-aged man who dressed in a black suit, he sat quietly while smoking a cigar. Smoke covering half of his face, he motioned his finger and pointed to a chair. With minimal gesture he invited his guest to sit in on chair in front of him. The black-robed man follow the order and they sat facing each other. Still with a cigar, he took a file and read it at a glance.
"Welcome, J-025... That's your number as a part of Black Spider," he said in a deep voice, "I hope you don't mind was called by a number."
"Che," the robed man showed a cynical smile from the hood which covered most of his face, "I don't really care about any shit like that…"
Accepting the answer, then the documents at his hand proffered to the robed man. Blowing smoke from his lips, he said, "Your new task."
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Once the document changed hands, the robed man checked one by one page in it. Glued a few seconds when gazing at photos of the target, but he tried to calm and re-examine other documents. He nodded at the mysterious man in front of him.
"I was impressed with your previous job though you're fairly new to our organization. This time you'll get double of your pay, this target is very important. Your job is... Easy. Make sure you silence the mouth of the target before they make any contact. There are four other people who will be your partner... " he paused to suck on his cigar, "Kill the target in the tunnel of Central Market, an alternative exit has been provided for you. Is that clear?"
"I have to get something from them after they got killed?" asked J-025.
"Your job is to just kill them, report to me, then get paid. Simple as that."
The robed man get silence for a moment, "What if... I fail to kill one of them?"
"Ah, I forgot because you're a new member here. All seniors may know that I never know the word FAIL. If you can't, then your partner will definitely do it, five person more than enough to finish off the two. YOU'LL KNOW FOR SURE WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES OF A FAILED MISSION, J-025..." He took an envelope from the desk drawer, and handed it over, "The rest of the money will you get after finishing your job. Good luck."
Without preamble, he immediately dismissed the robed man out of his office after carrying the documents and the envelope. He just stared at the back of his new member when walking toward the exit, without say anything. Once again he took a glance of the other file which was still there at the table, a folder named 'J-025'. There's no picture, or other the personal data that describe about their members. All members in Black Spider called by a code number; the initial letters are the initials of their actual name and followed behind is the order number.
" J-025, Jake..." he murmured.
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April 24th, 2014 - Middle Eastern, Amozi - Local Hostel
Jake Muller told the chronological of his duties to the woman. All had been staged from the start: when Sherry and Jonas arrived at the airport, they will be picked up as if by the delegation, led directly so they won't have time to make a contact with HQ, and secretly brought them into the tunnel. When the Black Spider was discovered to be assassins, Jake deliberately keep the distance while the other four ran after Sherry and Jonas. Appeared last was certainly an advantage to finish off the remnants of the mercenaries... And at once, betraying Black Spider.
Sherry Birkin stared at him in disbelief, the man who saved her some time ago... Turns out as the person who paid to end her life. He already knew all of this plan from the beginning. Maybe that's why he prevented her for contacting the HQ? Sherry stood up and walk away from his body. Jake was still fixated with his own words, as if already guessed Sherry will be like that. He shook his head and sighed.
"I'm telling you this because you said that... You trust me," he mumbled.
Sherry still looks shocked at the fact she had just heard.
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"You... Still haven't failed. I haven't contacted anyone," Sherry said while keeping a distance, "You still have a chance, right?"
To kill me and finish your mission.
Hearing the words, Jake suddenly stood up from his place. His brow furrowed and he seemed to take offense at that last sentence she was saying in his presence, his attitude makes Sherry even more vigilant, "Are you crazy?! I could kill you in a flash if I had wanted it, I don't need to kill those mercenaries to save you! Then I don't ever need to explain all this bullshit. You don't believe me? Fine. I'm such a fool... I shouldn't have said all this shit to you, Sherry Birkin."
"Then you're going to lie to me?! As someone who came to give gifts, but carrying guns behind it? Let say if we work together as partners, but I will never know the real truth about this?" Sherry replied, raising her voice, "It's just... I don't get it. Jake! You already know all of this will happen. Jonas was killed whereas you should be able to save both of us, so why?!"
Jake grinned as a respond to the naive woman, "To hell with your American partner, Sherry Birkin. I don't give a damn about him... It was his own fault because he couldn't protect himself! Different from you. Six months ago you saved me and I'm grateful for that. As I said before; now we're even. Satisfied?!"
Sherry realizes her words and tried to appease the anger of Jake Muller, "Calm down, Jake... Sorry, I didn't mean to say that to you, really. But..."
"Yeah yeah, SORRY. It's all you've said, but your gesture explained the otherwise." Jake was still trying to control the flood of his emotions, catch his own breath. He stared out the window to avoid eye contact with his opponent.
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"Sorry..." Sherry said, "I'm sorry, I guess that I still couldn't get over things."
"I trust you, Jake." she murmured.
The last sentence from her did calm Jake, he was well aware that emotions will only take them on the mindless and stupid act. He sighed, "...Never mind. Let's just forget about this shit, it was my own fault too because I lied to you." Jake muttered, "While we're here, they might have found a discrepancy in the tunnel. So we have to... Ah, wait! I'll show you something, supergirl."
Jake hurried to his desk, picked up a document located on top of a black cloak; like the robed man who chased Sherry at Central Market. He turned the page and showed the document. While Sherry was reading the file, Jake Muller took a seat on a chair still facing the table without reversing the direction. Folding his hands on the back of the chair, he waited. After a few minutes, Sherry closed the file and showed the worried face.
"Jake... It's..."
Jake Muller nodded for sure.
"All of the data about your identity; your picture and your American partner, including the place where you were targeted to be eliminated..." he tries to explain, "It had been planned. Good news because I was one of them to be assigned on this job. If it wasn't me... Well, I don't know."
"I still can't believe all of this." Sherry closed her eyes, still shocked.
"Yeah yeah yeah. Unfortunately we don't have time to be stupid," once again he confirmed,"all the of data about you in the D.S.O has been leaked, Sherry..."
So Sherry told Jake everything enfolded when she first arriving in Amozi, she and Jonas supposedly have to make contact with the HQ. Her mission was to secure a data from the informants about the involvement of some states that secretly supports the movement of bio-terrorism, feared that would harm the States government as well as the human race.
Although the two Caucasian agents had never heard of anything about an organization called the Black Spider, much less being their target. At first those two agents assumed their mission would go smoothly, never thought how their fate would turn around and ended up - like this. Although Sherry confessed that she was technically safe with Jake Muller, but she still couldn't get over the fact Jonas was dead. Jake was silent while occasionally nodding, listening carefully to her story.
Exactly in that moment, both knew that there will be little time left for them. The Black Spider will know of incident soon enough and they will learn that Sherry Birkin was still alive. On top of that, one of their own member had defected and helped the target.
But a mercenary stays a mercenary. Using the instincts that he had instilled long ago, Jake cunningly exchanged his code numbers with the commander of black cloak before looking for Sherry. It was an act to frame the deceased man and hopefully, it will fool them to think that J-025 was dead along with the other four.
Muller knew better though, usually a secret organization like like were loaded with a bunch of creepy but very intelligent people. They will discover his action sooner or later but for now, Muller prayed that their feeble mind would take some time to figure out his action.
He just hoped.
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Walking back and forth around the room, her eyes followed wherever Jake paced. Sherry glanced at her wrist watch, five hours had already passed since she arrived at the airport and it was too late to make contact with the headquarters. After knowing her data as secret service agent has leaked, she couldn't think what was going on or why she could involved in this awful situation. With Jake Muller on her side, on the one hand she believes him and feels lucky, but on the other hand she was also worried because the problems that will drag him into danger.
"Okay. We'll start our negotiations," Jake finally spoke while pointing his finger toward Sherry, "I have three conditions that you must obey, then I'll help you."
Her heart sank at Jake's words, she knows precisely by his 'negotiating way', "Three? Hhh... What do you want? And… How much?"
"One. There should be no one to know about my existence as your new partner. Including the D.S.O, your boss, all of them. Just me and you, it's only between us. I don't want them to ferret out any information about me. "
Sherry immediately nodded, "Okay, Jake..."
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"Now, that's good! The second is... To avoid contact with anyone. You can't be connected to the DSO's satellite, because the bastards could also track your location that way. Communicate with them only occasionally, and only with your boss. Oh! Wait... Who's your supervisor again?"Jake seemed more careful because he remembered Sherry's former supervisor was Derek C. Simmons.
"Mr. Bernard Hills, now he's my supervisor after Simmons died. I think I can trust him? I... Don't know for sure, but we don't have another choice. I only connected with him through the F.O.S." Sherry explains, "But they will certainly refuse if I don't want to be tracked. Even for now, they're definitely still trying to find my whereabouts."
Jake shook his head, "I don't think so... Your whereabouts were leaked, supergirl. I don't want to risk our life only because there're a stupid satellites that shows your location on them. Give a good reason for your boss, deal?"
Though still hesitant, she nodded slightly.
"Three. Do you remember about the first and second about our deal; it's just you and me. There should be no other parties who interfered, including your hero..." Jake grinned, "The man with blonde-haired and boy band style."
This time Sherry gasped, disagree, "You mean... Leon? Oh come on Jake, what's wrong with you? He's not a bad person, you know he-"
"The one that rescue you from Racoon City's incident," Jake interrupted, "I knew that. But there's no point to drag him here. Moreover he shouldn't know about your conditions, it will only makes him worry. Am I right?"
"Jake, don't be evasive. Actually, why you don't like him?" Sherry folded her arms, looking at him with a wonder view.
"I..." Jake just waved his hand and looked away, "Have an allergy in men with boy band styles, just assume like that. Okay, that's all. Three requirements from me and I will help you, no negotiate. Now what's your choice?"
Sherry Birkin was silent, think and feel there's a discrepancy. It seems there's something missing?
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The money?
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"You don't tell me about the price you ask for, Jake?" she asked and little surprised.
Jake turned around, "Tch. So in your eyes, I'm a type like that? Nah, I didn't save you because of the dough. I mean, I could easily get the double of the dough if I take on the Black Bastards' offer and to kill you."
Sherry couldn't believe it, Jake Muller will help her for free? Without paying a single dime?
A few seconds passed, Sherry walked toward Jake and extended her right hand to him. Jake Muller took her hand with a smirk as they shook hands - that way, a mutual agreement was formed between the two once again. Jake Muller and Sherry Birkin, the traitor and the fugitive, a good pair of combination to enliven the hunt of Black Spider.
"Deal..."
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To Be Continued ...
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Author's Note :
Hello! Thank you for all the fave, follow, and the reviews in the previous chapter. This chapter discussed about 'the deal' between Sherry and Jake as a partner, I hope you enjoyed reading. I'll wait your review for this chapter as well, and see you in the next chapter! :D
-jitan-
