Prove Your Worth
Wesker was quick on her and drew a syringe from his pocket, she was convulsing and he had to hold the woman's head steady so he could prick her in the neck. This was meant to counter effect the drug and bring her heart rate down to its original rhythm. She was moaning involuntarily and in quick successions, eyes straight upward under her lids. He contained her arms on her abdomen so he could also keep her steady though she kicked him several times, he had to repress his instinct to counter attack since he wasn't used to just let anyone pound at him so hard without doing something about it.
He placed two fingers on her carotid artery and glued his eyes on his watch, the same hand that was holding her firmly; soon she calmed down from under him as her beats slowed by the seconds. He looked back at her when she whispered something in her half-conscious state, he had to bring his ear to her lips to make out the mumbling, «….prototype G-Virus….», that's all he could get from her.
Wesker moved away and sat on the bed fixing the wall ahead of him. He realized the stimulant had taken a greater toll on her system than it had seemed, and perhaps she had been responsible for trying to suppress some of the signs. The woman wanted to be tough and she was but her tendency to hide these things from inquisitive eyes was a bad approach right now as he was trying to measure the after effects. He knew he'd have to force her into confiding in him but giving her strength of character it really was a painstaking process trying to do so. He was endeavoring to but she would just not break and it greatly peeved him, he felt like killing her but had to keep control. He was not used giving into placid treatment and the only reason he moderately stayed his hand is because he still needed to trial her.
That's all Albert knew, make others submit to him and if it doesn't work then destroy anything that stands in his way. This woman was no different and he'd go through with his customary method, although not just yet. She vexed him so much though, why wouldn't she just surrender to the master that he is? He never liked anyone who could measure up to him or at least the ones who pretended they could. To some extent she was a predicament and there is more than one way to deal with problems; she just wasn't his biggest for the time being. He doubted she was dumb enough not to realize he was simply using her but as the woman put it herself; she had naught to lose and nothing else to do. His little experiment in question groaned in her slumber, he glanced her way and put two fingers on her artery again; this wasn't concern but simply to monitor his research. In a corner of his mind he counted the beats while resuming with his thought processes.
He was shocked about the plentiful amount of exact details she had unearthed however; it had been far beyond his expectation. In that regard she was interesting and tugged away at his researcher's spirit and scientific mind, her having piqued his curiosity was the sole rationale behind her rescue by his hand. At least that's what he convinced himself of, he forbade she could intricate him in the sense of her proving to be cleverer than at first glance, plus more mysterious which would count for at least 10% of his attention in her as of late; but no he would not allow himself to consider this further. Wesker is who he is; he neither bond nor become fascinated in any other human being in that manner. He also tossed away the intuition he perceived that she might be exactly like him in that department, else it could weight in that same balance he presently struggled to eradicate from his own mind.
His train of thought aggravated him thus he compelled his attention back on the drug. Albert knew how it worked since he helped designed it but the outcomes could differ from one subject to another, even the symptoms did plus in her case it was barely understandable how she managed to siphon so much and almost immediately. Perhaps it had to do with how her brains was wired, her genetics, etc., plenty of hypothesis could be formulated. She proved to be a bigger threat than anticipated with these astounding results, but he was impatient to see how much he could get. Though right now she could always sleep later, time was vital. He took a small cylindrical object from that same pocket and removed the lid, placed it under her nose and she instantly came to.
X++++++++++X
I opened my eyes and felt my nose still sting with a tingling sensation, the mattress leveled a bit as he stood up and replaced something in his chest pocket. He didn't lose another second and kept his explanation, «A minor setback but I'm certain you'll get used to the tonic soon enough. You remember what I was saying about a mole? »
Like before I merely used my abs to sit up, nodded and wiped the blood from my lower face.
He went on, «I have to identify this individual with certainty, this is where you come in; it'll be a good way to test my hypothesis and further confirm your ability to control the information you receive via the B-4.» He stood silent for a couple of seconds and I thought there might be something wrong with me again. «Although those clothes won't do, we need not raise suspicion more than it might already; we'll require to upgrade your attire. »
«I have decent clothing at my apartment, a black tuxedo along with professional pants plus a purple-merlot chemise. », if it's colors I'm going to wear I always went for darker hues, you'll never catch me wearing anything else; and tones are part of anyone's personality just as it is for him.
«Satisfactory. »
He removed the key from his pants and I said with a flat tone, «What a surprise. »
«I can't take the risk of having you trying to escape even though I suppose you're smarter than that. »
I stood up and he seized the material warning me, «Don't you pull any tricks now, my patience has its limits. », then swiftly revolved me around to restrain my hands in my back once more, making my shoulder blades crack in disapproval.
«I don't think "patience" is the correct word. I take this opportunity to underline that I've never been so docile in my entire life and that I'm unquestionably not taking a liking to it, moreover your obsession with cuffs is starting to be a bit disconcerting. » He clutched my arm like he did before and tried dragging me through the door but I stood my ground looking at him from above my shoulder. «I abide by your multiple rules but you don't need to push me around, I'll follow you without making a scene. As you mentioned seconds ago, I'm smarter than I look, it was not an overstatement. »
Three seconds passed until he finally let go before we started walking but not without making sure I knew who the leader was, «I needn't tell you what will happen if you refuse to comply. »
«You've made it clear enough; one only has to look at the marks on my neck. » I noticed that he did look down, probably to admire his handy work. I added, «Though it is quite entertaining to confront you. »
We turned the corner, «That defiance is mostly tolerated for the time being but you've got a very dire tendency of pushing your luck, it cannot end well. »
«Luck is not part of the equation. I didn't think a man like you believed in such a concept. » We stopped at an exit, he got his cardkey out and the door disappeared into the wall with that mechanical sound I like. He argued, «I don't. »
«Well I guess that's final then. » we both sighed of annoyance at the same time and my brows momentarily narrowed at the sudden comical effect. Before we stepped out he moved in on me again so I gave him a quizzical look.
He was holding a black cloth, « I can't have you knowing the route to here. » thus I let him put the fiber bag on. He directed me towards the door then we were off.
As he drove, I supposed the fabric would hinder sound so I said louder, «You really don't think I can perceive some hints of my surroundings? You're still taking that risk. »
His voice came from my left ahead of me which proved he had seated me in the back again, «Maybe I should have sedated you then I wouldn't have to hear you talk... I just took into consideration that your organism has received enough chemicals, I cannot gauge with certainty how it'll react, but knowing that I still have to inject another dose before our assignment begins will be more than enough risk.»
I kept silent for the rest of the route, I could analyze what I saw as we had been walking away from the cell but there really wasn't much at all beside concrete walls and electronic locks. Whether it had been part of an Umbrella base or not was still a blur, it was hard to get precise on the information I wanted to gather. The demonstration I had seemingly so easily provided earlier had not been of my own accord, the information just flew in; I did not pick what I wanted to see. I conjectured it came from Wesker mainly because I had been in contact with him enough and assumed his ill-treat helped in that regard; to rapidly install a kind of "connection".
Giving more time I theorized that I would be able to gather additional data on my surroundings, the liquid had flown in my system only once therefore there was still hope for more interesting prowess. Hope…I did not think I'd ever use that word. Like usual I kept thinking about many things until we arrived at my apartment, the cloth was already off but he only removed the limitation on my wrists once we were inside; he had taken the key from my pants in order to unlock the door himself too.
Thick warm air had been stuck within since I hadn't been here to open the windows, now was not the time though so I walked into my bedroom to fetch the clothes. I thought about him nosing around like any new invitee might do, and I'd say 'Don't judge' when they'd stare at my voluminous collection of video games and movies. It did not apply to him of course and I was content with that. I closed the door and even thought of locking it but it soon re-opened as he stepped in, «No, you've got a possible mean of getaway through that window.», he turned his back, «Hurry; like my colleagues, I dislike tardiness.»
I rapidly tossed my clothes on the bed, «So do I. », irritated about his constant lookout but appreciative still that he was polite enough not to impose his gaze on this moment. I tied my boots back on, they would do, and as soon as I was done I turned my back saying, «Ready.»
There was an oval mirror hung on the wall I was now facing so as he turned I could witness his expression without him knowing, him being one head taller than me helped. One of his brows lifted for a mere second then was back down, but it had been enough for me to gather that he had been slightly surprised I was cooperating so easily. Without losing another second I walked around him and left for the front door, he paced to me as I said monotonously, «I abhor delays. »
We departed and when he thought it was safe enough to do so he parked somewhere in order to secure the bag above my head again, this time I kept silent for the whole itinerary. A peculiar image flashed in my head and was gone, this time I associated it to my imagination rather than some remnants of the stimulant in me. At a red light, I had this fleeting sensation that his eyes had paused in the rearview mirror to size me up then went back on the road. Get it together, don't you dare being attracted to him more than your eyes did yesterday. Shut this down, it'll only ruin you and corrupt your judgment. I knew it to be true and did exactly just that, I was certain it was my fault only hence doubled the effort for it not to repeat.
X++++++++++X
I could not pinpoint how much minutes elapsed before we parked again, had been playing several songs in my head like I'm good at doing; this time he had to lead me inside prior to removing the encumbering object, but before he did so he locked us in a room. I heard the rustling of clothes and at the sound of a zipper I turned my head somewhere else. It was to allow him some of that respect he had given me earlier and also because I didn't feel comfortable staring in his direction as he undressed, not even with a bag over my head. Different garments got discarded somewhere then he put on something more delicate that made no sound. He then freed me and led us into the next area which looked like it was used as a waiting room. I noticed different magazines scattered on the grand table; articles about bio organism, science of today and so on, all showing much elaborated titles and subjects I've never seen before.
His hand removing the fabric off my left shoulder is what brought me back to the present task; my chemise though couldn't just be moved out of the way to clear the area of injection without busting the buttons. There was an awkward pause for a moment until he just dug the needle through the tissue, I cleared my throat while darting my eyes on the wall, «You and I both need some teachings in how to be more delicate, or human. » He dismissed the humorous reply as he previously did with all the others I ever said, and as he briefed me I quickly sized him from head to toe.
He had switched his uniform for a more appropriate outfit, the complete black tuxedo and classy lustrous shoes; underneath he wore a black turtle neck, both fabrics looked soft to the touch. Yes it was near the end of July but his car was equipped with an air conditioner and so was this building. He still had gloves on though made of refined leather rather than combat-oriented ones, and of course, his perpetual sunglasses adorned his face. I get the purpose of the sunglasses, but why the gloves? Fingerprints...?
«I need you focused on everything you will receive, concentrate on each individual accordingly, the slightest detail can be of importance. You will remain quiet during the whole interview; let the business parties and scientists debate the matter. When I will ask you to confirm the identity of the spy I will judge whether it correlates with my information. This is one of many important seminars consequently any disobedience will result in significant consequences: this better be clear. »
He turned heels and I followed him through the rich décor, Umbrella's got plenty of money alright. Possibly if there are any laboratories within this building then it wouldn't look like that since I bet this sophisticated environment is merely used to impress the invitees. Well I know I'd feel more comfortable in a lab. We entered into an area which held every characteristics of a conference room; eight people were seated around it comprised of six representatives and two scientists. An equal quantity of sexes, mostly Occidental but one black man and two Asians, they all looked our way when we got in though I perceived intense attention from that blonde woman seated close to the door. Got a secret admirer here, I controlled my envy to smirk and followed Wesker to the far end of the room, near the white board and table.
One of the men didn't lose any more time, «He's still late, he always is; this is getting preposterous! »
I blinked, my heart rate had started to rise due to the injection, and while Albert talked to them I moved my eyes upon each individual while trying not to look too insistent. «Correct but he shouldn't be too long now; he is a very busy man. »
The business man seemed affected by that response, «So am I I'll let you know! », one of the scientist replied, «We barely get to sleep and still get results so cut us some slack. », the other man seemed even more aggravated. Another was pounding on a thick pile of paper with the end of an ink pen which did not help in the least to ease the tension.
Wesker leveled one black hand in the air calmly, «There is no reason to get excited, we've all been here before; everyone just act accordingly. »
«No, she wasn't present. », that was the Asian business woman with the violet tux, her eye-shadowed gaze locked on me.
She was closer to our position and so Albert looked down her way, «Merely an additional asset for everyone's security, nothing that should generate any negative reaction from any of you. », then at everyone in general, «You're aware of how we operate thus you should be contented with the precautions we take towards new employees and partners. »
Or new members like me who receives a "promotion" fast with no consequence to the interested party since I'll be terminated anyway if I'm not estimable.
« May I remind all of you that the position you're now occupying at this table is the fruit of grand efforts and sacrifices, therefore to appreciate the fact that the company deemed worthwhile that you share a seat around it. I dare hope we all expect professionalism but so far I must say I'm disappointed. »
Someone coughed but the situation seemed corrected so far, during his speech I inspected two more candidates; visions followed one another but I definitely needed more time. I saw a white lab coat rush out of an elevator and down a corridor; well this must be their dear William Birkin.
One of them moved uncomfortably in his chair, «Though would it be too much to ask to just remove your sunglasses? It makes me uneasy and honestly I see no point in them indoors. »
Again, Wesker proved he was an excellent liar and actor, «Unfortunately, my retinas are dreadfully sensible. I cannot give in your request. », there was no time for comeback as a disheveled blond man stumbled into the room, papers in his hand and an haggard look in his blue eyes which had two very distinct dark circles beneath them.
He also dropped the sheets as he tried to put them on the table then struggled to look professional by addressing the crowd awkwardly, then his grip on the papers faltered again and it all slipped from his grasp a second—Hold on-, Birkin was now actually addressing the room and then plugged his laptop in order to show diagrams and data. I mixed the timeline, it had not happened yet he simply dropped the papers once…then why did I clearly see him earlier as he was rushing towards here though still aware that it was not yet happening…? My brows narrowed and I got a confused look on my face but no one noticed since the head scientist kept everyone's attention. Why is it not happening like a few minutes ago? A sentence flew into my mind and was gone as fast, 'I hate this diplomatic crap.', I blinked; Birkin was busy with his presentation and there they were, the famous B.O.W.s.
«As you can see on the reports you all got on the table, the FI-03 Neptune specimens are evolving as we anticipated however there might be some of you that would argue that an underwater approach might not be as imperative as any other. If I may then disagree with such an early allegation by means of…», he clicked and another panorama got projected on the white surface, «these field results and let me add possible scenarios of attacks, or any defensive condition which can all affect-»
I heard a woman scream in my head but nothing was wrong in front of my eyes, I saw the detailed files on the MA-39 Cerberus before Birkin brought it up, that's the canine a local magazine reported that some witness saw this month. My eyes halted on another individual and a bit of information came as I ran my eyes over him but contradictory data also, which must come from another. Miss blonde glances over at Wesker. I look her way as she does look at him in real-time, then quickly turned my sight elsewhere right before she could notice I saw her.
I closed my lids just to try and un-mix everything, get a grip; breathe. A note got scribbled in the corner of a document, hands of a man, the content was business related and I dismissed it. Lips got close to my neck so my lids sprung open but no one was this near, immediately the image got tossed aside replaced by a black stain then one of the business man's voice in reality, «…funding is not necessarily a problem, I'm asking if the company is willing to-»
I could feel my veins pulsing at my temple, the flow under my epidermis warm and rapid; it was disconcerting as I tried to mute these sensations to make more place to everything that was happening in my mind and all around me simultaneously.
Regarding field work I heard Wesker answer some questions himself, sounded as if he was distant but near at the same time. Too confusing, alright focus on that woman again, come on. I locked my eyes on the Asian, she's playing around with her pen, nails recently done, expensive earrings, not important!, I shook my head. Numbers passed in my mind, contracts and a shabby informant; I foresaw her turn her sight on me hence I looked away just before she did so in reality. I pretended to be paying attention to the explanation of the scientist; there was a creature resembling a lizard, huge and deformed, long claws; a MA-121 Hunter.
I returned to my investigation, pages were turned in synchronicity as they went on to another specimen for the third time, I felt perspiration above my upper lip and had been suffocating in my tuxedo for plenty of minutes but this was more apparent. Instead of rising suspicion or diverting attention to myself, I did not raise my arm but used my lower lip to wipe it off. I suddenly wanted out of the room as soon as possible just so I could have my own mind back; putting me in a closed space with so much people was a bad idea. I hoped it was merely an impression for I didn't want to ruin Albert's tactics by fainting, although I truly stood strong for much longer than the first time for sure.
I have a very vague idea how long this meeting lasted but fortunately the conference was nearing its end, so Wesker was just about taking hold of the situation once more. Birkin would ask if there were any more questions and everyone would respond by the negative, while that occurred Albert would solicit my opinion. I foresaw him slightly bend towards me and ask but he had merely opened his mouth that I whispered his way. The corner of his lip curved a bit for a second, hinting that our two guesses interrelated. No doubt he also heard how fast my breathing was and how I pained to conceal it, pretending everything was normal as I stood there.
He let nothing transpire and addressed the crowd as some of them were already packing their suitcases, «Now if you'd accord me your full attention.», a series of questioning gazes turned his way except for Birkin who busied himself with gathering his material.
«As everyone knows, a capable and secretive company such as Umbrella Incorporated would do anything in their power to remain so; not an overstatement. Preferably, the task to assure that balance doesn't become uneven should be everyone's chore; unfortunately it always comes back to one or more individuals who are prepared to demolish such a project.»
Some of them looked Birkin's way in search for an explanation, William though, who knew Wesker better than anyone in this room, only looked at his co-worker with lassitude. He clearly just wished his partner got to the point so he could finally return to his research therefore stop wasting his really-precious time on some dense and irrelevant people. Albert started to revolve around the table, «Consequently it is my obligation to reveal the malignancy at the root of said stability…» Everyone watched him as he stopped behind one of them. «Have you not something to add, Miss Tsang? »
She played the offended card not knowing how futile it was, «What are you suggesting, exactly? And there you were earlier talking about the importance of professionalism! I find your allegation quite insulting and your superiors will hear of this! », she nearly got to her suitcase with the intent to just leave but was not allowed. Her neck got swiftly snapped immediately making her head bang on the table on its way down, resulting in a scream from her immediate associate and shock on all the other faces, her body collapsed to the floor with as much trauma. Birkin merely sighed knowing he'd have to clean this up.
Wesker looked at everyone with intent, all respectful manners gone and his voice low with warning, «This is but one way we can dispose of undercover agents; I'll leave the other techniques up to your imagination though I guarantee the message can't get much more transparent. », he forced the good conduct back in his performance, «Umbrella appreciates doing business with you. »
The blonde woman shot him a disgusted glare before she left. Oh look at that, she was all hot earlier seeing how stylish he was but now that he means real business, his true nature revealed, she suddenly wants none of the dessert. She got followed by one man who was trembling; the Asian associate even crossed the table from the other side to avoid Wesker, none of them bothered to close the door.
Birkin shook his head, «Noting can just be simple with you, can it? Pff I'm more than glad it's over, I hate this diplomatic crap. »
I recalled the phrase that had bounced in my head earlier.
Albert replied to him, «You and me both. »
«And well some of us actually have work to do, you know. », his tone was humorous but held a hint of veracity. Before leaving he moved his eyes on me, «Care to explain who that is?»
«Field work. »
He shrugged, «You and your one liners, some things just don't change…Have it your way, not like I haven't tons of things to fulfill before that outrageous deadline.» he stopped by the door, «Also got a kid now, like my hands weren't full enough already. Anyway nice to see that at least one of us doesn't look like a goddamn zombie…», he then motioned to the corpse, «I'll send someone up for that. » and on that vacated the room.
Wesker just watched him leave in silence then returned to business. I saw more of what dissociated them, the difference in character; dedicated to his work and a chatter box, jumping from one subject to another, attached to family, etc. You could tell he'd die for his precious research whereas Albert would sacrifice everything in order to become more powerful and intelligent. Though you could feel they were both willing to forfeit their humanity to fulfill their goals, whether it meant being immoral with other humans or literally physically change their organisms.
I finally allowed myself to breathe freely and removed my tuxedo dropping it on the table then took hold of a chair before closing my lids. Albert crouched to the corpse to search her pockets for any clues; he found her cell phone and investigated it for a minute. «It would seem she wasn't that dense, erased her messages and calls, no clues in her pockets either. »
I opened my eyes half-way as I looked to my right down on him, «Perhaps you should have interrogated the spy before killing her. »
The shades leveled on me, and then he got up while keeping me under his sight. «You misunderstand me. », he slowly walked my way, «I've made inquiries accordingly, just presently needed further confirmation of her involvement. I already possess the additional information and now…», he got too close so I let go of the chair and backed off, «Now I require of you to fill in the blanks. »
«But you already know. »
He stepped closer again so I still moved backward, «Surprise me. » His tone was abnormally gentle and it triggered an alarm in my brain, more than his aggressiveness ever did. I unconsciously leveled my hand on my neck, that sensation was there again but gone once more, sweat dripped along my back where the blouse wasn't stuck to my skin. «Another test, huh? This time you're going to interrogate me until I lose consciousness? », which is just about to, goddamn drug.
I bumped in the wall; he just neared me still and positioned his left hand on it beside my head, slightly above it, his right rested on his waist. I smelled the detergent he had used to wash his clothes. The pattern became clearer demonstrating his tendency of using his body to gain whatever he wanted, with everything this sentence implied; whether it's through focused battle or physical restraining, threatening with his mouth, weakening others' defenses by being inhumanly stoic, dominance by proximity including further use of his charms to disorientate, then conquering all with the intimacy of his many limbs if it has to come to that. It was probably all the same to him in his master-servant view of this world and everyone; besides he's so detached that any forced so-called "intimacy" would mainly just be simulated to induce a false feeling of trust, of desire, only giving him what he seeks before showing his true visage once more.
I returned his gaze and said with a flat tone, «I doubt this is truly necessary. » I tried not to breathe so loud in his face but the drug made it impossible, I had already been suppressing it the best I could during the past minutes or hour; now I was fatigued but still the torment in my head continued.
«I insist. »
«I can manage on my own, no need to just stand so close you'll only impede the flow of data with your…», I trailed off, the word 'sex appeal' flew in my head but I couldn't allow it to cross my mouth, it'd sound absurd. I couldn't afford to appear ridiculous or fragile.
«My what? »
I half-rolled my eyes, «Of course you'd ask, Birkin is right it's as though nothing can be simple with you. I suppose that's one more trait we share. Cut the bullshit, it also implies about that suave pitch; you'd sing a joyful song while dressed in pink before being that tender. »
He slid his other hand behind my back just so he could press my body against his, all I could do was laugh low with derision, «Ah come on, this is getting exceedingly ridiculous. » and I placed both my hands on his shoulders pushing against him, it only made him near his head and position his lips close to my neck. When he talked I felt his breath, «What is? » So that's what I sensed earlier, why had it been so soon in timeline…?
I got irked, «Because I know I'm not your type, fool! », his head backed away to look at me again and I continued more calmly but solid still, «That blonde was though, your favorite hair color by the way, long strands of hair too. Nice feminine face, make up, well-endowed chest and a small ass judging by the way it was only slightly visible despite her tight lab coat. Oh, she also wore red high heels; in short she represents 87% of what men fantasize about. », then in between clenched teeth, «Now you fuck off or I'll make you. »
During my speech I had carefully leveled my hand once more and placed a pen to his neck, same object left behind by the business man and which I had furtively taken from the table before backing from the chair. It was close enough for me to act but hadn't been too near to alert him of its presence, now though I pressed it on his carotid artery while hastily resuming, «Even someone can be killed with a spoon since it all comes down to how much one knows about the human body and one's expertise with so less as a goddamn ball pen. Feel like testing it out? »
I was getting tired really quickly and my knees shook but my aim didn't, sure he could try to remove my arm but from this close I would be able to feel the slightest hardening of his muscle thus would instantly dig my weapon in his neck. It might not kill him, not on the spot, but it could prove fatal with the help of time. «Now for the dilemma of making you back off slowly enough so as not to make me think you're preparing a counter attack. Got any suggestions? » I bet he boiled with anger and I honestly believed I would die right here in this room. I swallowed with difficulty, blinked a few times, damn it I'm in no fit for a fight, at all.
The last thing I expected him to do was laugh, it surprised me so much that I almost dropped my guard. If his intelligence, his face, whole body and voice couldn't get any more appealing, the way he laughed sealed the package. So lethal. It was not some ridicule evil laugh that only made you want to scoff with disdain; but musical, a low male set of sounds, surprisingly charming and it kept on going as it descended in intensity which finished in an intake of breath. I was also angry he didn't take the threat seriously but he kept the same abnormal tone about him when he said, «I asked you to surprise me and you did; you are indeed a peculiar woman. Which events turned you into who you became and why wasn't it enough to keep you going? »
I briefly got taken aback but then kept replying of a confrontational tone, «This is the scientific part of you probing a specimen, isn't it. I poke and then you poke back. Though you always make sure the balance is uneven before doing so, you're not the one who's got tons of information bouncing around your head plus knees shaking from a chemical cocktail. Speaking of balance, that was a nice speech earlier: good manipulator and pretender. I bet Birkin himself doesn't even know you're faking your part. »
Then came another surprise, his mouth curved into a full grin; I eyed the rare motion as he replied, «…Smart woman. »
My eyes darted back on the black reflective surfaces over his nose, «Here's the dynamite stick, Captain: Jimmy, the guy Birkin said he'd send to dispose of the body; is almost here.»
«Is this another one of your trick? »
«You could always wait and then explain to him this uncomfortable situation…»
My louder irregular breathings were the only thing audible in the room now, I gradually removed the pen thus indicating that Jim was really on his way; he slid his arm off my back, deliberately slow of course, then retreated. I remained on the wall for support, at that moment a young scientist walked in and stared at us in stupor, the ID card on his chest read 'Moffat Jimmy'.
«…Who are you? »
Wesker tugged down on his tuxedo with no concern whatsoever, saying smoothly, «I reckon William left out that little detail, he always has much on his mind; we were leaving anyhow.»
I picked up my jacket and followed him, trying to look as normal as I could be with my perspiration, shaky walk and abnormal breathings. Great, now that goddamn employee will imagine that we were about to have sexual intercourse like some fucking stupid teenagers who gets surprised in a wardrobe right before the act… I clenched my jaw with resentment, no use telling him this is not what he thought since it'd only make him believe he was right.
I knew we had gotten back into that room where Albert had switched clothes earlier as he now bent to pick them off the bench, I also stepped backward at that moment; if not for the wall behind me I would have cracked my skull on the floor. I slid along it until seated; he had turned my way and was already at my level, still not out of concern I'm sure but curiosity. I indistinctly said, «Don't-» in between fast breaths, a palm on his chest to prevent his approach while trying to get up but he pushed my shoulder back against the solid surface, his voice assuming that dictatorial tone once more. «I need to know the side effects and in order to gather data I have to examine you, so put that ego aside and let me concentrate. »
With a low-pitched voice I mocked, «You of all people telling me about ego? », he did a couple of checkups and I figured this scenario mirrored what took place when I was out last time. I tried to control my breathings in order to speak, «No worry, I know you're not doing this for my well being but for your own personal gain; so your ego's secure with me.», I laughed softly which exasperated him even more.
«You talk too much. I'll need a blood sample to further my research. »
I shook my head, «On the contrary, if you think you set up a record for one who spoke fewer words during the length of a year then I'm definitely the winner …»
«Then why the nuisance? »
«Must be because of you… you're so approachable. », I smirked faintly.
He rapidly exhaled through his nose from annoyance and lifted me so I stood straight, I had to steady myself on him and hated that I required help; especially that he had to hold me by the waist to make sure my knees didn't flinch again. My extremities started to go numb but I was still capable not to show it and instead opted for teasing, it was my way of trying to put him at ease plus divert his attention. I hated to be taken care of, now especially when the consideration came from him; the very person I needed to prove my strength to.
My head rolled on his chest, «Admit it, I also come up with better comebacks than you.» despite my resolve to distance myself, my body refused to obey. To top it off I felt warmth spread in my face and then was glad he couldn't see it; shame, anger towards my own weakness and fever were the cause of this.
«Hey. »
My ear on his torso amplified the sound of his voice, I let out a faint «I feel…like my head and heart….are about to explode. », before clenching my jaws in repugnance towards this unexpected conduct that was unlike me.
«You'll have to let it pass, I won't administer a dose to calm your organism and waste another opportunity to gather data. »
I exhaled loudly, «…Perfect…» and managed to roll my head so that only my forehead would touch him rather than my entire left side, it felt awkward enough as it was.
«Since you're still feeling relatively well enough to converse, might as well put those vocal cords to better use. We'll get to the vehicle and you can elaborate while I drive us back. Walk. » He always was so pleasantly abrupt.
I chuckled, «…There's a perfectly logical reason why I'm using you as support. », I said derisively.
He lifted me off the ground and held me in his arms, one hand behind my back and an arm underneath my knees. He ordered me to grab his clothes plus boots and I put them over me then we left the building. I refrained another laugh, «I really feel high, I hope you people don't plan on putting this drug on the market for stupid teenagers to further fuck their brains with. »
His tone got disapproving, «This pathetic display better improve fast else you're of no use to me. », he positioned me in the passenger seat so he could hear me better for my report. Before he closed the door I said, «Maybe it's your formula that needs improvement. »
I realized it wasn't the police car as I watched him get to his side. Talking demanded effort, each fast breaths posed a problem but when he got in I still insisted, «If you think you can do better, then inject yourself and we'll see who masters this one… besides it's only my second time, third will be best.»
He started the engine, «Cut the chatter, I thought you hurt. »
«It does hurt but I'm tough, get used to it. » We drove off and I had to close my eyes else watching the scenery fly by added to the tension in my skull.
«Now, detail of what happened in that room. »
«I looked at each individual, was able to perceive data but it wasn't always clear to who it actually belonged. I knew Birkin was coming before he entered the room, but there were those bizarre moments when I confused time-span again. First it was when he dropped his papers, I visualized it as though he dropped them twice but in reality it only occurred once. Although the reunion had barely just begun I also heard him say a phrase that he only told you once everyone was gone. Then I-»
I had to deal with the fact that it felt stupid to say this out loud but had to, also because I liked precision and so did he, «Felt your mouth close to my neck during the conference, so that accounts to three "warped" time-space. The rest of the information were relatively less confusing, mainly heightened senses that allowed my deductions to be more precise and faster, I discarded a good amount of detail that were useless. One in particular though revealed its value when I saw a thumb holding a document, orders were on it plus several details on Umbrella, it was the same nail as that Asian woman. »
I know how it sounded like, ''You got the confirmation of this solely based on a nail…?'', I hoped he'd see the potential behind that seemingly absurd detail.
I felt he thought things through but I couldn't help to ask, «What is in the drug that can affect a brain in this fashion? In order to be able to witness the future and misunderstand time-span like this, to be that confusing plus powerful it must be something complicated and chemically strong… if not only for feeling it ride my bloodstream like this.»
I applied pressure on my temple, my eyes burned. A lack of response made me add, «Professional secret? There's a reason I used the words 'your formula' earlier, you know what it's all about. You're trying to change, not your anatomy like the virus does but your capacities hence I am testing it for you in some way; it'd be no use if you died before finding the best match. »
I turned my head and looked at him, «I know I'm weak, humans are pathetic; I always wished I was something else. When I think of Umbrella's experiments I see a path to that objective, with a mind like yours it's not hard to imagine the same thought blooming within. It also is probably part of the reason why you've been planning ahead against them but also because you can't stand to have employers, people telling you what to do especially when they're less clever than you are. To advance, losing the part that links you to humanity is really not a penalty but something you definitely need and desire. The BASE-4 is just another minor step towards it… always planning ahead, you must be good at chess. »
I closed my eyes once more, leaving him with the details, for my part all I needed was to sleep but I dropped one last bomb, «…to think that fat chief Irons is on with Umbrella, even a tranquil city like Raccoon is corrupted to the bones… perfect cover…» My ears had begun ringing while talking; making my own voice louder to myself, now the rest was also made distant…