Chapter 4: Free Will
Two days of recalling hidden memories that Chris had deliberately stuck away to try and help Wesker remember did him no good with his emotions. It was for this reason that Chris refused to let Jill, Barry or Claire in. Wesker was quiet as Chris explained through in deep detail, from beginning to end…from the beginning of S.T.A.R.S to the events of Kijuju. Wesker didn't react much beyond an occasional question, but Chris could tell that his nemesis's eyes were storming with questions and confusion.
He vaguely remembered some details. To Chris, this helped eased the stress that had overcome him during his explanations of the long trek of life he had bestowed on himself. Wesker could remember vague memories of working at the R.P.D. He remembered bits of Spencer and his old mentor James Marcus. On a better note, Wesker also was starting to remember more about William Birkin and Ada Wong. And though this helped in a way, Chris knew there was still a lot of work ahead of them. There was no way Wesker was going to be able to remember by just explanation alone.
"And Sherry Birkin is his daughter?" Wesker asked, after they had gone silent from talking about Umbrella and William Birkin. "And I have had her in my custody for ten years?"
"That's what we are hoping," Chris sighed. "Claire has a picture of her when she was younger…but she is an adult now."
"What would I want with a child?"
Chris swallowed some more agitation. "I don't know. We are thinking it is because she was the only known person immune to the G-Virus. Is there anything more you can remember about William Birkin or Ada Wong?"
Wesker sat in silence thinking. Chris could read nothing from Wesker's eyes. Chris knew he couldn't trust Wesker, and wouldn't…no matter how good he seemed with no memory. However, it was strange having a conversation with Wesker where his nemesis didn't smirk evilly or laugh sadistically or threaten him.
"Well, I do remember having an affair with her."
Chris choked on his coffee. He swallowed it hard, ignoring Wesker's curious stare as he got a napkin to wipe his mouth. "Okay. That's getting somewhere. Anything else?"
Wesker barely nodded. "Yes. There is another man, but I do not remember his name or description too well. I do remember that he is Russian."
"Russian? That doesn't help us. You will have to try and remember more than that."
Wesker leaned back in his chair, still thinking. He rolled his shoulders, popping them and his neck as he tried to remember. His blue-grey eyes studied parts of the room as he tried to sink into his shattered memories. He then shook his head at Chris.
"I apologize. I cannot remember."
Chris sighed, knowing he should have known better. He rubbed his temple, trying to think. "Okay. Let's take a break. I will be back in ten minutes. You can go do whatever you need to go do."
"I'm fine. I will wait," Wesker answered, watching Chris as he got to his feet and left the session room.
Chris headed up to Wentworth's office, completely lost and stressed. He knocked on the thick, oak door and tensed when he heard Wentworth say come in. He entered into the large office, seeing that Dustin was already here with more paperwork.
"Chris? Is something wrong?" Wentworth asked, his experienced eyes following Chris as the younger man approached his desk.
"I don't know what else to do. I explained everything to him, over and over again. He isn't going to remember by explanation alone."
"Did you get anything new out of him?" Dustin asked, coming over to stand by Chris.
"Not really," Chris heaved. "He remembers William Birkin, bits and pieces of Spencer and James Marcus. He says he also remembers having an affair with Ada."
Wentworth raised his eyebrows, clearing his throat as he looked down at his paperwork. "That's nice to know."
Chris glared at his director. "See? We need to do more than just talk. There has to be a better way to get him to remember."
"Chris, tread carefully now. We only want him to remember enough to where we can convict him and we can find Sherry. We don't want him to remember everything."
"I know that, but-"
"Maybe if we create a dilemma of something we know he will respond automatically to," Dustin interrupted.
"What do you mean?" Wentworth asked, curious.
"Even though he has forgotten, it is still there. If we do something that was present in his original self, the body will automatically react the same way. In that case, he would be way more likely to remember."
"And would you like to present an example? I highly doubt we can throw him into a laboratory and let him remember how to create a virus," Wentworth sighed, taking a sip of his coffee.
Dustin slightly smiled. "Well, we can. Wesker still has his basic knowledge, and to him that includes all the languages he knows, virology, fighting abilities…anything. Even if he doesn't think he knows, it is still there and will resurface quicker than personal memories."
"Okay, fine, but I refuse to let him into a laboratory," Chris growled, folding his arms. "Any better ideas?"
Dustin grinned. "Well, we can always have someone attack him. Right now he may not remember how to fight, but when cornered the body will instinctively remember on its own accord. This could bring back several memories if it works."
"As much as I would love for someone, myself especially, kick his ass, I don't want anyone to get hurt," Chris answered.
"Chris is right. Before we make a drastic decision like that, let's just try and work with him a little harder. Chris, I know you may not like the idea, but it may be good to let Barry, Jill, and Claire have their turns talking to Wesker. They all have their own experiences with him, ones you yourself won't be able to explain. They might be able to get Wesker to remember things you won't be able to," Wentworth explained.
Chris gnashed his teeth together, swallowing hard. He reluctantly nodded at his director. "Yes. I understand."
Knocking erupted on the door to Wentworth's office. Wentworth calmly told them to come in. Chris saw Barry enter, having a scowl on his face. He walked over to join Chris and Dustin by Wentworth's desk.
"Jill and Claire are downstairs. Chris…are you sure about this meeting you want to have?"
Chris nodded. "Barry, it has to be done."
Barry stroked his thick red beard. "I know that. It's just…why at my house?"
Chris couldn't help but to smile. "Sorry, you have the biggest house."
"I blame that on Karen," Barry sighed. "But I understand."
***
Claire and Jill stood at the base of the stairs that would lead up into Wentworth's office. BSAA members walked in all directions, getting to their own destinations within the giant Headquarters building. Jill was quiet, studying the passers-by, her eyes almost distant as she was deep in thought. Claire didn't want to disturb her. The past couple of days had been rough on all of them. Claire just wondered how her brother was fairing. He was the one sitting in the room with his lifelong enemy.
She heard her cell phone beep. She pulled it out of her jacket, noticing she had a missed call from Leon. Growling, she checked to see if he left a voicemail. He didn't, which further made her want to kick herself. But she then noticed the text message he sent her.
You always like to play phone tag, don't you? I will call you again.
Claire smiled to herself, slipping her phone back into her jacket. Jill noticed Claire's expressions and seemed curious.
"What's up?"
"I missed Leon's call. Not that I was expecting it. He usually calls later. He accused me of liking to play phone tag."
Jill chuckled softly. "Well, you can just tell him all about how busy we have been."
"I know."
"Hey, girlies! Why are you two chillin' like a villain?"
The two of them jumped, spinning around to see Malcolm Talon walk right up to him. Both women grinned up at the six and a half foot black man. He wore army pants and boots with a tight white muscle shirt. His shaved head shone from the overhead lights, and he was grinning boyishly down at them.
"Big Mac! Hey!" Claire laughed. "It's so good to see you!"
The handsome man bowed at them. "I know it is! I just got back from Europe. You two are looking great! Jill, it is so good to have you back with us, and I wish you the best."
Jill hugged him, smiling. "Thanks, it's good to be back."
"Come here, shorty! I can't go without hugging you!"
"I'm not short!" Claire barked.
"I know, I know. I'm tall, sheesh."
Malcolm was one of the best of the North American branch of BSAA. He was nicknamed Big Mac for not only his size, but for his love of McDonalds' food. He was an old friend of Chris and the others. He had a wife and two sons that lived just outside of D.C, but Claire remembered that Chris said Big Mac had been out of the country for a month for work.
"So, did I miss anything exciting?" Big Mac asked, unslinging his large backpack. He still had all his weapons and equipment on him.
Jill's eyes fell for a moment, but they soon came to look at Claire. Claire smiled almost sheepishly, laughing hollowly. "Exciting isn't the word I would use, Mac."
"Uh-oh," Big Mac sighed. "Well, I'm sure I will find out what it is. I will leave you two alone. I have to go report to Wentworth. Oh, Jill, please tell me you are reclaiming your place as Combat Trainer from Snider."
Jill frowned. "Snider took my place?"
"Chris didn't tell you? Well, I don't blame him really. He would be more worried about you."
"I guess I will have to talk to Wentworth when I am able to come back and work."
"Good," Malcolm sighed. "You know how he is. He loves to boast. And well, the first day he took over your position here and boasted about it, Chris punched him a good one in the face. Needless to say, he has one heck of a crooked nose."
The girls giggled softly. Jill nodded, smiling. "Why am I not surprised? Thanks, Mac."
"Well, I will leave you two be. See ya later."
"It was good seeing you, Big Mac," Claire said.
"Take care of yourself. Oh, and you need a shower," Jill laughed.
Malcolm grinned. "Thanks, ladies. I will see you two around."
With that, Big Mac headed up the stairs. Jill and Claire smiled at each other. Both of them hadn't seen Malcolm in some time. But as he disappeared up the stairs, Claire turned to Jill.
"You trained new recruits? Chris never told me that."
"Yeah, I took it as my default position for when we were not out on missions. Chris was offered the position, but you know how he is. He isn't patient enough to train new recruits."
"So who is Snider?" Claire asked.
Jill shrugged. "Just a bastard who thinks he is better than everyone else. I don't understand why Wentworth hasn't done anything with him. I mean, he is an excellent fighter, but a total ass. I'm sure Wentworth will give me the position back. After all, I am a better fighter than he is. It actually would be good for me to go back."
"Why is that?"
Jill sighed. "I hate to say it, but while I was Wesker's puppet, he taught me three different styles of martial arts. That should be handy to teach, don't you think?"
Claire nodded at her. She was relieved to see that Jill was much stronger than she looked. "In the meantime, I'm sure Chris could punch Snider a few more times for you."
Jill slightly laughed. "Yeah, I know he could. However, I do not think he is too worried about Snider right now."
"No kidding," Claire heaved, frowning.
Claire glanced at her wristwatch. She wondered what was taking Chris so long, but then again, if he was talking to Wentworth, there was no telling. She glanced up at Jill, who was still watching the top of the stairs.
"Will you be alright on your own? I'm gonna go run to the little girls' room to see if I can get a hold of Leon."
Jill nodded. "Yeah, go ahead."
Claire headed off away from the main hall. The closest restrooms were in the western section of the first floor, near the offices where Chris was working with Wesker. She passed by several BSAA members, some of which she knew through Chris and the others. Many knew her as 'Chris's little sister', which aggravated her sometimes. She pulled out her cell phone just as she was rounding a corner, knowing the restrooms weren't too far off, and there wouldn't be a lot of background noise to interrupt her.
She collided into a solid wall, almost falling backwards. Realizing she bumped into somebody from not paying attention, she fumbled to apologize. "Sorry, I was…"
She trailed off once she realized who she had run into. Wesker stared down at her curiously. He wore no sunglasses, so it was strange to see his blue-grey eyes studying her so intently. Claire backed up a few more feet, feeling her guard shoot up.
"Are you alright?" he asked calmly.
Claire didn't know what to say, she could only glare at him. Wesker seemed to understand her body language, and instead of stepping towards her, he took a few steps back. Claire was confused on what to think. She was so used to his satanic smile, his glowing inhuman eyes, his cold voice. All she was seeing now was calm man that meant no harm. At this, she eased, but dared not let down her guard.
"I'm fine," she said.
"You are Claire, correct? Chris's younger sister?"
"Yes. I take it you haven't remembered much, have you?"
Wesker shook his head. "No. I can tell that Chris is quite disappointed."
Claire couldn't help but to smile a little. "Disappointed is probably an understatement."
At this Wesker twitched a smirk, nodding at her. "True. I am the villain to many, and especially to him. I can only imagine how hard it must be for him to try and help me."
Claire eased a little more, looking at him curiously. "He's explained everything to you?"
"Yes," Wesker answered, looking away. "The more he tells me, the more sick and lost I become. I do no feel evil…but the man he spoke of was truly evil indeed."
Claire frowned. "Well, that's surprising to hear from you."
"Chris said the same words."
"Have you remembered anything?" Claire asked.
"Not very much. I remember a few select memories and people. If I recall, Chris stated that you had a picture of Sherry Birkin. Do you have it on you?"
Hearing Sherry's name come from his mouth hurt her. He was the one who took her away, and Claire had been unable to prevent it. And to this day, Leon still blamed himself for not being able to protect the young girl.
Leon will never forgive himself, when it wasn't even his fault…
Claire bit her lip slightly. "Not on me, I'm afraid. But I will be sure to bring it to you."
He must have heard the emotion in her voice, because she saw his eyes flick away. He dipped his head down at her. "Thank you."
He turned and headed down the next hallway, walking for the room he and Chris were using to talk. Claire was taken aback for a moment. He left solely to leave her in peace, knowing he was causing her pain. Claire went to step towards the bathrooms, located down the opposite hallway. She then couldn't help herself, and turned to follow Wesker all the way into the large office.
He gave her a look as she came through the threshold into the office, and then tore his gaze away. He walked over to the chairs in the back. Claire let the door slip, and it eased shut. She followed Wesker.
"You do know that it is rude to just leave like that, right?" she asked.
"I was causing you uneasiness. I don't want you to feel that," Wesker answered, turning to face her again. He studied her for a long moment. "I felt it was my place to leave you be."
She didn't see it until now. Claire stared into Wesker's eyes. There was this deep, inner sorrow within him. There was no hate that she could feel. And though she knew she was supposed to hate him, despise him, she couldn't help but to pity him.
As the door opened behind Claire, Wesker's eyes lifted. Whoever had entered made Wesker turn away. Claire turned around, expecting an angered Chris. Her heart jolted as she saw a white Jill standing at the doorway.
"Jill, what are-"
"I could ask you the same thing," she said, letting out a long breath.
Claire took one last look to Wesker before making her way over to Jill. "I just had to ask him about Sherry. How did you know I was in here?"
"I saw you follow him when you were going for the restrooms. I was trying to catch up with you," Jill answered.
"Oh, well, let's go then."
"You go."
"What?"
Jill glared over at Wesker. "I have to do something first."
"Chris didn't want either of us in here with him," Claire whispered.
"What were you just doing now?"
Claire looked away. "Jill, I know what I can handle. Are you sure you are ready?"
"That is what I am going to find out right now. Wait for me outside," Jill mumbled, stepping forward.
Claire swallowed hard, nodding reluctantly at Jill's back. She could only comply with the older woman's wishes. She knew Chris was going to get extremely upset over this, but Jill did have the right to face Wesker by herself. Claire just hoped she was ready to be able to handle it. Claire slipped out of the office, shutting the door behind her.
Jill took slow, soft steps towards Wesker. Wesker lifted his head, his eyes finding hers. Jill froze on the spot, and for a long moment they stared at each other. Jill felt mixed emotions flood within her. Everything from hate and sorrow to disgust and pity. She swallowed hard, trying to control her emotions. She rubbed her hands along her thighs to dry the sweat that was forming. She hit her knife, and immediately more hate flared, and she was compelled to take hold of that blade.
Wouldn't it be better if I just kill him? Chris is being tortured…we all are. But Chris won't go against Wentworth. He won't destroy Claire's chances of getting Sherry back. But what if Sherry isn't even alive and Wesker remembers everything? We will be right back to where we started. I can take the punishment. I can go against orders…I can kill him…
Wesker didn't move, and his watchful eyes seemed to take in everything from her, even her thoughts. Jill was forced to take in a deep breath, trying to keep it as calm as possible. Wesker's eyes flicked from her own to the knife that she so desperately wanted to draw against him.
He can't defend himself now. He has no memory, plus the virus is gone. If I kill him, he will finally stay dead.
"I know that look. You want to kill me, don't you?" Wesker inquired coolly. "Could I blame you after what I have done?"
"Don't try and explain yourself," Jill snapped.
"I don't intend to," Wesker answered. "I know it does no good to apologize, but-"
"I don't need apologies. Why couldn't you have just stayed dead?"
"That is a question I am unable to answer."
"Right, of course. I should have known," Jill snorted.
Wesker looked away from her, closing his eyes for a moment. "If you are going to kill me, then do it."
Jill glared at him, wanting so desperately to pull that knife out. But as she went to do it, she found she could not. She swallowed hard, closing her eyes. She stared at Wesker, and could not fathom how this could be the same man before her.
What am I thinking? I can't kill him. It would be unfair to everyone. If there is a chance that Sherry is still out there, then I should believe in it. The man before me is not the same man that imprisoned me. And whether that same man will eventually return or not, I must stand beside Chris and the others.
"Well?" Wesker asked, looking down at her solemnly.
"Give me an order."
Wesker was confused by her words. He slightly shook his head, taking a step back. "I have no right to give you an order."
"Just do it!" she snapped, forcing back more emotions. Tears wanted to release. Jill had to know if she was truly free from him. For a moment she felt fear slither into her stomach.
Wesker clinched his jaw for a moment, and then let loose a long sigh. "I order you to sit down."
Jill remained standing. She didn't move. She waited for a moment, as if thinking her body was going to react anyway. She remained still, and a cloud of relief was lifted. Jill closed her eyes, smiling, knowing she was no longer compelled to obey him.
"I will not," she said, looking up at him and smiling. "I will not."
Wesker stared at her for a moment, and then smiled, as if understanding her inner thoughts. "Good."
Again, the door was opened in the back. Jill turned to look, and Wesker followed her eyes. Chris stormed in, catching Jill's eyes. He looked worried, but his gaze eased when he noticed she was just fine. He came over quickly, in which Jill threw her arms around him, crying out in joy.
"I did it!" she shouted.
Chris returned the hug, understanding her exact words. He smiled in relief, closing his eyes. He tightened the hug, not wanting to let her go. He looked up over Jill's shoulder as he hugged her, staring at Wesker, who watched them silently.
Claire walked up with soft steps, smiling at Jill. She folded her arms. She looked over to Wesker, and was surprised to see him studying her. She didn't know why, and she confused herself, but she smiled at him. Wesker twitched his own, barely noticeable smile.
***
The dim lit room was only illuminated by monitors and a single lamp in the back. Several monitors were currently showing information on BSAA matters. Most were hacked for the events of Kijuju.
Ada Wong heaved a sigh, rolling her neck to get the stiffness out. She had no idea why she was searching through BSAA's database. It wasn't like she cared that Wesker was dead. And yet as she thought about it, she found herself thinking that there was no way he could be dead. She had seen him die too many times, only for the virus just to revive him. But then again, maybe the virus reached its limits.
He has been dead for two months, and all I have done is stick around here. I can leave freely now, yet I am compelled to stay. After all the shit he as put me through, I should have been out of here as soon as he dropped dead.
Ada heaved another sigh, collapsing into a chair. Now she understood why she was searching through BSAA. She wanted proof that Albert Wesker was dead before she even thought about leaving for good. She didn't want to go through anything like that again.
She clenched her jaw, thinking back to the harsh memories of the events in Spain. Her crafty betrayal towards Wesker and taking the Las Plagas landed her as the fool. Wesker was on her every page, even when she thought she was ahead of the game…this game of cat and mouse they played. Her betrayal to him didn't even last a week before he found her. Wesker destroyed the organization and dragged her back to his hidden headquarters, where he proceeded to punish her severely. In the end, Wesker implanted a chip somewhere on her body, making her completely unable to get away from Wesker for good. She now remained as his pawn, and there was nothing she could do about it.
Now that he was dead, she knew she had the chance to get out, to not have to worry about Wesker finding her wherever she went and reclaim her. But she had to be positive before she did anything.
She and Wesker had a very long history together, one she loved and despised altogether. It was definitely a love-hate relationship, but even now, Ada could not think of how they came together. It was so long ago, even before she still had free will within her relationship with Wesker.
"Ada?"
Ada looked over her shoulder, seeing a silhouette enter into the computer room. As he entered into the dim lights, she saw Nicholai Ginovaef step out. The Russian operative was an old comrade of Wesker, and knew Wesker even longer than she did. Ever since Wesker was announced dead, Ada had kept to herself, and Nicholai had taken over what he could. It wasn't out of greed, only for his respect towards Wesker. In his own way, Nicholai was just doing what he could until he figured out what he was going to do next.
"Are you still going through that?" he asked in his thick Russian accent.
"I need proof."
"How much more proof do you need? Are you that afraid to leave here without him?"
Ada slammed her fist down on the table, but her comrade didn't even flinch. She whirled around and glared at him. "No."
"I know it is hard. But if you want to leave, you should leave. There is no way to find that chip on you without Wesker. If he is dead, then you don't have to worry now, do you?"
"But what if he is still alive? You know how he is, Nicholai."
The Russian heaved a sigh. "This isn't like you."
"You aren't the one with the chip embedded in your body somewhere," Ada growled. "Let me ask you a question. Why are you still here? Oh yeah, that's right. You can betray anybody but Wesker."
Nicholai chuckled. "That is because I am not stupid enough to betray him."
Her glare hardened. "Don't go there, Nicholai."
Nicholai put up his hands to show he didn't want any trouble. "Ada, you need to relax. Just get off of that. I only want to help you. If you want proof that bad, I will send in an agent to get a statement of death. Photos too, if you like."
"Just leave me alone for now, Nicholai," she heaved, closing her eyes.
Nicholai dipped his head. "So be it. I need to go feed the girl anyways."
As the Russian turned and walked away, Ada was able to find what she was looking for. She called out to Nicholai, and he came over to her. She pointed at the computer, taken aback at the picture and information. Nicholai, too, was appalled.
"You've got to be shitting me," he mumbled.
On the computer screen was a picture a black oily substance that made a large circle on rocky ground. In the middle was the perfection shape of a man where no oil touched. On the right of the picture was a document that had just been submitted to the database. It was short, and from the headquarters here within North America.
To All Heads of BSAA Divisions:
As Tricell is crumbling under the lawsuits and accounts of felonies, we have yet to be able to link one man to some of the most dangerous bioterrorism events, Albert Wesker. The little evidence we have is either underdeveloped or corrupted, and we all must respect not only the laws of our own regions, but the law that the BSAA follows so loyally. And though four of our founders have had their share of experiences with this single man, it is unfortunately not enough for conviction, especially since the destruction of Raccoon City and Umbrella.
However, I must acknowledge that Albert Wesker's involvement in the Kijuju incident is completely solid. Though announced dead, this man unexpectedly showed up in the District of Columbia to our headquarters of the North American branch with complete amnesia. I will be holding back all accounts towards him until we are able to get some information from him. Should anyone have any questions, please contact me personally. Until then, this is a notice that Albert Wesker is alive and is under supervision.
Sincerely, Wentworth Miller, Head of North American Branch
"He's alive," Ada murmured.
"Yeah, but he has amnesia. Depending on the severity of it, he may never remember," Nicholai said, rubbing his five o'clock shadow.
"He will remember," Ada said, crossing her legs and leaning back in her chair. She clenched her jaw slightly. "He will."
"Are you so sure of that?"
Ada stared at the screen, staring hard at the picture of the black oil that was the leftovers of Uroboros. "I'm positive."
A/N: Yay! I was finally able to post this new chapter! So sorry for the wait, again it is because I have been busy with horses since warm weather has arrived, along with work! This chapter took me awhile only because I was being picky lol. I sure do hope it has pulled off! When I finished this chapter, I felt good about it! So, it seems that Jill is now able to face Wesker and not have to worry about succumbing to orders! And we had our first major connection with Claire and Wesker, yay! Chris has a lot of work ahead of him, well they all do. My OCs won't get in the way of the main characters, but they do hold a purpose, I just hope that you guys like them! As for Ada and Nicholai...don't worry we haven't seen the last of them! XD Thanks for reading and reviewing everybody! *grins like the Cheshire Cat*