Chapter 04

To: Director Jill Redfield .org

From: Quint Cetcham .org

Jill:

Just wanted to update you on the status of our network security. As we anticipated the BSAA servers have recently come under attack on a few different levels. The first is an obvious out and out storming of the firewall. Needless to say, it didn't get them very far. The second was a more subtle inquiry into our security levels. They did managed to breech the first couple of layers, but they didn't anticipate my special layers. Like icing on a cake, it was the best part.

I did manage to trace the attack back to several locations, but honestly I think it was just one person covering their tracks pretty well. The only way they're going to get access to our network is to physically come in.

I've already set the precautions into place for that possibility as you asked.

Interesting note... while all the BSAA servers and networks have taken some heat, yours is the one taking the most. I think they're using it as a diversion to really concentrate on the NA servers.

You've really managed to piss off someone haven't you Director?

Quint

…..

To: Director Jill Redfield .org

From: Rebecca Chambers .org

Jill:

I don't know exactly how you managed to get a clean sample of this Anthrax, but it's been very enlightening.

It looks like she's lengthened the rod to increase the virulence, and making it more resistance to the usually antibiotics. I suspect she's spliced it with something, perhaps an offshoot of VRE or MRSA for the antibiotic resistance it shows, but without her research data I can't confirm this.

So far I see no indications she's using this to spread anything else. Your worries about this being merely a carrier seem to be needless. At least so far.

I also had a look at the vaccine Vitruvian Biotics has offered the CDC. It looks good. In fact it looks too good to be true. My question is this: how did they manage to mass produce this so quickly? It took me a few days just to pull apart this strain of anthrax to see the changes. I don't see how they could have done this without some kind of previous knowledge of this particular strain.

I feel you have a right to be concerned about this vaccine. I would suggest the BSAA pool their supplies and offer it to the CDC until another source can be found. It's not going to be a popular solution, I warn you, as your stores are no where near big enough for another massive outbreak. I can't rule out any side effects or possible deficits in this vaccine, I just haven't had enough time.

I'll continue working with this and see if I can tell you anything more.

Rebecca

…..

Outgoing Msg

Jill: Leon, the DSO needs to be looking into these Jill the Ripper killings. I can't say more without a secure line.
Leon: Jill the Ripper? Doesn't sound like something BOW related. Actually, a normal serial killer sounds like a nice change of pace. I'll get on it.

Jill: Don't be so sure. I suspect it's still tied to Carla. I just don't know WHY she's killing these people yet. Ada managed to stop her plans for the Nevada water plant she was attempting to infect. Wouldn't surprise me if she retaliates in some way. We need to get the military involved. If the water supply is how she wants to spread the contagion, then we need to protect it. Neither of us have the resources for that. We also need to se if that's how the DC, Virginia and Jersey outbreaks started.

Leon: I guess something "normal" would be too much to hope for. Alright, I'll have a team investigate and see if the water supply really was how Carla did it. Any idea where Carla will strike next, if it is her?

…..

"Be sure to leave something for Carla to remember him by. I want her to know where he went." The Director's words echo in her ear and she can't help but laugh softly. Who knew Valentine had it in her?

"Don't worry, I have something in mind that she would like," she replies just before turning her comm off. Her target is almost in place...

The woman slips from the shadows with a smirk in place. "Hello there," she says as she moves into place.

Unable to believe what he's seeing, Operative 45 frowns. "…You. What do you want? How did you even find me…?"

He wouldn't believe her if she told him. Why bother? "I have my sources. I don't suppose you want to come with me quietly..."

Body tense, he waits for his chance to strike. "How very astute of you…" The Operative rushes at Ada and slams her into a nearby wall. "Much to your misfortune, I'm not going with you at all."

In his ear he can hear his Mistress' voice. "45, be a dear and twist her arm until it snaps."

"Gladly…" he responds.

"First one to break her bones gets a bonus." Carla's voice is low but Ada can hear it.

"No, Bitte. Allow Bertha," requests an unknown female voice.

The doppelganger answers, "Be my guest."

Breaking free, Ada sighs and stabs a tranquilizer syringe into his thigh before kneeing him in the groin. "Tsk, no one wants to talk any more."

The Operative grunts as the syringe plunges into his thigh. With the last of his strength, he headbutts Ada and then topples over onto the floor, unconscious.

Ada reels back from the sudden shock and frowns. She then strips him naked, leaving his clothes on the floor as she drags him next to a civilian vehicle. Unlocking it, she unceremoniously deposits him on the floor before driving off to the BSAA.

…..

Jill paces. Even her years as Director haven't made waiting any easier. It's something she's never really excelled at. What very few people know is that while running a mission from HQ, her stomach is often tight, in knots, as she tries to get her men home. She feels less stress going herself. At least then she is only responsible for herself.

This time is no exception. In fact, it's even worse since she's not officially running this one and has no real contact with her operative. This time all she can do is wait.

Chris shoots her a look which she pointedly ignores. Part of her wants to be angry at him for his over protective nature where she's concerned, even if she understands it. If it weren't for him, she'd be there now, dealing with this mess herself.

Instead she's sent a single person in, not knowing exactly what the situation is. Maybe it's time she takes a step back and checks her emotions at the door. If that's even possible. After everything Carla has done, the things Chris suffered because of her, Jill isn't sure she's capable of pushing her emotions aside. Not this time.

…..

Jill's PDA chirps and she stops pacing, pulling it from her pocket and sliding it open. Ada's face fills the screen. Her grin is quite satisfied.

"I got a gift for you. You might want to prepare your best, secure room as well as a towel. Who's receiving us?"

Maybe sending Ada had been a good idea after all. There were certain things the BSAA didn't need to know. "If it's what I asked for then it's like Christmas all over again. Towel?" She sighs, not really sure she wants the answer. "I'm scared to ask. I'll have one handy." She tosses a glance over her shoulder at Chris who's scowling. "I'll send you the coordinates… I'll be there. And likely Chris as well. Since I'm not currently allowed out of his sight." A grunt behind her tells her she's right about that. The man isn't leaving her side any time in the near future. "Men."

"And an ice pack would come in handy, thanks." It's then the Director realizes the other woman's nose appears to be swollen. "The towel doesn't have to be too big, it can be hankie-sized."

A smirk she can't stop and Jill shakes her head. "Well hell Wong, why bother with it then?" THe spy opens her mouth to ask and Jill shakes her head. "Never mind. Forget I asked that. Ice pack? Do we need a medic?" A possible shadow under the woman's eyes indicates she might have two black eyes in morning.

"I'll leave it to you to decide if the towel is needed or not when we get there. Being headbutted isn't particularly pleasant so the ice would be greatly appreciated."

"He got a chance to fight back then I take it. I'll have ice ready and some Lidocaine spray. It'll sting like a bitch but you'll thank me later." Hearing Chris behind her, she turns to look at him, taking note of the bag he's packing. Weapons, a few medical supplies... the aforementioned ice pack to be filled on Ada's arrival. "Is he still in one piece?"

The dark haired woman nods once. "I rather leave him as he is to make him squirm. He's alright, just tied up and unconscious. Your husband might want to avert his eyes if he wants to..."

The sound of her laughter brings Chris' head up. "Hmm better safe than sorry I suppose. Doubt he'll make a run for it that way. Unless of course you scared him that badly." Finally, a shot at finding out what Carla's up to. They won't be chasing their tails. "Chris is a big boy. Besides, he insisted he keep me in his line of sight… serves him right to get an eyeful." Quickly she fires off the coordinates of the safe house she's set up. "Coordinates sent... ETA?"

Glancing at her watch, Ada answers, "In forty-five minutes. The dose I gave him is strong enough to knock out an elephant."

"Copy that. We'll have everything in place. Just keep him breathing. He's the best chance we have of finding out where else the crazy bitch is planning to attack. Quint found reference to multiple US sites and a handful of overseas sites which e believes will follow later. I don't think this is just about the infection. She has another agenda here."

"Understood." Frowning, Ada allows a flash of sympathy cross her face. "I seriously wonder what the pervert Simmons did to her…"

"Honestly, I'm not sure I want to know. Rebecca said her work with the C-Virus and Anthrax strain is amazing. If she wanted to, she could do so much. Instead all she wants is to destroy the world. I'm not entirely sure that all came from Simmons..."

"Another brilliant mind gone to waste…"

"I couldn't agree more."

Offering a faint smile, Ada shakes her head. "Let's hope Chris doesn't get jealous. Any way, I'm nearing the destination. Just one more turn..."

A chuckle. "Jealous? With me he'll never have to worry about being jealous of another man. Besides, who in their right mind would want Carla's left overs? God only knows what conditions he's in mentally." The thought enough to make Jill wonder if this was the right path. Too late now. "We're already here. Door is unlocked. You want help bringing him inside?"

"Some assistance is appreciated, thanks. Maybe your hubby can carry him?"

"Certainly. If he's going to insist on being by my side he should be expected to put to work." Jill gave a mischievous smile. "He's also available for food runs, but don't tell him I said that."

Meeting the other woman outside, Jill swings the back door open and steps aside as Chris moves to drag the other man out. Looking at Ada she says, "The room here is secure. This place was built specifically for something like this. The room is underground, walls are 2 feet of concrete layers with steel plates. Only way in or out is through the door."

Leading the way, she travels through the building, pushing open the previously mentioned door.

…..

A solid thud sounded in the room as the door closed behind them. Aside from a few chairs, the room was nothing to look at. The walls were a dull grey, possibly concrete. The metal frame around the thick metal door a few darker shades of grey. A narrow stainless steel table sits to one side, a white sheet draped over it.

Unceremoniously Chris dumps the other man in a chair and Jill kneels down, handcuffing arms and legs to the well thought out chair. Someone has designed it just for this kind of situation. The man slumps, still out from the drugs Ada pushed into his body. Without hesitation the Director grabs a large bottle of water from the floor and dumps it over The Operative's body.

Stepping back as he sputters, Jill crosses her arms across her chest.

"Nice of you to join us 45."

…..

Incoming Message

Quint: Jill, I think I have something here...

Jill: I'm in the middle of something Quint.

Quint: You might want to consider dropping it. This is big.

Jill: Spill it Quint, I don't have time for this.

Quint: I've figured out her next targets from the map Sheva found.

Jill: And?

Quint: India and Germany are next. I'm still working on the other locations. We have the possibility of another half dozen.

Jill: All right. Notify the appropriate Directors. I will be in touch with them ASAP. I've got something here to finish.

Quint: Copy that. Do I want to know?

Jill: Plausible deniability.

Quint: Gotcha.

…..

Jill looks at the spy as 45 slowly comes around. "I don't suppose he said anything before you knocked him out? How's the nose by the way?"

"Other than the usual threats of me meeting my doom, nothing important. The nose is fine but it'll be swollen for a while. I'm thinking on where we should make him really bruised up…"

Unable to stop the small smile she nods towards the table. "Ice packs on the table for you. Curious to know if Carla will find him worth saving? He looks like just another chew toy."

"Thanks for the ice. Why don't we have some fun with him while we're at it? He's not going anywhere anytime soon. "

"No, he's certainly not. Only three people know the exact location of this room... and we're all standing in it. Somehow I suspect beating it out of him won't work, but I'm open to ideas."

"I have a few. Ice, hanging, squeezing."

The shock of water being poured over his head snapped the Operative out of his drug induced sleep. After viewing his new surroundings, he looked forward to the site of Jill and Chris Redfield.

"Ah, the Director and Chris Redfield…I'd shake hands but I seem to be tied up." He then looks down at himself and realizes something. "And naked…I question the need to strip me of my clothing but I am simply a guest. I won't deny you your preferences."

He tries to get comfortable in his seat despite the restraints. "So, you've got me. Now what do you want?"

"Well, good morning sunshine," Jill says dryly. "So glad to finally meet you." She casts a glance over his body and his currently naked condition. "mmmm, well, I guess Carla doesn't keep you around for that now, does she? Or maybe she's easily satisfied?"

Dragging a chair over, she drops into it casually, kicking her feet out in front of her and crossing them at the ankles. "So, 45 is it? Interesting." A cold smile. "Or not." Chris moves to stand behind her not saying a word. Yet. "To be honest, I find other things interesting. Like, for instance, India. Or maybe Germany."

Her PDA beeps and she slides it out of a pocket, handing it up to her husband. "You can tell me you don't know anything about either of those places, but quite frankly, liars only serve to be an annoyance. SO how about we skip that part and go from here. Shall we?"

He chuckled and looked at Jill in amusement. "So it's right to the insults? Really Director, I was hoping for a bit of foreplay before we went there. But I suppose you're more of a person that prefers to get things done quickly." He looks over at Chris with a smirk. "Which says something about you Mr. Redfield. Always willing to go all the way, only to have your partners finish for you."

"There's nothing to say, except that you're right. We plan to take our virus to other parts of the globe. India, German, etc. But the sad true of the matter is, that it's too late to stop it. I may be War and Pestilence, but I believe that Death can spread diseases just as easily as myself."

Remaining relaxed in his restraints, the Operative looks at the two BSAA members with slight interest. "Now that we have that out of the way, do either of you have any worthwhile questions for me? After all, I'm not going anywhere."

"You sure you really want to play with me?" She tilts her head to the side and considers him a moment. "I never claimed to play fair."

Chris looks at the PDA a moment, then leans down at whispers something in her ear, his eyes moving once to their captive before looking back at her. Looking up at him, she nods. "Well, it seems you could very easily be wrong on those points. We're already on the ground in Mumbai with the government giving us full access. Germany will have the BSAA landing in less than an hour. I suppose you want poor Quint to have to work for the other locations don't you? Oh well, he does enjoy a challenge."

She rises and stands in front of him. "Still contaminating water supplies? One would think Carla would be able to step up her game a little. Why not just make it airborne and be done with it?"

Jill looks at Ada who leans against a wall to her right. "Apparently she lacks creativity. Simmons couldn't grow that for her I guess."

Her attention returns to 45. "Oh, and what about your little vaccine factory?"

"I wouldn't be so sure Director, just because you have access to countries doesn't mean that you'll find what you're looking for…at least not in time to stop it anyway. The downside of letting those fools lead the Nevada defense was that you got a sample. It's a shame you won't be able to make a proper vaccine in time for it to be any good."

He looks up at her. "Contamination is a viable infection vector, but as you said, making it airborne is just as likely. For your information, we have considered it for use and when we do…oh the chaos it will bring. But you're forgetting one simple form of infection vector that can't be detected until it's too late. Direct contact with an infected, much like with the early progenitor virus offshoots that you and your husband have faced over the years. It didn't start with T-Virus, it started with such horrors as the Bubonic Plague."

The Operative then looked back at Ada and said, "You give that pathetic politician and his Family too much credit Ms. Wong. He had no real knowledge of such sophisticated workings." He huffs a bit and continues, "With remarks like that, it makes me think you still believe he made the C-Virus. And if you do then you're obviously more simple minded that I thought."

He looked back at Jill and shrugged. "Oh, so you do have a vaccine? Impressive. I wouldn't know who's making it or where they're located. Why ask me, don't you already know?"

"Well, if you're sure we can't possibly get there in time then I'm sure you won't mind telling me the rest of your locations. Quint will likely be a little disappointed, but he's he's a big boy, I think he can deal with it." She waits a moment. "No? I didn't think so. I don't think you're quite as secure with your little plans as you want us to think."

A step so she's standing directly in front of him. Chris tenses and she can feel it even without seeing it. "Rebecca has been quite interested in the sample recovered from Nevada. Not to mention the sample of the C Virus Carla was stupid enough to leave in my glass. Kind of sloppy, don't you think, leaving files scattered all across those facilities." A shrug. "Then again, Carla never bet on us getting a hold of her diary." Inclines her head towards Ada. "She can thank Simmons' inspiration for that little gem."

"But we're getting sidetracked. There are plenty of vector options for it, I agree, but Carla is mostly a one trick pony. No imagination. She prefers to play shadow games and send her… mmm…. rats… to do her dirty work."

Her PDA beeps again and she hears it being slid open. Moving a few steps she pulls the sheet partly back from the metal table standing there. Out from under a fold she removes a curious device. It looks something like a metal scarab with a deep red center stone.

Holding it up she asks, "Know what this is?"

"Actually I'm quite secure with our plans Director. I have no other information for you. And what is the point of you mentioning the C-Virus sent to you? Thanks to Muller you have Anti-C. As for the files, the answer to that is simple. It's outdated information."

He looked back at Ada. "You keep mentioning him. You're all as ignorant as I thought then…Her diary you say? Which one would that be, the one she lost in Moscow? I hope it didn't get you too depressed, she had her issues. Also, I hope you weren't too 'creeped out' by the entries about you Ms. Wong."

The Operative laughed out loud and brought his attention back to Jill. "A 'one trick pony'? If she had no imagination, she would have just used the damn C-Virus again you dumb bitch. I must say, the BSAA is rather assuming when it comes to its opponents. And the 'shadow games' as you like to call them are no different from your country's Black Ops. She's not a fighter, never has been."

He looked at the device in the Director's hand. "That is a delivery system for the P30 mind controlling agent used on you by that idiot Albert Wesker." He then looked at her and smirked. "My how the mighty have fallen. You must be very desperate to stoop to your old nemesis' level." He the looks at Chris, "I don't suppose you supported this did you?" He chuckled again. "The BSAA now using the very weapons they've sworn to fight against. So much for honor and integrity."

"Mighty? Never claimed to be. But thank you for thinking so highly of me." She sets it aside, a small smile on her lips. "Stooping? Hmmm, let's see, millions of lives for yours? Someone who has nothing but disdain for innocent people? I hardly call that stooping. I'd consider it taking out the trash.

"Then again, you don't know a whole lot about that kind of sacrifice, do you?"

Looking at her husband she notes the tightness in his jaw and the look on his face that promises they'll be having a talk later. "Funny thing about Chris, he's completely against the idea. But not for the reasons you might think." She shrugs. "He'd rather just put a bullet in your head and be done with it."

The man in question crosses his arms across his chest but says nothing. Now is not the time or place.

With slow steps she circles the chair thoughtfully. "Outdated is it? Funny, because the sample put into my glass isn't the same as the one let loose in Edonia or Langshiang. In fact, it looks like it's a fourth or fifth generation strain. What was it she gave Simmons again? Second strain?"

Pausing behind him takes a minute then continues. "Not a fighter? Maybe. I'll agree she as master manipulator. She's turned you all kinds of inside out, hasn't she?" Coming full circle she stops again. "I guess it's time to see just how far she's gone with you." She winks and Chris makes a noncommittal sound. "Don't worry, we're just going over our options for now. Though I think Ada has some things she'd like to discuss with you."

…..

Incoming Message:

Carla: I'd like my dog back if it won't be much trouble, Jill. But if you really think it's a good idea, please commence. I mean, the lives of your other operatives aren't worth too terribly much. Please, continue. I wonder how many lesser BSAA I can kill before this day is done.

Jill: It's not like you plan on leaving them alive if you can help it anyway, so what exactly do you have to bargain with?

…..

I'll tell you what… for every one of my people that dies directly or indirectly by your hand, I'll send you a piece of 45. How many pieces will it take to kill him?

"Be careful Mrs. Redfield, your ego is showing." 45 shook his head. "Disdain of innocents? Since when has anyone cared about the innocent? With enough desperation the innocent will become nothing but animals. Rioting in the streets, stealing, raping, any atrocity that you can think of, your 'innocents' are capable of it."

"We're simply making a point. Not to you, not the governments of the world, but the people behind the scenes. The people that allowed the nuclear strike on Raccoon and Tall Oaks, the people that infected Tall Oaks to kill the President of the United States. The people that are running your 'innocents' as we speak. They are our enemy, you're simply getting yourselves involved. In truth, we're taking out the trash with help from the person you call 'Jill the Ripper' as well as 'Mr. Death.'"

"You speak of sacrifice…but you think that just because I'm a monster, I don't know what it is? Heh…I sacrificed for God and country in my past life, do you know what that got me? Nothing but a pink slip, all the work I did for my country amounted to them saying 'Good job soldier, now we have no more need of you.'"

He scuffed at the memory and continued, "After that, I had no purpose…no reason to live. But then, I found something, something that asked me to sacrifice one more thing…my humanity. I had nothing left to lose…so I said yes. This is the result of that answer, I have a purpose and I would gladly make the same choice again if I had to."

"But please, if you want to put a bullet in my head, be my guest. I am expendable. But all I have to say is, that it will only serve to cause more problems for you."

He looked up at Jill. "Actually what we used on Simmons was one of three variants of the original strain. C was already complete, it just needed some minor tweaks. And thanks to Muller's blood, those modifications were implemented. We made it stronger, but the downside was that it also corrupted the mind." Looking back at Ada again, "Like what you witnessed with Simmons Ms. Wong." He then looked at Chris. "And like with your partner Nivans Mr. Redfield, you could tell right? His mind was slipping, focused on one thing and one thing only. Your protection, so that the BSAA could continue fighting the good fight." The Operative sighed and put his gaze back to Jill. "So you can imagine that we don't used that modification anymore, too many unknowns. Now please pay attention, I'm only going to say this once. By outdated, I meant the data you recovered, not the sample of C."

He smirks, "Oh you think you have me all figured out Director? The truth is, aside from the background I just gave you, you know nothing of me…" 45 looks back at Ada again, "I'm sure Ms. Wong has plenty of questions for me. But I'm sure you have more pointless things to ask as well. As I said before, I have the time now." Pressing his arms against his restraints to prove the point.

A faint, amused smile plays on her lips. "The people responsible? Right, you want to implicate Simmons. I won't deny it, you're doing a reasonably good job at it. Except for one, small detail… Chris was in Edonia, he saw Carla infect all of his men himself. Sure, she tried to pass it off as Ada's doing, but we know better now. And while Simmons obviously had a hand in some of it, he's just one more of her pawns now." The man in question doesn't flinch at the mention of the men he lost, but she knows it hurts him. "This is merely Carla's personal vendetta against Simmons because of what he did to her."

Standing in from of him again she shrugs. "Truthfully, if she merely wanted to kill him I'd tell her to go for it. Hell, I might help her track him down. But past that?" Jill waves a dismissive hand. "She's need to put on her big girl panties and get over it. Then again, she's just one big bucket of crazy now isn't she? It's not like she's the only one ever used and abused. But I guess she just couldn't deal with it. She's not strong enough to not let what he did to her control her every move."

The sound of her name makes her turn and she snatches the PDA in midair seconds after it leaves Chris' hand. Opening it, she reads the message and looks at 45.

"Speaking of crazy, Carla says she wants her dog back." With a raised brow she studies him. "Is that all you are to her, a dog?" She offers a quick reply and looks back at him. "You're right, I don't know much about you. But I know you need her, that she's you're sole reason for living." The smile she gives is cold, enough to make almost anyone think twice. "Which brings us to our other options."

With slender fingers she indicates the other people in the room. "Ada mostly wants to make you hurt. Chris wants to put you in the ground. But somehow I don't think either of those options are really what's going to make you crack. And since I certainly have no control over Ada and minimal control over Chris, he is a big boy after all, they are free to do with you as they please, providing you're left alive once they're done.

Then we can give the other option a try. You game?"