This chapter contains slightly harsher language than usual.
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Wesker looked off in the distance, seeing the light of the flames still burning miles away. The Decepticon's warship was no longer hovering above the small town that was now in ruins. Wesker counted his blessings. There was nothing that either he, Umbrella, or any military on Earth had in their arsenal that could come close to such power. The Decepticons may vulnerable to Umbrella's B.O.W.s, but their weaponry was far superior. Still, even after today's events, these mechanical beings would continue to underestimate Wesker and Umbrella. So long as they did not know what they had in store, they were exposed. If Wesker managed to get his hands on Jackson Darby beforehand, it would be all the more easier.
"The G-mutation will be here shortly, Sir." Russell informed Wesker.
Wesker took a good look at Russell and saw that his dark skin was beginning to pale. Both his nose and mouth were leaking blood like a loose faucet. Russell must have overexerted himself forcing the G-mutation to move quickly enough to escape Megatron's weapon. Even with its enhanced strength and speed, it was too close of a call for Wesker's comfort.
From the distance, Wesker saw the creature approaching through the desert. Russell relieved himself of some of the strain now that he was near. As Wesker got a better look at him, he saw that he had further mutated, which no doubt contributed to the added strain on his second in command. He was much bigger now, visibly stronger. Its human like limbs had grown beyond normal human appearance, veins now pulsating beneath its much thicker skin. The enlarged right fist had become an even larger claw, more than capable of piercing a Cybertronian's armor. The large eye on its shoulder was now more exposed, a deformed growth sprouted from the top. The human face was replaced with an indescribable head that was clearly inhuman. The remnants of its former self now rested in the center of its torso. Joshua Darby's face had moved to its chest, looking as if he was being pulled into the creature's body. Two clawed but human like arms came from its waist and folded over its stomach. By the human head, there was a strange, red growth. Wesker couldn't tell what it was, only that it looked like it could burst open any minute.
Wesker was pleased with the G-mutation's new form. It would make it more effective against the Autobots and Decepticons.
"Bring it over here, Russell."
Russell commanded it to approach the two, which it did without resistance. It stepped on a large metal platform that suddenly sprang upwards and trapped it inside of some kind of chamber. It was sealed tightly and the creature was frozen instantly. Once it was put back in cryo-stasis, Russell collapsed to his knees and began vomiting blood. Wesker walked past him, patting his back as he did so. He went up to the trapped G-mutation, trying to figure out his next move. He was interrupted, however, by a call from his disposable phone. Wesker took an annoyed breath before answering it.
"What is it now, Simmons?"
"What have you done, Wesker?" He asked slowly.
Reports of Jasper's destruction must have already reached the public.
"What do mean?"
"Jasper, Nevada, some small town in the middle of nowhere, was evacuated and now there's reports of some kind of explosion! I know that you had something to do with this!"
"Simmons, you are grasping at straws."
"I'm am not one to be taken for a fool, Wesker! The phone you're speaking to me with has a tracker in it. You are right outside of Jasper as we speak! Don't try to play games with me!"
Wesker grimaced in anger. How could he not have figured that Russell would do something like that?
"I will be in Clovis, New Mexico in four hours. I expect you to be there already when I call you to tell you where to meet me."
"Meet you?"
"And you'd better be there, Wesker, or you will be a marked man by Umbrella and the U.S. Government. I want to know what you're up to, what you and your men have been doing behind my back. Come alone. Leave your followers behind. Four hours, Wesker. Don't test my patience."
Simmons hung up on the other end and Wesker gripped the phone hard enough to almost break it. He placed the phone back in his pocket and went to help Russell back on his feet.
"Are you alright, Russell?"
Russell gasped a few breaths, swallowed some blood, but regained his composure.
"I may need a day or two before trying to control that thing again, Sir. But I'll be alright."
"Good." He said as Russell stood on his own. "You are to take the G-mutation to one of our blacksites in Canada and await further instructions?"
"Sir?"
"You were right when you said that Simmons wouldn't be happy about this. He's expecting in four hours."
"Alone, Sir?"
"Yes, alone."
Russell's look indicated suspicion.
"Captain Wesker, all due respect..."
"I'm walking into a trap, I know, Russell."
"Then why go, Sir?"
"Because I need to know what Simmons is planning. He may be on to us, but he doesn't know what we're after. I am certain, however, that the old man had been told of our unknown agenda. I will go to him in New Mexico, allow him to take me into custody, and find out just how much he knows."
"Captain, I'm well aware that you're more than capable of overpowering Simmons and his men. But if you kill him, Oswell Spencer will turn all of Umbrella against us. If you spare him, he will know what you are and Umbrella will try to take you alive."
Wesker had his back to Russell, thinking to himself.
"Aboard the Decepticon warship, I stood before metal giants that were far superior to all of us. Against them, my enhanced strength meant nothing. One of them seemed to desire my head far more than the others. When they took me prisoner, I must admit, I began to worry. I thought that I was truly in over my head and unable to get myself out of that situation. Thankfully, the Decepticons were careless and I managed to slip right under their noses. They will be after us as well, never mind Umbrella. If I was able to outwit them, then Simmons shouldn't be a problem."
Wesker turned around and walked over to Russell. He had removed his glasses.
"Let me worry about him and the old man. I know how to deal with the likes of them. What you need to do now is go to Canada like I told you, keep Joshua Darby safe, and get yourself some rest. When we find the boy and his guardians, I will need you at full capacity. Keep a sharp eye out for Autobot activity, but take no action until I give the order. I will contact you soon enough.
Russell nodded to his Captain and took charge of Wesker's men. Leaving only one aircraft behind, they all left the area as Wesker had instructed. Wesker put his sunglasses back on, entered the remaining aircraft, and flew off in a different direction. Before the week was out, he would no longer have to answer to either Simmons or Spencer.
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"'The terrorist organization known as M.E.C.H. had stolen the experimental fusion reactor from a military transport with the intent on using it to hold a major city hostage. When they reached Jasper, located in Nevada, they were involved in an accident which caused the reactor to become unstable and detonate, destroying the small town in the process. Fortunately, the town was evacuated beforehand since the reactor was heading in that direction. No arrests have been made.'"
Fowler read out loud President Bedford's official statement regarding Jasper, Nevada's destruction.
"Mr. President, the public is gonna poke holes through this story like a bad movie script."
"I don't doubt that, Fowler, but it's the best I could come up with. We didn't have time to think up a cover story since this disaster wasn't our doing. What happened out there, William?"
Fowler sighed in exasperation.
"The Decepticons made a move on the Autobots. Somehow, they found their base."
"And we're sure that Umbrella wasn't behind it?"
"I don't think so, Sir. I mean, it's possible. But I just don't see the 'Cons and Umbrella working together."
Fowler could see that The President was taking the city's destruction very personally.
"At least the town was cleared before it all went to hell. Thank you for that, Williams."
"I managed to contact the families of Miko Nakedai and Rafael Esquivel as well. They know that their kids are safe."
"But not Jackson Darby's family?"
"June Darby is his only family and they've both been with the Autobots."
Bedford covered his mouth and nose between his hands, signs of his stress. Fowler did not envy the man. There was a lot that he would have to answer to because of this mess.
"Have the Autobots contacted you yet? Can we be sure that they escaped the explosion?"
"Sir, you know all about their ground bridge technology. Optimus Prime had any number of protocols set in place in the event that Outpost Omega One was compromised. I know he got them all out of there. The B.S.A.A. too, he took them into account, I'm sure of it."
"Then they're our only lead. If they're in the wind, looking for ways to contact us, Director Clive O'Brian may be our best way to track them down. He runs the B.S.A.A. We need to contact him immediately"
"I'll do that, Mr. President."
Before he could, however, Leon Kennedy and Helena Harper walked into the President's office.
"Mr. President." Leon said urgently.
"Agent Kennedy, Agent Harper."
Leon noticed Fowler in the room and turned his attention to him.
"What the hell happened out there, Fowler? Jasper's a smoking hole in the ground and I know we didn't push the big red button."
"We've got a dozen different terrorist organizations taking credit for this disaster, but none of them have the kind of weaponry to do something like that?" Helena followed up. "What is going on?"
Leon took a breath to calm down.
"Did Umbrella do this? Is it connected to the Darby kid?" He asked.
Fowler didn't know how to answer that question, so he looked back to President Bedford. The Commander and Chief nodded his head at him, letting him know to answer truthfully.
"No." Fowler said. "This wasn't Umbrella."
Leon seemed relieved, but Fowler knew that more questions were being thought up.
"Then who?"
President Bedford removed his glasses and inhaled deeply.
"Sit down, Leon, you too, Harper. It's time you both knew the truth."
The two looked at each other, looking wary of whatever they were about to learn. They each took a seat across from the President's desk. Fowler stood to the side and remained silent.
"What I'm about to tell you can never be repeated outside of this office. You both know how that works."
Leon and Helena nodded in agreement.
"In the years since you've both learned of Umbrella and the things they do behind closed doors, you have seen things that go beyond human belief. You've witnessed monstrosities and abominations that should not exist, that should never even be considered. You've seen what nightmares actually look like in the real world and somehow managed to hold on to your sanity."
The looks of confusion they both wore showed that they had no idea where the President was going with this.
"Having said that, there is still some things that you may find it hard to believe or to accept. But I have never lied to either you before and I assure you, what you are about to hear is the truth. With all that you've seen, I ask that you keep an open mind and believe in the impossible, as you have seen the impossible before."
Fowler could see the puzzlement in their expressions, the nervousness behind it. The world as they knew was about to be changed forever.
"Do you believe that we are not alone in the universe, that alien life exists beyond our world?"
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Optimus and Ratchet were both working to get their communication system online. Optimus had gotten permission from Director O'Brian to contact Fowler and provide him with the coordinates to their blacksite. Optimus, however, feared for the worse about contacting Agent Fowler. He was afraid to find out that Jasper was not evacuated in time and that Miko and Rafael's family were caught in the blast the destroyed the town. They had heard about it shortly after escaping through the ground bridge.
"It should be online now, Optimus."
Optimus went over to the console and began powering it on and communications going up.
"Ratchet, are you certain that our new location can isolate radio waves to avoid detection?"
"Director O'Brian had his own isolation tech put in place before we began setting up this alternative base. I checked to make sure that it was up to specs of what we worked with back in..."
Ratchet didn't want to say it and Optimus understood why. Neither wanted to admit that Jasper, a place that had become home to them, was gone. It may not have been as painful as leaving Cybertron, but it hurt all the same.
"We are at a disadvantage, however, Optimus." Ratchet said. "We no longer have a functioning ground bridge. Try as I might, I could not build another one with the spare parts we had left. If this base is compromised like the last, we will not have that means of escape."
"This base will not be compromised, Ratchet." Optimus said. "I will not allow it."
As he spoke, he looked over to the other side of the hangar were June was resting. After she had gone through surgery, Jill had convinced the medical staff to release her to the Autobot hangar so she could remain close to them. She was kept under close observation by Rebecca and Jill. Optimus had not left the hangar since she was brought back. Even though she would make a full recovery, she would be in great pain when she finally woke up, which was estimated in another day at the earliest. Seeing her like this filled Optimus with heavy sadness. It filled him with anger at the same time. He tried not to think of Jack, fearing he would not be able to control it.
"We have a moderate supply of energon here, but it won't last forever. Without the ground bridge, locating more before the Decepticons will be difficult." Ratchet said.
"Let us recover from what he had just escaped, old friend. We will worry about or supplies later."
With that Optimus began contacting Fowler through his previous means of communication. Hopefully, receiving a call from an unknown source wouldn't cause him to ignore it. The call went unanswered for a few moments, then it connected.
"This is Fowler. Who is this?"
"It is good to hear from you again, Agent Fowler."
There was a pause on the other end.
"Optimus." A relief filled response. "Jesus Christ, you're alive."
"Very much so, my friend, as are the rest of my Autobots."
"And the kids, June, are they okay?"
Optimus hated to lie to Fowler, but he didn't want to worry the aging government agent.
"Alive and well, Agent Fowler."
"Thank God...The B.S.A.A.?"
Optimus became grim, not that Fowler could see it.
"They have suffered...numerous casualties."
"My God...What happened, Prime? How did the Decepticons find the base?"
"Albert Wesker had learned of our location and given it to Megatron."
"What?!"
"It would seem that they had formed a temporary alliance."
"So Umbrella was behind this! How did they find the base?"
"That is not important Agent Fowler. What is important is that you managed to evacuate Jasper before the Decepticons destroyed it."
"I sent out a report that a category five storm was heading their way and the town was cleared within the hour. Nobody was in the city when it got burned down. You can tell Miko and Raf that their families are okay."
Optimus sighed in relief.
"Thank Primus."
"Optimus, are you sure that this team up with Umbrella and the 'Cons has been broken off."
"I am, Agent Fowler. Wesker had released several B.O.W.s outside of our base and set them upon both Autobots and Decepticons alike. Megatron would not take such a betrayal lightly. However, I cannot be certain that all of Wesker's bio-organic weapons were destroyed in the blast. As unlikely as it seems, we need to be certain that none had escaped."
"I'll inform the President. He'll send the D.S.O. out there to make sure none of those ugly bastards got away. I hate to say it, but Megatron did us a favor by destroying Jasper."
"The irony isn't lost upon us either, Fowler." Ratchet decided to add.
"Good to know you're still alive, Doc. Alright, I'll report this to the President. But Prime, you guys have got to be more careful. This cannot happen again. Please Optimus, we're counting on you to end this."
Optimus looked regretful.
"We have made mistakes, Fowler, and they have cost your world dearly. We will not make them again. You have my word."
"Your word is enough. You keep those kids safe, Optimus, and watch yourself."
"You do the same, Agent Fowler."
Optimus ended the call and looked back to Ratchet.
"I should've scanned all of you when you returned from your battle with Silas. I would've found that tracking device and got rid of it before Wesker could zero in on us."
"The fault lies with all of us, old friend. We fell for Wesker's trap and Jasper paid the price of our failures."
"The kids, too."
Optimus closed his eyes as he thought of his three human Autobots. On top of June being injured, Rafael and Miko had undergone a worrisome change. Neither had been willing to leave their guardians side since their arrival to this new base. Miko hadn't been her usual, energetic self. Rafael had trouble sleeping the night before. Both of them were clearly traumatized by what happened and Optimus feared that they would endure the same stress that Jack had as a child. He was the most alarming of them all.
"Ratchet...how is Jackson?"
Ratchet's expression was all Optimus needed to see.
"He still hasn't spoken to anyone, not Jill, not Arcee. He hasn't said a word since we arrived here."
"I had tried to speak with him yesterday, but he was unresponsive. Perhaps, I should try again."
"He hasn't eaten anything either and he hasn't slept a wink. All he's done is stare at the floor with this look that seems like he sees something we don't, clutching the Key to Vector Sigma like his life depends on it."
Optimus looked up at that.
"Optimus, he needs help. Something is wrong with him and no one knows what to do."
This all bothered Optimus to his spark and he was not going to make the same mistake as last time.
"I will go see him. Perhaps, I can break through to him this time."
"Please, Optimus. He's been this way since I saved him from that monster."
Optimus knew what monster Ratchet was talking about, having seen it himself. It made sense that the sight of it would put Jack in the state that he was in.
"Where is he now?"
"Where he's been since yesterday, the munitions storage room."
Optimus was about to leave when the sound of June groaning took his attention. Optimus immediately walked over to the young mother, kneeling by her side. The worry in his optics was very uncharacteristic of his stoic personality. June slowly opened her eyes and was greeted with the warm expression of the Prime.
"Optimus?" She said weakly.
"It is alright, June. You are safe."
She went to say something else, but ended up groaning in pain.
"Easy...you are very injured."
Optimus was surprised that she had regained consciousness so soon. June took many labored breaths, clearly causing pain to her broken ribs. Optimus could tell what was on her mind.
"Optimus...where's my son?"
"Jackson is here, he is alright."
June exhaled as tears escaped her eyes.
"Thank God...I thought I lost..."
"You have not lost your son, June. The four of you are in a safe location."
June looked around as best as she could.
"Where are we?"
"Home...for now...June...Jasper is gone."
June lied back down and Optimus could see the pain settling in. June had lost the place she had called home, just as he had. It wasn't the same as losing a home planet, but it didn't make what she felt hurt any less, he knew.
"Where's Jack? I wanna see my son." She said tearfully.
"Ms. Darby..."
Worry came upon her face.
"What happened?"
"We...do not know. But Jack has been...distressed since we escaped Jasper."
June's eyes were wide and one could see her motherly instincts kicking in. Optimus always admired that about her. She attempted to get up on her own, straining herself in the process, and was stopped by the other medics.
"Please, I have to see my son."
A large digit rested on her torso, causing her to calm down. Optimus then gently picked her up and placed her in a nearby wheelchair that was provided for her. One of the medics took to pushing her along as they all left for the ammunition storage room.
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Optimus, Ratchet, and June walked down the hall that lead to the munitions storage. June was still being pushed by an unknown medical officer. They came to an open room where Arcee and Jill were standing outside, leaning against the wall. They both noticed June and went to her immediately.
"June!" Arcee said as she knelt in front of her. "You're okay."
June smiled through the pain she was feeling, happy that her son's guardian had made it out of that war zone. Jill walked up and gently hugged her.
"Thank God, you're up again. You had me worried."
June returned the hug with her unslung and un-casted arm.
"How do you feel?" Jill asked.
"In a lot of pain...but that isn't the least bit important right now. Where's Jack?"
Again, that question was met with uneasy looks.
"He's in there?" Arcee said as she pointed to the open room. "He's...not well."
"Did either of you see what happened?"
"I didn't." Jill said. "Miko says that Jack led that B.O.W. away from them. When Ratchet came back with him, he was a wreck."
Jill tried to remember the B.O.W. that Jill spoke of, the one that did this to her.
"When I rescued Jack from it, it had him cornered. He got a good look at it and I suppose that's what's causing him to act like this." Ratchet said.
"What do mean, Ratchet?" June asked.
"It had...It had a human face. It wasn't mutated all the way, it seemed. As a medical officer, I was disturbed by it. I can only imagine what it was like for Jack."
June then remembered how Jack was on the chopper ride out of Raccoon City. He had shut himself off from everything, burying himself in his own world until they met up with his father. Jill stepped behind June, taking control of her wheelchair. The two entered the storage room where they saw Jack sitting on top of a crate. His head was buried into his knees, one arm wrapped around them, the other behind them, clutching the Key to Vector Sigma. It was six years ago all over again and June felt as helpless as ever. As Jill pushed her to her son, Arcee stepped in and stayed by the doorway. Optimus stood in front of it while Ratchet listened in from outside. Jack hadn't even acknowledged them in the slightest, almost like he didn't know they were there. June was pushed up in front of her son, her eyes watering up from what she was seeing.
"Jack?" She said through her strain.
For the first time, Jack lifted his head up. His eye was bloodshot red, his cheek wet from his tears, and bags under his eye from not sleeping at all. June couldn't stand to sight of it and she couldn't hold her tears back. Jack slowly got up walked to her, kneeling down to be at eye level. He took her hand and she felt how much his were shaking. A sad look fell upon Jack and he buried his head in her lap as his tears fell even more. June held her son tightly, ignoring her own pain.
"It's okay, Jackson. It's okay...it's over. We're safe, now."
"No...we aren't."
Jill was gripping the handles of the wheelchair in anger. Arcee looked down in shame. Optimus stared at the mother and son, sorrow all over his face.
"Mom...I...I saw him."
"I know, Jack...I know what you saw. I can't even imagine what it was like."
"You don't...'hic' you don't understand."
Jack was beginning to grow more hysterical which increased the worry of everyone there.
"What don't we understand, Jack?" Jill asked.
"I-I 'hic'...I saw his face."
June's eyes were growing with worry and fear. She picked up her son's head to look him in his single eye.
"What...what did you see?"
Jack looked away, clearly not wanting to say it. June pulled his face back to look at her.
"Jackson...talk to us. Tell us what you saw?"
Jack sniffed back and grew more nervous.
"I can't..."
Arcee stepped forward and knelt down.
"Jack, partner, look at me."
Jack hesitantly did so.
"Let us help you. Tell us what's wrong so we can help you."
Jack then looked at Optimus, who had entered the room. Once his eye met the pair of blue optics, shame appeared on Jack's face and he looked away instantly.
"It's my fault...They...did it because of me."
"Jackson, it is not your fault." June said with her hand of Jack's cheek. "Don't let Umbrella off the hook by blaming yourself."
"What did they do, Jackson?" Optimus finally said. "What did you see in that B.O.W.?"
"...His-his face...it was..."
Everyone waited for Jack to finish, but he seemed unable to.
"What Jack? What was his face?" June asked.
Jack shut his eye tightly and gripped June's hand just as much. This was painful for him, June realized that.
"IT WAS DAD!" He cried out.
Everyone went silent, wide eyed, and shocked. June's mouth hung open as her son broke down in her lap. Jill had let her arms fall as she took a step back to take in what Jack had just said. Arcee was frozen on her knee, staring at her broken partner. Ratchet looked on as Optimus hid his face, which he knew was to hide his anger.
"They found him, Mom! They turned him...and it's my fault! They went after him...because of me!"
Jack continued to fall apart in front of his mother, breaking her heart into pieces. She shakily put her hand on his head, but she was unable to speak. What could she say? How could she comfort Jackson after something like this? She rubbed his head as it shook from his crying, feeling weak as his mother. How could they? How could Umbrella do this? For the third time, they had broken her son. They needed to be stopped, before there was nothing left of him.
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Leon sat in his seat with his head down, lost in his thoughts. Helena was the same way. Fowler had left to take a call while President Bedford told them of the Autobots and Decepticons. Even after everything he had seen, Leon had to admit, this was a new one.
"So...Aliens." He said.
"Cybertronians to be exact." Bedford responded.
"And they've been here..."
"Since 1984."
"I see...and we trust them?"
"All you need to do is have one conversation with Optimus Prime and you will know who he is and where he stands. His Autobots follow him loyally. He's what his people call a 'Prime' which is regarded as the highest honor in Cybertronian culture. The Decepticons are the ones you need to fear. Megatron's belief that he should've been named Prime led to war and that's what destroyed their home world. When they brought their destruction here, Optimus reached out to us and formed an alliance so that we wouldn't suffer the consequences of Megatron's ego. So yes, Leon, we trust the Autobots."
Helena then spoke up.
"But what do they have to do with all of this, with Jackson Darby?"
"From I understand, through a series of unforeseen circumstances, Mr. Darby had witnessed the Autobots in action along with two others, Rafael Esquivel and Miko Nakadai. Believing that their lives would be in danger from the Decepticons, Optimus had assigned three of his subordinates to act as their guardians and protect them from Megatron's forces. When they had learned about Umbrella and that they were after Jackson and his mother, June Darby, they had become aligned with the B.S.A.A. in a joint effort to take them down."
"So what happened in Jasper? Was that the Decepticons or Umbrella?" Leon asked.
"Fowler tells me that the Decepticons had led an attack on the Autobot base. Megatron holds a Cybertronian warship known as the Nemesis which has the capabilities of destroying an entire city, or this case, a small town. They were the ones behind Jasper's destruction."
Leon ran his hand through his hair as he took this all in.
"So...are they all dead?"
"I don't believe so. Fowler hasn't received word yet, but he believes that Optimus had put his emergency protocols to use when the attack began. He's simply waiting for a response back."
"So...what happens now? If the Autobots are in the wind, then so is Jackson Darby. We still don't know why Umbrella wants him and even with these Autobots, he's exposed."
President Bedford stood up and walked in front of his desk.
"When Fowler receives word from the Autobots that they are alive and in a secure location, I want you both to head out there and offer them your assistance."
"Sir?" Leon asked.
"You are to put together a team and you will help Optimus Prime take these bastards down."
"Mr. President, my job is to protect you." Leon said.
"Your job is to protect the people, Leon. We cannot stand on the sidelines any longer. If it involves Simmons, you are not to take any part in it. He can't know of your involvement with the B.S.A.A. But you both know Umbrella and you know how to strike at them. I need you out there so we could put an end to this nightmare once and for all."
"And what about you, Mr. President?" Helena asked. "Who will protect you?"
"Any number of Secret Service Agents looking to prove themselves by taking a bullet for me. I know, without you two, that means I won't have the very best guarding my life. But it also means I have two of the very best going to war with Umbrella. My life cannot compare to the security that will come from their downfall. Can I count on you, Leon?"
Leon took a moment and stood to face the President.
"You can always count on me, Sir."
"And you, Agent Harper."
Helena stood up as well.
"I owe a lot to you, Sir, so does my sister. I won't let you down."
There was much pride in the President from what Leon could see.
"No Commander and Chief has ever had more dedicated or loyal subordinates at his side."
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Leon waited in one of the rooms of the White House as Fowler had another discussion with the President. He was currently on his phone, waiting for an answer. The number he had dialed was the latest he had managed to track down.
"Hello." A soft voice came from the other end.
"...Ada." He said.
"Is that you, handsome? I didn't expect a call from you. What brought this on? Are you about to ask me on a date?"
"Ada...why didn't you tell me that Jackson Darby was just a kid?"
There was silence on the other end.
"Because I didn't think it mattered."
"Have you heard about Jasper, Nevada?"
"Of course, I have. It's been all over the news."
"I know you've done your homework. You know that Jasper was the kid's hometown."
Another pause.
"That wasn't Umbrella...That is not how they operate. They wanted the kid alive."
"Why? Why is Jackson Darby so important?"
"I don't know, Leon. I didn't ask."
"Well, the kid is still alive."
"What? How?"
"That's not important. I have a job for you?"
Leon knew Ada well enough to imagine the skeptic look on her face.
"A job? From you?"
"Ada..."
"Leon, even if I believed you, you know I work above your pay grade."
"If it's about the money, I still have plenty from the bonus I got for saving the President's daughter."
"And how do I know this isn't a trap?"
"Because what I want you to do, no one would ask you to do."
"Alright, I'm listening."
"I need you to break into the home of Derek C. Simmons."
Now, Leon imagined the shocked look on Ada's face.
"Are you insane?!"
"Ada, listen to me."
"I don't care if you paid me with all the gold in Russia and week as my plaything, I am not getting involved with that man."
"Ada, I know why you didn't tell me about the kid. I know why you pretend to be more coldhearted than you really are."
"Leon, now isn't the time fo..."
"I remember what you said about Sherry back in Raccoon City, about her carrying the burden of her parent's sins. I know that hurting kids is a line that you won't cross. But I also know of who you have to be in order to survive the life that you live.
Ada was quiet on the other end.
"That's why you told me about Jackson Darby, so that I can help him. Well, I need your help to do that. All I need you to do is search his home and find anything that connects to the name Oswell E. Spencer."
"Leon, do you know who that is?"
"Find out where he's been hiding and give me the location. That's all I'm asking."
"You say that like it's something small. You're gonna get yourself killed, Leon."
"If that's what it takes, Ada."
He heard he exhale on the other end.
"Well, I don't want that...Leon...I'll do it."
"Thank you, Ada."
"You won't thank me when you hear my price."
"How much do you want?"
"...Twenty thousand."
"Th...That's it?"
"And one night."
"One night?"
"One night together, where you're not a government agent...and I'm not a spy."
Leon thought about what she was asking. It was something he wanted, he couldn't deny it. But what he wanted was more than just one night. He wanted a life...with her.
"If that's what you want...then we have a deal."
"Alright, then. I'll be in touch."
"Thank you, Ada."
Before he hung up...
"Leon."
"Yes?"
"...Whatever good you see in me...it comes from you. Without it, I am as cold as I pretend to be. Whatever you plan on doing when I find Spencer for you, don't you dare die on me...Don't make me a bad guy."
The line was disconnected and Leon stared at his phone in disbelief. Did she really mean all that? Leon didn't want to fantasize, to think about what could never be. But if they did bring down Umbrella with the Autobot's help...could he and Ada really be together?
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"These are the coordinates you are to arrive at. Don't be late, Wesker."
Two things annoyed Wesker, unnecessary coordinates in place of a simple address and text messages. Why he bought a disposable phone capable of such was beyond him. Simmons was having his little fun, no doubt, annoying Wesker any way he could. All he wanted was to get this over with. When he arrived at his destination, an abandoned factory of some sort, he laughed to himself at how stupid Simmons seemed to think he was. Wesker checked the ammo of his weapon, a 9mm handgun not unlike the one he carried during his years in S.T.A.R.S., and proceeded into the obvious trap. The inside was empty, derelict and seemingly devoid of any human interaction for years.
"Where are you, Simmons? You summoned me all the way here for a reason." Wesker called out.
Several bright lights were activated, blinding Wesker temporarily.
"Indeed he did, Albert Wesker." A voice from one of the suspended platforms responded.
Wesker knew that voice.
"One, is that you up there?"
A tall, black man stepped forward into the light. He was bald and clean shaven and seemed completely stoic. This was James Shade, also known simply as One.
"Hello, Wesker. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Wesker looked around and saw that several members of the Umbrella Black Ops had taken positions around the factory, each aiming their weapons at Wesker.
"A stupid question, I know, but Simmons isn't here, is he?"
One smiled, something he didn't do often.
"I'm afraid not, Wesker. Simmons couldn't make it, but he wanted me to give you his regards."
Derek Simmons was painfully predictable. But it did surprise Wesker that he had sent One to deal with him.
"And so he sent you, the leader of Umbrella's Sanitation Team, to liquidate me. You've moved up it seems."
"In his own words, you are a stain that's been in need of cleaning for six years. He felt it was the perfect job for me."
"And the hit squad? Why did Simmons feel the need to send so many to get rid of me?"
"He wanted to make sure the job was done properly. Call it overkill if you wish, but you have a terrible habit of escaping death. Only Agent Hunk has a greater talent of that."
"Sounds to me like Simmons fears what might happen if you fail."
"Not a possibility, Wesker."
"We'll see about that, won't we?"
Beside One, a small, Hispanic woman pointed her Heckler & Koch G36K directly at Wesker. He could see that despite her size, she was not one to be trifled with.
"Can I shoot this asshole now, or are you two gonna keep this little back and forth going?"
One looked to his subordinate.
"Rain, patience."
"Screw that, I came here to kill someone."
"You don't seem to command a lot of respect, do you One?" Wesker mocked.
"Ya' hear that, One? Blondie down there's talkin' shit about you. Say the word and I'll put a bullet in'em."
Wesker's smirk clearly got under her skin right away. One signaled her to hold her fire.
"Wesker, I want you to know something before you die. I never liked you. I've always found your self-importance to be unbearable and when Simmons sent me on this mission, I looked forward to it. However, I respect your ambition. I also respect your resourcefulness, having survived the Arklay Mountains incident among other things. You truly were one of Umbrella's best."
The two stared each other down.
"You have no idea, One."
"Alright, I'm done with this jerk-off." Rain said as she re-aimed her weapon.
Wesker didn't sweat a single drop.
"Open fire." He calmly ordered before the hail of bullets closed in on Wesker.
They had no idea what they were dealing with.
Wesker vanished before a single bullet could touch them, causing them to cease fire right away. One was shocked to say the least, as was Rain.
"What the hell? What just happened?" Rain asked urgently.
One looked around the factory, trying to spot Wesker.
"Is this a trick, Wesker?" He yelled.
"No tricks."
All guns pointed at a spot in the platforms that was casted in shadow. Wesker stepped forward without a single wound.
"How the fu..." Rain began.
"Shoot him!" One yelled.
The closest began firing at Wesker, and just like before, he vanished from where he was standing. Even on the narrow passage of the platform, Wesker was able to move between the bullets, taking shots at his attackers between takes. A few moved forward to try and corner Wesker, but were stopped by the sound of something falling by their feet.
"Grenade!"
An explosion threw those that weren't caught in the blast off balance, allowing Wesker to move forward with great speed. Several well aimed shot were unable to hit their target, and Wesker responded in kind. He ran straight for one of the operative, firing point blank into his torso and killing him. Using him and his armor as a shield, Wesker fired back at the Umbrella Ops, killing several more. With his strength, he threw the dead soldier forward and leaped high into the beams of the ceiling. The guns aimed upwards, but Wesker wasn't visible.
"Aim the lights up at the ceiling." One ordered.
As they did, several shot came down and hit each of the lights, leaving the soldiers looking in the dark. Rain was beginning to look nervous, as was One.
"One, what the hell is going on?" Rain asked anxiously.
"I have no idea, Rain."
"And we didn't bring night goggles, why?"
"Just focus on finding him and killing him."
"Yeah, just lampshade that why don'tcha."
Wesker counted four soldiers minus One and his second, too easy for him. He silently made his way down behind one agent that was away from the others. His gun was now empty, but it still had a purpose. With a forceful throw, the gun hit the back of the operative's head, sending him to the floor bloody and dead. The others reacted to the sound and saw Wesker approaching.
"I see'em!" One soldier yelled before they opened fire.
Wesker dodged their gunfire as he did before. He ran for the first of the three, grabbing him by the arm that held his weapon. Wesker kneed him hard in the stomach, no doubt causing massive internal trauma, which doubled him over. Wesker took this time to reach around his head and grab his chin with his free hand and snap his neck with ease. He let him fall and went for the next one. Dodging his fire as well, Wesker got close enough to kick him in the neck with deadly force and send his over the railing. The final one had resorted to using his sidearm, making dodging his bullets even easier. Wesker closed the distance and grabbed his arm with both hands. Going behind him, he twisted his arm in a way that broke it and pierced the bone through his skin. The operative fell to his knees as he screamed in pain. With his hand still holding his weapon, Wesker put it to the back of his head and let off one bullet. His brains splattered all over the platform and Wesker turned to see the end of a rifle barrel with Rain looking very angry behind it.
"Let's see you dodge this, bitch."
She fired a single round and was knocked back by an open palm to her torso. Wesker had indeed dodged her bullet, ducking beneath her weapon just as she had pulled the trigger. Before she could recover, she felt Wesker's hand around her throat, lifting her up off her feet. She looked down and saw him examining her closely.
"You have a poor attitude and you don't seem like the kind of soldier who follows orders. Still, you are quite the marksman. Several of your shots came very close to hitting their target."
Rain was struggling in his grip, straining her throat even faster.
"I could use someone like you in my unit."
Rain was able to respond with a spit to Wesker's face.
"So be it."
Wesker gripped suddenly and crushed her throat completely. She went limp and he dropped her unceremoniously. He looked up and saw that One was now aiming his weapon at him.
"One, you have already seen what little that will do?"
"What have you done, Wesker? What happened to you?"
Wesker walked forward, One stepped back, never lowering his weapon.
"I've ascended, James. I have become greater than what I once was. Isn't that what we've been working towards? Isn't that the purpose of Umbrella?"
Wesker rushed forward and grabbed One's arm. He twisted it painfully and caused him to drop his gun. One was brought to his knees as Wesker stood over him.
"Tell me why. Why does he want me dead?"
"Simmons never liked you, Wesker. He has wanted you dead since the day he met you."
"I'm well aware of that, James. However, I wasn't referring to him. Simmons may have called upon you, but he does not give the orders. The old man sent you to kill me. Why would he do that?"
One grinned and bared the pain as best he as he could and answered.
"He knows about the boy, about Jackson Darby."
"What?" Wesker asked viciously.
"He's the key to an enhanced race of humans...and you tried to keep him from Spencer, from immortality."
Wesker hid his anger, choosing instead to focus on how Spencer could have gotten this information.
"He wants the boy...and he needs you out of the way."
"That arrogant, old fool. The feeling is mutual."
Wesker let go of One's hand and took him by the throat.
"There is something I'd like you to know, James." He said as he began applying pressure. "I've never liked you either. You were always a good little soldier who followed orders without question. I could see the battery in your back as you marched to the old man's fife and drum. But, I also respected you. You are an efficient commander and a remarkable soldier. I always knew that if I was going to achieve my goals..."
Wesker held his grip even tighter.
"I would have to kill you someday."
With that, Wesker tore his throat right out. One choked on his last, bloody breath and fell dead to the ground. Wesker watched the life drain from his eyes.
"What a waste." He said to himself.
Wesker jumped down to ground level and began leaving the warehouse. As he walked outside, he reached for his phone to contact Russell.
"Russell, it's me. Yes, I'm still alive. Is Joshua Darby secure? Good, listen closely. We have a rat in our ranks and I need you to sniff him out. It wasn't just Simmons, it was Spencer. He knows about Jackson Darby and now he wants the boy for himself. No, you remain where you are and find out who's been feeding Simmons information, but don't kill him. I'll deal with him when I come back."
Wesker stopped at the fence.
"I'm going to visit the old man, pay him my respects. I shouldn't be long. Find this informant, Russell. I expect him to be waiting for me upon my return."
Wesker hung up the phone and took out his disposable phone. Wesker examined it for a moment and then dropped it on the floor before crushing it beneath his boot. Wesker wasn't taking orders from Spencer's little puppet any longer.
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The Autobots, the humans of Team Prime, and the agents that had escaped Jasper all sat around the hangar as what they were just told by Optimus hung over their heads. Jack had gone to his quarters in an effort to calm himself down. Arcee didn't wish to leave his side, so she stayed with him. June, however, was unable to help Jack and couldn't bear to watch him fall to pieces. She left him with his guardian, praying that she could help him like she had the last two times. As Ratchet investigated Joshua Darby's history, trying to find out how and when Umbrella had captured him, the rest of the aligned teams were suffering low spirits.
"His Dad?" Bulkhead asked in disbelief.
Optimus grim expression was enough reconfirmation. Bulkhead looked down with the same shocked expression they all wore when this disturbing development was brought to them.
"Even Megatron never went this low." Bulkhead continued. "At least he waited until they were snuffed out before he brought our guys back. Wesker is lower than any Decepticon I ever met."
Optimus kept his focus on June, who had begun shutting down just as Jackson did. She sat by a table in her wheelchair as her untouched meal grew colder. She hadn't looked up once since she was brought back to the hangar. Next to her was Jill, who looked up at Optimus in worry. Neither of them knew what to do to help her.
"I don't get it, though." Wheeljack spoke up. "If Jack's old man wasn't around, why would Umbrella think he could help them find'em?"
Chris was cleaning his pistol to keep himself and his anger in check. If he wasn't so worried for the Autobot's kids, he would be at the shooting range, releasing some of that anger.
"Wesker must've gotten desperate. We should've known he would do this."
"Yeah, but obviously, he doesn't know about us. Why infect him with the virus? Why send'em after Jack?"
"Because humans are just guinea pigs to Umbrella." Chris answered angrily. "And Wesker is a sadistic bastard who probably just wanted to break Jack. That's how he operates."
Miko and Raf both looked alarmed by something. Miko stood up on Bulkhead's shoulder.
"What about our families? Would Umbrella go after them too?" She asked in a frightened toned.
"Wesker doesn't know about you two?" Jill answered back. "He doesn't have a reason to go after your families."
"Plus, we still have our people watching them." Barry added. "But if we put too many on them, Umbrella will take notice and wonder why we're protecting them. You and your families are safe, we promise."
Miko and Raf looked only to take slight comfort in that.
"I found something." Ratchet announced.
Ratchet observed his findings, becoming confused as he did.
"It says her that there's been an open missing person's report on Joshua Darby for over a month now."
Everyone gave Ratchet their attention. Even June looked up slightly.
"But...that was before all this even started." Ratchet followed.
"Ratchet, can you determine Joshua Darby's last known whereabouts?" Optimus asked.
"I already have, Optimus. Just before he disappeared, he crossed over into Ontario from Michigan. He never made it back to the States."
Chris stood up from his seat.
"Umbrella has operatives all over Canada and Alaska. Anyone trying to hide from them would do well to stay away from those places."
Jill watched June closely, who had become very tense and began tightening her fist.
"But that doesn't make any sense?" Rebecca joined. "Why would they go after Jack's father to track him and June down? They couldn't have been that hard to find. How would they even know that they were in Raccoon City? If Joshua Darby wasn't even there, why go for him and not them?"
The sound a something hitting a table and glass shattering interrupted this development. Everyone looked to its source and saw June Darby, shaking and bleeding from her good hand. She had smashed it down on her glass of water.
"June." Jill said both shocked and worried.
June muttered something too low for anyone to hear.
"What?" Jill asked.
"That..." June began clenching her bloody fist again, digging the bits of glass still in it deeper. "Motherfucker!" She as she slammed her fist on the table.
Everyone, the Autobots, the agents, Optimus and Jill most of all, were in utter shock at June's sudden outburst. June was still shaking, crying once again.
"What is it, June?" A worried Jill asked.
"That bastard!" She choked on words. "He did this!"
Optimus, unable to take the sound of June's crying, came forward.
"June, who are you talking about?" He asked.
June's face was hidden, but Optimus could feel her anger.
"Jack's father...he took one of the vaccines with him...He..."
June paused for a moment, cradling her bleeding hand.
"A few months before he left us, we got into this huge argument. We were having money troubles and it looked like we were going to lose the house. Joshua knew about Raccoon City. He believed what happened. He knew about Jack getting bit and the vaccine saving him. He wanted to try and sell it so we wouldn't have to move. He thought we were gonna be rich. I told him that it was too dangerous, that Umbrella would come after us, but he wouldn't listen."
Jill looked like she had remembered something.
"And I had to come back and show him all the people that Umbrella had either killed or made disappear to cover their tracks. That got him unstuck on stupid."
As June revealed more about Jack's father, Ratchet did some more research into him.
"I thought he understood. When he took the vaccine, I thought it was just for his own protection. He knew that Umbrella was dangerous." June continued.
Jill looked to come to a realization.
"Then we exposed them and he thought it'd be safe to look for a buyer. But...why'd he wait so long?" Jill added.
Ratchet looked back from his monitor.
"To pay off his gambling debts. If his bank records are of any indication, he owed a lot of money."
The looks of disbelief spread to everyone. Optimus himself felt anger for a person he had never even met before.
"So, Jack's father tries to sell the vaccine to someone in Canada, gets popped by Umbrella and..." Chris stopped when he realized what happened.
"He gave us up." June whispered just loud enough to be heard. "His son...his own flesh and blood, and he sold him out to Umbrella...to that monster."
Optimus turned his back to everyone so they couldn't see his face. Everything that had happened, Jack's eye, June's injuries, both their fractured mental states, the destruction of Jasper, it was all because of him...the sire who had abandoned Jackson as a child. The worst of it, Jackson had blamed himself when it couldn't have been farther from the truth. Primus forgive him, but what Optimus felt in his spark was hatred for Joshua Darby. Only Albert Wesker burned away at him more. Optimus managed to calm himself, using the sounds of June's crying to replace his hate with sorrow. He looked back at her, saw the hurt of her former mate's betrayal. Optimus wasn't there for her when Jack was rescued. He would be there for her now.
"June." He said, but was cut off by the sight of Arcee from the hallway...and Jack standing next to her.
"Jackson." He said suddenly.
June looked up and saw her son staring back at her, still looking broken and lost.
"Jack?...How long were you standing there?" She asked.
"Long enough, Mom."
Jack walked up to his mother and hugged her tightly. She cried into chest as he held the back of her head.
"I love you, Mom."
"I love you more, Jack."
Jack held her a little tighter, but then let go suddenly. He walked over to Optimus and stopped at his pedes. The Prime could barely recognize him. The stress had taken its toll.
"Optimus?"
"Yes, Jack?"
"I heard about Jasper."
Optimus had hoped that Arcee didn't tell him about that yet. He had enough misfortune for one day, he felt.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, you did everything you could."
"Yes...and I have failed."
Jack kept his head down. Optimus recognized his shame, but did not know where it had originated.
"Optimus, do you think it's possible that...that thing...my father...survived?"
Optimus didn't want to think about what Joshua Darby had become, but he knew Jackson needed an answer.
"It is possible, Jackson, but highly unlikely. I don't expect that...your father could have been able to escape Jasper's destruction."
"But there's still a chance."
"A very small chance, but yes."
Jack clearly didn't like that answer.
"I see...Optimus, I need to ask you a favor."
"Anything, Jackson."
"If he did survive, if he's still out there...you have to kill him."
Optimus had never thought that Jackson would ask for such a thing.
"Jackson..."
"Please, Optimus, promise me you will?"
Optimus was about to answer.
"We'll get'em, Jack, we promise."
Everyone looked over at Bulkhead.
"If he's still out there, we'll take care of'em for ya'. Both he and Wesker are gonna pay for what they did."
Jack responded with a look of horror, which caught Bulkhead by surprise.
"Bulkhead." Miko scolded.
"What?" He responded. "It's his fault this is even happening. Jack lost an eye because of that creep."
"That's enough, Bulkhead." Ratchet said.
"C'mon, Doc." He looked to Arcee. "You're with me, right 'Cee? Don't you think Jack deserves some revenge?"
"I don't want revenge, Bulkhead." Jack said sternly.
Bulkhead looked down to him, shocked to hear that.
"What? Why not? If this ain't about payback, why do you want us to kill him?"
Jack looked as if the answer should've been obvious.
"For one thing, he's dangerous. He's a B.O.W, a monster that'll kill anyone he sees if he's still alive. And yeah, he gave me up to Umbrella and caused all this to happen but..." Jack's eyes began to water. "He's still my father."
Bulkhead looked to regret his attitude just moments ago.
"He doesn't deserve this...to be some mindless thing...No one does, not even Silas, remember?"
Bulkhead looked away, clearly feeling ashamed. Optimus, however, felt a little hope in his spark that the young Prime hadn't been broken yet.
"When the time comes, Jackson." Optimus said to Jack. "You have my word as a Prime that I will free your father from Umbrella's cruelty."
Jack tearfully smiled at Optimus, only for it to disappear again. He walked back to Optimus, pulling this Key to Vector Sigma out of his pocket. He stood in front of Optimus, keeping his head down, and held the Key up to him. Optimus didn't like this.
"I don't understand."
"You were wrong, Optimus. I'm not a Prime, not even close. I'm not like you, I'm not strong...I'm just a scared little kid. I don't deserve to have this."
That did it. That crushed Optimus' spark. Wesker had done horrible things to Jackson and now, he was causing him to doubt himself. Optimus reluctantly took the Key from Jackson, shifting it back to its original size. Jack walked back to Arcee, who held a very sorrowful look on her face.
"Jackson." Optimus called.
Jack stopped, but he didn't look back.
"I will hold the Key until you decide that you are worthy. But know this. Of the many mistakes I have made in my time, entrusting it to you was not one of them."
Jack stood where he was for a moment, but left all the same. Optimus sighed in regret. Now he understood why June felt so powerless.
"I'm sorry, Optimus." Ratchet said.
Optimus walked over to Arcee, who worryingly watched him walk down the hall to his quarters.
"Stay close to him, Arcee." He said.
Arcee looked to him confused.
"He should not be left alone. I...fear of what he might do to himself."
The implication made Arcee to gasp suddenly. She nodded to Optimus and followed Jack to his quarters. Optimus looked back to his team, who were all defeated by recent events. Rebecca was tending to June's hand, who had begun shutting down once again. He wanted to help her, to comfort her the way he should've the last time she was like this. But he felt that he couldn't. He couldn't help her, he couldn't help any of them, and so he retreated to his quarters to think about his failures.
After he left, Wheeljack walked over to Ratchet and handed him the Vehicon helm he had salvaged the day before.
"Wheeljack, why are you handing me a Decepticon helm?" Ratchet asked.
"These Vehicons, they have faces under those visors, right?"
"Yes, I believe they do."
"Good, then that should have all the parts you need for Jack's optic."
Ratchet was surprised by Wheeljack's thoughtfulness. All the Autobots were.
"Thank you, Wheeljack. I'm sure he will appreciate this."
Wheeljack looked down the hall where Jack, Arcee, And Optimus had gone.
"Yeah, well...the kid needs somethin' good happen to him."
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Somewhere in Europe, secluded far away from civilization, Wesker stood in front of a mansion. He may have found text messages and unnecessary coordinates to be annoying, but two things he hated were cowardice and sentimentality. He despised those thing because he felt that they were what held mankind back as a species. Oswell E. Spencer was guilty of both, so attached to his family's estate, he had it remade brick for brick in Raccoon City. And as for cowardice, the very creation of Umbrella was rooted in his fear of mortality. He would face death soon enough. Wesker walked up to the entrance, two wooden brown doors fit for a mansion. There was a hesitance in Wesker, uncertainty he hadn't felt in years. He knew that behind these doors were monsters that Spencer filled his estate with to protect him. Wesker had seen many of them throughout his life. But for the first time since the Arklay Mountains, he would fighting against them. Even with his enhanced abilities, there was a small doubt of his survival. Yes, he may very well die here tonight. The door held his focus. For all he knew, behind it, right in the lobby, an army of Tyrants or Cerberus canines awaited him. He held his focus on the door, feeling as if it was the only thing in front of him. Everything else seemed shrouded in blackness. Wesker took one deep breath and strengthened his mind. As the door clicked open, Wesker entered the mansion. He was going to kill Spencer and Umbrella would be his.
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Told you it was going to be an angsty chapter.
Alright, let's get this out of the way first. Jack is messed up for real. Actually saying out loud what that was back at the Autobot Base seemed to really push him ever further. I really wanted to capture the hopeless of the situation. If it was me, I wouldn't know how to help someone going through something like that. And now that the Autobots and June know how Umbrella found Jack, morale is pretty low. At least Jack might be getting his eye replaced soon. I promise that this won't become a pity party every chapter. Also, I've got June dropping an F-Bomb. Sorry if that seems out of character, but who wouldn't react that way?
Some good news, Leon and Helena might be linking up with the Autobots pretty soon. I chose 1984 as the year the Autobots came to Earth because that's when the G1 cartoon first aired. I'm not really good at romance, but I hoped the thing going on between Leon and Ada is believable. I like Ada, but I wanted to give her and Leon's relationship more depth than just cat and mouse, like deep down, she wants to be good for him. And since I mentioned Helena Harper, anyone else want to see a Transformer femme voiced by Laura Bailey? Was there ever one? Someone let me know in the comments.
And finally, we have Wesker. Joshua Darby is still alive and Wesker isn't ready to give up on Jack yet. I got two movie characters appearing in the chapter. I'm not crazy about the films, but I always like Michelle Rodriguez' character in the first and most recent film and I always like any character played by Colin Salmon. So, Wesker is ready to bite back at Spencer and Simmons. That whole focus on the door thing was meant to invoke the first games whenever you would enter a new room. Every time I saw those doors or those steps I was on my toes waiting for something to jump out at me.
So, the last of my hiatus stockpile of Old Nightmare will go up on Tuesday. But that in no way means that I'm going back in hiatus. I intend to see this story to the end and I hope to bring you all along with me. Leave your comments and reviews and I will be back on Sunday with a new A.S.O.G. Cheers.