Author Note: Some of the timeline will be off for this one, but I was not planning on following the script of the Resident Evil movies, but instead using the characters you all love to create my own story line. Please, enjoy, be courteous, & review (I do take constructive criticism!)

Disclaimer: I do not own the Characters, but a girl can dream right?

Without further adieu…here comes Chapter Eight

B

Update Oct-30-2015: As I prepare to add more to Calm Before the Storm I figured I should go back and look over what I posted almost two years ago to the story that started it all. This way I can make some editorial changes while also refreshing my memory on what things I left off with in the end.

Update Dec-23-2019: I haven't created any FF in awhile, and would like to get back into it, specifically with some RE stuff. To do so, I figured I would edit some old work to try and get some ideas percolating in my head before the Christmas holidays

- 8 -

- Mess Hall -

The survivors were all huddled around one of the far tables in the mess hall, looks of concern and worry on their faces. Chris and Luther were standing atop the table, Chris had a megaphone in his hand as Luther raised his hand, a hush suddenly falling over the crowd.

"Thank-you for your co-operation. As I am sure you are aware, we have anchored just off the coast of Mexico." Chris stated, his voice echoing in a room made for five hundred that was only filled with at most fifty people.

"Are we in danger?" Someone yelled as a collective murmur washed over the crowd.

"No, this meeting is a call for volunteers. We are about the head out for a search and rescue mission. There are survivors that need our assistance."

A cheer erupted, for this was the first positive news they had heard in weeks, possibly months. This response from Mexico gave everyone hope that their was something beyond this ship, and a future free of Umbrella. Adding more people to their small community was a cause for celebration.

"How many survivors?" A man called.

"The transmission says ten, but there is no telling how old that transmission is. It is possible we find no one." Chris offered, seeing the frowns appear once more on people's faces.

"How do we know this is not a trap set by Umbrella?" Another asked, as gasps filtered through the group.

Luther took the megaphone from Chris, "To be honest, we don't, but we still need to go and check it out. We need an additional two, able bodied, men to join our rescue team." He said, scanning the crowd for potential prospects.

Suddenly the group of Renegades in the back raised their hands. This would be the perfect opportunity to orchestrate their plan. Alice would for sure be apart of the rescue mission, and going ashore would provide them with plenty of opportunities to make her death look like an accident. It would not take much to get the blonde on her own.

"We volunteer!" The men yelled, catching Luther's attention.

The group parted, allowing Chris and Luther to get a good look at the two men who had their hands raised. They were young, strong men who could be useful for carrying supplies and welding a firearm or two. Chris nodded, calling them forward. The crowd began their round of applause as the men stepped forward, congratulating them on their bravery. To the rebels, they were not just volunteers, they were martyrs because if this plan was to fail, Alice would not hesitate to kill them.

- Top Side -

Claire was gripping Jill's tired hands, leading her down the boat deck and towards the rest of the group. Alice had led them through the empty corridors, glad that this was taking place while the meeting in the mess hall was taking place. The sight of Jill could cause panic, or worse, someone try to play hero and kill her when she was no longer the enemy.

The Arcadia was supposed to be a place for new beginnings and peaceful journeys, a safe haven.

As they got closer the group, Claire was beginning to get second thoughts. Even with her doubts, and gut instincts telling her this was a bad idea, Claire felt bad for the woman. The feelings of confusion and loneliness were all too familiar, and as long as Jill didn't do anything stupid, Claire would help her through it all the best she could.

"Don't make any sudden movements," Claire muttered, pulling on the rope as Jill flinched once more.

"I wasn't planning on it," Jill replied, "Besides, not like I can break through this knot you made. I'm not superhuman, not like-" Jill suddenly stopped, looking at Alice.

"Your memory, it's coming back to you isn't it?" Alice asked, excitement radiating in her eyes.

Jill frowned, keeping her cards close to her chest, "I-I don't know."

"You do know, you just don't want to admit it." Claire replied, taking out her hunting knife and cutting the rope, "I admire that."

Jill rubbed her tender wrists, eyeing one of the men who approached them. She remembered him, from when she awoke in that cell downstairs. She could make out the sibling resemblance as he stood beside Claire.

"So, you decided to let her out?" Chris said, nodding at Jill.

"Yes, but she still needs to earn my trust." Claire replied.

Alice went to Luther, who was loading up the last of their gear into the second life boat. Beside him were two young me, eyes wide with fear.

"These our volunteers?" Alice asked.

"Yeah, Brian and Glen." Luther said placing a hand on Alice's shoulder, "Please, be nice."

Alice nodded at both men, "Thank-you for your help. We really appreciate it."

"A-Anything we can do to help." One of the men replied with a nervous smile. Alice noticed them intently staring at Jill as she boarded the boat, followed by Claire.

Chris gave the thumbs up, stating they were ready to go as Alice nodded, ushering their volunteers onto the second boat with Luther. Alice untied the ropes, hoping into the boat with Jill as Chris started the engine, Luther doing the same.

Jill sat at the back of the small boat, her ocean water from the propeller spritzing her face. It was the first time in days she was able to breath fresh air. They pulled away from the small platform, as she noticed a young blonde up on the boat deck. Claire saw what Jill was looking at and noticed K-Mart was waving good-bye. She gave the teen a salute as Chris turned the boat and headed towards shore.

"Who was that?" Jill asked.

"K-mart, one of the only teenagers we have on board." Alice replied, seeing the anger flash in Claire's eyes.

"K-mart? What an interesting name."

'Why not re-invent yourself with the fall of the known world." Claire replied, narrowing her eyes at Alice.

The boat bounced on the waves made by the choppy water as Luther's boat came up along side them, Chris and him engaged in a playful race to the shoreline.

Jill looked across the water at the men in the other boat. The two in the back looked like they were about to be sea sick. She then turned her attention back to Claire. She was beautiful, her red hair up, aviator sunglasses on her face to block the sun. She didn't want to admit it, but she was scared. Feeling alone, treated like the enemy, being told she once worked for the enemy she vowed to take down, it was all overwhelming.

Regardless, she felt that something was wrong. Going to the main land was a bad idea, but if she said that, it would appear like she was still working for looked at Alice, her memories of the blond beginning to return. She could picture her in Raccoon City. Could picture the fight in the church, the fireball from her motorcycle as it exploded along with the licker that was attached to it. No matter the outcome of this trip ashore, Jill was certain of one thing. She needed Alice, for she was the only one who could help her piece her memories back together.

T.B.C.