Well, guys. This is it. Chapter 46. The scene that played in my head so vividly over a month ago, which spawned all 45 chapters ahead of it just to build it up. For those of you that will be calling this the end of their journey with this story. Thank you so much for spending the last month with me as we went through the ups and downs. For those that will be continuing to read as I update I thank you as well for your continued support. Let me know if there is anything you'd like to see added to the story even if it's for a month that has already passed. I can write in a few flashbacks to past months for events that didn't get explored in-depth and add in details that way. For you who will be continuing to read past this point, there will be a question at the end. If you are so inclined to answer I would appreciate your input.
Now that I've completely overhyped this. Without any further delay, I present to you, Chapter 46.
Song suggestion: If The World Was Ending by Jp Saxe Ft. Julia Michaels
Disclaimer: Per the norm, I am just a fanfiction writer, I own nothing. but I hope with all my nothing, I was at least able to make one smile.
"Come in Golden Liger. This is BSAA US HQ. Confirm Estimated Arrival time. over." Says a voice over the intercom system.
The pilot takes a breath and nods before flipping a switch "BSAA US HQ This is Golden Liger team lead. our Estimated Time of Arrival is February 14th at 18 hundred hours. The package is secure. Over."
"Confirmed. Do not disembark upon arrival. Await escorts for the package. Over." The voice replies in its same calm even tone.
"Confirmed. Over and out." the pilot replies before pressing a few buttons to afford themself a chance to look back at the contents of the flight before focusing on the mission ahead of him.
Sitting along the sides of the helicopter's descent amount of seats were six handcuffed individuals whose cuffs were chained to the floor of the aircraft. The pilot's team stood armed on either side of each individual.
Chris had a permanent scowl stuck on his face. it had been there for the last four days. He held his hand a clenched fist in hand as he tapped his thumb against it. He and the rest of Hound Wolf Squad had been apprehended after going to BSAA's European headquarters. Pretty much the second that they landed the helicopter, HQ was waiting for them. They had Mia and Rose while he had no answers and a pair of cuffs that were too tight.
The remainder of the flight was made in a piercing, grating silence as no one seemed willing to talk. The helicopter was landed and shut down before the voice was heard over the intercom again.
"Golden Liger you're clear to proceed with opening the hatch for transportation of the package. Over." the voice announces.
"Rodger, Over and out." The pilot says before flipping a few more switches and automatic doors unfolded into stairs to allow further personal onto the helicopter. Each member of Hound Wolf Squad was slowly unloaded from the helicopter. Each one was surrounded by four armed escorts While Chris being the human tank that he is had six around him.
Each member was lead into a large conference-style room where six chairs had been set up and screwed into the ground. He knew this room. He'd been in it before on the other side of that desk. It was for processing criminals to hand them off. One by one they were instructed to sit before having their arms cuffed behind their backs and attached to the chair. The armed escorts then moved to stand along the sides of the walls.
Another long wait felt like hell and worst still at the end of that wait the devil angrily walked through the doors. "What in the actual FUCK were you six thinking," The director says as he slaps a very thick folder down on the desk in front of the six chairs. "Do you have ANY idea how much trouble you guys are in?" the director asks as he walks around the table to stand in front of the six sitting figures. "I am up to my neck in paperwork from this little escapade of yours."
"Let's go down some of the list shall we?" the director says with a scowl while pacing. "The death of not only Ethan Winters who was under our protective custody but multiple BSAA agents resulting in the total wipeout of Tiger Orca squad. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment? That's all scrap metal now. That's not even accounting for the Security risk that comes with the what. 12 laptops you hopefully blew up cause you sure didn't bring them back with you. Speaking of the explosion. The cover-up we have to go through with a giant explosion in the middle of a Romanian forest. Which by the way started a wildfire that is still burning." The man moves to collapse into the seat behind the desk before holding his face.
"How? How do you expect me to explain all this to the UN because half of what you just did on your own could be seen as an act of war between the States and Romania. Did you see the size of that explosion?" The director asks with exasperation before digging through a few of the pages of the folder that he dumped on the desk. "All of this for what? To save an Ex Bio-Terrorist mother and her baby? That's not even close to an equivalent exchange," He says as he throws the papers back onto the pile while he tries to figure out what justification was used for this.
"For a Bioweapon that was about to be taken and used by an outside force," Chris corrects. "A bioweapon the BSAA was trying to cover up!"
"Congratulations Redfield you figured it out. The baby's a bioweapon. You must be so proud of yourself," The director says with annoyed sarcasm. "We were trying to keep quiet about it so shit like this didn't happen but you couldn't just let it be could you?" he says as he moves to stand up and places his hands on the desk while leaning forward. "Noooo. of course not. You're you. The BSAA's golden boy who thinks he can just do whatever the shit he wants because he was here first." The director says as he walks around to the front of the desk. "Seven people are dead because of the little rebellion that you dragged them into. You and your whole team are about to get locked up for good if I have anything to say about it."
The room remained quiet.
"Now, against my better judgment and advising, the council agreed that you'd be allowed on house arrest until your hearing at the end of the month." He says as he goes back to the desk and digs out six ankle monitors and drops them onto the desk. "So help me if I have to track any of you down. The orders will be shoot to kill is that understood? Continued silence remained as the director gave a tired sigh before fixing his posture and adjusting his suit jacket. "Enjoy the last of the outside world. You have 14 days." He says and makes his way to the door. "And Redfield," He says as he pauses at the door to turn back and look at them. "You said splitting you six up, that blood would be on my hands? Look where it ended up once you get those hands of yours uncuffed."
With that, the director walked out the door and closed it behind him with a solid thud. it took another good hour before another Employee walked in to process their records. One by one they were fitted with a monitor before being escorted to a separate room to have any remaining patches removed from their uniforms and to be officially discharged from the BSAA removing any clearance and access they previously had. Then mug shots and to have their rights read to them along with the charges they were about to face. With all that taken care of, one by one they were escorted out of the building. each time an unmarked car with three guards was waiting for the member that walked out to take them home where their monitor would be activated.
"Alright, and you're activated. Try and stay within 150 ft of this building. we set the address as your beacon for the GPS" One of the BSAA agents says as they hand Chris a charging cable. "You're gonna need to charge it twice a day. Try not to forget or you're going to have a swat team at your door. Understood?"
Chris Nods.
"I'm going to need verbal confirmation before we can let you out." the worker says as they brace themself.
"...Understood," He replies quietly.
Hearing the soft-spoken word from the intimidating figure was surprising but the worker nods and unlocks Chris's handcuffs before handing Chris his bag. Chris accepts it and gets out of the car.
He takes a deep breath before walking towards the building with a sense of dread. He was no longer Alpha, or chief or boss or leader. No BSAAs or STARS. Just Chris. Who even was that anymore with everything he worked for in his life stripped away. Who was he if he wasn't chasing down bio-weapons? the answer came up blank.
Nothing.
His tired steps lead him to a comforting familiar door. He stared at it for what felt like an eternity. a quiet sigh crossed his lips as he reached out and knocked on the door instead of walking in. Weighted down with guilt, he didn't feel he had the right to just walk in without permission.
'*'*'*'*'
February 14th. Valentine's day. Emma looked at the calendar on her fridge and marked off another day with a slight frown before heading over to the sink to wash up the dishes from dinner for one. He'd been gone for almost a month.
Raging wildfires continue to spread in the forests of Romania following the mysterious blast four days ago.
Emma scrubbed at the plate more intently as she listened to the news and tried to force a neutral expression. Why was it always fire?
While the source of the explosion is still unknown, Romanian authorities are insisting that everything is under control and that the believed source is a long since abandoned factory that was scheduled for demolition at a future date, though world leaders are not so quick to rule out a potential attack as the blast has destroyed everything within 3 miles of the source. As far as a death toll-
She puts the dish down with a bit more force than she meant to before turning off the water. She'd take care of washing the dishes later, she thought as she briskly walked over to change the TV so it would accept a DVD instead. She gave a quiet sigh of relief as the voice was silenced before taking out her phone.
[Emma] Anything?
[Claire] Nothing...
She felt a slight sting in the corners of her eyes as she read the reply. Nope. No, she was not doing this right now. She thought as she blinked a few times while taking a deep breath then released it to try and rid herself of the sting. She looked back at the phone to see an unexpected message.
Ring:[Alert - Motion Detected]
She looked over to the door as she heard a quiet knock. The second she heard the soft Echo she put her phone down and hurried over to the door to open it.
"Chris?" She says with relieved surprise.
As the door opens Chris lowered his head slightly as he closed his eyes and held his breath.
"Oh thank god you're alive," She says as she smiles though she notices he seemed to refuse to look at her or move to enter the apartment. Concern washed over her and ate away any relief she felt. Something was wrong... "Do you want to come in?"
He presses his lips together and gives a single short nod.
"Okay," Emma says and moves out of the way for him to enter the apartment.
Chris slowly shuffles in, leaving his bag and charging cable by the door. He looked to the kitchen Island as memories flooded back.
* 'What can I get you?' 'Just a cup of coffee,' 'One cup of coffee coming up,' 'How was your trip?' 'It was work,'
* 'You're military right? can you teach me to defend myself?' 'You don't need that, you're panicking' 'So if someone does get in what's going to keep me safe? Duke?' 'Alright Emma, alright. you made your point.' 'So you'll help me?'
* 'What are you in the mood for, quick food or tasty food,' 'Quick,' 'Can do, Let me think a second... How was your trip?' 'It was work' 'Is that the only answer I'll get to that question?' 'Probably'
* 'Hey. The girls are sleeping, but come on in,' 'thanks' 'How was your trip? it was work' 'It was wo-yeah' 'So quick food or tasty food' 'Let's go with tasty... I have time'
* 'hey stranger... Could you use a bite to eat? ... How was your trip?' 'Hell' '...Let's go then' 'What?' 'Leave your bag here. We're going for a walk'
* 'My friend! Come on you can sit next to me' 'It's okay you don't have to if you don't want to' 'I have a few minutes.' 'YEY!' 'How was your trip?' 'It was work'
* 'Chris! Hey, You're back. Er. Welcome back. Come in,' 'Hey to you too. you seem surprised,' ... 'How was your trip,' 'it was work' 'I see, so a quick meal or a tasty one?' ' How much time do you have?' 'I have time' 'Let's go with tasty' 'Can do ... Ah I almost forgot, I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor since your back'
* 'Chris, Welcome home,' 'good to be back,' 'How did you manage to get a tan in the middle of winter?' 'it was work'
* 'Chris?! ... I thought I lost you...' 'Everything's going to be okay' 'no it's not. what the HELL was that thing?' 'it was w-' 'Don't. tell me it was work Chris'
* 'It smells good, What's the occa-sion... Kennedy' 'Redfield' 'Good to see you, we were in the area' 'How was work?' 'It was work' 'I see'
* 'Chris?! You scared the Shit out of me' 'it's a good thing we still train because that was a horrible reaction... What's for dinner by the way it smells good,' 'You. none for you, you're in trouble' 'I'm in trouble?' 'yes' 'even if I say I'm sorry?' '...Maybe' 'Well I'm sorry, I won't do it again' 'okay fine, How was your trip?' 'it was work' 'I see'
* 'Hey, I'm home when you're ready' 'thanks' 'rough day?' 'Nah work was fine, just a bit disappointed, I think I messed up the recipe I was trying' '... it does look a little deflated.' ... 'April fools!' 'Get over here... Thought you were going to get away with it didn't you' 'I kinda did' 'little shit' 'worth it'
* 'Hey,' 'Hey, you're in a good mood," "Yep, got a call from the Realtor' 'and' 'We're moving in, March 20th'
Shit...
"Chris?" Emma asks concerned as she sees him stare at the Island counter for a good few moments. He once more lowered his head and instead of going to the Island walked to the couch to sit down and hold his face. Emma watched stunned as their tradition fell short. he wasn't talking. what happened?
How did this happen?
* 'We Need to start gathering supplies for a stakeout. It doesn't sound like she's particularly active yet but she is a known threat that the BSAA doesn't want on record apparently." ' We need supplies for the stakeout and a new secure location for the family outside of the BSAA's Knowledge, that's a tall order. it could take months' 'We better get started then'
* 'We should tell Ethan' 'No. Absolutely not, he can barely keep up with his training' 'Imean, it is his kid' 'exactly my point, he's going to want to get involved. He's a civilian regardless of how much training we give him. he's not ready for this kind of fieldwork. He's not to know and that's final.'
Chris thought as memories from the apartment once more filled his mind. the soft clack of a plate and silverware against the coffee table eventually woke him from his thoughts as he looked up to find Emma putting a plate with toast and scrambled eggs down on the small table.
She didn't know what to do... It was all she could think of. She was about to walk away to see if maybe she could get a cup of coffee or find a book for him to read but she felt a soft pressure grip her wrist.
He wanted her to stay. It was selfish, he knew that. He was in no position to expect kindness and yet all the same she sat next to him and held him.
"...Sometimes. When it feels like the world is falling apart... it helps to let someone else hold you together for a bit," Emma said quietly as an excuse. He held her in return and shifted so the two could hold each other more comfortably.
"...Bull Shit," he replies as he rests his forehead against her shoulder. "You just made that up..."
Emma quietly chuckles in response "Guilty as charged." she wasn't sure if he was trying to reference their time spent running from hell or not but. he at least said something. She moved to give him a peck on the side of his head that she could reach as he rested his head on her shoulder. "I'm glad you're safe," she says quietly.
He was safe but.
'Mia... I'm so sorry, I love you... Keep rose safe.' 'Hey... you tell her yourself. Now come on it's not that much further.' 'watch over, her. Teach her to be strong.' 'Goddamnit.' 'Goodbye Rosemary.' 'Ethan...'
The memory played on repeat. Watch over her... Teach her to be strong. the dying wish of a friend. How was he going to do that now? Mia and Rose were still in Europe... Even assuming the best-case scenario where he doesn't get locked up for life and somehow gets reinstated. How was he going to do that? Ethan was dead and he needed to be there for Rose. What would that even mean for him?
He knew.
He held Emma tighter as tears began to leak from his eyes and he openly wept as he realized the small shred of hope he'd allowed himself would likely turn to nothing now. There was no way they were moving anywhere together let alone in march if he ended up in jail. What was he supposed to do? Expect her to wait for him then completely uproot herself to go to Europe to watch after a kid she didn't know?
She felt the tears start to soak into her shoulder. she'd never seen him cry before. not like this..."It's going to be okay," Emma cooed as she continued to hold him and moved a hand to support the back of his head. "I've got you, it's okay..."
'Try not to wait 10 years to stop by again, Okay?' 'I sent you a card each year for a while, would it have killed you to write back?' ' There just wasn't much to write about. Wake up, go to work, go home sleep. go on the next mission.' 'and that's why I gave up... we had our moments back in the day. whatever you want to consider them but nothing came of it because it was always just on to the next mission for you.'
He finally got it... and it was too late.
'God I have the best neighbors,'
'Silly. His name's Chris, not Alpha. Chris is my friend,'
'Emma Dear, your boyfriend is here.'
'Uncle Chris!'
All those memories, of being someone other than his work, of being someone to her. He experienced all of that and he still threw it all away at the drop of a dime for a mission. He had it perfectly well spell out for him and yet he made the same mistake twice. He put work first. It wasn't even work... He put his pride first and he was going to lose everything because of it. He wasn't going to get a third chance to mess up.
How did he tell her he ruined everything? He was selfish and now people were dead because of him. That he probably wasn't coming back after this. Chris was someone. He was a neighbor, he was a friend, a loved one, an uncle. but all of that would go away... he really was nothing. again. because Alpha threw him away. Now neither would exist. who was he?
"Chris?" Emma says quietly unaware of the question he had mentally asked himself. "Say something please? I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong..."
He tried to find the words. "I messed up." He eventually choked out. He was lucky. he had someone waiting for him. What about the rest of his team. where were they? were they okay? they were going to lose just as much as him if not more.
Hearing the guilt in his tone hurt. she frowned and tried to nuzzle closer to him.
"God I really messed up." He repeated as he found his voice. "I'm so sorry..." he says as he refuses to move as if doing so would cause her to cease to exist and he'd be alone again. "It's all my fault... I was supposed to protect them."
oh. oh no. someone died. Emma thought as she started to piece things together. She didn't have to wonder for long. Having found the freedom to speak Chris did so openly. he explained everything that happened, from taking the baby by force to Ethan's sacrificed and dying wish. To put it mildly, she was stunned. He kidnapped a baby and shot the mother in front of the father because it wasn't actually the mom and she was some immortal shapeshifter? It was like listening to the rambling of a mad man yet she knew every word he spoke was the truth... oh god the baby and mother were in Europe? The trial was in less than 2 weeks...How was this going to work? She shook her head. He needed her to be the strong one right now. she couldn't think like that.
"We'll figure something out." She says though she wasn't sure she believed that... She was going to lose him. She already was.
'*'*'*'*'
Sunday, February 28th came around slowly. Chris would have to go to Emma if he wanted anything that would require leaving the building. He had to charge the stupid ankle monitor for 2 hours twice a day which meant he was mostly stuck to the couch with an extension cord.
Emma did her best, really she did, but he could tell this was starting to wear on her as the days counted down to the hearing.
As the final day arrived a knocking could be heard at the door. it was time. Both of them looked at each other with Tired defeated expressions.
Chris had changed into his uniform despite the lack of patches and walked over to the door to open it.
"Christopher Redfield?" Says one of several armed escorts.
"Yeah" he replied with an empty tone.
"We're going to need you to come with us. Hands together please" the escort requests and remained rather courteous. Chris nods and offers his hands which were cuffed and he was lead out of the apartment to a transport vehicle. the drive was made in silence and he was lead into the BSAA headquarters once more to a large conference room where the hearing would take place.
Long tables lined the edges of the rooms with various members of the BSAA council from all of the different branches, Some of these faces were familiar to him. one in particular. Jill. Of course, she was here she was one of the founders like he was. Naturally, they'd want as many remaining founders present for this as possible. This was beyond humiliating... all the same, he complied and took his seat.
"Thank you all for taking the time to be here for this emergency gathering of the council for disciplinary action." Says the Director as he reads from a page. "Presiding over this meeting will be the director of the Oceanian Branch as a neutral party for all involved to present their cases." he explains "With that, I offer the floor to the director of the Oceanian branch."
"The Oceanian Branch accepts the floor," says the respective director as they stand "We will proceed with the disciplinary review of One Christopher Redfield and Members of the Hound Wolf Squad, Rolando Elba, Dion Wilson, Charlie Graham, John Perlman, and Emily Berkoff. Are all offending parties present?"
"They are," the director says, and both nod to each other.
"Very well, then we shall proceed." The Oceanian director replies "Let it be known that today's meeting is being recorded and all parties are liable for what they choose to say as the recording will be provided to the courts if such action is deemed necessary. any opposed say so now."
The room was silent.
"We'll start off with a brief explanation of the offense by the director of the North American Branch and followed by an explanation of grievances by the European branch before opening the floor for questions where the offending parties will be able to make their case." the Oceanian director explain and again there is no opposition. "I return the floor to the Director of the North American Branch."
"Thank you," The director says as he stands once more while the director of the Oceanian branch sit. "Ladies and Gentlemen what we have in front of us is a case of Insubordination at best." The director says with a frown as he is granted access to a large screen that now displayed multiple recordings of the explosion, the wildfire that resulted after, and pictures of 6 different funerals. "On January 16th Christopher Redfield was given an official warning for his actions of commandeering the elite task unit Hound Wolf Squad"
"Yeah, I got something to say about that" Lobo cuts in with a scowl "He didn't commandeer shit. what you think he held me at gunpoint or something? Nah we all knew what we were doing. Don't act like we're fucking dogs dragged on a leash." he says which earns a few mutters from the council.
"I'll remind you that your time to speak is later," The Oceanian branch leader says with a frown before motioning for the director to continue.
"He accessed a number of top-secret documents without permission before going AWOL with Hound Wolf Squad and shortly after led an invasion of the BSAA safe house that was granted to the Winters family of the Baker incident in 2017." The director lists, "Prior to this are charges of acquiring, using, and destroying BSAA property in aid of the grievances to be listed by the director of the European Branch. With that, I hand over the floor to the European director for discussion of their grievances."
"February 10th. What a horrid day for our branch at the hands of these miscreants." "In an act nothing short of a rebellion, we have lost good men and women. a countryside was set on fire causing irreparable damage to once beautiful land. We of the European branch humbly request the council deliberate on severe punishment to the furthest extent of the law and compensation for the actions of the rogue members of the North American Branch. I return the floor to the North American Branch." The European branch leader sits while the director stands.
"The North American Branch agrees to comply with the request of the European branch and to follow any action mandated by the council. I surrender the rest of my time," the director says, and the Director of the Oceanian branch nods.
"European branch council the floor is yours for any further grievances." the Oceanian director says and the European director shakes his head.
"None, we expect swift deliberation," The European branch leader says before sitting back in their seat.
"Very well, the floor is open for questions of the offending parties and the branches of the North American and European BSAA for clarification before deliberation." the Oceanian Director announces.
"The council of the South American Branch requests the floor," Jill says as she leans forward to speak into the microphone in front of her. Chris winced. He was not looking forward to this.
"Granted," The Oceanian director says and gestures for her to continue.
"Why are they in handcuffs?" She asks which surprised most of the room.
"What do you mean, this is a disciplinary council," The Oceanian Director says to voice everyone's confusion.
"It's my understanding that the night of February 9th BSAA Europe activated an experimental task force to look into a potentially catastrophic threat. your words not mine." Jill says reading from a page before clicking at a computer in front of her to take control of the shared screen to show the report she was talking about. the other council members chattered for a moment after having the chance to read it over the room went quiet again
"Let's see how that went," she says and clicks at her laptop which showed some footage from a helicopter looking down on an overgrowing Megamycide and hundreds of Bioweapons running around it. "And forgive me if I am wrong are those Bioweapons actively using weaponry? crude as the weapons maybe I will agree with you that this is certainly a Catastrophic level threat. So how did that task force of yours do?" she asks with rather perfect timing as the helicopter crashed and the footage died off "Ah right now I remember. According to the record, they didn't report back."
"That does not change the fact that these six acted without permission," The European director says in return with a scowl.
"True true." Jill replies before looking at the six "How did you know to go to this area when there were no reports on record of a potential threat?"
"I received a tip a few months back. I tried reporting it multiple times but the report always managed to get 'lost in the shuffle'." Tundra replied, "Additionally Further reports were going missing from Tiger Orca who had agreed to help us look into the matter."
That certainly got the council's attention.
"Add do you have proof? of your claims?" Jill asks and Tundra nods.
"I have digital receipts of the reports I sent and I was provided a few of Tiger Orca's as well while we were comparing information," Tundra replied.
"So I'll ask this again. why the hell are they in handcuffs?" Jill asks as the muttering of the council got a bit louder. "It looks to me like the only thing they did wrong is that they got to the infestation sight first."
"There are still protocols to follow," the North American director says as he joins the argument.
"Protocols they tried to follow but were unable to due to failure on the part of the BSAA," Jill counters.
"The East African branch supports the observations of the South American branch council. provided the proof mentioned is sufficient." the Eastern African branch leader states.
"Emily can you access the documents you mentioned?" the Director of the Oceania branch requests and Tundra nods. "Take off her cuff," he says and one of the escorts walk forward to do so.
"You can use my computer" Jill offers and Tundra walks over to the computer logs in and shows the multiple report receipts which included transcripts of her reports.
again chattering filled the room.
"So we're just going to ignore that this man ran off on his own with a team of 11 others of which 6 died, one of the witnesses in our care died, and that he Blew up a large section of a mountainside which resulted in an untamed wildfire?"
"Oh, and you can prove that was him? according to what we do know, there were 5 major bioweapons, and based on the body count a couple of hundred lesser Bioweapons poised to take out an entire European countryside. Would the council from BSAA Europe care to explain how that was no report prior to the 9th of any form of suspicious activity when we have clear evidence that reports were trying to be submitted?"
"It could be a server issue. we'll have to look into it." the European branch manager says still clearly unhappy with the turn-in tides.
"A server issue, really?" Jill asks "that's convenient. While we're at it let's talk about how convenient it is that we had a couple in witness protection from the states, moved across the ocean to Romania only for them to end up a few hours down the road from another mold site. the Original mold site. Would anyone care to tell me who made the choice to move them to a country where English is not a native language when a similar witness was given a new identity to live freely in the states?"
"That request came from the witnesses directly," The director confirms.
"I see. With that, The South American branch has no further questions and concedes the floor to the council," Jill says as sits back in her seat.
Chris releases a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. She just might manage to save his ass.
"If there are no further requests for rime to speak, we'll move to deliberation." Says the presiding director.
The room is silent.
"The council will deliberate then, escorts please assist the offending parties to the prepared waiting area," the director of the Oceania branch says and the escorts step into action to lead the six out of the room and into another where they continued to keep an eye on the potential traitors.
It felt like forever. At least two hours had passed before the door opened and the director walks in with a neutral expression. before plopping a folder down on the desk in his usual tired fashion.
"Uncuff them," He says with an annoyed expression. They weren't sure if they heard him correctly as they looked between each other for confirmation, but all the same, the escorts did as they were told and uncuffed the six AWOL members. "You've been reinstated in full to the North American branch. None of the other branches were willing to take you so it looks like you're still my headache," he says as he moves to take a seat.
Lobo was the first to cheer and the others soon joined in after. They were free. they were safe.
"Knock that off," The director says as he had a headache developing. "The European branch is pretty fed-up with you though, Mia and Rose will be transferred back to the North American branch for closer observation. We'll be looking for a safe house for them to stay in close to our base to prevent this from happening again."
Chris felt a weight lift from him. Somehow. Some way. He was getting a third chance.
"You'll be expected in the office first thing tomorrow morning. for reissuing your gear," The director says before making a waving motion. "You're dismissed."
the 6 got up and walked out and Chris found Jill waiting outside. "You really know how to stir the pot," Jill says with a short chuckle.
"Yeah... Thank you." Chris says quietly while rubbing at his wrists where the handcuffs used to be.
"You didn't give up on me back then, back when Wesker was using me as a puppet, even though everyone else did. ." Jill says before motioning that he should get going, "We're even now. Try to be more careful," she says with a soft smile. "Oh and Chris. Thanks for the letters. It's been nice catching up." With that, she turns to leave.
"Yeah," he says with a nod. it took him a moment before he made his way out of the building. Each step came quicker than the last. he needed to get home. he stared at the parking lot.
Right.
he didn't have a car anymore. he kinda left that on the airfield over a month ago... he shook his head and started to book it to the main road and followed that until he was able to find an intersection so he could call a cab and give them an exact location to pick him up and drive him to an ever-familiar apartment building. Chris quickly paid the cab driver before heading inside hurrying up the stairs and stopping in front of a door that had become home to him.
He took a deep breath and knocked on the door causing duke to start barking.
Emma looked over to the door lazily from her blanket cocoon on the couch before giving a tired sigh. she pushed herself to get up and shuffle over to the door while rubbing at puffy red eyes. that didn't help in the slightest she looked like a mess. she slowly opened the door. "Bastion I appreciate the concern really but I just want to be alo-" her words were cut short by a gasp as she saw who was actually at the door before quickly moving forward to hold onto him fearing she was seeing things. nope, he was real. The two clung to each other in the doorways as waterworks renewed. "Everything is going to be okay" He eventually says while smiling and chuckling from relief.
He wasn't going to make the same mistake. Not again.
Well, guys, this is it. gosh, it feels amazing to get this far with what was otherwise a silly daydream. I think I am going to take maybe a two-week hiatus from working on this story to focus on the Heisenburg/OC story I've been working on between chapters. this will give me time to get some reader feedback and brainstorm a road map for future chapters.
The Question for those who wish to continue reading: I am left at a bit of a crossroad. For the last few chapters, I was hinting at Emma's interest in having a family. OG plan was to end here let the readers assume that they live happily ever after and fill in any blanks they want with the little hints and nudges from prior chapters. Thing is, that's not the plan anymore lmao. The idea now would be, eventually introducing a wee bambino for the two. A lil boy which would probably be named in Memorium after Piers? is that cringy? I dunno? So yeah I'm left with a few options and I'd like your input.
A) go for the plan and introduce A Chris/Emma child which could lead into a fun new RE 9 store whenever that comes out for second-gen shenanigans
B) Lean into the idea that Mia is kinda a crappy mom[explained in FanNatic Lore below] and have Emma just pseudo raise Rose as her own.
C) Por queue no los dos. Both. both is good.
D) Neither think of something else ya thirsty.
If you're not comfortable leaving a review/comment I've made a strawpoll available at Strawpoll . c0m /xg253ra8y
just take out the spaces and change the 0 to an o and you should be golden.
FanNatic Lore: I'm kinda going into my own observations with option B listed above. To me, Mia is a likely candidate for being the source of the leak that got Rose kidnapped and in general is a crap mother. Lemme explain.
Observation A) Ethan see's Mia on the Heisenberg conspiracy theory board and quietly says her name. which Heisenbure replies with. "Truth hurts, doesn't it?" it's not a hurtful truth if it's just a matter of your wife being targeted by psychos. what is hurtful is your wife being involved in the disappearance of your daughter. Observation B) Chris goes into Miranda's private lab. Inside he finds Mia who is standing and appears perfectly healthy. No blood, no visible injuries. She's looking pretty decent for a captive. Another Key point she is willing to look him in the eyes for the more part until Chris asks "why are you here,". After hearing the question she looks down and away saying she was captured and experimented on. Avoiding Eye contact is a sign of lying. Something we know she does a lot of. Caught maybe. used in experiments. by who? Miranda was taking her place the whole time. She only just got back with the baby a day before Chris found Mia and the baby was exactly what she wanted. Even in the note from Spencer, he mentioned she was only interested in her one goal of reviving Eva she has no reason for further experimentation on a host that may not even work. Observation C) Chris was not being quiet as he walked around Miranda's lab. he was moving things around and talking. there were explosions going on outside the ground was shaking. any sane person would be calling for anyone close by to help them but Mia stayed out of view and did not try and get help. Weird for a captive. not weird for someone that is hoping they'll go unnoticed. Observation D) She let the rose thing go real quick. Chris just said her husband was dead and that he could still save rose and there wasn't a single follow-up question about what was going on with the baby. Instead, she's focusing on the fact that Ethan is special. heck, she doesn't object to leaving until Chris mentions destroying the village which would destroy the mold. Why? She needs it because she's involved. Like are we going to ignore she raised and assisted with experimenting on a child already in the past so this is not new for her? She literally worked with Bio-terrorist. Willing. and Lied to her husband about it for years even after getting out?
Observation E) This is more on the crap mother line. There is a very striking and in my opinion purposeful parallel shown in the bonus ending scene. On an otherwise empty bus there is a happy mother and daughter with a storybook while Rose is sitting alone with the book that Mia read to her in the very first scene. One that Ethan hated. If this was meant to signify how she missed her father as a creative director the scene would have been more impactful if it was a father and daughter and it was revolving around an item Ethan picked for Rose which was shown in the game as the plush monkey. or if it was a father giving their daughter their jacket because it's cold. If Mia was still involved with Rose in any significant way would she not take her own daughter to visit her father's grave on his birthday? She had to sneak out. alone. on a bus. Something the dialog suggests that she did regularly. There we no flowers on the grave aside from the ones that Rose brought. Mia didn't even visit.
With all that, I'm firmly in camp Mia's a jerk.