Chapter 1: A Rose, Bloodstained
Washington, D.C.
Working for the United States Government wasn't all too bad. It came with its perks every now and again, depending on which department you belonged to. The downsides however, never ended. Constant suspicion, missions that almost proved to be impossible, endless clearance levels…it was always something. Still, you grit your teeth and move on. That was her only choice in the matter.
She presses the button for the elevator, waiting patiently as she could hear the gears turning as it seemingly arrived on every floor before arriving to the ground level. The doors open and she steps inside, fingers trailing along the buttons before she settles on the top floor—floor 42. The elevator doors close and she's now waiting patiently. However, once she reaches the top, the elevator doors do not open immediately. Instead, she keeps a finger on the 'doors close' button and waits…and waits.
"Please enter a four-digit code." A security system speaks, and the woman's head turned upwards. That seemed to be her cue. She looks back down at the floor numbers, pressing four of them in a sequence. The blue light that highlights them when pressed were now glowing red. She waits once again for another command.
"WARNING: Security Clearance levels three to five required to access this sector. Please have your valid identification ready before you arrive."
The elevator disconnected from the main shaft of the building to a secondary one, seamlessly adjusting before descending and shifting once again. She turns around, the second set of elevator doors opening and being greeted by a long and narrow corridor. She enters, the only sound being heard is the clicking of her heels. Upon reaching the end, a scanning area and a shutter blocks her way. She stands still, the body scanner giving her a once over a few times then giving her the all clear to proceed. Now she must wait for the shutters to open once it has identified her.
"Please wait for identification confirmation…" It takes a few moments for the automated system to respond, but her posture made it evident that she was used to the wait. The shutters opened and she steps through, greeted by a small team of what looked to be physicians. "Identification confirmed. Welcome, Alexandra Henderson. Director Brennan has requested you after your morning examinations."
"As he always does…" She shrugs and follows the examination team, where she is taken to a secluded area of the facility. Like clockwork, she disrobes from her attire and into an examination gown. Alexandra almost loathed the state that she was in now, bringing back unsavory memories she had thought she had suppressed long ago. This job of hers always seemed to bring her right back in the middle of her own suffering.
Very rarely does she drop her mask of indifference and melancholy. She's so used to being neutral about everything that she has forgotten where the façade ended and began. Her experiences in life have left her rather jaded and somewhat fearful of the outside world. Therapists have tried and failed to chip away at the walls she has built around her…she preferred it that way for the meantime. She ignores the pinches all around her body as they finished taking samples of blood and writing down her vitals. The results would take mere minutes, but that was not what she was worried about. The next room over was her constant worry.
The physical assessment rooms. If the name wasn't obvious enough, it was where she and three others would challenge their physical perimeters. The challenges always varied, from speed to power, to endurance. It's such a common occurrence that Alexandra believed that her superior may enjoy the spectacle a little too much.
"Good morning, Miss Henderson." The light clicked on in the observation room above her, and all she could make out was a silhouette of a man. However, she didn't need to see him at all. She preferred it that way. "Ready for your training exorcise?"
Alexandra said nothing. She placed one hand on her hip and her other beckoned to him. She scoffs, her mouth curling slightly at the edges. Everything became dark, then the lights within the physical assessment came back on but were dimmed. A loud buzzing sound is heard, and she immediately ducks. Something had flown past and lodged itself within the wall.
"We shall test your reflexes today. As you already know, the simulations are just that—simulations. Don't rest on your laurels just because of that…understood?"
"…Stop talkin' and lemme work. I know this song and dance."
Her movements are fluid as she dodges the simulated rotary blades. Every exertion meant something the longer this continued. If he could see her face, she'd have the same melancholic expression that most here have come to accept as her normal. She stops in her tracks as the simulation trainer seemed to be moving on to its next stage. The simulated rotary blades disappeared, and what had replaced them were seemingly simple laser sights. Near her, a small counter with a handgun and magazine clip next to it rose from the ground. Alexandra quickly moved over and grabbed the weapon just in time before the lights had dimmed further. She could barely make out her hand in front of her.
In quick succession, she pulls the trigger, shooting the laser sight and rendering it unusable. The other three she counted met the same fate with three quick pulls as well. She exhales a breath she never knew she was holding as the lights came back on to full brightness. Alexandra's brows furrowed. Today's session seemed…too brief. The lock on the physical assessment room door released and she was free to leave now. On the other side, a woman with a somewhat athletic build dressed in a lab coat and a clipboard in her hand was waiting on her. Her black hair was draped to one side and draped across her left shoulder, with the only thing keeping it all intact was a simple scrunchie. Her eyes were hazel in color, staring right back at Alexandra with happiness. Was it feigned? She couldn't tell, but it was a welcome feeling, nonetheless.
"Morning Miss Henderson," She says with glee. "You did wonderful, as always!"
She nods, acknowledging the other's cheerful exclamation. "It was…short this time. Whatever he wants has gotta be important."
"Well, David was talking about a new addition to the program." The woman noted Alexandra's sudden change in mood as she watched her scoff and frown. Of course, this was a sensitive topic. But it was the truth. "I-I didn't mean to upset you Alex, really—"
"No, it's fine Sophie. Just how things are. I've come to accept it." She looks off to the side, hand placed firmly on her hip as she sighed. "I assume the other three have completed their morning exams and their training?"
"Yes, they have! They're waiting for you in the Chief's office."
"…Tell Brennan I'll be there in five. Gotta look decent an' all."
"Yes ma'am. I'll notify him immediately."
She pats Sophie on the shoulder gently, careful as she did so before she moved back to her office to change. At least they dropped her clothes off in a space that was better suited to her. Once she closed the door, Alexandra sighed and examined herself in the mirror. Her dark brown hair was full of loose curls, though a tad bit disheveled from her frenzied movements in the physical assessment room. She was surprised that none of them were frayed, considering how long they were. They sat perfectly just below her breasts in length. As she removed the examination gown, she slowly looked away from herself. In the very middle of her chest there was a tattooed thorny rose with its vines spread out across her upper body and torso. They wrapped around her shoulders and settled just above her navel as the end point. They cleverly covered her frightening scars that couldn't be healed outright…
The terrible memory of Raccoon City, and what she had to survive to get here today. Unfortunately, not many can say that. As she stood completely bare in her office, a lone hand comes up to her neck to grasp at the black velvet fabric choker that was firmly around it. The decoration embedded in it was a rose pendant, bordered with gold and brought to life with ruby and emerald crystals. A simple accessory…yet she knew better. This choker was a leash in the most subtle of ways.
And someone else is bound to hold it, if what Brennan had in mind was about to come to fruition. The mere thought of wearing this was bad enough…but having someone else stand over her? She would rather throw herself off the highest mountain peak and plummet to her death. But she may not have a choice. Then again…when did she ever? They were the American Government's secret little project. She and her unit were to be the greatest asset to end bioterrorism.
She was an Adaptive Tyrant. That was the truth she and they had to accept, and the government made sure to remind them of that.
Join us or die.
There was no negotiating anything. Anything was better than having soldiers with loaded guns aiming their sights on you. They shook in their boots that day like scared school kids, unable to accept what was in front of them, threatening to gun them down like rabid dogs behind a woodshed. There were tears caressing down her face as she begged, screamed for them to spare them. They weren't threats. They didn't harm anyone to get back to safety. They just wanted to go home and pretend that the incident never happened. They couldn't do that, they said. It wasn't possible.
They were now property of the U.S Government. Just like that. Shunned and scorned but trained like all the rest. Trained to be soldiers. Unthinking and unfeeling. Her grief was mounting, and the other three people that were with her tried to console her. But somewhere down the line, Alexandra's grief turned to rage. One day, she just stopped crying. She didn't speak for a whole year. She remained in solitude, training and learning. It was all she did. It was all she could do. Her dark brown eyes that once echoed hope had dimmed and glazed over into something unrecognizable. The Alexandra that they knew had perished, just like Raccoon City did back in 1998. Now all that was left in the remains of who she was…is fury.
She adapted, overcame…survived. No one can take that away from her.
And god help the poor unfortunate soul that would stand in the path of her rage.
Alexandra slips her clothes back on with ease, straightening out her shirt before putting back on her heels and exiting. She's kept Brennan waiting long enough.
David Brennan was quiet as he studied the files that were illuminated in his office from the window behind him. He was an older man with platinum blond hair and a goatee to match. He tugged on his black and white striped tie and stood up facing the window. His light blue eyes were caught in the gleam of the window's light, and they shewn brightly as he looked down into the traffic below. On the other side within the darkness, three people stood quietly at attention, dressed in suits as well. Two tall, one shortish in height.
"…Horsemen," He called out to them. "Step forward."
The trio stepped forward, awaiting their orders. "…Sir?"
"I know we're waiting on Alexandra, but I want to brief you on why you were all summoned." The trio looked at David with some confusion knitted in their brows. "Working hand in hand with USSTRATCOM hasn't been the easiest, I know. Being a former Air Force Captain, now transferred over to handling this program in the shadows hasn't been easy either, but we've all handled it in stride. We've always been the cleanup crew for whatever they put their hands in regarding bioterrorism, but…it's what we're all fighting against right now. So, to ease tensions…I'm starting a dry run of a new concept: Overlords for you all."
"…Overlords?" The shortest one combed their shaggy blond hair back with a heavy sigh. Dressed in a purple button-down shirt and vest with slacks and shoes to match. "As in…more superiors, huh?"
"In a sense, but they're more than qualified. They'll come straight from USSTRATCOM's roster."
"The amount of briefing you'd have to do though…" The tall, Asian looking man chimed in, slicking back his long raven tresses behind his ear then places a finger on his chin as he thought. "I understand why you wish to use Alexandra as the guinea pig, but…It's a bold move."
"Indeed, it is. But, there's a reason for it…"
"Reason for what, David?" The automated door to the office opened and closed rapidly as Alexandra entered. The remaining horsemen straightened their postures and came to parade rests. "…Already gettin' started. Why don't you start over at the beginnin'?"
"You didn't miss much. Besides me introducing the concept of Overlords I've been working on for the past year."
"Oh yeah…that." Needless to say, Alexandra wasn't too keen on the idea. "So…who's the lucky man, or…lady?"
"You'll see. I think you'll like them. They'll be here in two minutes. Can the three of you clear out for the meantime? Please."
Disgruntled as they were from the sudden order, the remaining Horsemen cleared out as directed. Once the automatic door shut, Alexandra sat down in one of the comfy black armchairs and got somewhat comfortable. For some reason, she never could relax around David. Her body was constantly on the defensive, unable to trust those that swung for the winning team. Bioterrorism certainly does a wonderful job of making those who were allies suddenly become enemies. Who's to say the same wouldn't happen with those she's familiar with down the line?
"Can't even begin to know why you've chosen me as the guinea pig," She began sarcastically as she propped her chin in her right hand out of boredom. "Really leaves me baffled, if you get my meanin'."
"You think so, Henderson?"
"Absolutely."
"Hah! I do this with all of your unit in mind, I assure you."
"Oh sure, I believe you."
A short time later, and David's landline phone had rung. Alexandra inferred that it was probably from the receptionist desk in the lobby. The whole layout of this place confused her even though she had seen it more than one thousand times in total. She wondered how much worse her 'Overlord' had it getting here, to start. She watched him pick up the receiver and speak.
"Chief Brennan."
"There's a man here asking to meet with you." The receptionist had confirmed what Alexandra had already known once the phone rang. "Shall I send him on up?"
"Yes, please. We're waiting on him."
"Right away."
The line clicked and David placed the phone back on the receiver. He organized two portfolios in front of them, which had the word 'Confidential' stamped on them both. He opened each to check their contents, then closed them back. He notes Alexandra's gaze. He liked that she paid attention to every detail with precision…sometimes. The last thing he wanted her to do was to jump to conclusions. They'd all be screwed then.
The automated door to the Chief's room opened and in stepped a man. Dressed in jeans and a midnight blue button-down shirt, he steps forward enough to let the automated door slide shut behind him. He salutes, David and Alexandra both stand to face him. Half of his face was partially obscured by the asymmetrical bang that hung on the right side. His dark blue eyes were caught in the glare of the sunlight that peeked through the curtains.
"Had no idea this existed on the other side of USSTRATCOM," He said. "Learn something new every day."
"Leon Scott Kennedy, in the flesh. Your reputation precedes you. Honored to have you here." David approaches him, hand extended. Leon returns the gesture, shaking his hand. Alexandra bowed her head politely and took her seat once more. If David could sigh loudly, he would. "Please, take a seat next to this lovely lady."
He does so, making himself comfortable. Alexandra crossed her legs in waiting, still looking as bored as she was before Leon even showed up. This was all a formality, she told herself. It'll be over soon. They both pick up the portfolios David distributes to them and open it. They looked to be dossiers of the other person beside them.
"I explained it as best as I could in the Skype call, about a week ago. I assume that with your appearance, you accept?"
Leon's eyes were still scanning Alexandra's dossier, trying to absorb every detail that was offered to him. He looks to his left, catching a glimpse of her as she read his own dossier. Gorgeous was the first word that came to his mind. Dangerous was the next. Dear god, was she dangerous. The dossier couldn't stop saying that word. That and deadly. The more he read, the more he slowly understood.
"…I do."
"Good. That means I can finalize your clearance and update both of your IDs. It'll be done within the hour."
The room fell silent for a few minutes more as David updated both Alexandra and Leon's security clearances. All that could be heard was the soft tapping of fingertips on a keyboard. Leon couldn't help but keep glancing over in Alexandra's direction. He couldn't believe that this was possible. That someone this pretty was one of the most dangerous beings in existence. And he was asked personally to be her Overlord.
What exactly would that entail?
"I have a question, Brennan."
"Ask away, Leon. I'm sure you have some doubts."
"Not doubts. Not yet." He closes Alexandra's dossier and sets it back on the desk. "…For my duties as Miss Henderson's Overlord, what exactly would that entail? You said you'd explain it in person."
"Ah, I did." He pauses, pressing the enter key on his keyboard before turning towards Leon. He notes how Alexandra hasn't said anything since he entered the room. "Overlords are basically the handlers for the adaptive tyrants. You will have your own small monitor that will display you and your adaptive tyrant's vitals, and your place in the field. A map of any area that you enter will be scanned and uploaded to said device. Makes the missions easier, if you think about it. From that device, you'll be able to control their limiters as well."
"…Limiters?" He turns toward Alexandra, this time meeting her gaze as she closes his portfolio and places it onto the desk as well. She points to the black velvet choker around her neck with the golden bordered rose motif resting right along the center of her throat. "It's a…choker. Hidden in plain sight."
"Keeps their mutations in check. I'm sure you're familiar with the characteristics and behavior of Tyrants. You've fought enough in your line of duty."
"…Unfortunately." Leon paid attention to her body language at the mere mention of them. It pissed her off. Her jaw worked. Her fist clenched momentarily as she let out a breath, she never knew she was holding it. He didn't know how to respond, if he should at all. "I get it now. I don't think I'll have to use it, but it's good to know about…just in case."
"Well, before we make it official…might as well introduce yourselves to one another. You'll be working together a lot from here on out. Stand up and face each other."
Both do as they were directed, and as they stand in front of one another, Leon can't help but feel like he had shrunk. Her dossier had mentioned that the T-Virus had made her body grow forty percent in height, and thirty percent in body muscle. She had a muscular frame, but the femininity was unmistakable. She towered over him. She looked to be almost seven feet tall with her heels on. She was last checked to be six foot three. It didn't say what her height was when the limiter was removed, and when she mutated. He's honestly still trying to wrap his head around the fact that adaptive tyrants are an actual thing. He didn't want to believe it, even after David had given him evidence over that Skype call. The only good thing here was that Alexandra seemed compliant so far.
Alexandra extends her hand for a handshake, simpering at him. "Commander Alexandra Henderson."
"Agent Leon Kennedy." He shakes her hand, almost believing that she would snap it off. She did no such thing, in fact. Her grip seemed to be rather lax instead. Was she afraid of hurting him?
"I want to remind you both that this is a test run. If the data and feedback from you both is positive, this very well may be something that can be used to combat bioterrorism on the regular. For now, this is strictly confidential, and must not be known outside of this building. Is that understood?"
Alexandra nods. "…Sir."
"Yes sir."
David grabs a clipboard and places three sheets of paper on them, then hands it off to Leon along with a pen. It was a contract, cementing their new arrangement. He reads through the three sheets in its entirety, noting that most of these rules were specified to Alexandra and not himself. Being an adaptive tyrant certainly wasn't a medal of honor. She couldn't even refute an order, even if it endangered her safety and his own. That would incur a penalty from the Chief of Command himself.
Jesus.
Lot of damn red tape for one woman.
Reluctantly, he signed his name and passed it to Alexandra. There's no way she would go through with this. No damn way. How could she work like this? It was like everything depended on him. She was his second hand. With what was listed, there seemed to be no difference between her and the actual tyrants that he has faced.
What the hell did he just sign up for?
"…Henderson, is there something wrong?" David asked. "You're staring."
"…I can't sign this, not with the terms and conditions you've listed in this piss poor contract."
Called it.
"What's wrong with it?"
"It's one-sided, Brennan." Alexandra uncrossed her legs and stood up. No man in this room liked where this was going. Leon tensed up his body, preparing to intercept her if necessary. He flinched slightly when she pointed at him. "I've seen your accomplishments listed in the dossier. But those're just words. Can't stand 'em. I'm gonna need you to put your money where your mouth is. That's the only way I'll sign it."
"Alexandra, you're stepping out of line!" David slammed his hands on the desk and stood up. "These were the terms and conditions you signed up for after the Raccoon City incident! It's what Congress settled on."
"More like forced, an' you fuckin' know it." She returns her attention to Leon. "I'll only work with you if you show me you won't be a dead weight. Show me why they hold you in high regard as the poster boy of the Secret Service."
David continued to bellow out his displeasure for Alexandra's sudden declaration for Leon to prove himself. He was even more surprised when he stood up and faced her. He wasn't scared, not externally. Internally, he's terrified of her. Alexandra's presence was just unbelievably dominating. She stared him down as she waited for his answer…and he gave it.
"I'll take you up on that, Miss Henderson. Fair warning though, I don't shoot blanks."
"Show me instead of talkin', Mister Kennedy." She walks out of the office, the automated door shutting behind her. David lets out a heavy sigh and picks up the phone once again after he dialed a number.
"It's Brennan. Unlock Assessment room two. Bring suppressants and stimulants with you. I'll be down shortly. Let the Horsemen spectate if they wish."
He slams down the phone down on the receiver and gets up to meet Alexandra downstairs. "Apologies for this, Leon. Truly."
Leon simply shrugged. He's gotten used to the unusual at this point. "Wasn't expecting another workout. At least my new partner's pretty."
He snorts as he joins David outside of his office and on the elevator. He was being charming now, but he felt like his attitude would change once he was back downstairs. It never failed. His first impression never lasted, always changed to something better…or worse.
"…And goddamn dangerous to boot."