Declaimer: Resident Evil is property of Capcom. This long story is written by and is property of me. Any similarities to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental and unintentional. Thank you.
Written by: Striker
Major Peterson led Chris, Jill, and Claire towards a large building that was an office. Chris noticed several troops patrolling the grounds and several vehicles moving down the roads.
"You have a lot of security here." He said. "Afraid something bad is going to happen?"
Peterson stopped at the door and turned to Chris. "We can't be sure if Umbrella will sent another unit in. Then there are the prisoners. We don't want any of them escaping. Also, I don't want any interruptions. We have a lot to talk about."
Carl came jogging up. "We're packing the trucks and preparing to take the first of the prisoners back to base. They should be leaving shortly. Are we ready?"
"Yes." Peterson said. "Chris Redfield, I would like you to step inside. I'll make this a short as I can." Chris nodded slowly and stepped through the door.
Jill and Claire began to follow, but were cut off by Carl. "Sorry ladies but I'll have to ask you to stay outside. This is private." Carl closed the door. Jill heard the sound of the lock clicking.
"Ten seconds and I can have that door opened." Jill growled.
Claire put her hand on Jill's shoulder. "Maybe you shouldn't. The last thing we need is to piss off the military. Besides, my brother knows what he's doing. If he gets in trouble, he'll find a way out. He always does."
Chris looked around the drab room. He could hear a small generator humming, giving power to the lamps set on the table. Light filtered in through the dirt-caked windows. The room looked like it had been dusted, cleaned, and prepared for this meeting. The first impression Chris had was how much the room reminded him of the RPD Interrogation Room. The second was how uncomfortable he was. The door was locked, his friends were a distance away, and even if Jill could pick the lock she would be too late if things got ugly. He hesitantly sat down and folded his arms on the table.
Peterson and Carl sat down across from him. Peterson sat back in his chair while Carl began to speak. "I believe you know what this little talk is going to be about."
"Yes." Chris' voice was stoic and his eyes were fixed in a menacing stare. "This is about Umbrella. You want us to keep quiet."
"Just the opposite." Carl said. "I'll tell you the same thing I told Leon Kennedy. As you are aware, it is illegal for any company to produce biological weapons on U.S. soil."
"But I thought that the U.S. military conducted research on biological weapons themselves." Chris said.
"We did." Peterson replied. "However, the research we're doing now is on diseases that just disable soldiers, not kill them. Diseases that can be cured easily and that don't permanently damaged the enemy. As a matter of fact, we rarely use our biological weapons. Right now we're in the process of destroying most of the weapons we have."
"That brings us to Umbrella." Carl said. "From what we were told by Mr. Kennedy, that company has made a very dangerous weapon. If that virus could infect a city the size of Raccoon, imagine the effect that bug could have if terrorists get a hold of it and release it New York or Los Angeles. The loss of life could be catastrophic. And the threat of it spreading to the nearby towns and cities would be great."
"Not to mention that Umbrella violated several ethnic laws regarding genetic engineering." Peterson added. "The creatures that were described to us, as well as the experiments done on Sheena Island have broken just about every law or treaty we have. We can also get Umbrella on bribery counts and other crimes such as kidnapping and murder."
"You think you know all that Umbrella has done. You don't know the half of it." Chris leaned in. "What you know is the tip of the iceberg. I've been in three incidences. And in every one just when I though Umbrella couldn't sink any lower, I found out the hard way they could. I've had to watch people die. I've had to find the bodies of my teammates butchered and have my best friend turn into zombie and attack me. I've had to walk through piles of corpses. I've had to fight monsters your worst nightmares couldn't fuck with. I almost lost my sister and had to wonder if my friends were still alive. Just about every night I had nightmares where I would wake up screaming. And I almost lost my mind because of all that. If you went through what I went through, you would go nuts too. You have no idea what Umbrella is capable of, I do."
"Then I see no reason why I shouldn't get right to the point." Carl said. "I'll make this a package deal. Same terms as the deal I made to Mr. Kennedy. You and your team help us shut down Umbrella, and we'll help you."
"In what way?" Chris asked. "What will you do if we help you?"
"First thing we'll is round up your teammates families." Peterson said. "They will be sent to different military bases and put under protective custody. No one will know where they are going except my staff. These officers have served with me for over ten years I can trust them all. The three children will stay with you. I believe that they have bonds with several members of your team and I wouldn't want to separate them. We'll also provide you with places to stay. You'll be paid and given anything you need. We'll provide you with the necessary equipment. Weapons, ammo, anything you need. You'll also receive backup on any mission you go on. This will be extended to all the members of your team."
"Are there any catches?" Chris asked. "This kind of reminds me of the proverb "if it's too good to be true, it is." It seems to me that every time things go my way something always happens to fuck everything up. What guarantee do I have that this isn't some sort of setup."
"The fact that if this was a setup you'd be dead by now." Peterson lifted the black bag containing Chris' computer and slid it to Chris. "From what we were told by Mr. Thompson, you seem to have quite a bit of information on Umbrella. You even have information on their latest project. We need what you have. This is the break we have been waiting for. For the last couple of months the only evidence we have from our investigation of Umbrella is Mr. Kennedy's testimony and what Mr. Thompson discovered."
"Umbrella forced us to destroy a whole city." Carl said. "And when we asked them why they gave us a bullshit excuse every time. What's in that computer and the testimony from your friends will blow this case wide open. We can bring down Umbrella, but we need your help to do that. Only you know how to fight those things Umbrella made. Only you have experience fighting Umbrella's forces. All you have to do is say yes and Umbrella will be finished."
"You know what, you're too little too late." Chris sat up and grabbed his laptop. "You want our help now? Why didn't you help us after the Spencer Mansion? Why did you have to wait till after you nuked Raccoon? Why didn't you listen to us when we were telling you about Umbrella before?"
"Cause all the evidence burned up when the mansion exploded. The documents you found could have been dismissed as forged." Carl narrowed his eyes. "There was nothing any agency could do. Umbrella probably had moles all over the place. Hell, Umbrella owned the whole city. Even the Mayor and Police Chief were bought off."
"How would you know?" Chris spat. "I filed an internal investigations report to the Federal Police Dept. They never sent a response."
"They did." Carl replied. "The response was sent September 29th. It was found out that Irons received cash from Umbrella. He was also involved in several rape cases while he was in collage. As I said Umbrella owned the city. Nothing you could have done would have worked. We didn't even know Umbrella had those damn viruses until Raccoon City was destroyed."
"So now you're trying to save face." Chris said. His anger was rising. "You want to try to make up for what you did. After my friends and I were called insane and got charged with gross misconduct of a case you want our help. You're just pissed because Umbrella used you just like they used everyone else. Either that or you're doing this because it's your job."
"DAMMIT!" Peterson shot up and slammed the table. "I have never met someone so fucking stubborn and untrusting in my life. You think I'm doing this cause it's my job? I'll tell you what I'm doing this for. I'm doing this for my FAMILY. I have a wife, two sons, and a daughter. I'm fighting Umbrella because I want to make sure what happened to the people in Raccoon never happens to my family. As soon as I learned about Umbrella I asked to be assigned to the mission. I know that Wesker stabbed you in the back, but that doesn't mean everyone else is going to. If it weren't for us you would be dead. We know we should have believed you, but hindsight is 20/20. We have the evidence, we have the proof, and all we need is your team on our side. You can trust us. God knows I want Umbrella just as badly as you do. Don't fuck this up Chris. Help us."
"That's all I needed to hear." Chris said. "I needed to know if you were being sincere. I needed to be sure this was for real. I needed to know why you want Umbrella. I guess I found that out. Fine, I'll do it. Major, you understand I was just covering my ass. I apologize if I sounded like an asshole, but I needed to see if you were being honest with me. Finding people you can trust can be hard these days."
"So you'll help us?" Carl asked.
"I'm in, but this isn't my decision alone." Chris said. "I need to talk to my team, see what they think. I'm not guaranteeing anything. They may agree or they won't. Just to be safe I'll give you a copy of everything in my laptop. It should be enough to at least hit Umbrella legally."
"Very well." Peterson said. "I assure you, you take this deal and you won't be disappointed."
Chris shouldered the bag and left the building. He met Jill and Claire, who had worried looks on their faces.
"I heard some shouting." Jill said. "Did anything bad happen?"
"No, nothing happened." Chris said. "We need to talk to the others. We have a very important decision to make." The trio walked back to the group.
A few seconds later Carl and Peterson emerged. "Do you think the S.T.A.R.S. will accept?" Carl asked.
"Well Mr. Simmons, Redfield hopefully was the hardest one to convince. With luck he'll get the others onboard and then…"
"Umbrella will be screwed." Carl finished. "My brother and his whole family were in Raccoon. Umbrella will pay for causing their deaths."
Peterson nodded. "All we need now is faith."
"OK pal, you're going to talk to me and tell me anything I want to know." Monroe said. He had the leader of Umbrella's troops in front of him. The man had his hands handcuffed behind his back. Monroe looked at his collar. "A Lieutenant." Monroe said. "You can tell me a lot of stuff. For starters, you can tell me what your boss is up to."
"Fuck you." The man replied.
"Fuck me?" Monroe said. "Fuck this." Monroe punched the guy right in the nose. "Oh, I'm sorry. You must have banged your head when you got in the helicopter."
"You punched me." The man growled.
Monroe looked at a soldier who was watching the scene. "Did I punch him?"
"No sir." The soldier replied.
Monroe smiled and turned back to the lieutenant. "Now let's try this again. What's Umbrella doing?"
"I'm not answering bitch." The man spit. Monroe responded by stomping the man's left foot.
"I didn't see your foot there. I must need glasses." Monroe grabbed the guy's collar. "That's strike two. If you don't cooperate, I'll make sure that when you get to the brig you're cavity searched by a three hundred pound ex-trucker named Bruno. Now talk."
"Bite me you prick."
"Hold still." Monroe whacked the man in the back of the head. "Damn, I missed it. A fly landed on your head and I was going to get it. Get this bastard out of my sight." Two soldiers came and escorted the man towards a helicopter. Monroe turned his attention to some other soldiers. "Those trucks better be loaded. I'm in a very bad mood right now."
"Almost done sir." A soldier called out.
"Good." Monroe walked up to James. "We sent in recon, the situation is just like you said. Our strike team is moving in now."
"You know, I'd consider what you just did to that man abuse, but I really don't care." James said. The two men laughed. The rest of the S.T.A.R.S. were smoking and joking with some of the soldiers, waiting for Chris to return.
Chris walked towards the team and snapped his fingers. Everyone gathered round to hear his story. "Major Peterson made me a deal. He wants Umbrella stopped and he gave me four good reasons why. If we help him, he'll protect our families, give us a place to stay, and give us whatever we need. I accepted, but I want to clear this with you."
"Whoa." Barry said. "Just the other night you didn't even
want to talk about helping the government. I thought your mind was made up."
"Obviously what happened today changed my mind." Chris replied. "Besides, I was
wrong. I know because I got Peterson pissed. He said that he's doing this to
protect his family. I have good reason that Carl has similar motives."
"He does." Ark said. "His brother was living in Raccoon City with his wife and four children. That was the main reason he had his breakdown. If you ask me, I think just about all of us have personal reasons for being here."
James looked at Chris. "I say we take it. We need the help. Most of my men were counting on this."
"Also, it sounds like the government can't do anything without us." Ada added.
"I take it that the rest of your group accepts." Chris said.
"Yes they do." James replied.
"Then that leaves the rest of us." Chris looked around. "I know I don't have to ask Ark. What about the rest of you?"
"We owe Peterson so saving us." Jill said. "Why not."
"I'll follow you Chris." Claire said.
Leon looked at Ark, then at Chris. "I've been waiting to take this deal for a few months now. Let's go."
"If it'll mean that my family will be safe, then I'm in." Barry said.
"This seems better than nothing." Carlos said. "At least we won't have to stay here."
"I'm with Carlos." Rebecca said.
"And I'm with Ark." Eliza said.
"It's settled then." Chris said. "Now we have to wait for Major Peterson to tell him the news."
"That won't be necessary. I'm glad you're aboard." Peterson walked over to Monroe. "Sergeant, what's our status with the processions and families?"
Monroe saluted. "Sir, the belongings from Burton's cabin are currently being transported to base. The belongings here have been packed up and ready for transport. Units are in place to retrieve the families. So far Umbrella hasn't made a move. The families will be taken to the designated safehouses."
"In place? Aren't you going to ask us where our families are?" Barry asked.
"While we where monitoring your position, we also had families under surveillance." Carl explained. "So far our agents have been watching to see if Umbrella would make a move. Through information we had and Umbrella's bios on you we found and are now prepared to take them to safety. This was done after we received information from Ark as to whom you had on your side, Mr. Redfield."
"Strange thing sir." Monroe said. "We seem to be short a few sets of parents."
"That's because some of us lost our parents." Chris replied.
"Get the families, move the trucks out, take the rest of the prisoners away, and get ready to take these people to their new homes." Peterson barked.
"Where are we going?" Jill asked.
"Fort Belvior, Virginia." Peterson replied. "About fifteen to twenty minutes from D.C. Let's see if Umbrella has the guts to attack you there."
The rest of the helicopters lifted off while the trucks pulled out. Several dark-blue military vans stood waiting to be loaded. Peterson led the group to them. Chris moved beside Peterson. "There's something I forgot to mention about this deal Major."
Peterson turned to Chris "What is it?"
"We'll help you, but I give the orders in my team."
"Very well. I see this is going to be a good alliance." Peterson watched as the S.T.A.R.S. climbed into the vans. He smiled and then climbed into the passenger seat of one of the vans. The vehicles left the base to begin the trip to Fort Belvior.
"Chris, what do you think Spencer will do when he finds out we're with the military?" Jill asked, holding Chris' hand.
"It's going to set him off." Chris replied. "I wouldn't want to be Nicholai or Wesker, that's for sure. I just hope Spencer doesn't do anything drastic." Chris looked out the window and watched the scenery past by.
Author's Comments: The final piece. With this union the road to Armageddon is halfway traveled. Chris has accepted the deal and now the S.T.A.R.S. are ready to strike. And what about Monroe. He sure doesn't like anyone from Umbrella. And yes, what he did to that lieutenant is against the rules of war. By the way, I'm not entirely sure what the U.S.'s stance on biological weapons is, but I defiantly know that the U.S. would not agree with what Umbrella is doing. Also, Fort Belvior is a real military base fifteen to twenty minutes from D.C. Don't ask how I know you wouldn't believe me.
The S.T.A.R.S. arrive at their new
homes. Plus, there's a special surprise for Barry. Jill also has something for
Chris. It's moving day for all. And just what will Spencer do when he finds out
the news? Wesker knows and has a devious plan in mind. Find out what will
happen in RE Armageddon: Part IV, Chapter 8- New Home.