Disclaimer: I don't own Resident Evil, Capcom does. The only thing I do own is this story.
Cause Be the Carrier(Book one of the Redemption series)
Chapter Four- Into UncertaintyBy: Striker
Carlos peered through the trees and scanned the perimeter. His mercenary training had taught him how to remain perfectly hidden so no one would know he was around. He saw the door that Hunk had told the team about. There were also three guards dressed in dark blue uniforms and caps that hid their faces in shadows. Carlos snuck back to the group. "There are three men guarding the door. I just saw some patrolling guards go down to the docks. We should have a few minutes to get inside."
"How are we going to get rid of the guards?" Ark asked.
"What are they wearing?" Chris asked.
"Dark clothes and hats." Carlos said. "Kind of what we have on."
Claire raised her rifle. "You want me to take them down?"
Chris shook his head. "I have another idea."
"Man, this is boring." One of the guards said. "Why did we get the graveyard shift?"
"Because that's what we get paid to do." The second guard replied."
The third guard chuckled. "What did you expect? We don't do this stuff for the glory." Suddenly a noise came from the grove. "Damn." The man muttered, pointing his machine gun at the trees.
"What the hell was that?" The second guard asked shakily.
"Maybe we're under attack." The first guard said.
The third guard shook his head. "It's just some animal." He pointed to the second guard. "Go check it out just to be sure."
The second guard nodded. "OK." He walked off towards the grove.
The first guard tapped the third guard on the shoulder. "Maybe it's those survivors that escaped yesterday morning? Maybe they're here?"
"Don't get jumpy." The third guard replied. "Just because we didn't catch those guys doesn't mean that they will be stupid enough to come here. They may not even know of this place." He watched the second guard enter the grove. "You're acting paranoid, just like the other men."
Suddenly they heard a yelp come form the grove. "I knew it, we're under attack." The first guard said, aiming his gun at the grove in a panic. Just then the second guard exited the grove, limping slightly and waving his arms franticly.
The third guard tapped the other guard on the arm. "Come on." The two men headed for their partner. As they approached the grove the other guard began to point to the trees. He turned and went back inside. The other guards followed. As soon as they disappeared into the trees the sounds of a short struggle came from the grove. The team soon exited the grove with three new guns and a key to the door.
Ark exited last. "That was easy." He said, wearing on of the guard's caps and jacket.
The group moved to the door. Hunk took the keycard and ran it through the card reader. The lock clicked and Hunk opened the door. "This is easier than I thought."
Rebecca glanced over towards the docks and saw the outline of two men. "Someone's coming."
Ark took one of the machine guns and the cardkey. "Leave this to me." The others quickly entered the base. Ark shut the door and took position.
The two patrolling guards walked up to him. One of them looked around. "Where are your partners?"
"Had to go to the head." Ark replied. "They should be back in a few minutes."
The man nodded. "OK, but next time tell them to radio in next time they leave their posts. Got it?"
Ark nodded and watched the guards walk off. As soon as they disappeared from site Ark entered the facility. "I'll tell you this," Ark said as he shut the door, "Umbrella's men are really stupid."
"So far, so good." Jill said. "All we have to do is destroy that virus and get out before anyone knows that we're here."
"The virus could be anywhere. It'll be easier if we split up." Chris said. "Jill, Barry, Hunk, and myself will search this floor. You guys head down to the second floor. Don't get caught and don't do anything stupid."
"You know us." Claire said.
"That's what I'm talking about." Chris replied with a smirk.
Hunk handed Claire a small radio. "Take this. When you find the virus call us and we'll do the same."
Claire took the radio. "Thanks."
The group split up and headed in different directions.
Two guards walked down the hallway, their boots clicking on the shiny tiles. They walked past a broom closet and continued down the corridor. After a few seconds the door to the closet opened. Jill stuck her head out and looked around. "It's clear." She emerged followed by the others.
"You know if Leon, Ark, and the others saw this they'd say something about us coming out of the closet." Chris said.
"I bet they would." Barry replied.
Hunk glanced down the hall. "There are too many people around. We need to find another way to move about."
"I think I may know a way." Chris said, looking up at the ceiling. "Come on." He led his group to another door that opened up into a small computer lab. "We can use the ventilation system to move around. We just have to find a vent that we can enter that no one will see."
Barry pointed over to a door. "We can see if there's one in there."
Chris walked over a tested the knob, finding the door locked. "Jill, do your stuff."
Jill knelt in front of the lock and took out her lock picking kit. During her years as a thief she had learned how to pick many types of locks. She had learned most of the secrets from her father, Dick Valentine. In a matter of seconds she had picked the simple lock. She stood up and opened the door. "After you."
"Good job Jill." Barry said.
The group entered the small storeroom. Metal shelves lined the walls, stacked full of paper and other office supplies. A vent cover sat in the middle of the ceiling. Jill closed the door as Chris and Hunk stacked some boxes under the vent. Chris opened the cover and climbed inside. Jill followed. Next came Barry. Hunk entered last. The team crawled through the ducts stopping to look out the other vents.
"Hey, how are you guys doing back there?" Chris asked.
"I'm fine." Hunk said. "But the view leaves much to be desired."
"Very funny." Barry said.
Jill chuckled. "I don't have that good a view either."
"Hey." Chris said. "That was a cheap shot if I ever heard one."
Hunk thought he heard something. "Quiet, I think I hear someone talking."
As the team listened they could make out the faint sound of a conversation. It was coming from the vent cover directly in front of them. Chris scrambled over to the cover and listened carefully.
"Who is it?" Jill asked, moving up behind Chris.
"Sounds like two people talking about an experiment." Chris replied. "I also hear some machines. We must be over a lab."
"Can you see how far away the people are?" Barry asked. "I have to get out of here. My legs are cramping up."
Chris pulled up the vent cover and leaned down. He was right. Below him was a medium sized lab. At the other side of the lab two scientists were discussing their work. The vent opened behind several large computer consoles. Chris dropped down out of the vent, followed by the others. The hum of machines drowned out the sound of the group hitting the floor.
Barry looked through the space between two of the consoles. "We need to move closer. I can't hear what they're saying over the noise."
Chris and Jill nodded before taking off. They moved through the room, taking refuge behind the tables and other equipment until they were in earshot. Soon they could hear what the scientists were talking about.
"Man, I wish they would give us a break." One of the scientists moaned. "We've been working on this virus for three weeks straight."
"Look, our boss wants this virus done ASAP." The other scientist said. "After what happened last week in Reno Umbrella wants this virus complete before those terrorists find out it's here."
The first scientist scratched the back of his head. "I heard that those terrorists got away yesterday. I heard that they might be coming here."
"I doubt it." The other scientist said. "I bet they probably ran. Anyway, at least we finished the virus."
"What's so special about this Z-virus?" The first scientist asked.
The second scientist gawked at his colleague. "You don't know what it does?"
The man shook his head. "They told me not to ask."
"Well, you remember what creature infected with the G-virus could do." The scientist said. "It could impregnate other creatures and multiply. However, the impregnation would only work if the DNA of the subject were similar to the G-type monster. With the Z-virus the host's DNA doesn't have to be similar to the Z-type's for it to work. Plus, I'm told that this virus makes super bio-weapons that are tougher to kill. Basically, this virus will be the most powerful weapon we have yet."
"I'm sure we'll make a lot of money out of this." The first scientist said.
"That's what the head honchos are hoping for." The second scientist said. "Come on, I'm getting some coffee before I head down to the main lab."
"Hey, why does the main lab have to be at the bottom level?" The first scientist asked. "It's a pain in the ass having to keep going up and down. I wish they would put my office down there instead of up here."
"They need to have the equipment near the water so it can cool off." The other scientist replied. "That's why the one lab in Raccoon City was built near the sewage treatment plant. This is very temperature-sensitive equipment."
The first scientist groaned. "I just hope they give us a vacation soon." The two men left the room.
"This is just great." Jill growled. "Claire told me what happened with Sherry. They make one of those Z-thingies and we're all screwed."
Barry and Hunk ran up to them. "What did you hear?" Barry asked.
"Hunk was right." Chris said. "This virus is stronger than the G-virus. We also know where the main lab is. Bottom level of the plant."
"We better radio the others." Hunk said. He took out his radio and turned it on.
Meanwhile, Claire's group had made it to the second floor. They had just hidden from a couple of guards in what looked like a locker room. Metal lockers with the names of employees ran along the side walls. A door opposite the one they had entered stood slightly ajar.
"I wonder where this door leads to?" Carlos asked. "Maybe we found the main lab?"
"There's only one way to fine out." Claire said. She pushed open the door and raised the assault she had taken from the guards outside. Carlos and Leon had taken the other two. The team moved into a large rectangular room. Cages ran along the walls while tables with straps and other equipment lay in the center. As the team looked at the cages they saw several creatures asleep. "This must be where they keep the animals that they infect with the viruses." Claire whispered, not wanting to wake up the monsters.
"No shit." Carlos whispered back.
Some of the creatures like the dogs and spiders were familiar. However, there were some new creatures too. In some of the cages were large cats. They were missing their hair and their feet were nothing but claws. Their tales were huge and looked like clubs. In other cages there were giant mantises. In others there were what looked like orangutans without hair, bulging muscles, and huge hands. Finally, there were infected pigs that were the size of bears and had huge tusks.
"These things must be new bio-weapons." Rebecca whispered. "Some of these don't look nice at all."
Leon looked at one of the cats. "Just think, this may have been someone's pet at one time."
"Why don't you reach in a pet it?" Ark remarked.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that." Leon said.
"We better get out of here." Rebecca said, shaking. "I don't like it here."
Carlos walked up to Rebecca and held her shoulders. "None of us want to be in here."
Claire motioned to the door. "We better move."
As the team headed for the door, one of the cats opened its eyes and saw Rebecca. It leapt to its feet and swiped at Rebecca. She in turn screamed, backing into a table and knocking several things to the floor. The sound woke the other creature, who then started to roar, howl, squeal, and shake the cages.
"Oh shit." Leon said. "This is not good."
At that time a group of four guards were walking past the holding room. They hear the commotion and stopped. One of the men picked up his radio. "This is Ben. The animals in storage room four are going haywire. One of the scientists may have spooked them, but we're going to check anyway."
"Be careful." A voice cracked back. "There may be intruders. The men guarding the south entrance have disappeared. We're sending some more men to your position."
"Got it." The guard said. He turned to the other men. "Come on, we may have company. Keep your weapons up and stay sharp." The men entered the dark holding room and saw the creatures banging the cages. "HOW'S HERE!" The man shouted over the noise.
Claire and the others were at the other end of the room hiding behind the tables. Claire, Leon, and Ark were behind one while Carlos and Rebecca were behind another. "What are we going to do?" Leon asked Claire through clenched teeth.
"We're in one hell of a mess now." Ark added.
"Try to go around them." Claire said. "I may be able to cause a distraction." She unslung her .22 rifle and began to stealthy move between the tables. The others began to follow.
The Umbrella guards began to move down the center of the room. Claire's group moved down the right side of the room, dangerously close to the cages. As Ark passed by one of the orangutans it reached out and tried to grab him. He let out a startled yelp and backed away. The guards immediately turned towards the sound and raised their weapons. Claire popped up and took careful aim. She fired a single bullet, shooting out the lock to the cage holding one of the cats. Freed from its prison it pounced at the Umbrella guards, taking one man down. As the guards attention was turned the group made a break for it. As they ran Claire's radio sparked to life.
"Claire, this is Hunk. What is going on?"
Claire snatched the radio. "No time to explain. We've just been found and we're making a run for it." The team ran through the small room and into the hall. "We've made it…" Claire found herself cut off as she and the others found themselves looking at several guns pointed in their direction. Several gunshots from behind them and an inhuman scream signaled that the other guards had killed the cat.
"Drop your weapons or we'll shoot." One of the guards said. The team complied and was taken away.
Chris grabbed the radio from Hunk. "Claire, are you there? Claire?" It was no use. The radio was dead. "Oh no." Chris leaned against one of the tables, knowing his sister had been captured.
"This is just great." Barry said. "Half our team just got caught. You know Umbrella's goons will start looking for us now."
Chris leaned against the table, anguish all over his face. "She's been caught, they've all been caught."
Jill walked up to Chris and began to rub the back of his neck. "We'll rescue them Chris." She said, trying to consol him. She turned to the other two men. "We will rescue them, right?"
"Of coarse we will." Barry replied. "I'm not about to leave my friends out to dry. Hunk, where are the prison cells?"
"Third floor of this plant." Hunk replied. "Near the docks. You know that they will be expecting us to rescue our friends."
Chris cocked his shotgun. "Then let's not disappoint them."
Tony Fell sat in his office. He was in his mid thirties with black hair and brown eyes. For the past few months he had been in charge of this facility. He had been given the order a few days ago to finish the Z-virus as quickly as his men could. He looked over the papers that he had received stating that the virus was done. "I don't know why Umbrella is so afraid of these people. What can a handful of people possibly do to this company?" Suddenly his phone rang. He picked up the receiver. "What is it?"
"Sir, we caught some intruders." The reply came. "They're some of the people we're after."
Fell sat up in his chair. "Where are they now?"
"We have them in the cells." The man said. "We believe that they were after the virus."
"Well what else would they be here for?" Fell said. "I'm coming down. I want to welcome our guests." Fell hung up the phone and left his office.
"This is just a fine mess." Ark said, gripping the bars of the cell. "The others must be shitting bricks now."
Claire sat down on the steel bench. "So much for a simple mission."
Leon sat down next to her. "Chris and the others will come for us. I know they won't leave us behind."
Claire leaned on Leon. "I know. That's what I'm afraid of. Those assholes are expecting my brother to rescue me."
"I'm sure Chris will go through anything they throw at him." Leon said, holding Claire. "I bet he's ready to take em down with his bare hands."
"He probably will." Claire said.
Rebecca sat against the cold stone wall huddled in a ball. Carlos sat down next to her. "Scared Becky?" Carlos asked softly.
Rebecca looked at Carlos, her eyes tearing up. "It's all my fault. If I didn't scream when that monster tried to get me the other things wouldn't have woken up and we wouldn't be in this mess. Now because of the Chris and the others will try to save us and get killed and then we'll be killed and then…"
"Calm down Becky." Carlos said in a gentle tone. "It's not your fault. That cat would have started roaring and would have woken the other animals. On top of that any of us would have reacted the same way. Don't beat yourself up."
"He's right Becky." Ark said. "I yelled when that big monkey tried to nab me. None of this is your fault."
Rebecca continued to sob. "But the others…"
"Will rescue us." Carlos said, cutting Rebecca off. "Then we'll blow up this lab and the Z-virus with it. After that we'll pick up the kids and get out of here."
"I should have been brave, like you guys." Rebecca said. "Instead I acted like a coward."
"You're not a coward." Claire said. "You joined back up with this team, remember that. You didn't have to but you did. And through all we've been through you've stayed with us. If that isn't being brave, then I don't know what is."
Rebecca shivered and pulled herself into a tighter ball. Carlos wrapped his arm around her. "Come on Becky, get off this floor. You're freezing." He helped Rebecca to her feet and continued to hold her. "Everything will be all right."
Rebecca felt a little better. "Thanks Carlos."
"Well, isn't this touching?" Everyone turned to see Fell leering at them. "You don't look that harmless to me."
"Why don't you open the door and step inside?" Claire dared.
Fell laughed. "The big, bad terrorists who have been causing this company so much trouble. I thought you wouldn't be caught this easily. Sad that Umbrella considers you a major threat."
"We should be flattered." Leon said.
"You should." Fell replied. "Because of what you've been doing my bosses have had me speed up development of this virus. They were afraid that you would find out about this place and destroy it. If you ask me the higher ups are being to paranoid."
This information enticed the group. "You mean that Umbrella is scared of us?" Ark asked.
Fell nodded. "The heads of Umbrella fear you. The fact that you've managed to survive as long as you have in addition to surviving this companies unfortunate accidents have forced this company to consider you a major threat. With each facility you destroy the more desperate Umbrella is to destroy you. That's why my bosses are so determined to eliminate that turncoat Hunk. If he joins you then this company will be in grave danger."
"News flash." Carlos said. "Hunk's with us. He's the one who told us about this facility."
"Really?" Fell was surprised by the news. "Then that will make my job so much more easier. I'll get rid of you and him at the same time." Fell turned to one of the guards. "Be ready. Their friends will come to rescue them. I want them dead." He turned back to his prisoners. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to personally check on the new virus. Goodbye." Fell left the room, leaving his captives to wait for their death.
Author's Comments: Uh oh, looks like things aren't going well for our heroes. And to think the mission started out so well. Well, now half the team is in jail and the other half is on a mission to save them. Plus, the Z-virus is fully armed and operational. (Sorry, felt compelled to throw in an ambiguous Star Wars reference in there.) Oh! The Z-virus is complete. And speaking of Star Wars references, the scene with the guards outside should be familiar to anyone who saw the films.
In the next to last chapter it's Chris, Jill, Barry, and Hunk to the rescue. Chris and his crew launch a rescue attempt to free their captured friends. And even if they can save their friends, they still have to deal with Fell and destroy the Z-virus. The heat is on in Cause Be the Carrier: Chapter Five- Under Pressure.
