Letter to a Soldier, Part III
By: Hotaru
--July 23rd, 1998 9:00 A.M.--
Rebecca sat on the train, which was suprisingly empty, and stared out the window. It was cloudy that morning, which was strange. The summer had been pretty dry. Stepping out of the air-conditioned train and onto the platform, Rebecca wiped her forehead. She walked slowly towards the police station, not wanting to over-heat herself. Stopping in a deli, she stood in front of an open freezer, enjoying the cold. Grabbing a bottle of water, she got on line, glancing at the newspaper stand. One of the headlines was "Nine dead, Dogs Still on the Loose." Grimacing, she tossed a dollar bill on the counter and went back outside.
/It seems like all everyone is talking about is those murders. Why haven't I heard about it?
Maybe because you lock yourself in your room for most of the day, Rebecca.
There I go talking to myself again.
Get a social life.
Ah, shut up. Don't you realize that from today on, I'm going to be somebody? A member of S.T.A.R.S.../
Shuffling up the stairs to the police station, Rebecca pushed the door open and a cool blast of air greeted her. "Ah. That felt good." She smiled. She remembered from the day before how to get to the S.T.A.R.S. office, she headed there. The office was full, all the members of the Alpha and Bravo teams were there. "Ah, I'm a little early." Rebecca said with a wave.
"That's fine. Come on in, relax." Enrico said, turning back to something. Putting her bag on a chair, Rebecca went towards the group and tried to get a look at what they all were staring intently at.
"It's some kind of canine. It's running on four legs, can't you see that?" A man said with an impatient tone. Rebecca looked at him, and realized she hadn't been introduced to him before. "Well, how do we know that, Wesker? Sometimes humans use their hands as legs." Chris retorted.
"In primitive societies, that might be relevant, Redfield." Wesker countered.
"What are you looking at?" Rebecca questioned. Wesker looked up, unaware of her arrival.
"Who are you?" He asked.
"Rebecca Chambers. I've been assigned to the Bravo Team." Rebecca replied, holding out her hand. Wesker shook it, barely, and handed her a picture.
"This is the only glimpse we have of what might be attacking those people in the mountains. And no one is in agreement about what the hell it is." Chris reported. Rebecca looked at the picture.
"It looks like some kind of dog, or wolf or something. But didn't you tell me that the bite marks weren't consistant with a canine's jaw structure, Enrico?" Rebecca asked, turning to the older man.
"That's right." Enrico replied.
"And _that's_ why we have to keep all options open. It could be some lunatic human who watched Silence of the Lambs too many times." Chris snorted.
Wesker sighed, and sat in a chair rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Why can't it be both?" Rebecca questioned.
"I was just going to say that. We're so convinced that it's one killer. Why can't there be more than one?" Jill added.
"So there's a cannibal human running around on all fours, with a super killing dog force?" Richard asked with a grin.
"Can't we be serious for a second?" Barry asked irritatedly. "Like Chris said, we have to keep all options open. But I think it's important that the Bravo team knows what they're up against."
"What are you insinuating?" Enrico asked.
"I'm not insinuating anything. I'm just saying that you don't want to charge blindly ahead, expecting a dog, or cannibal, and then get hit with something else. That's all." Barry replied, holding his hands up defensivly.
"Yeah, well, Bravo can take anything that's thrown in our way." Enrico replied.
The group broke up, and everyone sat down near, or at a desk. "Alright, people, here's the plan." Enrico began loudly. "The Bravo team is going to head up to the Arclay Mountains to check things out via helicopter. We'll report back if we see anything, and if necessary, we'll take care of what ever is causing all these deaths. We'll keep in constant contact, with Richard's help of course. We'll radio in if anything goes wrong, and the Alpha team will be standing by in case we need back up. Any questions? Rebecca?"
Ten pairs of eyes shifted to Rebecca. "No, I'm good. Actually, if we have to take out what ever is killing all these people, does this mean I'm going to get a gun?" She questioned. This received a few chuckles from her new team mates.
"Yes, you'll be getting a gun. If you want, Chris or Forest can take you to the shooting range to make sure you can actually hit something, if need be." Enrico replied.
"Okay."
"Any other questions?" Silence. "Alright, then. Forest, or Chris, come take Rebecca here to the shooting range. Forest volunteered, so he escorted Rebecca.
"You nervous?" He questioned.
"Of course. But don't tell anyone." Rebecca replied.
"Well, I'm sure they think you are. But I won't verify it if they ask. Besides, you've got nothing to worry about. They'll take good care of you."
"That's a relief but I'm still worried. These people are all strangers. I've hardly talked to anyone."
"Then be friendly. If these people are supposed to save your ass in a pinch, they better know that you're worth saving first...I'm kidding! Don't look at me like that!"
Rebecca shook her head. "Don't kid around then. I have to know that they'll help me if I need helping before I can even begin to trust them." She pouted. Forest rolled his eyes, and got a Beretta for her. "This is your gun now. We'll deal with the paper work and stuff upstairs." He said. Rebecca examined it, running her fingers over it lightly.
"Samurai Edge? Hm. It's nice I guess..." Rebecca replied.
"Yeah, it's a good gun. Alright, now, this is going to be your firing stance. You want your feet about a foot or so apart, and your hips like..this." Rebecca blushed as Forest shifted her waist. "Good, now, raise your arms and line up your target down the barrel of the gun. Feel comfortable?" He asked.
"Ah.."
"I mean physically. Nothing's hurting, right?" Forest elaborated.
"Oh, no. I'm fine." Rebecca answered.
Forest handed her a pair of goggles, and ear plugs. "You'll need these just in case. And also, it's good to practice your shooting stance so you get used to it." He said. Rebecca put the goggles on, and plug her ears. She saw Forest mouth "Ready?", so she nodded. He backed away, and waited for her. Taking a deep breath, her finger tightened on the trigger until the bullet shot out of the gun. Rebecca was so suprised that she dropped the gun. Her hands tingled, and her heart beat incredibly fast.
"Here, don't worry about that. You'll get used to the recoil eventually. Just keep at it." Forest said, handing her the gun back. Nodding, Rebecca aimed, and fired. It did get easier. Turns out, Rebecca wasn't that bad a shot.
--1:00 P.M. Lunch--
"I haven't eaten all day, but I can bring myself to eat." Rebecca muttered to Jill Valentine, who was sitting next to her outside.
"No? It's probably just jitters. But you should really try to eat something. You need your energy, right?" Jill replied with a smile.
"Yeah. That's true." Rebecca agreed, taking a smile bite of her sandwich.
"Hey ladies! How's it going?" Brad greeted, flopping down onto a step in front of them.
"Becca here has lost her appetite." Jill informed.
"Aw. I'll eat it if you want." Brad offered.
"No way! I paid five bucks for this stupid thing!" Rebecca retorted, taking a bite.
Brad grinned. "It never fails." He said to Jill. She nodded in agreement, before offering him half of her sandwich. "What's on it?" Brad asked.
"Turkey. Real turkey, right off the bone. Pepper, some lettuce and a little mayo." Jill replied.
"Bring it on!" Brad answered, grabbing the sandwich.
The three ate outside the police station, as the clouds rolled in. "Looks like rain." Chris remarked as they were about to head inside.
"That would be nice. It's been pretty dry." Rebecca said.
"Not good flying weather, though." Jill added. Brad jabbed her in the ribs and gestured at Rebecca. "But that doesn't matter. We've got great pilots here any way." Jill added quickly.
Rebecca turned to them. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up, guys. I think I'll be fine, though. I trust the Bravo Team." She said with a smile.
"Just remember what Forest told you about aiming, and all that, and you'll be fine."
"Right." Rebecca nodded, as they arrived at the S.T.A.R.S. office.
The Bravo team was preparing for their mission tomorrow. Guns were being loaded, polished, checked over. "Rebecca, since you're the medic, we need you to carry this." Enrico said, handing her a side-pack.
"What is it?" Rebecca asked.
"It's a mixing kit. There are special herbs that grow in Raccoon City that can be used medicinally. Since you're the only one with medical experience, you're the only one who can mix them so they can be used."
"Oh. Okay, then."
Rebecca secured the pack around her waist and sat beside Forest. "You'll need a box of ammo, just in case things get ugly." He said, tossing a box, that landed with a 'thunk'. She put it her pack warily and put her hands in her lap. Closing her eyes, she took a few deep breaths, hoping she would calm down. Enrico eyed her as he readied his gun.
"You look pale. Are you alright?" He questioned, putting his hand on her shoulder.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just...nervous I guess. I'll be fine."
"Have a glass of water or something. If you're not feeling up to going, you don't have to."
"No! No, I'll go. I'm fine, don't worry."
Enrico shrugged, and went back to work.
By: Hotaru
--July 23rd, 1998 9:00 A.M.--
Rebecca sat on the train, which was suprisingly empty, and stared out the window. It was cloudy that morning, which was strange. The summer had been pretty dry. Stepping out of the air-conditioned train and onto the platform, Rebecca wiped her forehead. She walked slowly towards the police station, not wanting to over-heat herself. Stopping in a deli, she stood in front of an open freezer, enjoying the cold. Grabbing a bottle of water, she got on line, glancing at the newspaper stand. One of the headlines was "Nine dead, Dogs Still on the Loose." Grimacing, she tossed a dollar bill on the counter and went back outside.
/It seems like all everyone is talking about is those murders. Why haven't I heard about it?
Maybe because you lock yourself in your room for most of the day, Rebecca.
There I go talking to myself again.
Get a social life.
Ah, shut up. Don't you realize that from today on, I'm going to be somebody? A member of S.T.A.R.S.../
Shuffling up the stairs to the police station, Rebecca pushed the door open and a cool blast of air greeted her. "Ah. That felt good." She smiled. She remembered from the day before how to get to the S.T.A.R.S. office, she headed there. The office was full, all the members of the Alpha and Bravo teams were there. "Ah, I'm a little early." Rebecca said with a wave.
"That's fine. Come on in, relax." Enrico said, turning back to something. Putting her bag on a chair, Rebecca went towards the group and tried to get a look at what they all were staring intently at.
"It's some kind of canine. It's running on four legs, can't you see that?" A man said with an impatient tone. Rebecca looked at him, and realized she hadn't been introduced to him before. "Well, how do we know that, Wesker? Sometimes humans use their hands as legs." Chris retorted.
"In primitive societies, that might be relevant, Redfield." Wesker countered.
"What are you looking at?" Rebecca questioned. Wesker looked up, unaware of her arrival.
"Who are you?" He asked.
"Rebecca Chambers. I've been assigned to the Bravo Team." Rebecca replied, holding out her hand. Wesker shook it, barely, and handed her a picture.
"This is the only glimpse we have of what might be attacking those people in the mountains. And no one is in agreement about what the hell it is." Chris reported. Rebecca looked at the picture.
"It looks like some kind of dog, or wolf or something. But didn't you tell me that the bite marks weren't consistant with a canine's jaw structure, Enrico?" Rebecca asked, turning to the older man.
"That's right." Enrico replied.
"And _that's_ why we have to keep all options open. It could be some lunatic human who watched Silence of the Lambs too many times." Chris snorted.
Wesker sighed, and sat in a chair rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Why can't it be both?" Rebecca questioned.
"I was just going to say that. We're so convinced that it's one killer. Why can't there be more than one?" Jill added.
"So there's a cannibal human running around on all fours, with a super killing dog force?" Richard asked with a grin.
"Can't we be serious for a second?" Barry asked irritatedly. "Like Chris said, we have to keep all options open. But I think it's important that the Bravo team knows what they're up against."
"What are you insinuating?" Enrico asked.
"I'm not insinuating anything. I'm just saying that you don't want to charge blindly ahead, expecting a dog, or cannibal, and then get hit with something else. That's all." Barry replied, holding his hands up defensivly.
"Yeah, well, Bravo can take anything that's thrown in our way." Enrico replied.
The group broke up, and everyone sat down near, or at a desk. "Alright, people, here's the plan." Enrico began loudly. "The Bravo team is going to head up to the Arclay Mountains to check things out via helicopter. We'll report back if we see anything, and if necessary, we'll take care of what ever is causing all these deaths. We'll keep in constant contact, with Richard's help of course. We'll radio in if anything goes wrong, and the Alpha team will be standing by in case we need back up. Any questions? Rebecca?"
Ten pairs of eyes shifted to Rebecca. "No, I'm good. Actually, if we have to take out what ever is killing all these people, does this mean I'm going to get a gun?" She questioned. This received a few chuckles from her new team mates.
"Yes, you'll be getting a gun. If you want, Chris or Forest can take you to the shooting range to make sure you can actually hit something, if need be." Enrico replied.
"Okay."
"Any other questions?" Silence. "Alright, then. Forest, or Chris, come take Rebecca here to the shooting range. Forest volunteered, so he escorted Rebecca.
"You nervous?" He questioned.
"Of course. But don't tell anyone." Rebecca replied.
"Well, I'm sure they think you are. But I won't verify it if they ask. Besides, you've got nothing to worry about. They'll take good care of you."
"That's a relief but I'm still worried. These people are all strangers. I've hardly talked to anyone."
"Then be friendly. If these people are supposed to save your ass in a pinch, they better know that you're worth saving first...I'm kidding! Don't look at me like that!"
Rebecca shook her head. "Don't kid around then. I have to know that they'll help me if I need helping before I can even begin to trust them." She pouted. Forest rolled his eyes, and got a Beretta for her. "This is your gun now. We'll deal with the paper work and stuff upstairs." He said. Rebecca examined it, running her fingers over it lightly.
"Samurai Edge? Hm. It's nice I guess..." Rebecca replied.
"Yeah, it's a good gun. Alright, now, this is going to be your firing stance. You want your feet about a foot or so apart, and your hips like..this." Rebecca blushed as Forest shifted her waist. "Good, now, raise your arms and line up your target down the barrel of the gun. Feel comfortable?" He asked.
"Ah.."
"I mean physically. Nothing's hurting, right?" Forest elaborated.
"Oh, no. I'm fine." Rebecca answered.
Forest handed her a pair of goggles, and ear plugs. "You'll need these just in case. And also, it's good to practice your shooting stance so you get used to it." He said. Rebecca put the goggles on, and plug her ears. She saw Forest mouth "Ready?", so she nodded. He backed away, and waited for her. Taking a deep breath, her finger tightened on the trigger until the bullet shot out of the gun. Rebecca was so suprised that she dropped the gun. Her hands tingled, and her heart beat incredibly fast.
"Here, don't worry about that. You'll get used to the recoil eventually. Just keep at it." Forest said, handing her the gun back. Nodding, Rebecca aimed, and fired. It did get easier. Turns out, Rebecca wasn't that bad a shot.
--1:00 P.M. Lunch--
"I haven't eaten all day, but I can bring myself to eat." Rebecca muttered to Jill Valentine, who was sitting next to her outside.
"No? It's probably just jitters. But you should really try to eat something. You need your energy, right?" Jill replied with a smile.
"Yeah. That's true." Rebecca agreed, taking a smile bite of her sandwich.
"Hey ladies! How's it going?" Brad greeted, flopping down onto a step in front of them.
"Becca here has lost her appetite." Jill informed.
"Aw. I'll eat it if you want." Brad offered.
"No way! I paid five bucks for this stupid thing!" Rebecca retorted, taking a bite.
Brad grinned. "It never fails." He said to Jill. She nodded in agreement, before offering him half of her sandwich. "What's on it?" Brad asked.
"Turkey. Real turkey, right off the bone. Pepper, some lettuce and a little mayo." Jill replied.
"Bring it on!" Brad answered, grabbing the sandwich.
The three ate outside the police station, as the clouds rolled in. "Looks like rain." Chris remarked as they were about to head inside.
"That would be nice. It's been pretty dry." Rebecca said.
"Not good flying weather, though." Jill added. Brad jabbed her in the ribs and gestured at Rebecca. "But that doesn't matter. We've got great pilots here any way." Jill added quickly.
Rebecca turned to them. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up, guys. I think I'll be fine, though. I trust the Bravo Team." She said with a smile.
"Just remember what Forest told you about aiming, and all that, and you'll be fine."
"Right." Rebecca nodded, as they arrived at the S.T.A.R.S. office.
The Bravo team was preparing for their mission tomorrow. Guns were being loaded, polished, checked over. "Rebecca, since you're the medic, we need you to carry this." Enrico said, handing her a side-pack.
"What is it?" Rebecca asked.
"It's a mixing kit. There are special herbs that grow in Raccoon City that can be used medicinally. Since you're the only one with medical experience, you're the only one who can mix them so they can be used."
"Oh. Okay, then."
Rebecca secured the pack around her waist and sat beside Forest. "You'll need a box of ammo, just in case things get ugly." He said, tossing a box, that landed with a 'thunk'. She put it her pack warily and put her hands in her lap. Closing her eyes, she took a few deep breaths, hoping she would calm down. Enrico eyed her as he readied his gun.
"You look pale. Are you alright?" He questioned, putting his hand on her shoulder.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just...nervous I guess. I'll be fine."
"Have a glass of water or something. If you're not feeling up to going, you don't have to."
"No! No, I'll go. I'm fine, don't worry."
Enrico shrugged, and went back to work.
