Chapter 4

July 23, 1998:

It was about 7:00 p.m. The phone rang and Artie and picked up the receiver.

"Artie, we have some serious business going on. Get down to the station right now," Joseph said on the phone.

"Why, what's going on?" Artie asked.

"Just get down here, we'll talk about it then," the Alpha responded. The phone clicked.

Artie got dressed as fast as he can and ran to the R.P.D. He swung the doors opened and headed upstairs for the S.T.A.R.S. office.

When he got there, everyone was sitting down facing Wesker, who was standing up facing back at them. They all turned to him.

"What's going on guys?" he asked, trying to catch his breath.

"Just have a seat Artie," Wesker began. "The meeting will be starting in five minutes, and damn it where's Valentine? She's always getting here late."

Artie took a seat behind Joseph and waited for the meeting to start.

"So what's the situation?" he whispered to Joseph.

"Murders in the Arklay Mountains," Joseph began, turning around. "This time two hikers were killed. We can't figure out what's killing them, but all we know is that they were devoured."

This made Artie think about Rain. She had told him two months before that she was being sent in to investigate the old Spencer Mansion in the mountains. He hasn't seen her ever since.

"There's something not right about this," Artie stated. Joseph nodded and faced forward.

A couple of minutes later, Jill walked in, seemingly embarrassed.

"Valentine, where have you been?" asked Wesker.

"Sorry captain, it won't happen again," she replied.

Wesker continued very impatient. "Well have a seat so we can get this meeting started."

Jill sat down as the lights went off and the meeting began.

"As most of you know," Wesker began. "There have been strange murders happening in the Arklay Mountains. First a family, and now two hikers," he continued, showing pictures on a projector. It showed the victims. They were brutally devoured by something or things.

"We do not know as of yet what are causing these deaths, but we are going to find out real soon," Wesker said. "It has been decided that I am going to send the Bravo Team to those locations tonight to investigate. I want you to be on your guard. Contact the office if you run into trouble."

"I have a question," Artie said, raising his hand.

"Yes, go ahead," Wesker replied.

"Do you think it is possible that people could have attacked the family?" Artie asked.

"People?" Wesker sounded confused.

"Yes, because the bite marks don't seem wide or long enough to be an animal of any sort," Artie explained.

"It might be possible," Barry broke in. "What do you think boss?"

"Indeed, it could be," Wesker began. "But that's why I'm sending in Bravo Team to find out. Does anybody else have any questions?"

Nobody responded. Wesker gave Barry a nod.

"Okay Bravos," Barry began. "Begin gearing up and good luck to you all."

The Bravo Team members got up from their seats and walked out of the office to their locker rooms.

"I'm gonna go wish them luck," Artie said to Chris.

"Ok," Chris began. "The Alphas will be examining the murder reports when you get back, and you've made a good point about people attacking the victims, so don't take too long."

"Alright, I'll be right back," Artie responded. Chris nodded to him and Artie headed for the men's locker room.

The S.T.A.R.S. had their own locker rooms apart from the rest of the R.P.D. so only those members were permitted.

Artie walked into the men's locker room to see most of the Bravos getting into their gear.

Rebecca was the only one that wasn't in there. She was busy getting ready in the women's locker room.

The guys were getting guns out of the weapons locker. Artie walked over to Forest first.

"Hey man, you ready to go out there?" Artie asked.

"Yeah," Forest said. "To tell you the truth, I'm a bit shaken up. This is our average everyday case you know."

"I hear you," Artie replied. "Be careful eh?"

"I'll try," Forest replied cracking a smile.

"Cheer up Forest, you've got that sniper rifle over your shoulder," Artie remarked smiling back.

"Not to forget this," Forest replied holding up a grenade launcher.

"Look's like you're all set then," Artie began.

"I'm gonna go talk to the other members. Catch ya later."

"See ya," Forest replied.

Artie walked over to Richard Aiken, who had just taken his customized assault shotgun out of his locker.

"Richard," Artie called out.

"Artie, how are you doing?" Richard asked.

"I'm ok," Artie said. "I just wanted to wish you luck on your mission, and come back alive, alright?"

"No problem, it'll probably be nothing anyway," Richard responded.

"Yeah well, it's always better to be prepared," Artie replied, helping Richard get the shotgun around his back. "Good luck out there," Artie said.

"Thanks," Richard answered.

Artie wish everyone else in there luck, but his main concern was Rebecca. While all the guys were pep talking each other, Rebecca was in the women's locker room all alone getting ready.

Artie stepped out of the men's locker room and went a few doors down to the women's.

He knocked on the door.

"Rebecca, you in there?" he asked through the door.

"Yes, who is it?" she asked back.

"It's Artie," he began. "Is it ok if I come in?"

"Yeah, sure, I'm done getting dressed," she answered. Artie walked through the door and saw Rebecca looking at herself in the mirror.

"You seem kind of lonely in here," Artie began. "So I decided to come in and talk with you about your mission tonight. Let's sit down."

They both sat on the bench in the middle of the room.

"I'm really nervous," she began. "It's my first one."

"Well, look on the bright side Becky," Artie said. "You're starting out before me. I can't wait until I get my first mission."

"I guess that's true," she replied. She looked down.

"Hey," Artie began putting a hand on her shoulder. "It's going to be alright. You'll be fine out there. You hear me?"

Rebecca looked up at him.

"Okay," she said. "Thank you Artie, I feel much better now."

"I'm your friend, that's what I'm here for," Artie replied.

He smiled at her and she smiled back as he padded her on shoulder. Then, he got up and walked out of the room.

Artie went back to the S.T.A.R.S. office.

"Done with your little pep talk on everyone," Barry said with a smile as Artie closed the door.

"Yeah, Rebecca was really nervous though, and I don't blame her," Artie began. "She said that I made her feel better, so I think she'll be alright."

"Don't worry about it, she'll be fine," Barry said. "She's a smart girl."

"I know," Artie replied.

"Let's get to the murders, shall we?" Chris said coming over.

They walked over to Wesker's desk to go over the reports and photos.

After about an hour, Artie went home. By that time, the Bravos had already left in one of the S.T.A.R.S. helicopters. He took a shower and watched some TV.

Then, he went to bed, anxious to contact the Bravos and hear what they have to say about their investigation.