Right, sorry about the delay. I was going to post this ages ago but I got sidetracked. Sorry 'bout that. Anyway, here is chapter nine. –note- Unfortunately, there are no cookies today. If you want to find out why, read Shady777's supa cool story 'Crimson Africa' and read my review. I love that story. It rules. (Sorry, sidetracked again)
Shady777- Thank you for picking that up! It really irks me when it's in other peoples' work, so I'll try to keep an eye on it! Yeah, Victoria was sorta based on Alexia. They're supposed to be related. (did you notice my sneaky use of a cousin Veronica? I thought that was very sneaky of me) so it makes sense. I hope.
RamenKitty- I'm not sure if becoming an evil scientist is a good career move, but yes, the evil scientist is a chick. Go the sewers! No cleaning required!... ahem….
damien- Are you threatening me? Cos when I read that I was more confused than terrified, which made it a complete waste of time for you now, didn't it. Next time, if you want to threaten me, use something clearer and original, mmkay? If you are threatening me, BRING IT BIATCH… ahem…
Zarbok- I was actually ready to post my last chapter for a long time, I just didn't know what to write for chapter 7, so your review only made me get my a into g and update faster. Umm.. sorry bout the delay with this one. I was going to post it but I went swimming instead. Yay! Thanks for reading! I'll be careful to take the time needed to keep my chapters up to standard. I can sacrifice speed!
READ ON!
Chapter Nine
Sena listened to her uncle's story in awe and with more than a little disbelief. Umbrella… viruses… Spencer…
And to think, all of Sena's hair care products were made by Umbrella. It was weird and unbelievable, to her ears, that such a company was involved in illegal production of bio-weapons. Umbrella was a widely publicized company, employing millions and catering for many more. Word would've got out sooner or later. It did a malicious voice reminded her, in Raccoon City.
Wesker still guided her through the tunnels. He was distant now having told her his tale, though, naturally, he had left out some of his more… dubious… assignments. He began to feel a little guilty at leading the children into the sewers; suspicions were forming about the virus present here.
"So those things back there were t-virus people?"
Wesker frowned. "No. Well they may have been, but I guess the virus mutated on its journey here or…"
"Or what?"
"It was already here to begin with."
"Hmmm… you'd have to ask Amy about that sort of thing, she's into myths and legends and that kinda stuff. But having the T-Virus is just plain stupid!"
Wesker raised an eyebrow. "Reason?"
"It should've been bacteria. Easier to control for a start, and if you wanted to make a cure you'd just need to experiment with antibiotics. Though some antibiotics are losing their affectivity, so it would still be difficult but not impossible."
"Why would anyone want to make a cure?"
"For the greater good?" In the gloom Wesker raised an eyebrow again. Interpreting his silence correctly, Sena corrected herself. "For money, then. A cure would be worth more money than the Bacteria. And then it would only increase in value because of counterfeit ones and…" Sena droned on like this for quite a while, completely forgetting her fear of enclosed spaces.
"But it's a virus," Wesker reminded her.
"Can't you make an anti-virus?"
"Possibly. It's what my new company is attempting to do. They obviously think the same way as you do.'
***
Rosanna sighed. Ian sat obstinately on the floor and refused to get up.
"Come on," she pleaded.
"Can't," he whined, "I was never a great distance runner."
Rosanna could sympathise. Her legs burned and she felt a bit dizzy. Her throat was badly parched and the dinner of butter chicken sat uncomfortably in the pit of her stomach. Further down the tunnel, STARS continued. Despite their good intentions, she knew they couldn't afford to wait for the kids. If they got out of sight, Rosanna and Ian would be on their own.
"Please?"
"NO!"
Ben approached almost casually. "Come on, you great wuss. Giving up already?" he teased and winked swiftly at Rosanna.
Ian didn't want to appear weak. "I'm just having a stop to force Roz to take a breather," Ian invented on the spot, "cos I think she's been working herself too hard, what with being a girl and everything."
The type of humour that comes from extreme nervousness- like before major exams and telling you parents that yes, you did actually take the car and drive into a pole- took over them.
"What!?!" Rosanna demanded. "That's gender discrimination! Come over here and tell me that again!"
Ben gave a snort of laughter. "She's going to beat you up Ian! Be afraid of the girly hand of doom!"
Rosanna turned to him threateningly. "Excuse me!?!'
In answer, Ben fled down the tunnel. Ian muttered "good plan mate" and was not far behind. Rosanna gave a half-hearted chase. She was not overly worried about the sexist remarks. Well, not at the moment, anyway. She silently thanked Ben for manipulating Ian. Ian could be stubborn, a trait they had no time for in this situation. Rosanna hoped she wouldn't have to deal with it tonight, or even tomorrow. She fervently wanted to get out of the sewers, the sooner the better.
They caught up with STARS, who hadn't even noticed their absence. Chris and Barry led the way determinedly and seemed unaware of everyone's presence. That's reassuring! Rosanna came to Jill. "What's happening?"
Jill glanced at her. "I think Victoria Arben Reeves' experiment lives on in the sewers."
"But that's just an old legend to keep children out of the forest. It can't be true!"
"Maybe, but I don't want to take any risks. Our mission is to eradicate any sign of a virus down here."
"What about Sena? Are you going to try to find her?"
"Of course! And Celia too. It's just that if we don't stop the spread of infection, all of Brideswell could be destroyed."
"The virus has been here, if you believe the Arben Reeves story, for over a century. It hasn't done much harm."
It was Chris who answered this, with such a definite tone it was clear the conversation was over. "I'm not willing to have the destruction of another city on my conscience."
***
Wesker tuned out his 'niece's' ramblings about the stupidity of making a virus. He decided he didn't want to tell her he had a hand in the engineering of this 'utterly stupid virus created by morons". Instead, Wesker concentrated on following the smell of fresh air. He had the uncomfortable feeling that he was getting deeper into the sewers instead of leaving them. Also, he was beginning to doubt the 'fresh air'-ness. It could be a mere air-vent of some other small gap that would be of no use to them.
The sound of footsteps alerted Wesker to someone's approach. A group of someones, actually. They were still distant, but steadily getting nearer. The regular, hesitant steps indicated they were human, but Wesker wasn't willing to take any chances.
He left Sena and stealthily crept towards the sound. Wesker found himself in an old forgotten mineshaft. He guessed that meant he was still in Eons Forest. Part of the shaft had collapsed, making a pile of earth that took up most of the ground. The walls of the mound were steep and slick and he thought that even if he could make it to the top of the dirt mound, he would need something to help him get over the top. The surface was just over twenty feet above his head. The stars twinkled merrily down on him.
Well, there's a way out. Now I just need to find a rope…and burn this place to the ground. Before he had come on the search, Wesker decided that the best way to get rid of the infection in the sewers was to incinerate it. Maybe some zombies and vampires would survive but it was as good an idea as any. (Author Note: you'll remember Wesker has some kerosene, etc, randomly in his bag, right?)
He made a mental note of the possible exit's location and ventured towards the footsteps. He had not made it out of the semi-collapsed mine when he noticed a shadow behind a pile of rubble. Wesker scrutinised the figure as STARS and the teens came through the other exit.
Chris and Barry raised their guns.