Albert Wesker was not a happy man, not that being happy was something of which he had ever been accused. However, he was starting to boil over into anger as he sat alone in his hospital room. He was unable to contact Umbrella, not that he really wanted to face up to his inability to retain control. He was also not capable of getting up and going anywhere without assistance, which he was not getting from any of the staff. His nurse was frightened of him to the point she only came near him with injections of painkiller. The aides refused to even come in the room, even though some of them were fairly in-shape men. The situation only got worse the more annoyed Wesker got. Usually he was satisfied with his mind as his company but being forced to stay in a bed in a public hospital was not his cup of tea. Hell, was it his fault everyone irritated the hell out of him and he was not in the mood to be charming?
So, when a knock came to his door before time for his next injection of meds, he was taken by surprise. Even more shocking was the presence of sweet, innocent Rebecca Chambers smiling in at him. At the moment, he would take anyone he could get if they gave him some type of brain stimulus. "Chambers, do come in." He forced a pleasant tone into his voice. He did not want to scare her away.
Rebecca hesitated but a moment before walking over to him. She noted he had no water or ice to drink. Thinking it very odd the staff would neglect a patient, she turned and stepped out into the hall. She caught the nurse that walked by. "Excuse me. I was wondering why Captain Wesker doesn't have any ice or water in his room. He also does not have a menu and supper time is soon."
The nurse looked at her a moment before walking to a nearby cart and handing the objects to her. "Give them to him yourself. Braver than I am if you'll go near that one."
Rebecca watched her leave, or flee as it seemed, before returning to Wesker. She poured him a cup of water before glancing down at the menu. He watched her somewhat confused by why should would so readily ignore what had happened the night before. "I hope your tongue is as bland as you are. Nothing on this menu is appetizing." She laid the menu on his stomach before leaning over to examine the gash on his head. "How are you feeling?"
Wesker sat in silence a moment more. Can anyone actually be this naïve and innocent? "Better, Chambers."
"As I suspected, you are healing quite well considering this was just stitched up this morning. I imagine Athena and you both with give the doctors quite a shock with your healing rates. Makes me wonder, as well, how you both heal so quickly." She stepped back and eyed him as he noncommittally read over the menu. He silently agreed that nothing he ordered, if it was actually delivered, would be appetizing. "Captain?"
Wesker looked up as she addressed him directly. Rebecca still found it sort of strange to see him without his sunglasses so much. She was also not surprised they rested close at hand beside the bed. "Yes, Chambers?"
Rebecca rolled her eyes. I don't think he even knows my first name. "I asked why you and Athena have such thick blood, quick healing rates." She crossed her arms defensively, feeling nude the way his eyes bored into her.
"Something that runs in the family. Nothing so strange about it." He knew the scientist in her would never by it. He was not certain why he even tried. And with this type of puzzle she will not be all sweet and innocent. This is her life's work. She is much like William and I were at her age.
"Captain, I know people can clot quickly. However, your immune system, and that of Athena, is amazing. I got one of the techs let me look at your blood samples and I was floored. You have enough antibodies in you that I doubt either of you have ever gotten a cold or even the sniffles. The rate of cell reproduction is astronomical compared to the average human. Not to mention the extra work it takes to actually kill one of your cells. You two are like walking cures. So many things could be learned from your blood alone, not to mention brain, cardiac, lung,…"
"I get the point, Chambers." He glared at her a moment longer before sighing and letting his head fall back. "That's why I avoid public hospitals, for one. For another, that is why I have limited my contact with Athena. If my employers ever found out about her…" Luckily for him, and Umbrella, he did not know they knew, yet.
Rebecca was stunned by the lost, scared look that passed over his face before getting lost in his normal blank expression. She touched one of his hands lightly. "You can trust that she is safe." She smiled brightly. "I would pity the person that tried to take her down. She as strong and smart as you are. She can handle her own." Something came to Rebecca as she thought over what he had said. "They know about your healing."
"Yes," he replied. He failed to notice Rebecca's hand still rested on his.
"I noticed something else in your sample. It's the virus, right? You injected yourself with it to save your research?"
Wesker nodded. "Not so much to save the research but to make sure I had what was rightfully mine." He sighed again and sat up straighter. He was restless. He hated not having complete control, and that included his ability to go wherever he wanted. "I was just a 'consultant' on the Tyrant project. But, my blood helped make him. He was part of me in a way."
"Is that why you did what you did? Do you regret any of it?" She looked at him with pleading eyes. At that moment he noticed her hand was still on his and he had clasped her fingers.
"No, I don't regret any of it. I did what I had to do. I enjoyed my work, both the scientist and the soldier. It's who I am."
"Playing God?"
"You are a biochemist. Do you not play God by finding antidotes and cures to things created by nature? Every time CPR brings someone back to life, or electric shock to restart a heart, is someone not playing God? Organ transplants, life support, guns, medications, drugs, pacemakers, the list is endless. Are those not ways of playing God? Makes me wonder why people even believe in him."
Rebecca had no answers. The questions were rhetorical but they also made her think, like they were supposed to. She understood. Despite all that had happened the night before, she understood his reasoning. She did not like what he had done. She hated him for it, but she also knew that he was who he was. Athena would have done the same thing, and though it would have still been wrong, the government was paying her to do it. It was for the betterment of the country, the world. She would be rewarded for her work. Wesker was being paid by Umbrella, true, but was it not all the same? "Tell me what you want to eat. I'll go out and get you something. Your diet's not restricted." The others were not going to like it, but she had to follow her own mind. Wesker had killed friends but was he really the one to blame. Umbrella was the place to cast blame, and Rebecca vowed she would see it done.
Wesker raised a brow but decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth. He thought a moment before deciding on something that would hopefully help take his mind off Umbrella and Spencer. "Italian, Miss Chambers. There's a place two blocks from here. Get two of the chef's special and you and I will dine once you return." He nodded toward a bag across the room. "If you wish, take my wallet to pay."
Rebecca was stunned yet again but shook her head. "My treat, sir. I'll be back soon." She smiled, gave his hand a pat, and quickly rushed to her task. Oddly, she felt like something had been lifted off her shoulders despite the shadow in her mind.
Gunn had secured rooms for the team at the nearest place he could find. Athena was going to flip when she found out it was in an upscale hotel. The fact that he had booked the largest suite they had was more than likely going to get his Scottish hide sent home in a pine box. However, they needed to be as close together as possible and it was the best thing he could come up with. She would have to realize there was a reason he was a subordinate and she was the leader, other than rank and the fact that she had more brass than their entire team, which was saying a lot considering some of the teammates were careless idiots that feared nothing and would take on anyone.
After setting up the base of operations, he had showered then taken a nap. Now, he sat waiting on everyone to show up. He had called all of them to let them know where to meet before they headed to the hospital. He hoped they listened and came to the hotel first. He was not sure Terrell or Brian would while he somewhat hoped Patrick went straight for the hospital. The medic's questions about things he had no answer were sure to set him off. His mood was still shadowed by the morning's events.
The ding of the private elevator alerted him to the fact that someone was coming. Unconsciously, his hand slid toward the gun in his waistband. He relaxed when Demetrius and Brian stepped into the room. Brian quickly dropped his stuff and came over to him. He held up a hand. "When everyone gets 'ere. Ya've waited this long." Demetrius smirked and nodded toward the rooms. "Take which ever ya want. Leave the big one fer the major. She ain't gonna be in that place long if I know the lassie."
Brian snorted. "What do you wanna bet she sneaks out within the next two days!" He grinned as Gunn slapped upside the head.
"Don't go jinxin' us, laddy."
Brian started to respond when the elevator let Terrell, Patrick, Isaiah, and Elizabeth all came off the car. His grin grew. "Gang's all here!" He dropped his head back and began to yell at Demetrius, who cut him off by slapping his hand over Brian's mouth.
"You lick, bite, or do anything obscene to that hand and you've taken your last breath. Now, shut up so we can here what's going on." The sharpshooter glared down at the radio operator. Brian nodded and kept silent None of them were keen on upsetting Greer. With a sigh, Gunn started at the beginning.
"We don't have any proof of what Wesker did. It's our word against his." Jill was pacing in the S.T.A.R.S office. Brad and Chris watched her wear off some of her pent up nervous energy. Brad had finally been told what had happened, and despite his guilt, which had grown due to the results of his actions, about leaving as he had, he was also glad he had not been among them on the estate. "And we sound like loons when we tell what actually happened!" She fell into her chair dejectedly. "What are we going to do?"
"I don't know," Chris told her. "We need to talk to Barry and Rebecca." He groaned as his phone rang. "Hello… Yes… I understand. Where do you… Alright. We'll be there… Goodbye, Mr. MacArtair." Chris looked at the two waiting faces. "MacArtair wants us to meet with Ka… Athena's team. I have a feeling this is going under someone's rug."
Jill's face grew angered. "Not without a fight." She just wish she knew who the fight was going to be with and how to fight.
Rebecca froze as she stepped in the door of Athena's room. Her eyes rested on the young man looking out the window. He had his back to the door as he gazed out the window. He stood at least as tall as Chris, maybe a few inches taller. His military style hair was dark but so short she could not tell the exact color. He wore faded jeans, a tight gray t-shirt, and hiking boots. She could not help but admire him. His body was toned well but not to the point of a bodybuilder. He glanced at Athena and noticed her at that moment. His pale violet eyes looked her over a moment before he turned to face her. "Hello." He inclined his head.
"Hi. I'm Rebecca Chambers from the R.P.D. S.T.A.R.S." She held out her hand with a smile.
He took her hand. "I'm Captain Terrell Thurlow. I work under the major." He smiled back as he jerked a thumb toward Athena.
Rebecca pulled back her hand and looked at the sleeping woman. She picked up her chart and read over the doctor's notes. "She's doing quite well considering what happened to her…"
"Were you out there?" His eyes lingered on her a moment before he took a seat by Athena.
"Unfortunately, yes. Last night was my first assignment." She hung the chart back up and sat down on the other side of the bed. Terrell whistled softly and gave her a sympathetic shake of his head.
After a few moments of their silence, Athena began to stir. Her eyes fell on Rebecca first and the Terrell. "Miss Chambers. Terry."
"Hey, 'Ena. What did you go and have all the fun by yourself for?" Terrell smiled fondly at her. Rebecca wondered if Athena was aware her subordinate had a thing for her.
"Yeah, bushels of fun. Rebecca, how is my… Wesker?"
"It's okay. I know. He let me see your paperwork after he filled it out. To answer your question, he's cranky and restless. We just finished supper. He is anxious to see you though he hasn't said anything. He's his tightlipped self." Rebecca stood and smiled down at her. "I'll go get him if you want."
Athena nodded and watched the younger woman rush off. She shook her head slightly and faced Terrell. "Are the others here?"
Terrell took the hand near him gently. "Yeah. How are you feeling?" He seemed to act like she would break if he touched her. Athena furrowed her brow and pulled her hand away.
"I'm fine, but I'll be better once I'm out of here. Has Gunn found a place to stay?" She wriggled slightly. She rarely slept on her stomach and when she did it was not flatly. The thought of making Wesker lay on his stomach while she had to crossed her mind but she knew it was not feasible.
"I don't think you'll be outta here for some time. Captain got us a place at the closest hotel. I bit fancier than you'll like but it fits the situation." Terrell again took her hand. He just wanted to reassure himself that she was in fact there. Athena sighed and let him hold it. She would just ignore it for the time being.
Rebecca returned shortly pushing a grouchy Wesker who looked almost like he was pouting. Rebecca had a smile on her face. The others got the impression she was gloating. Athena had a feeling she knew what was going on. "Where's you specs?" She smirked as Wesker threw Rebecca a withering look.
"I hope she doesn't get used to getting her way. Once I can move around on my own…" He let his threat trail off. Rebecca just grinned and sat down beside him.
"Even once your allowed to move around alone, you'll need crutches. I think I can out run you for a while yet."
Athena shook her head at the pair. Rebecca may not be aware, but Albert Wesker was not the type of man to let just anyone act the way she was, no matter what condition he was in. Something was going on. "Captain Thurlow, this is Albert Wesker."
Terrell looked the older man over. Wesker glared back, especially on the hand holding Athena's. Terrell ignored the glare because a stern man with a bum leg and wearing a hospital gown just did not worry him. "So, you're the big bad dad. Don't seem so tough to me."
Athena sighed and jerked her hand back yet again. He had started rubbing her knuckles lazily. "Terrell, don't be a prick. When are the others coming by?"
"Not sure. I snuck out so I could come see you alone. Pity you didn't wake before Rebecca here showed up." He smiled at her and Athena rolled her eyes.
"Terry, Gunn is going to kill you. Hand me the phone." She held out her hand. Rebecca was closest so she complied. As she sat back down, she noticed how tense Wesker was.
"Captain?" Her voice was soft but it drew Terrell's attention. Athena was busy dialing the phone and throwing him frustrated glances.
"I'm fine, Miss Chambers." His voice belied that he was far from fine. Rebecca had a feeling he was lying but kept her mouth shut.
"Gunn… Yes, the idiot's here. Are you really surprised? I'm shocked that Brian's not with him… Oh, really. I would have liked to have seen that. Demetrius is most creative. He didn't do anything permanent… Okay… You are… I'll send him now… She's here as well… Alright, that'll work. It'll give me some time alone with… Yes, I'm sure… Calm down, MacArtair. I'll see you tomorrow." She handed the phone back to Rebecca, ignoring the yelling on the other end. Rebecca gave her a curious look but she just shook her head. Rebecca hung up on Gunn reluctantly.
"Demetrius stopped Brian from getting out?" Terrell grinned.
"Yeah, apparently the idiot was thinking of repelling off the balcony. Demetrius took the rope and hung him from the ceiling to keep him put. He had tried using Greer's gear."
Terrell chuckled as he stood and shook his head. "I guess I'm going back then?"
"Yes, and you're taking Rebecca with you. Gunn has set up a meeting with S.T.A.R.S later and she needs to be present." Athena jerked her head toward the door. "Get your ass out of here before I here from Gunn. Technically, he is your superior officer even if you are the same rank. You know I don't like handing down disciplinary actions to the team."
Terrell grinned. "Except to Brian." He laughed and gripped her shoulder. "I'm going." He walked to the door. "You coming, Rebecca?"
"You two will be alright alone, right? I can take the captain back to his room…"
"We'll be fine, Chambers."
"I'll be back to help you to bed, sir." She smiled to the both of them and rushed after Terrell. Athena watched her go then eyed Wesker.
"What happened?"
Wesker raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
Athena struggled to sit up. He grabbed her arm in an attempt to stop her but she just slapped his hand away and sat up. He helped balance herself then sat back. She took a hitched but deep breath. "You and Rebecca. How ironic and cliché is it that you two are seemingly getting along?"
"I have to have someone to rely on if the staff refuses to do its job." He shrugged. "What does it matter if it's Chambers?"
"She's eighteen. Despite what happened last night, she looks at you like she admires you still. Something happened that changed her mind. Despite how she was acting when we were brought in, she was still uncertain. Now, she seems sure that you at least aren't going to harm her."
"The only thing that could have changed her mind was talking because that is all she has done." Athena chuckled. She could see his exasperation.
"And you couldn't shut her up in fear she would leave you all alone, too."
Wesker nodded, annoyed. He wanted to leave, to get up and walk out. "I can't stand being stuck here."
"Then leave. I'll be out of here within two days, tops. I hate these places. They bring up too many questions and bad memories."
His brow furrowed as he caught the sad, lost look in her eyes. He was reminded about all he did not know. "What memories?"
Athena met his eyes. His voice was similar to how it had been in the helicopter early that morning. He had lost his edge, his façade. She knew he was what he made himself to be, but she also knew there was more than the soldier, the killer, the mad scientist. Somewhere lost behind and among everything else was a man, a father. She had tried so many times to reach through it all and find him, and no matter what she did, she failed. Why would he suddenly start peaking out at her now? Was he trying to save his own hide, or was he genuinely interested in her? Could she take the chance that it was the former? Her heart bled for the chance to know him, truly know what his mind got up to, how he thought. She also feared that opening up to him would make it worse once he shut himself back in, and she knew he would. He had been the calm, cool, deadly, self serving man everyone knew for far too long to just snap out of it. If it was possible for him to turn around, it would not happen over night. She doubted it would ever happen at all but she held out hope. He would think her weak for doing so but she had to hold on to some humanity. She did not want to turn into him.
"Athena?" She looked away and took another deep breath.
"When I was younger, staying with the Birkins…" She looked down at her hands. Wesker sat forward and took them into one of his.
"Did William do something to you? Or did Annette?"
Athena shook her head vigorously. "No, but… I was watching Sherry and she got stuck in a tree. I went up after her. She was frightened at being carried back down, that I would drop her. Well, we both fell at least fifteen feet. I don't know what possessed her to go so high but she was only five. I broke her fall, and she and the ground broke me. She called 911. She at least knew to do that from the TV. Umbrella had control of the phone so when she was trying to get through, they intercepted the call. I ended up being treated by one of their doctors…" She hunched closer to herself as if trying to get into a ball. "They found out exactly who I am. Uncle Will, he tried to get me out. However, one of the bigwigs had me thoroughly examined. They took blood, urine, spinal fluid, hair, skin, and so many other tissue samples I can't remember. They took ova samples, too. The son of a bitches took pieces of all that I am."
Wesker was silent as he processed what she had told him. "They didn't take a piece of your soul. It's not something they can cut, study, splice. What makes you who you are is your soul, not what they took from you." He placed a hand on her cheek and coaxed her to look him in the eye. "What else?"
How did he know there was more? They did the same things to him. How could he work for these people! Or does he? Something in his eyes told her that he was angered by what she said but she also saw betrayal. "Before William got me out they injected me with a sample of the t-virus. For days I was left alone in a room that had cameras everywhere. I itched and had a hunger I couldn't satisfy. I would look at myself and feel compelled to bite myself. I used all I had in me to fight what was happening. Finally, I got desperate. I was not going to be a damn guinea pig. So, I memorized the patrol of the guards. I listened to their footsteps so I would know when they were a safe distance away. I knew I had to move fast because the cameras would automatically give me away.
"I waited until after the guard slid my evening meal to me on the fifth day. After I could no longer hear his steps, I stood up from my bed as best I could with a broken leg. They were feeding me a bare minimum of food and hardly any water was given to me. They weren't treating me. They hoped I died. I figured if it was what they really wanted, I wasn't about to give in so easily. I picked up my meal and picked at it with the plastic utensils the provided. Funny thing about plastic, it can be as deadly as metal. I acted like I was slitting my wrists. I made sure to miss the main arteries and veins. It wasn't long until they came rushing in. They didn't want me to mess with their research. They wanted to know exactly what happened to a person infected. When they started to carry me out, I started to fight. I could feel my bones grinding together in my leg but the pain was only fuel for what I wanted to do to them. Finally, one of the guards ended up shooting me."
She looked away again. He was not sure if he should say anything yet so he stayed silent. "You say I didn't lose my soul but I did. It left my body. I died. When it returned, I returned to life… I felt different. I felt like I had no emotions left. I wanted to kill everyone around me. I harbored my impulses, waiting. Then, Sherry came up to me with tear filled eyes. She fell to her knees and hugged my legs. She cried and cried. I broke. The wall that had frozen over my heart cracked and melted away. I picked her up and cradled her to my chest. She apologized so many times I'm surprised she wasn't hoarse. Sherry Birkin saved not only my life then but the lives of so many more. I… I nearly turned into…"
"Me," Wesker finished. He pulled away from her and crossed his arms. "You say they know who you were, that you were my daughter?"
"Yes." She glanced in his direction but found her hands much more interesting.
"And you died from a gunshot wound? Did the virus bring you back or did they?" He was going over in his mind all the possibilities and the consequences.
"I'm not sure. William was furious at first and then he told me I was better off without knowing. He said nothing said or done would change anything."
"He was always the fatherly type. It's strange how similar yet different we are." Wesker sighed and rubbed at his face. Athena watched him and at that moment noticed something odd.
"Your eyes. The edges are turning red." She bit at her lip. "The virus… Did you inject yourself with it?!" She looked stricken.
"I… Yes, I did." He met her eyes trying to make her understand. "They created it by splicing my cells with others, viruses. It came from me and I wanted to make sure everything I went through was not pointless."
"I withheld the effects because I have the same type of blood you do. The healing, clotting, immunity all came from something in our blood. But, you shouldn't be experiencing any changes without dieing."
"Not necessarily true. The severity of my wound coupled with a concussion could very well strain my system enough for the virus to take some hold. I wonder why you have not suffered any type of change."
Athena swallowed before laying back down. She placed her chin on her clasped hands. "I did. That's why I left the Birkins'. Sherry woke me one night after having a nightmare. When I sat up and opened my eyes she screamed and ran from me. Annette came running in and soon was screaming at me. Uncle Will was forced to find something to do with me. I was almost sixteen, so I told him to find me a place nearby and I'd stay on my own. I wear the best contacts I could find. You aren't suppose to wear them all the time but the virus seemed to change my body enough to allow me the convenience of not having to follow that warning."
Looking very close, Wesker could tell she was telling the truth. Her eyes were shaped different under the lenses and the very edges, around the lenses, were blood red. "Can you…"
Athena nodded and took one of them out. He leaned closer and tilted his head. Smirking, he commented, "I like them a lot better than the lenses."
"You would," she said dryly. "I don't like freaking people out all the time. It's not always a good thing when everyone is scared of you, you know?"
"It isn't?" He asked innocently. Athena snorted at the thought of Wesker and innocent in context with each other.
"I'm afraid not." She grinned at him. "Good thing some people don't have the sense to be afraid."
"Not that it does them any good." He uncharacteristically grinned back.
"You're impossible," Athena groaned as she buried her face in her pillow. Wesker just chuckled.
Chris stepped off the elevator and looked around. He spotted Gunn pacing near the balcony doors, which were open letting in the evening breeze. The Scottish man was broad and burley like Barry though he stood a few inches taller. He dressed casually in jeans and a flannel shirt. He did his best to look non threatening but his size ruined it for him. Chris noted he, like all the other men in the room save one, had a very short military style hair cut. The Scot's hair was about the same color as Barry's, too. He wondered idly if the two men were somehow related.
Next to Gunn, hung a young blond haired, blue eyed man dressed in jeans and a Marines t-shirt. He was somewhat scrawny but Chris could tell he was in very good shape. Nearby sat a tall, skinny man with black hair and gray eyes. He was dressed in black fatigues and a black t-shirt. Chris got the impression he was not the friendly, talkative type. Across the room sat three more members of the team and Rebecca, who was dressed in shorts and a tank top with her sneakers. To her left sat a green eyed man with glasses and a clean shaved head. He was talking animatedly with Rebecca about things Chris could not even pronounce. The other two were dressed similarly to the bald man, all wearing jeans and different shades of green t-shirts. The petit woman had short blond hair and brown eyes. She seemed bored and anxious at the same time. The man talking to her had brown hair and brown eyes. He was smaller than all the other men making Chris think he was either younger or not as into working out. However, Chris could tell he was capable by the way his eyes took in every little detail.
Lastly, Chris noticed Terrell, who was still in his jeans and t-shirt, his violet eyes scrutinizing Chris's every move. He sat on the couch away from everyone. Chris thought he looked like he was brooding over something. As he moved to approach Chris, Gunn noticed their guest as well. "Mr. Redfield, I'm glad ya could make it. Please, 'ave a seat until everyone gets 'ere." Gunn motioned to the entire room. Chris nodded and moved to sit near Terrell.
"I don't remember the Air Force ever paying for anything like this," he commented to break the ice.
Terrell snorted. "That doesn't surprise me. Truth is, Athena's going to be having Gunn's hide over this one." He leaned back and eyed Chris. "So, you're a flyboy, huh?"
"I was. I don't get up in the air much anymore."
"You aren't a pilot for your team?' Terrell thought that odd. The Air Force was good at what it did. He could not see having an ex flyboy and not using him.
"I'm a back up pilot but mainly I'm a sharpshooter, foot soldier."
"Are you a good shot?" Terrell glanced at Demetrius, who he knew was listening closely.
"Yes," Chris replied. He was not bragging. He knew he was a good shot.
"You sound confident," Demetrius joined in.
"If you had to make every shot count like I did last night, you would be, too." He looked at Demetrius and was not surprised to find him staring back calculatingly. "Though, you already are confident. Maybe sometime we'll see who's the best."
"I wouldn't want to humiliate you." Demetrius gave nothing away. Chris thought he was serious but he also thought he could be joking.
"Don't mind him. He's just like that." Terrell waved his friend's behavior off. Chris just nodded. He glanced up as Rebecca came to sit beside him.
"Hey, Becky. Where've you been?"
"I was at the hospital." She was hesitant to elaborate. Chris had barely been able to stay in the room with Wesker that morning. Should she tell him she had spent the evening with their captain, that's if he still was their captain?
"By yourself? Athena couldn't have been conscious as much meds as they gave her." He eyed her. Tell me you didn't spend the time with Wesker. Please, tell me you didn't.
"No, I was with the cap…"
"Don't call him that!" Chris stood and started pacing, too, only he was doing it much more quickly than Gunn. "How can you spend time with him?" His voice was loud and had drawn everyone's attention, including Jill and Brad, who had just gotten off the elevator.
"You aren't even going to try to understand why he did what he did. I can't just except that someone would act that way for no good reason, especially someone I know." She glared up at him but could feel her eyes tearing. She did not want to have Chris or the others dislike her because she wanted to understand Wesker.
"Chris?" Jill walked up to him and gripped his arm. "What's going on?" She looked to Rebecca and noticed how upset the young woman was. "Rebecca?"
"She spent the evening visiting Wesker," Chris spat. He looked so angry Jill worried he would hurt someone. "Why?"
"I don't answer to you, sir, when we are off duty. If I wish to spend my time with my captain, then I will do so if he allows. He is injured and alone as he cannot mobilize himself and the hospital staff seems to not pay any attention to him. He needs someone…"
"He doesn't deserve the service of a maggot!" Chris was yelling now. "He got us almost killed, and he was going to before the night was over. He killed Enrico with his own hand. Caused the deaths of Ken, Forest, Joe, Richard. He blackmailed Barry, or made like he was. How can you be in his presence?" He was bearing down on her, towering over her like he would a common criminal in an interrogation.
"What's going on?" Barry asked as he joined them. He was shocked to see Chris Redfield yelling at a young woman, especially a teammate that had been through hell the night before. The Chris he knew would never do such a thing; then again, Chris had been through that hell, too.
"We don't know. Rebecca apparently spent some time at the hospital with Wesker. Chris just went apeshit over it," Jill answered. She was getting ready to intervene when Rebecca flew to her feet, tears streaming down her face.
"You don't know him! You judge him! Yes, he did what you said. Did you ever stop to think of why, why he did it? Do you think you could handle the answer? And what difference does it make? We can't prove anything. You're going to have to get used to the fact he is still captain of S.T.A.R.S and you work for and with him. God, grow up!" She put her hands on her hips and sniffed.
"You may as well be a traitor! Get out of here if you aren't with us! I don't want to look at you right now!" She glared at him before it all crashed.
Tears pouring down her face as she fought the sobs she felt coming, she fled. She ran to the elevator, shoving passed Jill and Barry as they stood in her path. He doesn't understand. How could I have miss judged him so? I thought he would at least be civil about it. I can't believe… She shoved her thoughts aside as she rode the lift down. She needed to calm down before she returned to the hospital. Athena and the captain did not need her upsetting them or bothering them with her problems.
"Christopher Redfield, what the hell is wrong with you?" Jill stomped up to him and slapped him hard across the cheek. He seemed stunned when his eyes met hers. Suddenly, what he had done hit him across the face like Jill had.
"Oh, god. What have I done?" He sunk down onto the sofa, a stricken expression on his face.
"That's a damn good question! Do you really think Rebecca, of all people, needed that? She's not Claire, Chris, and even if she was, she's old enough to chose whom she wishes to pass her time with. She's only eighteen! She hasn't seen the world like you have. Things are still simple for her, to a degree." Jill sat down beside him. "Look, we'll worry about Rebecca after we talk with Gunn." She looked up at the Scottish man, who nodded and quickly began explaining the whole top secret mission, need to know basis, not able to tell anyone, and all the other stuff that was drilled into his head. Then, he began outlining a plan to take care of Umbrella on their side and told them they should do the same. The hour was late when they all finished, but he hoped the time had been spent fruitfully.
Athena and Wesker were both dozing when Rebecca returned to the hospital. She smiled as she moved to sit down, which woke Wesker. He took one look at her with his critical, accessing, narrowed gaze and knew something was wrong with her. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot and puffy. Her hair was not as neat as it had been, like she had been repeatedly running a hand through it, and her nose was red. "Miss Chambers, are you alright?" His voice woke Athena, who turned as much as she could to see Rebecca.
"Have you been crying, Rebecca?" Athena's question did Rebecca in. As much as she had been trying to stay calm, she fell to the chair and starting sobbing all over again. The events of the previous night and Chris's reaction to her spending time with Wesker were just too much for the normally cloistered, to some extent, young woman. She could not handle everything going through her head, through her heart. She question her decisions, her ability to be a friend. So, with the damn of emotion also came the explanation. Athena and Wesker sat stunned afterward.
"I didn't know Redfield could do such a thing. I wouldn't worry, Chambers. He'll be crawling on his hands and knees begging for your forgiveness." Wesker smiled at her. "That's just the way he is."
"But.. What about you? He doesn't understand…"
"And you do?" Wesker lifted a brow and frowned. "You'll never understand what makes me tick, Miss Chambers."
"Dad, stop." Athena shot him a hot look then focused on Rebecca. "Becky, you have to understand that he's been an officer longer than you. He knew those people better than you did. He is not as easy caring as you and cares a great deal about what happened, not exactly why. He feels betrayed, threatened. He should. You just look at things more clearly and innocently. That's the gift of youth and a pure heart. And, dad's right, don't take it so seriously. The wounds are still fresh. Give Redfield time."
Rebecca nodded then giggled. The other two shared a confused glance before staring at her. "It's strange to hear someone calling the captain dad, especially after you were avoiding doing so since you met us last night."
"Well, that's what he is. Seems I may want to work on how to tell your friends. I'm afraid Redfield would have found himself bloody and sore if he had done that to me. Your stronger in ways than most, Rebecca."
They sat in silence for several minutes. Rebecca finally broke the silence. "Athena, do you think Billy really did what he was accused of?"
Athena was shocked by the question. She had forgotten about Coen's dog tags. "I have my doubts. I want to hear his side of events. Did he mention anything to you? Anything about his commanding officer?" Rebecca nodded and told Athena everything Billy had told her. "We need to find this 'zombie' Coen so I can help him." Athena yawned, which caused both of the others to. Wesker was surprised Athena needed so much sleep as she had the virus and her own blood doing all the healing, but the drugs they kept giving her were having a toll. He was tired, too, as Athena had made the nurse see to him, threatening all kinds of lawsuits and the like.
"I should get the captain back to bed and then go home. We all need rest after last night." Rebecca stood and took a hold of Wesker's chair. "Night, Athena."
"Goodnight, Rebecca, Dad." Athena wriggled to find a comfortable place and was soon asleep once again.
Rebecca helped Wesker back to bed and made sure he did not need anything before turning for the door. "Night, Captain."
"Goodnight, Rebecca," Wesker responded before turning his back to the door. She stood there staring at him in surprise. He had just used her first name. She was stunned. In a daze, she left the hospital and went home. She was physically and emotionally drained. She needed to sleep and figured she may not get out of bed until well into the next afternoon, if she did not have nightmares. She feared she would.