Demetrius, Brian, and Isaiah all sat around the dining table of their suite working on information about Umbrella. Truthfully, they were all a bit curious as to why they were still working on a completed mission. They knew that Athena had a personal connection to the company, but their orders had not included anything past getting Albert Wesker and destroying the facility. They were not going to question Athena and Gunn. They would follow either person into Hell, but they would have appreciated a more thorough explanation. Or, at least, Brian would have. Demetrius just did not care, and Isaiah was a little puppy begging to please. Brian found them both exasperating. They both sat working away. Demetrius was busy highlighting portions of documents Isaiah printed out, most coming from files Athena had been able to send from the mansion. As Isaiah scanned through the stuff Athena had sent, he had two other computers sitting nearby. One was doing background checks on names they came across while the other searched for the locations of facilities, storage, and housing units. Brian was bored listening to the dull, recorded tapes from the night's mission.

The three men had been at their work for at least three hours. Brian was about to fall asleep from the boredom. Isaiah was in his computer ruled world. Demetrius was his normal calm, cool, collected self. Nothing seemed to phase the man unless he got irritated, which was normally with Brian, or occasionally Terrell. Brian found the way they both so easily lost themselves in their work extremely irritating. He could do the same with live, interesting dialogue but what he was currently listening to was a good sleeping pill. He wanted to visit Athena, see the city, ask questions around the place, do recon, anything but what he was doing. Demetrius seemed to sense this.

"Donnelly, get another computer and do some research. I'm sick of your sighs and fidgeting." The sharpshooter glared at the radio operator, who glared back. However, Brian was happy to have something else to do. "And, continue working on those recordings." Greer just loved spoiling his good moods and happiness.

"You do remember that I am older and out rank you?" Brian asked as he continued to glare at Demetrius.

"Couldn't prove it by me," the serious man replied dryly. He did not even bother with raising his eyes from the papers in front of him. Brian glowered at the top of his head before standing to get some coffee. He would deal with Greer later, but maybe one final jibe would not hurt.

"You're just cranky because you gained another year toward thirty yesterday." Demetrius snorted.

"Yeah, and in two and a half months you will be thirty." Brian scowled but said nothing more. If he wanted to get out of the suite at some point, he had to do what needed done. Something told him he would likely be last one done, too.

Elizabeth knocked lightly on the door of the S.T.A.R.S office. Gunn had hinted he was worried that they still had information that needed sharing. So, she had offered to see if she could find anything out from a member of Alpha Team.

"Yeah?" A male voice called to her. She entered to see Brad and Jill doing paperwork.

"Bonjou," she greeted. Brad smiled and Jill looked her up and down trying to ascertain why she was there. Elizabeth ignored the action as she would react the same way. "I don' tink we were properly introduced las' nigh'. I'm Corporal Elizabeth LeBeau."

Brad smiled. "Brad Vickers and Jill Valentine."

Jill glanced at him before resting her eyes on the corporal. "How can we help you, Corporal LeBeau?"

"Liza," she corrected. "My captain wish fo' me tae make sure we covered everyding." She smiled and sat down. "I don' mean tae interrupt y' bu' 'e is a bi' cranky."

"No problem," Brad told her. "I'm sure we'll help any way we can." He looked to Jill.

"Yeah, I guess we can see if there's anything we missed, but I think we covered everything last night." She straightened her paperwork then turned to fully face the woman. "If you don't mind, your accent…"

"I was born tae a Cajun fanmi and raised in de bayou." Liza smirked. "If I say someding y' do no' understan', le' me know. I am use tae i'."

"Cajun? I thought it sounded kind of French but then it sounded like something English, too. I just wasn't sure." Jill leaned back and smiled trying to show friendliness. "So, what do you need to know?"

"Anreyalite, I was tinking maybe we go shoppin' an' jus' see wha' we tink o'." She smiled broadly. "I 'aven' de chance tae shop in a long time."

Jill was startled by the proposal but she was not one to pass on shopping. She stood and nodded. "Alright, sounds fun. I can show you the best places."

"Bon. I don' wan' tae wear de same outfit de entire time I'm 'ere. Isaiah didn' give me de chance tae ge' any clothes before coming 'ere."

"Sounds like a man." They both giggled as Brad made a face and yelled that it wasn't true. He shook his head as he watched them leave.

"Yeah, and sounds just like a woman to want to shop in every damn new town they come across."

Gunn, Patrick, Terrell, and Rebecca sat around a small round table in the hospital cafeteria. They all had cups of coffee in hand or on the table. Rebecca and Pat were talking about Wesker and Kali's blood samples. Terrell and Gunn listened with half an ear. Most of the terminology was lost on them. Occasionally one of them would think of something to say to the other, but mostly they stayed lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Gunn stood and walked away. Patrick and Terrell shared a glance but thought nothing of it. Rebecca looked on curious, stopping mid-sentence due to the abrupt action.

"I think it's the Scot in him that makes him like that," Terrell told her. "You get used to it, though he rarely has the brass to do it when 'Ena's around."

"Especially when we're doing something she deems important or having a discussion." Patrick finished his coffee. "Well, I want to talk with Albert. May as well go in case Gunn needs medical attention."

"We're in a hospital, Patty. He'll have plenty of that." Terrell smiled as Pat slapped him on the head. "Careful, Lt. I'll get you for assaulting a superior officer."

Patrick snorted. "You wouldn't dare. Athena would kick you from here to the moon."

Terrell smiled continuously. Patrick rarely partook in verbal spars; and, when he did, he usually spouted something really offensive using terms no one except Athena knew, and she always got a big laugh out of the whole thing.

"Personally, I want to see if the others are injured," Rebecca said as she stood and walked away from them. She was amazed at how most of Athena's team seemed immature to degrees. It's the way they cope. Your team was much the same.

Once upstairs, she heard Gunn and Athena before she was even near the room. They were disagreeing vehemently about something. She was surprised she did not hear Wesker adding his own thoughts. Wesker was not the type to just sit by, and he had given signs he was becoming quite protective over his daughter. Terrell's voice startled Rebecca from her musings. "They do this now and then. Just wait until he storms out. All will be safe then, I hope." Patrick nodded in agreement. Rebecca was hesitant but stayed where she was. Even the staff was reluctant to go near the room to stop the argument.

Eventually, Gunn growled really loud and stormed out, as Terrell had predicted. The pilot never spared them a glance as he stalked by and down the hall. His footfalls fell on their ears long after he passed them. "Now or never," Pat commented. He walked toward the room slowly. Terrell grinned and shoved Rebecca to follow him. She glared back at him but kept silent. She was not going to be pulled into an argument, real or not, at the moment.

Inside the room, Athena was breathing heavily. She sat on the bed clinching her fists and squeezing her eyes closed. Her nose flared with every inhalation. She was trying to calm down before addressing anyone else. Her jaw was clamped shut so she did not say anything. Wesker was near her side looking pleased, which meant he had enjoyed the show. Chris was a bit shaky as he had not known what was going on at first. Once he figured it out, he just wanted to melt away and not get drawn in.

Rebecca moved to stand near Chris, who was a bit pale. She patted him on the shoulder with a small smile. He nodded back. "So, did you and the captain get done talking?" She glanced at Wesker, who was switching from watching Athena to watching her and back again.

"Yeah, I think so. I learned a lot I never would have considered. I may not condone what happened, or like it, but I gave Barry leave for his reasons. I have to do the same for Wesker, right? They were pretty much the same." His eyes pleaded with her to know if he was doing the right thing. She nodded with a grin. He sighed, letting out the breath he did not know he was holding. "Good. I hope the others understand."

"That's is between you and them as well as them and the captain. I believe it would be best if we had a meeting after everyone is well. Clear all the air." Rebecca moved to stand between him and Wesker, something she seemed to be making a habit of.

"What did you and Gunn get into it about this time?" Terrell moved to stand near Athena.

"Nothing that concerns you at this time," Athena replied roughly. She opened her eyes and looked at Terrell and Patrick. "Terry, I need you to get me my satellite phone. Gunn had it in the chopper. Patrick, report to Brian and see if there is anything you can do. Make sure Demetrius is not giving him a hard time and that Brian is behaving himself."

"Yes, ma'am, but would it be possible for me to speak with your father and Miss Chambers before I head back. I wish to discuss some things I have noticed about your blood samples." Patrick prayed silently she would understand the request and not go off on him.

"Very well, Pat." She nodded. "My father needs taken home, so if you and Rebecca would see to that."

"I can very well see to it myself, and I am not leaving yet." Wesker gave her a pointed look. She glared back. Everyone kind of froze. Those that knew Athena knew her fiery temper and how she hated being contradicted. Those that knew Wesker knew he was the same way. If the two were as much alike as they seemed, hell could be brewing before their eyes.

"At least step out and get something descent to eat." She crossed her arms. "You can bring me back something as well." She met his eyes straight on. She could see them through the lenses of his sunglasses, unlike the others.

Wesker growled and stood. "Fine." He walked out leaving the others behind. Rebecca quickly followed to make sure no one was foolish enough to stand in his way. She did not think he should be up and moving around like he was either. Patrick dropped his head forward and his shoulders drooped. Things were looking down. He sighed and followed. Terrell eyed Chris before leaving as well. He was not keen on leaving Athena alone with a man he barely knew, however, he was less keen on having her mad at him.

Chris looked around. Everything was so quite suddenly. He looked over at Athena and was surprised to see her leaning forward with her head in her hands. "Athena?"

She shook her head and sat up. She met his eyes and he could see hers had tears. He stood and moved to the bed. "Gunn has always been pessimistic about my relationship with my father. He is very derogatory about him."

"And it hurts?" He leaned to see in her eyes again. "Have you told him how you feel?"

She shook her head. "I have told him many times to stop it but I have never given him reason. He should do it because I ask, or order, not because I have good reason."

Chris took one of her upper arms in his hand. "Gunn does not know Wesker well, does he? I don't see how he could really have an impression…"

"The fact that he never met him, that I never saw my father before this in the entire time I have known Gunn has had a lot to do with his standpoint." She sighed and rubbed at her face. "Every time I would hear from dad, he would get an attitude about it, and we always got into a fight like today. Now, he wants me to turn dad in for what happened out at the estate. I… Without evidence, I don't see the point. It's our word against his and… How could I?" As Chris thought on an answer, a knock came to her door. They looked over to see a small girl standing there hesitantly. Chris was curious why she was there. Athena, however, lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Sherry! Come in, child!"

The girl ran forward, into Athena's open arms. She held on tightly as she was lifted up to sit on the bed. "I heard you were in an accident in the woods. Father brought me to see you. I am surprised he took the time off. I'm also surprised you are here and did not let me know. I'm hurt."

"I'm sorry but no one was suppose to know I am here." Athena smiled and brushed back Sherry's bangs. She looked at the girl's face. "You've grown."

"Yes, she has." Athena looked over to see William Birkin standing in the door. She smiled and motioned him in. Chris stood and looked them over.

"I'll get out of here and make sure the captain hasn't killed Rebecca or Patrick yet. She's a bit bubbly for him, and I have a feeling Patrick is a bit too curious." Chris smiled and squeezed her shoulder. "Anything specific you want to eat?"

Athena shook her head. He nodded and left them alone. "Uncle Will, what brings you by? I heard you are working on an important project."

William narrowed his eyes before sighing. "Yes, I am."

"Boy, he's full of all kinds of words today, isn't he?" She asked Sherry, who giggled. She hugged the girl to her before letting her go. Sherry moved to sit in the closest chair. William pulled the other one closer to them and sat down as well.

"I'm sorry, but your father knows that I don't want anyone to know about it." He shook his head as he considered that. "Not that he ever does what I want. He likes to aggravate me."

"You're just competitive with each other. You always have been." She looked over at Sherry. She knew Sherry would know what she was up to but she would do it anyhow. "Sherry, can you go get me a bag of non-plain M&M's. Dad got a bunch of the plain and I don't like them. I prefer almond or peanut." She motioned to the discarded candy. Sherry nodded and stood.

"I didn't realize Uncle Al would even buy candy," she commented. The impression she had of the stoic man did not allow for such 'normal' behavior.

Athena smiled. "We needed something to bet while playing poker." She chuckled. "But, we ended up throwing it at each other." William looked at her in surprise while handing Sherry some money. Sherry giggled again before rushing to get the candy. The Wesker she pictured throwing candy amused her as did her father's expression.

"Albert Wesker does not throw candy." His expression said he wanted enlightenment.

"I asked if he didn't like me calling him pops. He said no, and I told him he'd get used to it, eventually. He decided that I needed to be a target." She shrugged. "I just bring out the worst in him, I guess."

"Your father is a trained killer and you say throwing candy is his worst? I see you have his same sensibilities as well as his penchant for trouble." William smirked. "About the virus…"

"Besides me, only Redfield knows and I don't know if he really caught on." She stretched and stood. William watched her carefully. "Where's your lovely wife?" She inquired dryly.

"Annette is at the lab working."

"So, there is more than one lab around here. I figured as much. I saw signs where there had been another explosion besides the one caused by the Spencer place. I don't suppose you would know anything about that?" She moved to the closet then toward the bathroom. She left the door cracked so she could hear his answer.

"The training facility and a research center." He waited until she was back in the room, wearing her fatigue pants and a sports bra. She moved to get her boots. "Your escaping while they're all gone, I take it."

"Yep." She sat down and pulled on her boots. As she tied them, she asked, "And that's where Miss Chambers met Billy Coen?"

"I don't know anything…"

"Don't lie to me. You know more than your saying. So does my father. That explosion had something to do with the t-virus. Now, tell me what you know." She stood again and started gathering her things.

"The rookie and a man made it to the training facility. Marcus was there, in a way, and they had to deal with him and some other 'things'. Albert left to take care of the Spencer estate while I stayed behind to see to the training facility and research center."

"So, both of you were to make sure no one found anything out. Are you the ones that let…"

"Marcus let the virus out, or the leech queen did." He stood as she started for the door. "Are you sure you should…"

"Yes, now what is a leech queen?" She started down the hall toward the elevator. If the staff noticed, they noticed. She really did not care.

"I really don't know. The rookie would be better equipped to answer your questions. She knows much more than I do." He stopped. "We should wait on Sherry."

Athena nodded. She leaned against a wall and eyed him. "Then, I believe that is what I will do. I need to ask her about Billy, anyhow." They were silent as they awaited the young girl's arrival. She closed her eyes to rest. Her body was still healing. Even at an accelerated rate, it was taking a toll on her body. She was tired.

William moved to her side. "Lean on me, Nina." He put an arm around her waist and held her to him. She leaned a head on his shoulder.

"I'm tired, in more than one way."

"Captain MacArtair giving you a hard time again?" William saw Sherry coming up to them. He smiled at his daughter as she handed Athena the candy then took one of her hands.

"Yeah, among other things." She stood away from them. "Let's get out of here."

"Are you sure 'Ena? Do they know you're leaving?" Sherry asked. Athena shook her head and called an elevator.

"I hope we get out of here before any of the staff or my acquaintances notices as well. My doctor is staying at a local hotel. I have no reason to stay here." She stepped into the lift as it opened. They followed her in.

"Your father is not going to like this," William needlessly informed her. She rolled her eyes and nodded. Sherry continued to hold her hand. As much as the child was against Athena leaving, she knew there was nothing she could do about stopping her.

Wesker sat and picked at his food as Patrick and Rebecca rattled on and on about what was found in his and Athena's blood. He found the topic boring as he knew it already. He could understand their fascination with the t-virus. However, he had heard it all before and was not really in the mood to hear it again. He just wished they would get to the questions so it would be over and done with. As if on cue, Rebecca turned to him and smiled. He felt suddenly caught in some trap as he knew he would have to answer whatever she asked. "Miss Chambers?"

"You told me that you injected yourself with the virus. How did Athena get it in her system?"

Wesker looked away and clinched his jaw. "That is something you will have to ask her. I cannot decide for her to share that information." He turned his gaze back to them.

"I know that she would not mind but I will adhere to your wishes and not ask until she's present," Patrick agreed. "But, I can ask why neither of you are walking dead."

Wesker thought on an answer. He was uncertain how to explain. "Our immune systems fight the virus better than most. Only a very small percentage of people can be tyrants. An even smaller percentage becomes what we are, or at least what she is and I am to become." He fiddled with his glass of water as the others looked on, hanging on his every word for more information. They both would have been perfect scientist for Umbrella, if you cut out their morality.

"So, you're saying the likely hood that someone else has this same reaction is near zero?" Rebecca thought on that. "Though you are related, it seems strange that both of you are so similar in chemical makeup. I find that, in itself, very interesting. It's almost like you created her instead of procreated." She eyed him questioningly.

"You are suggesting that I made my daughter in a test tube two years before I even started working with Umbrella? Miss Chambers, I may have been a child whiz kid like you, but I did not make my daughter in any other fashion than you were brought into life." He sat forward and gazed hard at both of them. He pulled off his glasses so they could see his eyes. "My daughter is my flesh and blood. I may not have been able to be there for her as a father should but that does not change the fact that I do indeed care for her. I will not let anyone slander her in my presence. I made love to her mother and she was the result, end of story."

Rebecca scooted back and dropped her gaze. Patrick nodded and went back to his cooling meal. "I'm sorry, Captain. I never meant anything…"

Wesker sighed and put his glasses back on. "I know, Miss Chambers. I realize that scientific curiosity can be very dangerous. Just remember to fully observe before you make any hypothesis known to others. Keep your ideas in your mind so that they cannot lead to negative reactions or someone stealing your research before you are certain your idea has a good basis." She nodded and started picking at her food. A ringing startled both her and Patrick. Wesker just cursed as he fished for his cell-phone. "Yes… Where are you… Go to my place… You know where… I know that… Birkin… I know that… I'll be there shortly… Yes… Just wait for me, William!" He snapped his phone closed and rubbed at his face. "If you will excuse me, my daughter has flown the coop."

Patrick flew to his feet. "She did what?!" He looked ready to kill her. So did Wesker.