I don't own Jonny Quest, Resident Evil or any of their affiliates. I am not making any money off of this.
I hope you all are enjoying this story so far. I caution from here out there is more violence and language, so read at your own risk!
WHEN NIGHTMARES WALK AMOUNGST US
CHAPTER 5
After what had seemed like an eternity, Race, Phil, Jade, Jonny, and Jessie were enroute to Washington. They had made a stop at a rundown apartment complex on the North Side in order to meet up with Spnitz. He was a hard sell, but he could get just about anything with little to no notice. After they settled on a price, $3500 cash and not sending the guy to prison for selling stolen weapons to federal agents, they were on their way. They had bought two M4 carbines, one with a M203 grenade launcher which Phil kept for himself; two M9 Beretta pistols with 3 15 round magazines a piece; a Remington 870 shotgun; and enough 5.56mm rounds for 4 basic combat loads, 15 40mm rounds for the M203, and quite a bit of 9mm, .45, and 12-guage shotgun ammunition. Spnitz had also thrown in two tactical load vests and belts, surely out of the goodness of his heart.
Race had volunteered to drive first. They had decided against taking the Dragonfly since there were no landing areas close to the city they were headed to. Also, it wouldn't be as easy for Krumlanski to track them on the road, so they would have the element of surprise once they arrived at the lab. Race wasn't worried about speed limits, once they were out of Illinois they could go faster, but being that there was two government agents in the vehicle pursing kidnappers across state lines, he didn't foresee any problems. Jade sat up front in the passenger seat, reading a map, and Jonny and Jessie were in the first back seat, while Phil occupied the back row. He had taken some of the medication that the paramedic had given him, which was successful in knocking him out cold. He lay across the back seat, finally able to sleep without dreams. The mood in the vehicle was somber; no one spoke. Jade could feel Race's questioning glances directed her way every now and then, but she figured he kept quiet for the kid's sake more so then for her own.
When they finally stopped to refuel and eat, Phil was still asleep and finally Race was able to wake him up by almost having to knock him upside the head. "What? Leave me alone." He grumbled.
"We're stopped. You want something to eat?" Race asked.
Phil sat up, rubbing his eyes. As he got out of the truck he looked around, seeing they were in the middle of nowhere, America. "Yeah, sure. If you want I'll drive now."
"You feeling up to it? I can keep going."
"Yeah, I'll me fine, just need some caffeine. You should try and get some sleep too."
Race started to fill the truck up, "Ok."
Phil leaned against the side of the truck, "So, how much longer till we get there, you think?"
"If we minimize our stops, we should be there late tonight, early tomorrow morning. Jade says that we can drive through the forest, but I would suggest stopping a good mile or so out and walking the rest of the way, as not to arouse suspicion."
Phil nodded, "Sounds like a good plan."
"I don't know if we should split up once we get there though. Now that we have Jonny and Jessie to look after, it may be best if we all stick together. We won't be able to move as fast, but we'll be safer."
Phil nodded, "Yeah you're right. If we could, I would suggest leaving them with the truck, but who knows what is in those woods and like you've said before, they wouldn't stay anyways."
Race smiled, "These kids are pretty bullheaded." He finished pumping the gas and the two of them walked towards the store which also doubled as a restaurant.
Phil lit a cigarette and they both stood outside for another minute, "Well, I don't know about you, but since they are coming with us, I don't feel comfortable leaving them unarmed. It's your call, Race, but we have those two spare M9s. Can they handle them?"
"I've taught them how to handle firearms before. Let's see how things look once we get there." Race said.
"Ok." Phil tossed his cigarette butt down and they both headed in to meet up with the others.
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When Dr. Quest woke up, he felt like he had someone inside his head, pounding sledgehammers against his skull. He moaned and sat up. He appeared to be in some kind of cell and he was alone. 'Where's Hadji?' he wondered, suddenly concerned for his adopted son's well-being.
A light above his cell door blinked on and a few moments later he heard footsteps approaching. He looked around for cameras; they had to have been watching him, waiting for him to wake up. He heard the cell door opening, and in walked Dr. Krumlanski, Dr. Elaim, and two armed guards.
"Glad to see you are awake, Dr. Quest." Krumlanski grinned.
"Where's Hadji? What have you done with him?"
"He's fine, for now. I figured it better to keep you two separate. I wouldn't want you plotting against me."
"What do you want?"
Krumlanski grinned again, "I need your help. I have some interesting things to show you, doctor. I'm sure Hadji will be quite fascinated with them as well."
"You think I'm going to help you after you kidnapped my son and I? You must really be crazy."
Krumlanski's smiled disappeared. "No, doctor, I'm far from it. You won't be saying that once you've seen what I have created."
Dr. Quest glanced at Dr. Elaim, who had been silent the whole time; he also appeared anxious and scared. "What about you, Kyle? How did you get involved with this…man?"
"I…" Dr. Elaim started, but was cut off.
"He was smart and accepted Umbrella's offer. You should do the same, Dr. Quest. If not for your own benefit, then for your family's."
Dr. Quest became angry, but he remained calm and suppressed his desire to hit the man, standing in front of him. "I'm sure by now that Race Bannon and Phil Corbin are on their way right now. You won't last long."
Krumlanski's evil grin reappeared, "I hope they are, doctor. That is if Mr. Corbin survived his unfortunate encounter with one of my men's pistols."
Dr. Quest looked shocked. He couldn't imagine that Corbin was dead or that Race wouldn't be out looking for them. "I'll never help you. Do what you want to me."
"No, Dr. Quest, why do you think I brought the boy with as well? You will do what I want you to, I know that."
Dr. Quest jumped up, ready to fight, but the two guards raised their rifles in his direction, stopping him in his tracks.
"You see, Dr. Quest, I have methods for getting my way. If you don't believe me, ask Mr. Corbin when you see him next, that is if he's still alive. He knows all too well how I operate." He laughed, amused by his own sick games, and turned and walked out. As Dr. Elaim turned to go, he shot Quest a sympathetic look, mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' and left.
Dr. Quest sat back down, his head in his hands. "Hurry, Race." He spoke aloud.
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They had arrived in the little town of Westbury, Washington early the next morning. Dawn was still a few hours away as they drove through the empty streets. Jade had said that the lab was in the surrounding forests on the far side of town, so Race continued to drive through.
"Once we get to the forest, there are access roads that lead inwards." Jade stated. "We can follow those."
"Do you know which one will get us closest without being detected?" Race asked as he continued through the town.
"Yes, I'll let you know once we get to it."
"I think it's safe to assume that they know we will be coming." Jessie said.
"We still want to have some element of surprise." Race countered.
"What's the plan?" Jonny asked, he was excited to get in there and find his dad and Hadji, but he was also scared to death, but he tried to hide it.
"We stick together." Race said.
"We can't cover as much ground that way." Jonny retorted.
"It's safer that way." Phil said from the back, not looking up from the rifle he was oiling.
"Yeah, but, the sooner we find dad and Hadji…" Jonny started.
"Sorry, kiddo." Race said, "That's the plan."
Jonny sighed, "Yeah, ok."
"Turn here." Jade said pointing to an access road off to the right.
They drove through the forest for close to an hour. When Jade told Race to stop, she said they were little less then a mile away from the front entrance to the lab. Race pulled the truck off the road as best he could and they all climbed out. Race, Phil, and Jade all changed into their fatigues and combat boots rather quickly and the kids strapped on their vests. Billy didn't have any clothes that would fit the kids so they had to do with what they had on. Moving to the back of the truck, Phil handed out the weapons. He kept the M4 with the M203, gave the other M4 to Race, and the shotgun to Jade. He loaded his assault vest with the magazines that they had loaded during the drive, 14 magazines with 30 rounds a piece, a double combat load; he gave the same to Race. He strapped his .45 into the tactical holster on his right leg and put the extra magazines in the vest. Race did the same with his sidearm. They each kept an M9, not yet wanting to give them to the kids. Phil had to carry all the 40mm rounds as well, since he was the only one with a launcher, so he strapped them around his waist for easy access. Finally, he added a large, black matted combat knife to the side of his belt.
He reached into another bag and pulled out two silencers for the M4s and two for the .45s. He handed one each to Race. "Just in case." He said.
"Last time I was at the lab, it was heavily guarded." Jade stated.
"Then we will probably need these." Phil said as he attached the silencer onto his M4. "Everyone ready?" He received nods all around, "Alright, let's go."
Jade led the way up the path, Jonny followed her, Phil was in the middle, then Jessie and Race brought up the rear. For all the equipment the two men had, Jessie was surprised at how quietly they moved. The sun had risen about a half an hour before when they finally came into view of the lab. The facility was huge. There only appeared to be one building, but Jade had said that a lot of the lab was located underground. Jade had positioned herself behind a large tree, still a good 250 meters or so from the entrance, she waved the rest forward. "I don't get it." She said, "There are usually more guards then this."
Race peered at the facility through binoculars. He only spotted one guard at the main gate. "You think it's a trap?" He whispered to Phil.
Phil took the binoculars and looked for himself. "It could be." He glanced around at the rest of what he could see of the facility. He didn't see any telltale signs of an ambush lying in wait for them. He handed the binoculars back to Race. "I can take him from here." And he moved off, found himself some acceptable cover and concealment, used a fallen log for support, removed the silencer, from this distance he didn't need it, and steadied his aim.
"No way." Jonny interjected. "He's almost 300 meters away; you can barely see the guy! He's going to give us away."
"Trust him, Jonny." Race said, moving to lie down next to Phil as his spotter.
Jonny turned to Jade and Jessie, "He's using open sites. He'll never make it."
Jessie shushed him up, "Just be quiet, hotshot."
Race watched the guard through the binoculars. "You sure you can take him?"
"If everyone would shut the hell up I can." Phil grumbled. He breathed lightly, waiting for the guard to stop his pacing, but he kept his sites on him the whole time. The man stopped in front of the guard shack, turning to look off the right. Phil fired, the bullet hit the man in the head, he was dead before he hit the ground.
"Wow." Jonny exhaled, amazed at the shot.
Phil and Race were on their feet almost immediately. "Stay here." Race said, and the two men moved off into the woods.
The other three crept forward, trying to get closer to see. Jonny tried to track the two men's movements in the woods, assuming they would make some noise, but he couldn't. He was still watching the wood line, when the two men appeared, farther off then he had expected.
There had been no movement from the guard shack, or any where else inside the compound after Phil had taken out the guard. The two men moved cautiously, one covering the other as they moved forward to the guard shack; one moving as the other covered and then switching positions. Race arrived first, glanced in a window and saw another man; he appeared to be asleep, next to some radio equipment. Race smirked, rent-a-cops. Race moved to the door, positioned himself next to it and waved Phil forward. Once Phil reached the door, he stood; Race held up one finger then pointed at himself. Phil nodded, kept his rifle at the low ready as Race drew his sidearm, attaching the silencer. When he was ready, Phil turned to face the door, he kicked it in, then fell down into a crouching position his rifle raised, and Race was over him in a second, fired at the other guard, using a double tap to ensure he was down. He cleared the little room, saw no one else was hiding in wait, and holstered his pistol. Phil joined him inside.
"That was too easy." Race said cautiously. "Something's not right."
"I agree." Phil replied, rubbing his chin. He went outside, dragged the other guard in, and stood back up.
Race had been examining the small room, just some radio equipment, a monitor, and what looked like a control button to open the gate. "I guess we just let ourselves in."
Race stepped back outside, waved in the direction of the others, motioning for them to move up and watched the building, giving the others some cover. Once everyone was safely to the guard shack, they waited outside. Race went and hit the button, activating the entry gate, which slid open off to the right. "I guess it's now or never." He said.
"Get us inside." Phil said to Jade and they all followed her in. The entrance to the building was off to the right; they moved up to the building and kept their backs to it as they moved to the door, which had a large red and white umbrella painted on it.
"This is it." Jade said.
Race moved forward, tried to doorknob, found it unlocked and slowly opened the door. There was no one there to greet them. The entry way was completely empty. They all moved inside, surprised by the eerie quietness that loomed in the place. There was a reception desk off to the left, but there was no one there. Phil stepped around the desk and was shocked by what he saw. There was a guard, but he was dead, sprawled across the floor. His throat had been torn out, large chunks of flesh missing from parts of his body; he appeared to have been eaten alive. Just like the people in the photos. Blood and gore covered the desk and the monitors that sat behind them, all of which transmitted nothing but static.
"Shit." He mumbled.
"What is it?" Race asked, he moved around the desk, saw the guard, and immediately turned back, blocking the kids from seeing the body.
"I think we're in some serious trouble." Phil stated as he came back around the desk. "We need to find Dr. Quest and Hadji and get the hell out of here, with a quickness." He looked at Race, "The poor bastard didn't even have time to draw his revolver. Jade, are there detention cells here?"
"Yes, a number of levels down."
"Then that's where we are headed." Phil said.
They moved up to the only door which stood directly in front of them. They moved through the door into a hallway that led ahead a ways, then came to a T intersection. There were two doors on the left and three on the right, both Race and Phil hated moving past rooms without knowing they were clear, but they had to conserve time. When the reached the intersection Race cleared the right and Phil the left.
"Which way?" Race asked.
"To the right." Jade pointed. Jade, Race, and Jonny all started down the hall when Jessie suddenly spoke.
"Wait. Look at that?" She said as she moved down the left passageway, pointing at a blue glowing light emanating from the only door that way.
Phil followed her, "Jessie, we don't have time to investigate…" He started and suddenly heard a noise. He turned back and saw a large steel wall sliding down to cut them off from the others back at the intersection. "Shit!" He bellowed as he ran back at the steel wall, but it was too late and it slammed into place. Phil banged on the wall, but it as hopeless; it was too thick for the others to hear him. He looked around, but saw no controls whatsoever. He looked up and in the corner, near the ceiling and he saw a closed circuit camera, a red lit on; they were being watched. Whoever closed the door was just waiting for the right moment to split up the group. He turned away from the camera and saw Jessie, shocked at what had just happened and upset thinking it was her fault.
"I'm sorry." She whispered; her head low.
"Don't worry about it. We'll be alright." Phil responded, kneeling in front of the girl. It wasn't until this moment that he realized just how young she was. Just barely a teenager. A scared and frightened little girl. He was scared too, scared as hell, but he couldn't show it, for Jessie's sake.
"I…" She started, but trailed off.
"Hey, Jessie, like I said we'll be ok. I'd rather be with you then be stuck here alone. We'll find the others. Ok?"
She looked at him and nodded, trying to look brave. He smiled at her which got him one in return and was about to say something, when he heard a loud banging noise. It came from the door that Jessie had first approached, their only means of escape. He stood up and Jessie moved behind him, the banging came again followed by a loud grating noise, like nails dragged across a blackboard. Whatever it was, it was trying to get into the hall way with them. Phil stepped back instinctively, raising his rifle at the door. He reached around his back, pulled out a 40mm round from his belt and loaded it into the launcher, never taking his eyes off the door. The banging continued and he watched as the door began to collapse.
"Stay behind me." He said to Jessie over his shoulder.
It felt like time had stopped; only the banging continued. He kept the rifle trained on the door, ready to kill whatever came through. The door flew off the hinges and a huge, hideous creature flew through the opening. Phil opened fire. The bullets ripped into the flesh of the creature before him. He didn't know what it was, but he knew he wanted it dead. It walked on all four like an animal. Its skin was a sickly pale grey and it had long sharp claws on its toes. The creature's face was hideous, fangs protruded from its gaping maw, sizzling foam dripping from between the fangs, and a long gruesome tongue that whipped about. Its brain was exposed. Phil couldn't comprehend what he was seeing; it was something out of a horror movie. He heard Jessie scream behind him as the thing leapt to the ceiling. He continued to fire at it, aiming for the head and brain.
"Die, you bastard." He growled through gritted teeth.
He had almost fired a full magazine when the thing screeched, twisted in agony, and fell from the ceiling, dead. The smell was foul and obnoxious, its blood covering the walls, ceiling, and floor. Phil kept his rifle aimed at it and when he was convinced it wasn't getting up, he aimed at the door. No more sounds came, no more monsters. He took the moment to reload, wanting a fresh magazine in case another one of those things came.
"Jessie?" He said, still facing the door.
"Yes?"
"You ok?"
"Yes. What…what is that thing?"
"I don't know, but it's dead and that's all I care about. We have to keep moving."
"Ok." She stammered as she crept up behind the man, realizing that he was all she had to keep her safe at the moment. "What's going on at this lab?" She said aloud as they stepped past the dead creature's body.
"I don't know, but I'm sure as hell going to find out." Phil stopped as they reached the door. He turned towards Jessie, reached back and handed her the M9 he still had. She accepted it and the extra magazines he gave her. "You know how to use that, right?"
"Yes, Dad taught me."
"Good. It's obviously not a good idea to be walking around here unarmed. Ready?"
She nodded and the two stepped through the doorway, into the unknown.
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Race banged his fists against the steel blast wall, pissed that they had been cut off and that his daughter was over there. "Jessie! Phil!" He yelled, but he knew it was hopeless, there was no way they could hear him. "Damnit!" He yelled.
He turned back towards Jade and Jonny. "We have to find them."
"It'll take forever to circle back around." Jade said.
"We can't leave them!" He countered, "They don't know where to go!"
"We have no choice." Jade said.
Race was about to speak when he thought he heard noises from the other side. He pressed his ear against the wall. It sounded like gunfire. He banged against the wall again "Phil! What's going on?" He listened again, knowing he was hearing rifle shots. "Shit!" Then the sound ceased. Nothing again, just silence.
"Race, we have to get moving." Jade said, "Phil is with her." She knew Race was upset that he had lost his daughter. "He'll protect her. You know that. He'll keep her safe." She tried to sound reassuring.
Race nodded. "I know. But who will protect him?"
Jade didn't respond. It was a rhetorical question and even if it wasn't she didn't know the answer. "Let's go. A few more hallways down will lead us to an elevator to the lower levels."
Race nodded. He looked at Jonny who was terrified, not knowing what to expect. First, his father and brother were kidnapped and now Jessie and Phil were gone too, the boy had every right to be scared. "Come on, kiddo. Let's go find your dad and Hadji."
"Yeah." Was the only response he gave as he turned and followed Jade down the hall.
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Dr. Quest sat in the facility's main control room with Krumlanski and Dr. Elaim. He watched the monitors as he saw Krumlanski activate the blast wall, effectively splitting up the group. Then he watched in horror as one of Krumlanski's 'pets' attacked Phil and Jessie. He openly breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Phil kill the creature.
Krumlanski stood there, grinning as always. "It seems your friends have indeed come to your aid, doctor. Unfortunately, none of them will make it out of this compound alive."
"I don't know, Krumlanski. It seems they are prepared for your little games."
He laughed. "I will admit that I am somewhat impressed that Corbin killed the hunter so quickly, but that is the least of my concerns. They've barely made it inside. Once you see what else I have in store for them, you won't be so positive about their abilities."
"You're sick!" Dr. Quest spat.
"No, doctor, just wait and see. If my pets don't kill them first, I have some other surprises for them. I can tell that this will be a most beneficial test of my creations' abilities."
Dr. Quest rarely condoned violence, but at that moment he would love to see the man in front of him dead. "I can't wait till Corbin finds you and kills you, you sick bastard."
Krumlanski turned towards him, the grin gone once again. "That, my friend, will never happen! If he does happen to make it this far, I will kill him myself; slowly, painfully, like I did to his wife! But first, I'll make him watch as I kill every one of you." As he said the last words, he pulled out a long knife and pushed the blade up against Quest's throat. "Just like I made him watch when I killed his wife." He stated, grinning evilly once again.
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To be continued…
A basic combat load is 210 rounds. 7-30 round magazines.
I made up the town of Westbury, Washington. I've only been to Washington state once and that was at FT. Lewis for 30 days.