About one year later.

"This is nice."

The words reverberated through her mind hollowly as she stepped into the newly furnished apartment. It had been over a year since anything had felt like home to Angelica. After transferring to the Arklay facility, she had been under constant observation. They had been putting the young woman under intense training, to see what exactly would emerge from the experiment. At times it felt like she was a caged animal..

Enhanced reflexes, hearing, sight, pheromone output, and occasional psionic abilities had resulted in the "inoculation." So many blood vials had been taken from her, the nurses had been nicknamed 'mosquitoes' .. They did not appreciate the name. She had seen nothing but the barren white walls of the HIVE for almost 14 months.. And had nearly gone stir crazy. Now by top orders from Spencer himself, she was being transferred directly into Raccoon City. But of course,not without being under the watchful eye of Albert Wesker, his right hand man.. Or pet depending on your view...

Who actually was accompanying her on the orientation trip. Raising her eyebrows at him as he followed her into the room in which she had wandered, Angelica noted his cool demeanor was cracking slightly. Possibly because the man had decided to get all of her luggage at once...with one of sweat glistened on his hairline despite his stony face demeanor. Dropping it quickly as they stepped into the room, Wesker folded his arms behind his back silently.

He was an attractive man, maybe a few years her senior, blonde hair, piercing blue eyes. A youthful physique, tall and toned from years of training. But he held a command that a man twice his age should have, making him one of the most revered men in Umbrella Corp. The man was always business with her since the experiment, despite she could sense he became uncomfortable whenever she looked at him too long.

"You will be reporting personally to me. Also as a training protocol, you are being recruited into the local S.T.A.R.S unit. The city chief, Irons, has already signed off on this. Is that understood?"

Twisting her jaw uncomfortably, Angelica nodded in affirmation. She knew he was going to be hard on her, he always was...with everyone… The silver sunglasses that shielded his eyes showed no emotion as the stiff male headed for the exit.

"Report to the Raccoon S.T.A.R.S training facility O' eight hundred. Do not be late. I do not tolerate delays."

Raising her hand in a mock salute, Wesker did not even look back before exiting. Sighing, the woman couldn't help but wonder how this next day was going to transpire. Wesker was the captain of the local response unit...just another source of power he could lord over her. Shaking her head, Angelica went off to explore the rest of the apartment.

The living quarters were had enough money to spend, that was for sure. After a mild look through her new abode, and a shower to calm the excited nerves, Angelica now sat in her bedroom area; staring at the woman that reflected in the vanity mutations from the "inoculation" hadn't been very anatomically changing. All except the eyes...Whenever using the newly acquired abilities, the iris would flush a feline crimson. And would stay that way temporarily...Only problem was that they were not changing back to their normal light hues as quickly now. It reminded her of demons' eyes, the way the pigments glinted evilly. Calming herself with a few second breathing exercise, the flustered woman looked back at the mirror. There the comforting ice blue of her eyes met Angelica's expectant gaze. Blinking, the woman decided she needed rest, threw the robe that clothed her over the chair, and headed for the large bed that awaited a sleeping form. Curling into the sea of sheets, the warmth comforted her frigid skin, helping the woman to drift off into unpleasant dreams.

Wesker's Home Office

She was a lovely specimen of

the human female. Blonde hair that tumbled down her back, piercing blue eyes that were devious in nature, and a well trained body that held more power than she herself even knew now.. But unlike most men, those qualities weren't the main reason why he was curious. It was her mind. She was brilliant , her scientific endeavors having been unmatched in her field. The woman had been able to successfully project over eighty percent of the experiments that she had conducted, making her one of the most successful people within Umbrella's ranks. Angelica's potential was limitless with the enhancement of the virus now.

Wesker sat leisurely behind his home office desk, a crystalline glass of scotch in one hand. His computer screen displayed the inside of the apartment he had visited earlier that day, Angelica's new home.. Spencer had hidden various cameras about to place, to view the female's habits in everyday life without being detected. Mainly this was to make sure she followed orders and did not try to leave.. The other could have been for a form of morbid amusement..

And That's exactly what Wesker was doing. Originally it was more like a scientist observing an animal in their cage. Icy intent only based on gathering information and reports. On occasion he would handwrite information on a legal pad, only to abruptly

end doing such to enjoy some of the more.. Unprofessional form of entertainment. The cold blue eyes stared in male appreciation. The pale sheets upon the bed were gray in comparison to her pale skin, the covering comfort barely hugging the supple curves of her body. A smirk met the rim of the glass as he took the last sip of burning, amber liquid. Wesker stood from his seat. Shutting down the feed, the man headed out of the room for his own repose. "I do enjoy my job.."

Next Day: S.T.A.R.S Raccoon City Training Facility

The training gym smelt of sweat and commitment. That's exactly what the S.T.A.R.S were made of. The specialized squad which stood for, Special Task and Rescue Squad. Founded by an anonymous funder, the team had grown to a city-wide task force, breaking down into three major divisions. Alpha, Bravo, and Delta. Alpha team members Chris Redfield, Barry Burton, and Brad Vickers were at the weight area. The two former were focused on actually exercising, as the latter kibitzed. Relaxing on an unused bend, Vickers drawled on.

"You know that new recruit is supposed to be here today. We could use some fresh blood round here ya know? Specially when Wesker said it was a chick.."

Barry shook his head at the younger man. Chuckling as he heaved a weight onto the rack, the happily married man looked back upon the days of the dating prowl. Barry was a large, middle aged man, his form arms slick with sweat from his work out, droplets of the same effort spotting his red mustache. Despite looking like he could break you in half, the man was the largest teddy bear one could ask for..unless you accidentally ate his sandwiches out of the break room fridge...

Chris was oddly silent, didn't even hear the conversation, having turned on his head phones a few seconds one of the weights he began doing curls.

Chris Redfield was a cut man, lightly tanned with dark eyes and hair, but a toothy grin. He was the best shot on the team, quick draw red dead they called him. He constantly tried to keep up with Barry with the weights.. Always getting picked on about how his biceps might get large but he would never 'beat ole Barry ' . He had a kind disposition and was everyone's little or big brother depending who you were.

Side glancing at Brad,Burton mopped some of the glistening sweat from his brow. "Now don't make her feel out of place. We all know how, er..Charming you can be?"

Brad Vickers.. Also known as flyin' ace, was the class clown of the group. He always showed up 10 minutes late everywhere, his reddish brown hair looking like he had stuck his head out the helicopter window he loved so much. Always a goofy grin plastered across his face, and ever the flirt.. He often would get rebuked by the other men for his cheesy dad jokes and pick up lines.

Simultaneously nudging Chris to drop his music, and prodding Vickers to sit up, Burton nodded towards the door as a new face stepped through

"Speak of the devil."

Barry sent a friendly wave to the woman, motioning for her to come in their direction. Brad leaned in close to Redfield, whistling low.

"Damn.. I know who I'm taking to the Christmas party this year."

The other man sent him a disapproving look as he removed one ear phone, also disengaging himself from the weight equipment as she drew closer. Evidently she knew what she had gotten into. The slender female had dressed in off style military attire. Tan khakis, white tank, and a loose fitting S.T.A.R.S jacket hugged the toned frame. The combat boots barely made any noise upon coming to a direct stop before the three men. If she was shy, the girl certainly didn't show it. Blue eyes sparkled excitedly at them, a wide grin painted across the full lips. Chris extended his hand in welcome, which was received almost immediately. The young man's head cocked to the side ever so slightly.

"Chris, Chris Redfield. These are my colleagues Barry, and Brad.

You are?"

Clearing her throat, the woman's voice was gentle. But an underlying tone of command and self confidence tinged with excitement.

"Angelica Burrows, but you all can call me Angie..or if you pare feeling fruity, angel."

Vickers butted past Chris, taking her hand in his.

"I bet you are. I'm the Alpha team leader and would love to buy you

dinn..."

Barry came up next to him, clearing his throat in interruption." Don't be fooled, he's just the pilot. Besides you already

met our captain at your recruitment interview more than likely, right?"

The younger man slunk back to his bench, ego deflated. He grumbled, but one stern look from Burton, and Brad fell uncomfortably silent. Angelica's eyes glinted with amusement as she nodded, which quickly turned to a brow knit with confusion. She couldn't help but feel like she had met the young men before.. His face so familiar.

Turning back she quickly dismissed it.

" Well actually I'm not supposed to be here for another twenty or so minutes. Today was my orientation and aptitude test. Guess captain wants to see whether I'm a Bravo, or an Alpha."

Looking at his watch, Chris nodded. Motioning towards various areas for warm-up, he smiled.

"Well, feel free to warm

up. All you need is a cramp during the physical exam. Maybe Jill can.."

At that moment, another woman entered the room, files in one hand coffee in the other. The dark haired female looked up from blowing the steam from the drink; her eyebrows raised.

"Jill can do what?"

Jill Valentine, easily one of the most intimidating women ever could wield a Bowie knife, flashed an inquisitive look at her partner. She had short hair that was tied back, wisping small fly aways at her jaw. Sparkling hazel eyes showed she was more night owl than early bird but were also still alert with morning caffeine. She was one of the best marksmen on the team, rivaling Chris in a lot of ways, from knife work, to hand guns. Waving her over, Chris motioned towards Angelica.

"Jill, this is Angelica Burrows, the new recruit. Angelica, this is Jill Valentine."

Valentine waved comically, trying her best not to drop papers, nor coffee.

"I was hoping you could show her some of the stuff she can use in here to warm up..You know before Sergeant Grumpy shows up?"

Nodding slowly, Jill set down her coffee. She gave it one last longing look before moving towards a different part of the gym. Calling back over her shoulder, two fingers parted in warning snake eyes.

"Anyone drinks

that, they die, ok?

Angelica mouthed the words thank you to the three men, and sprinted quickly after Jill. She had liked them, but still wasn't sure what to think of Valentine. The woman seemed to be more of a rigid individual than the other three, but it may have been because of the lack of caffeine… Either way, they all seemed quite close, like family almost. Sighing inwardly, Angelica eyed the various punching bags that Jill had led her to. The other woman patted one of the largest out of the bunch, almost lovingly.

"This is Bruiser. Now he's great for getting frustration out, but be careful. He likes to hit back."

The massive punching bag was daunting. It had to be thrice each woman's weight, and at least twice as tall. Angelica stared at it, a longing to try her fist at it starting to broil to the surface. Valentine recognized the look, and smiled knowingly.

"Have at it, girl.

But I'll be right back, Gotta get my coffee before someone else does."

Winking, Jill moved off towards the bench where she had placed her morning drink.

Raw power coiled at Angelica's muscles. It was cold and bitter..It felt good...It felt wrong. A flying back kick must have been the last straw for the over used bag. After several hits, a powerful blow shattered into the side of the bag, sounding like a dropped anvil. Jill had already made her way back over, and was watching intently. Her caffeine relish was quickly stifled, a bolt from the ceiling flinging into her cup.

"What the hell..."

Looking up in surprise, Jill's gaze alighted upon Bruiser. I's bolts that held it into the ceiling were ripping from the drywall, rapidly.. Throwing her cup down, Valentine leapt for the other woman, before the four hundred pound deadweight came crashing down. The bag slammed down heavily, barely missing the rolling bodies by inches. The tumble was interrupted by the front of a steel toed boot. Wesker stood over them both, raised eyebrows in question. The tip of the shoe had clunked into the back of Angelica's head painfully, causing blue spots to briefly appear upon standing up. Jill was brushing herself beside the confused woman, laughing quietly.

"Be more careful next time. Oh and Wesker..I think we need a new Bruiser. Looks like we abused him a bit too much.. He tried to kill the new recruite.

..Oh shit my coffee!"

Vaulting towards the spilled liquid, Valentine moaned.

Angelica stared at Wesker, her pale hues reflecting had arrived sometime during the commotion , watching with arms crossed. A hint of amusement tinged at his features, tugging the corners of his lips upwards...She had never seen that quickly closed the gap between them, A gloved hand clamped about her shoulder like a vice as he leaned forward to whisper in quiet conversation. He offered her a hand up, quickly pulling the woman off the floor

"Try not to destroy my facility, Angelica..."

The three men who she had met previously were sitting dumbstruck, staring for all their might. Wesker turned to them, cold eyes daring anyone to voice curiosity.

"I see that you have met Miss Burrows already. Every single one of us will be giving her an aptitude test grading team placement. Is that understood?"

Silent nods met his challenge as the young woman within his grasp set her jaw in determination. She was going to blow him away. She was going to be an Alpha.

-

"Son of Bitch..."Angelica sat down for the first time in several hours. Her wrists her from the accuracy with a firearm test..Her fingers hurt from deciphering Jill's locks, her mind reeled with the various styles of disarming a person with only your knife. She had always kept herself in good physical condition before. Umbrella was always requiring a sound mind and body of all its employees . Basic self defense and handgun training for all senior personnel. Even with her abilities she was exhausted, This was a lot harder than she first supposed. She had gone through all of the steps so far however.. With flying colors except one.. was the last and foremost..The hand to hand.

Squinting her eyes at the man who sat down across from her, Angelica groaned with realization.

"Don't tell me you're gonna be my last test."

Wesker sat across, a smug look now spreading across his face. The man was an imposing fighter. Known at Umbrella for destroying every physical test that they had to offer. He was known for mastering several forms of martial arts just for fun. Softly growling, the flustered woman rose.

"Alright, Big boy. Show me what you got"

Jerking her head towards the tumble mats, Angelica stared her commanding officer down. His blue eyes greeted the challenge, and moving from his seat, Wesker began walking towards the sparring arena.

He liked her, no..he hated her. He hated that he liked her. Moreover he was envious of her. Disrespect dripped from her like cytoplasm from an ameba. When they had brought their proposal to Spencer... And somehow..

He had not gotten his way..She had been the one chosen for the human trials of enhancement. Angelica was a strong willed, intelligent, beautifully angry woman and he hated her for it. Her flippant attitudes, her joyful demeanors. All of it put an odd heat in his belly that one could only confuse between loathing,competitiveness.. or ..desire. For what he wasn't sure of yet, but he wanted this woman put in her place after years of seeing her in all but he deemed was such .,

Wesker eyed her as he stepped to the edge of the sparring mat, assessing her weak points. Slowly stepping to the opponents' side of the ring. The rest of the team had gathered for what most viewed as an impending slaughter. Brad was taking bets, as Redfield acted as the honorary referee. Wesker had always remained undefeated, making a few wonder why he had stepped up for this in the first place, surely it would place her lower than she deserved. Angelica limbered up in one corner, keeping her eyes upon her opponent.

Both removed their S.T.A.R.S jackets, revealing similar taste in undershirts, white tank tops on the both of them. Angelica's bare, toned midriff tensed as she kicked out her legs in a stretch.. Chris' hand fell, signaling the start of the match.

Angelica stayed where she was, letting the circling Wesker take the first move. A cobra strike was deflected barely, the woman's body feinting to the left. Another blow was aimed towards her, but the female's deft moves narrowly escaped by leaning back at the last minute ever so slightly, avoiding its surely devastating pain.

Snaking down, Angelica's elbow slammed into Wesker's kneecap with a resounding "crack". The surprised man limped backwards, as his adversary side rolled out of reach. With the grace of a dancer, her long legs wrapped about his broad shoulders in a jump, twisting Wesker's torso down to the mat. A pointed elbow raised to crash into the back of his neck, only to find itself slamming into the mat below.

Having rolled out of the way, Wesker moved quickly. Grabbing Angelica's arm, he pinned her knee down onto the floor, one foot down on the mat , and the other barely curled up under her like a proposal having gone forearm was painfully pressing in her shoulder blades to gain leverage. Chris began the nine second count of defeat. Wesker leaned down, sure of his close to the woman's ear, the triumphant man was sadistic,twisting the arm painfully as she struggled.

"I like my women on their knees, Angelica. Welcome to Bravo team."

Anger peaked within his prey, the back of Angelica's head jerking back towards his exposed facial area. The blow smashed into the forefront on Wesker's nose, breaking it upon impact. All the team heard was a sickening crack, and he was down. Wesker was now in switched positions, laying on his back as a torrent of blood seeped through his protecting hand. Angelica sat on his torso, gripping him to the floor. Her arms pinned his hands away, even as the life flow trickled down Wesker's chin. Cocking her head to the side as Redfield counted down the seconds, Angelica growled.

"Really, Albert..I like men on their backs."

Applauding as the count ended, Redfield lifted Angelica from her defeated opponent, arm high in the air.