Hello, dear readers!
Hope you enjoy it, and don't forget to drop by discord!
This is an invitation for my discord server, where we can share thoughts and other stuff about some of my fanfiction.
I share teasers of chapters, answer random questions (if you have them) and overall interact with everyone! So feel free to drop by! Use the link below or DM for more info
_discord._gg/wr48UmENbx
(eliminate the _ when used)
65. Chris
There was some tension in the air that morning in the office. Chris knew that Jill and Barry were as anxious as he was regarding this mission. It was their chance to catch Mobius, but if his experience with bioterrorists was as good as he thought it was. Well, Mobius wouldn't go down easy.
There was a chance that the group had already left the island by the time they arrived or that they had more research facilities scattered around the world. The problem with Mobius was that they were discreet and had not shown their face since the attack on Wales. They had not even claimed the credits for the incident with the DSO or the mall.
So regarding the organization, they had no clear profile of motivations or methods. The only explicit assumption they had was that Mobius's target was Claire, so it might be counterproductive to take Claire with them. The whole fighting blindly scenario had Chris on his toes. Clear
His thoughts had kept him busy, and it was only thanks to Rebecca's cheerful screech that he realized that Claire was standing in the hangar.
She looked better than he'd seen her in a while. Healthy and happy. She was standing pretty close to Leon, so close that their hands touched slightly.
"They ain't fooling me," Barry snorted. "there's definitely something between those two."
"What do you mean?" Jill asked.
"Kennedy's body language is crying 'Stay away, bastards. She's mine.' If that's not something, I don't know what it is, " Barry laughed. "just look at how intimidated the rookies are around him."
"I was wondering why they seemed to be avoiding the group, so that's why," Jill laughed.
"Don't say nonsense. I wouldn't want those fools to be harassing Clara, either," Chris said. Leon was only doing what he would do, too.
"Well, he doesn't have to be so into the 'she's mine' mode, though," Barry laughed.
"You mean Leon and Clara?" Rebecca asked. "They make an adorable couple! I've seen them in the lab, and they are so sweet with each other."
Sweet? What did Rebecca mean by that?
"Alright, alright. Let's focus on the mission, can we?" Chris groaned.
The soldier made his way to his sister, who greeted him with a smile: a warm and sincere smile. It had been a while since he saw that smile on her face.
The greetings were brief, and after a brief exchange, Jill and Rebecca led the ladies into the plane, leaving Chris and Barry with Leon.
The blonde's eyes followed them until they had disappeared into the craft.
"Quite the vigilant eye, Kennedy," Barry said in a chuckle. "Don't worry. Those poisonous glares had already made the rookies know she's out of their reach."
"Well, that was the intention," Leon shrugged. "What did you need to tell me, Chris?"
"Ah, yeah," Chris said, shaking his head. "We'll arrive in Ireland around 8 pm from today. We did some research. The area around the island has continuous temperature inversion throughout the day, and most of them are unpredictable. Flying in those conditions would be a suicide."
"You sound sure."
Chris scoffed.
"I was an air force pilot before turning into an anti-bioterrorist agent. I know my way around wind and planes," Chris said. "unfortunately, that will also cause us some trouble. It's storm season on the northern seas. Even though they aren't huge, they can still be dangerous. Sailing is safer than flying, but it won't be a quiet trip."
"I didn't expect it to be. Who will be piloting?"
"Me," Barry said. "I know my way with boats, don't worry."
"We'll be a small group. Clara said she didn't want a large operation. That will be the three of us and four of our junior team members, especially since Rebecca is our responsibility. That cuts down our forces, so I am afraid that protecting Clara will fall mainly on you and your partner."
"You don't have to worry about that. Clara is my priority, to begin with," Leon answered.
Chris noted that Leon had said "my" and not "our" priority, but maybe he was overthinking it.
"I am keeping an eye out for her. Not only for potential BOW dangers but human and health threats."
"Well, you are the husband. If someone knows her blind spots, that's you," Barry said. "Becca will stick close to you in case you have an emergency. Let's pray that's not the case. Fears aside, we all know Clara isn't a soft lamb."
"That doesn't mean she doesn't need someone watching her back," Chris said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Claire had already dealt with enough problems on her own. He'd been a poor older brother for several years now, and even though it was late, maybe it was time for him to retake that duty more seriously.
"What she needs is a protective husband. Nothing is better than that, go ask Kathy, and she'll tell you," Barry said, winking at Leon.
"Ah, whatever," Chris growled. "We have some new experimental rounds, courtesy from the DSO. I'll give you some now. Just in case we have some complications on the way, but I will restock you once we are on land."
Chris handled Leon two boxes of ammo, and Leon took them with a nod.
"I assume this is Clara and Marie's little cooperation," Leon said, checking the bullets.
"Jackpot," Chris replied. "Had I known Clara was this smart, I should have recruited her earlier..."
"We both know you wouldn't have done that," Leon said, putting the ammo in his holster.
"Yeah, you're right. I wouldn't," Chris nodded. "She got dragged into this shit against her will. Either way is too late to duel on that. We gotta focus on the situation now."
Leon nodded.
"So, any updates regarding her?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know, her health and all that," Chris said.
"Ah," Leon answered. He unconsciously looked at the point they had last seen Claire. "She's fine. She's been doing pretty well the last few days."
"You don't say," Barry snorted. "It's pretty obvious. She looks better than I've seen her in the last months. It's like her body suddenly healed in the last few days."
Chris pondered Barry's words. Claire indeed seemed a lot better, but was it that remarkable? He should look at it more carefully.
"So, what did you feed her these past few days?" Barry asked, patting Leon's back. "Whatever it was, you better keep giving her that."
Leon choked. He coughed and recovered his composure as best as he could, looking at the older man. Barry laughed in return and shrugged.
"Don't worry about Barry. I don't get his jokes half of the time," Chris shrugged. "Well, I'll let you go in with the rest. Barry and I must talk to the control tower before we take off."
"Sure, I'll see you both inside, then."
The flight was uneventful. Chris spent most of the time in the cockpit, but on the occasions when he came out, the soldier was able to check on his companions. Barry and Jill sat nearby, discussing some of the strategies they would follow.
Rebecca was sitting with Leon's group. The doctor seemed to have fallen asleep with her head against the window; Helena, Leon's partner, was sitting next to her, checking something on her tablet while discussing something with Leon.
Claire also seemed to have fallen asleep, the woman's eyes were closed, and her head was resting on Leon's shoulder,
"Those two have stayed stuck by the hip since we took off," Jill said, resting her arm on Chris's shoulder. "Look at them."
"I tell you, those two are together," Barry snorted. "You should get ready, Chris. He will pop the news when this shit is over. Mark my words."
"What news? Don't be ridiculous, Barry," Chris said, rolling his eyes.
"I know you're in denial," Barry said, shaking his head, "but look at them..."
Chris looked at them again. The agent had covered her with his jacket, and Claire slept curled against his side. Her hand gripped Leon's tightly, and he rubbed her hand unconsciously as he spoke to Helena. His sister seemed peaceful and content, and for the first time, Chris realized that Barry might have been right.
"This is not the time to discuss that," Chris sighed. "We need to focus."
"Right," Barry nodded.
"How long before we reach land?"
"Three more hours," Chris answered. "Lieutenant Broin is waiting for us."
"So we get one night of sleep before shit goes on fire, huh?" Barry sighed. "Talk about the calm before the storm."
"I won't say I don't appreciate some peace to prepare myself for a nasty fight," Jill sighed. "Did we get any news from home?"
"Things are calm," Chris replied. "There have been no new attacks. I guess that Claire's absence has stalled them."
"Now that's suspicious," Jill said, crossing her arms. "You don't think..."
"That we are running straight into the wolf's den?" Chris said, "Yes."
"It will be fine," Barry said. "We won't let them get her."
"No, we won't. I'll get back to the cockpit," Chris said, turning back to the cabin.
"Chris," Jill said before he left. "Try to rest a little."
Chris smirked sheepishly. That was easier said than done.
It was raining when the plane landed on Crolly. It was cold, and Chris automatically glanced at Claire, concerned. His worries were unnecessary, as he found her wrapped with Leon's coat and half hugged by the agent.
"Captain Redfield, I presume? " a pale, ginger-headed man said, approaching them. "Seamus Broin."
The ginger stretched his hand to Chris.
"Chris Redfield," Chris said, shaking the man's hand.
"Welcome to Ireland, cap. Redfield. I see you've met our weather."
"I didn't expect such heavy rain today," Chris admitted.
"January can be unpredictable. Ye all must be tired. Please follow me. We can talk then. "
The Irish man led them to a cozy and warm room and provided them with towels and warm blankets. A couple of younger soldiers showed up and offered them warm tea that they all took with appreciation. Chris checked on everyone before he approached Broin, who was hovering over a map.
"Thanks for the attentiveness," Chris said. "Is the weather always like this?"
"Not all the time. You just arrived on a bad date," Broin replied in his thick Irish accent. "We have had a storm blowing since yesterday, but it should get cleared up by tomorrow."
"That's good news," Chris nodded. "I don't look forward to sailing in a storm."
"Nor would I recommend it to ye," Broin said, "tides around this area are tricky, even without a storm blowing. Where exactly are you heading?"
"These are the coordinates," Jill said, pointing at the map. "The position doesn't show up on the maps, but it's an island. It was an asylum some years ago."
"Asylum?" Broin said with realization. "The Anamacha log Gleann?"
"Pardon?"
"It's a local legend," Broin replied. "It stopped functioning a long time ago, but the horrible tales 'bout it never die. Folks say the goodfellas haunt the place now."
"Good fellas?" Jill asked.
"Ye know. You Americans call them fairies..."
"Fairy tales?" Barry asked. "Ok, that's new."
"Well, folktales or not, the place is an ugly one. The cliffs trap the wind and change their direction, causing nasty phenomena in the air and sea. The place is prone to fog, too. Most ships avoid those waters."
"Now, that explains why they settled their facilities there. No one would try to reach them," Jill said.
"Facility?"
"We have reasons to believe that a terrorist group has based their research facilities on that place," Chris said.
"That's mental," Broin said. "Yet it sounds plausible. I've grown listening to hideous stories 'bout the place."
"This mission is classified, so sorry if we didn't notify you beforehand."
"That's no problem," Broin answered, shaking his head. "Well, if you are heading to the Gleann, the air route is out of question indeed. I'd recommend this route. One of my men can take you there."
Broin pointed a line at the map.
"It adds up an hour and a half to the journey, but it's the safest route. Waters are less aggressive in this line here," He said.
"Yeah, sounds good, but we'll have to reject the offer of the operator. The mission is of high risk. We don't want to take more men than necessary."
"I understand."
"What about this route?" Barry asked, pointing at the map as well.
"Those are rocky waters," Broin said. "With the fog, it would be easy for you to get into a collision, especially when ye are not familiar with the waters."
"Guess we'll take the way around," Chris nodded. "We'll need a sturdy ship."
"Naturally," Broin replied. "One of ours should do the job."
"Excellent."
Chris, Jill, and Barry finished discussing the preparations with Broin. They finally agreed that they would leave for the island first thing in the morning. The trip with the new route would take about 3 hours, and Chris wanted to get to the island before dark.
While Jill and Barry discussed the things to prepare, Chris approached Leon's group to inform them of the plans.
"Hey," Chris said, looking at his sister.
Claire had been looking through the window when he arrived, but she instantly turned to look at him when she heard his voice. As Jill had said, Leon was devotedly by her side while Rebecca was talking to Helena.
"Hey," Claire smiled. "It's raining heavily out there."
"Yeah, it complicates things a little," Chris replied. "It seems the area surrounding the island is more tricky than I anticipated."
"The fog, isn't it?" Claire asked. "Féth fíada. Some of the patients in Blackwell had delusions saying we were in fae land because of it."
"Féth fíada? Fae?" Rebecca asked curiously.
" It is a magical mist or veil in Irish mythology. It enshrouds fairies or fae, rendering their presence invisible to human eyesight."
"Now you turn out to be a folklore knower, too?" Leon asked teasingly.
"I heard a lot of things when I was on the island," Claire shrugged.
"Well, the fog is only one of the problems. The storm will slow us down, and Broin recommended we use the long route for safety, but that will make the trip longer."
"Safety comes first," Rebecca said.
Chris scoffed.
"If we leave before the sunrise, we will be there with plenty of light," Leon said. "Just in case."
"That's the plan, but it will depend on how bad the rain is," Chris sighed. "Are you guys good?"
"Why wouldn't we," Claire sighed. "It's not like we have done much aside from sitting and, in my case, nap."
Chris snorted. Maybe Claire was catching up with all the sleep she hadn't had in the last few years.
"You can keep napping then," Chris said, crossing his arms. "We will be preparing the ship and some provisions for the trip."
"Do you need help?" Leon asked.
"Nah, but feel free to have a look around. You guys will need to stock up, too."
"Grocery shopping for war," Helena chuckled. "Delightful."
"I don't know you, guys, but I might need a snack," Rebecca said. "I am hungry."
"I'm sure there's a canteen somewhere around here," Chris chuckled. "I'll ask Broin."
"Sweet," Rebecca said excitedly.
"Yes, I guess I could use a cuppa, myself," Claire chuckled.
"Oh, so the brit came out at last?" Leon teased.
"Well, last time I checked, I am Welsh, ain't I?"
"You are now?"
Claire slapped Leon's arm, laughing. Chris watched the exchange between the two and felt a slight knot in his stomach. Maybe it was Barry's fault, but he couldn't help but see the little details in the way they interacted. They were little things that Chris would usually have ignored, but suddenly everything was very evident: the looks, the smiles, everything.
What was he going to do if Leon and Claire were really together? It wasn't a lie that he distrusted the agent a little. Not because he was a bad person; on the contrary, he knew that Leon and Claire had always been close friends, and Leon truly cared about Chris's sister. However, Leon had unfinished issues with a certain Asian spy.
If Claire and Leon were really in a relationship, what assured Chris that Leon wouldn't drop her the minute Ada Wong showed her face? It would break Claire's heart. Chris had seen his sister with a broken heart before, and he wasn't sure he could handle it if it happened again.
"Chris?"
Claire's voice broke Chris's line of thought. He turned to the woman and found his sister's familiar eyes looking at him pensively.
"Yeah?"
"You spaced out," she said, tilting her head. "I'm going to the canteen with Rebecca. Do you want something?"
"No, no. I'm fine. Go ahead," Chris answered. "I'll see you in a bit."
Claire smiled at him. It was her usual smile, the one Chris had seen his entire life. The soldier stood in his place, watching Claire walk away with Leon, Helena, and Rebecca, and sighed.
"This isn't the time nor the place," Chris mumbled to himself. "Everything on its own time..."
Yes, everything on its own time. He'll worry about Claire and Leon's potential relationship later, for now, the mission was his priority.