Disclaimer: I don't own Resident Evil, or any of its characters. I merely like to play in the sandbox that is the RE universe.
AN: Hello, everyone! Back for more! Thank you for your review Evolution-500. Not much to say at this point aside from please let me know what you think and enjoy!
The Wolf-Pack Incident
After the video of HUNK ended the group exchanged glances, all thinking the same thing. There were now more questions then before, and no answers.
"Do we know where this recording came from?" Leon asked.
"Unfortunately no, but Quint is still digging as we speak," Chris replied.
"So what do we do in the mean time?" Kevin asked.
"Sadly all we can do is wait and be on alert, Leon you should be especially careful, this HUNK seems to have it out for you in particular," Chris replied.
"Story of my life," Leon said with a chuckle.
After a few more exchanges the group dispersed concluding the meeting. Leon walked a couple feet behind Chris and Jill as they made their way back down the hallway to the entrance. Of course everyone knew about Chris and Jill, they were both legends with their accomplishments so far and seeing them side by side now it was easy to see why they made such a formidable team. Chris was the brute force like a sledge hammer that destroys everything in its path. Jill on the other hand was the opposite, despite how deadly and skilled she was rumored to be, Leon could not help but notice she was indeed a very beautiful woman and very feminine. But Leon knew better then to underestimate her. He had heard some of his co workers speculate on their relationship and wonder if the two were more then just partners.
"Hey Leon, not much else we can do, so I'm headed home for today," Kevin spoke up.
"That's fine, keep your phone handy just in case though, and give Cindy my best," Leon replied.
Kevin smiled and clapped him on the back and took off down the hallway. Leon watched him go, he was married now. Even had a kid on the way, Leon found himself a bit envious of him that he had a beautiful woman to go home to at night. Unknown to him, Jill was standing nearby with Chris who was on the phone with their superior but her focus was on the handsome agent. It was hard to tell but she feared that despite her words to him earlier that his determination was two fold, he was going to try and take all of this on his shoulders. He blamed himself, she admired his desire and resolve, she just hoped that it wouldn't get him killed one day. She turned as Hunnigan approached and flanking her were three men, one was dressed in a fancy white long coat.
"Mr Kennedy," the man called drawing his attention.
"Leon, hold on can we see you back in the conference room please?" Hunnigan asked though she looked very nervous which was strange for her.
Leon nodded and followed the four back into the conference room they all just left while Jill watched curiously. She turned her attention to Chris who was finishing up his call to O'Brien, Director of the B.S.A.A.
Leon entered the room with the other three who sat down and gestured for Leon to sit as well.
"Leon this is Derek Simmons, national security," Hunnigan introduced.
"It's quite a pleasure to meet you Mr. Kennedy your reputation is well known, agent Benford spoke very highly of you," Simmons replied.
"Likewise, Adam's a good man," Leon responded.
"I wish this were under better circumstances, but your testimony and report from a few months ago has been under review since this new...incident. It has since been concluded that your involvement resulted in a dangerous virus to fall into the hands of these terrorists," Simmons explained.
"Involvement? You're accusing me of letting those maniacs get their hands on the virus? Are you kidding me right now?" Leon demanded with an annoyed tone.
"Did you, or did you not allow the spy, Ada Wong to escape from that island?" the second man demanded.
"If you call being wounded and having a gun put to my head while she took off, allowing her to escape then yes I certainly did," Leon replied sarcastically.
"Be that as it may Mr. Kennedy, your failure to secure the sample has given rise to a new threat, and it also seems that Miss Wong has an unusual interest in you. We feel it would be beneficial if you sit this one out so to speak, for your safety of course," Simmons said.
Leon glared at the man in front of him, his eyes said it all. They didn't think Leon was guilty of anything, they simply needed a fall guy. This man was simply petty and seeking to punish Leon. He wanted Leon out of the picture on this for some reason, the question is why. Leon glanced at Hunnigan and could see she was avoiding his eyes, so he stood up suddenly.
"Will that be all then?" Leon asked his voice calm and controlled.
"Indeed, pending the investigation, you will be restricted to desk duty, however you are free to go home for the day, you are also restricted from access to any information involving this case," Simmons replied.
Leon nodded realizing this wasn't a fight he could win here and quickly left the office forcefully throwing the door open. Watching Leon leave Simmons couldn't hide the smirk on his face and nodded at Hunnigan who couldn't look him in the eyes.
"Good work Hunnigan," Simmons said as they got up and left as well.
"Roger that, we're on our way back," Chris said as he hung up the phone.
"The director?" Jill asked.
"Yeah, O'Brien has ordered us back to base for now, apparently Quint has some new info for us…" Chris stopped as they heard the conference door open and Leon walking out briskly.
His face was blank and he seemed calm, but the aura around him radiated anger, Jill felt it but couldn't be sure and became concerned while Chris looked confused.
"Hey Leon, everything alright?" Chris asked.
Leon stopped and eyed them both a moment and he sighed as if coming to a decision, and gave a small chuckle.
"I'm just peachy," Leon said nodding to them and made his way to the elevator to leave the building.
He was good at hiding his emotions that's for sure Jill gave him that. Before either of them responded another man came jogging up to them, Adam Benford gave Leon a pleading look. Jill's eyes narrowed, something bad happened in that conference room just now.
"Leon, I had no idea Simmons was going to stick his nose in and hold all of this against you," Adam called to him.
"Well it's my fault isn't it?" Leon replied turning and smirking, Apparently he seemed to find the whole thing amusing.
"Leon we both know that isn't true, Ada Wong is one of the most elusive women the agency has ever seen, even if you tried to stop her this might have happened anyway," Adam reasoned.
"Might being the key word, I appreciate your words Adam but these assholes are hell bent on placing the blame, and it just so happens I'm the right man for the job," Leon replied.
"Hold on, they can't seriously think you have anything to do with this?" Jill asked incredulously.
Leon said nothing, he looked into Jill's eyes and her breath caught. He surprised her by winking at her.
"Worried about me there Valentine?" Leon asked with amusement.
Jill was about to retort but stopped and realized she WAS worried about him. She barely knew him but something about him drew her in, was it his handsome face? That hair? Was it his casual demeanor? What was wrong with her? When he winked at her she felt something in her belly and wasn't sure if she liked the feeling.
"You wish Kennedy," Jill replied with a snort causing Chris to laugh.
Leon grinned at her response and winked again causing Jill to roll her eyes as he turned and made his way to the elevator.
"That boy, I hope he doesn't do anything foolish, he's not one to just take what they said. Leon is not a desk duty guy," Adam commented shaking his head.
"What was that about?" Chris asked.
"Leon has been benched, Simmons has ordered he be restricted access and not allowed to work on this case," Adam replied.
"Seriously? Then who will we be working with then?" Jill asked.
Adam smiled at her and she suddenly felt very self conscious, she was NOT disappointed that she wouldn't get to work with Kennedy. She did not care who she had to work with. Nope not one bit, at all, ever. But Adam's smile seemed to see more then she wanted him too.
"They will probably put Agent Ryman on it to take his place, he would be the next in line. Well it was good to see you both, I have work to do. Do try and get along yeah? Keep us informed of your progress," Adam finished as he left the two who soon left to return to their HQ.
Leon entered his apartment and tossed his keys on the counter and shrugging out of his leather jacket. He sat down on the sofa with a heavy sigh, and leaned his head back closing his eyes. It was getting dark, he should probably get something to eat. If Simmons thought he could bench him so easily he didn't know Leon very well. However, he first needed a lead to go on. He knew suddenly he was not alone anymore and he sighed again and spoke without turning.
"The door too boring for you Ada?" Leon asked.
The woman in red strode in from the open balcony window and leaned against the wall and looked at him softly. He finally returned her gaze but to her surprise, his eyes were hard, he was angry. Ada had suspected Leon had feelings for her and she often used that to her advantage over him, but now all she saw was the hardened agent.
"It's good to see you Leon," Ada said softly.
"Afraid I can't say the same," Leon replied coldly.
Her eyes widened, she wasn't sure how to react to this colder version of the agent she adored. True she pushed his buttons, and yes she held a gun to his head and used him to further her mission but she found that she actually cared about him. Perhaps she had pushed too much this time.
"So what is it this time? Here to kill me? Perhaps I have something you need? Or maybe you are here to tell me why your new boyfriend is out there threatening the world again with those fucking viruses," Leon snapped.
Ada flinched at his hostility, ah that was it. HUNK. But he did not seem jealous he just seemed angry.
"He's not my boyfriend Leon," Ada replied coolly.
"I don't fucking care if he is or isn't! YOU gave him that fucking plaga that I almost died for in that hellhole trying to save Ashley! Once upon a time I thought you cared, but I was fooling myself. So what's he planning to do huh? Is he working for Wesker too?"Leon demanded.
Ada looked at him passively but inside she was in complete shock, Leon was furious with her and she realized she was ashamed and that made her angry with herself.
"Leon, I came to warn you, I had no idea what Wesker was planning to do with the master plaga, I was just as surprised when he allowed HUNK to use it, but I highly doubt it't the master plaga that I took from you in Spain," Ada explained.
"Oh and that is supposed to make it any better? You came to warn me about something I already know, you wasted your time. What the hell do you want Ada? If that is all you can show yourself out, I should take you in but I'm letting you go as thanks for saving my ass in Spain," Leon growled as he went to the kitchen.
"I came to give you these, it should give you a lead on your current crisis, and for what it's worth...I am sorry Leon, I never meant to hurt you," Ada replied.
Leon turned to retort only to find she had vanished again and he sighed heavily. He could have handled that better, it had been a shitty day all around and he took it out on her. Maybe if he ever saw her again he would apologize to her for his anger. Leon was many things but he was never cruel. But the file on his table caught his eye and he flipped it open and began reading the contents. A smile slowly forming on his face, this is exactly what he needed and he silently thanked Ada.
Chris and Jill arrived at HQ later that evening and made their way to the R&D department where upon entering they found Quint moving around rapidly shuffling papers here, flipping through others there but stopped when he saw them enter.
"Hey guys! Glad you're here I've got something for you!" Quint called cheerily.
"Quint, we came as fast as we could," Chris replied.
"What do you have?" Jill asked.
"Ugh, fine straight to business as usual, seriously you guys should lighten up a bit," Quint snarked.
He picked up two files on his desk and handed them to both of them to look through while he explained.
"We were contacted by local authorities in southern Louisiana earlier today. Normally this wouldn't be anything of note but apparently a pair of police officers were responding to a 911 call near the Atchafalaya Basin in southern Louisiana," Quint explained.
"Sorry the what basin?" Jill asked.
"Basically it's the largest swamp in the country," Quint clarified.
Chris's face became deadly serious as he examined the file Quint compiled. Looking at the photos that were taken which showed four floating dead bodies and when they were fished out of the water, it was clear why the B.S.A.A. were notified. It was a mutation.
"As you can see the victims are not normal victims, they've been exposed to something that has mutated them," Quint continued.
"Does that one have a tail?" Jill asked.
"Yes, it's reptilian in nature, not surprising considering the environment, but we need to know what the hell is going on. That swamp is harsh terrain and the grotesque bodies have frightened them and no one is willing to go into the swamp and figure out where these came from," Quint replied.
"Looks like we have our lead, these bodies appearing the day after we received that video is too much of a coincidence," Chris said.
"Agreed, that's why you two will be taking Quint, Keith, Jessica, and Rebecca and deploying immediately," O'Brien replied entering the room.
"What?!" Quint cried.
"That's right, get ready to move, the team will need your expertise on hand in there Quint, the area is sketchy at best and we don't know how well communications will work in that swamp," O'Brien reasoned.
"Aww! I hate fieldwork!" Quint complained.
"Suck it up Cetcham," Jill replied.
"The other three have been briefed and are gearing up as we speak, I've already informed STRATCOM. They will be dispatching their own five man team to rendezvous with you on site led by Agent Ryman," O'Brien continued.
"Roger that, we will gear up and be ready to move in an hour," Chris replied.
"Good, agent Ryman's team, Echo Six are being deployed as we speak. We don't want to be late to the party so get moving," O'Brien ordered.
"Yes sir," they replied in unison.
Leon waited in a secluded parking lot in the dark, as another car pulled up next to his and he got out to greet his contact. He smiled grimly as she got out and approached him with a look of disapproval on her face.
"Thank you Hunnigan, I owe ya," Leon said.
"For the record, I strongly disagree with what you're doing Leon, it's dangerous and stupid. I'm only doing this because I know you and I know with or without me you would go so as your handler it's my duty to make sure you're not ill prepared," Hunnigan grouched.
Leon chuckled as he took the files from her and looked through them quickly to see if there was anything else he needed to know.
"Leon, I want you to know as your friend, that I didn't want to help Simmons bench you. He used his authority to force your report be handed over for further investigation, I didn't have much choice," Hunnigan explained.
"You are not at fault Hunnigan, this one's all on me, and it's my job to fix it," Leon replied shaking his head.
"Leon, please don't do this," Hunnigan tried one last time.
"You know I can't stay out of this Hunnigan," Leon replied.
Hunnigan sighed and moved to the trunk of her car and opened it to reveal a large black bag to which Leon opened it and smiled then nodded hefting it and taking it to his Jeep and tossed it into the back.
"Since I'm benched, you never saw me or helped me. I'm off the grid after tonight, take care of yourself Hunnigan, and look after things for me," Leon finished as he got in and took off leaving Hunnigan to watch him go with a heavy heart.
"You stupid, stubborn brave man," Hunnigan cursed him as she left as well.
Leon drove like mad, he had to stay under the radar and it was going to be a long drive but he was determined. He shook his head, so Louisiana was the next site to be drawn into this godforsaken war. Thanks to the intel Ada had provided him he knew HUNK was there, it was just a matter of finding out what the hell he was up to and why. According to Ada's information, HUNK had kidnapped dozens of scientists and forced them to work deep int the swamp, though what his ultimate goal is wasn't clear. If he was working for Wesker then Leon had to hurry and stop him.
As Leon drove off and Hunnigan got in her car and took off in the opposite direction a shimmering figure on the nearby rooftop put his hand to his comm link in his ear.
"This is Vector, come in Lupo," Vector called.
"Lupo here, status report," She answered.
"Red Butterfly found the planted files as he said she would. Inform Mr. Death the agent has taken the bait, he is en route as of now," Vector reported.
"Excellent, return to base, we must ensure he makes it to the facility. It is vital to Mr. Death's plans," Lupo replied.
"Copy that, Vector on the move," Vector acknowledged.
AN: Well that wraps up chapter 2! So what do you guys think? I wonder what HUNK has planned and why he is so fixated on Leon? Is he working alone? Is Wesker somehow involved? More to come as our heroes rush to southern Louisiana not knowing what horror awaits in the swamp. Until next time!