In the days that followed our discussion with Irons were difficult for the STARS. He didn't believe us, and without any proofs, I could not blame him even if I was angry. A team was sent immediately to the scene to investigate the mansion, and the next day STARS were suspended. Investigators didn't find anything, they had no explanation for what happened. But all the theories were against us. It was not a surprise, not only because our history was a kind of science fiction, but mostly because the investigators were send from a request of Irons, and they worked for Umbrellla. We had no one to help us. All institutions, including the Mayor Michael Warrens were working with Umbrella. We were alone.

"The STARS : Alcoholics or terrorists? "

That was the headline in today I saw when I walked quietly towards the natural Raccoon Park. I did not pay attention to the gazes from of people who recognized me on the way. For citizens, the "great Chris Redfield" had sunk into alcoholism with his comrades, and probably plotting against the largest corporation in the world, who had done so much for them. I did not need to read the newspaper to understand their reaction.

"One day they will know the truth. Umbrella will make a mistake, nothing and nobody is infallible "I thought to comfort me.

It was hot in this afternoon of August 1998, but the trees in the park were slightly refreshing, it was nice. Jill was sitting on a bench not far from the gate I had to cross. I rejoined her.

"How are you? " I asked her.

We had not seen since our suspension.

"Some comrades lost their lives, they will never be honored for their bravery. Their memory was soiled forever. Umbrella win, all the evidences were destroyed, and our lives too. Do not ask me how I feel, Chris "

It hurts me. I felt bad for our friends ... but also for Jill who prefered to keep her feelings inside herself once more.

"Yeah ... I know. "I replied. Not knowing what to say.

There was an embarrassing silence. Then Jill continued:

" Any news from the other? "

"I call Rebecca's father and I told him that i believe that she should not come back. Also that they should leave Raccoon for some times. I think he followed my advice. "

"And Barry? "

"He was furious when he learned that we had been suspended. He wanted to tell RPD the other part of the story ... the one with Wesker, and his involvement in the elimination of STARS. I convinced him not to do it. His story was not credible, especially since Irons trusted Wesker. "

Jill nodded and smiled.

"If you were not there he would have been able to break down the doors of the RPD and hit all those who would put in his way, officers or police captains, no distinction"

We shared a laugh relaxing atmosphere for a moment.

"What about you Chris? What will you do now? "

"Well ... my sister is worried. I should call her. But I can not. I can lie to her about my situation, but she would understand quickly that I'm hiding something from her, and she would be able to come to Raccoon without warning. "

Jill looked at me insistently. I continued:

"She must stay away of it. I choosed to bring down Umbrella. This is the most important thing to do today. You're still with me Jill? "

She hesitated a moment.

"I have to. For our friends who have given their lives ... but also to prevent another tragedy from happening again. "

Then I stood up and held out my hand.

"This sound like you Jill. So come with me. Barry is waiting for us somewhere else"

We left the park and went back to town. Together we faced the gazes of most people who are still hanging over us. Some had the newspaper in hand and pointed a finger to us. I felt that it won't take long before the situation get degenerate. Maybe I was a paranoiac, but I felt that some people were malicious. We had to pick up the pace.

As we continued walking towards the slums of Raccoon, gazes weighed less on us. We met an old man with his dog. The dog's barking made jill startled in an exaggerated way. I understand her reaction, the last dogs we had seen until now were tried to devour us. The man stared at her while I move Jill near to me with my arm to reassure her.

"You do not have to be ashamed. With time, everything will be as it was before. "

"I hope so. I do not want to live in fear. Especially when there is no reason "

We continued our path in silence, my own presence seemed to reassure her, and I felt the same way from her. If our current situation was not as dramatic, I would have been happy. Pleased to have Jill with me, wandering through the city. But I also had my fears, and I tried to live with, to be able to focus on my goals.

It was almost four o'clock in the afternoon, and we left the neighborhood. Barry had told me to come "near the bridge from disadvantaged neighborhoods Raccoon, at 16: 00 pm. ". We were at the time, we just had to wait. While we were waiting, a group of people from neighborhoods walked towards us. They were 7, all young adults, and it was obvious they were not some of 'goodl citizens'.

"What do we have here ? STARS come to visit us! " Said one of them, probably the leader of this little band.

Jill looked at me worried, while I kept my eyes on them. I did not know how it would turn out, knowing that we had no weapons on us.

"Maybe they're looking for something ... exciting. To make them live some news experiences of life, you know '' said another. The group began to laugh.

"You are wrong we are not STARS. And we don't want any trouble. Please leave us ". Jill spoke to them with great confidence in her voice. Ready to consider all possibles issues from that situation.

I continued to watch the leader of the band, when I finally told :

"You. I know you. "

"I'm sure you do" he said with a serious look.

"Chris, who is he ? "Jill asked me

"On my first mission to the STARS, a man robbed a bank and took the staff as hostage. Richard was in my team at this time. We were sent with Brad to resolve this case without incident. I tried to convince him there were other ways to feed his family without stealing money. I told him that I will help him personally to find solutions. When he was about to drop his weapon, my first instinct was to throw myself on him. He tried to struggle, Richard arrived and we finally arrested him. The man you see in front of you is his brother "

I was ashamed ... ashamed for not trying to help the robber after that ... but mostly because I used a moment of weakness from him to betray my word. The safety of civilians was a priority for me, and I did not want to fail my first mission. But I should have to help him, or his family in one way or another.

"They say that the STARS are the best, but you all are only worry about your career! others people can die, you do not care as long as you receive the thanks from the "good" and "rich" people " he added angrily.

"Listen, I am sincerely sorry. J 'was immature and ... "

"... And now you're an alcoholic, drug addict and maybe even a terrorist according to the newspaper. Nobody will regret you. In fact, we will help the city to get rid of you. Guys, take the girl first "

I knew from experience that this kind of situation could not be easily resolved with words. His friends came towards Jill. There were too many for us, we could possibly get away, but Barry could come in the next few minutes. This was my solution on the moment: Barry. I had to play for time. I put myself in front of Jill, and landed a punch to the type closest to her, who fell to the ground face. The other guys who just seen what I did to their friend, got excited by anger and came to me, forgetting Jill. I was quickly taken by the number, I was on the ground in the next second, enduring several violents kick on my belly and face. Three of them were excluded from the group, Jill had attacked them while she was screaming my name. I finally found the strength to turn myself on my stomach to protect myself from the blows to the face and even more strength to get up, give a headbutt to the face of one of them, then take the other back, at some distance. I turned to Jill who had mastered her three assailants.

Then I heard a noise that came from curb van who stopped, and two shots apparently fired into the air to scare the group. They ran off, the leader of the gang gave me a frustrated last look, then joined his comrades.

"Chris! Jill! Get in the van! "Barry yelled.

Jill who was in better shape, helped me to take me to the back of the van, which immediately drove off.

"Thank you Barry ! If you weren't arrive in time, Chris would be ... " Said Jill full of emotions.

"Hey my debt to you is not even paid ! And I'm the one who asked you to join me, so if there is a responsible of that mess, it's me ... again "said Barry still bitter about what he did at the mansion.

I did not answer. I was lost in my thoughts about my mistakes in the past. I could not pretend it had no importance ... I ... just needed to accept my failures so I could not repeat it again. Now more than ever.

Jill borrowed a handkerchief from Barry and wiped my face covered in blood. The mansion incident had hardened me, I felt almost nothing imposed of these physical pain. But inside of me it was a different story.

"It's gonna be ok Chris. I'm here to take care of you "

Her eyes were bright, almost in tears. I knew that i'll do everything to not fail on my promises to her. I couldn't fix my past, but I could do better for the future.

We then arrived in a large empty warehouse outside the city. Barry explained that he had purchased with a portion of his saving. The other part would go to his family. He installed high-performance computing equipment, prepared rooms if needed, and a supply of provisions for the next few months. All this in such a short time.

"Sorry kids, it's not much but with time, this warehouse will officially become our headquarters"

"Are you kidding ? You did this so quickly, I guess you spent all of your time there! Barry, you say you did not pay your debt yet. But if that debts really existed, it is considered you widely paid it now "I told him, impressed.

Barry smiled sincerely this time. He was relieved.

" Where's Brad? "Jill asked.

"I told him nothing about this place. This guy, colleague or not, would be more of a burden than anything else ".

Jill agreed. Brad was unreliable and totally useless.

After we visited the place, Barry showed us an article in today's newspaper extract.

"The RPD will close the service of STARS and recruit new officers soon. Caution should be used. "

"Why that ? "I asked

"You have not read today's paper as a whole? The commission STARS will not give legal consequences to the incident, due to the absence of evidences. They will just dissolve the service. This means that Umbrella might seek to get rid of us soon. And among the new officers, there could be undercover agents. Does i sound crazy? Maybe ... But we can expect anything from them now. "

Hey ! Sorry I'm not really proud of this chapter, but I hope you do, even a little lol. This one is not perfect, but I added what I wanted to show with Chris. I'll need to find more inspiration for the next chap, I'll promise !

Mango Marbles : Thank for your support ! And I know I took some risk with Jill's parts, it's difficult for me to write her even if I know her very well from the games :p But about her bad part, it is difficult to imagine, I know. Well if that doesn't sound incoherent for you, I'm happy

Shantty : ooooh thanks for everything, without your help I don't know what would be the chap :p But now I feel like I lost some inspiration for this one, so please tell me if you don't like, on review I accept everything. I also love to add dialogues, but not always easy to manages with the part where chris is telling his memories. Kiiisssssssssssssss

Mayra.713.g : pheeeew I'm relevied because I didn't want to write all re chapters, I could make mistakes by the way. By skipping the parts, I can also make mistakes, but I make everything for avoiding these. So if you're not and hardcore fan, it could be difficult to see :D. And of course your reviews help me a lot to not give up ! I mean it ! Thaaank for be here !