Disclaimer: I don't own RE

Enjoy guys.

K-mart had stayed up long after the last of the passengers had finally made their way to bed. She felt as though she hadn't slept for a week but every time she thought she was tired enough to sleep her body would play tricks with her and she'd feel more awake then ever. So she sat out on deck, bundled in a jacket to keep the wind off. She didn't often sit by herself; if there was one thing she hated it was to be alone. But sometimes it felt good to listen to the thoughts that ran through her head without the constant interruption of someone else wanting her opinion on whatever subject they could think of: When would they be setting ashore? Would they be able to choose their own house? What would they do for supplies? All these questions were the same ones Claire and the others were wondering too. So what chance did she have of solving the problems?

She shook these thoughts away and stood up. There was no point in thinking negatively. Solutions would be found, decisions made. That's the way things worked. That's the way things would have to work if they wanted to survive.

As she rounded the corner she found a pleasant surprise waiting for her at the railing.

'Hello K-mart.' He turned and smiled in her direction. He still couldn't make eye contact with her.

'Hello.' She would enjoy his company. He didn't demand conversation and when they did talk he was smart and considerate.

'Did you hear about what happened last night?' She wasn't looking at him when he asked the question so she missed the small smirk that accompanied the enquiry.

As soon as Luther relieved Chris from watch he wandered down to their makeshift prison. He called out to Brian before coming too close. The guard had been told to ward off any curious people who may have heard any rumours about the incident that occurred last night.

'How's he been?' Chris peered through the small cut out they'd made so they could keep an eye on the man inside.

'Not quiet. He keeps yammering on about infection and Umbrella agents who have managed to sneak in and fool us all.' Brian shifted his shoulders, 'I wouldn't mind going in there and giving him a whack if I thought it would shut him up.' Chris looked back and grinned at him, 'The doctor came down earlier and fixed his arm up.' He could see the plaster that encased the arm.

'We can get someone else down here to give you a break soon.' Chris turned back from the hole.

'I don't mind it down here. It would be better if that idiot in there would keep his mouth shut, but I can handle it.' They both turned as a shout came form the container.

'I can hear you whispering out there! My friends will get me. They'll release me from this prison and we will rise up and free the people from your experiments!' Chris looked at Brian who shrugged his shoulders.

'That's a new one.' Chris returned to the cut out.

'What friends would that be?' He wasn't really expecting an answer and he wasn't disappointed. The man turned his back on him and huddled in the corner, rocking and muttering to himself. Chris turned back to the guard, 'I'll come back with a replacement; you need to rest sometime.' Brian just nodded. With a parting salute Chris left the dark level.

Alice woke to the sound of knocking. She turned to the door as if she would be able to see however was there. The knocking continued softly. Claire was still asleep; she'd escaped Alice's embrace at some stage and now lay spread out with one arm dangling over the edge of the narrow bed.

'Claire.' It sounded like K-mart's voice from the other side of the door, 'Claire, are you awake? Chris wants to see you.' Claire didn't stir at the voice so Alice carefully eased herself out of the bed and tiptoed to the door. She opened the door just enough to see K-mart standing outside. She rubbed a hand across her eyes then pushed the same hand through her hair; brushing it out.

'What's up K?' Her voice was rougher than usual after the sleep.

'Oh, hey Alice. Is Claire up?' If she was startled to see Alice she hid it quickly.

'No, she's still sleeping. Is it important?' She stifled a yawn.

'I don't know, Chris just wants to speak with her. I think it sounded urgent.' Alice was nodding before she finished.

'Righto, just give her a minute okay?'

'Sure, he'll be in the control room.' She started backing away.

'Thanks K.' She turned and surveyed the small room. With land barely a day away she was beginning to feel the claustrophobia more keenly than ever.

Claire had moved into the warm spot Alice had left in the bed. Alice couldn't help smiling at her.

'Stop staring at me, it's creepy.' Claire didn't open her eyes which made Alice smile wider.

'Sorry.' She moved to the bed and lay on top of the sheets facing the redhead, 'At least I don't have to risk my life by waking you up now. Did you hear? Chris wants you in the control room.'

'Ew Alice, that's gross, he's my brother.' Alice blinked in confusion until she realised the joke, than she laughed louder than she'd laughed in what felt like a long time. Claire laughed with her until they were both nearly in tears.

'That's not even funny.' Alice managed to gasp out.

'It was a dirty joke; they're always funny.' Alice stopped laughing and rolled so she was hovering over Claire.

'I'll show you dirty.' Then she kissed the redhead passionately. They broke apart and laughed again.

'None of that now; I've got to see my brother remember?' Claire pushed the brunette away than sat up and searched for her clothes. Alice, still smiling, handed her a shirt.

'Should I come?' Claire had found a pair of pants and had been trying to pull them on backwards.

'Only if you want to.' She finally pulled them on the right way round and began pulling on her boots.

'I'm coming then.' Alice dressed and even beat Claire to the door.

'Careful, we might run into someone. You might even have to talk to them.' Claire put an expression of fake horror on her face. Alice shoved her playfully.

'Oh, don't worry I'll have disappeared long before I have to speak to actual people.' She laughed softly at the expression of real horror that came from her words.

'What the hell does that make me?'

'Believe me, you'd rather not classify as people in my book; I have no faith in people.' She could feel the playful mood dissipating as she spoke and she was sorry to see it go.

'That's a morbid view to have.' Claire looked at her closely.

'I have faith in you. Can't that be enough?' Alice wasn't sure if she wanted her question answered, but Claire was gentle.

'Yes, I supposed it can be.' She slipped her hand into Alice's and squeezed gently. Alice smiled at her gratefully.

Sappy, I know :/ Hope you liked it :)

-B