William sat at his desk, pouring over three different charts of gathered data. These results... where am I going wrong? None of these samples can stabilize before the cells decompose? Wesker isn't going to be happy when he sees these results.
Upon that thought, he glanced over his shoulder to discover Wesker was currently absent from his desk. That would give him some time to rearrange the data into an easier way to discuss when he returned. He tapped his pen on the paperwork idly, mulling over a recent thought as he continued his work. Maybe it's time to bring in another mind. A fresh perspective might assist us over this current wall.
"Annette?" He whispered almost instantly, surprising himself at hearing his own voice in the dead-silent lab.
She was certainly a good candidate as the past three projects she assisted with had promising results. Since she was the newest addition to this level, she would be easiest to bring over than those established in their own studies. It was almost the perfect situation, but it would require both Wesker and John Mills' approval. John would be easy, but Wesker would be another matter. It all hinged on that one decision.
William knew that Wesker would've already decided by now. It was just a matter of inquiring and gauging his reaction. He wasn't entirely unreadable as he thought he was - there were small things William had picked up on despite his best efforts. It's getting harder as the years go on though. Even I don't always know where he stands. I know never to doubt his judgment. He never suggests anything without analyzing it thoroughly.
The door slid open and Wesker stepped inside with the quiet swish of his white labcoat. He moved over to William's desk, his hands crossed casually across his chest. "What were the results?"
William knew better to try mince words as he slid his reports into Wesker's upturned palms. With a short flurry of papers, Wesker was already assessing where their research stood, his face not giving any hint of his current thoughts.
"The same results, again and again." Wesker noted as he continued to thumb through the second file. "None of the small changes have had any effect." He looked over to William's tense expression, his dark glasses reflecting the halogen light. "That look tells me you have something in mind."
"I believe that a fresh perspective might be of use here."
"Suggestions?"
"Annette Gibbons."
"Only one candidate? That is single-minded of you."
Wesker placed the reports back on William's desk, standing over him in contemplative silence. William sighed though his teeth as he tried to busy himself by arranging the mess of papers on his desk.
"Have you discussed our research with her?" Wesker asked, his tone displeased.
"No. That will be the hard part. She might refuse."
"If you tell her of the T-virus research and she refuses, what then? We can not let her walk away with that knowledge." Wesker sat down in his black leather chair, leaning back as he considered the many possibilities of their project.
William returned to his own work, awaiting the answer that would eventually come. It took about thirty minutes before Wesker gave his short opinion over the matter at hand.
"I believe Ms. Gibbons is the most capable candidate. Try to explain to her our research without giving her specifics."
"Alright. I'll discuss this matter with her. You might want to be present..."
"Wait. I'll interview her myself. You need to concentrate on the next batch of samples for testing."
William blinked, resting his pen on his current stack of paperwork. Wesker is going to talk to her himself? He might not trust me to ask the right questions. Still, I can't just leave her... alone with him? Why does this bother me?
"Perhaps we should talk to her together?"
Wesker smirked to himself. "Prioritize the research. I believe I can handle one woman on my own."
William grumbled under his breath, knowing that Wesker wouldn't budge after being questioned more than once. Maybe I should give her a heads up so she not caught unawares.
"Fine. Fine. Have it your way. Just leave her in one piece, ok?"
"Have some faith in my inter-personal skills, Birkin."
"Th-that's what I'm afraid of."
Wesker couldn't resist cracking a wry smile as it wouldn't be seen. "You worry needlessly."
***
John mentioned that I need to report to the small conference room for a meeting. Odd. It seems like I'm the only one going.. And it looked like William wanted to tell me something during the next coffee break. Damn. Annette thought as she followed the instructions she had hastily written on a post-it note before venturing towards her destination.
With each step, she started to feel nervousness creep into her thoughts. Perhaps I'm not doing a good enough job? Or maybe I forgot to sign a crucial form? Oh hell, did I dress nicely today? She stared down at her long-sleeved white shirt and modest blue knee-length skirt, covered mostly by her crisp white lab coat.
I look alright. Perhaps I said something out of turn... again? With one dismissive smoothing of her lab coat, she arrived at her destination after checking her makeshift map twice.
Standing before the conference room door, Annette inhaled and exhaled deeply to calm herself before her hand lifted to rap her knuckles on the door.
"Come in."
Annette opened the door at once, stepping in without a second wasted. "I apologize if I was late..." Upon focusing on the room no bigger than the break room, there was a single rectangular table with two chairs. Her breath nearly caught in her throat as she stood before Wesker sitting rigidly at the table, hands resting on a singular file before him. This almost feels like the beginnings of an interrogation. Oh hell, what did I do this time?
Wesker gestured with his right hand to the opposite chair, the amusement in his eyes hidden behind his dark glasses. "Shall we get down to business?"
Oh hell.