Chapter Three: Plans

Shizuoka Facility, Japan
Umbrella Corporation Overseas Base
1215 hrs_

"...and Arcadia has lost all of its men," Dryden reported. "They all left when you traveled to Tokyo."

Wesker smirked. "They didn't seem to like our experiments."

"Apparently so. But you believe that there is a certain.. human who carries the right kind of DNA to stabilize your condition?" Dryden asked hesitantly. Wesker had mentioned a few minutes ago about a human whom he believed had the sufficient DNA that could help him stabilize the T-virus. However, he had yet to reveal the person's name.

"Yes. She was the only survivor of the attack on the Tokyo base." Wesker's face was calm. "We can always re-acquire her."

"How? She could be anywhere by this time," Dryden argued.

Wesker allowed his son's arguments and doubts slide. Dryden was the only person who could talk to him like that and not raise his ire. Instead, Wesker said: "Oh we will. I have extensive knowledge of her behavior and attitudes. We will capture her easily."

Dryden acknowledged this with a tilt of his head. "Are you returning to Arcadia?"

"Of course. It is paramount to the success of our plan." Wesker clasped his hands together. "And you will be close by, I trust?"

"As you wish, Father." Dryden paused, and Wesker sensed that he had something else on his mind.

"Is there something bothering you, Dryden?" Wesker asked, as the younger man stood up to fix themselves another cup of coffee. Normally there were attendants whenever Wesker called a meeting, but lately he preferred having the room to himself and his son. Sometimes privacy was the best way to keep their secrets from spilling out.

"The survivor who attacked you," Dryden said, pouring coffee from the pot. "What is her name?"

Wesker hesitated for a moment. "Alice. Alice Abernathy," he replied.

"Hm." Dryden turned and set the coffee cups on the table.

Wesker noticed Dryden's growing anger, and he smiled to himself. It was highly doubtful that Dryden was angry at him; most likely the anger his son was feeling was being directed towards Alice. Many an Umbrella employee had fallen victim to Dryden's fury. The first was a researcher who had refused to provide Dryden with the information he needed. Dryden was physically only seven at the time, and yet his psionic abilities were already fully developed.

Without batting an eye, Dryden had crushed the researcher's lungs.

His second kill was as brutal. He had shoved one of the high-ranking officials who had attempted to flee prior to the global outbreak. Dryden had the said official captured, along with his family, and had him watch as his wife and two young children were fed to the hungry undead. Dryden didn't use any of his abilities during that time, but his method of carrying out the punishment solidified his position as Wesker's second-in-command.

Now Wesker watched as Dryden sipped his coffee. The blow-up was coming, and Wesker wanted to be there when it happened.

How dare she, Dryden thought angrily, sipping his black coffee. The hot water should have stung his tongue and throat as he drank, but Dryden was used to drinking piping hot coffee.

The sting was completely forgotten as he dwelt on the fact that a woman - Alice Abernathy, Dryden thought with a sneer - tried to kill his father.

Although Wesker was not his biological father, Dryden felt strongly for him. Dryden didn't know who his real father was, and although there were times he hoped that he could meet his father, Dryden was more concerned with Wesker.

With his coffee finished, Dryden looked at his father. Wesker had worn his sunglasses once more, so Dryden could see his reflection on the black lenses.

"Father," Dryden said hoarsely. "Once we have this... Alice Abernathy, would you allow me to meet her?"

Wesker's smile never faltered. "Why should I, Dryden?"

"Because I plan on punishing her for her attempt on your life," Dryden finished. "You know I never liked people who opposed you and your views."

"Very well. Once I have ingested the DNA that I require, you may do with her as you will," Wesker agreed, finally lifting his cup of coffee to his lips, which covered any hint of a sinister smile.