Chapter Ten: Never Surrender

Sunrise Towers

New York

1210hrs_

Alice heard the faint sound of footsteps – and the sound of the emissary squeaking his way down the hallway – and inhaled deeply. She wasn't scared, merely apprehensive. Only a few weeks ago she had faced Wesker on Arcadia, and now she was here to talk peace.

If she knew Wesker, there would be no peace agreement, only bloodshed.

The door opened and the emissary stepped in. Alice had to bite back a surprised gasp; the man who now stood before them could only be Spence Parks' younger brother - or his son. They had the same raven black hair, muscular build, sculpted nose, and a mouth that seemed to be drawn in a permanent rakish smirk.

"Hello, Alice Abernathy and Leon Kennedy," the man said smoothly. "I am Dryden Ainsley Wesker."

Leon smiled. "Please, take a seat, Mr. Wesker."

Dryden laughed softly. "Mr. Wesker is reserved for my father, Leon. Please, call me Dryden."

As Dryden took the chair opposite Alice, she used the opportunity to study him carefully. Normally she was wary of strangers, especially those who had the word 'Wesker' attached to their names, but in this case, she found herself immediately liking the young man.

"I'd hate to be frank, but were you expecting a battle to occur?" Dryden asked, smiling.

Leon glanced swiftly at Alice, who stared back at him. "What do you mean?" Alice asked.

Dryden chuckled. "Do not play me for a fool, Alice Abernathy. The moment I walked into the room I noticed your hidden guns. I came unarmed, yet you decided to hide a few weapons just in case things didn't go your way." He clicked his tongue. "This changes the atmosphere of our meeting, don't you think?"

"I've learned never to trust a Wesker," Alice shot back. Her initial warmness towards Dryden vanished in an instant.

"As well you should," Dryden agreed, surprising her. "But still, the deal was a deal. You have reneged on the simple rule that no weapons were to be brought."

Leon made a move to remove the guns, but Dryden was too fast. Using what Alice could only explain as telekinesis, he threw the dining table across the room, sending it crashing through the large glass windows and down to the street below. Alice and Leon jumped to their feet, taking hurried steps backward.

"How-?" Alice was at a loss for words. Dryden stood up, his expression calm. Every step he took seemed menacing, and yet he still had a smile that assured them that nothing was wrong.

There was no way he could possess such abilities, unless…

"You're a Homo Superioris," Alice finally gasped. Leon had unsheathed a sharp Bowie knife that he had concealed inside his vest, and was watching Dryden warily.

Dryden smiled even wider. "Like you. But unfortunately you decided to go against the system – a very stupid move on your part – and my father decided to recall you. I'm here to give you one last chance."

"We will never surrender," Leon said defiantly. "We'd die first."

"I beg to differ," Dryden said. "Father found out some very interesting facts about you, Leon Kennedy. Your small group is just the tip of the iceberg. You've been leading a widespread resistance against the Umbrella Corporation, haven't you?"

Leon's eyes widened. "How did you know about the resistance?"

"We're Umbrella," Dryden said simply. "We were able to track all of your transmissions, especially when your moronic broadcaster made the mistake of hacking into an 'unused' Umbrella satellite. Every single location of your resistance bases has been noted. You are the leader of the resistance, Leon Kennedy. The John Connor of modern times. Your death will certainly persuade your followers to join us."

"Or spark a full blown rebellion," Alice replied angrily. "Are you that hungry for power that you would readily kill your fellow human beings just to stay on top?"

Dryden did not answer, but Alice knew that what she said was true.

"Don't think we won't go down without a fight," Leon replied, his eyes narrowed.

"I would be surprised if you did. But enough chit chat. You have one, and only one, chance to surrender. Dryden lifted the collar of his shirt and whispered a few words. A few minutes later two guards burst in, dragging with them a girl with blonde hair.

K Mart.

"Alice!" K Mart shrieked, lashing out at one of the guards. Her nails raked across his cheek, causing three parallel lines of blood to form. While the other reached for her, she used the momentum to knock him on his back. K Mart ran towards Alice, but Dryden raised his arm and she flew towards him.

The moment her back slammed against his chest, Dryden wrapped his arm around her neck, holding her in a chokehold. No matter how hard she tried to break free, Dryden's hold on her remained firm.

"Now that everyone who matters is here, we can begin the negotiations. Surrender your 'forces', Leon Kennedy, or this girl shall die."