Resident Evil: Tangled Web

By: PhantasmBabeIvory

Chapter Eleven

Author's notes: Sorry for the delay in releasing this entry. In addition to me being sick for several days, this chapter went through quite a few drafts/revisions until it reached the final version now being posted. Even one paragraph of Wesker's dialogue - where he responds to Elliott in Excella's office - changed quite a few times until it sounded just right. (I may think about releasing some of the deleted/alternate scenes for this story once it's completed.). Hope you all enjoy.

Once again, I will state that any similarity between this story and the game, Revelations 2, is purely coincidental.

As Claire and Elliott found out, Wesker's promise to give them a tour of the facility was limited to just one floor. While they waiting for the elevator, Wesker said, "I'll show you the other levels at a later time. Except for sub-level six, that is."

"Why? What's down there?" Claire asked.

Wesker's voice was as calm as ever. Though she didn't like him, Claire preferred seeing him all cool and composed. She had seen him get riled up once and it hadn't been pleasant. "My own personal cryogenics lab, made to hold certain creatures I am currently studying."

Claire didn't relish the thought that the floor below hers housed any monsters, frozen or not. "I would think you'd already be familiar with all of the monsters Umbrella created."

Wesker smirked. "So quick to assume, dearheart. It's quite the contrary. A new mutagen surfaced almost two years ago, one that was geared to mostly affect sea creatures. The few humans exposed to it, however, also took on aquatic characteristics. It's called the T-Abyss virus. Created by an independent company with no ties to Umbrella." He paused when the elevator doors opened. The three of them stepped inside, and Wesker pressed the button for sub-level one. Turning to face Claire and Elliott, he said, "Jessica and Raymond had come to work for me around the time that the virus made its first appearance. Both have turned out to be capable agents. Either one or both of them managed to capture one each of the easy-to-transport creatures created with this mutagen."

"And neither of them has any problem with kidnapping, I take it?" Elliott asked.

"Not when it's done in the interest of the greater good," Wesker said. Even with the shades, his posture indicated he was looking directly at Claire. "Miss Redfield knows better than anyone that the G-Virus' creator, William Birkin, perished in Raccoon City. His research, and the vaccine he developed, was lost when the city was destroyed. Unfortunately, not even I know what strides Birkin took in the manufacturing process. All efforts to since create an antidote for the G-Virus have proven fruitless. However, I believe that your apparent immunity, dearheart, may be the key to a cure."

It took Claire everything she had to keep her voice serene instead of argumentative. "And reaching out to me instead of abducting me against my will wasn't an option?"

Wesker beckoned her and Elliot to follow when the elevator reached the desired floor. "Given our history, would you have done anything other than fight against me?" he asked, holding the elevator open with one arm. "And we both know your brother would have placed you under lock and key if he felt your safety was in question. I did what was needed to have you all to myself. The U.S. government has a habit of holding any survivors exposed to one of Umbrella's viruses. Even if those survivors are still human. Birkin's daughter, Sherry, and a young woman named Manuela Hidalgo are prime examples of this."

Claire gritted her teeth. She didn't even know who Manuela was, but Sherry was a close friend. The only reason the latter was under the care of the government was to keep her out of Wesker's reach. The general consensus was that Wesker would turn Sherry into a lab rat if he ever got his hands on her.

Claire remained silent as she and Elliott were led down the hall. Wesker stopped outside the third to last door and turned to face them when she spoke. "You really expect me to think you care about manufacturing a cure?" Claire asked.

Wesker tilted his head slightly. "You wound me, Miss Redfield. For a long time, my goal has been to build a better world. I imagine that may be possible with your help. Once upon a time, reshaping the world was Oswell Spencer's aim as well. But he was an old fool who was undone by his own paranoia and greed. I simply intend to succeed where he failed."

Claire lifted her head a notch. "Is that why you killed Spencer?"

Wesker hesitated, and Elliott looked taken aback by the declaration. "I'm surprised you know of that already, dearheart," Wesker said.

Claire caught a question in the lone statement. She decided there was no point in hiding the truth. "Spencer was found the next day by Chris and Jill. They were sent to his estate to arrest him."

Wesker raised an eyebrow. "Were they now? It's a shame I didn't know they'd be there. It would have made for an interesting encounter."

Claire's face flushed. She had no desire to continue this thread. "You haven't answered my question."

"I simply wasn't forgiving of the old man's past misdeeds," Wesker said flatly. "He had a bad habit of betraying his subordinates, and it all came back to bite him in many ways."

Elliott spoke for the first time since they'd left the elevator. "Are you inferring that Spencer betrayed you somehow?"

Wesker frowned. "My dealings with the old fool are my own business, not yours." He turned and punched in the code for the door behind him before either Claire or Elliott could protest.

Claire wasn't sure what she was expecting, but the room Wesker led them into was a spacious office suite. Tricell's CEO, Excella Gionne, was seated behind a fancy red mahogany desk. She wasn't alone, even though Wesker's presence should make her feel secure enough. Raymond was leaning against the right wall, regarding the arrivals with a blank expression. Jessica was half-sitting on one corner of the desk, brandishing a combat knife in one hand in a non-threatening manner. Claire had to wonder if the two kidnappers' claim to be bodyguards was more than a cover story.

Excella closed the manila folder in front of her and regarded them with a smug smile. "Right on time," she said, leaning back in her leather armchair and crossing her legs. "How nice to see you again, Miss Redfield."

Claire was thankful that she hadn't promised to be cordial to Excella. "The only thing that would make this nice would be seeing you with two black eyes and a split lip."

Wesker went to stand just behind the armchair, arms crossed and a devilish smirk on his face. Excella glanced in his direction as he passed her. "I dare you to try," she said calmly. When Claire didn't respond or move, Excella chuckled. "That's what I thought. Good to know you have more sense than your brother. Please, have a seat."

Claire would have protested if Wesker didn't gesture toward the two steel folding chairs in front of the desk. Once she and Elliott were settled, Excella leaned forward. "You are quite remarkable, Miss Redfield. I must say, you are showing the promise I hoped for when we first met. Your immune system has built quite a resistance to the virus since you were exposed."

Claire's eyes narrowed. "If you think it's so wonderful, feel free to trade places with me, Miss Gionne."

Excella smirked. "I didn't expect you to feel anything other than resentment. But in time, Miss Redfield, you will see the wonders that Albert and I have in store."

It was weird to hear Wesker referred to by his first name, but Claire quickly shook it off. Since Wesker hadn't yet protested any part of her conversation with Excella, she felt free to be as belligerent as she pleased. "All I see is that you're just another monster, Excella. If you think you can get away with this indefinitely, then you're downright deluded. Umbrella and Wilpharma have already tanked because their employees took genetic experimentation too far. It's only a matter of time before Tricell follows in their wake."

Excella laughed ironically. "Au contraire. Umbrella went under because their experiments resulted in the destruction of a well-populated city. Wilpharma tanked because one of their top employees got greedy and, among other things, blew up their headquarters. I will not be doing either." Excella threw a quick glance at Wesker. "Neither Albert nor I intend to repeat the mistakes of old."

Elliott leaned forward. "No, you're just set on making new ones. Or do all four of you believe yourselves above what you've already done to Claire and me?"

Jessica, Raymond, and Excella all looked undaunted by the threat. "I might remind you, Mr. Gregory, that I had no intention of upsetting your life. If you hadn't been in the wrong place at the wrong time, you'd still have your freedom and be none the wiser right now," Wesker said, removing his shades. None of his colleagues appeared disconcerted by his unnatural eyes.

Elliott brushed that aside, focusing on Excella. "You affiliated yourself with this man even knowing he's not entirely human?"

The way Excella tilted her head made her look downright arrogant. "I'll admit the eyes took some getting used to. But I'd known Albert for quite a while beforehand. Long enough to know that he is quite the brilliant man. As a matter of fact, he's the one who helped me attain my position as Tricell Pharmaceutical's CEO." She paused. "As far as the world is concerned, there is no connection between Albert and me. By the time it's discovered, we'll have already made our mark on this planet."

"Not if Claire and I have anything to say about it," Elliott said. "As soon as we get out, we will blow the lid on your little operation."

"Keep dreaming, sweetie." Claire and Elliott turned to look at Jessica when she spoke. "We've gone undiscovered for longer than you think. That won't change anytime soon."

Claire's gaze darted to Raymond. She wondered if he would weigh in, but he didn't say a word – didn't even look at her. If she hadn't heard him speak on the evening she was abducted, she would have thought he was perpetually silent.

Wesker stepped up beside the armchair, uncrossing his arms. "We are getting too far off topic. I brought Miss Redfield here to discuss her condition."

Claire forced herself to focus. "Any answers on why I'm still me?"

Excella leaned forward. "Simply put, you are quite a unique person. Albert and I have done some testing with the G-Virus over the past year, but haven't found anyone else immune to its negative effects. You are a one in a million find, dear."

Wesker stepped around the desk, tracing the surface with one gloved hand as he moved. Claire tensed at his approach. "I never would have dreamed that you, Chris' little sister, would possess such a rare genome," he said. "Unfortunately, studies of your DNA can only reveal so much. It doesn't tell us if you reap any of the benefits of the virus. Specifically, rapid healing."

Claire jerked spasmodically once Wesker's words sank in. When she saw Jessica holding the knife out toward Wesker, Claire shook her head in a panic. "No!"

Elliott started to rise from his seat, but Raymond surged forward, forcing Elliott to stay put by pushing down on his shoulders. Meanwhile, Wesker cocked his head to one side, looking amused by his captives' reactions. Though Wesker took the knife, he gave no indication that he would use it. "I thought you would know by now that I always keep my word, Miss Redfield. I stated in our initial meeting that I had no intention of physically harming you." He rotated the knife so that the hilt was facing her. "I leave the choice in your hands. Just know that if you attempt to attack me or my colleagues, there will be serious consequences." Wesker's eyes flicked towards Elliott during this last statement to exemplify who would suffer the consequences.

Claire hesitantly took the knife. "And if I don't heal immediately?" she asked.

"Then I shall see to it you get the necessary medical attention," Wesker said smoothly.

Claire paused, wondering at the wisdom of playing with fire. "Will I still be useful to you, if this doesn't go the way you hope?"

Wesker shifted his stance, looking almost bored. She had to wonder if he was being agreeable only to get her to comply. "I will consider sending you and Mr. Gregory back home if you lack any regenerative capabilities."

Claire watched him in silence for several seconds before casting her gaze downward. She didn't like the way he worded it, but even a slim chance was better than nothing.

"Claire, don't," Elliott said. She looked over at him briefly. Raymond's grip on Elliott's shoulders must have tightened; a wince crossed Elliott's face.

"I have to," she answered. Claire positioned the blade next to her forearm, her breath coming out in rapid puffs to prepare herself. Before she could lose her nerve, she drew the knife swiftly across her skin. The anticipation didn't stop her from hissing in pain; seeing her blood welling from the gash made her nauseous. Don't heal, she thought. Please don't heal.

Against her will, the wound knitted itself together within seconds. Claire looked away, feeling sick when she realized Wesker was offering her a disinfectant wipe. "To wash away the blood," he said as an explanation. The smug smile on his face intensified her ill feeling.

Excella looked pleased as well. "Not even a scratch," she said. "You are definitely going to be one of our best investments, dear."

Wesker turned his head in the CEO's direction. "Manners, Excella. Calling Miss Redfield a business venture is rather rude." Though she didn't look happy, Excella at least had the decency to apologize. Wesker turned back toward Claire and Elliott. He withdrew his hand when Claire declined to take the cleaning wipe. "I imagine that this has been enough excitement for one day. If you two will follow me, I'll show you back to your room."

Claire rose from her seat and moved from the office in a daze. She was too numb to register if Wesker said anything during the walk back. Once she and Elliott were sealed within their living space, Claire's companion took just one look at her before gently guiding her over to the kitchen sink. He soon had the tap running with warm water and was helping to wash the blood off her arm. With a deep sigh, Elliott said, "I don't know if it's appropriate to ask if you're okay. Emotionally, I mean."

Claire stared blankly at her unblemished skin. "I don't know if anything will ever be okay again," she said quietly. She paused, unsure which of the thoughts running rampant in her head to give voice to. She eventually settled with, "I wanted him to be lying. I... don't want to be this." Claire remained silent while Elliott dried her arm with a towel. "Wesker's never going to let us go."

Elliott set the towel down. "I hate that you're right," he said, rubbing his face. "The more I get to know this guy, the less I like him. I can't believe he ever used to be human." Elliott paused. "Is there anything I could say that would make you feel better?"

Claire shook her head, offhandedly saying, "I can't even imagine what my brother or Leon would say if they could see me now."

"Okay. Putting aside all the questions I have from the past hour alone... Who's Leon?" Elliott asked, tilting his head to look at her.

Claire appreciated his decision not to bombard her. She settled onto a nearby stool. "He's someone I met back in Raccoon City. Feels like a lifetime ago... We had both arrived within the city limits just as the outbreak I spoke of was hitting its stride. My brother had fallen off the grid without a word to me. That's a long story in itself. I drove there searching for Chris. Leon was driving in for his first day as a rookie cop. Obviously, both of us got more than we expected. I don't think either of us would have survived if we hadn't helped each other to some degree." She paused. "Since then, Leon's always been someone I could count on for aid. He had a hand in helping me escape from Rockfort Island. And he was there alongside me for the fiasco with Wilpharma." Claire looked skyward. "I wish he was here now."

Elliott pulled up another stool to sit across from her. "Sounds as though you and Leon are close."

Claire tilted her head a fraction in his direction. "I might have wanted us to be, under other circumstances. Leon's a good guy, but I learned pretty quickly that I'm not his type. Ironically, he has more of a thing for bad girls."

"Care to elaborate?"

"You really want to hear this?"

He shrugged. "Call me curious."

Claire sighed, then began with, "Leon and I encountered a woman within the Raccoon City police station, Ada Wong. She fed us a pretense on what she was doing there. He bought it. I had my doubts. We eventually discovered she was a spy hired by a rival company of Umbrella. They tasked her to steal a sample of the G-Virus. And, even knowing that, Leon still fell for her."

"Did she succeed?"

"If she didn't, then someone else did. I do know she survived Raccoon City all on her own. I've since come to learn that she operates as a freelance agent, accepting contracts from the highest bidders. I wouldn't be surprised if she was on Wesker's payroll at some point." Claire paused and looked over at Elliott. "Even if Leon only sees her on an intermittent basis at best, Ada still has some hold over him that I can't even fathom."

Elliott remained silent for a bit, then abruptly asked, "He still in law enforcement?"

A stray tear escaped her eye, and she quickly wiped it away. "Quite a few steps up, actually. Secret Service."

Elliott's eyes widened. "You are kidding me! So, a man in charge of protecting the president is romantically entangled with a woman who specializes in corporate espionage?"

Claire smirked, though there was a sadness about it. "I told you it was ironic." She looked downward, smile fading. "Leon once commended me for choosing a path that he and Chris couldn't follow. Said that I was better suited to defend others in a more passive role. That somebody needed to be there on a different front. I'm not a fighter on the same level as them. And now, I hate it more than ever! I feel like I'm never going to see either of them again like this!"

He eyed her for a few seconds, then reached for her hand, gently clasping it in his own. "You don't need to be an experienced combatant to generate that result... You said it yourself. You and Leon wouldn't have made it without each other's help. That tells me you're still breathing right now because of you." Elliott gave an encouraging smile when Claire looked back up at him. "I will not let a madman decide my fate. I will see my family and friends again. And so will you. Nobody's coming to rescue us. It's likely that no one outside this facility even knows where we are. It's up to us. I just need you to show me that you're still the person that survived those horrors you told me about."

"Just one problem, Elliott," Claire said. "The only thing keeping you alive and unharmed is that I promised Wesker I wouldn't fight him."

"You promised, but I didn't. I'm going to find us a way out," Elliott said. He paused, his smile turning mischievous. "Until then, a little fantasizing can't hurt. Assuming that we were the ones with the upper hand right now, what's the first thing you'd like to do to Wesker and his cronies?"

Claire chuckled as she thought about it. "You know, I honestly can't decide which of them I dislike most right now. Wesker, Excella, or Jessica."

"What about Raymond?" Elliott asked.

Claire waved her hand dismissively. "The silent treatment doesn't bother me as much."

Elliott laughed heartily, and Claire grinned. When her companion settled down enough to look at her, his eyes lit up. "Now there's the smile I wanted to see," Elliott said.