Working Together

After the altercation the two showed their professionalism and skills, they worked in silence but their movements and communication stayed open. But Albert could not help that his interest in Eliza had grown more, the usual tactics of fear did not work on her, nor did intimidation. But in due time, he would find more out about her. One thing he needed to know was what was her purpose, and her drive, Information was key but she was open with him. Perhaps something he could exploit later on, for now, he needed to focus. Experiments take time and many trials and errors, but Wesker was a patient man. Working like this was peaceful to the man, who used to work with his close colleague Birkin. It was an art, even though many did not see it as so.

Wesker continued to look at samples while Eliza took notes on any changes, though her intelligence showed as they would suggest possible next steps. Eliza carries herself calmly, even through the entire altercation. A skill she had developed at a young age due to being around Umbrella since birth, though internally Eliza had felt she was not being careful enough. Albert Wesker had gotten under his skin, even if briefly any mistake could result in failure for her plans. Either way, Eliza continued her work and taking notes, the man needed no more attention

For now, Wesker was focused on the project and not pushing, but that alone would entice the male to want more information. Perhaps, both were in their own minds like a constant game of chess.

Due to their work ethic being similar, they only spoke when they needed to, and danced around each other as if they had worked with each other before. The rhythm only broke when Eliza and Wesker began hearing the mouse scurrying about the cage, As scientists they watched the odd behavior. It continued this process for 2 minutes, only to suddenly stop frozen in its tracks. It's breathing and a body seized and curious eyes watched the unusual behavior.

'That has never happened before…' Eliza thought. The notes had only stated about rage being one of the behaviors, not the host suddenly stopping.

The mouse suddenly began to scurry around once more, this time a strange behavior of digging began. Though there was no outside mutation, the behavior slowly grew to aggressive and even as it dug the animal began breaking its own nails from the metal it was attempting to escape. The rodent did not stop as its little fingers began to bleed and reached the bone, then the digging stopped. The aggressive behavior continued to advance as the host now became its target, The mouse began to bite itself, and its little hand was its first victim, it rip and tore more flesh till exposing its skeletal arm and even continued till the bone broke. The mouse then used the sharpened bone to attempt to attack the plastic in front of it, luckily the plastic was polycarbonate but the surprising force left minor scratch marks against the glass. Unfortunately, mouse learned that it could not break out and choose a different tact in his aggression. Slamming his small body against it, a small thud could be heard with each impact, but his energy did not die down. No, instead it used its body till it could no longer do so. Each impact causing harm to the rodents body breaking arms, fracturing its skull, and having a eye pop out of its socket till it inevitably died within its confinement.

Both scientist watched in silence to make sure to document and watch if any other outcomes transpired with the body, but after nothing did this lead them to thinking.

Wesker felt it had been a success. The point of completing this virus was to make sure it worked, the host like any other virus succumb to an inevitable fate but there was progression. The virus seemed to only affect behavior as no outside mutations showed, and may respond differently to a human host.

While Eliza did not show did not show her worry, she contemplated how Umbrella would use this. Another unfortunate accident? Another small city used to test out their bioweapons and only a few organizations to stop them. Because unlike any other company or organization Umbrella did not have the many red tapes to cross, while those like the government programs like the BSAA had to get clearance and jump through hoops. Furthermore, aggression to the point the host attempts to harm oneself to get to their target would increase interest in more of it being produced for bioweapons

Wesker glanced at Eliza, she was unmoving but her face hid emotion.

'What are you thinking little one?' He thought to himself. She was not celebrating and seemed to be calculating even though they had accomplish the task. But the silence bothered him, and he decided to speak up first. "Well it seems we have accomplished the task…Unfortunately, not much else seems to have happened." His voice held a hint of disappointed.

Hearing his voice broke her from her mind wandering too much. "Indeed. Though perhaps we should wait to disclose the information." The T-virus was dangerous but this virus had no control, it sought out the first person to attack. Sacrificing its host in the process, and ultimately if there was no control how would they handle it. The behavior developed so quickly, and it cannot be said if it simply attacked the person or would eat it.

At this his brow rose behind his glasses at her comment.

"Why wait? We delivered the corrections." He said as he looked toward the female for answers, after all they had a deadline. A deadline he was oppose to meeting having to deal with Marcus again, sometimes murdering someone was far more simpler.

Eliza had to think of something to postpone this getting out, even if it was one more day. Even if she would get punished. "We need to control it."

Wesker knew this. Eliza knew this. But Wesker was hoping to not assist in control it, after all if a mishap was to transpire that was Umbrella's mistake. They focused on profit rather than control.

Eliza quickly added. "Besides, Marcus can wait. I do not feel like dealing with him." Eliza proceeded to pay attention back to her notes, and jotted down what they had discovered. "Unless…your incline to." Eliza teased knowing full well Wesker found the male just as annoying, and she was surprised the male made no noise. Instead he assisted her in getting things cleaned, and putting things away.

In the process of doing so, Wesker's vision became blurry. A sudden pain shot through his head causing the male to wince and shut his eyes in pain, the sudden reaction causing Eliza to rush to his side. A memory suddenly returning….

-Flashback-

Birkin was standing next to Wesker in a laboratory, the man had his face in some files while walking alongside Wesker. The only man that Wesker would consider his friend. Around this time William was working on Lisa Trevor, the child was suffering cognitively because of the various experiments they conducted on her. They could not lose that because this subject had various progenitor virus samples they used, and Birkin wanted to remedy the issue. After all, he could not lose his life's work. They were attempting to remedy the issue with the use of a parasite, that they were experimenting with. The parasite was a way to help cognitive function. Wesker was not so sure.

"It should help." Birkin spoke mostly to himself. Wesker stood and listened.

"Should. The experimentation could fail." He suggested. Birkin was hopeful, this could give him more information for his G virus. But Wesker knew that the body was already placed within a lot of strain, but if the cognitive functions deteriorated it would make it less likely that they could control Lisa.

A low hmph sounded from his partner. Birkin was more interested in testing everything, the wonder and curiosity is what drove the male. His interest in his work was noteworthy and he would not slow down, this was no different.

"Losing Lisa would be a big hit, but we can see how well this experimental parasite is." The hope was to still be able but there was no way to predict the future in certain outcomes, especially when using new experimental parasites. "Besides if anything happens, the information could still be used." The excitement could be heard in William's voice, like a child in a candy store.

Wesker knew he was not wrong. But he had his mind on the S.T.A.R.S members and his work. Umbrella was becoming a shadow of its former self, and he was planning to leave if anything fell. He planned to take Birkin as he was an asset but both men may have different paths. The memory was sudden, and the pain that came with it soon followed its disappearance.

End of flashback

Eliza stayed silent watching Wesker clench his head. 'Did I make a miscalculation?' She wondered as she considered perhaps pushing him with so much information, and having him work was too much. Afterall, this process has never been accomplished so guidance was nonexistent. Part of her worried for the male, and she called out to him though to Wesker the voice was muffled at first.

The pain subsided allowing him to enjoy the relief of the pressure, as he opened his eyes Eliza stood at his side calling him. At first it was barely audible, then as the pain subsided it began to clear.

"Wesker, are you okay?" He could hear her and could hear the concern in her voice. But why concern for him? He pondered. But he found she was human after all. He had to admit though he did not know the woman for very long, it was strange to see actual concern for his well-being considering the female was guarded. Eliza made her first mistake by showing emotion. He noticed how hunched over he was, his gloved hand caressing his head. When did he buckle from the pain? He wondered. But his pride reminded him to not show weakness, so he quickly recovered and straightened himself out. "I am fine…" His voice trailed off, the memory was so quick. "A memory."

Memory? Eliza thought. The human body was capable of plenty of abuse, and have organs replaced with others, even recovering skin or faintly recovering some smaller parts lost. Obviously these parts were never like the original, but Eliza forgot that the mind was far more fragile. His brain was not completely dead, but perhaps had forgotten fragments. Of course, this was a theory. One Eliza would have to be wary of, after all he did not seem like he had forgotten anything. But alas, that was not important at the moment, She thought to herself.

Eliza watched Wesker continue to clean up, but she could not help but watch him closely. Her eyes shown concern still, but they were distant as he watched him closely. Perhaps it was due to the long eventful day?

Wesker could feel her gaze as he finished up, but he prefer not have her silent. Strange. He thought as they had just worked in almost completely silent, but the way she viewed him made him feel as if she was underestimating him again

"I am fine." His tone was deeper and his accent increased, a warning Eliza could tell.

A faint sigh could be heard from behind him as she approached, he turned to face her and noticed the space between them was mere inches. "Does your head at least hurt?" Her tone was sincere, even if her demeanor was still one of caution. Her eyes scanning his face for any indication of his lies or visible pain.

But Wesker was used to pain, having experience by being killed by a Tyrant, always fighting with Chris, and now having the experience of being shot with a missile and surviving. But for once the male was curious as he stared at the female before him. She was calculating, advised him, threatened him, and almost fought him. Now, she was asking for his well-being? She was stranger than him. He thought. But what else would she show through her interaction? His curiosity peaked and responded with a "I have a minor headache, that is all."

A low hum sounded from Eliza and she did not hesitate to touch the male's cheek.

Wesker waited but it was not long that Eliza's green irises gave a faint glow, the hand on his cheek seemed to get warmer and there was a strange sensation of relief. So she has gifts from her own mutation, a form of healing. He noted.

Eliza was surprised the male allowed the contact, but there was no reason to have him in discomfort. Afterall, she had to make sure his mind would not have another reaction or memory till she knew if these memories were harmful to his mind. Being dead and being resurrected may have an impact on what he can recall, and sometimes recalling to much can have an affect on the human body. Unfortunately, he would get a glimpse of her healing capability to an extent. Something he may use against her at a point, so she would have to be wary.

"The pain is gone." Wesker spoke as he looked down at the female, Eliza was far more shorter than him and only stood at 5'4 to his 6 ft. She was breakable, and he wanted to break her. But her new gift would benefit him once he escaped.

The edge of his lip curved up into a smirk as he watched the female. A knowing smirk of 'I now know something.'

Eliza paid no mind though and removed her hand, he still needed to get out.

"We should call it a night, for the time being." Eliza turned away from the male, a yawn escaping her as she stretched her arms into the sky. "I am tired. Plus you should recover, I will have to run test on you tomorrow." Make sure your mind is as good condition as your body, she thought to herself.

As if by coincidence Wesker's body suddenly felt the strain on his body. How strange I have barely done anything, he thought. The trauma and recovery process may take awhile from the revival process. But at the mention of testing, his eyes gave a faint glow behind his dark shades. "Testing? You ran the tests…" He started only for Eliza to counter him right away. "Yes and science is trial and error, plus this is the first time someone has brought someone back….Well, with everything so far intact. Cognitive factors as you know are always lost in certain experiments…" She stated matter of factly. "I simply want to prevent that from happening."

Wesker could not argue with that. Though the thrill of being a Guinea pig was lost on him, but he also knew it was crucial to know if something was wrong. After all, destroying the world would be harder if his power weakened or he became like Lisa. So a deal was the best course of action. "Only if I get to see the results." He said as he walk passed the female toward the door.

He did not trust her. Eliza knew this. But it made things complicated, he was under her control or playing the role. Sharing such information would be unnecessary if he was playing the role, no puppet asks their master how are they doing after all. But she knew he would push, and sadly if Wesker turned on her then her plan would be delayed. Suppose I can give a dog a bone. She thought. "Fine..But I will have to figure out a way to disclose that."

Eliza picked up a vanilla-colored folder and walked to catch up to the male as he approached the metal door that hissed to life as it opened. That's all she could promise. "That should suffice." Wesker was no novice to how hidden Umbrella was to sharing files. Eliza suddenly took the lead and led him out her bedroom and through her office.

Wesker could not help but glance at the bundle of red hair that guided him. She would be an interesting partnership, if she did not cross him again. He thought. Stepping out of her office, they were in the hallway, or maze as each corridor was sickly silver with no way of telling what was what.

Once they left the female took a folder out that she had and began to read notes as the walked down the hallways, the female had memorized them so well she did not have to look to where she was headed. The scene looked remotely similar to his memory, instead of Birkin it was now Eliza. A faint tug could not be helped on the corner of the male's lips, how ironic. The differences being that Birkin motivation was to climb Umbrella till it was compromised, while Eliza is much like Wesker on destroying it. Perhaps she had the similar drive to make something of herself, and did not feel the need to cement herself to one corporation like Wesker. After all, that left discovery to be limited and with the competition in the field there was always growth.

Though the walk was filled with silence, it was not long before they stopped at a black door, the title Subject W. "Charming" Wesker stated with venom in his voice. Eliza shut folder closed and looked to Wesker.

Eliza could not help but let out a soft laugh. "Isn't that what made umbrella so great…the charm?" Her tone was sarcastic, it was almost as if the act annoyed Eliza as well. A security pad was hidden near the left side of the door, but Eliza effortlessly entered the code. "691245" Not once keeping it hidden as Wesker closely monitored her, the door opened with a loud swoosh sound.

The room was barren besides the essentials of a bed, and drawers. The colors lacked creativity as they were simply white sheets, to the left a single door that lead to the bathroom. Umbrella never wasted resources on people they believed would not last long within the company, and this clearly stated that Wesker was not welcome as a returning asset to the company.

"You will have your necessities, the bare minimum, bed, toilet, shower, and drawers." Eliza pointed to each item and even seeing the layout disgusted her, yes she understood Wesker had taken the company down but even they should be surprised with what he had accomplished. But I suppose the company did focus on failures.

Eliza watched as the male inspected the room, camera's could be spotted at the corner of the room for surveillance. Or as the company called it 'security'. He is definitely not gonna like it when he gets to the clothes, she thought to herself.

Wesker walked towards the drawers and touched the countertop with his glove, a faint amount of dust was evident on the furniture. Cleaning needed to be done, nothing major. He thought. He proceeded to then open the drawers and within he found different color clothes, not that he minded but what he did mind was the bright colored shirts. The umbrella member were obviously a little more petty, and planned to humiliate him. He could not wait to turn them into their own worst nightmares, destroy them, or kill them.

Eliza let out a small cough from the doorway to get the males attention, which he quickly looked over his shoulder toward her. Like she had guessed even through his shades he was not happy. "I will attempt to sneak in other clothes. Unfortunately, the members grabbed what they could." Wesker simply closed the drawer, not saying anything and moved to the bed to lay down. The moment he made contact with it, he could feel the stiff thin mattress on his back. He would wake up with body aches for sure, he thought.

Eliza knew the dwelling was not meant to be hospitable, but there was part of her that felt guilty of it. It reminded her so much of her past, her steal cage, the illusions they sold. But she was an expert at hiding her internal struggle, and Wesker had enough information for today. Now, she had to figure out if these sudden memories were going to harm or damage, and what memories he recalls. Does he even recall attacking? Clearly not, or he would know more of her strength. Eliza approached the male and looked down at him. "Try to get comfortable." Wesker simply scoffed at her comment. "I will come and retrieve you in the morning, do not wander the halls." A warning. "Goodnight, Wesker." With that her form retreated from Wesker's room.

The male could not help but stare as she had left the confines of his room. Eliza was a rubix cube, each side different than the other. He needed more information, but at the confines of his room and even with an uncomfortable bed he found sleep calling to him. Beckoning him into its sweet embrace.