Warning! Child trafficking is in this chapter!
I wanted STARS to have a big case in this one
Even a Monster Deserves Love Chapter 2
July 23rd 1996
'Today is the day!' Chris thinks happily as she puts the last box on the truck. She and Barry just emptied out her storage unit. Today she is moving into her new apartment that she found downtown. Chris had rented out a truck so that everything can be picked up and dropped off once. Once everything was secure, they hop into the cab and drove to her new place.
Her new address is a bit small but large enough for her and her sister for when she comes over. Claire wanted to spend time with her friends for the summer but will spend two weeks with her before she goes back to school. Chris is excited that she'll come and visit her in her apartment.
'Now if only Wesker will just stop being a tight ass.' Chris thinks about her captain with a scowl.
Wesker was a good captain, he had excellent leadership skills and knows how to read situations, however he was a little too much by the book for her taste. He also has a bit of a perfectionist steak, Chris however cannot seem to be meet that particular piece.
'He maybe handsome but he needs to understand not everyone has to be like him.' Chris dwells on her captain.
Her main pet peeve about him though is that he still calls her by her given name. No matter how many times she tells not to call her 'Christine' he still does it. So she tried to prank him as revenge for not stopping, it did not go well. She replaced all his paperwork with coloring books, filled his desk with candy, and put party supplies all around his office.
She thought that for sure that he would think someone else did it, but it turned out someone saw her bring the stuff in. Wesker then punished her by having her clean in the kennels for an entire month. Chris decided she was never pranking her captain again.
"Hey Chris, wake up! We're here and check out the crowd." Barry said as Chris is pulled from her thoughts. She looks to see the Alpha S.T.A.R.S unit out front, including Wesker. "Hey Chris! We decided to help you get your apartment ready." Joseph said as she and Barry get out. "Really? Thank you all!" Chris said.
As they take stuff out to her apartment on the third floor, Jill elbows Wesker in the ribs. "Jill, that is not necessary." he said.
"Just reminding you that you have to talk to her." Jill said giving him a look.
"I understand, but I didn't need to be reminded." Wesker said.
He knew that things were not going smoothly in Alpha like he thought it might be. He and Chris were at odds, due to the prank she did over a month ago and over a silly reason as her name.
However the team can feel the tension between them, so they cornered Wesker after Chris went for coffee one day. They told him that he had to make nice with Chris for their sanity and had him come with them to help her move.
Once they got everything upstairs, Chris tells them what stuff goes into what room. When that was done Jill speaks, "Say Chris what do you say we help you with decorating? You can fix it if you don't like it, after we leave of course."
Chris was unsure, she didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings when they come over next. "It won't bother us. I mean not everyone has the same style." Joseph said.
"Ok." Chris said.
"Let's do it in pairs, Barry can work with Brad in the kitchen, Joseph and me can do the bathroom and that leaves you and the captain, your bedroom." Jill said. She did this so that way Wesker can talk to Chris.
"I don't-" Chris tries to protest about being put with the captain but Brad speaks, "Sounds good! Let's go Barry."
They went to the kitchen aera, while Jill and Joseph go to the bathroom.
At first neither Chris or Wesker say anything.
The Wesker spoke, "Let's get your room ready."
They head to the biggest room in the apartment and start taking things out of totes and boxes. The silence between them is deafening.
'How do I go about this?' Wesker knew it couldn't be handled when Umbrella was at his beck and call. They were in a unit that had the public's eye on them and no one was to find out about that connection, at least not presently.
"Captain the mattress please?" Chris asks him to help her move it. They center her bed in the middle of the room.
"Christine.." Wesker speaks, "Why don't you like your full name?"
Wesker cursed himself, he wasn't suppose to ask that.
Chris is silent, she was not going to answer that. "Don't call me 'Christine'." she said finally.
Silence once more descends the room.
They start putting on her bedding on when Wesker tries again. "We need to meet in the middle somewhere. A team needs to function off the mission as well as on the mission. How would you like me to meet you?" he asks.
Chris thinks on that, "Well you can start by not pushing me to be exactly like you. Your perfectionism can't work with everyone." she said.
"I push you to be like that because I know you can do better. If I gave you the impression your suppose to become me, then I-I apologize." Wesker was not use to apologizing to someone who is to be below him.
"But I'll lay off a bit, anything else?" he asks putting a case on a pillow.
"I think you do things too much by the book. It doesn't need to always be word for word." Chris said putting a case on hers.
Wesker takes a moment, "There are times when the book doesn't always work, I'll admit that much, but the book exists for a reason. I'll try not use it too much in every situation." he said.
One the bed was made, they start moving other furniture when Chris asks, "How would you like me to meet you?"
"You can do better at a lot of things, you just need help in getting you in the right direction. If you want you, we can have private lessons when we're at work or not." Wesker said, he was determined to improve her so that S.T.A.R.S can be at it's best.
"I suppose you can help me with those things I need to know. I'll take you up on that." Chris said.
"That's all I ask. I'll admit I'm surprised that you didn't tell me to not to call you by your name." Wesker said, pushing her dresser where she wanted.
"I think we both know that is too much ask." Chris said with distaste, while Wesker smirks.
"True." he said still smirking, making Chris glare at him.
They get her room ready and organized, "Thank you captain, for your help." Chris thanks him.
"Your welcome." Wesker said and they leave for the living room.
They find Barry and Brad already done, "Everything is ready in the kitchen, Chris. All the utensils, dishes, machines, pots and pans have been organized." Brad said.
"Thanks, let's put the living space together." Chris said with a smile.
"Should we wait for Joseph and Jill?" Barry asked.
"Nah, the sooner this gets done the better." Chris said and they get to work on the living room.
Jill and Joseph came out once they were done, "Hey Chris, we'll tackle the guest bedroom for you." Joseph said.
He and Jill went to the last room that needed to get done.
With the help of her teammates, Chris's things are all out of boxes and are out. Her apartment is done.
"Thank you everyone, for your help." Chris said grateful.
"It was no trouble Chris." Jill said. She and the other members who make up Alpha team, were glad the tension between Chris and their captain was gone.
"... I want to show my appreciation." Chris said. She grabs her tape player, hits play and music comes out. Chris then opens her mouth and sings with the chorus in the background.
Like a dream, I'll appear to you
Like a dream that is coming true
Like a dream, I will lead you to a place you've never seen before
Like a dream where you're far from care
Like a dream, music everywhere
Like a dream, let me take you there and show you new worlds to explore
Follow the sound of my voice
I'll give you reason to rejoice (rejoice)
Like a dream, I'll appear to you
Like a dream that is coming true
Like a dream, I will lead you to a place you've never seen before
Like a dream where you're far from care
Like a dream, music everywhere
Like a dream, let me take you there and show you new worlds to explore
Follow the sound of my voice
I'll give you reason to rejoice (rejoice)
Like a dream, baby, come with me
Like a dream, life will be
Like a dream
Like a dream
Once the song was over, she looks at her teammates who were staring at her aside from Barry.
"Wow, I had no idea you could sing." Jill said, impressed. A part of her wonders how she hid that from her.
"You sing like an angel." Brad said smiling.
"Like Brad said. Though I'll admit, every time I hear you sing, I get blown away." Barry said.
"How come you joined the Air Force? STARS? You don't need to be in law enforcement, you career is made on stage!" Joseph said.
"Thank you for your words, but I only sing as a hobby. I prefer action, which is why I joined." Chris said with a smile.
Wesker is silent as he stares at her, "Wesker? You all right?" Brad asked, touching his shoulder.
Wesker snaps out of it, "I'm fine." he said, brushing off Brad's hand.
Wesker didn't want to admit it, but he had been transfixed by her voice.
"You sing very well Christine." was the only thing he said.
"Thank you Wesker." Chris said, annoyed with her name.
"All right everyone, let's leave Chris to get used to her new place." Barry said getting up.
"True, remember everyone. Tomorrow Alpha team and Bravo team will meet and get out schedules ready." Wesker said.
Wesker had decided that twice a month, both teams would meet and go over what they have been doing, train together, then have the rest of the day off. Tomorrow is when it will officially happen, but after that they will meet on the first and halfway through every month.
"I know captain." Jill said.
Chris bid them all farewell, once she was alone she checks over the rooms and finds that only small things needed to be moved to her liking. 'Everyone did a great job.' Chris was happy.
July 24th 1996
Chris arrived at the office five minutes before shift, 'At least Wesker won't lecture me.' Chris thinks with a smile. She may not have early enough but she'll see if Wesker took her advice.
At seven o'clock Wesker came out of his office to see everyone, and to get the meeting started.
"Good morning. To start off let's hear about the cases that Bravo team has done." Wesker said.
Chris is happy that Wesker wasn't getting on her, for not being early enough.
Enrico went over the cases, with input from the others who make up Bravo team. ".. and that's all we covered so far this month. What has Alpha team been doing?" Enrico asks them.
Wesker informs Bravo on what they have been doing for cases, of course his team adds their words. ".. with that, our discussion of the team cases is done." Wesker said.
The STARS have yet to get a big case, but Wesker reminds them that with Raccoon City being an urban city, they will have one sooner or later. That will be when their training is truly put to that test and decide if the STARS are truly needed in the first place. He also points out that if a case is too big for one team then the other team will help.
"As we all know, we will have these meetings twice a month. The first and either the fifteenth or the sixteenth, depending on how long the month is. We will train after talking, to see what needs to be brushed up on both teams. Then we have the rest of day to ourselves, but remember we are on call. When we are called in we get here and ready as soon as possible. As for actual days off, I was thinking that every tenth and twentieth of the month for both teams as well as the third weekend every two months, as long as we remember we are on call." Wesker said.
Enrico speaks, "Captain Wesker, I thought that the teams would also have separate shifts." he was talking about one team being on day time and the other on night.
"It has been brought up, but at this time, city hall wants to see what STARS can do before they approve of that." Wesker said with distaste.
'There will be no partnership Enrico, Umbrella can't have you lead then discover something too soon. Which is why I'm here, as well for my own goals. You can have free reign over your team as long as we're not on the same assignment, but you still have to report to me. As for those old fools at city hall, there's nothing I can do without revealing I'm directly with Umbrella.' Wesker has no intention to let anyone know that.
"Why didn't you say something to chief Irons?" Enrico asks, his eyes stating a challenge.
"I did but he agrees with the council that we need to prove ourselves, before any night shifts are scheduled for us. He also said that the teams need to show that they have respect for each other and not to be a competition with each other." Wesker said coolly. Enrico backs off.
"All right, everyone to the locker rooms and get changed." Wesker said, as it was time for training.
During training Wesker gave pointers on combat forms and knife techniques. After two hours everyone heads back to the locker room to shower, change, and go home.
Except, Wesker and Chris, they stayed behind at the office while everyone left.
"All right Christine, let's focus on paper work for now." Wesker said bringing out some papers.
"We have to start with that?" Chris asked unamused.
"Well, the sooner your reports are finished the sooner you can go home. How's that for a trade? Not to mention computers are starting to become part of the public, something tells me that when those arrive, you'll need help with those." Wesker said.
"Tomorrow if you like, we will focus on your fighting style." Wesker said as a form of compromise.
"Fine." Chris said and picks up a pen and starts writing.
Wesker watches her write, peering over her shoulder, ".. Your hand writing is.. acceptable." Wesker said, upon remembering Chris didn't graduate high school.
Chris sighs, "Wesker I am doing my best, at least my handwriting is legible." she said.
"True. Here.." Wesker gives Chris pointers on grammar and better writing technique, by grabbing her hand.
Chris's face becomes a little warm as Wesker's breath is felt on her ear and neck.
After an hour passes, "Ok that should do it for today. Tomorrow we'll focus on your form in fighting." Wesker said heading to his office.
"Thank you Wesker." Chris said getting up and gathering her things.
She puts her hand to her face and to her relief, is cooling off. 'Why did he have to get so close?' Chris didn't think that was necessary.
"Have a good day captain." she said heading for the office door.
"Good day, Christine." Wesker said from his office.
July 31st 1996 almost 11:00am
STARS had finally received its first big case, they were to investigate a child trafficking ring that had got into the city. This morning they got a tip from someone who saw where the men took the children.
"Here is where they're supposed to be located." Forest said showing the location of the perps and the children.
"This is how its going to go, Alpha team will go inside, along with Enrico and Kenneth and we are to find the exact locations of those responsible, as well as the children. The remaining members of Bravo team will stay outside, to see if anyone tries to escape, but are not to shoot until I contact you." Wesker said.
"Yes, sir!" everyone said.
They pile into two vans, and drive towards the warehouse aera of town. Once there Wesker has Edward, Forest, and Richard go over to the nearby buildings, to hide and keep watch on the exits. He then has Jill and Barry go up top to a nearby building as well, to see if they can't make out where the kids and perps are.
After a few minutes, Jill radios to them, "We see five of them, at least two are armed, but there may be more of them. No sign of the kids, they must be hidden in a back room."
"Ok, get back down here." Wesker orders.
When Jill and Barry reunite with them, they tell them where the men they saw are located.
"Christine will stay with me and we will get the two known gunmen, the rest of you will go after the unarmed men and anyone else, but remember to keep an eye out for the children as well as other armed men." Wesker order once more.
They quietly enter through the doors, splitting up as ordered.
Wesker and Chris see the two gunman stationed in front of a door, most likely behind that door is where the children are.
Chris makes her shot and hits the arm of one gunman, he screams in pain. The other looks around for them but Wesker shoots him in the shoulder and leg. He also screams, and they both go up to them, "You assholes are lucky we don't finish you off." Chris growled at them.
She and Wesker put them in cuffs and were about to radio the others when another perp sneaks up behind Chris and grabs her.
Wesker moves to free her but the perp points a gun at her head, "All right copper, you got us, but your going to let me walk out of here unscathed and to make sure of that, she will be my meat shield. Are we clear?" the gunman said.
Wesker clenches his teeth, he knows that this operation will make or break everything he is trying to do, but now Chris was a hostage. If she died or was used in this manner then the public will for sure have second thoughts about STARS and make his plans delay for a while longer. He then takes notice that Chris has not moved since she was grabbed.
Chris however was not afraid of the man, she looks at her captain and since the gunman can't see her face, she winks at him. Wesker knows that the action is a sign that means 'trust me'.
The gunman gets impatient with Wesker's lack of response, "Did you hear a damn word I said? I will kill her before I'm captured and I mean it." he said pushing his gun into Chris's cheek.
"What about your friends?" Chris asks.
"They mean nothing to me, they were only here to guard and they messed up. They can die for all I care." the gunman said.
"Asshole.." the one with the injured arm said.
"Wesker.. Let him go." Chris tells him as she looks him in the eye.
Remembering her wink, Wesker said, "All right, I'll call off my men. Just let her go once you'll feel safe."
"Good." the gunman said lowering his weapon from Chris's face, he watches as Wesker moves to grab his radio.
Chris makes her moves and jams her elbow into his stomach before headbutting him in the face. Before he can recover Wesker moves forward and grabs his hand that held the gun, twisting it, forcing him to let it go.
"Your under arrest." Wesker said as he grabbed both hands and out them in handcuffs.
He then radios the rest, "We have three suspects in custody, we believe we found where the children are being held. Regroup where we are if you've finished your tasks." he said.
"We got them all sir." Enrico's voice comes on, "We're heading you way, the children have to be where you are."
Wesker then radios the ambulances, that were nearby, "Come on in and tend to the vagrants and children." he said.
He and Chris head over to the door, once Joseph and Brad arrive with the one they nabbed.
They open the door, and they find the children. All ranging in ages thirteen to sixteen, they had looks of fear on their faces.
"It's ok, you all are safe." Chris said. Some are relieved, others are unsure.
The medics came in, some to the perps, sadly and others to the children.
Once the children are checked out and are fine, they are taken to the hospital until family can be found.
Both the STARS team, gather any remaining evidence before going back to the police station. When they arrive they find Marvin Branagh waiting for them.
"You all did good, just to let you know a press conference will happen tonight. Chief Irons wants all of you present." Marvin said.
"Very well, excuse us we must fill out our reports." Wesker said and they all head to the office, to fill out their paperwork.
Once they were in the office, Wesker tells Chris to come to his office.
He sits down and once Chris is seated, he speaks, "Christine what you did was reckless. What if the man saw what you did or reacted faster? You could've been killed."
"I know captain, but I knew it would most likely be the only shot I had. I didn't want him getting away." she said firmly.
"I understand but once that goes onto the report, the chief and the mayor will want discipline. I'm the captain, anything that my subordinates do, reflects on me. I'm sorry, but I'll have to punish you." Wesker tells her.
"I understand.." Chris said unhappily.
"You are to clean the floors of the entire RPD building, I'm sure since the operation was a success, the chief and the mayor will be satisfied. Then when we do our lessons, I'll teach you to pay better attention at your surroundings." Wesker said.
"Yes, sir." Chris said.
"Go to your desk and start your report." Wesker said.
Chris leaves, heads to her desk and starts writing.
July 31st 6:00pm
The STARS teams were standing behind the chief as he makes his speech, "These men and women have set the standard for everyone to follow. Everyone was safe, the perps kept alive so they can face justice..." Irons drools on.
Chris was fighting hard not to yawn, she didn't understand why Irons wanted all of them, just Wesker and Enrico would've been fine.
Wesker was fighting his own boredom, he knew this was necessary, but listening to Irons hypocrisy speech was unfocusing.
".. and now a few words from our captain of the STARS." Irons said unexpectedly.
'What?' Wesker had no plans on speaking.
"Here you are captain Wesker." Irons said moving aside so that he speak. Wesker was not happy but went to the podium, he needed to stay in this unit.
"Good day everyone, Raccoon City has been cleared of those who seek to prey after our young. We sent this as a warning to those who wish to do harm in our fair city, we will get you. You will face justice for the crimes that you've committed against Raccoon City." Wesker said.
Wesker then leaves the podium, Irons takes back the spot and speaks a little more.
"Thank you all for coming, have a good night." Irons said as the press conference was done.
They all head back to the STARS office to get their things to leave for the day. Wesker sees some of them group together to discuss something, before looking down at his reminder work for the day. 'Irons has given us two days off, due to our success.'
Someone knocks on the door, he looks up and sees Chris, "May I come in?" she asks.
"Yes." Wesker answers, and Chris sits down in the chair opposite of him.
"We are going to celebrate our success, tomorrow night at Jack's bar." Chris said.
"Hope you all have fun." Wesker said, looking at his work.
"Please come with us, Wesker." Chris said.
Wesker sighs, "Christine have you learned nothing about me these past couple of months? I could care less about parties or celebrations, which is why I didn't attend the Fourth of July party held here at RPD." he said.
"Yes but sir, this time it was our success as the STARS. It wouldn't complete without you, please join us tomorrow night." Chris pleads with him.
Wesker finally looks at Chris's face, ".. Your not going to leave until I say yes?" he asks already knowing the answer.
"Yep." Chris said, she reaches down towards the bag she brought with her and pulls out a magazine. 'She must've been planning this.' Wesker thinks with annoyance.
"I can just punish you more, by not listening to your captain about leaving his office, when he orders it." Wesker warns.
Chris doesn't look at him as she says, "You would punish someone who is in your office, minding her own business, while your in it? If word got out I wonder what will happen?"
Wesker would be labeled as someone who would just punish someone for no reason, which in turn would make him look bad. Wesker could accept people thinking he was strict but not over the top.
".. Fine, I'll be there tomorrow night." Wesker finally said.
Chris then looks at him with a simile before grabbing her bag, putting her magazine away and heads back into the main office. She pulls the door closed behind her and noises are heard.
"No way!" Joseph said loudly in surprise. Chris must've told them about him attending the celebration tomorrow night.
Wesker sighs and goes back to his work.
August 1st 7:01 pm Jack's Bar
Wesker had finally arrived at the bar, he was wearing black trousers with a dark blue button up long sleeved shirt, black dress shoes and his signature shades.
"Hey Wesker over here!" Richard yelled waving to where their at. Wesker went up and took a seat on a chair at a table, he looks around but doesn't see either Chris or Jill.
"The ladies are at Jill's place, getting ready, but they should be here anytime." Forest said.
"Getting ready?" Wesker asks.
"Well actually Jill dragged Chris back to her place to find her something to wear, aside from her usual wardrobe." Forest said.
Wesker orders a drink and after a few minutes Jill and Chris walk in. "Wow you two look good!" Brad said and Wesker turns to look at them.
Jill was wearing a black skirt that was just at her thighs, her top was a strapless blue tube, around her waist was a grey long sleeved top if she got cold and brown boots.
But the one Wesker had eyes for was Chris, she was wearing tight black jeans, a dark blue blouse that flattered her full figure, and black tennis shoes.
They find seats but Chris was fidgeting, she did not like the blouse that Jill made her wear, it makes her uncomfortable.
They all order drinks, "Let this toast be for STARS." Barry said. They all clink their glasses and drank their liquor.
"Say Jill how about a dance?" Forest asks her.
"Sure." she said and they head for the dancefloor.
"Chris how about you and me?" Brad asks her.
"I don't know Brad, I never learned to dance." Chris said unsure.
"It probably won't be that bad. Come on." Brad said. Chris gets up and follows Brad to the floor.
He puts their hands in the correct positions, they move with Brad giving pointers on her foot work.
Wesker stares at them, for some reason he doesn't like Brad dancing with her. Barry nudges him, "You should ask for the next dance Wesker." he said.
"We have protocol." Wesker said coming out of his thoughts, causing the remaining men at the table to stare at him.
"We are not at work, how is that breaking protocol? Besides its a dance, not a lifetime commitment." Kenneth said.
Wesker realizes that he hadn't paid attention too well to what Barry said, the song was coming to an end. He gets up and goes over to Chris and Brad, "May I cut in?" Wesker asks.
"Sure Wesker." Brad said heading back to the table.
Wesker takes Brad's place, they dance to a slow moving song, "You should keep ahold of your feet, dance is less than fighting, but position is just as important." He tells her.
"No lessons tonight Wesker, just enjoy yourself." Chris said with a smile.
Once the song ended they head back to the table as well as Jill and Forest.
A bartender then brings over a fresh round of drinks, but..
"I'm sorry, but no one ordered these." Enrico said about two drinks that weren't apart of the order.
"I know but since it's couples night, this round is on the house." the bartender said.
The group becomes confused, "What couple?" Edward asks.
The bartender looked surprised, "Why those two right there." he said pointing to Wesker and Chris.
Everyone stared and the bartender realized he had made a mistake, "I'm sorry, but because you two were dancing and wearing the same colors every which way, we had assumed that you were together. I let the others know, you can still have the drinks." he said, then walks away.
They all shrug and take their drinks but Chris was thinking, 'Now that I think about, he is right. Two people wearing the exact colors and clothes are a sign that they are a couple but Jill was the one who.. Jill!' Chris glares at Jill, who was not looking at her.
Wesker watches Chris glare at Jill and realizes that Jill was the one who came up with Chris's outfit, 'Why did she do that?' Wesker wonders with annoyance.
Chris and Jill get up, heading towards the bathroom.
Once the door was closed and there was no one else inside, Chris turns toward her.
"Care to explain?" she asks not amused.
"I'm sorry Chris, I didn't know it was couples night here, I swear!" Jill said.
"Aside from that, why did you have me dress the same way Wesker is?" Chris asks.
"Well, you have told me that your getting private lessons from him about being a better cop and when we had our girl's night out, you mentioned how handsome he was. I realized all he wears is dark clothes and the ones I picked happened to match. Though I can assure you that had I known about tonight being the couple's night I would've given you something else to wear." Jill said sincerely.
"Jill, that doesn't matter, what matters is the rumors if someone recognizes us from last night. Both me and Wesker would be in so much trouble because of you! Why didn't you check?" Chris asks her.
"I didn't even think about it!" Jill said.
"Never mind that, why did you do such a thing when there's protocol for after work and during?" she then asks her.
"Well, no one has to know. It can be unofficially." Jill said.
Chris sighs, "This is Wesker we're talking about here, I doubt he'll out right break protocol. Besides I'll admit he is the most handsomest man I've seen in a long time, we can't even date without trouble happening to us. Not that it matters, I won't date him. I need this job. Never do this again. Chris said sternly to her.
They walk out, heading back towards the table, they notice Wesker is missing.
"Wesker went to the bathroom." Joseph said.
A minute later Wesker comes back and takes his seat. "Took a moment Wesker?" Richard said.
"Mind your business Aiken." he said.
In truth Wesker did not use the bathroom, he followed the girls after they left, knowing that they would talk and over heard their conversation.
'I'm glad Christine is using her head.' Wesker had been surprised at Jill's lapse of judgement. 'Jill could've ruined everything as well as get Christine killed.' Wesker knew that if Spencer caught wind that there was something happening between him and Christine, there would be trouble.
'At least I can continue to have lessons with Christine, she still needs improvement.' Wesker thinks sipping his drink.
Then someone gets on stage, holding a microphone, he says, "It's time for karaoke hour, let's see who will blow away the audience!"
After a couple of numbers, the STARS celebration mood was ruined. There was not a good singer up there and when Kenneth asked if this was regular, the bartender confirmed it was every night expect for the actual karaoke night, in which it lasts for hours, rather than one.
After nearly an hour of out of tune singers, Joseph couldn't take it anymore, "Chris can you please get up there and salvage this night? If I hear one more bad singer, I'll go nuts." he said.
"All right, someone needs to show these people what singing is." Chris said getting up and headed to the stage.
She takes the microphone and scrolls through the list before selecting 'These Dreams' by Heart. She turns to towards the audience and the music comes on.
Spare a little candle
Save some light for me
Figures up ahead
Moving in the trees
White skin in linen
Perfume on my wrist
And the full moon that hangs over
These dreams in the mist
Darkness on the edge
Shadows where I stand
I search for the time
On a watch with no hands
I want to see you clearly
Come closer than this
But all I remember
Are the dreams in the mist
These dreams go on when I close my eyes
Every second of the night I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it's cold outside
Every moment I'm awake the further I'm away
Is it cloak 'n' dagger
Could it be spring or fall
I walk without a cut
Through a stained glass wall
Weaker in my eyesight
The candle in my grip
And words that have no form
Are falling from my lips
These dreams go on when I close my eyes
Every second of the night I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it's cold outside
Every moment I'm awake the further I'm away
There's something out there
I can't resist
I need to hide away from the pain
There's something out there
I can't resist
The sweetest song is silence
That I've ever heard
Funny how your feet
In dreams never touch the earth
In a wood full of princes
Freedom is a kiss
But the prince hides his face
From dreams in the mist
These dreams go on when I close my eyes
Every second of the night I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it's cold outside
Every moment I'm awake the further I'm away
These dreams go on when I close my eyes
Every second of the night I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it's cold outside
Every moment I'm awake the further I'm away
Once Chris is done singing, there is a stunned silence, before a thundering applause from everyone in the bar.
"Thank you." Chris said giving back the microphone.
As she heads back to the table the announcer says that's all for karaoke hour.
Once she gets back to her seat, Forest speaks, "Wow, to think a tomboy like you as such a talent."
"Yeah why did you join the Air Force?" Richard asks.
"As I told Joseph, I prefer action. I sing only as a hobby." Chris said.
"Who taught you to sing?" Kenneth asks.
"My mother, she had been a music teacher." Chris said.
"What did your father do?" Brad asks.
"He had been in the army before retiring to become a mechanic." Chris said.
They all engage in small talk, eating and having drinks till eleven, when they agreed it was time to go home.
As they head to their cars, Chris stops over at Wesker's car.
"Wesker, I'm sorry if the couple's comment made you uncomfortable. I didn't want that." she said to him.
"Don't worry Christine, there was no harm done. One night of someone mistaking us to be a couple, won't effect anything. Especially when they realized they made a mistake." Wesker said.
"By the way, do you'll think you will come again?" Chris asks.
Wesker is silent, while tonight wasn't bad, he didn't want a habit of going out with the STARS. There was more important work to be done, then celebrating short term victories on crime.
Looking at Chris's face, he remembers what happened in his office and knows she deserves an answer.
".. After every big mission I will come out with you and the others. Fair?" he asks.
"That's good, have a good night Wesker." Chris said heading over to her car.
Wesker is glad that Christine accepts that, gets into his car and heads home.