We Found Each Other in Hellish Times

by skullgamerscy

A take on Resident Evil The Final Chapter if everyone came back for the final with the Claire and Alice pairing. Including Alice Claire and Jill acting as mothers to K-Mart, Angie, and Becky. Can't think of a good summary at the moment but this is the gist of it. I will write a better summary later on when I think of how best to describe this. Until then hope you like the idea.

7. Chapter 7

Buzz Buzz

Buzz Buzz

Buzz Buzz

Groaning at the loud incessant ringing Ada rolls over reaching for her phone. The screen lighting up with the name Wesker boldly in the centre. "Shit." She pushes the covers back hoping out of bed. Whenever Wesker calls her in the middle of the night it never means anything good.

"What's wrong." Come a gruff voice next to her on the bed. Shaggy blonde hair covers the man's face as he brushes it away squinting at her.

Her phone continues to buzz as she roots for something to cover herself with. "My boss is calling."

Leon groans falling back into the bed. "Can't you ignore him. It's 3 am."

Ada internally scoffs at that idea. "He's not the type of man you can ignore." Only one person in the operatives has the protection in order to do something like that. And even then she wouldn't dare. Alice may not fear Wesker but there is no denying the fear she has around her father.

The last time Wesker called her like this was because of the Commando unit that went missing during a patrol near the facility in Nagqu Tibet. She and Alice were called in from Ho Chi Min City in Vietnam to investigate. This wasn't the first patrol to go missing in that area and people in the facility were starting to panic. As where the heads of departments thought someone was organising an attack or getting ready to infiltrate the compound.

She and Alice spent nearly three weeks scouring the mountains and valleys for any sign of the patrols of enemies. They came back empty handed. Wesker wasn't impressed but all they found out there was snow and dirt. The odd animal. Which in itself was strange. Alice pointed out there should have been more signs of wildlife. It was very desolate of animals and plants. Not that they were expecting a lot of it given the conditions of the climate but there should have been more.

Alice wrote that in her report which seemed to make Wesker secretive with her about what was happening. After her and Alice's report Wesker ordered then back to their original task. Thinking about it now she hasn't heard anything about the facility in years now. No reports, personnel who have worked there or any issues that have occurred. It's like the entire facility has gone dark. Like it never existed in the first place.

Pushing that thought to the side for later Ada answers the phone. "What is it."

Wesker never being one to offer formalities gets straight to the point. "You need to return to Columbus immediately." He orders but Ada can hear the worry and annoyance in his voice. She's spent far too much time around him to be one of the only people who can tell the differences in his emotionless tone.

Columbus. Raccoon City is where Umbrella Headquarters is. Where all their main business happens and where the Hive is located. Columbus is where Federico Prospero reigns over. But there are no major facilities there. Not to mention the headquarters for Operatives in North America is located in Connecticut just outside of New Haven. If there was an emergency then all operatives on the continent would have to report there.

Just as they would have to Shkoder Albania for Europe. Bangalore India for Asia, Parakou Benin for Africa, Cuenca Ecuador for South America and for Oceania it's an Island called New Caledonia.

So being called to Columbus urgently doesn't make sense. Not to mention she is currently three months into an undercover assignment here in Washington. She can't just disappear without arousing suspicion. "What. But I'm in the middle of an assignment. I can't just leave."

Wesker lets the line go silent for a few moments before he says the last thing she expects to hear. "Alice has been comprised."

For a second Ada nearly drops the phone. "What." That can't be possible. Not Alice.

"You heard me," Wesker says but that can't be true. She didn't just hear what she thought she heard. But that would explain why she is being called to Columbus and not Raccoon City or New Heaven. Even then it doesn't make any sense. Alice is the last person she would ever suspect of being comprised. Surely someone has made a mistake.

"That's not possible." The disbelief was evident in her voice. Even Leon looks up at her voice in confusion never having heard her sound so unsure about something. Her usual calm and cold demeanour was gone in an instant.

Ada hears a sigh over the phone. "Does the name Lisa Addison or Broward mean anything to you." She tries to wrack her mind for any information relating to the name but comes up short.

Whoever this Lisa is clearly has something to do with Alice. But how. What's the connection. "Why." She asks prying for any information that could make any of this make sense to her.

"She was assigned to the Hive alongside Alice," Wesker explains. "She and her brother were involved in a group working to bring down the cooperation... Alice was helping them."

No. Alice is many things. Reckless, arrogant, and in serious need of a therapist. But she isn't a traitor. She has too much to involvement with the company to even think about it. Especially not for someone she barely knows. Unless she did know Lisa before the Hive. But even then, Alice wouldn't be swayed by a pretty face. She's normally the one who does the swaying. "She wouldn't turn. Not on Umbrella. And not on Alicia."

Even if this company wasn't all she had left of her mother she wouldn't turn on it. Not while Alicia is alive. Not when she and Issacs are in control. Bloody hell Alice herself sits on the board and owns over a quarter of the company ever since Oswell left his share to her on top of her mother's percentage. Turning doesn't make any sense.

"That's what I thought too." Wesker snaps at her. Even he can't see what possible reason Alice would have for working with a group hellbent on bringing Umbrella down. Alice is smarter than that. And if she was she certainly wouldn't get caught. "Ada, you need to come in." Wesker repeats and the meaning behind his words makes her stomach drop.

This isn't just a discussion over whether Alice is a traitor or not. This is a witch hunt. "Because I was the one to approve her." If Alice has turned then that means Ada's own life is on the line here as well. She was the one to make the decision to let Alice have access to high level security information. To see all the dirty secrets Umbrella has buried.

"Yes," Wesker answers running her through the procedure she personally has never been through herself but seen happen twice in all her time at Umbrella. "If Alice is indeed a traitor, then everyone she has worked with or brought on will be put under immediate investigation. Best get ahead of this."

If everyone is being dragged to Columbus that means Alice's father is leading the investigation. He won't stop until he gets the answers he so desires. And he certainly doesn't care how he would get them.

"What does Alice say about all this," Ada asks still reeling from everything. If it is true Alice wouldn't give up anything. Lisa might have given the right amount of pressure but Alice wouldn't. Despite everything she has been through she has never wavered. She wouldn't now either. She would deny and lie and use everything she could to make this whole thing disappear before doing so herself.

Was it this Lisa who named Alice her accomplice. Because if that is the case then Ada knows that it's not true. Alice would never expose herself like that. And she would make sure Lisa never got the chance to talk. No matter how pretty she might be.

Yet again the line goes quiet for a few seconds before Wesker answers. "She's not in a condition to talk at the moment."

Not in a condition to talk. Fuck what have they done to her already. "What does that mean." They better not have gone straight to torture. Alice is trained in order to withstand torture. If they wanted answers they would have to trip her up verbally. Find her in a lie and exploit it. Hurting her won't make her talk. If anything, that's the best way to make sure she doesn't. Violence has been used against her since she was a child. She's resistant to it.

Not to mention to become an Operative you must make it through multiple forms of interrogation tactics and not give anything away. Surely, they know that so why would they try and get her to talk that way.

Wesker interrupts her thought process with sensitive information that changes everything. "Something happened in the Hive. Alice is the only survivor." Only survivor. But there were hundreds of people in the Hive. How did they all die. And what has this got to do with Alice. What happened down there. Wesker continues giving her some answers to her questions. "But she was infected with a deadly virus Issacs, and his team are working on her now. Major Cain is supervising."

A virus. Something they were experimenting on in the Hive infected Alice. Is that how everyone died. What about Spencer. He and Alice should have been in the Mansion so how did they both get infected. They should have been safe. One person has to be in the mansion at all times. Alice wouldn't break the rules like that.

Unless Spencer was in the Hive and she went to try and help. Would explain how she survived and no one else did. But then again Alice would have called for aid and gone in wearing protection. She isn't stupid. Hell, she has a master's in viruses. She knows how to protect herself from them and how they work. She knows protocol.

Issacs being involved shows just how dangerous this virus is. But how does any of this lead to Alice being a traitor. And what has Lisa got to do with this. Did she unleash the virus. But that couldn't be right. The Red Queen would have sealed the room and evacuated the building, and everyone would have gone into quarantine. So how did everyone die.

Something like this happening at the Hive wouldn't stay secret for long so this happened within the last twelve hours at the latest. How did hundreds die that quickly.

And why is Cain in charge. That psychopath shouldn't be in charge. Alice is head of security at the Hive and Raccoon City as a whole. Shade is under her so if Alice is out of command, he should have been called up to take her place not Cain. Then it would have been Elliot who runs the operations at offices in the city. The Benson who works under him. Cain leads the outer city facility not anything in the city. So why is he in charge.

The only way that could have happened was if Everyone above him was dead or Issacs overrode the line of succession and put Cain in charge.

She never understood how Cain and Alice were friends. Rumours went around that it was Cain who approached Alice to leave the Secret Service for Umbrella, but it was Alicia who sealed the deal and brought the highly skilled woman to work for them. But that was a deal done behind closed doors so Cain claimed all the credit for her recruitment. Whenever she saw Alice and Cain at gala's or fundraisers, they always spoke to each other in German. Every Saturday Alice and Cain would have shooting competitions at the training centre. They had their own mini league going on. A few others were involved as well. One, Rain, JD, Elliot, Benson and like six other people got in on it. Thinking back Ada's pretty sure Rain is the current leader of their league but people bet on them. It's a huge thing apparently in Raccoon City.

Ada looks around her room for her to go back and starts getting dressed ignoring Leon's calls to stop and explain in the background. Something isn't right with Raccoon City. Something else is going on. Something big. "I'll be there in three hours."

Having to deal with Frederico Prospero was not something Ada ever wished to do. That man was a control freak. The king of them. Having met Alice, she has come to see where the younger woman got it from. The need to have all the information and have control over a situation. Where Alice pushed herself so hard well beyond the point of breaking. It was instilled into her by him. This questioning by him will be long and thorough looking for even the tiniest part of weakness in order to accuse his daughter of being a traitor.

He controlled Alice to well beyond the point of being healthy. In all honestly all the CEO's and board members sought to control everything. It's why Umbrella has branched out into more than just the disease research industry. Why they expanded all over the world. Control. They all sought to control the world while Alice was different. She didn't want to control or be controlled. She just wanted to be able to be free. To let loose.

And thinking like that Ada can see how Alice might have turned against Umbrella. Her resentment towards her father. Towards Umbrella for dictating her life would have built up over time. Every trial and tribulation she had to endure. Every loss of friends and parts of herself was another tally in her head to the ever growing list. As the years passed these things would have added up. And if the rumours of what Alice's father had her doing when she was fifteen are true Alice was slowly turning herself into a ticking time bomb. Just waiting for the one thing to push her over the edge. To push her too far and all that hate and resentment towards her father and Umbrella would come boiling out.

Would turn her into a person to become a traitor in an effort to burn Umbrella down and watch it crumble. And not even her love for Alicia and Issacs could stop her.

Alice. What have you got yourself mixed up in this time.

---

Alice rests her head on Claire's chest. The sun had long since set engulfing the ruined city in darkness but neither woman cared. They just enjoyed one of the last peaceful moments they could have had for a while. The two of them were sat on the edge of the tower their legs dangling over the edge.

"You know the first time you kissed me was similar to this." Alice breaks the silence pulling back into a sitting position as she and Claire face each other.

Claire can't help the small smile that appears at the memory. That was a memory she remembered pretty early on. She remembered it during their second night at the prison. It just came to her when the two of them had gone up to the roof in the middle of the night needing to get away from everyone else. They sought peace with each other. Sat up on the roof the memory just came back to her. They were in a similar position and once Claire remembered she turned to Alice who was watching her with that loving look in her eyes just as she did that first time and Claire just kissed her again.

Alice indulged the kiss for a few wonderful moments before she pulled back searching Claire's face for any discomfort. Looking for why she just did that. Claire just said she remembered their first kiss and that was all Alice needed to hear before they were kissing again.

Now here they were in the same position again and yet again it triggers a long hidden memory.

Alice normally always takes the night watch stating that the virus in her made it, so she didn't need that much sleep and she had better vision in the dark then anyone else. Claire herself couldn't sleep that night. They were stopped off near Guymon and were debating on whether to head further into Oklahoma, head down to Texas or lop back through New Mexico.

Alice's advice on Colorado had been good and they had found plenty of supplies with Alice sneaking off to head into the more dangerous areas. Alice salvaged things Claire would not think of as important but turned out to make life so much easier and better for the convoy.

Given Alice's time at Umbrella, she was well versed in pharmaceuticals and was able to find the best vitamins for people to have. She only took the ones that were still within date as the potency in them would still work. A few of the expired ones with long expirations were also taken but she reminded everyone the potency in them wouldn't be as good and they might not help in any way.

When Alice had first handed her a bottle of vitamins, she had almost hit herself for being so stupid. With the lack of food and resources vitamins would have been perfect as sources of the important nutrients they need. It wouldn't help their hunger, but it would help keep people healthy for longer.

Protein Powder was also an essential to the convoy now. Giving them more calories with each drink and it being filled with vitamins and supplements. Since it has been three years since the end of the world most of the powders were off but Umbrella created one that could be stored for up to five years.

At first, she hated using anything Umbrella had created but she knew the convoy needed it. They needed what was available to survive. Both Alice and Carlos also told her they had been taking the protein powder before the apocalypse assuring her it was safe.

Alice also brought the idea of raiding veterinary clinics, shelters and zoos as medicine for animals isn't that different from medicine for humans. Betty was beyond thrilled at the supplies she had gathered. Things have never been better for the convoy since Alice arrived is what she means.

Slipping out of the Hummer mindful not to wake K-Mart Claire makes her way over to Alice who is settled down on the sand next to a small fire. Alice looks to see her approach before going back to watching their surroundings.

"Mind if I join you," Claire asks watching as Alice nudges over on her blanket giving her room to sit down. "Thank you." Alice shoots her a grin in response. The two of them sit there under the cover of the night for a while. Claire's mind whirling on where to take her people next watching the fire is a small distraction.

If they follow the path through Oklahoma and head towards the East Coast, they will get out of the desert but the chances of running into more infected are possible. The desert and the states surrounding it might be a barren wasteland, but the areas were more sparsely populated meaning less chances of running into larger hordes. Most of the population of America lives on the coasts. Travelling to highly populated states is just asking for a disaster to happen.

But they would also have less resources. Longer stretches of barren land. With Alice on their side now she can easily deal with large groups of infected and having the ability to sense them makes it even easier to avoid them.

Yet that whole plan rests on Alice. If Alice was to get hurt, die or leave then they would be put in a precarious situation. Something she is trying to avoid.

During their last meeting, Alice brought up hitting the College campuses. She wants to take books fiction and non-fiction for people to read. She said education is the best survival skill. Which Claire agrees with to a certain extent. Books are helpful in teaching people and keeping them from falling into boredom. But they also take up a lot of space and can weigh a lot costing them extra fuel. To which Alice replied fuel expires after a certain point as well.

Just another reminder that his convoy can't last forever. Time is slowly running out for them if she can't figure out what to do next.

Alice also made the point that she would raid the dorms since students basically lived off canned food and pasta so there should be a lot of supplies hidden there for them to take. More water and helpful equipment could also be found. As well as fuel from the cars parked on campus.

This idea also made Claire think that maybe it would be a good idea to send Alice to check out sports stadiums. They are bound to have water in packages stored away. Water is more important than food. They can last days without food. The protein powder makes sure of that. But water is the most important item they need.

Fuck. They need so much but it's getting harder and harder to find what they need.

"What you are thinking about," Alice asks after hearing her sigh for the fourth time in such a short span of time.

"How I'm going to keep everyone alive," Claire answers honestly. One of the things she likes most about her friendship with the super powered woman is the fact she doesn't need to pretend that everything is fine and under control. That she could share her fears without worry that everyone else would find out and panic would set in.

"You've done well so far Claire. Don't doubt your instincts. They haven't led you much wrong before." Alice is quick to assure her. But she doesn't want assurance right now that everything will work out. She needs plans. Something solid she can work towards.

And her instincts haven't always been right. She's lost a lot of people due to bad decisions, but she has to keep moving. Keeping making important decisions. "My instincts told me to throw you out of the convoy the moment you woke up." She didn't mean it to come across as an accusation or insult. She just wanted Alcie to remember that she isn't always right.

But her tone and the way she said it didn't show that. Instead, Claire watches as Alice flinches at her tone and words looking away from her to hide her pain at the comment. Things between her and Alice have gotten better the past few weeks after Claire decided to trust K-Mart, Carlos and LJ's judgement and give Alice a chance.

Sometimes Claire forgets their friendship is still new and delicate. A fragile peace has been set between them for the benefit of everyone. It's grown a lot stronger than she thought it would but it's still somewhat new. And no matter how close she and Alice have come there is no forgetting how much of a bitch Claire was towards Alice for months.

Instantly Claire feels like an asshole and tries to apologise. But Alice stops her. That self-detracting grin makes its way onto her face as she tries to brush off Claire's words. "Like I said you should trust your instincts. I was and still am a danger to you. Others might forget it but neither of us can. It's why we're still alive. Why you can lead these people."

Claire winces at the clear self-hatred in Alice's voice. With all her abilities and powers sometimes it's easy to forget that Alice is human like everyone else. She feels things too. And despite her tough exterior people's words do hurt her and leave a mark every time.

"I don't think you're a danger to us." Claire quietly admits. At first yes, she did think that. She was very clear on her thoughts about that. But after getting to know Alice. The real Alice she knows that Alice isn't a threat to them.

"You don't have to try and make me feel better Claire," Alice replies contempt for herself in her voice.

"I'm not trying to do anything. I meant what I said, Alice. You are not a danger to us. I trust you with the lives of everyone here. With my life. With K-Marts." Claire knew that it would be K-Mart that really sells it to Alice. There is no one in this convoy she cares more about then the blonde teen so telling Alice she trusts K-Mart's life with her means that she doesn't have any doubts about her. "I think you need to trust yourself a little more Alice. Like we all do."

Claire doesn't really understand this aspect of Alice. How someone so confident can have so little self-worth. Time and time again Alice has proven herself to everyone that she can be trusted that she is good, safe and trustworthy. Yet every time Alice is always the first to put herself down. Not just down but plummeting herself into the ground with brutality and force. She doesn't care about the good she does. Brushing that off easy but never the bad.

Alice goes quiet for a long time her hand brushes back and forth on the sand. Given how long Alice had gone quiet for Claire came to the assumption that Alice was done talking for the night. Done with this conversation. That Claire had pushed too hard and too far. She thought about heading back to the hummer and letting Alice have her space.

That is until Alice starts talking again. "Everyone always talks about how hard it is to trust others after you have been hurt or betrayed. How they lose faith in people and need to rebuild that trust with other people." Alice pauses and Claire can do nothing but nod. Trusting again after being hurt is hard. You don't want to expose yourself like that again but over time you do learn to trust again. You're more cautious but things do get better. Alice turns back to face her. "But what barely anyone talks about is how hard it is to trust yourself when you've had your gut instincts and convictions skilfully undermined by someone. It isn't just the fact that some betrayed you. It's the way you have betrayed yourself. How you should have seen it coming but ignored the signs. And when you do that trusting anyone is hard. But trusting yourself to make the right decision is impossible."

Damn. Claire can't think of anything to say to that. Having made bad decisions she gets not being able to trust yourself afterwards. To think that when given two choices again you will make the wrong one again. As a leader, she has had to deal with this numerous times. But the way Alice said that. Way, she explained it. Damn.

This isn't just trusting someone and being betrayed. This is something deeper. Something far far more painful that Alice is letting her see.

And she doesn't know how to respond to that.

Alice has this forlorn look on her face. "Sometimes it feels like they hold more pieces of me then the desert has sand. They took and took and took from me. Stripped me down of who I am. Broken me far beyond recognition never mind repair. Even now they are taking things away from me. It never ends." She bats the sand sending grains flying everywhere. "You can't trust me, Claire. I can't trust myself. Because sooner or later something will happen. And I will let you down. Your instincts were right to be wary of me. Trust them. Not me."

Once again Alice turns away from her leaving Claire reeling from what just happened. Holy Shit. A dark rage simmers within Claire at Alice's words. A protectiveness she has only felt with K-Mart and her brother building within her. Someone really hurt her. Someone really fucked her up.

She said they. Was she talking about Umbrella... No, it sounded far too personal to be just a cooperation that turned her on her. This is something far far worse. Far worse than she thought a few moments ago and that was bad.

Alice is holding onto so much pain and anger. Someone inflicted that on her. And Claire swears if she ever meets who was responsible for that she will kill them.

"What if my instincts tell me to trust you, Alice. Should I trust them then or trust yours." It's a bit of a dirty move on Claire's part. Alice just poured her heart to her on how she can't trust herself and Claire is using that right back at Alice. The question is does she trust Claire or herself. Both of them already know that the last person Alice would trust is herself.

Alice scoffs looking back towards. "That is a bitchy move, Claire."

"Oh, I know," Claire admits not sounding at all insulted or upset with Alice's words. "But I am telling you the truth. At the start, I didn't trust you because I didn't know you, but I have gotten to know you more Alice and there is no doubt that I can trust you. You may not be able to trust yourself, but I do."

Alice stares at her face blank of emotions before she rolls her eyes and chuckles to herself. "Have you noticed that whenever you and I have private conversations they always turn super personal."

"Both of us need the therapy it seems." Claire jokes wanting this conversation to turn back to lighter topics. Happier ones. "That or we spend far too much time in the sun, and it's gotten to us."

Alice laughs a real laugh. A real smile. One that brightens up her entire face and reminds Claire just how beautiful she really is. When Alice smiled like that Claire could swear it was like watching the sun come out from behind the clouds. It's the look of pure happiness on the woman's face that Claire has been trying to bring out more and more.

Since when did she think Alice was beautiful.

Claire blinks. She knew Alice as attractive. Anyone with eyes could see that. Anyone who has ever talked to her and got to know her knows she is a good person. That she is kind and soft. Smart and funny. The type of person you want in your life because they never fail to brighten up your day. Who would drop everything in a heartbeat for you if you asked.

But when did she start to think Alice was beautiful. That when she's happy there is a certain glint in her eyes that is so easy to be memorised by. That seeing her smile and be happy is more perfect than a sunrise. Since when did Claire start thinking about Alice this way.

Since when did she think of women this way. Or anyone for that matter.

Coming back to the present Claire can barely hold back a laugh at the gay panic she felt in that moment. The moment she realised she might have been a little too interested in Alice. The moment she realised she wanted more than friendship from the dark haired woman sitting beside her. The woman she would go on to love with everything she had.

Going back to the conversation they were starting Claire brushes her thumb over her hand which was resting on top of hers. "It was a night like this when I realised my feelings for you were more than platonic. I went back to my hummer and had a slight breakdown going over every interaction piecing it all together before there was no doubt left in my mind that I was attracted to you and wanted to be with you."

Alice laughs at hearing this. "Why do I have this image of you standing in front of a large whiteboard filled with our conversations and interactions and you joining the dots with red string until it's all covered and you taking a step back looking at all of this before going, I'm gay."

Claire bursts out laughing at that. "Because that is basically what was happening in my head."

A coy smirk makes its way on to Alice's lips. Her voice turning more playful. "Well, you are welcome for giving you your gay awakening. You're not the first one I've made doubt their sexual orientation."

Claire rolls her eyes at hearing this. "Oh, trust me I have no doubts about that." A part of her is interested to know how many people Alice made realise something about themselves. It's got to be a large number. She knows a few members of the convoy had to rethink some things after spending some time around the woman much to both of their amusements. "I'm pretty sure you made K question things about herself back at the start. Before you became her mom as well as me."

K definitely had a crush on Alice at the start. She practically followed the woman around like a puppy. Just as she did with Carlos. In fact, Carlos was the one to point it out to her LJ and Betty. LJ just joked about adding another one to the tally and mentioned that he wishes Jill was here. That would have made the poor girl break.

Seeing K crush on Alice was cute and endearing. That crush disappeared over time as Alice and K grew closer and K started to look towards Alice as more of a parent figure.

"I would hope it was before otherwise I would be worried about her." Alice makes a disgusted face at the prospect. Only making Claire laugh more.

"Who made you doubt it," Claire asks intrigued at who made Alice realise she was attracted to women.

Alice just shrugs. "This may sound like a cop out, but I didn't really have this moment. I always knew that I found women more attractive than men. I liked both of them. And I just thought that was normal. I didn't question it. The first time someone explained what being bisexual was I was more confused that not everyone was attracted to both sexes. Alicia and Ethan didn't bat an eyelid when I told them. Ethan just said he's seen my closet and that was everything he needed to know. Alicia just shrugged saying it would have been more shocking if Alice was telling her that she was fully straight. When I... When I came out to Issacs he just looked me dead in the eye and said that was obvious and we moved the conversation on. None of them made a big deal out of it. They all knew it was just a part of who I was. I preferred that causal approach to it then making a big deal which I think they also knew. Hell, even my father wasn't surprised when he found it. He didn't blink at each just muttered he knows and walked away. Which is strangely one of the nicest things he has done for me."

Claire ignores the righteous fury that builds up at the mention of that man. At the mention of either of them. There are some people in the world that make Claire want to go full Kill Bill and inflict the worst type of pain imaginary on them. It's a rather limited list but Alice's father, Dr Issacs, and K-Mart's birth parents sit right at the top. What these people did to her two girls is far beyond forgivable. And should she never be given the chance she would do everything in her power to make them experience the worst type of hell for their actions.

Alicia Marcus could very well join that list as well if she was in any way involved in what happened to Alice. The thought of finding out what that would do to her partner is something she would rather not think of.

It wasn't like that for Claire. In the prison she can Chris were talking one night while Alice was giving the two of them some privacy and he brought up Alice. It was awkward as she couldn't remember if her brother was really her brother made the whole thing worse. Looking back it was hilarious how terrified both of them were at the conservation. Both of them were scared about upsetting the other.

But Chris told her that he loved her whether she fell in love with someone like Luthor or Angel. And he would love her just the same if Alice was the one, she wanted to be with. In fact, he encouraged that. Before joking he would be happy with anyone but Bennett.

Out of her past boyfriends who had the unpleasant experience of meeting Chris her brother has not taken to anyone like he did to Alice. At first, she was a little concerned that her brother might have a thing for her girlfriend and quickly moved to shut that down. But he told her that he had never seen her as happy as when she was with Alice. That she was different with Alice. He said it didn't take him on got figure out they were together. And that there was nothing either of them wouldn't do for each other.

She had hugged him at hearing this. Their first proper hug in years.

He was right. She is happy with Alice around. With K-Mart. She feels complete. Happy is an understatement. Which is why it was so hard when she lost both of them at once. She might have been able to function better if she had just lost the convoy. The guilt would have eaten at her but she would have had Alice, Chris and K-Mart with her. Her family would have been with her and she could have handled that.

"What's wrong," Alice asks brushing her hair back behind her ear. There is concern written all over her face as she watches Claire's eyes water.

"I can't do it again Alice," Claire admits in between breaths. The thought of gaining all three of them back to lose them all again was too much to bear.

Alice's eyes furrow together and her head tilts ever so slightly to the side. "Can't do what." There is panic in her voice when saying this. An icy cold hand clenches around Claire's heart at hearing it. The uncertainty that she had tried so hard to distil from Alice comes back in full force as she realises how Alice might have taken her words.

Quickly Claire moves to clarify her mistake not wanting Alice to think they can't be together again. "I can't lose you again. I can't lose K-Mart again or Chris again. I need all three of you."

Alice glances away from her in guilt. "Claire."

"It destroyed me, Alice. I won't do that again." Alice needs to know. Needs to understand what it was like thinking she and K were dead. That she didn't just move on the first chance she got. That she never really let her two girls go. But how do you put that much pain into words. How do you describe what it felt like watching Alice being thrown off of the Arcadia and into the icy depths thinking she was killed by the explosion or drowned. How she desperately tried to fight her way you her only to be subdued. Left helpless as Alice sunk further and further under the surface. How she and Chris fought against their captives in that Osprey. How she put a gun to the pilot's head and demanded to know where they were going and where Alice and K-Mart were. How the pilot turned to her coldly and said in an unfazed voice that she and Chris were the only ones taken alive. That everyone else was killed but the two Redfield siblings were priority targets for capture. How the words only two survivors spiralled in her head, and she felt herself shatter into a million pieces. How she put a bullet into his skull without a second thought and did nothing as the aircraft spun out of control and crashed. How in that moment she thought the four of them would all be reunited in the afterlife. "I need you to promise me you won't leave again."

"Claire." Alice sounds defeated. They both know Alice can't promise that. Not in this type of world and not with knowing they are so close to ending this. That the cure could save everyone but would cost Alice her life. It's selfish for her to ask. But she asks anyways.

"I don't care what that bitch said." The only information they have on the cure comes from the Red Queen. The AI that had tried to kill Alice every chance it was given. That never turned on Umbrella until now. It can't be trusted. And if there is even a chance that it was lying about Alice's fate, she needs to know that Alice will fight to live. That she won't sacrifice herself in the name of others. "I need you to promise me you won't leave me again."

"I can't promise that. You know that."

"I don't care Alice. Please."

It's the please that gets to Alice. And despite herself, she feels herself nodding agreeing to Claire's conditions. "I promise Dorogoy I won't leave you again. K-Mart won't be taken away from you again nor with Chris."

"I love you Alice." She heard the way Alice gasped at this. How Alice was looking at her as if she was a miracle of some sort. Claire couldn't understand how surprised Alice seemed at hearing this. That she seemed astounded that Claire could love her still. A part of Claire knows that that's her fault. That she made Alice doubt. But she swears to never do that again. That she will make it up to her. Claire tugged Alice forward and kissed her again. For the first time in nine months, they were together again. Claire kissed her with passion and devotion. Trying to express through her touch everything she had felt in their absence from each other.

How she longed to do this again. How many nights she had dreamed of Alice. How she had relived through every memory she had of the other woman over and over again grasping on to what little she could remember praying that more memories of the dark haired soldier would come back and help fill the space Alice left behind.

How sometimes when Doc was kissing her she imagined it was Alice kissing her. That she could pretend that Alice was still with her in those moments. Until Doc said or did something that wasn't Alice and the fantasy shattered leaving her feeling worse than before.

"I love you too Claire." Comes Alice's breathless reply as the two break away. The way it came out of Alice's mouth was like she was speaking a sacred prayer to a divine god. That it was the most important thing for her to ever say.

Claire remembers a time Alice struggled to say those words to her. For her to believe it when Claire said it to her. For someone who has been hurt and betrayed as much as she has words mean nothing to her. In fact, the first time Claire said it Alice panicked and left. She hadn't meant to say it but it slipped out and the next thing she knew Alice was talking about a supply mission and then she and Carlos disappeared for three days before coming back with a large haul and a very sheepish Alice who apologized for her swift exit.

In a way, she and Alice were opposites in how they expressed their love. Claire could freely tell Alice she loved but it was her actions that Alice picked up on and came to accept as the small gestures of affection her words were saying. As the leader of the convoy, she felt as if people couldn't be aware of her and Alice that if they found out they wouldn't respect her as a leader as much. It was stupid but something she and Alice agreed on. Which means that in public Claire kept her distance. That was until she couldn't bare the secrets and didn't want to hide how she felt for Alice. The moment Claire took hold of Alice's hand during a meeting and didn't let go as they sat around the campfire was the moment Alice knew Claire was serious about her. That she really did love her.

While Alice's actions spoke for themselves. Claire was aware that Alice loved her through her actions but when Alice first said the words to her that's when she knew she really really meant it. Alice couldn't meet her eyes as she stumbled and mumbled over her words hidden away in the Hummer. Alice the cool and collected badass was flustered and stammering as she tried to explain to Claire how she felt about her. It was the most heart endearing scene she has ever witnessed.

Before Claire could capitalise on this moment and return to kissing Alice a voice calling out for her partner has the two of them breaking away. A confused and guilty looking Abigail stumbled upon them. Her eyes flickering from her to Alice and back before she turns her attention fully back to Alice. "The catapult is up and ready but you still need to mark the ground, so we know when to fire."

"Right..." Alice looks back to her apologetically before taking her leave. "I'll get right on that."

With Alice gone, it's just her and Abigal left standing around awkwardly. As Claire waits for what it is she knows Abigal will say. "You're lucky it was me who came looking at not someone else. You need to talk to Doc. He has been talking to everyone about you. About Alice."

Claire nods heeding Abigail's warning before following her back to where everyone is gathered for dinner. Doc Cobalt Razor and Christian are all sat together whispering quietly among themselves shooting looks towards Chris and K who are sitting away from everyone else. She barely gives them a passing glance before sitting down with her brother and daughter.

She only manages a few bites of her meal in between listening to K talk about her time at the White House before she hears the yell from Alice. "They're coming closing the gates."

---

"I don't understand why we even have to learn this. How could this possibly help us." K-Mart groaned her head dropping on to the table. Open books on physics lay out in front of her.

Angie quietly laughs to herself eyes still reading the book, while Jill rolls her eyes at the older blonde teen. "Because even though the world has ended you all still need an education otherwise no one will understand anything, and we'll all be thrown back to medieval times."

K looks towards Jill thinking her words over. "But how does understanding what a black hole is and how a white hole is different going to help anyone." Some things she understands learning about but others not so much.

Across from her Angie shrugs still not looking up. "I think it's interesting to learn about."

"Yeah, but you're like marde." K-Mart scoffs but smiles regardless.

This time Angie does look up. "And what's wrong with that sister."

It had taken a while for K-Mart to accept Angie as her newest sister. Unlike Becky who she took to instantly. But now she had to admit she loves having Angie in her life. Jill as well much to Alice's relief.

"Nothing." It's actually quite endearing to see how much Alice and Angie get excited when talking about science. K knew that Alice was a big science nerd. She had seen firsthand how lost into it Alice could get and how much Claire would smile with love when Alice lets herself be free of her guilt and just talk science for ages. "But I don't hold the same love of science and stuff like that like you guys do."

Jill laughs next to her. "Trust me Walgreens no one loves science as much as Alice and Angie do. But if I have to suffer through their debates so do you." Jill has taken to calling her every name she can think of other then K-Mart just to annoy her. Walgreens is better than the time she was called Trader Joe's.

But she supposes it's still better than her real name.

K-Mart raises her head from the table staring at Jill. "Is that all they talked about for the year the three of you were together." She asks intrigued by the year Alice doesn't really talk about. After what went down in Raccoon City Alice, Jill, Angie, LJ and Carlos all travelled together. LJ and Carlos opened up a little about it but even then, they never got into it. Alice flat out refused to talk about it and K learnt to stop asking. But Jill doesn't seem to hold the same we shall not speak of that year as Alice, LJ and Carlos did.

She wonders why.

Angie looks somewhat offended at the turn in conversation. Jill ignores his daughter nodding towards K-Mart. "Yep. And to answer your question a black hole is a region of space where the force of gravity is so strong that nothing not even light can travel fast enough to escape its interior... What... All you and Alice did was talk science. I was listening."

"What was your favourite subject at school Jill," K asks wanting to know more about her newest family member. No matter what she did Jill stuck around so she guesses Jill is family now. Maybe an aunt or something.

A distant whisper in her voice taunts her by saying stepmom. One she shakes away. Alice and Jill are not together. Alice will find Claire and they will all be one big happy family again. Just with a few more members.

"P.E"

"That doesn't surprise me." K rolls her eyes at this. She should have guessed. "Do you know what Alice's was." It's something K-Mart hasn't really thought about before. Obviously, Maths and Science come to mind given how smart Alice is and how she talks about them a lot. But that feels too easy. And with Alice, nothing is that easy.

"Foreign languages." Jill easily replies without even having to think about it. "Not surprising given how many she knows and how she's basically travelled the world. But yeah, that class was her favourite." Wouldn't have been her first pick but it does make sense. Alice's fluency with languages is impressive.

"What about you kid." Jill turns her attention back to K. "What was yours."

That's an easy one for her to answer. "English." It was her absolute favourite subject as a kid. Inspired from her love and need for reading. Something which both Alice and Claire liked to indulge her in by scavenging a new book for her whenever they could.

"Angie."

"Science." The British replies to the absolute shock of no one.

Before either she or Jill could tease Angie about her undying love for science the door to their shared space is flung open and in comes a joyful Alice and Becky holding three trays of food for them to enjoy. "Hello, my loving family. How are we all on this fine day." Alice asks sounding far too cheerful. Suspiciously cheerful. K narrows her eyes at Alice looking for any reason for her sudden good mood.

Jill also picked on what she was thinking and was just as suspicious as her. Taking one of the trays off Alice they spread the trays out on the table all sitting down to enjoy a nice family meal. "You sound happy. Did Wesker finally die."

Alice snorts in response visibly amused smiling brightly at the STARs officer. "Nope." Before picking up some fresh fruit. K follows her example by picking an apple. Jill slices an apple up for Becky who was looking at K's apple but not wanting to eat a circular apple. It's something they all picked up on. Becky doesn't like to bite into things like apples or pears, mangos, peaches, or anything like that. So more often than not Alice or Jill will slice fruit up for her to snack on. Something she finds adorable.

And it's sweet to see how easily Jill and Alice fall into mother roles with the young girl. When Claire first picked her up she was old enough to understand what was happening. She was a little damaged, but she didn't want to be babied or anything like that. Her need to impress Claire so she wouldn't be left behind also meant she tried to act older than she was. To be useful to the convoy leader. Similarly with Angie when Jill and Alice found her she was self-reliant and capable but they still did everything they could for her. Becky is too young to be like that. And seeing the more motherly side of the two soldiers is so strange to see but sweet.

She does wonder what Claire would be like with Becky if she was here.

Jill raises an eyebrow at Alice when she doesn't expand on that. "Then what's got you in such a good mood."

Alice shrugs in response but has an amused grin lighting up her face. "Can't I just be happy." Three choired No's respond making Alice laugh.

Shaking her head Alice was about to try and brush it off again until a small but delighted voice piped up first. "Mommy punched Leon and knocked him out. It was so cool." Becky tells them before going back to munch on her apple slices.

"Becky." Alice groans sinking into her chair as K-Mart and Angie burst out laughing.

Jill on the other hand looks down trodden at this news. She sends her best puppy eyes at Alice pouting. "You punched Leon. And I missed it." It's no secret that neither Alice nor Jill liked Leon all that much. In truth, K isn't the biggest fan of his after he tried to leave Becky to die with the Licker back in Russia. An action which put him right at the top of Alice's shit list. Jill putting him there under Wesker when she found out.

"Jill." Alice draws out a mixture of laughter and annoyance tinting it.

"I was stuck here making sure the teens did their homework on black holes and white holes while you and Leon finally got into a fight." Jill's voice is in pure bewilderment as she slowly turns to the young blondes. "I love both of you so much. But that fact that I missed that. I missed Alice hitting the smugness out of Leon..." Jill can't hold back her laugh as she tries to sound serious before turning back to Alice. "How did that even happen."

"Leon was just being Leon," Alice replies shrugging her shoulders. But there is a tension there. Whatever Leon said ticked Alice off enough to get violent. And in front of Becky no less. So, it must have been bad.

Jill and Alice then proceed to do that thing where they stare at each other having a silent conversation with each other. No doubt Jill is urging her to spill, and Alice is telling her to drop the subject.

Becky looks between the two of them before walking over to Jill wrapping her arms around the woman's waist. "Leon said Mommy must be happy given the fact she sacrificed all his friends at Prime in order to save you. And maybe if she wasn't so focused on saving you Luthor would still be alive." Angie lets out a shocked gasp as K-Mart's eyes widen in horror.

"He said what." Comes Jill's immediate dark reply. Her eyes bristling with anger as she looks at Alice for confirmation of her daughter's words. The happy and joking moods evaporates instantly.

"Forget it, Jill." Alice tries to wave the former Stars member off, but Jill is never one to stand back and allow insults to her family stand. Especially when they are directed at either Angie or Alice. It's one of the things K liked most about her at the start of their turbulent relationship. That no matter what happened Jill would always put Angie and Alice first. If you insult or try to harm either one of them then she is going to break your nose at the they least.

That protectiveness has grown to include her and Becky. Ethan, Mia and Rose as well but to a lesser extent on them. K knows that Jill would do anything to protect her. That much was clear. Even when K was being... difficult towards the woman.

Jill never really took any offence to anything K did or said. Which in truth pissed K off more than it should. But seeing how Jill was with Alice and Becky. How Angie came back into their lives, and they started playing happy family made K miss Claire all the more. She missed how things were with Claire and Alice and she was terrified that if Jill and Alice got back together then Alice wouldn't look for Claire anymore. That K wouldn't fit into the new family she had made with Jill.

Looking back now it was stupid of her to think that. It wasn't fair to Jill or Alice. The two of them taking the brunt of her frustration and fear of abandonment. Alice had tried talking to her about it a few times but each time K exploded at her and accused her of everything she could think of. It was Jill in the end who saw just how upset everything was making Alice sat her down and made her understand nothing was really changing about how Alice felt about her. Or on Claire.

After that K went to apologise to Alice for being such a bitch towards her. Which Alice accepted right away saying she gets it. And K knows she does. If anyone could understand why she was feeling so insecure like that it would be Alice. Which only made her feel worse about everything. But Alice wouldn't let her apologies anymore and now the five of them along with Ethan, Mia and Rose have their own little makeshift family.

K still misses Claire. And Chris. But she knows they are out there somewhere waiting for them. And if anyone can find them it will be Alice.

Naturally, Jill doesn't let Alice brush off something like this. "Fuck that Alice. He had no right to say that." Her anger shining through in her voice. She isn't shouting but it isn't the normal way she talks. Angie and K exchange a look across the table. Leon just pissed off the wrong person. And they are secretly looking forward to watching Jill go off on him.

"No, he had every right to say that." Alice tries to calm her down but her words just increase the fire burning in Jill's eyes. It's one thing to talk shit about Alice to Jill. It's another level or range when Alice accepts their bullshit and turns it on herself.

"Alice." Jill's voice has turned very tight. Very controlled. Like she is barely suppressing her anger but also wants to be comforting to Alice knowing how badly this would be affecting her.

Alice looks away from Jill eyes cast downwards. "He's right. I cared more about protecting you K-Mart and Becky then the people coming to help us. And they all died because of that. Hell, I left Ada to die in that house, I focused more on trying not to hurt you and free you from Umbrella to care that Leon Angel and Luthor were getting their asses beaten by Rain. Ada was captured and Luthor was killed. Because of that. He has every right to be annoyed with me."

The pain and guilt in her voice is enough to make K wince. Glancing over to Angie her younger sister has drawn Alice's eyes and the two of them seem to be having a mental conversation. Whatever she was trying to get Alice to agree to do doesn't seem to work as Angie looks towards Jill pleading for her help on the matter. "Kids why don't you go and see if Uncle Ethan and Rose are done with their work." It wasn't a request from Jill it was an order. One they were all too keen to follow.

"Of course," Angie replies first hopping out of her chair and scooping Becky up and the young girl lets out a joyful giggle at the action. Seemingly not having noticed the tension happily eating her apple slices. "Let's go Sestra. Bye Mum, bye Mom."

"Bye Mommy, Bye Jill." Becky waves to the two women as the three of them vacate the room.

K-Mart is the last one to leave her eyes bouncing from Jill to Alice. If anyone can get through to Alice, it's Jill. "We'll see you for dinner."

---

Everyone gathered at the top of the tower as the horde approached. Alice stood front and centre staring down the approaching horde. K-mart is leaning on the railing next to her looking through binoculars. Claire and Chris stand on the other side. Everyone else stands behind them watching in pure horror at the sheer numbers of infected charging towards them.

"My God." Claire hears Christian mutter behind her as he takes in the sheer number of infected following the Umbrella tanks.

Even Claire feels a slight tremble by the vast amount of them. The Prison was surrounded by thousands upon thousands of infected but that was different. For the most part, they couldn't get which left them safe if not surrounded. Even when the gates fell Claire barely had a second to comprehend just how many infected were coming after them because everything was happening so fast. Alice's quick thinking and plan got them to the roof and helped them to secure their position while they figure out what to do next after Bennetts betrayal. The elevator crashing into the water and mad dash to the showers to jump down the sewer. Losing Luthor Crystal and Kim. The fight with the axeman. It was one thing after another. But they were always moving staying ahead of the threat as they made their escape.

It's not like this time. They aren't looking to escape but to fight head on.

"It's an army." She hears Doc say as he slides in next to her. Claire can feel Alice, Chris, K-Mart and Abigal watching her. Watching them. Claire doesn't say anything but stares straight ahead. She can't help but tense up at his presence knowing Alice and K are watching to see what she does. It's like they are testing her.

When Doc slides his hand onto hers attempting to offer her comfort, she feels her heart drop as both Alice and K-Mart look away from her. Whatever test they were watching she knows she failed. She curses herself inside knowing she has once again hurt the two of her girls.

She discreetly removes his hand from hers not wanting to feel his touch on her skin. She knows they have to talk, and she is planning on breaking up with him officially. A part of her kind of hoped he would have gotten the hint after she spent the whole day avoiding him and let K-mart shoot him that they were over. When they started their relationship, she said she didn't want anything serious. That she couldn't handle that, and he accepted. She told him she had just witnessed her daughter and partner die. So, when they came back, she hoped he would have just assumed that she was back with them.

Seems like she was hoping for too much.

Doc tries to move closer. No doubt to ask her what's wrong even though she would have thought that was clearly obvious. Thankfully before he could Chris stepped forward nudging him out of the way and standing in between the two of them like a blockade.

"What are we going to do," Cobalt asks the fear palpable in her voice.

"Yeah, what do we do." Razors turns towards Alice letting everyone know that she is in charge of this. That the decisions for the battle are all on her. All eyes flicker to Alice who just smirks in response. Not at all fazed at the incoming threat.

Then again fighting has always been Alice's domain. Where she excels. Given everything she has had to face and overcome this probably isn't that high on worst encounters. "I think I'm going to kill every last one of them." Confident oozes of her in striders and she kneels down and begins rooting through K's backpack. K herself looks at Alice smiling turning away from the horde.

K seems almost giddy at what is unfolding, and Claire stops herself from rolling her eyes knowing full well that she's taken after Alice in that regard. Thrill seekers. "You know... I thought it would be worse than this." K-mart states nonchalantly. Like what was coming wasn't as bad as it is. "I'm actually a little disappointed this is the best they could muster up."

"Worse." Abigal squeaks out and this time Claire does roll her eyes. Chris chuckles to himself. Why are those two always looking for trouble.

K-Mart raises her hand gesturing down to the horde. "Where are the dogs, Cerberus, Lickers, Axeman, those flying things."

"Kipepeo." Alice corrects.

K-Mart nods enthusiastically. "Yes them. Or something new and exciting. We faced worse than this basically every day at Washington."

"Well, we already killed one of the Kipepeos today," Alice replies calmly but the corner of her mouth twitches as she keeps back from grinning at K-Mart. "And the last time we fought some new was the Melange which almost killed me, Ada, Leon Jill and Crystal." Really all five of them.

"True. I forgot about that." K-mart then laughs to herself. "I'm pretty sure you and Jill were more pissed over the fact that it was Wesker that saved the two of you against that thing then Umbrella trying to wipe us out."

"Umbrella trying to kill or enslave us is just a given fact at this point. But the fact that Wesker..." Alice grits her teeth. "Wesker got to play hero and had bragging rights over all of us is infuriating. Smug bastard would stop smirking at us for weeks." Alice shakes her head sighing before her head snaps right back up looking at K with a flicker of worry staining her face. "Speaking of Jill let's not mention our fight with the Kipepeo. Or anything else that happened."

"You mean the two crashed cars. The crashed motorbike. The extensive list of injuries you have and the multiple attacks from Umbrella." K-Mart lists slowly. Claire blinks at every threat they faced today wondering how in the hell these two are still alive.

"Yes."

K-Mart scoffs. "I'm not stupid mum. Jill will go ballistic and kill both of us for not saying anything when it happened and not turning back."

"At least we know she will kill us because she loves us." Alice shrugs but the tension is still in her shoulders.

K smirks raising an eyebrow at Alice. "Yeah, but she loves you and me in different ways." Jill What.

"Oh my god, are we going to start on that again." Alice groans her head coming to rub her forehead as if easing away an oncoming headache.

"What I'm just saying." K sings smiling widely towards Alice who shakes her head again.

"K." She sighs.

"I wouldn't be opposed to it," K-Mart admits to Alice, but her gaze turns towards Claire.

"What." Alice's head snaps up from behind her hand as she stares a K-Mart in disbelief.

"You and Jill," K states keeping eye contact with Claire. "I know I was a bitch about it before. But I wouldn't hate it if you too got back together." It's one thing to know that Alice is hanging around her ex and their kid. It's another when your own kid is encouraging them to get back together when you are standing right there.

Claire keeps her mouth shut though. She and K-Mart also need to have a conversation. She knows K is saying this to hurt her like she is hurting and how she has hurt Alice. But even still. Claire knows K wouldn't say it if she didn't actually believe it.

It's Chris's hand that comes to rest on her shoulder in comfort. "Thank you, K. But can we hold this discussion for later." Alice tries to move the conversation on.

But K-Mart isn't nearly as done with it as everyone else is. "Angie wants it to happen."

"I know."

"And so does Becky."

This does seem to catch Alice off guard a little bit. "Yeah." Alice focuses on K-Mart who just nods.

"I kind of ship it as well," K-Mart admits suddenly looking a little sheepish admission.

"K. Please can we talk about my love prospects later."

A wide smile breaks out on K's face at hearing this. "So, you're admitting she's a prospect." She jokes.

"Deliah," Alice says sternly getting her point across to K-mart that the conversation is over.

"Shutting up got it." K drags an imaginary zip along her mouth and promises to keep quiet.

"Thank you." Alice then lifts up the radio and turns it on. "Star Girl, are you ready."

"Cute," K-Mart mumbles to herself. That staying quiet lasted all of five seconds.

The radio cackle as an amorous woman's voice floods through. "For you wonder girl always." Claire bristles at the tone used by the woman she knows has to be Jill Bloody Valentine. Even without seeing the other woman Claire can hear the devilish smirk the woman is no doubt wearing.

Behind her, the people of the Tower all look in shock at the radio. Chris is watching everyone's reaction seeing if any of them show any signs of annoyance, worry or frustration. The chances are that the few gathered with them one of them will be the spy working for Umbrella. And he is not taking any chances in missing any sign of deceit from them.

Alice herself chuckles at Jill's response. "Wait for my signal." She orders.

"Stay safe. Both of you." Jill replies and K-Mart preens at the small mention Jill directed towards her.

"You too." Alice then clasps the radio on to her belt turning to face everyone else. "Get into your positions."

"Who was that," Razor asks the question everyone else was wondering.

Alice turns back looking down on Issac's. "Our backup."

---

The operative recruit is breathing heavily. Blood dripped down their hands as they stared at them in horror. Five dead bodies lay scattered around them. Alice moves quickly locking all the doors to the empty bar shutting the blinds and turning off the lights. When she is done, she notices the operative recruit is still standing in the same spot frozen to the core. "You can't afford to be weak. In this line of work weakness is death. Fear is death." Alice tries to get through to the young recruit who has finally blinked in her direction.

Harris Lowery was recruited by Sergei Vladimir and put through the operative trials. He scored low but it was a passing score. He's skilled in combat and sharpshooting. Survival instincts are good, and he can handle pain. What the trials don't test is their ability to act as a killer. Which is what the last stage is for.

So far, she hasn't been impressed with him. He sneaked into the bar to kill his target but failed to properly check the target was alone. And when he was surrounded by four armed guards Harris wasn't sure what to do and froze for a second. That second was all that was needed for the four guards to grab him and start laying into him demanding to know who he is and why he was there.

Alice had stayed back for a bit watching the scene unfold. Harris took the beating not saying anything which did show he had the strength of character to withstand torture. But couldn't put himself in a position to free himself. Resulting her in having to come in and kill all the guards saving the target for Harris to finish off.

She needs Harris to focus to help her deal with this mess. "You showed true strength today. Don't let emotions stop you now." He was good at the planning. He knew the layout of the building and managed to sneak in. He failed to make sure the target was alone before exposing himself but there is still time to train him up in that. But if he can't handle the killing then he can't do this job. He can't let his emotions interfere with his work.

"How... How do I turn off my emotions." He asks in a broken voice.

How does one turn off their emotions. For Alice, it was something she learnt through years of dealing with her father. How she had to quickly figure out how to burry how she felt just in order to make it through the day without breaking down and embarrassing him. But how can she translate on how to do that to someone else.

To someone who doesn't understand the worst side of humanity like she does. Who wasn't raised by a monster and learnt how to embrace the darkness like a shield around herself. But how do you put that into words. That there is a darkness within everyone and you have to be able to summon it when you need it and then push it back down into its cage and keep it in control. To always be in control. "Who you want to be doesn't always exist here, Harris. We all have a monster inside of us. And we are all responsible for what happens when we let it out. My job is to make it so that the monster is directed at our enemies. To make you into the perfect operative. And to do that you can't let emotions control you. When emotions take a hold of us, we lose control and that is dangerous to everyone."

"I killed him... I've never killed anyone before." A good soldier Harris might have been. But he's not a killer. Not like this. He isn't an assassin.

Reaching out Alice takes hold of his hand passing him a towel to wipe the blood away. "The things that we have done to survive. They don't define us." She leaves him to clean himself up while she heads into the storage area grabbing the bleach. Harris has bled in here. His DNA is under the men's fingernails.

Alice works on cleaning up everything making sure there is no trace of them left behind before. Finding some gasoline out back Alice makes sure to pour it everywhere before dragging Harris out and lighting the place aflame. Any evidence she might have missed will be burnt away.

Wesker won't be happy about this. the plan was to frame a rival gang for the murder, but she can deal with the fallout. Driving away from the scene Alice looks over Harris who has turned silent and staring blankly off into the distance. Not everyone can make it as an operative.

Which is probably a good thing for society.

---

Thousands of little tingles buzz under skin. The sign that there is infected near screaming at her as they start their approach. After kissing K-Mart on the head she sent her Claire and Chris down to the main gate knowing they will be in charge when everyone has to drop back to the barricade, and they will make sure to hold it as long as possible.

As the tanks approached a sense of calmness and stability weaves its way through Alice. Hating Umbrella, her father, Oswell and Issacs for turning her into the killer she is. In some ways, she blames Alicia as well. Even with everything they did to her. All the horror and unspeakable acts that took place. She can't deny that she learned a lot from it. That she became the perfect weapon to be used against Umbrella.

A weapon Issacs has just travelled in range of. "Number one fire." Abigail copies her shouting out the order as the catapult unleashes its first fiery ball of death and destruction. Or just a barrel full of fuel. An explosion echoes and the front of the tank is blown up sending metal shards everywhere slamming the tank to a halt. Any infected near were blown up or engulfed in the flames. The back of the tank looks undamaged so hopefully, the hostages being held there are alright.

The remaining two tanks immediately come to a halt following the first tank's sudden stop. Alice can hear as the catapult is being moves to the side. The screeching of metal on metal feels like fingernails on a chalkboard to her. However, before the people aiming the catapult can turn enough to the side the tanks begin to pull back.

Looks like Issac's wasn't in that tank. Shame.

Alice watches through K's binoculars as the guns and missiles come out of the tanks ready to fire. Alice herself prepares herself for the pain that is about to come in an effort to protect the power. Only the attack doesn't come.

Instead, an extremely pale and limping woman comes running around from the back of the tank. A woman saw only hours ago as she pleaded with her and K-Mart to keep quiet. That bastard.

Clutching her radio, she calls down to Claire who is in charge of the gate. "Claire, we have a survivor lower the gate." The gate begins to drop as the woman desperately tries to make it to them. It takes only a few seconds for Alice to realise she's too badly injured to move quickly enough to escape the horde. Probably just how Issacs wanted.

Not wanting to waste another second Alice orders everyone to open fire on the infected. They need to keep the infected back until the woman is back within the tower otherwise the infected will just run straight in through the gate.

Gunfire rains from all areas of the tower in an effort to subdue the incoming force. But even then, the bullets aren't enough to keep the infected at bay. Turning to Abigal she shouts the order to fire the second catapult. An order Abigal doesn't argue with in the slightest.

They only have three barrels prepped from the tanks. One for each. The limited amount of fuel at their disposal made it like that. So, using one now means one tank will still stand at the end. But that's an issue for later.

Claire, Chris, Doc and K-Mart all emerge out onto the gate to get a better position to gun down the infected. The woman keeps running and Alice wills her to move faster. Abigal launches the barrel and it explodes directly behind her tripping her slightly from the force of impact but remarkably the woman doesn't fall.

Just as she's about to make it to the gate Alice hears the familiar sound of a turret spinning. Focuses her ability she forms a small shield on the gate. The pain is staggering given the distance from her and the size of it but she holds it as the tank's main guns begin to fire. The shells smashing off of an invisible barrier.

Chris grabs the woman and orders the gates to shut again. The tanks stop firing and she swears she can hear Issac's cursing her. Dropping her shield Alice breathes through the pain and nausea that builds up in her stomach. Each gunshot felt like a bomb blast going off in her ear. She grips onto the railing tighter to keep her balance.

The sound of missiles snaps her out of her it as she envelopes the entire tower in a shield. If she thought before was painful then she was entirely wrong. Dozens of missiles ramming into her shield before detonating sending an excruciating burning feeling throughout her entire body. Every nerve within her feels like someone has a scorching needle and wedges it through every nerve and cell in her body.

The pain is so sudden and agonising that Alice is forced to drop to her knees clutching at her head in a vain effort to stop the pain. It's too much. It's far far too much.

Her shield can't hold under the resulting pressure, and it collapses which in itself feels like something inside her own head is being shattered into a thousand different pieces.

Thankfully it seems her superpowers managed to stop most of the bullets and missiles. Only two make it through and they burst open the gate as well as taking out dozens of infected. Infected starts to pour through and somehow through the dazing pain, Alice still manages to call through the radio. "Barricades. Razor now." Before falling limply to her side.

Blood gushes out from her nose, ears, and eyes. Her head feels like it's a volcano mid-eruption. It burns beyond words and pain she has never even come close to feeling.

Unaware of what is going on Claire, Chris and K-Mart organised everyone at the barricade as they gun down any infected who didn't die in Razor's trap of falling rumble crushing dozens upon dozens as they are tunnelled into the centre of the tower.

When those with guns run out of ammo, they resort to their melee weapons stabbing through the exposed holes killing as many as they can. Soon enough Claire comes to the conclusion they can't hold out any longer. And uses her radio to signal Alice. "Alice we can't hold the barricade." All she receives is silence in response. Claire looks to K-Mart who stops in the middle of stabbing through the gates with her sword. "Alice, do you read." Still no reply. Time drags on and Claire and K-Mart share the same panicked expression. They know Alice. They know her powers. They know what overusage does to her and the dangers it creates. They have seen it many times before. "ALICE. TALK TO ME." Claire screams praying Alice is just hazy and not knocked out.

If she's knocked out and no one is around her then there is the chance she could choke on her own blood if the damage is bad enough. Another reason why K-mart always refused to leave Alice's side.

"Abbey." Comes a very weak and spluttering voice. As if someone was struggling to breathe. "Now." It was drowsy and disorganized. Claire and K-mart make the decision to run back to the top of the tower. Alice sounds bad. Really bad. Worse than Claire has ever heard her and from the looks of it K as well.

They don't waste a moment to bask in the sight of the waves of fire that cerements anything in its path like everyone else. They ignore the sound of cheers of the towers occupants as they rush to Alice. The woman is capable of such wonders but even has her limits.

---

Lisa Broward was deep on working on a patch for the Red Queen's software when the intercom buzzed to life above her. Captain Martinez voice deep voice echoes all around the Hive. "All personnel are to step away from their desk immediately and make their way to the cafeteria now." He repeats the order before the intercom is turned off. At first, no one moves instead choosing to look around at each other.

In the few weeks Lisa has been working here this is the first time anything like this has happened and given the look on her fellow co-workers this is new for them too. And some of them have been here for three years.

One of her co-workers, Barry reaches over to finish doing some work on his computer as everyone else starts to stand. Only the moment he goes to click something every screen in the room flashes red. The words access denied jumping out at them on the screen.

Someone has locked down every computer in electronic security. And only one person has the authority and power to do that. The head of security.

Lisa tries not to panic at this. She's been very careful in looking for anything that her brother and his friends can use in bringing down Umbrella. There is no trace left behind and the worst she has done is use the few seconds after changing someone's passwords to see flickers of data on their console. It's mostly been science data, personal information or security reports. Nothing that could get her in trouble.

Briskly she follows the other cyber security people towards the canteen. Elevators were shut down as well as main doors were sealed so one could escape as they were funnelled down the stairs.

Why do they need to keep everyone locked in.

Trying to steady her breathing Lisa enters the assigned meeting point and takes in the site of a group of very well armoured men and women dressed in black standing by all the entrance points. All security personnel in Umbrella wear black but the outfit differentiates depending on what section you are in.

For example, electric security like her are to be dressed in black formal pants white shirts and a black jacket. Normal office attire. Security personnel are dressed in black combat pants a light blue shirt and black bulletproof vests with an umbrella logoed hat. Animal security wear whatever they like but have a black lab coat which is blue on the inside.

These new faces are wearing all black body armour and have black gas masks attached to them.

She briefly hears the words Commandos whispered around the room. And her heart skips a beat. Why are Commandos here. They are the elite soldiers of Umbrella only topped in terms of skills and influence only lower to Operatives.

The CIA equivalent in Umbrella.

She had once heard Matt Aaron and Zara discuss just how dangerous Operatives are. How there are a lot of them, but no one really knows how many. That they have integrated themselves into every government and other conspiracy theories about the people hardly anyone knows about. Her brother got confirmation the one in charge of the Operatives is called Wesker but that's all she knows.

Peaking around the room she sees the uneasy shift in everyone. Everyone is nervous. Everyone but the head of the classified research area. In fact, she looks amused at what is unfolding Doctor Green and her team are apparently working on something that will revolutionize the world. But they are forbidden to speak about it unless they have level eight classification.

To work in the Hive, you must have level six. So safe to say very few really knew what they are doing down in the deepest depths of the Hive. The Red Queen's main core being the only thing below them.

She sees Captain Martinz standing with a tall black man dressed in Commando gear. The two whispering to each other. The main door opens revealing a man with dark hair jeans white shirt and a black leather jacket. He takes in the room before moving to lean against the wall. He flashes a look over to the Commando and Captain. "She'll be here in a minute."

Lisa can see the gun strapped to his leg which looks out of place given the fact he is wearing jeans and not combat pants like other members of security. He is wearing a black leather jacket which could be an indication of him being in security. Would explain the gun but not the rest of his outfit. He just seems to be in everyday clothes but armed. Which is forbidden down here.

Before Lisa could dive too deep into who he might be the door opens once again and she can feel her heart plummet.

Alice Abernathy enters the room.

Her natural dark hair was dyed a dark blonde colour. A black one piece suit with long leather boots with rows of small blades sticking out. A knife holder in the place of each of her ribs with a harder solider material covering her chest down to her thighs. Tactical gloves and shoulder harness holding two submachine guns. The one piece skintight suit covers her neck with a rubbery material used for extra protection. The Umbrella logo slapped right centre of her chest.

As much as she hates to admit it her ex does look really really good in that outfit.

The only thing that looks off about her outfit is the pair of sunglasses she's wearing. In an underground facility. Deep deep underground.

Something else Lisa notices is how every member of security, and the commandos stand up straighter the moment she enters the room.

Alice looks around the gathered crowd before slowly following the circle everyone has seemed to form. "The Hive is one of the world's most secured sites you know." She states her voice coming with a dangerous level of husk to it making everyone shift. Alice doesn't look at anyone while she walks keep her eyes on her feet. "And we do that because of how many classified projects we have on down here. Classified because of how dangerous they could potentially be in the wrong hands. Things no one can know about." Her voice grows darker. "So, when I discover that someone is making an attempt to steal and sell this information you can imagine I would be a little ticked off at this."

Alice halts mid-step and turns to face a man with light brown hair who stands a good head taller than Alice. Yet she is the one staring him down. Which in itself is such a contrast to the girl she used to know.

Then again did she really ever really know Alice when she was hiding so much of who she was from her.

Alice reaches up to take off her sunglasses. "DeCandido." Alice recites the name and all eyes jump to the man in front of her. "Who were you trying to sell the information."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Can we not do this. I've just flown thirteen hours on a plane and now have to deal with you so can we skip the bullshit and just answer the question."

"I don't know what you're on about." He says again but sweat is starting to form on his forehead.

Alice shakes her head in disappointment looking towards the man in the leather jacket. Who speaks instead of Alice. "Just so you know we have you recorded trying to set up a meet to sell project licker. Video footage of you handing over a thumb drive… oh and that person is already in Umbrella custody and being… interrogated."

Lisa flinches. Torture. It's what her mind jumps to but that can't be right. Umbrella couldn't get away with torturing someone, could they.

This DeCandido guy's eyes widen in horror at the discovery. Alice looks back at him. "I'm really not in the mood to deal with this shit today so I will ask you one more time. Who were you selling the information to." Irritation marks her voice as she glares down at the man who is forced to take a few steps back at her tone.

"Or what." He quivers back trying to act tougher than he is.

Everyone watches in fascination as Alice steps closer to the man. It's kind of like watching a car accident. You know it's coming but you can't force yourself to look away. "Or I will extract the information from you. And trust me you won't enjoy my methods." Maybe they can get away with torture.

Since when is Alice ok with that. When they were together, she hated all forms of violence. Was anything she thought she knew of the blonde in front of her real or was it all an act.

The man doesn't reply and Alice sighs deeply. "Suit yourself then." She nods towards to commandos who appear on either side of him ready to take a hold of him. Only DeCandido shrugs off one of the Commandos and goes to punch the other only for Alice to grab his arm twist it painfully behind his back and slam him head first onto the table. Blood gushes out of his nose when she pulls him back only to kick the back of his knee and smash him again head first into the metal table.

"JD, Rain, would you be kind enough to escort Mr DeCandido off of the premises. The Umbrella are waiting for him." She all but throws him into the waiting arms of the commandos.

DeCandido looks enraged at Alice as she fights their hold looking menacingly towards Alice. "You think this will stick. When I get out, I'm gonna crush you." He threatens to a very bored looking Alice.

Rain and JD shove him forward harder, and the rest of the commandos take a protective step forward at this threat. Alice however only smirks towards him. "Well, you know where to find me. My names on the building."

Ok… Lisa has to give it to her that was good. She can't fight back the smile that graces her face at the comment. Still as witty as always Alice. It seems that part of you was real.

Her ex turns to the head of security losing her previous arrogance and becoming all serious again. "Captain Martinz you are immediately released as head of Security of the Hive. Warner will go with you while you pack your belongings and escort you out of the Hive. You are to head to the Raccoon City Facility for your next assignment."

"Yes, Ma'am." Martinz doesn't argue or look upset at Alice's words. He just nods and takes his leave with grace.

"Vance take Kaplan and search DeCandido's quarters and computer." Alice looks towards the two younger looking members of the commandos.

"Yes, Ma'am."

Alice then turns to face everyone. "Given the fact that to join the teams at the Hive you all are very well aware that any breaches in security are not taken lightly. Considering this a general reminder."

"That was hot." The guy in the leather jacket states earning a glare from Alice.

Lisa sees how Alice grits her teeth biting her tongue from saying worse and losing her composure. "Thank you so much Spence for volunteering to go through every single personnel file here to look for more security leaks. I want a report by the end of the week."

"That's over eight hundred people," Spence argues back wide eyes at the order. He practically falls off the wall at hearing this.

Alice doesn't seem at all guilty about her punishment towards the man. "Then I suggest you get on with. Besides are you the one who complained that you have nothing to do."

He goes to say something else but is halted when she raises her hand. "I suggest you do what I have ordered Operative. Before I find you more unpleasant work to do. Do I make myself clear." There is no room for any other response then the one given.

"Yes, Operative Abernathy." Spence then quickly takes his leave looking to avoid any more of Alice's wrath.

"Harsh," The remaining female Commando says.

Alice shrugs in response. "My mentor had me do so much work on my first week of Operative training."

"I heard she drugged you and left you in the middle of the forest tied up. As a test." I'm sorry what. That can't be legal. What the fuck kind of fucked up shit are Umbrella doing to their own people.

Lisa watches in horror as Alice laughs at that statement waving it off. "Nah that was my father. She just pushed me off the top of a building." Because that's any better.

Wait did she just say her father did that to her. What the fuck. Lisa remembers Alice saying her father was a bastard but she never explained why. She's starting to see why Alice lied about who she was if that was the type of person who raised her. But she still lied to her. For months.

The female commando. Her name printed onto her gear read Medic scoffs at Alice's words. "I hardly see that as punishment for you. You love jumping off of high objects." She what. Wait no. ok. That kind of makes sense. Alice did always talked about her love of high places. Lisa used to joke Alice was really a bird in disguise.

"Yeah. And she's the one who got me into that. Before that not a fan of falling to my death." Alice replies humour leaking into her words.

"I can think of worst ways to go."

"Medic we've seen worst ways to go." The both of them then shiver at the same time before saying the exact same thing. "Kijuju."

"Kijuju."

Lisa wondered what happened in Kijuju that both of them said the name with nothing but horror in their voices.

The two women share one last smile before Alice turns back to all of them. "Good now that the unpleasant business is out of the way." "I'm Operative Abernathy your new head of security. Over the next coming days, every one of you will be called to a meeting with me, Commander Shade and Major Cain in regard to current events and your role here at the Hive. And until we say otherwise all trips to the surface are postponed while we make sure there are no more leaks or traitors lurking within the Hive. All work today has been put on hold while a search of the network is undergoing. Everyone but electronic security are to return to their common areas. Work will continue as normal tomorrow."

As everyone is slowly shuffling out of the main doors Lisa notices that Doctor Greens heads straight to Alice smiling broadly towards her ex. The two exchange a short conversation before Doctor Green presses a quick kiss to Alice's lips before departing the cafeteria as well.

Lisa and her team are ordered to sit down at the table as two commandos remain in the room with Alice. The moment Alice's eyes meet her own she sees the shock transform into suspicion before Alice tears her eyes away from her and goes about her business getting them ready for their upcoming task of going through every aspect of security in the Hive under the watchful eyes of Kaplan herself and three other outside electronic security officers.

As they are being escorted back to their office Alice comes next to her leaning closer. "If I'm being honest, you are the last person I expected to see here."

"I can honestly say the same. Operative Abernathy." Lisa doesn't even bother to hide her frustration towards Alice. The woman hurt her. Intentionally or not, she did hurt her.

"I take it your still pissed at me."

Lisa sends a cold glare to Alice who doesn't even flinch at her look. She used to do that. Flinch whenever Lisa got angry or annoyed at her. "What makes you think that."

"Five months of dating you makes me pretty good at reading you." The way Alice ever so causally says it pisses her off. She can't joke about that.

"And how good are you at reading Doctor Green." Lisa snaps back not entirely sure why she brought up who seems to be Alice's current girlfriend.

Alice hesitates for a second before answering. "Quite efficiently." She says neutrally like she isn't sure if this is the best answer or not and is waiting for Lisa's response.

"Does she know who you really are." Lisa asks a little more quietly. A part of her wants Alice to say no. To not have been willing to open up to another woman when she wouldn't talk to her. Another part of her wants Alice to say yes. To see if the woman has changed in the years they have been apart.

"Yeah. Most people do nowadays." Alice admits and honestly, Lisa doesn't know how to feel about that.

"Good for them. Wish I was given the same chance." She snaps back at Alice.

"When we met, I was actively trying to leave my family and umbrella behind." Alice tries to explain. Just like she did years ago when she found out on her own who Alice really was. How her girlfriend was lying to her about everything.

"Clearly you've done a great job at that."

Alice flinches at her tone this time and Lisa won't lie she does feel satisfaction at seeing that. "Things changed after you left me. I was part of the Secret Service, but Alicia called me. Said she needed my help and needed to curb my father's influence. He was trying to take umbrella down a path we could never come back from."

"A dark path." Lisa wants to poke some more. Maybe find something she can tell her brother. Something to bring Umbrella down.

"I stopped it. With mine and Alicia's percentage of the company we managed to convince our uncle to side with us." Alice explains not diving into what she was on about which given the situation is fair.

Still, the way she is talking. The way she is defending Umbrella pisses her off. "So now Umbrella is all clean and not doing anything wrong."

"Please no corporation is clean like that. Could we be cleaner yes. Am I trying to do that yes. Am I doing well at doing that. No. But I'm trying." At least that was an honest reply.

"Do you want a medal for that." She snarks earning a laugh from Alice. One that catches both of them by surprise.

Just like before Alice quickly smothers that side of her going back to the professional exterior that does seem to fit her. Yet Lisa can hear the concern in her voice. "No. I just want you to be careful in whatever it is you're up to. Because we both know you and your brother hate Umbrella. And you would never willingly work here. So please Lisa. Whatever you're doing please be careful."

She feels her heart drop at Alice's words. She suspects. The new head of security already suspects something about her. "Is that a threat." She asks somewhat timidly.

Alice's face fell at hearing her question and her tone. "Do you think I would ever harm you."

A pause lingers between them as Lisa thinks over her answer. "I don't know what to think about you anymore Alice."