To the lurkers. Thanks for reading so far.

Skullgamerscry: thanks for the support 3

All comments welcome. Enjoy

CHAPTER 6

Ada was the last to arrive. Wesker sneered as she walked in. "Agent Wong, how nice of you to finally join us." Ada didn't bother to reply, instead, she stood silently by the door. Leon moved from his position to join her, standing close, in a silent show of support.

Jill glanced at the recruits repairing the shattered windows and damaged walls, a smirk playing on her lips. "Love what you've done with the place," she quipped.

Wesker ignored her sarcasm, his commanding presence leading them into the conference room. "We have a critical matter to address." He pulled up a map of the White House and the surrounding areas. "A large wave of Kipepeo and undead are heading this way up through what is left of Pennsylvania Avenue. We need to form teams—one for defense and the other for offense." At this announcement, all agents and commanders straightened up paying full attention.

Ada was the first to speak. "Why are we only hearing about this now? How long have you been sitting on this information, Wesker?"

Leon added, his voice laced with anger, "Unless you wanted us to be unprepared."

Wesker met their accusation with a calm tone, "What I have given us, is a chance. The Red Queen doesn't know we are privy to this upcoming attack, and that gives us the element of surprise."

Chris, never the one to hold back, pushed off the wall and stepped closer. "Try saying that again without that fucking smirk of yours and maybe I will believe you."

Wesker's eyes started to glow ominously behind his glasses ignoring the agents, "Commander Chris Redfield and Agent Alomar will focus on defense. Commander Redfield, you will take a team of recruits to the south side of the wall, and Agent Alomar will take the north side. Agent Wong and Captain Kennedy, you will focus on the ground operations. Agent Valentine will be above providing long-range support with your recruits. Your primary target will be the Kipepeo."

Jill scoffed, "So, I'm babysitting, then."

Wesker ignored her and continued, "Agent Abernathy and Commander Claire Redfield will float between offense and defense," he delivered with a sly smile.

Alice's head snapped up, her gaze darting between Claire and Wesker. "Ms. Redfield felt you needed the help, Agent Abernathy, and I agreed," Wesker's smug grin widening as he watched Alice's reaction.

"No!" Alice's voice was sharp, a flash of fury breaking through her usually calm demeanor.

Everyone but Claire was surprised at the outburst.

Wesker's tone turned icy as he addressed her insubordination. "You are in no position to question my orders, Agent. Despite being the ultimate weapon, Claire and I decided you need help in the event you need backup or decide to abandon your position."

"I said no such thing!" Claire defended, then turned to Alice. "I just asked to be on your team. To have someone watch your back."

Alice locked her jaw, her eyes glaring at Wesker. She should have killed him then and there. Wesker, the hypocrite, suggesting she would abandon her people to save herself, was insulting.

"Finished?" Wesker asked smugly.

"Not even close," Alice hissed, her voice dripping with contempt. In an instant, she vaulted over the table and grabbed Wesker by the throat, lifting him off his feet and throwing him across the room. Wesker crashed into a nearby cabinet, sending papers and equipment flying.

Leon and Chris rushed to subdue Alice. "Alice, stop!" Leon shouted, but Alice was blinded by fury. She elbowed Leon in the ribs, knocking the wind out of him, and then grabbed Chris by the arm, flinging him into a wall as if he were a bothersome fly.

"Chris!" Sheva shrieked and went to his aid.

Jill stood by, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. "Idiots," she muttered, not making any move to intervene.

Ada leaned casually against the wall, watching the chaos unfold with mild interest. She might as well have been filing her nails for all she cared.

Claire, however, was the only one thinking rationally. She quickly grabbed her gun and fired a shot into the air. "Enough!" she shouted, her voice echoing in the conference room.

The gunshot stopped the fighting immediately. Alice froze, her breath heavy and ragged. Wesker was bruised but already healing, slowly got to his feet, wiping blood clean from the corner of his mouth.

"Quite the temper you have there, Agent," Wesker said, his voice calm as usual. "This is exactly why you need supervision."

"Shut up, Wesker," Claire snapped, her gun still aimed at the ceiling. "You provoke everyone and then act surprised when they react. We need to be united, not at each other's throats."

Alice, still seething, took a step back, her fists clenched. "Trust me when I say I am going to kill you one day, just not today," she muttered, her eyes never leaving Wesker.

Wesker's eye glowed red through his sunglasses at the threat.

Chris was groaning in pain; Sheva was tending to Chris. Alice snapped out of her fury and went to Chris, "I am so sorry. Are you okay?" Alice offered her hand to help him up.

Chris dazed, was unsure of what just happened, "Yeah, just please don't do that again. That hurt."

Claire put away her gun and crossed her arms over her chest rolling her eyes.

Leon cradling the side of his chest, "To be fair we are stupid to go against two super-humans. Ada was right. Stay out of your way." Leon offered an apologetic grin.

Wesker straightened his suit, a cold smile on his lips. "As I was saying," he continued as if nothing had happened, "The first wave will hit in approximately two days' time. You have your orders. Best get prepared."

Alice exchanged a look with Claire, trying to hide the hurt, she nodded and left the room.

-/-

The agents and commanders dispersed from the briefing room. Alice left in a hurry, skipping any strategy talk. Claire hurried to follow, but Jill intercepted her. "Can I speak with you for a second?" Jill asked. Claire losing sight of Alice, exhaled sharply, "Can this wait?"

"I am afraid not, this has to do with Dahlia," Claire stopped looking behind Jill. Chris joined them, concern etching his face. Claire's eye narrowed. "What about her? Does this have to do with her being out last night with you?"

Jill shook her head, taken aback. "What? No!? We are getting off track here. I wanted to let you know she signed up for the resistance this morning."

"She what?" The rise in her voice cracked, disbelief threading through it, "Are you sure?"

"I have her file, Claire. Dahlia "K-mart" Redfield. She signed up today."

Claire bowed her head with her hands on her hips. She looked at Chris, "What are we supposed to do? This is war are talking about here."

Turning back to Jill pleadingly, "Can't you pull some strings? Put her somewhere less dangerous?"

Chris shared a sympathetic look and put his hand on Claire's shoulder. "She's an adult now Claire, We can't shield her from everything."

"I just thought... I could keep her out of this mess." Claire gestured helplessly.

Jill chuckled lightly, "Out of which part exactly?"

Claire shot Jill a sharp look, but the truth stung. K-mart was no longer the child she remembered. She just hoped he knew what K-mart was getting into. Claire dropped her hands soaking up the reality of the situation. Chris gave her an understanding nod and started to walk away.

Claire's gaze flickered between Chris and Jill, her frustration flaring again. Blaming Jill for K-mart's decision, she pointed accusingly. "Listen, if anything happens to her, it's on you."

Jill met her gaze, the weight of the promise sinking in. For a moment, she felt the full force of Claire Redfield's protective fury.

-/-

Alice went to get Becky, eager to spend as much time with her before the looming mission. Holding hands, they returned to their room where Becky clutched her satchel full of her favorite items: crayons, markers and paper. Claire had found markers in one of the cars they were able to scavenge and gave them immediately to Becky before it could be logged into inventory —a kind gesture that Alice appreciated, especially given the complex circumstances they were thrust into. This made it even harder for Alice to face Claire now, feeling a mix of betrayal and bruised ego over Claire's recent actions. She didn't want the burden of worrying about Claire on this mission; she had enough on her plate.

"Mommy?" Becky's voice snapped Alice out of her brooding thoughts.

"Sorry, Becky. Mommy has a lot on her mind." Alice apologized softly.

"It is okay mommy." Becky signed "Why isn't Claire with you?"

Alice blinked in surprise. "She is busy, I think?" Alice didn't bother to stay behind after the meeting to find out. "Why do you ask that?"

"I like Claire, mommy." Becky said simply. Alice waited for more, but no further explanation came.

A wave of guilt washed over Alice, sparking an urge to find Claire and apologize, but her pride anchored her to the chair.

Becky was drawing stick figures. Curious. Alice asked, "What are you drawing there, sweetheart?"

Becky beamed, holding up her artwork, "Family! Here's you, me, K-mart, Uncle Chris, Auntie Jill and..." she paused, her expression turning curious. "Mommy is Claire my mommy too?"

Alice's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard. "W-what?" Regained her composure, she gently probed, "Why would you ask that?"

"You hug Claire a lot, and you love her like Daddy loved Momma." Alice blushed deeply. Becky's keen observation surprised her. Kids' blunt honesty never ceased to amaze.

Alice struggled for a moment, then chose her words carefully. "Claire is.. family," she affirmed with a nod, trying to mask her confusion and deeper feelings. Becky seemed to ponder this, her smile tinged with mischief as she resumed her coloring.

"Hey kiddo, when you finish up there, we need to go get ready for bed." Alice shifted the topic gently. "I'm done." Becky signed looking up.

Alice helped get Becky ready for bed and put her hearing aid to charge. A routine they got accustomed to. "I love you" Becky signed, and Alice signed "I love you" and got in bed next to Becky and kissed her goodnight.

-/-

Claire spotted K-mart in the gymnasium watching her hit the punching bag with intensity. She watched quietly for a moment, noting her form, before deciding to step in.

"Hey, you're going to break your wrist if you keep that up," Claire gently cautioned. K-mart was jerked in surprise, not having noticed Claire's approach. Claire gave an apologetic look before she showed the correct technique. "Keep your thumb on the outside of your fist, right between the first and second finger." She formed a fist to show K-mart. "If it's tucked inside when you punch, you'll end up breaking it, rendering your hand useless."

Claire then shifted her stance, engaging her hips. "Use your hips for power. When you throw a punch, lead with your first two knuckles. Like this." She tapped the bag lightly, ensuring K-mart noticed the alignment of her hand, wrist, and arm moving as a unit. After a few more punches, she stepped back. "Your turn now." Claire stepped behind the bag and held it firmly.

As K-mart mimicked the motions, her punches grew noticeably more effective. Claire, steadying the bag, noticed the orange sash fluttering with each hit. She took a deep breath before speaking, her tone more serious. "I know why you did it K."

K-mart stopped, hands lowering as she turned to face Claire fully. "After Alaska… things changed. I wasn't there to protect you." Claire's voice faltered, tinged with regret, "Hell, I couldn't even protect myself. It was Alice who saved us when she came back." Claire sighed her gaze steadily on K-mart. "I am not mad. I just hope you know what you have gotten yourself into K. This is not like our convoy runs. This is war. I won't be there to have your back. You are going to have to trust others and the training you've been given."

K-mart absorbed Claire's words and nodded. "I know, and you have been the best teacher, sister and mother figure I could have asked for. I'm ready Claire."

Emotion swelled in Claire's chest as she let go of the punching bag, and pulled K-mart into a tight embrace, "I love you K. Please just… be careful." K-mart hugged her back just as fiercely. "I love you too."

-/-

"Owww," Chris hissed, adjusting the ice pack on his head. Sheva carefully removed it to check for any cuts. "Hush, you big baby," she teased, kissing Chris's pout away. Her laughter filled the room at his antics. "What did you learn today, eh?"

Chris smiled, a twinkle in his eye. "That kissing me makes it feel better?" He tossed the ice pack aside, pulled Sheva down, and kissed her deeply. Sheva moaned into the kiss, and as they surfaced for air, she stood up, threw Chris a seductive leer, and flicked off the light.

-/-

Leon was doing perimeter rounds when he tried to stretch, checking for any damage to his sore ribs. "Fuck," he gasped under his breath.

"You should get that looked at. I already have recruits to look after; I don't need any more dead weight," Ada remarked, appearing from the doorway behind Leon.

Leon smiled and fished a cigarette from his jacket pocket, lighting it with his Zippo. Flicking the lighter closed, he took a deep drag, the smoke filling his lungs as he sighed. So much for quitting.

"I'm fine," he assured her.

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment. "What did Alice think?" Leon asked, blowing out smoke and turning to face Ada, only to find she was already gone.

Leon chuckled to himself. "Always one for small talk." He stubbed out his cigarette and resumed his walk, the brief encounter lingering in his thoughts.

-/-

Ada walked into the office she shared with Jill. "Are you planning to stay here all night?" she asked, noting Jill's focus on the paperwork.

Jill looked up, her expression weary. "I can't sleep," she admitted. "And I haven't been assigned a room yet."

Ada's smirk briefly faltered, then snapped back into place. "That might be my fault," she confessed, tossing a pair of keys to Jill. "Take this room. It was meant for someone else, but they won't be needing it."

Jill caught the keys, eyeing them skeptically. "Do you moonlight as a janitor in those sexy heels, or something? How do you always have access to everything?"

With a knowing smirk, Ada called over her shoulder as she walked out, "Get some rest, Valentine. You're going to need it."