Chapter 8
Alice and Claire were in the artillery room gearing up and arming themselves. Claire asked, "What is all this?" as she was rummaging through the military attire Wesker had provided. Very similar to a swat team uniform that Carlos had worn in the attack in raccoon city only the Umbrella logos were removed.
Alice replied, "Probably leftover uniforms back from Wesker's heyday as an Umbrella chairman" as she finished zipping up her pants and tying off her boots.
"This all seems wrong... The horde of undead on the way, Jill passing out, a recruit self-injecting the las Plagas virus, - am I missing something?" Claire asked, exasperated, as she secured her flak jacket straps tightly over her Umbrella-issued fatigues.
Alice gave a sarcastic laugh. "A few more things, there's another adversary, named Dania Cardoza an ex-umbrella worker, apparently, she's the maker of another B.O.W. named the Melange. She could be the reasoning for the kitchen incident. And the person we are going after is responsible for the horde, she is a clone from Umbrella Prime, her name is Rain. I knew another version of her back from the Racoon city hive incident."
"Wait, what are you talking about?" Claire was so confused she looked comically cross-eyed for a moment.
"Just add that and a possible mole to the list." Alice said pushing her hair behind her ear. "Isn't there a saying -Ain't no rest for the wicked?' Well, I am about as wicked as they come," Alice added with a wink, checking her magazine in her 9mm before securing it to her hip holster.
Claire laughed checking her own weapons inventory, "I trust you, Alice." She said as she went to look up. Claire's mouth went dry at the sight of a fully armed Alice in military gear. Alice glanced over at Claire and smiled devilishly. "You ready?"
Claire nodded, and without a word, grabbed Alice by the neck and pulled her in for another kiss. When she backed away, she added, "Now I am."
It was the late afternoon when, Alice and Claire headed outside to where the transportation was parked. Claire climbed into the UH-60 and did the pre-flight checklist while Alice cleared the air using her psionic blasts. "I am going ahead to clear the way; come pick me up. I'm on channel 4." Claire nodded as she grabbed her knee board putting in the coordinates that Wesker had given Alice.
Alice walked over to the gate and nodded at the recruits asking them to open it. Not requiring clearance as an Agent, Alice walked through the gate with ease, "Close this behind me!"
"Yes ma'am" came in the response.
As the gates closed, the sights before her were encouraging. Not many undead were around, sparing Alice the need to expend much energy. As the rumble of the approaching Blackhawk filled the air, Alice centered herself, focusing deeply. She felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins, a raw power she had been honing over the past couple of days. Closing her eyes, she visualized her body becoming as light as a feather, her muscles coiled tightly like springs ready to unleash.
"I want to try something," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
With a deep inhalation, Alice tapped into the latent psionic energy within her, feeling it swirl and gather at her core. The earth beneath her feet vibrated slightly as she attuned to the very air that enveloped her. Opening her eyes, she looked skyward and smiled with fierce determination.
"Here I come!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with excitement and power.
In a spectacular display, Alice bent her knees and then thrust upwards with all her might. The air around her seemed to warp and bend, forming an invisible column of force that rocketed her upwards. Her body spiraled through the air, a dance of human agility and supernatural force, as she manipulated the currents around her to propel herself even higher.
As the ground rapidly receded below her, Alice realized with a thrill that her powers were evolving, growing stronger with each use. But as the Blackhawk came into view, she saw she was still falling short of her target.
"Claire!" she yelped, her heart pounding.
"On it," came Claire's calm reply. Skillfully, Claire adjusted the helicopter's trajectory, aligning it with Alice's aerial path. Just as Alice's momentum began to wane, the Blackhawk swooped beneath her. With a final burst of psionic energy, Alice adjusted her descent, gliding smoothly into the open cabin.
"As I planned," Alice grinned, landing gracefully, her powers leaving her exhilarated but unharmed. Claire shook her head, a mix of awe and exasperation on her face. "Hmm," she muttered, clearly impressed yet uneasy by Alice's daring stunt.
As the UH-60 Blackhawk sliced through the desolate skies above the city, a thick, swirling mass resembling a dust storm appeared on the horizon. It was a horde of undead and Kipepeo, advancing with relentless intent.
"We are approaching the coordinates," Claire announced through the headset, over the roar of the helicopter.
Alice peered through the window, scanning the ground for a potential landing site. Just then, a piercing shriek cut through the noise of the rotors, startling both of them. The helicopter shuddered violently as an unseen force struck it.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Claire shouted, gripping the controls with white-knuckled hands as she fought to stabilize the aircraft. "I can't hold it—we're going to go down!"
Without hesitation, Alice unbuckled her seat belt. "Claire, now!" she yelled over the chaos. Following Alice's lead, Claire quickly unstrapped herself.
Alice grabbed Claire's arm and yanked her towards the door. "Hold on to me!" she commanded. With Claire clinging tightly, Alice used her telekinetic powers to burst out of the helicopter. They soared through the air, an invisible force cushioning their descent towards the nearest building.
They landed with a heavy thud on the roof of an abandoned skyscraper. Alice twisted mid-air to use her back to absorb the impact, ensuring Claire landed more gently. The ground beneath them cracked from the force, debris scattering around their landing site.
After a moment of stunned silence, Claire rolled off Alice, shaking her head to clear the disorientation from the rough landing. Behind them, the helicopter exploded into flames, sending a fiery plume into the sky.
Alice groaned, her body already tingling as it began to heal from the hard fall. "Ouch," she muttered.
Claire chuckled, relief washing over her as she saw Alice was relatively unharmed. "You never cease to amaze," she said, extending a hand to help Alice up.
Alice accepted the help, pulling herself to her feet. She quickly patted herself down, checking for her weapons. "We lost most of our equipment on the chopper," she grunted.
"I know, but good thing you're a weapon," Claire winked, trying to lighten the mood. She peered over the edge of the building, scanning for signs of the undead.
"Any idea what could have hit us?" Claire asked. "It sounded like a missile but was most likely the Kipepeo." Alice said as she took out her flashlight testing to see if it survived the fall. "Well whatever it was, no sign of it now. I'll take point. We need to find cover and regroup."
Alice nodded, her eyes scanning the horizon, she took out her 9mm and turned on the flashlight. "Lead the way," she said, stepping into the unknown of the devastated cityscape with Claire leading them into the fray. The sun was setting, as was the temperature; the streets were dimly lit by the sun's rays. Alice had a strange sense of déjà vu as she crossed the familiar alleyway and buildings that were turned to rubble. She heard the noise of the undead nearby and decided to take a stealthier approach. Putting her gun away, she motioned to Claire to keep watch.
Alice took out her military-grade combat knife and walked up behind the undead, who were standing in unison as if waiting for orders to attack. She quickly stabbed one in the head and elbowed the other, causing its head to spin 180 degrees from the hard blow. Both collapsed without much noise. Alice smiled at her savvy stealth as she glanced up at Claire. Suddenly, worry hit Alice as she felt her skin vibrating, tinged with a burning sensation creeping underneath the virus within her was singing. It was then that she heard it before she saw it.
"Claire!" Alice cried.
Claire whipped her head around, aiming her gun, but before she could fire, a licker tackled her to the ground. Soon, she was surrounded by several lickers, and all Claire could do was retreat.
"Claire!" Alice yelled again, fighting through the horde that accompanied the lickers. Blood and the sound of cracking bones filled the air. It was when Alice sensed another threat that she went to higher ground, only to be met with a kick to the stomach.
It didn't take them long to find Rain. In fact, it was Rain who found them. Alice and Rain circled each other in the dimly lit alley, their breaths visible in the cold dusky air. Alice's eyes narrowed, focusing on Rain. Rain's expression was cold. "Told you, I'm coming for you."
Without warning, Rain lunged forward, her fist aimed straight for Alice's face. Alice dodged her movements, but Rain was relentless. Blow after blow, Alice deflected and countered. Rain's fist finally connected with Alice's jaw, sending her sprawling to the ground. Alice tried to get up, but Rain was on her in an instant, landing a brutal kick to her side. Alice gasped for breath, her vision blurring. Rain's final punch was like a sledgehammer, and Alice's world went dark as she fell unconscious.
Claire, watching from a distance, felt a surge of rage. "Alice!" she screamed, pulling out her gun and firing at Rain. The bullets struck Rain, but they only slowed her down momentarily before being expelled from her body. Claire kept shooting, desperation in her eyes, but Rain continued to advance.
Rain reached Claire, and the two women engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand battle. Claire fought with everything she had, landing solid hits, but Rain seemed unfazed. Rain's counterattacks were brutal, and Claire could feel herself weakening with each exchange. Praying for Alice to get up, she was becoming breathless.
Rain finally grabbed Claire by the throat, lifting her off the ground. Claire struggled, kicking and punching, but Rain's grip was unbreakable. Slowly, Alice's eyes fluttered open. "No," she thought. "Not again." Pain coursed through her body as she forced herself to sit up. Alice's blood ran hot with fury. "NOOO!"
Alice's eyes dilated fully as she stood up. Her telekinesis followed as all nearby debris floated up. "Rain, let go of Claire right now if you know what's good for you! This is between me and you!"
She saw Rain throw Claire, sending her crashing into a nearby building. Alice couldn't do anything to stop Rain as a scream of anguish tore from her throat. "You bitch!" Alice screamed as she hurled projectiles toward Rain, effectively stoning her. This forced Rain to protect herself by sending the Kipepeo circling the sky above and lickers below to shield her. Alice's rage threw her into a frenzy, and she launched wave after wave of psionic blasts, wreaking havoc and killing everything in her path. She had knocked Rain unconscious for the moment. Breathing heavily and looking for any movement, Alice caught a glimpse of Claire out of the corner of her eye. Breathing deeply, Alice scrambled to Claire and found her injured but alive.
"Claire?"
"This was a great idea," Claire groaned, grabbing her head to check for bleeding.
Alice sighed in relief, hearing Claire's beautiful voice. "We have to get moving. Do you think you can move?"
Claire tested her movement. "Ugh dammit..." she panted in pain. "Yeah, help me up."
Alice stood and lifted Claire, who unsteadily leaned against the wall of a nearby building to steady herself. She looked over and saw Rain lying unconscious. Noticing a scarab on her below her torn shirt, she pointed it out to Alice.
"Alice, she has a scarab," Claire said, pointing at Rain's beaten body.
Alice had an idea; she knew it was risky, but she had to try. "Cover me," she said as she ran over to Rain.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Claire cried in disbelief.
"I'm going to help her," Alice said, bending down to grab the scarab and effectively pulling it off Rain's chest. She threw the scarab on the ground and shot at it, rendering it officially scrap metal. Rain's wounds began to heal, thanks to Las Plagas.
"Remind me again why we are helping her?" Claire asked as she limped over to Alice.
"Well, like you and Jill, they were being controlled by this," Alice explained, pointing towards the broken scarab. "I want to see what she knows and remembers, maybe helping us fight the Red Queen."
"I trust you, but if she does as much as sneeze the wrong way, I am killing her," Claire clarified.
Alice smiled. "Of course."
"I can hear you, you know," came a voice from below.
Alice and Claire looked down at Rain. Alice smiled, and Claire had her hand on her gun.
Rain noticed and sat up cautiously, holding her hands up to show she meant no harm. "Hey, lady, I mean no harm. You can chill with the gun."
"Rain, do you remember anything?" Alice asked.
Rain looked over at Alice. "Sort of I mean... everything is kind of fuzzy right now." Rain winced and she went to sit up.
Alice offered Rain her hand. "Come on, we have to get out of here."
Rain and Claire nodded in unison. Alice went to Claire and wrapped her arm around her waist, picking her up bridal style, causing Claire to yelp in surprise. Alice smiled and pecked Claire on the cheek. Claire's pain was bearable, but she was going to relish being in Alice's arms for the time being.
They walked four blocks until they decided to take a break. Alice let Claire down as she readjusted her shirt and weapons.
"Hey Alice look" Claire pointed at an abandoned office building, its windows shattered and a car jutting awkwardly through the broken glass. "Do you think it will run?"
"Let's go see"
"Rain, stay with Claire"
Rain nodded and stood by awkwardly, knowing Claire had her gun readily pointed at her if she made any wrong moves.
Alice took out her gun and walked cautiously toward the silver Volkswagen, its paint dulled and speckled with debris. The ground crunched under her boots from the broken glass scattered and rubble as she approached the building. Her flashlight filtered through the broken windows casting jagged shadows across the cars dusty interior. Peering inside, she saw the keys were still in the ignition. Alice opened the door gently, the hinges creaking softly, trying not to make any more noise than necessary. She climbed in, the leather seat emitting a soft groan under her weight as she slid into the driver's seat. She turned the key; and the car sputtered but did not start.
"Battery's dead," Claire's voice suddenly came from the passenger side of the door, effectively startling Alice.
"Sorry," Claire offered a sheepish grin. "You wouldn't happen to have some secret electrical powers to go with moving things with your mind, now, would you?"
Alice grinned as she stepped out of the driver's side. "Pop the hood. Let's start this." Claire walked over to the driver's side and popped the hood. Rain climbed into the back seat, her eyes shifting from Alice to Claire. As she watched Claire settle into the driver's seat, her hands ready on the ignition.
Alice focused on her hands, envisioning the sensation of electricity coursing through them; she started to feel a tingling that escalated to a searing burn. Blue sparks began to dance from her fingertips. Claire watched in awe as Alice became a human battery.
"Go ahead and try to start it," Alice had instructed as she placed her hand on the positive post while grounding herself.
Claire put the car in park—a lesson learned from earlier mishaps—as she turned the ignition on. The car engine roared to life, echoing through the empty streets, and Claire's squeal of delight mingled with the rumble. Alice's smile was visible as she lowered the hood of the car with a firm thud. "Are you fit to drive?"
"Yeah, I am feeling a lot better now, thanks," Claire reassured Alice.
Alice nodded. "Okay, back out slowly; we don't want to puncture any tires or something important."
Claire carefully reversed the car out of the building, the vehicle trembling slightly with the help of Alice telekinetically lifting the car over the window frame debris. Once they were clear, Alice climbed into the passenger seat and took out her gun, ready for any more problems that could be in their way.
"Let's go home"
Later that night, Jill was slowly waking up to the sensation of dampness clinging to her skin. She frowned, a hint of confusion mingling with discomfort. As she sluggishly opened her eyes, the weight of her limbs seemed amplified, as if gravity had grown stronger while she slept. K-mart, noticing Jill's faint movements, hurried back to her side with a mixture of concern and relief on her face.
"Hey, hey, take it easy," K-mart soothed as she noticed Jill's struggle. Carefully, she adjusted the pillows, propping them up to support Jill in a more upright position. She then handed Jill a cup of water.
"How are you feeling?" K-mart asked, watching Jill's expression closely for any signs of pain or disorientation.
Jill took a tentative sip, feeling the cool water soothe her parched throat. "Like I've been run over by a truck," she murmured, attempting a weak smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
K-mart chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, you're tougher than any truck I know. Do you remember what happened?"
Jill thought back at what caused her fainting spell. She wasn't ready to talk about it yet. Sensing Jill's reluctance, K-mart leaned closer with a gentle smile, her voice was soft and reassuring, "I know there is something you don't want to tell me, but remember, I am here to help, no judgements."
Jill gave a half-smile, appreciating the gesture but remaining silent. K-mart thought about whether to reveal her recent fragmented memories, thinking it might help put Jill at ease.
"I.. Remember you. Well parts of you." K-mart looked up and took the opportunity to look into Jill's eyes. "Your hair was different; it was shorter and darker." K-mart looked down at her hands mustering up the courage to say the next few words, "and you saved me... once."
Chicken shit K-mart thought to herself
"It's all still kind of scrambled, the parts, the parts that that I remember."
Jill held out her hand inviting K-mart to join their hands. " It will come back, just give it time." Jill offered a warm smile.
"Hey, I am the one that is supposed to be comforting you." K-mart scrunched her nose at the role reversal.
Jill laughed, "Caught on to that huh?" she clasped her hands around K-marts giving a gentle squeeze. "I promise I am okay. I am just… going through something."
K-mart looked at their hands and felt her face starting to warm up, she cleared her throat hoping to clear the red on her face along with it.
"I know you are having withdrawals from P30. Alice told me that much."
Jill let go of their hands and folded her arms in a defensive gesture sucking out all the warmth from the room.
"What else did she tell you?" Jill asked icily
"Nothing else other than I am in charge of you resting, per Agent Abernathy's orders" K-mart matched Jill's glare in challenge. Jill scoffed as she rolled her eyes. "Is that so?"
K-mart nodded, "Yes"
Jill uncrossed her arms relaxing a little. "I am going to get the Doctor to let him release you." K-mart got up from where she was sitting.
Jill went to follow, "I don't need a doctor." She stood and fell into K-mart's arms.
"Whoa maybe we can stay here?" K-mart settled Jill back onto the bed.
"N-no. I just got up too fast. I am fine"
K-mart rolled her eyes, "I almost forgot how stubborn you are." Once K-mart was assured Jill wasn't going to move again she went to go get the doctor. "Wait here, PLEASE"
Jill mock saluted, "Yes ma'am."
As predicted, Jill was to be on best rest for the next 24 hours. Due to dehydration, she wasn't allowed to leave the infirmary, much to the disgust of Jill and her attitude. K-mart was fussing over Jill's pillows when Jill had enough.
"Dahlia, don't you have training or something else to attend to?"
K-mart stopped and looked at Jill with a serious intensity she hadn't seen before. "I was ordered to take care of you, and until I am released from these orders, I am to make sure you rest." K-mart dropped the seriousness of her tone and asked sweetly, "Can I get you anything from the mess hall? You haven't eaten."
Jill sighed her head hitting the pillow behind for emphasis, "Yeah, please could you get me something sweet."
K-mart got up and went to the mess hall. She peered out the door, "I'll be right back"
Jill waved her off, saying sarcastically, "I'll be right here."
K-mart was waiting in line when she came across Kip. "Hey there K-mart! Is everything okay? You kind of just ran out on us."
K-mart grabbed a tray, "Sorry about that. I saw a friend being rushed off to the infirmary. I had to make sure they were okay."
Kip eye K-mart suspiciously, "Agent Valentine is your friend?"
"Ya, well she was… It's complicated." K-mart glanced over to the food trying to distract her from the conversation.
Kip smiled, "You are very interesting. K-mart"
K-mart blushed, "Thank you. I think?" She hesitated for a moment before grabbing some yellow Jello from the cafeteria line, hoping it was sweet enough for Jill.
Kip, who had just joined the line, pointed at Jello on her tray. "Is this also for your friend?"
K-mart nodded, her eyes scanning the dessert options. "Yeah. She wanted something sweet. I really think she's just plotting how to get out of the infirmary without me around to stop her."
Kip chuckled shaking his head in amusement. "I never thought of Agent Valentine to be a rule breaker."
"You don't even know the half of it" K-mart started to say casually, glancing at Kip noticing a playful smirk on his lips.
"Oh, really? Do tell?"
She hesitated then shrugged. "Ah... I just meant she is not a very good patient. She's stubborn, you know?"
"Right, right," Kip nodded, his own tray laden with comfort food as he picked up a pack of Jello for himself.
Feeling the conversation veering too close to personal matters, K-mart decided to cut it short. She hastily put her tray back, deciding to just take the Jello. "Well, duty calls," she said, holding up the small yellow cup and excusing herself from the line.
Kip watched her make a swift exit, a knowing look in his eyes. "Yeah, sure, of course. Have a good night, K-mart."
When K-mart returned to the infirmary, Jill's vitals were being taken by a medical aide, who noted something on Jill's chart before leaving with a polite nod, wishing K-mart and Jill a good night. The sterile, white walls of the infirmary echoed the soft beeps of medical equipment, adding a somber tone to the room.
"So what did you get me?" Jill eyed the yellow cup in K-mart's hand with a mixture of curiosity and hope.
"Sorry, there wasn't anything sweet other than Jello."
"That's okay, I like Jello." Jill had her hand out to receive her prize.
"I am sorry they only had yellow" K-mart apologized as she handed over the Jello.
"I actually like yellow flavors. Yellow Gatorade was my favorite."
"Eww really? That is the flavor of what I imagine Pee would taste like" K-mart grimaced, her face contorting in mock disgust.
Jill scrunched up her nose, amused "Gross, why would you imagine piss of all the things?"
"I don't know, if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck…"
Jill laughed heartily, "I get your point." She paused, looking at the Jello. "Did you bring me a spoon?"
K-mart's face fell as she started to stammer. "Oh no. I am sorry, I was distracted talking to Kip. I must have forgotten."
"Kip? The recruit?" Jill's tone shifted subtly, a hint of jealousy lacing her words.
K-mart smiled brightly not noticing the change in tone, "Yeah, he was wondering if I was okay, and why I ran out on him and the others during our…. game"
"A game? What kind of game?" Jill asked, her curiosity piqued, and her mood visibly lifted by the banter.
K-mart looked bashfully to the side, "Truth or Dare"
Jill eyed the Jello, contemplating how to eat it without a spoon. She looked up at K-mart and smiled almost devilishly, "And what did you choose?"
"Truth" K-mart declared, her chin jutting out in defiance to the implied challenge.
"So, what was the question?" Jill asked, squeezing the bottom of the cup to slurp up the broken pieces of Jello.
K-mart was momentarily distracted, watching Jill's inventive eating method. She was almost mesmerized as Jill used her tongue skillfully to scoop up the Jello.
Noticing K-mart wasn't answering, Jill looked up to catch K-mart watching her mouth intently, her lips slightly parted. Jill grinned, sensing an opportunity. She skillfully pried the rest of the Jello mold loose with her tongue, mimicking a spoon, and scooped it into her mouth like a Jello shot. Once she finished, she wiped her mouth clean with the back of her hand, sporting a victorious grin
"Dahlia" Jill gave a pointed look.
K-mart blinked and licked her lips again, snapping out of her stupor to answer Jill's earlier question, "It was two questions. I never got the chance to answer them because that was when I came to see you."
"So, what were the questions?" Jill set the Jello cup on the side table and turned to look at a red-faced k-mart.
"It was.. When, no.. it was... wait what was the question?" K-mart stuttered, her discomfort growing as she wished to change the subject.
Jill laughed, sensing K-mart's embarrassment. "I'm glad you are making friends, Dahlia."
Relieved, K-mart sank into the chair that Alice had previously occupied. "So... did you figure out how to break out of here while I was gone?" she asked, her grin conspiratorial.
"Why yes, yes I did," Jill responded with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Chris was returning from his shift on wall duty when he encountered Leon. "Hey, have you seen Claire?"
"Isn't she in the garage?" Leon replied.
"No, I checked there; Alice is missing too."
"You sure? Maybe they're at the wall or mess hall?"
"I just came from the wall, and the mess hall was next on my list. I even checked their- room and they're both gone."
Leon frowned, "Ada might know. Let's go see her."
As Chris and Leon approached Ada's office and noticed Sheva was with her.
Chris flashed a grin "Hello, ladies"
Ada suppressed a roll of her eyes at Chris's boyish charm, while Sheva beamed. "Leon, Chris. What do we brings you here?"
"Have you seen Claire?" Chris asked worriedly.
"Not since this morning. I asked her for a favor," Sheva replied puzzled.
Chris's worry deepened. It was unlike Claire to not check in, especially since their recent reunion.
He turned to Ada, "Have you seen them?"
"Not since this afternoon. Her and Alice took Jill to the infirmary." Ada answered calmly
"Wait, what?" Chris's shock was palpable.
Ada cleared her throat. "Agent Valentine had an incident "
"Cut the formalities Ada. What happened to Jill?" Leon demanded, his frustration evident.
Ada met his gaze, her expression serious. "This morning, Jill fainted and started to seizing. Tests revealed withdrawals from P30, so she has been put on rest as a precaution. As for Alice and Claire. I really don't know"
Everyone paused to absorb the news. It was Sheva that spoke first. "If Claire and Alice are missing, it is likely that that are together. If they are, I wouldn't worry too much Chris. Alice is probably the best person to be missing with."
Chris frowned confused. "What does that mean?"
Leon chuckled, a realization dawning on him, and his worry fading. "What am I not getting?" Chris asked, irritation creeping into his voice..
Ada smirked briefly before turning stern., "I have work to do, please shut the door on your way out."
Sheva tugged at Chris's arm. "Chris, I'm sure everything is fine. Come, I want to show you something." She led him towards the garage, and Chris shut the door behind them, leaving Leon and Ada alone.
Ada let out a breath of frustration, "What is it, Leon?"
"You're holding something back. What is it?" Leon probed, pulling up a chair next to her desk.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Ada said, returning to her paperwork.
"Ada," Leon pressed.
She looked up as Leon leaned in closer. "Tell me what's going on. What did Alice say about the missing recruits?"
"We found one of them."
Leon's eyebrows shot up. "That's good, right? Where were they?"
Ada handed him a file. As Leon thumbed through it, she began, "According to the report, Recruit Jake Sokol was treated for a dislocated shoulder two days ago. He disappeared after being discharged and was found dead today in the kitchen—shot by Recruit Patricia Potter after he reportedly attacked her. She claimed his eyes were red and bloodshot, and he had tentacles or worms emerging from his head."
Leon leaned back, stunned. "Las Plagas here in the White House?"
"I'm not sure. This is the only incident so far, but if more missing recruits return infected, we'll need to trace the source. Interestingly, Recruit Potter mentioned that Wesker indirectly ordered her to take inventory in the kitchen, relayed by a Commander Renolds."
Leon stood and began pacing, trying to think. "Who is Commander Renolds?" He struggled to recall any officers by that name.
"They don't exist," Ada said, pointing at the file she had handed Leon. "I've also been reviewing the inventory checklist and work orders, and there's nothing about any of this. As you know, I've been trying to get approval for several supply runs. So, imagine my shock when I found boxes labeled 'Umbrella' neatly stacked in the kitchen, filled with the Las Plagas virus and injectors."
Leon stopped pacing; his frustration evident. "I could use a vacation from all this shit. I'm tired."
Ada laughed, a rare sound that caught Leon by surprise. For a moment, there was a flicker of levity between them.
Leon smiled. "Ada I .." he started, but was interrupted by crackling over Ada's radio. "Agent Wong, ETA 10 mins, I am bringing company with me. Clear Skies tonight, no Rain in sight."
Ada brought the radio to her mouth, "Copy that see you in the garage."
Sheva led Chris to the garage, eager to show him her latest creation. Chris let out a low whistle as soon as he laid eyes on the rugged vehicle. "I always knew you were a Mad Max fan," he teased, grinning.
Sheva smiled at his approval. "Yeah, I asked Claire to help with some modifications," she explained.
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Is this what you had her working on?"
"Yep. I want to have a vehicle ready for any upcoming missions. I don't like those things in the air," Sheva said, shuddering at the thought of facing more Kipepeo.
Chris nodded in approval, running his hand over the sleek, armored exterior. "This is impressive. Did you design it yourself?"
Sheva nodded proudly and opened the driver's side door. "Hop in."
Chris raised an eyebrow, his voice playful. "So... you're going to take me for a ride, then?"
Sheva laughed at the flirtatious tone. "Maybe. Depends on if you can keep up."
Just then, her radio crackled to life. "Agent Wong, ETA ten minutes. I'm bringing company with me. Clear skies tonight, no Rain in sight," came the voice over the radio.
"Copy that, I'll see you in the garage."
Chris paused, his expression suddenly serious as he caught the coded message. "Was that Alice?"
Sheva nodded, turning to face him. "Yeah. Sounds like they're bringing someone with them."
Claire glanced at Alice, then at Rain in the rear view mirror. "I think we should let them know we're bringing her in."
Alice nodded and picked up her radio. After a moment of deliberation, she spoke. "Agent Wong, ETA ten minutes. I'm bringing company. Clear skies tonight, no Rain in sight."
Ada's voice responded shortly after. "Copy that. See you in the garage."
Alice pulled out tie wraps from her pocket. "Hold out your hands," she instructed Rain.
"Am I a hostage?" Rain complied.
"No, this is just to make things easier during introductions," Alice replied.
Rain scoffed. "If you say so."
Claire glared. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice."
"Claire," Alice warned gently, grabbing Claire's hand to calm her down. "You said you trust me."
Claire sighed. "I do. I just don't trust her," she said, glaring at Rain in the mirror.
Rain raised her bound hands. "Hey, I've been a cooperative hostage so far, if I do say so myself."
Alice glanced at Claire, noticing her clenched jaw. She sighed. "Rain, you're not a hostage. But we're going to have to do something about your appearance. You look..."
"Dead," Claire finished.
"Sickly," Alice corrected.
Rain examined her grey skin. "And what am I supposed to do about that?"
"Let me handle it," Alice said. "Just don't cause any problems, and I promise you'll get settled."
Ada and Leon were in the garage when Claire pulled in with Alice and Rain. Claire immediately noticed the look of confusion on Chris's face. "What happened? Who is that?" he asked, watching Claire get out of the car.
"She's... an ex-Umbrella operative," Alice explained as she handed Rain over to Ada. "She's agreed to cooperate with us in exchange for asylum from the Red Queen. Please, find her a room near the office. I'll meet you soon."
Ada nodded, taking Rain and Leon with her.
"Now you've answered one of my questions," Chris said to Claire. "What happened?"
Claire glanced at Alice. Alice and Sheva took the cue to give them space. As Alice passed Claire, she squeezed her hand in support before leaving with Ada and Leon.
Chris noticed the brief exchange between Alice and Claire and smirked.
Sheva smiled at Claire. "Welcome back and thank you for the car. I adore it."
Claire grinned. "Happy to help. I can go over what I installed with you later."
Sheva nodded and headed out, leaving Claire and Chris alone in the garage. Once the coast was clear, Claire sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't have time to tell you where I was going. It would've compromised the mission. We had to act quickly and covertly to secure Rain without drawing attention."
Chris absorbed her explanation, understanding the gravity of their roles in the resistance. "I get it. I was just worried. I've lost you once before, and not knowing what happened..." He trailed off, his concern evident.
Claire softened, touched by his protectiveness even though he could be overbearing. "I love you too, Chris."
Chris chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, so... you and Alice?"
Claire blushed; her smile bashful. "Yeah, I... I was going to tell you—"
Before she could finish, Chris pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her off the ground. "I'm happy for you, sis. But I think I'm more hurt that you didn't tell me sooner."
"It just sort of happened suddenly," Claire said defensively.
Chris gave her a knowing look. "Hmm, I doubt that."
"What do you mean?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Alice is the reason I don't have a broken arm and why I'm standing here with you right now."
Claire smiled at the memory. "I guess I should thank her, then."
Chris made a mock disgusted face. "Gross, Claire."
Claire playfully shoved him. "You're gross."
Chris laughed, shaking his head. "I'm just glad you're safe." He let out a tired yawn. "We'll talk more in the morning?"
Claire nodded. "Yeah. Good night, Chris."
Once the garage was empty, Claire took a moment to finish up some paperwork before heading to the library to check on Becky and make sure everything was ready to bring her back to Alice.
Alice, Ada, and Leon were in the office with Rain. Leon broke the silence. "What do you want to do with her?" he asked, glancing at Rain.
Rain rolled her bloodshot eyes. "Look, I don't know you people, but judging by how I'm being treated, I must've done something to piss you all off."
Ada stepped forward, her expression cold. "You would be correct." She placed her gun on the desk next to her, making a statement. "What do you know about the Red Queen?"
Rain's eyes darted between the gun and her own grey, muted skin. "I remember orders to bring in Project Alice, dead or alive. But the rest... like I told you before, it's kind of fuzzy. I mostly just remember orders given by the Red Queen, as there was no other room for independent thoughts." She paused, her voice softening. "Can I get some water?"
"Later. We'll get you set up soon," Alice said, her tone neutral.
Rain nodded, reluctantly accepting the answer.
Alice got up to close the office window blinds, "What do you know about Dania Cardoza?"
Ada, whipped her head around looking at Alice in surprise. Alice chose to ignore for the moment.
At the mention of the name, Rain's demeanor shifted. "She's an ex-Umbrella scientist. The Red Queen wanted her brought in—preferably dead. Dania developed a way to control the undead, using beetle chip implants that function similarly to the scarab devices. That makes her competition for the Red Queen and its predecessors."
Alice's eyes narrowed at the new information. The tension in the room seemed to thicken as she processed Rain's words. "Do you know where she is?"
Rain shook her head. "No. My priority was you," she said, the weight of the confession hanging in the air.
"These beetles," Ada interjected. "Are they using P30 as well?"
Rain hesitated, her brow furrowing, "I'm not sure." She replied, her tone was uncertain, as if the parts of her memory were struggling to the surface.
"Was the Red Queen's objective to infect us with Las Plagas?" Ada pressed, continuing her interrogation.
"No, the Red Queen has her own agenda, but I wasn't privy to it," Rain admitted.
Across the room, Leon who had been quietly observing, fidgeted, patting his pockets in search for his pack of cigarettes and realizing they were missing. Frustrated, he settled on chewing a fingernail. His tension was clear with a mix of impatience and exhaustion seeping through.
Alice, still fixated on Rain's revelations, leaned forward. "How were you able to control the Kipepeo and Lickers?" she asked, her voice was soft but filled with the curiosity of someone who had witnessed something unnatural, even for her.
Rain's eyes widened in surprise. "I... I don't know. Or at least... I don't remember controlling them," she mumbled confused.
Leon scoffed from his corner; his patience was wearing thin. "You expect us to believe that? His frustration was clear. "I think I've heard enough." He waved his hand dismissively toward Rain, heading for the door. "I'll leave you two to finish this." With that, he exited the office, leaving Alice and Ada alone with Rain.
Ada watched Leon leave, then turned back to Rain, her patience growing thin as well. "Is there anything else you'd like to share that might be…. helpful?" she asked, leaning against the desk, arms folded.
Rain hesitated for a long moment, glancing between Ada and Alice as if weighing her next words carefully. Finally, she spoke. "Jill Valentine was also a high-priority target," she said quietly. "She was to be killed on sight."
Alice shot up from her chair, her posture defensive. "You will not go near her. Do you understand?"
"Jill is here?" Rain asked, genuinely confused.
"Yes." Alice answered, her voice was hard. "And do you understand?" Alice repeated firmly.
Rain nodded; she was cautious as she asked the next question. "I understand, but... what if she comes near me?"
"I highly doubt that will happen," Ada said, her tone unwavering. "But if she does, make sure to stay out of her way."
Rain blinked, processing the warning, before nodded again. "Understood."
Ada straightened up, her tone shifting back to business. "Because of your condition, you're going to be put through quarantine for a few weeks," she explained. "If you need anything, recruits will escort you or bring whatever you need. Once you're cleared, you'll be assigned duties like the rest of us. Is that going to be a problem?"
Rain shook her head. "No, I can do that."
"Good. Then it's settled," Ada concluded.
Alice stepped forward, "One more thing." Alice said as she pulled out her knife. "This is going to hurt." She cut through Rain's restraints.
"What is?" Rain asked, rubbing her wrists.
"This," a subtle power surging from her as she focused on the chip implanted beneath Rain's skin. The air around them seemed to pulse, and the objects in the room vibrated ever so slightly. A low hum filled the space as Alice's telekinetic power enveloped Rain's head, homing in on the small chip buried deep in her skull.
Rain gasped, clutching the chair as the pressure mounted. Her body tensed, and her eyes fluttered shut as the chip seemed to erupt a burning sensation from within her head. Rain let out a choked cry, doubling over in pain. The sensation was brief but intense, the agony radiating through her skull. But just as quickly, the Plagas virus coursing through her veins began to heal the damage, knitting the pain away.
Rain panted, sweat glistening on her forehead. She wiped some blood from her nose. "So... can I get that water now?" she asked, her voice shaky.
Alice excused herself and bid goodnight as Ada found accommodations for Rain. As Alice shut the door behind her, the weight of the day's events suddenly hit, and exhaustion washed over her. She had planned to go check on Becky, but as she made her way down the hall, she saw Claire stepping out of their shared quarters.
"Hey," Claire greeted, a soft smile on her lips. "I was just about to go looking for you."
Alice returned the smile, though tired. "Hey, I was just heading to check on Becky."
Claire walked over and placed a tender kiss on Alice's lips, the warmth of her touch momentarily easing the fatigue. "Already done. She had a late dinner and she's asleep," Claire whispered.
Alice pulled Claire into a hug, her gratitude evident. "Thank you so much," she said, her voice thick with exhaustion.
Claire held her close, feeling how drained Alice was. "Of course," she replied, her arms tightening in a reassuring squeeze. She could sense the weight of everything Alice had been through—the mission, Rain, all of it—but decided to hold back her questions for now. Alice needed rest more than anything.
"Come on," Claire said softly, taking Alice's hand. "Let's go to bed." With a gentle tug, Claire led Alice back to their room where they would find a moment of peace.
A/N: hi, this was a struggle so if it feels wonky. that's why.
Skull, you are too kind, thanks for the encouragement. You inspire me to improve on my writing.
The lurkers: thanks for reading