Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story
Every time I think of the name Christine, I think of Phantom of the Opera
Even a Monster Deserves Love Chap 1
May 1996
"You didn't have to come with me captain. I mean its just a pickup." Barry tells Wesker.
"I'm rather interested in meeting my supposed new point man. While this Redfield comes with your recommendation, I would rather judge with my own eyes." Wesker says.
Barry and Wesker were waiting at the train station for Chris Redfield, recently discharged from the Air Force.
"Looks like the train is a bit late." Barry observes. Wesker tsks, he wanted to meet Chris and come to a decision, Irons was being annoying about how picky he was about recruiting people for S.T.A.R.S.
'S.T.A.R.S is an experiment, if lucky they will revolutionize police departments around the country, but I intend to have them help me destroy Umbrella. Should this way not work then I will find another way.' Wesker thinks. In order for the plan to go foreword, only the best were to be recruited for S.T.A.R.S and Wesker would not have it any other way.
"Tell me Barry, how was he when you two worked together?" Wesker asked, deciding that small talk will have to do before the train arrives, but Barry chokes on his soda. Wesker's brows furrowed in confusion, 'Why is Barry surprised I asked that?'
"H-h-he?" Barry asks trying to gather his bearings.
"Yes?" Wesker questions not understanding.
Barry laughs, "Wesker, Chris isn't a he. Chris is a she." he said.
Wesker froze when he heard that, "What?" he asked, not believing him at first.
"Chris is a girl! You actually didn't look at the file? How unlike you!" Barry said still snickering.
Wesker had looked at the file that Barry gave him, which was why he gave the go head for the interview, but had looked only where the skill sets and records were but none of those had said anything about Chris being female. Wesker has the file in his briefcase he brought with him and opens the file where sure enough, on the first page around the top states in the gender part female was marked.
"I don't think I ever told you her full name: Christine Redfield. She doesn't like using her given name, she claims its too dainty sounding or something. So Chris is what everyone calls her, and believe me that young woman is a tomboy." Barry said.
Wesker is a bit put off, he thought that Chris was short for Christopher or Christian, and he certainly was not expecting another woman to be put on Alpha team.
'I should have read the whole thing before I agreed.' he thinks, now Wesker was not a misogynist but he had wanted a limit of females in S.T.A.R.S. The main reason being that he believes that women are too emotional as well as distracting, thus one woman for Alpha team and one for Bravo team.
But the offer that was given to Chris was for a position on Alpha team, the point man and it was too late to take that back, 'When the interview happens I'll find out for sure if she's a fit.' Wesker decides on.
The train finally came in, people getting on and off until, "Chris! Over here!" Barry shouts, waving his hand.
A young woman with brunette hair, very short and messy, came up to them, she was 5'6 wearing jeans with a T-shirt that had a picture of a woman and a man, the woman was kicking the man where the sun doesn't shine, wearing tennis shoes, sunglasses, two duffle bags on her shoulders and had a guitar case strapped to her back.
'Barry was not kidding when he said she was a tomboy.' are Wesker thoughts as he looks her over.
"Hey Barry! Long time no see!" Chris said, she and Barry hug. "Who's your friend?" she asked noticing Wesker.
"Chris this man might become your boss, so be careful how you address him. This is Albert Wesker, the captain of the S.T.A.R.S and the one who will interview you for the job." Barry said.
"Hello I'm Chris Redfield." she said extending her hand to him and he reaches for a handshake.
"Albert Wesker, pleased to meet you Christine." Wesker watches her expression, she had a look of distain at her real name being used.
"Please call me Chris, sir." Chris asks.
They went to Barry's truck, Chris hopped in the back while Barry was driving and Wesker in the passenger seat. "Back to the station Wesker?" Barry asks.
"Yes, I do have some paperwork to go over." Wesker said.
"Miss Redfield I expect you Wednesday at ten am at the S.T.A.R.S office for your interview." Wesker said.
"Ok, I'll be there, but please don't call me 'Miss Redfield'. Chris is just fine." she said.
They pull up at the station, Wesker gets out and goes into the building. Barry then pulls off to go to his home, "Kathy got the guest bedroom ready for you, just remember if you get the job you'll have to find a place to live. Fail and you can stay up to three months but no more freeloading than that." Barry said seriously.
"I know Barry I'm just grateful that you and your family are letting me stay with you until I find my feet." Chris said, remembering why she left the Air Force.
They pull up to the Burton house, "Wow! You scored big." Chris said looking over the three bedroom house, as she grabs her stuff.
"Yeah got a good deal with the person who owns this place." Barry said as he knocks on the door and Kathy opens it.
"Welcome home honey and welcome Christine, its been a while since we saw you last." Kathy said ushering the two in.
"It's wonderful to see you too Kathy, but please remember its Chris." Chris said.
Kathy shows Chris to her room, "This is the guest room, once you leave Moira will have this room. After all this time Moira said its time to have her own room." Kathy said.
"Is Moira upset with me? I mean her moving in has to wait." Chris asked.
"She's ok with it, because she'll get the room in the end. She and Polly are excited to have you with us." Kathy said.
"Would you like some help in settling in?" Kathy asks.
"Thank you, but I got it." Chris said, then crying was heard.
"Have to go check on Polly. Come down once your settled." Kathy said before leaving the room.
Chris started unpacking her stuff, she puts away her t-shirts, shirts, jeans, pants, socks, bras and underwear. She also takes out two pairs of shoes and toiletries. 'Til I find somewhere all my stuff stays in storage.' are her thoughts on the matter. She had brought all her stuff here but she had to to send it to a storage unit for the time being. She puts her guitar in the corner for now.
She then went downstairs to see Kathy and Polly playing in the living room, "Settled dear?" Kathy asked.
"Yes. Where is Barry?" Chris asked. "Its after school time, he went to pick Moira up from kindergarten." Kathy responds, Polly walks over to Chris.
"Chrissy! Guitar!" Polly shouts holding up her hands to be held. Chris laughs and picks her up, "Maybe later Polly." Chris said and lifted her up over her head, spun them around and Polly laughs happily.
"Don't get her too excited Christine. She had a snack a little bit ago." Kathy said.
Chris sighed and puts Polly on the ground, "Kathy please, you know I don't like my full name." Chris says sternly.
Kathy sighs, "I know why you don't like your full name, but there is nothing wrong with it. It is the name your parents gave you." Kathy said standing her ground.
Chris was about to argue when someone knocks on the door and Kathy answers it, Barry and Moira come inside. "Chris!" Moira says running up to her and Chris picks her up. "Hi Moira how was school?" she asked her before leaving for the kitchen and Polly follows them.
Barry stayed with Kathy, he had read the situation. "Kathy," Barry starts, "You brought up Chris's name again?"
The only time his wife and Chris were at odds is when Chris's given name is talked about, "Barry she needs to understand that its nothing to be ashamed of. It's a beautiful name." Kathy defends herself.
"I know honey, but I don't think your the right person for the job. Please remember that she is living with us for a while. I don't want to get in the middle of a fight between you two." Barry pleads with Kathy to let sleeping dogs lie for the time being. Kathy wasn't happy but agrees.
They join the girls in the kitchen Chris was teaching Moira and Polly how to make beef pot roast for dinner, "Oh Chris you don't have to make dinner." Kathy said.
"I want to, I'm grateful that you've given me a place to stay." Chris said as she's chopping potatoes.
Once everything was put in the crock pot, Chris set the timer for two and a half hours. "Say Chris how is Claire doing?" Barry asks.
"She's in her second year of college now, but she's still unsure what she wants to do. She's talented in academics unlike me so she'll find something eventually." Chris said. They had small talk for a while before dinner was ready. Food was passed out to all of them, but Moira and Polly make faces at the carrots.
"If you two don't eat all your food I won't play on my guitar tonight." Chris said and both girls shouted, "No!" and ate the carrots, making faces all the while.
"I wish I had your talent for music Chris. The girls would do whatever I want." Kathy said teasingly. After a while, cleaning up from dinner to watching the girls play it was time for them to go to bed.
"Chris! Sing!" Moira shouted. "Chrissy! Guitar!" Polly shouts too.
"Alright I go tune my guitar and I'll play you a song." Chris said going to her room.
"Come on girls let's get changed." Kathy said taking the girls to their room and changed into their pajamas. Just as Kathy tucks them in, Chris comes into the room with her guitar and sits down on Moira's bed.
Chris sings and plays a lullaby called Lullaby of the Bells.
Hear those bells ringing
Soft and low
Bringing peace
Though the twilight glow
Calling to everyone
Night has began
Turn from your weary toil
Day's work is done
Hear them ring
While my love and I
Drift and Dream
To their lullaby
Both girls fell asleep to the music, Chris and Kathy quietly leave the room. "Chris as always you sing like an angel." Kathy said.
"It was nothing Kathy. Good night." Chris said heading towards her room.
"Good night...Christine." Kathy said the last part as an after thought, Chris didn't hear her this time. Chris changed in a shrit and shorts for bed and went to sleep.
It was ten till ten and still no sign of Christine. Wesker was not amused, in his mind a person who applies for a job or has a job should arrive fifteen minutes early. To show that you could be counted on and ready for anything. That kind of attitude is needed for S.T.A.R.S but the interview will determine for sure if she's a fit.
Both Alpha and Bravo teams were in the training center so he could focus on this and Irons will be here at some point. Christine's interview is the last one or supposed last one, Wesker was still taken a back at the fact Chris is a girl. They already have a young woman by the name of Jill Valentine on Alpha with an impressive resume, but she had a tight reign on her emotions.
Christine, in the brief meeting he had with her, was an open book, 'That can lead to problems.' Wesker knows that for a fact but there was always room for improvement.
Five till ten someone comes into the office, it was her but she was dressed very differently from what he remembered. She was wearing: a white long sleeved button up top, black flats, a small bag and the biggest surprise she is wearing a black skirt that went to her knees.
Looking at her body language he sees that she is uncomfortable, "Why did I let Kathy talk me into buying this? The shirt feels odd, the shoes pinch my feet and skirts are so uncomfortable, better than a dress, but I feel like I'm doll." she said.
Yesterday Kathy took her shopping, telling her she should look nice for her interview. She tried to protest saying what she had was sufficient, but Kathy would not be moved and helped her with the outfit she was wearing. Wesker then realizes that Chris does not know he is in his office.
"Please come in Miss Christine." he said causing her to jump.
She comes to his office her face twitches, he realizes that she was refraining from telling him off about her name. 'Better control than I thought.' Wesker thinks, he motions to a chair across from his desk.
She sits down, legs crossed looking more uncomfortable 'Interesting, more uneasy about her appearance and posture rather than being interviewed by a future employer.' Wesker notices this in amusement.
"Well Miss Redfield, I have gone through your resume and while you marksmanship is near perfection, there is something that needs to be cleared up. Like why did you leave the Air Force?" Wesker asks, while he had read the reason on paper and his contacts in the information department backed it up, he could not shake the feeling that there was something more.
Chris is quiet for a moment, "I got into an argument with my former captain about a mission we were to go on. I didn't think the plan that the higher ups had us doing would work. I was right, we were going to be decimated until I went off on my own, saving my teammates. The mission that we were on was big however, so when we returned to base I was heavily reprimanded and was told the book was going be thrown at me and here I am." she said.
'She's not telling everything.' Wesker realizes that she abruptly stopped her story, this confirms that something else happened.
"Miss Redfield I can tell your not saying the real reason why you left. While disobeying orders is something to work on, if you want to join S.T.A.R.S honesty would be the best policy." Wesker tells her.
She opens her mouth and Wesker could tell by her face that she was going to argue, "If you don't tell me, then consider this interview over and you don't get the job." he said stopping her.
Chris takes a deep breath, "After I was told that I would get the book, the lieutenant assigned to my case told me to meet him somewhere. When I arrived at the place, it was a well kept room with a bed. I was confused as to why he told me to come here when he walked in. He told me 'I can make all your problems and marks disappear if you give me a good time.' I was disgusted and tried to leave but he grabbed me and tried to kiss me. I fought with him, escaping his grasp and made a break for the door, but he recovered in time and knocked me silly. When I came to my clothes were still on, but he was on top of me, kissing my neck. I tried to hit him again but he tied my hands and feet to the bedposts. I screamed but he laughed saying no one was going to save me and touched my breasts. Then the door was busted down and my teammates grabbed him. My former captain released me from my bonds, comforted me and told me they had followed me because they had heard rumors of what the lieutenant supposedly did to women he was in charge of. Then we all marched to the man in charge of the base, unfortunately he was a friend of the lieutenant's. He threated to have my teammates kicked out of the force if I did not agree to take an honorable discharge, keep quiet about what happened and in exchange the lieutenant would get an honorable discharge around the time I leave. My platoon tried to protest but I took the offer, my teammates are good people, they didn't deserve to be kicked out. Now that you know please keep this a secret." Chris tells him and pleads for this to be kept a secret.
'So that is why her papers say she got an honorable discharge. Normally when someone disobeys especially on a big mission they are court martialed.' are Wesker's thoughts.
"Very well I'll keep your secret. About the man who put his hands on you...are you sure your fine?" Wesker asks.
"Yes he didn't get far to do anything to me." Chris said with no fear in her eyes. Wesker then made his decision.
"Congratulations Christine, the position of point man on S.T.A.R.S Alpha team is yours." Wesker tells her, standing and extending his hand toward her.
Chris breaks out a huge smile, jumped up and shakes his hand excitedly, "Thank you sir! You won't regret it!" she said. Chris was so happy that she forgot to tell him not to call her by her given name. Then the main office has noise.
"Well it looks like the teams are back from training. Let's introduce you to them now." Wesker said, leaving his office with Chris following him.
"Hey Wesker, I thought you were interviewing the new guy?" Joseph asked.
"Yeah, what are you doing with a pretty lady?" Richard asks.
Barry looks up and spoke, "Good morning Chris, I see you cleaned up nice."
"Uh.. Thank you Barry." says Chris who looks uncomfortable upon remembering she's wearing a skirt.
"Wait...are you the Chris that Barry said was getting an interview today?" Enrico asked.
"Yes she is. Everyone this young lady is the new point man of S.T.A.R.S Alpha team: Christine Redfield." Wesker said.
Most of them were surprised, they were expecting a young man. Jill walks up with her hand extended, "Hello, I'm Jill Valentine. Nice to meet you Christine." she said, she was happy that there was another girl in S.T.A.R.S.
"As in...the only woman to get into Delta Force? I heard about you! But please call me Chris." Chris said.
Everyone else introduce themselves, "My name is Brad Vickers. Welcome to S.T.A.R.S." Brad said.
"You'll never forget a cool name like mine, Joseph Frost." says Joseph.
"I'm Enrico Martini, Captain of Bravo team." Enrico introduces himself.
"Edward Dewey, please to make your acquaintance." Edward said.
"I'm the main medic, Kenneth Sullivan." Kenneth said.
"Richard Akin, I'm from the Navy but don't go easy on me." Richard said with a smile.
And finally, "My name is Forest Speyer, Barry tells us that you are the best sharpshooter he's ever seen. What do you say to a contest?" Forest asked. "Bring it on!" Chris said with fire in her eyes, then the office door open.
A mustache man came in and his eyes settled on her, "Who are you? What are you doing here?" he asked.
Chris blinks at the rude man, wondering who he was and realizes everyone was quiet expect Wesker who speaks, "Chief Irons welcome. I wanted to let you know that S.T.A.R.S is finally ready."
Chris is surprised to learn that the rude man is the chief. "Finally! You sure took your time. Where is the young man? And who is this young lady?" Irons wanted to congratulate the one who joined S.T.A.R.S but is puzzled as to why Chris was here.
"This young lady right here is the new point man of Alpha team, Christine Redfield." Wesker informs him.
Irons froze as he stared at Chris, then he looked at him, "Wesker your office. Now!" Irons said going into Wesker's office followed by the man himself and the door shuts.
Chris is confused by Irons behavior, Barry whispers to her that the chief is a bit chauvinist and apparently had not been informed of her gender. Chris is upset that Irons is judging her based on that, there are hushed tones coming from the private office, then Irons comes out still looking miffed followed by Wesker.
Irons goes up to her and said, "Congratulations on becoming point man Redfield, but are you sure you can handle it?" he tries to stare her down, but Chris stares right back at him.
"I can handle anything thrown at me." she said confidently.
"How about a test then? If you win you can stay, if not take your dainty self elsewhere." Irons responds.
Protests from the others came, but Chris said, "Fine, Forest challenged me to a shoot out. So let's test my marksmanship".
'I'll show you who's dainty.' are her thoughts.
"First let me change." she said grabbing her bag that she brought with and taking Jill's offer to show her where the ladies bathroom is and they leave. Everyone else goes on ahead to the shooting range.
When the ladies arrive, most of the men are surprised by the attire she was now wearing. Chris was now wearing a purple t-shirt that has kick ass written on it, black cargo pants, black tennis shoes and fingerless gloves.
Wesker speaks, "When you pass Christine, please remember to visit the tailor shop. The outfit your wearing can't be used on duty. Everything has to be issued."
"I understand but please, it's Chris." she said but Wesker only smirks, one that said he won't call her that. 'I'll get him later.' she thinks. Chris and Forest get ready, they had fifty targets whoever got the most wins and they start.
In the end Chris won fifty out of fifty, while Forest got forty-eight out of fifty. Chris showed everyone why she was chosen and Irons wisely kept his mouth shut. The others all congratulated her on beating Forest, even the man himself.
Then Chris was invited to go celebrate joining the team with them, she says yes but is puzzled as to why Wesker won't be going with them and everyone tells her he doesn't like socializing or parties.
Before she leaves with them she goes up to her new captain who is by the exit to the upper floors, "Christine, remember seven o'clock sharp Friday." Wesker says.
Chris frowns at her name but nods her head, "Thank you sir, for giving me this chance." she said then hugged him quickly before going back to the others to leave through the parking garage way.
Wesker is stunned, he had not expected that, 'What made her do that?'
He was not used such affections, but remembering briefly her curves and breasts pressing against him 'What is this?' he thinks shaking his head before going up to finish the paperwork in his office.
The song is called Lullaby of the Bells. It was played in The Phantom of the Opera 1942 version