Warning: Hostage situation in a bank. I think even STARS can't save everyone
Disclaimer: I own nothing but a story
Even a Monster Deserves Love Chapter 4
November 13th, 1996
"Let's go everyone." Wesker orders, as they get out of the van.
They were on an assignment to save some people from a cult that got into the city about three weeks ago. At first the detectives were hot on the trail, until they got into a bank and took everyone hostage.
They were demanding a ransom as well as an acknowledgement, that their religion is the religion of the city.
They were a neopagan cult, that worshipped the old Mayan gods, believing in sacrifice and bloodshed to appease the gods.
"Remember, the target is Ryan Bembe, who calls himself, Ah Kin. The priest of the these people." Wesker said, as they get their weapons ready.
"You sure taking him out, will make the rest surrender?" Joseph asks.
"Yes, while they're fanatics, Bembe never trained anyone to take his place. Once their leader is gone, they'll panic, but having no one to give them orders, they will surrender. They have been brainwashed after all." Wesker said.
"There is ten of them, how can we be sure that one won't go crazy?" Barry asked.
"That is why Brad will be on the roof, he'll be able to see who moves with a weapon. The information we got said, that not all of them are carrying weapons." Wesker said.
There were about three, who did not have a weapon. They were there to grab the money and other things in the vault. Sadly, Bravo team aren't with them, they are on the other side of town, dealing with young hoods with a connection to drugs. Drugs that was said to come from Umbrella.
"Brad, get up top and tell us anything important." Wesker orders him. He couldn't have Brad be a coward in this situation, which is why he's on recon.
Brad climbs up the ladder and goes to the roof. "Valentine, your on." Wesker said. He chose her to distract them, by being the negotiator.
"My name is Jill Valentine! I'm here from the police department to discuss the terms! I have only one piece on my person!" Jill calls to those inside the building, holding her hands up to show she isn't holding a weapon.
"Come in slowly! If we see you with someone or you bring out your gun, these people will die!" Bembe shouts.
Jill, keeping her hands up, goes in the building at a slow pace. Once she was inside, Wesker says, "Move. Hopefully Jill can be persuasive enough to at least get the patrons out."
They move around the building to the back door, when they get there Barry picklocks it, he take a moment, but the door is opened. They head in slowly, when Brad's voice come on.
"This is Brad, Jill was able to convince Bembe to let go most of the civilians and some of the banking staff, but there five patrons as well as ten banking staff, still left." he informs them.
'Damn, Jill did better than I thought, but I had wanted the civilians all out.' Wesker now has to make a readjustment to the plan. He did not mind the banking staff, because they were the ones who ran the bank and would need to be alive. The ones that are left, must be the ones who know how to open vault and other important stuff. And they have had the training to know what to do, in this situation.
"Here's the new plan, we make sure that once Bembe is down, that we get to the civilians. Once they see, between Bembe being down and us having saved the hostages. They will surrender." Wesker said.
"What about the banking staff?" Chris asks the obvious question.
"They would know how to handle this type of situation." Wesker answered.
They reach the corner and look into the main room. They see the five patrons, against the wall the men scattered through out the room. They see the three unarmed, by some bags and two other, who had putted down their weapons. The other four and Bembe, were still armed.
"You have the shot, Christine?" Wesker asks her.
"Yeah, he won't get away." Chris said. She fixates her gun on Bembe and shoots him in the head.
The four immediately move to the civilians, with Jill pulling out her gun and cultists were confused as to what happened.
Brad's voice came on, "Wesker! There's two more of them!"
"What?!" they shout. They turn and see two armed coming from where the four of them were.
Wesker and Chris take down one but before the other one could be taken down, he kills one banker and one civilian.
He is then taken down but the damage is done. 'Damn!' Wesker thinks as they arrest the cult.
Medics come in to treat the wounded and help the others. Brad comes down from the roof to join them.
When the other officers arrive and the bodies taken, so that family can notified. The cult is taken to jail.
Later when the families come to collect the bodies of the banker and civilian, the bankers family knew that something like this could happen, but of course, hoped it never would.
The civilian's family was not as understanding. They were angry that STARS didn't protect their relative and we're contemplating suing them.
However around this time, some new information came from the bank. When the bank called about the hostage situation, they neglected to mention that the cameras, in the back of the bank, were down.
When Wesker asked the bank, if they were certain of the head count of the cult, they assured him that there was only ten of them.
When this evidence was presented to the grieving family, they calmed down and talked amongst themselves. Eventually, they turned back and said, while the bank was at fault for not giving out the information about the cameras, what doesn't change is that STARS didn't do their own head count to make sure.
That was something that the STARS, even Wesker, could acknowledge.
They said, they won't sue STARS, if those involved are punished appropriately. The council and Irons agree to suspend Alpha team as well as give control of STARS to Enrico for the next two weeks. The civilian's family was satisfied and dropped the idea of suing STARS.
Giving control of STARS to Enrico, was a blow to Wesker's pride, but he accepts it. After all, it was just two weeks and Umbrella obviously knows what happened, so they will be careful.
'Now, Alpha team is stuck doing paperwork for the next two weeks.' Wesker was sure he would be bored.
He then sees Christine, who heads in the direction of the east side of the station. She had a disappointed look on her face and he decides to follow her.
Chris gets to the roof, before going down the stairs to the backyard of the building, not noticing Wesker was following her. She finds a bench near the stairs and sits down with a sigh.
"What's wrong?" Wesker makes his appearance going down the stairs and taking a seat beside her.
Chris is silent.
Wesker could not believe that Christine was being quiet. She must be really bothered with what happened today.
"Is it about what happened at the bank?" he asks.
".. Yes." Chris answers quietly.
"What's troubling you about it?" Wesker gently asks.
".. Those people.. I think we could've done more." Chris said.
"You mean the banker and civilian?" he asks for clarity and Chris nods.
"Christine, the downside in this line of work, it that you can't save everyone. It's the same thing I learned, back when I was in the army." Wesker tells her.
"But this time, it was due to negligence, that they died. I should've had us do a little more recon, before we got started." Wesker said.
"But it was-" Chris tries to protest that it wasn't his fault, but Wesker holds up his hand.
"It was, as captain, I should've had us do our own head count to be sure, rather than take the word of those who neglected to tell us everything." Wesker admits.
'And that is a mistake I will not make again. I've seen it before, people lie and/or hide things. I let my guard down a bit, because I'm not in the army anymore or Umbrella in this.' Wesker was one to learn from mistakes.
".. But none of us thought about it either." Chris points out.
"True, but you all trusted me that ten was the count. That's most likely why none of you asked or thought about. This time, the bad action was on me and that's why I gave up the leader position to Enrico." Wesker said, he could not hide his distaste about that.
"Still, Enrico's better than I- chief Irons." Chris said, trying to ease his distaste.
"You have a good point." Wesker said. He could agree, Enrico was preferable over Irons.
Irons was the iron fist of RPD and made sure everyone knew that. STARS was the only unit, not under his direct control, he feels threated by that and had tried negotiating control of it to him, but was told no. They give him extra money, not to bother them about it, but Wesker knew, because Irons considers the station his domain, he would bring it up again.
Irons was only given the position he's got, because of Umbrella. But anyone, who had the sense to look into his past, would know he should never have gotten it.
He throws his weight around, just because of that position, to those beneath him in rank.
"Back to the bank," Wesker says, forgetting about Irons, "It is said and done. There is nothing more we can do about it. You need to accept what has happened, learn from it, and move on."
".. I understand, Wesker." Chris said, standing up. Wesker stands up as well.
Chris then hugs him, surprising him, "Thank you." she said. Wesker made her feel better, but he does not hug back.
"Anyway," Chris said, letting him go just as quickly, "Would you like to join us at Kenneth's house for Thanksgiving?"
"I'm afraid, I have made other arrangements. I'll be visiting someone that day." Wesker said. He did tell Sherry that he would be there at her house and doesn't want to disappoint her.
"I see." Chris said, disappointed.
"Why are you disappointed?" Wesker asks.
"Claire, my sister, is going to be here. She wants to meet all of you." Chris said, meaning the STARS.
"I can't cancel this. I'm sorry, but I'll meet her at Christmas." Wesker said. He heard Chris talk about Claire enough, to know that she'll be there. He did not want Sherry, disappointed any more that she already was.
Chris smiles, "Sounds like a deal. I'll head back to the office now." she said, heading back up the stairs.
Wesker thinks about the hug she gave him, 'Enough. I talked to her, to keep her focused. STARS Alpha team will be back and we'll be better for the mission. That is all.'
Wesker then follows Chris back to STARS office.
November 27th 1996 Thanksgiving Day 3:46pm
'The work day is almost done.' Wesker looks at the clock in his office. They were allowed to be off early, as long as nothing came up.
Wesker turns his attention to the bag of candy, that he found this morning. Like on Halloween, it was homemade and it tasted like maple. 'I should find out who is doing this, but it's not too important.' he thinks, taking another piece.
'Tomorrow, Alpha team will be back.' Wesker looks at his calendar. Alpha teams two week punishment will be over after today and he'll be back as its leader again.
'And this time, there won't be any mistakes, on my end.' Enrico wasn't a bad leader, but Wesker liked to be in control. Umbrella also would like Wesker in charge over Enrico again, for obvious reasons.
'But first, I'm heading to Will's house.' Wesker was going to pick something up before going to see Sherry.
In the office of STARS, Chris was looking at the clock, 'It's almost four, then I'll go home and get ready with Claire. Then take her to Kenneth's house.'
"Chris." Enrico says, with a warning. Chris quickly gets back to work, for he's right, now is not the time to be distracted.
After a few minutes, it was four o'clock. "All right, everyone." Enrico says, "We're done for the day. See you at Kenneth's house."
Everyone gather their stuff so they can leave. Wesker takes his car and gets some dinner from the deli.
He then goes to Will's house and knocks on the door. Sherry opens the window that was nearby and smiles at seeing him.
She goes over to the door to inlock it and open the door. "Happy Thanksgiving uncle Albert!" Sherry said, as he comes in.
"Happy Thanksgiving Sherry." Wesker said as she shuts the door.
He takes the food to the dining room, Sherry follows him. He places the bag of food on the table, before going to the kitchen and grabbing dishes.
He reenters the dining room, to see Sherry sitting at the table. He places the dishes on the table and opens the bag, taking out the food.
"I apologize that this isn't a traditional meal, Sherry." Wesker said, plating the food.
"It's fine. I'm glad your here." Sherry said.
"Isn't Annette coming?" Wesker asks. Annette told him that she'll be coming home from work early today.
Sherry becomes sad, ".. Mommy said, that something came up and that she has to stay." she said, quietly.
'Honestly Annette.' Wesker was also disappointed in Annette's actions.
He serves them and they eat the hot food. "How is STARS?" Sherry asks, as they eat.
"Going well. I'll be back out in the field tomorrow." Wesker said.
Once they were done, they take the dishes and clean them. Sherry insisted before Wesker left to watch some Thanksgiving specials.
Wesker disliked the sappy kiddie shows, but Sherry clearly wants him to stay. He shallows his irritation and takes a seat by her as the first show comes on.
Back where Chris is, as soon as she got in her car, she gets back to her apartment. Claire greets her and helps her get ready for dinner.
Chris is wearing jeans with a plain brown shirt and brown jacket and Claire is wearing jeans with a white top and red jacket.
"Everyone will know we're sisters." Claire says as they leave the apartment.
Chris laughs, "It's true, though." she said.
They get in Chris' car and drive off for Kenneth's house. Claire had come about three days ago and was excited at meeting her sister's comrades.
Chris told her, she would meet most of them at Kenneth's house for Thanksgiving. Her captain however, would have to wait until Christmas.
When Claire asked why, Chris told her, Wesker didn't like socializing or parties, but had made arrangements to meet someone that day.
She then asked if she could meet him at the office, but Chris said no, for two reasons.
One, it would spoil the first meeting with her teammates. The second, Wesker said that only people who have business with STARS, are allowed in the office.
Claire had been disappointed that she couldn't meet the entire team, but Chris did tell her, she would meet her captain at Christmas.
They arrive at Kenneth's, leave the car, and go to the door. Claire rings the doorbell and Richard opens the door. "Come on, in. Mrs. Sullivan said that dinner will be ready soon."
They head in and smell good food. "It smells great!" Chris said as they meet up with everyone.
"Wait till you taste it!" a woman's voice shouts from the kitchen, most likely Kenneth's wife.
"Jaylin's cooking is the greatest!" Kenneth said as he comes out of the kitchen.
"I dunno, I think Chris' cooking is the greatest." Claire said.
"Don't you start any cooking contests!" Mrs. Sullivan says, still in the kitchen, "We're all here to enjoy ourselves!"
"She's right, no comparisons. You must be Claire Redfield." Kenneth said.
"Yes. I'm Chris' younger sister." Claire said to the others. All of the STARS were here, expect Wesker.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Forest Speyer." Forest said.
All the STARS introduced themselves, expect Barry and his family. Claire knows them from Chris' air force days.
"How is college going?" Kathy asks, after Jaylin introduces herself to her.
"Going very well. I'm not yet sure about what I want to do, but I am leaning towards artistry." Claire said.
"Sounds like a fun subject, if you need a model-" Forest couldn't finish his sentence because Chris stepped on his foot.
"Ow!" he said and Chris tells him, "I said no flirting."
Claire pretends she didn't hear Forest's offer, "I'm studying ancient painting right now.." she talks to those who were listening.
Chris heads over to the kitchen to see is Jaylin needed help. She said, most of it's done, just the turkey needs a few more minutes and they she can help serve.
As Chris takes some dishes to the table, she thinks about why she stepped on Forest's foot. 'Claire had broken up with her boyfriend.'
Shortly after Claire arrived at her place, she admitted to Chris she was single again. When she asked what happened, Claire told her, that she had enough of his irresponsible behaviors.
Her boyfriend had been two years older than her and in the same college, but was really irresponsible. Forgetting his schoolwork and partying a lot were among the top two.
Chris had not been impressed when Claire introduced him to her and was even less so, when found out about him being irresponsible.
However, Claire believed she could help him be better.
Chris knew better, she could see a mile away that he wouldn't change that easily. She had dated a few men before, so she knew.
Thankfully, Claire realized this after only five months of dating him. She met him shortly after starting college, before Chris left the air force.
After being told that she had broken up with her boyfriend, Claire told her not to worry. She wasn't going to let one bad relationship, get to her.
While Chris was glad to hear that, she reminds her that she is only eighteen and that she was able to get into college a little early, due to her grades and her being responsible. She encouraged her to stay focused on her studies on for now.
Claire agreed, but did ask if anyone has caught her eye, since she's been in Raccoon City for seven months. She told her no, but she could feel Claire's eyes on her after that question.
"The turkey is ready! Everyone to the table!" Jaylin said, breaking Chris from her thoughts.
They all get seated, as Jaylin places the platter with the turkey down. When she is seated, they all eat.
"Say, Forest you seem like a great guy, what did you do before STARS?" Claire asks.
Small talk is done around the table and the day ended well.
Wesker does not know what to make of a hug.
Don't worry, they weren't seen by anyone.
Sherry needs some cheering.
Feedback is good.