Chapter Text
Carpathian Mountain Range Romania, February 2021
"Fuck, why always in the fucking cold?"
I grumble.
Why always the cold? I bury my chin into my tactical shemagh, trying to eke out the last comforts of warmth in this refrigerated flying tin can.
The last three missions have involved my team being thrust into the most inhospitable, most barren, vaginal crease of this cold mother. You would think command would throw us a bone and send us somewhere sunny, with a beach perhaps, the Bahamas even?! Heck, the stinkin' waters of the Louisiana bayou beats this! But nah! After the fiasco in the Baker mansion we've been chasing shadows, my net full to the brim, catching red herring after red herring.
More clues are needed about this new mysterious bioweapon, command dubbed the 'Molded' - another new threat crapped out of satan's pussy it would seem. I sigh. Why can't people just get along? First a virus: then a mind controlling parasite, and now a killer fucking fungus?!
This never-ending cycle is making me really sick of the microscopic world. I just wanna say come on microbes, stop being little bitches and show yourselves - fight like men you little bastards! But I digress...a little insanity is normal in this field of work.
Maybe, I should save face and just work at that animal shelter back in Edmonton permanently...oh shit...you know that ain't ever going to happen...
I'm doing it again...hoping for the impossible, aware that it's all just a pipe dream. I've been doing this for so long now it's almost all I know. Could I just walk away from all of this, and let some poor schmoe carry the torch? Could I even just let it go? Will humanity cease all this fighting and attain a collective accord?
I mindlessly grip my AMR, (Anti-material Rifle) my body aware of the answer before even my own mind.
Not in my lifetime...
Certainly not in this, my second...
"Captain's cold guys! Quick! Alpha formation, group hug!"
Luke quips. Shaking me out my private gripe.
That little shit!
Introducing Lieutenant Luke Dixon. My second in command, and my resident pain in the ass. The bomb expert in this new look Alpha team, he's similar to Finn but only in the way for his proficiency in explosives. The difference being that this little son of a bitch has an annoying habit of questioning every little thing that I do! For example: If I took a piss, he'll be there questioning me, scrutinising every action, expecting a report on the ease of which I passed urine. Annoyingly studious in nature. This conscientiosness extends to missions, he has to be made aware of each minute detail to almost borderline obsession. But, no matter how exhausting his inquiries or how irksome he can be, I wouldn't want anbody else to cover my ass in battle.
Well, maybe with the exception of one other well...two others - as they come at joint first, but Lukey boy here comes a close second. Anyway....
Young, hungry and eager to please, he reminds me of a younger me. The similarility extending even to our choice of haircut - only mine is slightly better.
"Perhaps you should consider purchasing a scarf intended for the cold and not for the heat of the desert?"
Shayna addresses in a matter of fact tone, nudging her oversized coke bottle glasses further up her nose.
Yet another outstandingly talented soldier placed under my stead. The closest thing I will ever get to an annoying little sister, complete with standard issue giant brown birth control glasses and that persistent habit of putting her foot in it. Private First Class Shayna Williams, who kinda reminds me off Gretchen from Recess. Despite her appearance she is an invaluable asset, quick to help decode the mysteries that transpire when combatting this pestilence. A lateral thinker, a rapid problem solver on the fly. A crack wizz on computers; no door is too complicated for her to unlock. She's the sweetest thing but has a bad habit of unwittingly throwing shade at the most inoppurtune moments.
These two are the last remaining members of my original team. The pain of losing personnel under my watch cuts deep, so I try to minimize the group size. Currently, I lead a group of 5...I prefer it that way. Less people to mourn.
Probably the only reason why I don't tear these two a new asshole, for insubordination. We're a family nobody gets left behind; I remind myself, reciting what a great man once told me. And, I treat them as such. But, I'm still the Captain, and these young punks have to be prompted a reminder from time to time that I rule the roost around here. These Gen fucking Z kids, I swear...
"What is our motto Alpha team? Men, remind Private First Class Williams, to what words we live by! Don't make me repeat myself, your Captain asked you all a question!"
I command. And hot damn, am I ever good at this!
"We live, we build, we leave a beautiful corpse, Sir!"
They address.
"That's right, soldiers. Or is that not clear enough for you, private!? Your Captain is asking you a question!"
I query. Shayna casts her gaze onto the floor, clearly embarrassed but she salutes in acknowledgment. Yes it was a little harsh, but no one and I repeat no one messes with the scarf!
Ego inflated, swagger vindicated. I let the group settle in to talk amongst themselves, while I go request an audience with Luke to go over the mission debrief. An obedient soldier once again he heeds my call.
"Lieutenant, requesting a debrief, mission objectives?"
"Sir, mission objectives are as follows: eliminate hostiles and recover samples to be procured for testing at Umbrella HQ. Secure a one Rose Winters and a Ethan Winters for further investigation and questioning, Sir!"
Luke briefs. He's such a model soldier. I'm proud of the man; he's becoming honestly, the perfect candidate to take over from me once I hand in my gun. A few creases in his personality need ironing out but hopefully with the coming of age, I really can't see anyone else more befitting.
I nod at him, and he takes that as his cue to scamper away.
While the team hunker down for some turbulence, I ruminate the mission presented to me. That name of Winters keeps popping up these past few years. I study the pictures Luke presented. What is Ethan's connection in all this? He doesn't strike me as anybody remarkable... What is his deal? And what in the bluest of the Blue Umbrella hell do they want with a baby? This doesn't make a lick of sense to me, but what I do know, this goes far beyond a child welfare visit...
It looks like my bitching earlier worked, I may see action after all. But honestly, I'm tired of it all. This fight never seems to end. By some strange twist, I now work for Blue Umbrella!
That right there in itself is a long ass story and totally from left field, so I'll do what I can to explain the current setup. I confuse myself half the time, trying to gain a comprehension of the twist and turns in my life, but one thing I do understand is that, I should be dead! But yet I'm not.
***********************************************
Undisclosed location China 2014
What, in the holy fuck?
I wake up in a complete daze. Mouth feeling like it's been glued shut. Several thoughts a maelstrom in my mind I cannot begin to organise.
Where am I?
The bright lights don't at all help with my thrumming headache. I grit my teeth and force to cast my gaze at my new surroundings, noticing the lack of depth perception - oh shit!
I have one eye! Wait, relax, focus Piers...
Controlling my panic I take stock. Looking around again. I appear to be on a hospital bed, apparently, in an isolation unit from the look of things. I can't tell as there are no windows in here, am I still in that underwater facility?
I stare at the cold white sterile walls - which reminds me of solitary confinement housing a dangerous criminal.
Is that what I am? Dangerous?
I inhale a sharp breath to offset the rising anxiety sweeping through my thoughts, I detect the sharp strong odour of iodine stinging my nose. Man, I hate hospitals! I grumble. I'm proud to say I haven't been to one, since that one time when my Mom overreacted to my swollen face - an adverse reaction to eating a cashew nut of all things! What I wasn't proud about was that I was 20 at the time, I was supposed to be this bad ass soldier. Invincible, Mom disagreed though, I protested all of the 5 minutes but in the end she made me go, as she can still strike the fear of god in me. Moms right? I've got some real explaining to do once I get out of here...
Now how do I get out of here? Hold up! Wait a minute, I'm alive?!
How can that be?
I could have sworn I was blown to simetherins in that underwater facility! The realisation breaks me out my complaining. I should be dead! But yet here I am alive and apparently well. Then I remember...
Turning my attention to the right side of my body.
What in the actual fuck?
My arm? It's grown back!
The pulsating trident like appendage has gone and miraculously, my beautiful very normal human arm has taken it's place. A freakin' miracle! I praise to the heavens. Thank you Jebus!
Additionally, there also appears to be no signs of the chitinous tree bark like growths that plagued my right flank. Which honestly was super gross! And finally, and most importantly, I check my money maker...
Apprehensively, I slowly trace my fingers over my cheek hoping that I make the same discovery. Thank you Mary and Joseph! No lumps, no bumps - only smooth skin and great bone structure can be found here! Thank the lord! I vainly revel.
So the touch test revealed that outwardly, I don't appear to have transformed into a hideous abomination. And if I was so concerned about something so superficial as to worry about my face, then surely I haven't turned into that dangerous monster right? A monster doesn't think. A monster doesn't need to worry about being able to attract a future date.
So, this must mean...
A huge wave of relief washes over me, to know that i'm me again! It has to...
One more test! Let me see if I can invoke my new powers of electricity...a new power that I wielded so effectively against that giant Squidward looking motherfucker! For me to fully accept that i'm human I shouldn't be able to shoot lightning outta my ass! It's simple logic right?
Straightening out my new arm...well old arm, I concentrate...
I remember I could I summon those powerful electrical discharges by contracting my right arm. I recall vividly amongst the pain of my body being torn apart from the inside, the energy surges and the concussive blasts brought a semblance of pain relief. But at a price - with each bolt of lightning I shot I could feel the virus steadily tightening its grip on my reasoning. Hell to the no on that! I wasn't going to let that happen, I would sooner rather die than lose control than to become a rampaging B.O.W. monsters that I swore to destroy. I didn't miss the irony on that bullshit, annoyingly that sorta shit will loom over my life, remaining, probably until I die.
Hell, I thought I did die. Down there, at the bottom of the ocean...but enough of that.
I curl my fingers to resemble a bear a claw, concentrate and contract my arm muscles expecting atleast a small spark. But nope, not a current. I try again! Concentrating, straining for a tingle. A resounding hell no again!
Right ok, this is it! I will invoke all my knowledge gained from watching anime in the 90's and name my attacks! That should work! I channel my inner weeb...
Hold onto your hats. Here I go!
"Lightning Attack!"
I yell. Nope! Ok, how about...
"Thunder Flash!"
I strain! Yielding another nope. This is it, I take in a deep breath and concentrate, this will do it...
"Shazam?!"
I meekly announce adding jazz hands in a pathetic attempt to shake out a little static.
I lay back on the hospital bed giving up on trying to conjure those powers. I didn't possess them for very long yet I still saw some use from shooting electricity outta my fingertips. It would have been handy in a fight! But there's no use crying over spilt milk. This is good news! I'm a human again! A deliciously fragile bag of meat and organs and, I couldn't be happier!
I press my sides to verify I haven't grown a weird gland there...whew, normal on the inside too it would seem. I indulge in my own crapulence a little longer. Absorbing the fact that i'm alive. Making me appreciate that whole survival instincts, it would seem that it was much more powerful than the will I had to die. Again, enough of that philosophical I think therefore I am bullshit, I need to see some need hard evidence, I need a god damn mirror!
There has to be a bathroom in this padded funhouse...
Now, to scrape my carcass off this bed. Which annoyingly, is proving far more difficult than I thought. I'm practically glued to the thing...
With a grimace I manage to haul my legs over the side and, man, do they feel like deadweights! I shuffle my body and place a bare foot on the floor - and wooo it's cold! Concentrate...come on body don't let me down! Rocking side to side. And...success i'm off the bed. But oh no...
Oh shit!!! Ooooof...
...Fuck my life! Ouch!
Now I know what it feels like to be slammed back first on concrete. After that mighty splat, i've instantly gained a greater respect for those wrestlers taking bumps on concrete. That shit really hurts! Certainly not the graceful dismount I was hoping for.
And it also looks I have no balance. I really should pick myself up but I don't. I lay there for a few more seconds regretting all the decisions I've made in life. My first regret, trying to get out of that damn bed! What sicko made them that high?! I grumble a tad longer, more so for my bruised ego. Come on Piers suck it up!
With some aid from said bed I manage to stop my impression of a suffocating fish flopping helplessly out of water. Propping myself up, I manage to haul a very heavy ass. Proving far more strenuous than standing has any right to be. Work with me spine I groan. With great effort I manage to straighten to a chorus of back cracks. Ah...that feels good!
Look mommy i'm standing! Albeit on very shaky legs. Where's a man sized baby walker when you need one?!
Trials and tribulations Piers get over it!
Digging my heels I manage to stop the shakes. Okay, somewhat stable I press on, commencing mission objective to find a freakin' bathroom!
Pressing my body chest first against the padded walls for support, I siddle along the perimeter of the cell. Reaching, feeling my way across the uniformity of the white upholstery that line these walls, slowly working my way to the wall opposite the bed, finally I feel a little give on a panel. I push it. And, bingo! The panel softly opens to reveal, just what I was looking for - a very small but very nice and very clean and very much in keeping with the asylum theme - a very white bathroom!
Bless my captors, they have spared no expense and have gone as far as to pad the porcelain for my safety - those sweethearts. Remind me to put them on my Christmas card list this year.
Ok, enough distractions. Scanning the small space I see the reflection of light from a mirror above the sink - perfect. Not wanting to ruin the surprise I close my good eye and head towards the sink basin. Holding onto the sink tight I slowly open my good eye...
My breath hitches at my reflection.
Holy crap! What sort of voodoo is this?
The plastic surgeons at this place are serious miracle workers. This is amazing work! Against all odds i'm still pretty!
Shit, and there's me worrying about living a life with a sack over my head à la elephant man style. Rest in peace Joseph Merrick. But this...man, i'm elated!
I continue to admire tracing my fingers over every inch of skin. Upon closer inspection there are a few blemishes; like this scar that cuts through my right eyebrow - and honestly, I kinda like it! Then there's the milky hue my right eyeball has adopted - which again I like. In the grander scheme of things all very minor. Reborn and with an edgier new look - I feel fucking awesome!
So what does a man who previously thought he was dead - do? That's right! I vibe out! Right in front of the mirror!
There's nobody around so start I flexing my new arm and pose like I was in those men's magazines. I act out my best Johnny Bravo impression - whoa momma! Tracing that jawline - man i'm pretty! Call me vain, conceited, narcissistic, whatever - I don't give a fuck. I'm alive damn it! And I intend to indulge in being in my own skin again.
I smile at my reflection admiring myself a little bit more, in utter disbelief that this is all real. I can't stop touching my face, like it's there and human looking - it's all so surreal! I can't get over it so for now i'm just going to go ahead and flex some more...this may take a while...
"Good! Sleeping beauty has risen from his slumber. Sorry to disturb you, shall I leave you and the mirror alone?"
A familiar voice snarks from behind me.
What the actual fuck?! I know that voice...
I'm startled out of my vibing and snap my head to the source...
"Ada!"
I growl, her mere presence is like farting in an elevator, totally uncalled for and a complete buzzkill.
I turn to face her fists clenched ready to retaliate should she try anything funny. My brain then quickly registers that Ada Wong was shot on that warship, so therefore, she should be dead as a dodo - It can't be her. So who is this woman? She sure looks like the Ada that got capped.
"That's right handsome the one and only."
She smirks in that annoyingly smug manner totally unfazed by my bristling. She adds,
"Excellent, i'm charmed you still remember little ol' me. Memory unaffected - check."
Scanning me up and down while she scribbles something down on her notepad - god this woman (Ada?) is so egotistical.
I clap back,
"Oh I don't remember you, but I do know the bride of Satan Ada Wong! The Ada I knew got her black heart shot out by a happy helper doing the world a favour by snuffing out the bitch! I'll tell you where she is though, she's most likely in hell sucking off the devil's dick! So, if Ada is dead, then, who the hell are you?"
I spit out, not even attempting to temper my vitriol.
I saw Ada Wong plummet to her death with my very own eyes. This woman looks and sounds like her but how can that be?
She smirks in that infuriating manner and replies evenly,
"Sweetheart, you are mistaken. That cheap knock off you saw fall to her demise was named Carla Radames. Good riddance I say as she wasn't a patch on the real thing, often imitated but never duplicated, what you have right infront of you handsome is the real Ada Wong."
I blink at her blankly. Who in the blue hell is Carla Radames? How can there be two Adas running around? Is this one a twin? A clone maybe? What evil corporation are manufacturing clones these days?
Smirking, completely aware of my confusion, she snarks again,
"Try and not think too hard handsome, it'll give you wrinkles."
"Listen, I don't know who the hell you are but you're getting on my last nerve. Now tell me, where the hell am I?"
I demand, simmering in raw anger.
"Like I said sweetie I am Ada Wong, I can show you all the necessary documentation to confirm my identity if needs be. But for now, I ask for your patience my dear, you will eventually receive the answers you seek. But just to make you aware, that name or her story will never be uttered again from these lips. So relax and be a good boy and I will tell you everything you need to know."
She says evenly, but I hear animosity in her voice when referring to Radames. There is certainly more to this than meets the eye and I want to find out more...
Annoyingly, after she dangled that carrot I do comply like the good boy she requested. Exhaling to offset this anger, I nod to her to continue.
"Our current employer has invested very heavily in you Piers Nivans. Before you jump to conclusions we are not a threat, quite the contrary. We've watched over you while you slept like a baby for the last 8 months. If we wanted to terminate you we would have done so already; while you were snug and cosy in your cot."
She explains pacing around me, her high heels clacking loudly with every step. She further adds in her infuriating tone,
"So put your mind at ease sweetie, we are not in the underwater facility anymore Dorothy. It didn't end; and no, this is not a dream, this is all very real, you are alive and well, right here in China in the presence of yours truly."
"Oh lucky me."
I reply sarcastically, she smiles in amusement unruffled, I press on,
"So let me get this straight, we're not in the facility and you claim to be the real Ada - ok, i'll take that. But, who managed to fish me out of the depths of the Pacific and how did I manage to survive the explosion?"
"Using your words, it was me who managed to fish you out of those waters."
She replies with a semblence of pride.
I deflate a little as I realise it wasn't him that went back for me, but I cast that disappointment aside to hide from Ada a glimpse of that deep hurt.
She continues more animated now, seeming almost genuine,
"You're extraordinary Piers, your case is truly unique! When we found you, you not only managed to survived the explosion but the C-Virus in your system worked in your behest and managed to enclose you in a cocoon. Effectively the virus preserved all of who you are, in a state of stasis or hibernation if you will. With time and plenty of anti virus made from the blood of your compatriot: Jake Muller, you finally woke. It would appear the serum has worked its magic. So between you and me, how are you feeling? Are you still able to freely wield the power of electricity?"
"Fucking Muller."
I mutter, compelled to in my unique way of thanking that reprobate. I continue standing there statue still, so much information thrown at me that I cannot begin to comprehend. The weight of the knowledge that I was saved by a supposed enemy and not the man I gave my all bears heavy. I collect myself from this inner hurt and respond flatly,
"Not a volt, my battery appears to have run flat. It's not like you don't already know that, I bet this room is crawling with surveillance devices."
"Actually sweetie we have only one installed, pointed at the direction of your bed. The only one, I promise. We value privacy here."
She smiles sweetly - which only makes me distrust her more.
"You keep saying we. Who is this we? You referred to an employer earlier. I'm not stupid Ada, am I your prisoner now? A test subject? What's it going to be? Because let me tell you something right now, every fibre in my being is going to resist every bullshit you have in store for me. I will not submit to you or your employers, that's a fucking promise! So go ahead, do your worst!"
I growl.
"Thank you for acknowledging me as Ada sweetie, now, this is progress...we're finally connecting."
Ada replies amiably.
"Cut the bull, since i'm going to subjected to it, you may aswell come clean with whatever evil plans you and your employers have in store for me!"
"So pessimistic. We wouldn't do that you. You're a valuable asset Piers. As a valued asset we would like to offer you employment. And let me tell you, the current employers are far more generous than that ragtag group you call the BSAA."
"Who the fuck are they?"
I snap.
Ada cocks an eyebrow and divulges,
"Blue Umbrella."
My good eye blows wide open. Umbrella? It was those evil bastards who started all this mess in the first place! How can I possibly work for such malevolence - Umbrella make Disney look like boy scouts - and we all know how evil they are. No way in hell am I going to work for those devils! Ada and Umbrella can shove their offer right up their collective nefarious asses!
Before I can orate my response Ada beats me to the punch and further expounds,
"Although hard to believe, this current iteration of Umbrella have worked tirelessly to right the wrongs of its predecessors. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the goodwill they have established amongst the populous. It is by no means full atonement for their past sins but it is certainly a start. Think about it handsome. We are in no way pressuring you to reach a decision. Take all the time you need."
"And i'm just supposed to believe that? Tell me Ada, are you an Umbrella shareholder now? How do you benefit? What's your angle? Because what i've heard about you, is that you only work for your own selfish interests. I guess lacking any semblance of morals is all part and parcel of an Umbrella employee - you're made for each other really, the perfect marriage made in hell."
I say, balking at her falsehoods.
"Your words wound me Piers. How can someone with a face so sweet spout so much bitterness?! You certainly are full of surprises, you're totally not the boy scout I had pegged you for. But you're right! I do have an angle, perhaps you could join us and keep an eye out for me, should I do anything untoward that is?! I could do with a good man watching my back."
Ada retorts and there's so much flirtatious energy in her words that i'm actually rendered uncomfortable.
"Barking up the wrong tree there sweetheart."
I dryly comment.
Her perfectly sculpted brows almost hit her hairline in surprise at the remark. Conversely, i'm rocked to core to learn that Ada can actually exhibit attributes other than being smug.
Smiling in response she shrugs her shoulders,
"Can't blame a girl for trying."
Tucking her hair behind her right ear and adds,
"With skills like yours we would be foolish not to ask. I'm not asking you to trust me, but I assure you, working alongside me isn't the worst thing in the world. You can learn alot from how I operate. You have so much potential and with my help we can hopefully unlock that untapped potential."
Ada supplicates.
I study her for a good few moments, and hot dang, there was actual sincerity in her assertion. Could it be that there is an actual human underneath that overwhelming cloud of smug?!
You know, I could work with them, thus allowing me to keep an eye on her and on Umbrella I reason. But am I falling straight into a big fat trap? I really don't know...
But then, I could keep an eye on them and knowing your enemy is an advantage - right? Oh screw it, it's not like I have anything to lose, let's see what Umbrella has to offer before I change my mind. They did kinda save my life so I owe them that I guess. Which was more than I can say for the BSAA, and the greatest let down of all, was getting abandoned by him...
Fuck it, time for a new chapter and unbelievably as an Umbrella operative...ah, fuck my life sideways!
Relaying my decision to Ada I table down a few terms for employment I want to negotiate,
"Before I join the darkside, I will need a few guarantees. You like making deals so hear me out."
She nods her head and tucks her hair behind her right ear.
"Firstly, and most importantly, no innocent people shall be harmed on any mission with my involvement. Secondly: and this is very important Ada, I want job security, I require decent pay with unlimited access to company cars and should I be required to travel - all expenses shall be paid for by the company credit card. Thirdly: and if we are going to be working together, I want total transparency from you Ada. As we all know you ain't reknowned for your honesty, so to stop you from getting any ideas, I propose we have a gentleman's agreement...ur, or a lady's agreement - that you will not be pulling off some sketchy shit like putting a bullet in my head when my back is turned."
Ada scoffs in amusement,
"Now why would I want to do that?!"
She's so cat like in her mannerisms I conjure an image of a panther playing with its prey and me being the hapless victim.
I cut her off bluntly,
"So do we have deal?"
She tucks her hair behind her right ear again and smiles to say in that subtly flirtatious manner,
"Consider it done. You have yourself a deal, I will inform my employers of the good news. Welcome onboard."
Ada offers a hand to shake, I watch her, my senses hypervigilant around this woman. I do not trust her and most likely never will. But the oppurtunity to learn from her undeniable skills proves too much of an incentive. I've learned from the best on the right side of the track let's see what I can learn from those on the wrong side. I sigh and tentatively reach out to shake her hand.
So that's it! I'm officially an Umbrella employee. But at what cost? I think i've just committed the unthinkable...
"I'm going to enjoy working with you Piers Nivans."
I think I just sold my soul to the devil. She was wearing a lab coat over a red cocktail dress and most ominously of all, this she-devil was also wearing Prada...
Shit!!!!!