After laughing at Forest's expense for a while, we arrived in front of our helicopter.
Kevin and Edward worked in pairs on the repairs while we secured the perimeter with the rest of the unit. After thirty minutes, the two pilots gave us the bad news: it wasn't a simple breakdown.
One of the parts of the propeller rotor was completely destroyed and it couldn't be repaired without specific equipment.
"We're going to have to go back on foot, take the emergency supplies from the helicopter, that should be enough to make the trip," Enrico said after thinking about the various options.
"Captain, I'd like to stay behind to investigate the Spencer mansion," I said under the shocked gaze of Bravo team.
"You're crazy, it's too dangerous," Richard declared energetically, grabbing my shoulders.
"Gerald, come back with us, it's too dangerous here," Rebecca begged me. The others watched silently, waiting for my reasons.
"We've all seen the monsters that roam this forest. The murders in the suburbs are surely related. The captain, Rebecca, and I saw an Umbrella testing center with many more of these monstrosities," I explained to the rest of the team, who looked over at Rebecca and Enrico, who nodded in agreement.
"The center was run by Marcus, one of the co-founders of Umbrella, and another founder is Oswell E. Spencer. His mansion is not far. I believe this building also houses a testing center and I would like to inspect it to prevent any more creatures from being released into our city," I said with a voice full of conviction.
"I understand what you mean, Gerald, but what can you do alone?" Kevin asked, while the rest of the team's concern was palpable.
Enrico interjected, "Gerald is right. We can't ignore this threat. If Spencer Manor is another testing facility, we need to know about it."
Edward nodded. "I suggest we go with him. Two people have a better chance of succeeding and protecting each other."
I shook my head. "No, Edward. If there are two of us, it would draw more attention and increase the risks. I'm the best at infiltration among us, and I've already taken down quite a few of these critters. Plus, knowing Umbrella, I wouldn't be surprised if they put a self-destruct system like with the other facility to prevent escapes. I could activate it to kill everything inside."
Richard shook his head. "Gerald, this is crazy. Even with your skills, it's suicide. These creatures are unpredictable and their numbers are unknown."
Rebecca approached me, tears in her eyes. "Please, Gerald, don't do this. We need you. You're an essential part of this team. If something happened to you..."
I sigh tiredly, deciding on a lame solution to end the debate.
"Let's take a vote," I finally say, not seeing how else to convince them. "I won't participate in the vote since there are eight of us."
"To the right, for, and to my left, against," I say as Forest and Richard immediately move to my left.
Enrico and Edward go to my right while Kevin and Kenneth split between the two, leaving the final choice to Rebecca.
Her expression is torn between the knowledge of my prowess and the wish that we all go home together. Her eyes dart from one to the other, her hands shaking slightly. The dilemma is visible on her face, each second of silence weighing heavily on the team.
"Rebecca," I say softly, "think about your family. They live in the city too. Let me investigate so the civilians don't get hurt."
Rebecca closes her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. She thinks about her parents, her friends, all the people she loves who could be in danger if we don't do something. She opens her eyes, filled with unshed tears, and walks slowly to my right.
"I trust you, Gerald," she says, her voice shaking slightly. "But promise me you'll come back safe. Promise me."
I squeeze her shoulders gently, my gaze boring into hers. "I promise you, Rebecca. I'll do anything to come back in one piece."
A collective sigh of relief passes through the team. Enrico nods, respecting Rebecca's decision. "Alright, Gerald. Take care of yourself."
Edward adds, "We'll be heading back as soon as possible to call for backup so don't mess around."
Forest and Richard, though reluctant, accept the decision with worried looks. "Be careful, Gerald," Richard says, a hint of respect in his voice.
Kevin and Kenneth, despite their fatigue, show their support with a nod. "Good luck," Kenneth murmurs.
Rebecca wipes away a tear that threatens to fall. "Come back to us quickly, Gerald. We need you."
"I'm counting on you, Gerald. So try to bring back some evidence to catch these bastards," Enrico says, squeezing my arm.
"Understood, Captain," I say before speaking louder. "Guys, to avoid suspicion, when you get back, say that it's a variant of rabies that also affects humans so that you don't look like crazy."
I smile before running in the direction of the mansion, leaving Bravo Team watching my back. Kevin and Kenneth smiled at my cheerfulness as Forest massaged his temples and Richard held the bridge of his nose.
"Quite a character," Enrico said with a slight smile, while Rebecca finally managed a small smile.
She looked around, scanning the team as she took one last look at Gerald. "You're like family to me," she whispered before joining Enrico.
"Let's go, everyone. We have to get back to help him quickly," Edward said as he took the lead, followed quickly by the rest of the team.
The entire Bravo team ran a few kilometers before coming across the road leading to town, unfortunately, no cars in sight.
I ran through the forest, my mind sharp and optimistic. I focused on the goal, but I couldn't help but feel a certain excitement at this new challenge.
I am happy to have saved the lives of my colleagues and now that no one is present to hinder me, I intend to plunder Spencer both in wealth but especially in creatures.
Lost in my thoughts, I hit a tree without realizing it, the trunk shattered under the impact as I focus again on my road, quickly crossing the obstacles to reach the manor.
The warm light of the sun filters between the leaves of the trees as I arrive in front of the imposing manor. Unlike the research center, the manor has a truly noble and elegant appearance, its stone walls adorned with ivy and its Victorian-style windows evoking a grandeur of yesteryear. The architecture is a mixture of Gothic and classical, each detail carefully sculpted to impress and intimidate.
As I approach, I notice the marble columns that flank the main entrance, and the heavy solid wood door, adorned with wrought iron fittings. The air is still, almost peaceful, an odd juxtaposition to the horrors I know lurk within.
My study of the building is interrupted by several zombie dogs emerging from the nearby bushes. Their guttural growls and glassy eyes leave no doubt as to their condition. I react quickly, absorbing them with ease before they can touch me. Each one disappears into my factory, adding to my resources.
I head to the front door, surprised to see that it isn't even locked. The brass handle is cold to the touch, and the door opens with an ominous creak, revealing the interior of the mansion.
The entrance is grand, with polished marble floors and a spiral staircase that climbs to the upper floors. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, their facets reflecting the sunlight streaming in through the stained glass windows. The walls are decorated with antique paintings and richly embroidered tapestries, each piece seeming to tell a story of past glory.
I close the door behind me, the slam echoing through the silent hall. The air inside is slightly musty, but there is an undeniable elegance to the place, a cold beauty that contrasts with the horrors I expect to find.
I head straight for the dining room on the left, a large space adorned with crystal chandeliers and long, solid wood tables. Dark red velvet curtains frame the tall windows, adding a gothic feel to the room. The smell of dust and old wood hangs in the air.
I take a deep breath before summoning Marcus. Before me appears a serious young man with long hair, dressed in a scientist's outfit.
Marcus has an almost elegant appearance, with his silky black hair cascading down to his shoulders. His face is angular, marked by an expression of cold, calculating determination. His piercing blue eyes are filled with intelligence and contempt, testifying to his long quest for vengeance.
He wears a spotless lab coat, fitted perfectly to his slender figure. Under the coat, a crisp white shirt and a black tie complete his professional look. His hands, thin but powerful, are protected by latex gloves, adding a touch of coldness to his appearance. Around his neck hangs a silver chain, simple but distinguished.
"Marcus, I plan to make you my research partner" I say, finally taking the time to sit comfortably. "You know that I can subjugate the biological weapons that you and Umbrella had created to make them my subordinates?" I asked to confirm my assumptions.
"Yes, master. I know your power and I am ready to serve you" he said in a slightly juvenile voice.
"Good" I said, summoning a Plant Zombie and a G Zombie to my side. "These are my creations," pointing at the zombies. The first is the stable form you sought to achieve in your work and that Birkin refined, but even his is unstable. I named it Zombie G because it stems from this virus."
"Prodigious, so this creature has all of his mental faculties in addition to remarkable physical abilities?" the doctor asked, observing the summons.
"Exactly. Zombie G has the knowledge of a research assistant so I will donate it to you along with several of them when we have a proper lab" I said as I put Zombie G away.
"The second one is a fusion between a zombie infected with the T virus and a plant creature present in the research center."
"Hmm, so plant 40 is not a total failure after all" said Doctor Marcus as he observed the plant zombie with more interest than for Zombie G. After all, he has never seen the fusion between parasitic organisms and their host since he was left behind after his assassination by Umbrella.
"This plant also fused with the G virus but it is useless without a host" I said to the doctor examining the vines coming out of Zombie Plant's body.
"I will send you back to the factory because you are unique and I do not want to make a weapon of you so when I am done here, I will start providing you with equipment so that you can help me create no more biological weapons for me."
"Okay master, I'm waiting for your next arrangements" he said as I called him back with the Zombie Plant leaving me alone in this large room.
I sit there thinking about my plan of action. The Alpha team led by Wesker will probably take 12 hours before coming in the evening considering that the sun rose less than an hour ago. Priority to the big animals in this place: The snake, the shark and the spider.
The plant also deserves my attention but it might be hard to subdue, I should prepare something to set it aflame just in case. The Tyrant is secondary since I already have the proto tyrant and I would prefer to get a finished version like mister X rather but if I can, I will capture it anyway.
The most enigmatic point remains Lisa Trevor but I will advise when I see her.
I summon 2250 leeches that fuse together in batches of 150 before taking on Marcus's youthful appearance. 15 copies now adorn the dining room and I send them to search the mansion to obtain the location of what I am looking for.
(Editor's note: I'm posting my comment here so as not to spoil anything, I want to thank you for your support ^^)