After carefully inspecting the building, Chris and I came across a room that appeared to belong to Alexia. It exuded a strange balance between cold luxury and scientific obsession. Scattered across a well-maintained mahogany desk were notes that immediately caught my attention. As I skimmed through them, I quickly realized they detailed complex experiments, particularly involving the prisoners.
Among the notes, one section stood out, focusing on the last three test subjects, including Steve Burnside. It explained that their rare blood characteristics made them potentially compatible with an enhanced version of the Veronica virus.
I reread several passages in silence before murmuring, almost to myself, "Alexia wanted to use her last three test subjects to come as close as possible to a version capable of curing her brother."
Chris, leaning casually against the doorframe, cast a skeptical glance at the documents. "She realizes she picked the worst possible method, right?"
I nodded, setting the notes down with a sigh. "Yes, but I suppose in her twisted mind, it made sense."
Chris shook his head, his expression a mixture of anger and sadness. "This obsession with perfection... She must have sacrificed so many lives for it."
After a final look around the room, we decided to head back to the factory to check on how our new wards were adjusting. Upon arriving, we were greeted by a poignant scene. Alexia and Alfred were on the floor, tightly embracing one another. Silent tears streamed down their faces, interspersed with barely audible murmurs between them. The moment, laden with emotion, was a stark contrast to everything we knew about their dark past.
I stood frozen for a moment, taken aback by the vulnerability they displayed. Beside me, Chris averted his gaze, perhaps instinctively giving them a sliver of privacy, even unintentionally.
Regaining my composure, I raised my voice to call the scientists. "Marcus, Wesker, and the Jordans, come here."
My abrupt summons disrupted the fragile moment. Alexia and Alfred slowly sat up, their startled eyes locking onto mine. They looked surprised, perhaps even a little embarrassed, at having been caught in such a raw and emotional state.
The five scientists emerged quickly from a nearby lab. They glanced briefly at the Ashfords, still on the floor, before turning their attention to me.
Pinching the bridge of my nose in exasperation, I addressed them sharply. "So, I send two people here—into this ultra-secure sanctuary—and you leave them alone to deal with their existential crisis while you, literally five of you, are sitting around doing nothing?"
Marcus, always calm and composed, cleared his throat before responding. "To be fair, Gérald, they asked to be left alone to reconnect."
I sighed at his answer but handed him Alexia's research documents.
Wesker, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow. "And we thought it was a more... therapeutic approach, shall we say."
An awkward silence filled the room, broken only by Alexia's hesitant murmur. "Thank you... for giving me this chance with Alfred."
Her tone was sincere, almost fragile, and I saw Alfred silently nodding beside her. That softened my frustration slightly. I let out a deep sigh, lowering my hand.
"Alright. You two, take this time to recover. But remember, this second chance is because of me. So show me I made the right call."
Alexia nodded, gently squeezing her brother's hand. Alfred, though still weak, murmured a barely audible "Thank you."
Chris, standing beside me, patted my shoulder, his expression lightening. "Hey, Gérald, you should write a manual on redemption. You're becoming a legend in the field."
"Let's take it slow." I gestured toward the two Ashfords standing before me. "Alexia and Alfred Ashford."
Then, turning toward my own team of scientists, I introduced them one by one. "James Marcus, Albert Wesker Junior, and the Jordan triplets."
The Jordans, true to their mischievous style, simultaneously bowed in an exaggerated theatrical manner. "A pleasure to meet you, oh masters of twisted experiments!"
Alexia raised an eyebrow, unsure how to respond to their exuberance. Alfred, however, seemed more uneasy. "I suppose... we're glad to be here?" he ventured hesitantly.
I suppressed a smile and turned toward Alfred. "By the way, Alfred, I know Alexia specializes in biology and scientific research. But what about you? Do you have a specialty?"
Alfred lowered his eyes slightly, clearly embarrassed. "Unfortunately, I don't have my sister's research skills. But I'm quite good with a sniper rifle, and I also have qualifications in investment and real estate."
I nodded, appreciating the variety of his skills. "Interesting. That might come in handy."
Wesker then raised a folder he was holding, drawing my attention. "Gérald, if I may make a suggestion."
I turned to him, intrigued. "I'm listening."
He glanced briefly at Alexia before continuing. "I'd like Alexia to be integrated into our research group. She could benefit from our methodology and learn to progress without unnecessarily sacrificing human lives. I know how much you value that ethic."
Alexia blushed slightly, visibly embarrassed but aware of her previous methods. Before I could respond, the Jordans began whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"Oh no, Alexia with us?" one said, feigning theatrical terror.
"She's definitely going to turn us into test subjects!" added the second.
"Should we start sleeping with one eye open, you think?" the third concluded, prompting Marcus to roll his eyes and Wesker to smirk.
I sighed, turning to them. "You three, stop clowning around. You're lucky I actually like you."
Then, turning back to Alexia, I nodded toward Wesker. "Very well. You'll work together and make progress as a team. If I find others who are qualified, they'll join your group."
I fixed Alexia with a serious look. "And one ground rule, which everyone here already knows: experiments in the factory are only authorized because this place can contain the monsters. Outside, you wait for my presence for any tests involving animals or humans. Understood?"
Alexia nodded, her expression softened. "I'll follow the rules. No objections from me."
She turned to her brother, seeking reassurance, before looking back at me with a hint of gratitude.
Anticipating her concern, I added, "Don't worry. Once I've wrapped up a few things here, I'll bring you both back to Raccoon City. Alfred and you will be able to work for me there, without being separated."
A genuine smile appeared on both of their faces, almost identical in their shared expression of relief.
Chris, who had been observing the scene with his arms crossed, suddenly chimed in, visibly impatient. "Gérald, could you speed things up? Some of us have people to get back to, you know."
The Jordans straightened up instantly, their faces lighting up with mischief. "Ooooh, Chris has a date!" one of them teased.
"Who's the lucky lady? A scientist? Maybe a guard?" another added with a wink.
Chris blushed slightly but quickly shot back. "You three better mind your own business, triplets."
When Chris said that, a twisted idea briefly flashed through my mind: the Jordan triplets with the three Dimitrescu daughters. I quickly shook my head to clear the thought.
"Chris, stop bickering with the kids and come on," I said with a grin, while the Jordans protested indignantly. I walked off quickly, leaving them behind.
The hours flew by as we returned to the research center, where Tintin, Sophie, and the rest of the team were waiting for us. Tintin, ever reliable, had ensured everything stayed under control in our absence, while Sophie diligently oversaw the preparations for evacuation.
Not long after, the sky filled with the rumble of rotors. Joseph made a dramatic entrance, bringing with him a fleet of about fifty helicopters and several ships, each loaded with Pascal clones and an arsenal of logistical equipment. Under my command, we began the systematic cleanup of the island, inspecting every corner to ensure no threats remained.
During the operation, our exploration led us to a unique specimen: a strange electric axolotl. Its skin shimmered with a bluish hue under the artificial light, and faint sparks of electricity danced along its gills. Compared to Zeus and the enhanced eels already in my possession, the creature seemed almost insignificant. But its unique nature piqued my curiosity.
"It may not seem like much for now, but it has potential," I murmured, observing the animal closely before capturing it and sending it to the factory. "You should always study the unpredictable."
Once the island was cleared and the creatures cataloged, we began dismantling its infrastructure. Anything without immediate or scientific value was marked for destruction. However, I made an exception for the Ashford Manor. Its gothic elegance and location overlooking the island made it a perfect centerpiece for a future project.
"Turn this into a tourist attraction," I ordered one of the Pascal clones in charge over the radio. "No research, no monsters. Just a classy place to impress the people I invite."
The clone chuckled audibly in his reply. "An interesting idea, Gérald. A sanctuary for the elite."
Once the cleanup was complete, I personally oversaw the evacuation. The helicopters and ships were loaded carefully. Research data, samples, and any valuable materials were secured. Tintin, with his imposing stature, helped direct operations, his rifle always at the ready.
"Tintin, keep an eye on everyone until they're safe," I instructed, patting his muscular arm. He nodded with his usual seriousness. "You know where to find me if anything goes wrong."
I arranged for Sophie and Chris to be seated together in a helicopter, per my request. While Sophie adjusted her seatbelt with a professional demeanor, Chris, slightly distracted, couldn't help but glance at her.
"You two, I'm counting on you to ensure the flight goes smoothly," I said with a knowing grin. Chris blushed slightly but didn't respond.
I then reviewed the rest of the preparations, ensuring every passenger and all materials were secure. Satisfied, I boarded one of the last helicopters. The sound of the blades spinning furiously drowned out the bustle of the final departures. As we lifted off, I leaned back into my seat, a hint of exhaustion setting in.
"Finally, a moment to relax," I murmured, closing my eyes and letting myself drift off into a well-deserved nap.
(Author's Note: A small, relaxing chapter for the week. Here's a visual reference for the Ashford twins.)