Copyright: Capcom owns the Resident Evil franchise, not me.
Notices: This story contains violence and sexual content. Additionally, this story will contain grammatical or other errors. If you're feverish over the errors, feel free to privately message me about what you find and help me improve.
Summary: The Earth is flourishing, happily. But humans are endangered and on the verge of extinction after the greedy corporation Umbrella knowingly releases a viral plague. Small human civilizations survive including a moving convoy led by the strong Claire Redfield. Her solitary world turns upside down when she meets an infuriating yet mysterious woman named Alice. Claire soon learns about an underground survivor camp through Alice and heads there. However, Claire begins to secretly fear losing K-Mart, who has become her only source of strength over the years.
Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Homepage: http://www.redhope.net
Write a Review: http://www.redhope.net/residentevil/review/oneshotform.html
List: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/redhope/
Started: November 11, 2011
Series: One Shot
Copyright: Capcom owns the Resident Evil franchise, not me.
Notices: This story contains violence and sexual content. Additionally, this story will contain grammatical or other errors. If you're feverish over the errors, feel free to privately message me about what you find and help me improve.
Summary: The Earth is flourishing, happily. But humans are endangered and on the verge of extinction after the greedy corporation Umbrella knowingly releases a viral plague. Small human civilizations survive including a moving convoy led by the strong Claire Redfield. Her solitary world turns upside down when she meets an infuriating yet mysterious woman named Alice. Claire soon learns about an underground survivor camp through Alice and heads there. However, Claire begins to secretly fear losing K-Mart, who has become her only source of strength over the years.
Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Homepage: http://www.redhope.net
Write a Review: http://www.redhope.net/residentevil/review/oneshotform.html
List: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/redhope/
Started: November 11, 2011
Series: One Shot
Trigon
by Red Hope
Chapter 22
Claire Redfield was startled from her sleep after the truck rolled over some kind of bump, possibly an undead. She sat up better and gazed out the front window, between Alice and K-Mart. Scrubbing her face, she softly asked, "Where are we?"
"We're just south of Christiansburg," Alice informed.
K-Mart had dozed off about thirty minutes ago. She lifted her head off the passenger window and adjusted her hat, mimicking Claire.
Claire considered the clock on the radio then noted the afternoon sun. Sunset would be in about two hours, and they needed time to make camp. "Let's get past Roanoke then find a camping spot." At least they'd already past goddamn Rural Retreat. Claire wasn't sure whether Rural Retreat or the Carter Fold was higher on the hate list.
"Aye aye, captain." Alice earned a rewarding glare for her remark.
K-Mart had a faint smile but quickly lost it. She leaned against the door again and stared out the front window. She half expected Claire or Alice to keep talking, but it stayed quiet other than the eighties music. A slight furrow built over her features once she realized that the music earlier had been popular songs. Alice must have changed it, which surprised K-Mart. It wasn't worth commenting on it, and K-Mart instead watched the scenery go by.
After twenty minutes or so, K-Mart peered over her shoulder and was amazed that Claire had fallen back to sleep. It was obvious how sleep deprived the convoy leader had become after the past events.
"She hasn't slept in two nights," Alice softly reminded.
K-Mart tugged on her hat's brim then folded her arms. "And she didn't sleep well the night that she did get some sleep." Slowly her eyes traveled over to Alice's stern features. "You didn't sleep last night."
"I'm fine though." Alice barely felt tired, especially after sleeping for hours from being unconscious thanks to using her powers against the super Tyrant.
K-Mart nodded and lowered her head.
Alice glanced at the teen then posed, "How are you feeling?" She barely caught K-Mart's shrug.
"I'm alive," K-Mart muttered. For whatever it was worth, she silently added.
"Hey," Alice snapped, her features serious. She had K-Mart's full attention now. "Don't let his death stain you." She knew exactly what that could do to a person. "He wouldn't like that."
K-Mart clenched her jaw and didn't respond despite Alice's words jarred her. She pulled the brim down so it covered her face, her legs drawn against her body.
Alice withdraw from any further lecture. K-Mart needed time to morn Mikey's death and being hard on K-Mart so early was pushing it. Alice considered what Claire may do in this situation if it was just Claire and K-Mart. There were too many variables so Alice shook it off. Instead she paid attention to the driving on the old highway that'd take them north.
Eventually Roanoke's horizon appeared in front of the truck and made Alice straighten up. She prepared for any trouble since they were entering a once populated area. She decided putting the window down would let her smell trouble before seeing it. Inadvertently Claire and K-Mart were awoken by the chilly wind in the truck.
"Roanoke," Alice simply explained to them.
Claire removed the blanket from her body and hastily folded it. She shifted to the center of the bench and requested the radio.
Alice snatched the radio off the dash and held it out to Claire.
The convoy leader accepted it and quickly pushed the microphone button. She radioed the managers. "After we get through Roanoke, we're going to find a good camp."
"There's a river just north of Roanoke... the James River," Johnny reported over the channel.
Claire was pleased by Johnny's ability to take over Mikey's role. She clicked the mic. "Any good locations where we can camp?"
"One second," Johnny replied. There was a long pause before he tackled the convoy leader's request. "If we get off on Route 43 North and go like ten miles then we'll hit a good spot on an old farm next to the river."
Claire considered this then gave a low nod. "Alright. Let's do it. Give us the directions, Johnny when we get close to Route 43."
"Aye aye," Johnny chimed in.
Claire rolled her eyes and wondered why everybody was treating her like a captain today. She sighed and hooked the radio to her hip.
Alice had heard everything and made a mental note to keep an ear open for Johnny's voice. But right now she was on a hunt for any undead in their path on Route 81. So far their drive through the small city was peaceful and slow. Several old cars and trucks forced the convoy to weave around them.
"Once we get past the city, you'll see Route 43 after about fifteen minutes," Johnny announced over the radio.
"Thanks, Johnny," Claire replied. She propped the radio up on the bench seat so they could all hear it.
Alice calmed after they started leaving the city's limits and the road hazards diminished on the highway. The window going back up cut off the cold air, and the cabin warmed up again. Alice was jarred from her thoughts when Johnny spoke up on the channel.
"We just went over the river. Go another three miles then make a right off the next ramp."
Alice followed the directions and realized they were entering a small town. She blew out a breath in minor annoyance and put the window back down. Distantly an undead or two's scent caught her nose, but she wasn't overly concerned that they would be a problem.
"Just keep following this road," Johnny informed the convoy. "It'll enter the town, and we make a right onto First Street."
Claire grumbled that they were going through a town. But it was small thankfully. She pulled out her Beretta Cougar just in case. "Put the window up."
Alice ignored the order.
"Alice," the leader warned. Claire hated having windows open in potentially infected areas. For some reason images of an undead jumping into the truck always played out in her head.
Alice was visually scanning the beginnings of the town. Another inhale alerted her an undead wasn't far away. "Over there." She pointed to her right.
K-Mart went wide eye after she spotted the two undead walking from a side street. "How did you..." There was no way anybody could have seen them from the earlier angle, but somehow Alice knew it.
Alice flashed a small grin and mentioned, "I can smell them."
Claire narrowed her eyes. Now it made sense why Alice refused to put the window up. She sighed and decided to let it go since Alice just proved a point.
"Right up here," Johnny reminded the convoy.
Alice turned the wheel and followed Route 43 that left the town then eventually went under Route 81. She was able to speed up now and followed the twisty road that bordered the James River.
Claire curiously noted a railroad that was along the bank of the river and snaked along with them.
"We'll go for like five miles then make a left onto Penn Hollow Road," Johnny further directed.
"Got it," Claire replied over the channel. She canted her head and studied Alice's stern features. "Smell anymore undead?"
"Not yet." Alice was glad too. She'd had enough of them for once. A peaceful night was all too needed, by everybody. She slowed when she heard Johnny forewarn that Penn Hollow Road was just in front of them. She turned onto the narrow road and warily scanned their surroundings as they rolled down the road.
"Not far after this pond, we'll make a right onto Peery Lane," Johnny informed, "And at the end of the road is the house by the river."
"Thanks, Johnny." Claire tensed up and prepared for any trouble that may lurk around them. But Alice's more calm posture made Claire settle down. If Alice wasn't on high alert then she shouldn't be either.
Alice pursed her lips when the truck's tires drove onto a stony lane. She occasionally inhaled deeper than normal but nothing worried her.
K-Mart was also visually checking their surroundings and already counted six houses and one farm building that would need to be checked shortly. She then spotted a house with a red roof at a fork in the road.
"I would setup camp in that field in front of the red house," Johnny suggested. "The river is just on the other side of the house."
"Good idea," Claire agreed. She released the radio's mic and explained to Alice how the convoy would line up according to where Alice parked the truck. Once the truck stopped, she lifted the radio and considered the routine. "Carlos, I want you and Alice to do the sweeps of the area."
"Roger that," Carlos responded.
"You and Chase are to take one team. Alice and L.J. will do a second team." Claire imagined Carlos's visible relief at not being paired with Alice. "I will handle the red house by the river with a small team." She received several confirmations from the managers.
Alice understood the cue to get ready, but a hand on her shoulder halted her.
Claire found curious blue eyes on her. "Stay here with K-Mart until after I deal with the house." She wanted to check the immediate area first, like normal.
Alice nodded. But the squeeze on her shoulder made her listen for more.
"Thanks... for driving," Claire murmured. She let go and scooted to the door.
K-Mart watched the convoy leader get out of the truck. She'd debated whether or not Claire would switch places with Alice in the truck. Surprisingly it didn't seem to matter. She didn't voice anything about it and instead looked out the side window at the farmland that was slowly reforesting.
Alice rubbed her face and realized how worn she felt now. She was ready to leave today behind. Looking over at K-Mart, she could sense the change in K-Mart after Mikey's death. An inward sigh did nothing to cure Alice's worries.
K-Mart straightened up after something caught her eye. Off in the high grasses of the former farm field were several horses that emerged, curious about the unnatural noises from the convoy. "Alice, look." She pointed at the horses.
Alice was slightly bent forward so she could see past K-Mart. A smile tugged at her lips after she saw the horses in the field. "Thank God the animals are immune to the virus."
K-Mart quickly counted seven horses in the herd. That particular number troubled K-Mart until Alice's voice cut through her sadness.
"Do you know how to ride?"
K-Mart shook her head and looked at her lover. "Do you?" By Alice's grin, she had her answer.
"Once upon a time," Alice murmured. A boom coming from the red roofed house spooked the horses, and she curiously observed them galloping off together. The afternoon sun against their shiny coats offered a final beauty to their departure.
K-Mart touched the glass then dropped her hand to her lap. She released a sigh and wished she could feel as free as the horses. Not to be plagued by the T-virus and undead felt like a dream.
Alice spotted Claire coming back to the truck with a team behind her. She could tell that the red roofed house was clear.
Claire waved for Alice to get out of the truck and trade places. She and Alice stood in front of the truck and spoke.
K-Mart couldn't hear what was said, but she could tell from their closeness that they were working together. That fact soothed K-Mart's concerns, and she wondered when that'd happened between them. Maybe later she'd figure it out.
Once Alice left her, Claire approached the truck's driver side. She loaded into the truck after tossing the carbine on the floor between her and K-Mart. She barely looked at K-Mart and drove the truck towards the red house. Clearing her throat, she softly mentioned, "There's a few rooms in the house that look.. clean enough." She was impressed that the house was holding up so well, but the roof must have been redone just prior to the outbreak.
K-Mart glanced at her friend but didn't say anything.
Claire let it go and instead parked the truck in front of the house. If they were staying in the house tonight then she didn't want to be too far from the pickup truck. She shut off the engine and got out wordlessly.
K-Mart dipped her head and struggled against the sting behind her eyes. She blinked it away then got out of the truck too. Instead of the normal routine that she did with Mikey, she decided to help Otto with getting dinner ready. It was an older chore she use to do whenever Claire punished her. Right now it felt like a good place to start.
In the red roof house, Claire Redfield was preparing the master bedroom for a one night stay. She'd replaced the bed's holey comforter and sheets with a clean set that was from the pickup truck. But a soft footfall in the hallway made her pause and twist her head around. She wasn't surprised when Alice entered through the open door.
Claire didn't say anything and continued pulling the sheet's elastic over the corner of the mattress. Alice's piercing eyes were honed on her back though.
"Are you and K-Mart staying in here tonight?"
Claire shifted to the head of the bed and yanked the sheet over the corner. "Yes." Next was the flannel bedsheet that was still folded up at the foot of the bed. Claire opened it up and enjoyed the clean scent of it . At least there were still some enjoyments left in life.
"I'll patrol tonight," Alice softly mentioned. She moved to the bedside when Claire went to the opposite side. Together they quickly made work of the queen size bedsheet. "Carlos is asking questions," she informed.
Claire was bent over a canvas bag and was pulling out a large, fluffy comforter. "I'm sure he's not the only one." She carried the comforter over to the bed and started putting it on the bed with Alice's help.
"What is the answer?" Alice gently prompted. She didn't wish to fight with Claire despite the sensitive topic.
The convoy leader fixed the comforter at the top then was satisfied the bed was made. She straightened up and folded her arms, staring across at Alice. "We're going to Reston."
Alice didn't have to ask why now. She understood what changed Claire's mind. It was for the best, in her opinion. So Alice simply gave a low nod. But as she moved to the door, she suggested, "You'll have to give Carlos a better reason than saying because I told you about it." But Claire's immediate response made her pause in the doorway.
"Fuck Carlos," the convoy leader gruffly stated.
Alice gripped the door's frame and looked sidelong at Claire. "And the rest of the convoy?" She tapped the door once. "You think they're going take my word for it?" She dropped her hand. "I'm the walking infected." She slipped out of the room while murmuring, "I can't be trusted."
Claire stared at the empty spot where Alice had been standing a second ago. She sighed and sunk down to the bed. It was true that the convoy could reject going to Reston simply because Alice had suggested it. It didn't matter that Alice had saved the convoy several times already and continued to faithfully protect them.
Outside the house, Alice stepped off the porch and approached the pickup truck's passenger side. She canted her head after she spotted K-Mart sitting on the hard tonneau cover. She furrowed her brow slightly but wrapped around to the rear of the truck.
K-Mart had her back against the truck's rear window. Her knees pressed against her chest and eyes trained on the last minutes of the sunset, which were briefly block by Alice climbing onto the truck.
Alice settled down next to her lover and realized what was capturing K-Mart's attention. Earlier she'd seen K-Mart helping Otto get dinner ready. Alice canted her head and softly asked, "Have you eaten?"
K-Mart simply shrugged, never taking her eyes off the sunset.
Alice inwardly grumbled and nearly felt ready to shake both K-Mart and Claire. She considered how the two of them got along after two years. Most likely they'd learned each other's habits and personalities to know what did or didn't work. Yet Alice doubted that a survivor's death, like Mikey's, had such an impact as now.
After a quiet minute, the sun was gone beyond the trees' nearly leafless tops. Alice placed her hands flat against the tonneau cover and mentioned, "I'm hungry." She patted K-Mart's leg before getting up. "Come on."
K-Mart was well aware that it was a lie, a white lie at least. She sighed and slowly got up then followed Alice off the truck. She was going to eat whether she liked it or not. Once off the truck, K-Mart glanced back at the house and wondered what Claire was still doing in there. But when Carlos brushed past her and Alice at a fast walk, she knew it'd be awhile before Claire joined them.
Alice had seen Carlos blow past them. She'd slotted her eyes at his rather angry features. She hoped that Claire would be alright. Nobody could deny that the convoy leader could handle herself. But lately Claire was off step, and that concerned Alice a lot. Quieting her worries, Alice focused on taking care of K-Mart first.
In the house, the convoy leader hurried down the steps from the upper floor. She entered the former dining room and pulled up short, nearly colliding with Carlos. She glared at him before holstering her Beretta Cougar that she pulled out in natural reaction.
"We need to talk," Carlos started first. "Now."
For once Claire decided to concede to his wishes and nodded at the living room next door. "Step into my office," she smartly remarked. She tugged on the hat's brim and wondered if she'd been hanging around Alice too long. It was rare she was a smartass, but it felt fitting with Carlos right now. As soon as she faced Carlos, she folded her arms and waited for his weak lecture.
"What the fuck is going on, Claire?" Carlos hotly started, his accent thicker due to his anger. "First you don't tell me about the GPS feed going down then setup secret patrols with Alice. And now you suddenly decide we should head back north," Carlos vented. He waited for a response that wasn't forthcoming so he yelled, "You're getting people killed!" He was prepared for a harsh backlash from Claire, even a physical one. But to his surprise, Claire just stared at him for several seconds.
After a calming breath, Claire informed, "We are going north to Reston."
"Reston?" Carlos whispered in disbelief. "As in near D.C. city?" He knew it was true so he held out his arms and sharply snapped, "Of course!" He dropped his arms. "Because getting close to two major cities is totally safe."
Letting out another low breath, Claire held her calm for once instead of pulling a gun out on Carlos. It wasn't his fault that he didn't understand her since they weren't close, like he wished to be. "There's an underground Umbrella facility located there-"
"What?" Carlos stared in shock at Claire. But the mention of the facility jogged his memory from his days as a contractor to Umbrella. Indeed it was true that there was a facility located in Reston, and he'd completely forgotten about it.
"The facility revolted from Umbrella," Claire patiently explained. "Now it's a safe haven for survivors."
Carlos continued staring at the convoy leader and tried grasping what Claire was planning for the convoy. He exhaled loudly and shook his head. "Where the Hell did you hear such bullshit, Claire?" He couldn't believe that an Umbrella facility would revolt then convert to a safe haven for those that suffered by Umbrella's hand.
Claire tilted her head and held Carlos's eyes. "Alice."
"Alice?" Carlos repeated in disbelief. He waited a second then shook his head. "You're going to risk the convoy's life on Alice's lie?"
Claire ignored his attempt to get under her skin. She had enough of Carlo's talk that wasn't anything but a pending fight. She started for the doorway until Carlos's hand hooked her shoulder.
"This is stupid, Claire." Carlos didn't shrink away when cold green eyes turned on him. A chill ran down his back then up to his forehead once cool metal kissed his forehead. Carlos gasped, startled by how he was suddenly slammed against the wall behind him. It'd happen faster than he could react to Claire's strike. He peered up at the handgun pressed against his brow. At least somethings were still the same in Claire.
"This is my convoy," Claire murmured. "Nobody else has stepped up to make the decisions I make... nobody else handles what I do every single day." She was breathing hard.
Carlos slightly relaxed when the gun suddenly disappeared from his head. But he still had to deal with Claire's wrath, which was more dangerous than a bullet.
"What you think the convoy should do now?" Claire bitterly asked. She waited for his answer and received only silence. She and Carlos accepted the fact that only Claire could handle that question. She moved away from him, again trying to leave. Yet she paused beside the doorway and looked at Carlos, who was pulling his vest down. Some part of her wondered if Carlos hadn't been testing her.
Carlos cautiously eyed Claire but was mostly satisfied by Claire's still short fuse. Somehow Claire having a dark edge was important to him and the convoy. If she lost that edge then the convoy would be doomed. Fire could only be fought with fire.
"You think it's stupid," Claire dared him. She revealed a grin and offered, "We'll put it to a vote then." She slipped out of the dusty living room and went directly to the front door.
"A vote?" Carlos murmured, confusion laced his words. He tried grasping what that meant and couldn't do it. He pushed off from the wall and followed the convoy leader's cold trail out of the house.
Claire walked quickly down the overgrown lane, towards the campsite that glowed in the dusk light. Distantly she felt Carlos hot after her. She adjusted her hat once she neared the single bonfire of the camp, which was protected by the vehicles. She hastily popped up onto the convoy's duce and half truck and called for the survivors' attention.
Carlos zipped into the building crowd and curiously stared at Claire Redfield standing on the cargo truck's rear. He glanced at the survivors and took in their just as curious looks. Exactly what the Hell was Claire planning to do? He'd find out his answer in moments when Claire began speaking to the survivors.
"What's she doing?" K-Mart murmured to Alice. They stood on the edge of the crowd, close to each other.
"Being a leader," Alice softly answered.
K-Mart toyed with her hat as Claire continued speaking to the survivors.
"There is a chance that a safe haven exists," Claire announced to the convoy. "Full of survivors." She paused and studied the people's features and listened to their whispers. She shifted on her feet then spoke loudly again and emphasized, "There is a chance.. that it exists." Claire slightly hesitated then dared to walk the plank that Carlos setup for her earlier. "Alice has told me about its existence." This time she heard the whispers grow in volume, and it knotted her stomach. But she easily used her leadership to cut through the voices. "Alice has been there... she has seen it." Claire watched how the survivors sought out Alice and continued softly talking until Claire continued her speech. "And I trust Alice's word that it may still exist."
A long silence fell over the convoy after Claire backed Alice's word. The survivors hadn't expected the suspicious convoy leader to trust Alice. They each absorbed the meaning behind it.
"So..." Claire carefully started, "We have a choice." She swallowed hard, realizing what was being dangerously put into play. "We stay as we are... or we try for the safe haven." She licked her lips when the survivors anxiously began speaking to each other, weighing the options.
K-Mart leaned closer to Alice but kept her eyes on the survivors. She already predicted the outcome just from what she was hearing among them.
A thin amount of awe showed on Alice's features as the survivors considered the two options bestowed upon them by their leader. Claire's offer to them was completely unexpected in Alice's mind. Alice sharply lifted her eyes to the convoy leader, who now put it to the vote.
"Those for the safe haven?" Claire called out. One by one, she watched nearly every hand lift towards the sky. She didn't need to count to know what the majority had chosen. She nodded firmly and declared, "The safe haven." The cheers from the survivors rocked her back on her heels. So much vibrant excitement caused a smile to cross Claire's lips. She sure as Hell hoped Alice was right and that the safe haven still existed in Reston.
K-Mart gripped Alice's arm, almost harshly. She hastily looked at Alice and smiled for the first time today. "Was that for real?"
Alice let out a breath she'd been holding and looked at her lover. "Yes." She mirrored K-Mart's smile. But she stumbled back a step after K-Mart launched into her arms. She gave a low laugh and hugged K-Mart in return. The fact that Claire supported Alice's word felt good and to bolster it the survivors wished to go.
Claire had jumped off the cargo truck after enjoying the convoy's small celebration. She approached Carlos, who'd weaved through the crowd. She folded her arms and taunted, "Ya like them apples?" She brushed past him after dropping her arms. As she went through the small sea of survivors, she received several thank you's, which made her feel uncomfortable and left a flush on her cheeks.
Carlos turned on his boots and oddly stared at the convoy leader's receding figure. He couldn't quite grasp what'd happen minutes ago. Had it really happen? Carlos shook his head then dragged his fingers through his dark hair. "I'll be damned," he muttered, a small smile played on his lips.
Claire was relieved to get away from the convoy. She approached the truck's rear and dropped the tailgate. There were a few bags she needed to take up into the room for her and K-Mart tonight. Dragging each one out, Claire found herself slightly jarred from the speech and the vote. She released one duffle bag and studied her right hand that she held in midair for a moment. The trembles continued rippling down her arm and made her hand flutter in the air.
"Damn," Claire murmured. She shook her hand twice in hopes to chase off the shuddering, but it was still there. Distracting herself with getting the bags barely helped her. If going before the convoy for a vote stirred her up this much then how could she face K-Mart and Alice in a tri? Claire huffed at the idea and instead hiked up the steps to the porch, the three bags pulling against her body.
Once the bags were deposited in the room, Claire decided she needed a walk to help sooth her nerves. She retrieved the MagLite from the truck along with the M4 carbine. She slung the carbine across her back then disappeared around the house that was beginning to glow under the crescent moon. Claire recalled that the James River was directly behind the house, but she first had to cross the railroad tracks.
The old railroad tracks reminded Claire of fond memories from her childhood. She stopped between two tracks and stood on one of the railroad's wood ties. There were many times in the past that Claire had placed a penny on a railroad then waited until the train came along to flatten it. But those were old, dated memories from a previous life.
Yet still Claire scanned the railroad with her flashlight, curious about its condition. It appeared that the two railroads were in good condition, most likely well maintained prior to the apocalypse. But something caught Claire's eye, and she shined the flashlight on one spot. Claire went down to the spot then knelt for a closer look.
Strangely, one of the railroad fasteners looked fairly new and hardly weathered compared to the two neighboring fasteners on either side. Claire grazed the screw spike's head along with the baseplate and two heads of the tensioning bolts. There wasn't any rust to speak off on the entire fastener. A deep furrowed creased Claire's brow, and it left an awful taste in her mouth.
Claire stood up and stepped over the rail then continued the trip to the James River. Several thoughts were going through her mind, especially about the new rail fastener. Once near the river, Claire found a quiet spot beside a few trees. She shut off the flashlight and allowed the moonlight to reflect off the river's moving water.
Time passed unknown to Claire, who was lost in her thoughts until a soft movement caught her ear from behind. She'd wondered if she'd heard footsteps over the railroad's stones. She stood up with a Beretta Cougar in her hand. She wasn't surprised by Alice's arrival.
"You have a way of finding me," Claire commented. She holstered her gun then turned to the river again.
"I'm good at tracking," Alice informed. She could easily pick out Claire's scent among all the humans.
Claire glanced at the older woman, briefly before enjoying the scenery further.
Alice joined the convoy leader's side and zipped up her black wind breaker that recently replaced her soft shell jacket. She released a low breath and mimicked Claire's enjoyment of mother nature.
"What's K-Mart doing?" Claire softly checked after a rather long silence.
"She's in the house... reading," Alice murmured. She slipped her hands into her jacket pockets. "Carlos, Betty, and L.J. are already in the house too." She knew K-Mart's safety was high on Claire's list, which was taken care of by three managers' presence in the house.
Claire nodded in acceptance.
Alice wanted to ask when Claire would speak to K-Mart. When would Claire be there for K-Mart? But she bit back those questions because right now Claire was most likely still raw from shooting Mikey. Instead Alice silently showed Claire how the tri-relationship could play out well for each of them. It wasn't impossible and could survive if each of them worked at the relationship.
Setting aside those thoughts, Alice decided on another attempt to draw Claire out. She looked at the convoy leader's stern features and softly offered, "Thank you." She found curious green eyes on her within a second. "For what you said earlier... for backing me up about Reston."
Claire bobbed her head then looked at the river. "I hope you're right... about this place."
Alice bit her bottom lip and stated, "I'm right." She paused. "I promise."
Claire detected the certainty in Alice's words, and it even gave her a bit of hope. Yet still she tested, "What if you're wrong?" She looked at Alice and held those blue eyes she was enjoying more each day. "What if it's gone?"
Alice shook her head and whispered, "I'm not wrong." She gave a sad smile. "And it's not gone."
Claire studied Alice for another moment before sighing and turned her head forward again. She folded her arms against her black vest. "If it's still there then everybody will want to stay."
"Most likely," Alice softly agreed. She could sense that Claire didn't like that part despite it was what was best for the convoy.
Claire tried imaging what would happen next, after the convoy. But all she saw was a blank future. That made her feel lost, and she unknowingly whispered it into the night. "What will I do then?" She was jarred when a soft hand touched her shoulder and squeezed, tenderly.
"We'll figure that out later," Alice promised, "The three of us."
Claire opened her mouth, but words were tied on her tongue. She gathered herself and turned to Alice, who released her shoulder. "Why would you stay?"
Alice could tell that the question meant stay with Claire and K-Mart. She sadly smiled and countered, "Why wouldn't I stay?" She shook her head and revealed, "I'm tired of being alone." She tilted her head then huskily whispered, "Aren't you?"
Claire bowed her head, hiding her face with the hat's brim. She gathered herself after Alice slipped under her plated metal skin. Slowly her head lifted but not from her own will, Alice's fingertips under her chin.
Alice trailed her fingers along Claire's distinct jaw line. She took a step closer and carefully studied green eyes hooded under the brim.
For several seconds, Claire remained still and held the eye contact. She realized she was breathing harder once Alice came closer. Memories from too many nights ago flooded her, Alice's touch still burned into her skin. Claire was drawn into Alice and tilted her head back enough just as their lips brushed like earlier this morning.
Alice struggled to not press forward and allowed Claire the control. She was relieved when their lips molded together, the beginnings of a tentative kiss. This time it was much different than when they'd kissed weeks ago. Alice resisted from deepening it until Claire was ready.
Claire placed a hand on Alice's hip and drew Alice against her. She enjoyed the heat from Alice against her own body. Her lips continued moving across fuller ones in a shy kiss. Hesitantly, Claire moved her tongue forward and touched Alice's lower lip.
Slowly Alice opened her mouth and moaned when Claire's tongue met hers. Unlike before, she and Claire grazed their tongues together, actually tasting emotions. Alice couldn't control her increased heart rate, the kiss telling her more about Claire. So many emotions that Claire controlled every second began pouring into the kiss. The intensity made them whimper then separate, breathlessly.
Claire leaned her forehead against Alice's burning one. Her hat's brim pushed up, over Alice's own head. She cupped Alice's flushed cheek and still clung to a steady hip in her right hand.
Alice briefly grazed Claire's lips with hers then withdrew, not wanting to push them further. What she experienced from Claire in that kiss was rather telling and gave her hope. But she also recalled promising Claire time to work through things.
Claire swallowed hard and straightened up. She fixed her hat and was grateful for Alice's care. She lowered her left hand but still held onto Alice. "There's... something I want to show you." Claire nodded to her right. "On the railroad."
Clearing her throat, Alice nodded and prompted, "Show me." She picked up a note of concern on Claire's face.
Claire separated from Alice but took a warm hand into hers. She guided Alice through the few trees, using the flashlight. Once she had the two railroads in sight, she released Alice's hand and scanned the railroad closest to the river.
Alice quietly waited until Claire found whatever it was of interest.
"Here." Claire squatted down beside the fastening chair that'd caught her attention earlier. She shined the flashlight on it and waited for Alice, who was kneeling next to her.
Alice was intrigued and touched the shiny bolts and baseplate. "That is interesting." She lifted her head and met Claire's gaze.
"It's new... it's recent," the convoy leader stated.
Alice thoroughly agreed and looked down at it again. "The railroad is being maintained."
"And obviously used," Claire added.
Alice let out a low sigh and caught onto Claire's thinking. "Why would Umbrella be using the railroads?"
"For transportation," Claire guessed. She and Alice continued looking at the new fastener.
Alice agreed. She shook her head and whispered, "But what are they transporting... and to where?"
Claire made a mental note to look at the maps to see if it'd show this particular railroad and where it went within the country. She shook her head and peered up at the older woman. "Do you know where this railroad runs?"
Alice gave a low sigh and tried recalling where it went. She looked over her right shoulder. "Besides east and west..." She drummed her fingers on her knee then answered, "I think it follows the James River all the way." She looked up at Claire again. "Out east to Richmond and probably beyond that to Newport News."
"And west?" Claire tempted.
Alice sighed and ran her fingers through her messy hair. "I think it actually turns north bound." She rattled her mind for a second. "Heads towards DC area."
Claire touched the one rail and waited to see if she'd feel a vibration from the track, but it was still. "Richmond to DC... god knows how many other railways connect to it."
"Hard to say without looking at a map." Alice placed her hands on her knees but faltered from standing yet. "It most likely ends at shipping yards in Newport News."
"Now that's a scary thought." Claire stood up and so did Alice. "They could be freighting God knows what to wherever in the world."
"It's possible." Alice didn't know much about Umbrella's logistics, especially after the outbreak. She was very well kept in the dark once she fell under the mind control device.
"I hate those sons of bitches," Claire bitterly muttered. She continued crossing the railroad with Alice at her side. "I wish I had the ability to cut them down." She gripped the flashlight harder. "But it still wouldn't cure the infection."
Alice jammed her fists into the jacket. "No... but it'd sure as Hell would feel good to destroy Umbrella."
Claire huffed but agreed with Alice. She and Alice briefly traded a grin before they approached the rear of the house. "I'm going to check on a few things then call it a night."
"You didn't have dinner," Alice noted aloud.
Claire eyed the older woman after pausing alongside. "I'll grab something," she swore. She separated from Alice but called, "I'll see you before bedtime."
"Count on it," Alice whispered. She decided she needed to check the lay of the land despite doing a sweep this afternoon with a team. Humans weren't perfect and missed things that Alice could only detect. She hoped that Claire and K-Mart wouldn't just sleep but also speak to each other. If anything, at least they were in the same bed tonight and that gave Alice some hope for improvement because both of them were hurting from Mikey's death. There wasn't too much more Alice could do for them and the rest they had to do themselves. After a worried sigh, Alice disappeared into the darkness to carry out her newfound duty as the protector.