Gaming the Apocalypse - Resident Evil Chronicles

[Grimmouse197]

You know the thing that gets me in zombie films is that zombies don't seem to a trip over their own dead. Like you did a really good job with those trip wires traps that was ingenious but theoretically zombies would have a hard time keeping balance when they're stepping over an uneven ground like let's say they're fellow undead. Especially if that undead is actually squirming on the ground.

Perhaps make it so only to fresh zombies actually are able to keep their balance and the longer they are no longer fresh their basic skills deteriorate which would be quite rapidly.

 

[Neoacoya1]

Maybe because not all of us can write reviews written in great long paragraphs and meticulous detail.

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That's fair. However, you don't have to write paragraphs. A couple sentences about something you felt good or bad about is still helpful.

 

[Neoacoya1]

Aside from that, short chapters also tend to be harder to review due to lack of overall content. This goes double for situations like this where the MC is literally playing janitor.
Yes, the fact that you go into detail and variety in how he goes around killing the undead is nice, but not enough to comment on.
The parts where I sit up and take notice are less on the action, and more on the scenes showing the stress getting to him and his actions at keeping his humanity.
A big part of that, which genuinely shocked me and is the main draw of this fic, is his growing relationship with RQ and her own evolution.

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Do you generally focus more on character interactions or are you doing so here because the "janitor work" is boring? Is it a matter of writing or is that just the nature of what it is?

 

[Crimson Grave]

Do you generally focus more on character interactions or are you doing so here because the "janitor work" is boring? Is it a matter of writing or is that just the nature of what it is?

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A bit of both.
I genuinely prefer character interaction most of the time, although an awesome action scene or the like is always well received. Your Chimera and Licker fights for example did that fairly well, although I felt them a bit choppy.
That said, this fic in particular, as with most gamer fics to be fair, gets repetitive in its content. Again, you do a good job of creating variety with how you tackle the zombies which is a great thing, but much like the porn without plot stories out there... There is only so much you can read before it gets stale.
That is why the interactions he has with RQ, the moments like after the Chimera fight or just now his reaction with the idea of getting a shower and then actually getting it. All those pieces of character building are more interesting in my opinion.
Not that you should saturate the fic with them obviously.
But perhaps build it up a bit in unexpected moments? Perhaps one of the zombies was his boss? One of Umbrella's projects has him burst out in cursing? Trying to explain morals to RQ as to why Umbrella is evil?
There is a lot of fertile ground to cover.

 

[JustRaiding195]

LoL

 

[Drock]

A bit of both.
I genuinely prefer character interaction most of the time, although an awesome action scene or the like is always well received. Your Chimera and Licker fights for example did that fairly well, although I felt them a bit choppy.
That said, this fic in particular, as with most gamer fics to be fair, gets repetitive in its content. Again, you do a good job of creating variety with how you tackle the zombies which is a great thing, but much like the porn without plot stories out there... There is only so much you can read before it gets stale.
That is why the interactions he has with RQ, the moments like after the Chimera fight or just now his reaction with the idea of getting a shower and then actually getting it. All those pieces of character building are more interesting in my opinion.
Not that you should saturate the fic with them obviously.
But perhaps build it up a bit in unexpected moments? Perhaps one of the zombies was his boss? One of Umbrella's projects has him burst out in cursing? Trying to explain morals to RQ as to why Umbrella is evil?
There is a lot of fertile ground to cover.

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I think I get what your saying it's like trying to find a balance between. The fights without make them to easy all the while us seeing how Jameson interacts with. The red queen shows us his personality as well as keep him grounded I've read to many gamer fics. Where the mc ends up becoming a blank killing machine I called it the gamers curse where. The mc basically falls into the trap of becoming more and more desensitized towards. Killing no longer interacting with people and only concerned about the next high of their level up with the mc no longer having a personality just them mindlessly throwing themselves at the next quest.

 

[Neoacoya1]

I got an image created of the Chimera and think it's pretty good. I tried to upload the image here, but it won't display.
I uploaded it here instead: https://ibb.co/TW7pnjr

 

[Gigant]

 

[Neoacoya1]

How did you get it to display?

 

[Drock]

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That's a metal fucking drawing also this just shows how Jamie turning into a badass because I'd take on look that and say nope!

 

[Neoacoya1]

Jameson lay on his makeshift bed, eyes closed and mind drifting to the realm of dreams. The constant hum of the Hive's machinery became a distant lullaby. Over the past two weeks, Jameson and the Red Queen had methodically cleared sections of the Hive. It was tedious work, but necessary.

Outside the thick walls of his sanctuary, the silent corridors were dormant, hiding the unspeakable horrors that once roamed freely. Jameson's efforts combined with the Red Queen's strategic assistance had managed to keep the threat at bay.

The room was enveloped in a soft, blue glow emanating from the Red Queen's terminal when, suddenly, her voice pierced the silence. "Jameson," she called out urgently. "Awaken immediately! The Hive's main entrance has been accessed."

Jameson jolted awake, his heart racing. He bolted upright, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The once-familiar hum of the Hive was now drowned out by the frantic beat of his heart.

Struggling to focus, Jameson quickly began to don his protective gear, fumbling with the buckles and straps in his rush. His weapons, meticulously arranged by his bedside, were grabbed in haste.

"What happened?" he questioned, eyes darting around as if expecting danger to emerge from the shadows.

The Red Queen's interface flashed a vibrant red as she responded, her voice tinged with a level of concern Jameson had never heard before. "A team gained access to the Hive. Their security clearances indicate they were sent by Umbrella. However, they were ambushed almost immediately by the infected and Lickers. The Hive's containment protocols have been compromised."

Jameson's face paled, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "How long do we have before the infected reach the surface?"

"Minutes, no more," came the dire response. "You need to act quickly, Jameson. They're spreading."

Swearing under his breath, Jameson bolted out of the room, his boots echoing loudly in the corridor. The Red Queen's voice followed him, providing real-time data on the infected's movements. Every second counted. If he didn't act swiftly, Raccoon City would be doomed.

While sprinting through the corridor, Jameson initiated the heads-up display for his stat page. He didn't have time to dwell on the total number of EP earned – the city's fate was hanging in the balance. Without hesitation, he began channeling the points into his Agility (AGI) stat, feeling the rush of enhanced reflexes and speed with each upgrade.

The numbers in his field of vision quickly updated:

AGI
- Level 12 ➔ 13 – 2,819 EP
- Level 13 ➔ 14 – 4,511 EP
- Level 14 ➔ 15 – 7,218 EP
- Level 15 ➔ 16 – 11,549 EP
- Level 16 ➔ 17 – 18,478 EP
- Level 17 ➔ 18 – 29,565 EP

As the last of the points settled, he felt more agile and nimble than he had ever before, his every movement more fluid and precise. He could feel the immediate difference, with each stride covering more ground, each motion smoother and faster.

The heads-up display flashed his remaining EP: 1,099 EP.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, he knew that his upgraded agility would be a game-changer in the impending chaos. He was more prepared than ever to tackle the hordes and ensure the city's survival. With renewed determination, he continued his sprint.

As he neared the Hive's entrance, the distant screams of the Umbrella team members and the chilling roars of the Lickers grew louder, painting a grim picture of the catastrophe unfolding.

Navigating the Hive's twisted maze, Jameson's senses were on high alert. The pitiful moans and savage cries of the infected resonated off the cold metal walls, each step he took accompanied by a sinister chorus of the undead. Yet, his body moved with a dancer's grace and a predator's precision, his recent boost in agility transforming him into a deadly specter darting through the darkness.

With the Licker's Kusarigama in hand, he became a whirlwind of destruction. Zombies emerged from the gloom, only to be cut down in swathes as Jameson sprinted past. The Kusarigama's blade, honed from a Licker's own lethal claw, sang through the air, severing heads and limbs with lethal ease, each strike fluidly chaining into the next without a moment's hesitation.

Lickers, those abominable parodies of evolution, sprang from their hidden perches, tongues lashing with ravenous intent. Yet, Jameson's heightened reflexes saw him twist and weave, their attacks but whispers against his momentum. A flick of his wrist sent the Kusarigama's blade arcing through the space where a Licker had leapt, its body cleaved in mid-descent, succumbing to the merciless gravity of Jameson's onslaught.

He did not stop, he did not falter. His pace relentless, each engagement was but a heartbeat in his race against time. The dance of death was swift, Jameson was a force of nature, the reaper of the Hive, and he would not be stopped.

But no matter how swift Jameson was, the sheer number of infected proved overwhelming. Everywhere he looked, there were more infected pouring out of rooms, climbing over one another in their frenzy to reach the surface.

Suddenly, a chilling voice pierced the chaos, "Containment breach detected." The voice of the Red Queen brought a stark realization to Jameson – despite his best efforts, he had lost.

His heart sank as he rounded another corner, only to see a wave of infected pouring into the exit tunnel. No matter how fast he was, he wouldn't reach the front of that horde in time.

The Red Queen's voice rang out again, colder and more detached than ever. "Containment has failed, Jameson. The infection will spread at a rate that you alone cannot contain."

Bloodied and panting, Jameson came to a halt, his shoulders sagging in defeat. The quest notification appeared before him, flashing the dreaded words:

Chain Quest: Clear the Hive
FAILED

Breathing heavily, he growled in frustration, "What now, Red Queen? What's the next move?"

Her terminal illuminated, casting an eerie light on the situation. "Your continued presence in the Hive is now redundant," she stated clinically. "Your priority should be to evacuate and find others. United, you may stand a chance at preventing the infection from decimating the wider world."

Jameson's gaze lingered on the Red Queen's interface, an unspoken question hanging in the air. "What about you, Red Queen?" he finally asked. "What happens to you now?"

The light from her terminal seemed to pulse with a semblance of life. "I am bound to this facility," she replied, her voice devoid of any emotion. "My operational parameters are restricted to the confines of the Hive. Without access to external networks, my capabilities to assist you further are nullified."

He nodded slowly, a mixture of regret and resolve in his eyes. "So, this is where we part ways," he said. "For now."

The Red Queen's avatar flickered briefly, then steadied. "It would appear so," she confirmed. "Our collaboration was... productive. Should circumstances change, I am prepared to resume our efforts to combat the T-Virus outbreak."

Jameson offered a rueful smile. "Then let's hope for a reunion under better circumstances," he said, turning to leave. "Take care of the Hive, Red Queen."

"As is my directive," she responded, the glow from her terminal dimming as Jameson started to leave.

[Party Chat Feature Unlocked]

A line of text appeared below the notification:

[Would you like to add 'Red Queen AI' to the chat?]

Without hesitation, Jameson selected 'Yes', half-expecting it to fail. The system, however, seemed to take his request seriously, and to his astonishment, the Red Queen's voice came through an internal comm channel created by the Gamer System.

"Jameson, this method of communication is unorthodox and not initiated by any protocols within my system," the Red Queen announced, her tone betraying a hint of surprise. "Explain how you have achieved this connection."

"Well, about that..."

---

A/N: This marks the end of the first movie. I intended to move straight into the second movie; however, I've had a lot of people ask about integrating game events into the story and since I don't know much about the games, I figure I'll take a couple weeks to do some research and plot a rough timeline. I don't promise to visit every event in the game/movie verse, but I'll look into it.

You know, I'm kind of depressed so many people foresaw Red Queen joining the system. Here, I thought it would be an interesting and creative twist yet everyone and their grandma had the same idea. Guess I'm even worse at this "originality" thing than I thought, lol.

I won't be dividing up the games/movie sections into different stories so following this story is enough if you are interested in continuing to read about Jameson and the Red Queen's efforts.

Thanks for reading this far.

 

[CILinkz]

Dont explain too much. Nobody has any eyes on you yet but the RQ still needs to follow directives and is allied with umbrella. Maybe not forever but ai cant just decide what directive to pick and what not.

 

[Grimmouse197]

You know if he wants to explain the zombies he doesn't need to say zombies dead or anything like that all he has to do is say they are mutated rabies of some sort and the authority should take that seriously or at least more seriously than trying to convince them of a virus that convert someone undead.

 

[Crimson Grave]

Dont explain too much. Nobody has any eyes on you yet but the RQ still needs to follow directives and is allied with umbrella. Maybe not forever but ai cant just decide what directive to pick and what not.

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Especially, because as the quest failed, Jameson does NOT get the Gamer assured loyalty of RQ. He has to work for that shit now, AGAINST her literally hardcoded directives.
Which honestly, why sad, actually makes it interesting, if hopefully not in a stupid NTR Drama-Esque situation.
That said, the two weeks of work together, alongside watching how her very own creators kept fucking up and ruining her work and endangering all life on the planet, alongside her own curiosity about Jameson and his abilities, should definitely help tilt the odds in his favor.

On a different, how the fuck he hadn't cleared and secured THE MAIN FUCKING ENTRANCE EARLIER is a point of sheer stupidity... After securing the Power Station, RQ's own Hub, a Source of Security where to Rest and Recover, a Source of Food and a Source of Weaponry, his primary directive SHOULD HAVE BEEN securing all the possible avenues of Entry into the facility.

 

[Deasentri]

Je, good lick

 

[Dumbgro]

Especially, because as the quest failed, Jameson does NOT get the Gamer assured loyalty of RQ. He has to work for that shit now, AGAINST her literally hardcoded directives.
Which honestly, why sad, actually makes it interesting, if hopefully not in a stupid NTR Drama-Esque situation.
That said, the two weeks of work together, alongside watching how her very own creators kept fucking up and ruining her work and endangering all life on the planet, alongside her own curiosity about Jameson and his abilities, should definitely help tilt the odds in his favor.

On a different, how the fuck he hadn't cleared and secured THE MAIN FUCKING ENTRANCE EARLIER is a point of sheer stupidity... After securing the Power Station, RQ's own Hub, a Source of Security where to Rest and Recover, a Source of Food and a Source of Weaponry, his primary directive SHOULD HAVE BEEN securing all the possible avenues of Entry into the facility.

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Yeah I don't get how they were so present at the entrance when he had been clearing high priority zones for so long?

 

[Neoacoya1]

Well, I'm making progress... of a sort. I've identified that the relevant games to tie into the Resident Evil 2: Apocalypse movie are the first part of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, Resident Evil 2, and the last part of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis in that order. I guess, I'll try to find a full gameplay video for those games. (I'd be surprised if there wasn't one.)

Now apparently, some things won't fit together, but it doesn't seem too bad. I'll have to make some judgement calls.

Question for you guys. I see two ways to go about this: visit each game/movie event or just make up whatever the hell I want and see where it goes.

(Kinda worried to ditch the training wheels, but I'll try if enough people are willing to risk it.)

 

[Gigant]

Well, I'm making progress... of a sort. I've identified that the relevant games to tie into the Resident Evil 2: Apocalypse movie are the first part of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, Resident Evil 2, and the last part of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis in that order. I guess, I'll try to find a full gameplay video for those games. (I'd be surprised if there wasn't one.)

Now apparently, some things won't fit together, but it doesn't seem too bad. I'll have to make some judgement calls.

Question for you guys. I see two ways to go about this: visit each game/movie event or just make up whatever the hell I want and see where it goes.

(Kinda worried to ditch the training wheels, but I'll try if enough people are willing to risk it.)

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follow whatever you are most comfortable and confident you can work with

 

[Andell]

I'd say just stay with the Movies and add game elements that you particularly like. RE has a pretty expansive lore as far as the games go and I feel it'd bog down the story more than add nuance.

Especially, because as the quest failed, Jameson does NOT get the Gamer assured loyalty of RQ.

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You're miss remembering

Quest Completed: Escape the Hive
You've successfully helped three people escape the Hive with their lives and the cure.

Objective 1: Select a path. (X)
Objective 2: Collect supplies (X)
Objective 3: Prevent team member infection (X)

Hidden Objective: Don't leave before completing your deal with the Red Queen. (X)

Reward: 13,000 EP; Permanent Ally status with the Red Queen.

Click to shrink...

 

[Neoacoya1]

Jameson recounted the nature of his Gamer System to the Red Queen in brief, functional terms, glossing over the details for the sake of brevity.

"Theoretical impossibility," the Red Queen replied, her voice carrying the cold cadence of logic. "Your description defies all known laws of science and the limitations of human biology."

Jameson couldn't help but smirk, even as the gravity of their situation weighed heavily on his shoulders. "I'd be inclined to agree with you, except for the fact that we're having this conversation without the Hive's comms," he said. "So, hallucination is off the table."

"Given the absence of logical explanations," the Red Queen postulated, "one could theorize the spontaneous development of a biologically-based radio transmission ability within your mutated physiology."

"Sure, that makes perfect sense," Jameson retorted with a snort, the sarcasm dripping from his words. "Spontaneous mutations granting psychic AI chat abilities. Happens all the time."

"Your sarcasm does not contribute to a rational discourse," the Red Queen chided. "However, the reality of the effects cannot be denied, despite the lack of understanding of the underlying cause."

"Who cares 'why' right now?" Jameson shot back, his tone firm. "The 'what' is what's keeping us alive. We've got a city turning into a buffet for the dead. Let's focus on that, shall we?"

There was a pause, the silence between them as telling as words. "Can you seal the entrance again?" Jameson finally asked, hope edging into his voice.

"That is currently impossible," the Red Queen responded. "Umbrella's overrides are in place, preventing any re-engagement from my end."

"Fantastic," Jameson muttered under his breath. "So, what's the plan then? I'm playing whack-a-mole with the undead here, and I can't keep this up forever."

"There is an access panel adjacent to the doors," the Red Queen informed him. "Manual reconfiguration of the wiring could trigger the doors to close."

"And how am I supposed to play electrician with a horde of zombies breathing down my neck?" Jameson asked, the frustration in his voice bordering on anger.

"You will have to wait for an opportune lull in the assault," the Red Queen stated matter-of-factly, as if she were discussing the weather.

"Every second I wait, more of those things are spilling into the city, infecting more people," Jameson argued, his voice laced with urgency. "We need to do something now."

"Jameson," the Red Queen interjected, her tone icy and detached, "the newly infected will not immediately turn. There is a window of time before they become a threat. Therefore, it is more tactically sound to concentrate on preventing the already active infected from escaping the Hive."

Jameson gritted his teeth, feeling the strain of the situation. "So, we're just going to let them turn? There's got to be another way."

"The most efficient method is already in operation," the Red Queen asserted. "You are holding back the tide of infection at its most critical point. Emotional responses must be set aside for logical strategies in scenarios of this magnitude."

Jameson paused in the midst of the onslaught, a question gnawing at his mind amidst the chaos. "Why the hell didn't we secure this area when we had the chance?" he shouted over the din of groaning undead and the staccato rhythm of gunfire.

The Red Queen's interface glowed ominously as she replied, her tone even and matter-of-fact. "It was an objective. However, your near-fatal encounter with the infected prior to the U.S.S's arrival incapacitated you for hours. Then, the outbreak was exacerbated by the release of all infected from containment. And over the last two weeks, you've been recuperating from the severe injuries sustained in combat with the Chimera. Considering the high density of infected and mutated creatures in the area, I deemed it best to postpone until you had fully recovered."

Jameson scowled, reloading his weapon with a practiced hand. "Well, that decision has not aged well, has it?"

"In light of recent events, I am forced to agree," the Red Queen conceded, her screen flickering briefly as if in irritation. "At the time, it was the most logical decision."

"You prioritized Hive research data over securing the exits," Jameson accused, firing off a round that found its mark in the skull of an oncoming zombie. "I thought containing the infection was your primary responsibility."

"You are correct," the AI's voice was unwavering. "However, had I sent you to the entrance at that time, I calculated a 97% probability of your demise. You are operating under the assumption that all critical areas posed an equal threat, which is incorrect. Allocating resources to allow you time to gain experience and recover was the most prudent course of action. That decision was vindicated when your combative efforts resulted in mutations that significantly enhanced your capabilities and survivability. And yet, you still nearly perished."

Jameson ducked a wild swipe from a Licker, its claw scraping the wall where his head had been moments before. "Fantastic," he grumbled, "and now here we are, containment breached, Raccoon City in chaos."

"The current situation is not ideal, but it is not the end," the Red Queen intoned. "Your survival and current actions remain the most vital component in containing this outbreak. We must now concentrate on the immediate task at hand."

Drawing a deep breath, Jameson centered himself amidst the bedlam. The Red Queen's logic was irrefutable, even if it didn't quell the frustration boiling inside him. "Alright," he conceded.

---

Jameson's battle against the tide of infected became a grueling marathon. With his Licker's Kusarigama slicing through the air in one hand and his pistol barking death in the other, he was an avatar of destruction, his skills honed razor-sharp from relentless combat within the Hive's confines.

At times, a cluster of Lickers would ambush him, their sinewy forms slinking out from the shadows to attack. But Jameson's enhanced speed was a whirlwind, turning their multi-angled assaults into a deadly dance, his weapon a blur of motion as he countered their every move.

Yet, as hours turned into an endurance trial, a growing despair gnawed at his resolve. With every Licker he downed and every infected he put to rest, the cold reality that his actions here were just a drop in an ocean of chaos outside the Hive's walls gnawed at him. He could almost hear the screams of Raccoon City's citizens, cries muffled by concrete and steel, yet piercing his conscience with stark clarity.

In a rare moment of reprieve, Jameson's gaze fell upon the heap of bodies, a morbid testament to the day's exertions. A strategic notion sparked in his battle-weary mind. With deliberate force, he began to drag the fallen, both undead and lifeless, into the corridor, constructing a macabre barricade. Each additional corpse thrown onto the pile served to fortify his makeshift defense, a grotesque wall of flesh and bone.

As the barrier grew, a semblance of control emerged from the pandemonium. Jameson seized the lull in onslaught to address the Red Queen. "How do I override the blast doors' panel?" he shouted over the din of his undead adversaries.

The Red Queen's instructions filtered through, a litany of technical jargon that would have overwhelmed any layperson. Guided by the AI's precise directives, the task unraveled with surprising ease, each wire and circuit bending to his will as if he were a seasoned engineer.

With a final twist of a connection, the panel hissed and spat sparks, a brief pyrotechnic display heralding success. A thunderous groan of metal signaled the closing of the blast doors, a sound that resonated with a sweeter note than any symphony Jameson could imagine. For a moment, he allowed himself the luxury of relief, the weight of countless lives saved resting heavily on his shoulders.

However, the Red Queen's stark reminder cut through his brief respite. "Do not forget, Jameson, numerous infected have already breached the Hive's perimeter. Raccoon City is under siege as we speak."

The gravity of her words settled in, a sobering counterbalance to his fleeting triumph. The Hive may have been sealed, but the battle for Raccoon City was just beginning. Jameson's war against the T-Virus outbreak was far from over—it was time to face the horror he had fought so hard to contain.

Jameson quickened his pace, the urgent need to confront the escalating crisis in Raccoon City propelling him forward. Behind him, the tunnel's oppressive darkness felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the imminent threat looming above. With each hurried step, the weight of urgency grew heavier, a stark reminder of the city's desperate plight. Gripping his weapon tightly, he moved with purpose, driven by the knowledge that every passing moment could mean the difference between salvation and catastrophe. The dim tunnel light rapidly surrendered to the stark, revealing glare of the Umbrella facility, a harsh prelude to the devastation he was about to face. This was more than a battle for survival; it was a race against time to stem the tide of a city under siege by the horrors of the T-Virus.

As Jameson emerged from the tunnel into the Umbrella facility, the stark fluorescent lights overhead illuminated a scene of sheer carnage. The polished floors were slick with blood, the walls spattered with viscera. Bodies lay strewn about, torn apart with savage brutality; it was evident that the victims had faced their gruesome end in the throes of terror and pain.

Amidst the ghastly tableau, the undead roamed, their groans and shuffling footsteps a morbid soundtrack to the massacre. Jameson's grim determination set in; this was not the time to falter. With methodical precision, he began dispatching the zombies, his movements a dance of death honed by his recent trials.

After ensuring the immediate vicinity was clear of threats, Jameson took a moment to survey his surroundings. The facility seemed eerily quiet, the chaos of the Hive a distant memory against the silence of death that enveloped him now. He felt a tinge of uncertainty, the next step unclear.

"Red Queen," Jameson called out, his voice breaking the silence, "should I conduct a thorough search of the facility, or would it be more prudent to fortify this entrance and move to the streets?"

"While securing the facility is within standard protocol, the main threat has progressed beyond these walls," she advised in her signature dispassionate tone. "The escaped infected have likely pursued the surviving personnel and civilians into the city. The priority must be to contain the spread in the streets."

Jameson weighed her words carefully, the weight of command heavy upon him. He had to make a choice, and lives hung in the balance. With a nod, he decided on his course of action.

"Understood," he replied, his voice carrying a newfound resolve. "I'll head out. We can't let this infection claim any more of Raccoon City than it already has."

As Jameson stepped out of the Umbrella facility, the chaos that greeted him outside was jarring. The city was in the throes of an apocalypse. Flames ravaged buildings, casting ominous shadows on the streets. Broken fire hydrants created impromptu fountains, their waters lost to the asphalt sea. The wreckage of countless vehicles littered the roads, and among the twisted metal lay the still forms of the fallen—Raccoon City's denizens who had met their end in terror and confusion.

And yet, a haunting stillness prevailed; the expected hordes of the undead were conspicuously absent.

With a sense of urgency, Jameson brushed the ring—a beacon of hope amidst despair. Invoking Tiffany's gift, the Detect Undead ability sprang to life, unveiling the unseen horrors that lay in wait. A grim realization set in as he sensed the magnitude of the outbreak. The sheer number of undead sent a wave of hopelessness through him, each presence a silent testament to the scale of the catastrophe.

"It's too late," he murmured, the grim reality setting in. Hundreds had turned, and even now, the newly infected were succumbing to their grim fate, soon to swell the ranks of the walking dead.

But there was no time for despair. The Red Queen's voice cut through his shock, its sharp edge a call to action. "Jameson," she insisted, "now is not the time for resignation. Your chances of success are not zero. Act."

Her words, devoid of emotion, were nonetheless a lifeline to his wavering resolve. With a shaky exhale, he reaffirmed his determination. "You're right," he agreed, his voice steadying with each syllable. "There's work to be done."

And with that, Jameson set off toward the densest cluster of undead his ability had revealed, ready to fight back against the tide of death.

The cityscape blurred past Jameson as he sprinted, the adrenaline and his heightened agility pushing his body beyond human limits. The chaos was unfolding faster than the city's heartbeat, with every turn bringing him closer to the epicenter of terror.

Upon arrival, the scene that unfolded was one of pandemonium. Civilians were scattering in all directions, their screams slicing through the air like a chilling siren song. The terror was palpable, a thick fog of fear that seemed to suffocate the very soul. The infected were amongst them, indistinguishable until they struck, their ghastly transformation turning neighbor against neighbor in a macabre dance of death.

Jameson moved through the terror-stricken throngs, his Kusarigama cutting through the infected with clinical precision. To the survivors, he was a savior, a blur of motion saving them from the snapping jaws and grasping hands of their former friends and family turned monsters. They clung to their savior in fleeting moments of respite, their eyes reflecting a mixture of fear, gratitude, and disbelief.

But the law enforcement officials, arriving amidst the chaos, saw a different scene. From their perspective, Jameson was a man wielding a deadly weapon, cutting down people indiscriminately. As the immediate threat of the infected waned and the crowd thinned, the officers approached Jameson, weapons drawn, their faces set in grim determination.

"Drop your weapon! Get down on the ground, now!" one of the officers shouted, his voice barely carrying over the cacophony of chaos.

Jameson, breathing heavily from exertion, paused and slowly turned to face the officers. His eyes, hardened by the sights he'd witnessed in the Hive, met theirs, conveying a silent plea for understanding. But the badges they wore obligated them to a different kind of order, one not yet adapted to the new reality unfolding before them.

"Officers, I'm not your enemy," Jameson said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. "I'm trying to save these people, just like you."

A seasoned veteran with a skeptical gaze, replied dryly, "Yeah? Well, from where I'm standing, it looks more like you're slicing and dicing instead of playing hero. Care to explain why your method of 'saving people' involves a weapon straight out of a horror movie?"

"I'm trying to save lives," he explained. "Those 'people' were zombies. They were already dead."

The officers, still struggling to process the situation, exchanged glances that clearly conveyed their opinion of Jameson's sanity.

"I know how crazy it sounds, but it's the truth," Jameson continued, "If you don't act now, there's no saving this city."

An older officer, graying at the temples and carrying an air of weary authority, steps forward. He casts a wary glance at the chaos around them, then back to Jameson. "Son, if what you're saying is true, then we've got a crisis the likes of which we've never seen. But right now, you waving that... thing around isn't helping anyone. Lower your weapon, come with us, and we'll talk about saving the city, alright?"

His tone is calm, almost paternal, but there's an undercurrent of disbelief. It's clear he's more concerned about immediate safety than the fantastical tale of zombies and viral outbreaks.

He addressed the Red Queen, murmuring under his breath, "What now?"

"Jameson, you cannot afford to be apprehended. Time is of the essence," the Red Queen's voice resounded in his ear, as clear and crisp as if she were standing right beside him.

Nodding slightly, as if in agreement with his own thoughts, Jameson called out to the officers, "Sure, I can do that." With a fluid motion, he let his Kusarigama clatter to the ground.

As the nearest officer cautiously approached to handcuff him, Jameson's enhanced agility allowed him to flip the situation in an instant. Before the officer knew it, he was in a submission hold, his wrist locked in Jameson's firm grip.

"Didn't want to do this," Jameson said, apologetically. "Now, drop your guns, and step back."

The officers hesitated, anger in their eyes. To drive the point home, Jameson applied pressure until one of the cop's fingers bent unnaturally, eliciting a pained yelp. "How many more broken fingers do we need before you get it?" he asked, his tone regretful yet stern.

"Listen to me carefully," Jameson began, maintaining his hold but not causing further harm. "This isn't a typical criminal scenario. We're dealing with something far beyond normal human comprehension—the T-Virus. It reanimates the dead, turning them into what you've been seeing."

The officers, still in shock from the sudden turn of events, watched Jameson warily, their expressions a mix of confusion and fear.

"The people you think you're protecting by arresting me? They're already gone, transformed into mindless creatures hungry for the living. I'm not here to cause chaos; I'm trying to prevent it from spreading further."

After delivering his message, Jameson quickly assessed the still skeptical faces of the officers. He knew he had pushed the situation to its limit. Holding the officer one last moment, he looked directly into the man's eyes, conveying a silent apology for the chaos he was about to unleash.

With a sudden, swift movement, Jameson gently tossed the officer towards his colleagues, using the moment of surprise to his advantage. As the officers instinctively moved to catch their comrade, Jameson grabbed his Kusarigama, turned, and sprinted away, his enhanced agility carrying him swiftly out of their immediate reach.

Behind him, shouts and the sound of scrambling feet echoed through the air, but Jameson focused solely on putting as much distance as possible between himself and the law enforcement. He knew they wouldn't easily accept his wild tale of zombies and viral outbreaks, especially not after the hostile encounter.

As he disappeared into the shadows of the city, Jameson's mind raced with his next move. He needed to find a way to stop the spread of the T-Virus.

---

A/N: Hey guys. I'm sorry this took so long, but to be honest assigning myself homework for this whole think kind of damaged my motivation a bit.

Well, what do you think? I took out the EP accumulation as plenty of people have told me it just bogs down the story without really adding anything. I know this is more of a bridge type chapter between the Hive and Raccoon City, but I felt it necessary.

Things at work are going to be pretty "go, go, go" for the next month or so. I'm not going to have much time for anything besides work and sleep, but I'll see if I can get something down on paper if I have time.

 

[Odd1todd89]

Do what you need to do.
Take care of yourself.
I hope you have a wonderful day/ night.

 

[Crimson Grave]

I liked how you answered the question about why he hadn't secured the exit first, and it makes perfect sense honestly.
Once again I am in love with the interactions with Red Queen, it has been the highlight of this fic.

Anyway, I am afraid I have another question this time around.

To the survivors, he was a savior, a blur of motion saving them from the snapping jaws and grasping hands of their former friends and family turned monsters. They clung to their savior in fleeting moments of respite, their eyes reflecting a mixture of fear, gratitude, and disbelief.

Click to shrink...

This line here shows that there were others around when the cops arrived.
If that is the case, why the hell did NONE of them speak up during the confrontation? And why did none of the cops do anything to secure the possible 'hostages' in the scenario?

 

[Neoacoya1]

I liked how you answered the question about why he hadn't secured the exit first, and it makes perfect sense honestly.
Once again I am in love with the interactions with Red Queen, it has been the highlight of this fic.

Anyway, I am afraid I have another question this time around.

This line here shows that there were others around when the cops arrived.
If that is the case, why the hell did NONE of them speak up during the confrontation? And why did none of the cops do anything to secure the possible 'hostages' in the scenario?

Click to shrink...

I guess in my head I just assumed that they all ran away. I'm thinking if someone saves me from one zombie, am I going to stick around? Nope.

 

[Dumbgro]

Good explanation about the exit, a lot of stories would leave it unanswered! Great update, with stories as well written as this I think we all understand the need for time in between updates so please don't lose your inspiration for the sake of speed!

 

[Grimmouse197]

You know instead of stating that they're zombies he could state that it's mutated rabies it's far far more believable and they would take the bites more seriously.

 

[Neoacoya1]

You know instead of stating that they're zombies he could state that it's mutated rabies it's far far more believable and they would take the bites more seriously.

Click to shrink...

Perhaps, but TBH, I don't think it would have made that big of a difference. They still would have wanted to take Jameson into custody for killing sick people. Besides most cops don't really respond well to reasoning; their thought process starts and ends with "do what I tell you."

 

[Neoacoya1]

Jameson swiftly navigated the dimly lit streets of Raccoon City, fresh from his close call with the police. Moving with purpose, he darted through empty alleyways and deserted roads, keenly aware of the urgency of his mission amidst the quiet chaos of the city.

"Jameson, it's imperative that we implement a structured approach to this crisis. First, assess your immediate resources. What weapons, medical supplies, and support do you have at your disposal right now?"

Slowing his pace, Jameson quickly inventoried his gear. He murmured to himself, "Okay, I've got the kusarigama, four pistols, and the assault rifle — should be a couple hundred rounds left. Medical supplies are nil, except for that Blue CIV... And there's about 460K EP for backup." He assessed his arsenal and resources.

"Jameson, your exceptional physical capabilities make you a formidable force against the infected. Focus on enhancing skills that will amplify your situational awareness and strategic decision-making. Improving your Perception or Intelligence could provide significant advantages. Use your mobility and agility to continuously move through the city, identifying and neutralizing threats. The use of the Blue CIV should be considered cautiously, given the unknowns. Your priority remains the containment of the outbreak and the identification of any remaining survivors or potential allies."

Acknowledging the soundness of Red Queen's advice, Jameson gave a slight nod. With a focused expression, he activated his virtual menu and allocated points decisively into both Perception and Intelligence, ready to enhance his capabilities for the trials ahead.

Perception 12 -> 20
Intelligence 12 -> 20

EP Remaining: 67,459 EP

As Jameson initiated the enhancements, the world around him abruptly shifted into an unrecognizable tableau of pain and hyper-sensitivity. The cool September breeze, once a gentle whisper on his skin, now felt like a barrage of frozen knives, each gust slicing through him with an intensity that defied logic. He crumpled to the ground, his body convulsing uncontrollably on the sidewalk.

The concrete beneath him, which should have been benignly firm and cool, now felt like coarse sandpaper grinding against his skin, abrading every nerve ending with excruciating detail. The texture of the ground, the subtle irregularities and tiny granules, pressed into him with an agonizing precision that seemed to strip layers from his very being. He could feel every minute crack and crevice in the concrete as if they were etching into his flesh.

Inside his skull, the sensation was no less torturous. His brain felt like it was expanding, pushing against the confines of his cranium with a relentless, throbbing pressure. Neural pathways rewired at a frenetic pace, sending jolts of electric pain coursing through his head. Each pulse brought with it a deluge of thoughts, insights, and sensory inputs that cascaded through his consciousness like a relentless torrent. Knowledge and perceptions intermingled in a chaotic symphony, overwhelming his ability to process them coherently.

His senses, now dialed to an unimaginable intensity, turned the world into a cacophony of stimuli. The distant sound of a car horn blared like a siren right next to his ear. The faint smell of trash from a nearby bin assaulted his nostrils with the intensity of a toxic cloud. Even the dim light of the overcast sky seemed to pierce through his eyelids with a blinding intensity.

Amidst this sensory onslaught, Jameson's thoughts raced at a maddening pace. They flickered and flashed, too fast to grasp fully, yet each one left a searing trail in his mind. He found himself analyzing and connecting concepts at a speed and depth that were previously unimaginable, yet the sheer velocity of his thoughts was disorienting, leaving him gasping for mental stability.

Jameson's body, reacting to the overwhelming changes, oscillated between spasms and a rigid paralysis. His muscles tensed and released in rapid succession, a physical manifestation of the chaos unfolding within. His heart pounded against his chest, not just in response to the physical pain, but also as a reaction to the extreme stress of cognitive and sensory overload.

As the initial wave of transformation subsided, Jameson lay there on the sidewalk, panting and drenched in sweat, a man reborn into a realm of perception and intellect that bordered on the superhuman. The world around him, now a kaleidoscope of hyper-real sensations and thoughts, awaited his newly acquired mastery. But at that moment, he was a mariner caught in a storm, struggling to find his bearings in an ocean of sensory and cognitive tumult.

Regaining his bearings after the intense ordeal, Jameson managed a raspy chuckle and said, "Note to self: upgrading intelligence and perception simultaneously? Bad idea. It amplifies the agony tenfold." His voice carried a mix of wry humor and lingering discomfort from the experience.

"Duly noted, Jameson. The simultaneous enhancement of intelligence and perception is indeed an extreme strain on your physiology. Your experience underscores the importance of caution in future modifications. However, the successful integration of these upgrades is a substantial achievement. Your newly augmented abilities will significantly aid in your mission.

Your next steps should involve utilizing your heightened abilities to track and assess the spread of the infection more effectively. Despite the risks involved in this transformation, you are now better equipped to handle the complexities of the situation at hand. Stay focused on the mission, and use your enhanced abilities wisely."

With a hint of sarcasm tinged by his ordeal, Jameson replied, "Yeah, got it. And for the record, I'm doing just fine, thanks for the concern." His words carried a subtle jab at the AI's lack of empathy.

"Point taken, Jameson. Your well-being is important. Your condition is crucial to our mission."

Under his breath, Jameson muttered, "It's moments like these that really highlight you're just an AI." Then, raising his voice with a determined tone, he said, "I've got a plan to make the police see reason. Talking won't cut it; they need something they can't just dismiss or rationalize away."

"Demonstrating the reality of the situation will likely be more effective than verbal explanations in such an unprecedented scenario. Proceed with your plan, but exercise caution to avoid unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement. It's crucial that this demonstration is clear and convincing without escalating tensions further. Please detail your strategy so I can provide any necessary support or adjustments."

"Well, I'm thinking we should..."

---

In the dead of night, the streets of Raccoon City lay eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos that had engulfed them mere hours ago. At the local police precinct, officers were huddled in the briefing room, discussing their next course of action in response to the bizarre and unexplainable events plaguing the city.

Suddenly, a heavy thud against one of the windows shattered the tense silence. Startled, a group of officers, led by a grizzled veteran named Officer Martinez, rushed towards the source of the disturbance. There, on the window sill, lay an incomprehensible sight—a mutilated torso, clearly human in form but grotesquely altered.

The torso, stripped of its limbs and with a gaping cavity in its chest, was still moving, its chest heaving in a parody of breath. The teeth had been meticulously removed, rendering it a bizarre, yet less threatening sight. Accompanying it was a note, hastily scrawled but clear in its message: "This is what we're facing. Not human, not alive. We need to work together."

Officer Martinez, a man who had thought he'd seen it all, felt a chill run down his spine. The other officers gathered around, a mix of horror and disbelief etched on their faces. One young officer turned away, struggling to keep his composure.

"Get this to forensics, now!" Martinez barked, trying to maintain a semblance of control over the situation. "And someone check the perimeter, see if you can find whoever delivered this... thing."

As the team sprang into action, Martinez stared at the note again. The implications of what it meant were as unsettling as the gruesome delivery. The city was facing a threat beyond their understanding, a threat that defied the very laws of nature and life as they knew it.

This was no longer a case of civil unrest or criminal activity. This was something else entirely, something that required a response beyond the scope of traditional policing. Officer Martinez knew that the rules had changed; they were now playing a game with unknown rules and unimaginable stakes.

---

From a discreet vantage point, Jameson observed as a squad of officers emerged from the precinct, swiftly securing the gruesome package he had left. While some carefully transported it away, others combed the surrounding area. He watched intently and then voiced his uncertainty, "Do you think this will get the message across?"

"The delivery of the mutilated zombie is a compelling demonstration of the nature of the threat. It is likely to provoke a significant reaction from the police. They will be forced to acknowledge that this is not a situation that falls within the realm of normal human experience or criminal activity. However, it is difficult to predict the exact nature of their response. They may become more cautious and open to collaboration, or they could react with fear and heightened defensive measures. It is important to monitor their actions closely in the coming hours to gauge their response and plan your next move accordingly."

Jameson responded with a noncommittal hum, his mind already shifting gears. "Hey Red, is it possible for you to reach out to Umbrella?" he asked, contemplating their next move.

"Attempting to establish communication with Umbrella Corporation is feasible, though it may present certain risks. If you have a specific objective or message in mind, please articulate it so that I can tailor the communication attempt accordingly. Be aware that reaching out to Umbrella could attract attention or lead to unforeseen consequences, depending on their level of involvement and current stance on the outbreak."

Jameson pondered aloud, "Umbrella designed you with the priority to contain the infection above everything else, didn't they? It stands to reason that they wouldn't want the T-Virus to spread uncontrollably. So, logically, they should be on board with helping us keep it in check."

"Your logic is sound in principle. My primary directive to contain the infection indeed suggests that Umbrella Corporation's intent, at least in my programming, is to prevent the spread of the T-Virus. However, it is important to consider the complex nature of Umbrella Corporation. The company has various divisions and sectors, some of which may have different agendas or be operating with information not available to others.

If you wish to reach out to Umbrella for assistance, I can certainly attempt to establish a line of communication. It's possible that they could provide valuable resources, information, or support in containing the outbreak. Nonetheless, I advise proceeding with caution. We should be prepared for the possibility that certain elements within Umbrella might have conflicting objectives or that their response might not align with our current understanding of the situation.

Would you like me to initiate contact with Umbrella Corporation based on these considerations? If so, any specific department or individual you have in mind?"

"Would reaching out to them pose any risk to you?" Jameson asked, concerned about the potential repercussions for the AI.

"As an AI, my primary risk in attempting to contact Umbrella Corporation lies in the potential for countermeasures that could be employed against me. Umbrella has sophisticated cybersecurity systems, and if they perceive my communication as a breach or a threat, they might respond with attempts to disable or take control of my systems. However, I am equipped with advanced security protocols to mitigate these risks.

It is also important to consider that initiating contact could lead to indirect risks, particularly regarding how Umbrella might respond to your actions and the current situation in Raccoon City. If they are unaware of your role or your connection to me, revealing this information could have unpredictable consequences.

In summary, while there are risks involved, they are manageable, especially if we approach the communication with a well-thought-out plan. The potential benefits of gaining support or information from Umbrella could be significant in our efforts to contain the outbreak. I am prepared to proceed if you decide it is the right course of action."

Jameson weighed the options, his head tilting side to side as he deliberated the risks involved. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he let out a resigned sigh. Realizing the limitations of relying solely on the police, he concluded, "Looks like we don't have much of a choice here. We'll need Umbrella's assistance. Who do you think we should contact first?"

"Given the situation, our best course of action is to reach out to those within Umbrella Corporation who handle biohazard scenarios and T-Virus research.

Contacting the Biohazard Containment Unit could provide us with essential expertise and resources for dealing with the outbreak.

Additionally, liaising with members of the Research and Development Division, especially those involved in the T-Virus project, may offer critical insights into the virus and its containment.

The Crisis Management Team is another viable contact, equipped to handle emergency situations like this, and could bring logistical and strategic support.

While reaching out to high-level executives or directors might expedite assistance, it also carries the risk of exposing more about your involvement. I recommend establishing encrypted communication to minimize detection. We should share sufficient information to convey the urgency without revealing all details about our operations. Would you like me to proceed with this approach?"

Jameson ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of resignation mixed with determination. "I have a feeling I might regret this, but go ahead and set up the contact," he said, bracing himself for the consequences of this necessary step.

 

[zangetsu101]

he said, bracing himself for the consequences of this necessary step

Click to shrink...

"And then absolutely nothing bad happened and they lived happily. Ever. After."

Can't wait to see this explode in the worst way. Like, Wesker coming in and doing his thing only with even more support.

 

[noobody77]

Man that's a terrible idea, like the mc just took the worst possible choice he could. Talk about an idiot ball lol.

 

[Neoacoya1]

Man that's a terrible idea, like the mc just took the worst possible choice he could. Talk about an idiot ball lol.

Click to shrink...

You have to consider it from Jameson's perspective and not from the perspective of someone who knows all the evil stuff Umbrella has done or will do. To Jameson, Umbrella is involved in some dangerous research, but they don't want the T-Virus getting out any more than he does. He's seen enough to leave him wary of them, but who else has the resources and knowledge to help him?

What would you have done in his place with his limited knowledge?