experiment-zero

[experiment-zero]

Her Little Game

Fred Bates had been working with the progenitor virus since Oswell E. Spencer first founded Umbrella Corporation as a cover-up. He had dedicated his life to his work, forgoing any semblance of a personal life for his single-minded passion. It was this burning desire for progress that allowed him to quickly ascend the ranks, becoming one of the top tier researchers of Umbrella.

 But then Spencer died. No… He was killed. Slaughtered by that by-product of Project W, Albert Wesker. Now Bates had little care for the senile aristocrat as long as he was allowed to continue his work… But that damnable creature who took his place now barricades him from just that.

 The whole of the research committee stationed in Africa, the only place where the precious “Stairway of the Sun” could grow, was completely dismantled and reformed to Wesker’s liking. This left the older researcher as nothing more than a mere mentor for the fresher minds that had been brought in to take his place.

 Of course Bates had almost protested, alongside several of his comrades who had worked by his side for over four decades. But his prudence proved to spare him the fate that Wesker did not hesitate to impose upon anyone who dared to question him. Instead he was left to live, wallowing in his ever-growing bitterness.

 So surely it is understandable why Bates, typing fervently away at his laptop, is composing a careful documentation of all the current work going on with “Uroboros” in the hopes of sending it to the authorities. His life’s work had been stolen away, leaving him with no purpose and nothing to show for all those years he had dedicated. It’s only fair Wesker is forced to face the same reality… Only fair that-

 “My… You really are quite an articulate writer. I do not believe you have missed a single detail on “Uroboros”, Mr. Bates.” A cool voice whispers in his ear. Startled, the old man whips around to face Experiment Zero. She is only a few centimeters from him, her face as still and cold as marble as she continues to study the screen. How long has she been there? He could not be certain.

 The phantom-like creature has a natural knack for being able to appear anywhere she pleased without detection. Her steps are always silent, almost like she was not really touching the floor at all. Coupled with her cold, pale skin and expressionless eyes that were presumably affected by aniridia… The creature was bone-chilling to say the least.

 “Well if it isn’t Albert’s pet.” The old man spat bitterly. “I am in the middle of work. So, if you would be so kind as to leave me to it…” Perhaps if he just played his writings off as merely documentation for Uroboros’ records, the damn specter would go away.

 “Hm-hm… Do you know how long I have been watching you, Mr. Bates?” Those empty eyes turn on him, making his blood turn to ice in his veins. “No, of course you do not. No one ever does. That was an unfair question; I apologize.” How could a voice be so monotone and soft yet sicky sweet and innocent at the same time?

 “D-doesn’t Wesker keep you on a leash, you damn brat? Beat it so I can work in peace.”

Bates stiffens when he notices Zero’s lips twitch ever so slightly… Like she is almost smiling.

 “Only when I give him a reason to. Not that it does much good to have a watch set on me. I tend to… Slip people’s notice.” When did the damn thing move to sit on his desk? Her slender fingers push his laptop closed, eyes never leaving his face.

 “Mr. Bates… Master Wesker would be very displeased to know that we have a ‘compromise’ in our security. And he has little qualms with dealing with these ‘compromises’ in an effective, educational manner. Do you understand?” The beast almost purrs.

 “Yeah? So you’re gonna run and tattle on me to your owner?” Bates retorts, a quiver in his voice betraying his bold words.

 “Hm-hm… I do not have to tell him anything. After all, I am here of my own volition.” Zero says softly, her smile widening; however, it does not reach her eyes. “I do not want to hurt you, Mr. Bates. Of course… I will if I have to.”

 “What do you want…” The old man asked, clutching at his lab coat with shaking hands.

 “A friend, Mr. Bates.” “A… Friend?”

 “Yes. A friend. Everyone needs friends after all.” The woman gently caresses his cheek; her ice cold fingers causing sickening chills to run down his spine.

 So this damn BOW is asking for his loyalty in exchange for his life? Like he would ever allow such an inferior creature to hold that sort of power over him. Frightening or not, she commands no power of her own; Wesker pulls the strings of this little marionette. She has no fighting ability, no strength to call her own. So, this damned beast trying to manipulate him into submission was an insult he would not stand for.

But he could play along… For now. “Alright, Zero. I’ll cooperate.” Bates forced himself to relax and keep his tone even. The young woman pulls her hand back, tilting her head slightly as she continues to smile. It made him sick that this thing actually thought it had won.

 But she won’t be so smiley when he turns the tables on her and lets her owner know that she has been gathering allies behind his back.

 “I have enjoyed our discussion, Mr. Bates. Do take care.” With those parting words, Experiment Zero was gone.

“Stupid bitch… Like I’d ever bow down to Wesker’s pet.” The old man sneers under his breath, reopening his laptop to find the entire file he had been working on was erased. “FUCK THAT LITTLE BITCH!”

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 Zero listens just outside his door, expression unreadable. Yet inside she felt that sick giddiness that she tends to get while playing her little game.

 She cannot wait until Master Wesker decides what to do with old Fred Bates.

[experiment-zero]

I’m Not the Villain I Appear to Be

<< Inspiration Song: The Villain I Appear to Be from Rachel Kim’s film “Diamond Jack”>>

Zero runs a hand through her unkempt hair, eyes bleary as she gazes at the screen blinking bleakly in front of her. Data point after data point reflects from her empty gray eyes, the mathematical summation of yet another human’s torture under the cruel hand of science. That’s what Master Wesker calls it, though the BOW must disagree. Science has ethics, rules, reason.

 This… This is just madness. Organized, methodological madness.

 Now she will not pretend she does not sometimes feel the sick enjoyment the madness brings. The satisfaction of knowing her very face, so cold and dead, elicits fear in the humans who had once lacked appreciation for the life they were given. A life she will never get to have.

 Perhaps… If they manage to make it out from the slimy, venomous tendrils of madness alive… They will have learned to appreciate the life they have been blessed with. Then perhaps Experiment Zero will not feel so bitter towards them as they will understand what it means to have that beautiful, sacred gift of humanity. They will not squander it.

 They will appreciate how warm their skin is… How lovely the sunshine is… How the scent of the rain dances along a lazy breeze… How the snow chills the air as it floats down with gentle abandon…

 The BOW realizes she had dozed off and snaps her head back into an upright position. With a sigh of exasperation, she stands and stretches. The fleeting dreams of freedom left her feeling restless and miserable. Well… more miserable.

 Experiment Zero knows she does not have permission to step out, but if she spends one more moment in this stuffy, overly furnished room she will either fall asleep or break something. She pulls on a jacket laying on a chair nearby and steps out. Looking around for anyone to stop her, she quickly makes her way through the facility.

 Zero just wants a few minutes in the cool night air, some time to clear her mind. Yes, she could have opened a window but actually being outdoors is different. The facility is isolated, far from any civilization and prying eyes. There is nothing but towering trees for miles around and it is quite stunning.

 The BOW loves to train her ears by listening to the sounds of life around her, the rustling of leaves as animals go about their nightly routine, the breeze swaying the tree tops, the chirps of crickets and buzz of cicadas. The beauty reminds her that even something like her can enjoy the little things life has to offer.

 When she can get outside, that is.

 She walks with purpose, praying no one questions where she is going and why. If she looks like she owns the place, no one will spare her a second glance. At least that’s the infallible, ingenious idea. “Hey! You there! Stop where you are!” An authoritative voice rings out, catching the attention of the other night owl workers.

 ‘Crap.’

 Without sparing any of the gawkers or the source of the shouts a glance, Zero breaks into a sprint. The BOW uses her hands to catch the wall and round the corner sharply. She may look weak and unassuming…

 Zero is fast. Fast enough to duck through startled scientists and guards alike. Sure she will be made to pay for this later… But just a few minutes outside is enough to make it all worth it.

 Master Wesker and his mindless drones can… as the humans say, “stick it where the sun don’t shine.” She cannot- no, she WILL NOT spend her entire existence pitifully slaving away for a sadistic madman. She will grasp at the strands of freedom and cling to them whenever she can.

 So she continues to run, regardless of any punishment that awaits her at the end.

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 Besides they will need to catch her first.

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 None of the idiots here understand what they lack. Nor do they comprehend what they have. Just like the average man, these people of supposedly above-average grade still do not grasp how fortunate they are to be human. That is why they can so easily destroy their fellow man.

 The ornate mahogany doors emerge from around the next corner. Just beyond the thick wood is freedom… Just a few more steps…

 Zero throws the doors wide open, a rush of cool air hitting her skin and making her heart skip with elation.

 It feels beautiful.

 Just as she reaches the bottom steps, a gloved hand reaches out and snatches her by the collar of her jacket in a steel grip. “How daft can you possibly be, disobedient little cretin.” A low, velvety voice hissed. “How many times must you be taught… You will not escape me.” 

The captured BOW sighs in defeat, eyes looking up to the faintly twinkling stars that break through the dark canopy above.

 “I know.”