October 1, 1998, 8:00 AM, S.T.A.R.S. Training Field
The day had arrived. The morning air was cold, heavy with the acrid smell of gunpowder and sweat. Eddie had not returned to the underground laboratory. That chapter, for now, was closed. Today marked the beginning of his new role: a wolf in sheep's clothing inside the S.T.A.R.S. compound.
When he arrived at the training field, the first thing he saw was her. Svetlana Belikova. She wasn't shouting orders. She moved among the Bravo team members like a ghost, correcting a man's posture with a barely perceptible touch, clearing another's jammed weapon with a speed that blurred her hands. Even Wesker, standing at a distance, watched her with an intensity that was part professional respect, part predatory analysis.
Eddie gave her a nod, a silent greeting between two people fluent in the language of violence. She returned it with an almost imperceptible tilt of her head. Then he headed toward the main building, toward the spider's lair.
Brian Irons' office was a sanctuary of bad taste and thinly veiled corruption. Taxidermy trophies stared at Eddie with glass eyes, and the air was heavy with the stench of stale cigar smoke.
"Welcome, welcome, take a seat," Irons greeted him with a greasy smile, his chubby hand extending for a handshake.
"Pleasure to meet you, Chief Brian. By the way, what will my role be in the S.T.A.R.S. team?" Eddie asked, and as he shook Irons' hand, a thick envelope passed discreetly from his hand into Irons'.
With practiced skill, Irons grabbed the envelope and slid it under a pile of papers on his desk, all without breaking his smile.
"Your job will be nothing more than a medical tracker; you'll be placed in Bravo Team. So enjoy your time," he said. Irons knew Eddie had joined S.T.A.R.S. just to "play the game." The man was one of Umbrella's top researchers; Irons would not hesitate to maintain a good relationship as long as extra money was involved.
"Well, if you like, maybe I'll ask you for something in the future. Hope it won't burden you," Eddie said with a nod.
"Of course, we'll discuss whenever you want; I'll handle it for you, hahaha." Irons laughed happily; as long as there was money, work was easy.
"Then I'll go meet my teammates." Eddie stood. "One last thing, I'm curious. Why hire an instructor from Europe?"
"Ah, a month ago, the police forces were funded by Umbrella, so we recruited Svetlana to further enhance the team's performance," Brian explained briefly. Naturally, the remaining funds for recruiting Svetlana ended up in his personal pockets.
Eddie stroked his chin. Funded by someone on Umbrella's staff? Is this Spencer's plan, Sergei's, or Alex's own? He wasn't sure.
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October 31, 1998, 4:00 PM, S.T.A.R.S. Training Field
The month of special training had finally ended. Wesker applauded the team's performance. "Everyone, I have something to say."
All the members immediately gathered. Wesker continued, "Today we have a new member, a top researcher from Umbrella."
"His expertise can help us locate targets using the victim's 'Body Scan'." Wesker looked at Eddie. Eddie nodded.
"Hello, I've worked at Umbrella before. Chief Brian specifically invited me to join the Tactical Team. My name is Eddie Cai. Nice to meet you all!" Eddie introduced himself to the assembled team.
"Eddie, you'll be assigned to Bravo Team led by Enrico. You can get to know the other members on your own. Okay, the new member has introduced himself. Today's training is over; you're dismissed!" Wesker then turned and left immediately. Knowing them too well might make him hesitate to use them. Better to keep distance while he could.
"Ah, so you're the new member? Very well, you seem capable too." Enrico Marini, Bravo Team's leader, approached with a smile. He was a veteran, a man with a strong sense of justice. "Welcome to our big family."
Eddie spoke with the rest of the team, then said with a smile, "Since we're colleagues now, I'll treat you all to drinks tonight at Raccoon City Bar; if you're free, join us!"
"Hey, invite me too!" came the voice of another man—it was Kevin.
Eddie looked at the boy strangely. Wasn't he still on duty at the Umbrella hospital? Well, Eddie just shrugged. "Sure."
"Great! Thanks," Kevin said happily.
---
October 31, 1998, 9:00 PM, Jack's Bar
When Eddie and Jill arrived at the bar, almost all the S.T.A.R.S. members were already there. Jill walked holding Eddie's hand, a slight blush on her cheeks, an air of satisfied tiredness. They had had a rather intense 'session' before coming out. Were it not for the serum, she would probably still be in bed. Luckily, her body was enhanced. With some food, her stamina would recover quickly.
Entering the bar, Chris immediately approached Eddie, a glass of wine in hand.
"Hey, you're Eddie, right? Please, take good care of Jill. If you hurt her, I won't let you get away."
Honestly, Chris had been reluctant when Eddie joined S.T.A.R.S. Fortunately, he wasn't placed on Alpha Team. Chris didn't want to keep feeling sad; seeing this guy's face hurt his heart!
"Chris, right? Don't worry, I'll take care of Jill." Eddie responded with a nod. "I'll invite you to our wedding someday." Eddie laughed happily.
Across from them, Jill didn't oppose her boyfriend's words. Instead, she smiled happily! Hearing this, Chris felt increasingly depressed. It was as if his heart had been crushed!
The alcohol-fueled party began. Eddie, generously covering all the drinks, was immediately liked by all team members!
While Eddie was drinking, he was suddenly approached by Cindy Lennox. The beautiful waitress seemed hesitant, worried.
Seeing her behavior, Jill became suspicious. With Eddie's excellent character, she had no doubt that a competitor might appear in the future. But Jill was very confident in her abilities; she was optimistic about defeating any potential rival!
"Hey, do you need anything, Miss Cindy? If you want to confess, then state your intentions. The man already has a girlfriend, hahaha." As usual, Kevin said with a laugh.
"Hey, shut up, Kevin. Eddie, if you want a relationship with two women at the same time, I'll support you a lot!" Joseph suddenly interjected, obviously joking.
Jill glared at Joseph. Even with her presence, the man wanted to conspire with her lover; what if she weren't nearby?
Eddie looked at Cindy with a smile. "Cindy, do you need help?"
Cindy took a deep breath, then said, "Mr. Eddie, one of my neighbors went to the Arklay area yesterday. He hasn't returned yet; I'm so worried. Could you help me find him?"
Eddie immediately nodded. "Sure, tell me the name and specific characteristics of the person. I'll try to speak with Chief Brian afterward."
"Thank you so much." Cindy bowed in gratitude.
Seeing the waitress's beautiful figure and kind demeanor, Eddie wondered… Why is no one trying to ask her to marry him…