After what couldn't have been any longer than an hour, the scientists on the floor above started to stand and put away their papers. The female scientist near the glass cleared her throat in a manner that suggested she was trying to get everyone's attention.
"That will be enough," she said, reaching back to touch William by the arm. She nodded to him and he began to walk away. She watched him go before turning back to the group.
"It's time for you to come with us and hear our explanation."
Cullen shrugged in Ali's direction.
"So much for all that, huh?"
The glass wall in front of the scientists began to recede into the floor. Once they were exposed, one within the group made her move. Floating off the ground, Andriod 18 charged through the air at an incredible speed, her arm raised to deliver a powerful punch to one of the scientists.
However, before she could reach the scientists, 18 dropped out of the air as if she'd lost all momentum. She slammed into the ground in a heap, clutching at her head as if it was in great pain. The scientists looked utterly calm, having seemingly expected no danger at any time.
"My name is Annette Birkin," said the female scientist.
"The man who left was William Birkin, my husband. Our colleague here is Albert Wesker. We work for the Umbrella Corporation, as do all of you now. You have no choice in the matter, for it is now in our hands what you can and can't do."
As the pain subsided, 18 stood to her feet. Her body tensed with anger, but it seemed she had expected her attack would have been a failure. On some level, everyone probably felt the same.
"Whether you possess a biological body, a mechanical one, or something in-between, we have inserted technology into each and every one of you that allows us to control your bodies and abilities. We can turn them off as we like, as well as paralyze you if need be. We have been testing your motor functions, and you have given us some valuable data."
"... And what exactly is it you want us to do?" Cullen asked.
It was the man named Albert Wesker who responded.
"Follow us."
Annette and Wesker started in the direction William had gone off to, heading toward a wide set of heavy doors. Men and women with guns began to pour into the chamber as an incentive for the group to follow orders. It was only a short walk through the building's sterile gray halls until the group was brought to an area that appeared to be a sitting room with a large screen set into the wall. William was here, as was a mysterious male.
"What the shit is going on here?!" said the male, who wasn't wearing a lab coat or gear like the other Umbrella staff members. He grew visibly incensed at the sight of the crowd, and he took a few angry steps toward Annette before he froze in place mid-stride.
"This one's been a real nuisance," William said.
"Not even half as useful as any of the others. Should have killed him off, Annette."
"This one didn't take to the transition as well as the rest of you," Annette said, ignoring William's remarks.
"I figured he would have still been in medical, but just as well that he joins us for the briefing."
The man jerked and shook himself when he was able to move again. He took a few gulping breaths and looked to be wavering on his feet.
"F-Fuck!" he stammered.
"I have things to do, you assholes!"
The scientists ignored his outburst and walked toward the video screen. Annette tapped on the screen, which brought up a visual display that she was able to tap at until the screen turned on to show a video feed. The video showed off a room, where rows upon rows of monitors and computers surrounded a device at the center. It drew every eye, for it glowed a bright and brilliant blue.
"Welcome to Umbrella's greatest achievement," said Annette, sound pleased with herself.
"This device has pushed Umbrella's technology development hundreds of years into the future. It allowed us to develop the technology inside your heads, as well as bring you here in the first place." She looked away from the screen and looked upon the group.
"Your suspicions were correct. You are beings from other worlds, brought here for our use. Your unique worlds provide assets we could only dream of. In addition, no one that is any threat to us will miss you or be looking for you."
This would have caused dissent and murmurs, but the armed escort seemed primed to use their weaponry.
"As for what we wish you to do," Annette continued,
"Is for you to act as weapons for us. An army. A sword. Our technology is wanted by a rival company, and we require you to fight for us. There is no choice in this matter if you value your lives. Even those of you who do not seem to display any sort of combat abilities will be going out in the field. If desired, we can provide some light combat training, but time is of the essence. We know the technology inside of you all works, and that is all we need to be sure of before we go ahead."
"So we're fucking expendable?!" said the male, plainly stating the obvious.
"I am no one's puppet, you hear me?"
Annette peered at him impassively.
"...Your lives are in your hands."
Wesker tapped at the screen, changing the feed to display a map.
"The highlighted areas of this map are where you are permitted to go. Walking outside these areas will shut down your body. Do not cross us. We have a waiting area next to the armory where your weapons will be returned to you. In addition, any of you without weapons will be able to take what they want from the armory. Aside from this waiting area is a training facility where you can actually learn to hold a firearm. Is that clear?"
