In the Western Federation, the situation in three cities stabilized, with high-pressure tactics used to confine zombies to their homes. Occasionally, monsters like Lickers appeared, but they were swiftly eliminated by bio-terrorism countermeasure teams dispatched for the task. Dealing with these biological weapons required the most professional individuals.
At the underground research facility in Tall Oaks, Carla had gained greater authority, now commanding half of the guard forces.
Simmons was still looking at photos of Ada. The silent Ada, perhaps, truly hadn't escaped Raccoon City, just as Eddie had suggested.
If that were the case, then who had contacted Simmons later? Simmons only suspected that the voice on the phone was synthesized. Without seeing Ada in person, he wouldn't believe any truth.
"Focus all efforts on developing the Pupa Virus. I want a virus that can perfectly transform one person into another. How much time do you need?" Simmons put away Ada's photo. Since he couldn't have her, he would create an Ada.
Carla frowned, "Abandoning all other projects to focus entirely on this? It will take at least seven months, possibly longer."
"I'll give you six months. I will concentrate all resources for you. Proceed as I've instructed; other matters are secondary." Simmons issued the order. He intended to use the Pupa Virus to create a new Ada.
Simmons' twisted affection had transformed him into a demon. Even without Eddie's provocation, he would still have gone down this familiar path.
Upon returning to the island, Svetlana naturally began her life as a housewife, completely devoid of the ruthless demeanor she displayed in Eastern Slav Republic, and unlike a special forces instructor.
Jill had no complaints about this, always smiling. It was as if whatever Eddie did was acceptable, and she didn't object. This was the smartest choice, and besides, currently, the situation was quite good, so why jeopardize their marital relationship?
Eddie, meanwhile, began to focus on developing a specific evolutionary virus. This time, he wasn't researching the T+G Virus, but rather concentrating on the genes of electric eels. He sought to use the evolutionary characteristics of the G-Virus to promote the development of specific muscle tissues, thereby generating electrical properties.
A week later, Claire, Moira, and Cindy once again returned to the Western Federation by helicopter. Before they left, Eddie called them into his room to give them some instructions regarding precautions. All three women looked radiant, seemingly more alluring after their enhancements.
Claire had initially wanted to see if she could help her brother apply for an enhancement, but after talking to Chris on the phone, she found that Chris had a strong aversion to bio-research projects.
Chris himself didn't have time; he was busy training new members to deploy into combat. There was too much unrest in the Middle East, with even rumors of monsters joining the fighting—places the Federal Bio-Terrorism Commission couldn't yet control.
The Amazon jungle in Latin America, with its countless river basins, was a haven for criminals and a graveyard for fugitives. Dying here meant your body wouldn't be found in less than two days.
Spencer, Umbrella's CEO, was currently flying here. He was coming to discuss new business. This 'new business' was certainly nothing good. A notorious figure here was the drug lord Javier Hidalgo.
This man was incredibly wealthy, owning nearly a quarter of the private jungle territory. Various raw materials were extensively cultivated here, and almost fifty percent of the world's drugs were linked to him.
The Umayta Hydroelectric Power Station, a power station in the rainforest, was also the private hydroelectric power station of the drug lord Javier. It provided electricity to the surrounding villages.
Although everyone knew Javier was a major drug lord, no one dared to resist or target him. Javier hired local residents to cultivate and process crops for him, bringing considerable income to the area.
Money meant you could do whatever you wanted. Naturally, no one would idly point at Javier and call him a drug lord who harmed himself and others; that was for righteous people. Ordinary folk couldn't contend with a major drug lord who had a private armed force; they just watched quietly.
The helicopter landed steadily on the power station's helipad. Two Ivan-type Tyrants were the first to jump out, wearing pure white restraint suits and tactical glasses that transmitted data. They were tall and imposing, their mere presence exuding a strong oppressive aura.
Spencer, too, descended steadily from the helicopter, leaning on his cane. This old fox had sparse white hair and sinister eyes, clearly not a good person.
Javier, a middle-aged man with sunglasses and a beard, walked over, smoking his signature cigar. "Spencer, you still dare to come here? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"
"Old friend, you wouldn't want to kill me, unless there's an absolute benefit. Our businesses cannot be severed. Although not righteous, they are what this world needs," Spencer said with a smile.
"Cut the crap, get to the point. I don't have time to blabber with you about these things. The stuff you sold me last time had no effect at all. I wish I could kill you!" Javier's beard twitched a few times, evidently recalling some unpleasant memories.
"That's not something we can control. If you want further treatment, you can go to my branch company. There are professionals there who can treat some injuries." Spencer wasn't angered. As a shrewd businessman, even if he was angry, he wouldn't show it, still smiling amiably.
"You're full of it. I won't go to your place. If there's treatment, it'll be on my turf. So, what's up this time?" Javier asked, puffing on his cigar.
"I heard you're buying the Veronica Virus? Humph, what are you trying to do? Have you contacted that traitor, Wesker?" Spencer also stated his purpose.
"What I buy is none of your business. You haven't even cleaned up your own mess, and you want to meddle in mine?" Javier scoffed.
"Heh heh, no matter what, I need startup capital. And you need a virus to do what you need to do. If anything unexpected happens, you can contact me. I have two major research teams that can help you solve all problems, but the price won't be cheap," Spencer said with a chuckle.
"Money is just a number to me. Just tell me how to use the virus, and I'll handle it myself," Javier said with a cold smile.
"Of course, but there's a condition. When you meet that traitor Wesker, capture him alive for me. I'll also throw in a fully established Hunter legion and three Tyrants." Spencer was clearly going all out.
Chapter 384: Alex's Recruitment Plan
Umbrella's sales of pharmaceuticals and other products were gradually declining, almost a cliff-edge drop. The Raccoon City incident was known worldwide, with news media capitalizing on the buzz, making it impossible not to know.
This led to a significant decrease in company business, reaching the point of unprofitability. The falling stock price only added insult to injury, and many partner companies had severed ties. Now, even basic raw materials had to be produced in-house, which was very troublesome. It was time-consuming and labor-intensive. Buying groceries and cooking is simple, but if no one sells them to you, you can only grow your own vegetables, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive—the same principle.
Christine was contemplating whether she should relocate. She understood Alex well; if that woman had no other intentions, it would be abnormal. A beautiful doctor in the medical field, with so many suitors, yet she didn't fancy a single one—this was inherently suspicious.
In the office, with no one else present, Christine directly propped her high heels on the desk, smoking a herbal cigarette, appearing somewhat decadent. Her decadent, mature woman aura would make anyone's heart race a few beats faster upon seeing her.
On the desk was the current progress of the T+G Virus research. The branch's researchers were very strong, having already developed this prototype. They found that combining two viruses and adding genetic fragments from some marine electrogenic organisms could effectively create an electronic barrier.
The electronic barrier could effectively defend against heavy firepower attacks; even anti-tank rockets couldn't penetrate the barrier's protection. As long as the battery barrier persisted, no physical damage would be sustained. Unless a stronger current passed through and broke the barrier, it was an invincible existence.
Christine looked at the project data, a flicker of light in her beautiful eyes. Unfortunately, all experiments so far had failed. Tyrants fused with this virus became low-intelligence monsters and required further improvement.
Ring, ring, ring, the phone rang.
"Hello, what's up? Speak," Christine's words were concise.
"It's me. I heard you're researching the TG hybrid virus. Any success?" Alex had finished her research on the Leech Queen and hadn't gained much. Taking advantage of the free time, she made a call to gather information.
"Not much success. How about you? How's the Leech Queen research going?" Christine reciprocated, asking about the other party's news.
"The virus can inherit the host's memory and form a new life form; this is very interesting. But it doesn't consider itself a monster, but rather Marcus. This mutation is not replicable and has no reference value," Alex said indifferently.
Click, Alex lit a herbal cigarette, dispelling a trace of fatigue. After several days without rest, she also felt tired and needed to rest. At this moment, she particularly missed her husband, Eddie.
"Spencer is raising capital, right?" Christine suddenly asked.
"Yes, he went to the Sacred Serpent organization. Anyone not involved in legitimate business is his target. The Latin America branch was closed, and the Indian Ocean branch was also forced to close. How's your business doing?" Alex began her persuasion tactic.
Christine was a good talent. Most importantly, although she was married, she didn't live with her husband, which was quite incredible. This was due to her own talent and assertiveness, and also had a lot to do with Henry's foolish philandering. Where else could he find women to flatter him? Why be a simp?
Alex believed Christine would be a good gift, at least for her husband. Managerial talent was scarce.
"My situation isn't like yours. You have Spencer's direct resources; I can only rely on myself. Do you have any good news for me?" Christine stretched languidly, exuding a mature, elegant charm that unfortunately no one could appreciate.
"You are a smart woman. Umbrella is a good choice. However, with so many wolves around now, you'd better be careful. If it really doesn't work out, retreating first is a very wise choice," Alex said indirectly, beginning to hint.
Umbrella's current situation was indeed not very good, and in an environment of internal and external troubles, Spencer would find it difficult to salvage the situation. It would be best to find a scapegoat and simultaneously withdraw all funds from the company's research facilities.
After listening, Christine's lips curled into a charming, intelligent smile. "Is anyone with you?"
"It's very safe. Speak freely," Alex replied calmly.
"You're colluding with others, aren't you!" Christine teased. "You're probing me with every word. Just say what you mean. Although we are rivals, we certainly acknowledge each other's abilities. This Umbrella ocean liner has reached the end of its lifespan; it's time to switch to a new ship."
"You can contact Eddie. He can be trusted. You'll find his research very interesting and meaningful." Alex was recruiting for her little husband.
Excella alone was far from enough to handle the business; another equally outstanding woman was needed. It had to be a woman to gain trust. As long as she was a woman, she couldn't resist the temptation of eternal youth.