The afternoon sun crept low, casting orange streaks across the streets of Raccoon City. Inside his apartment, Jasen had just finished organizing new gear when a firm knock echoed through the hallway. Hand resting near the concealed holster on his hip, he stepped to the door and opened it to see Barry Burton standing on the other side.
Barry's face looked tired, his coat damp with melted snow. His shoulders relaxed when Jasen opened the door.
"They're safe," Barry said before Jasen could speak. "Kendo and I just got back. Dropped both our families off at the location you arranged."
Jasen stepped aside without a word, letting Barry in. The older man shook off the cold and moved to sit at the small table by the window. Jasen poured him a glass of water before sitting down across from him.
"How'd they take it?" Jasen asked.
Barry sighed. "Like anyone would. Confused. Scared. But I didn't tell them everything. Just said there might be some unrest coming, better to be cautious. They trust me. That's enough for now."
Jasen nodded, then leaned forward. "Good. That's one piece in place. But we still need to talk about the next phase."
Barry took a long sip of water. "Let me guess: Irons."
"Exactly. Can we trust Lieutenant Marvin?"
"Branagh? Yeah. Good man. Level-headed. He's seen the cracks, even if he doesn't know how deep they go. If we give him proof, he won't blink."
Jasen tapped his fingers against the tabletop. "I've got something in the works. Won't say more just yet, but Irons is the first domino."
Barry leaned back in his chair. "And Wesker?"
"Harder," Jasen said. "Too many connections. Too much insulation. Irons is expendable to his backers. Removing him shakes the foundation without alerting the top brass."
Barry rubbed his jaw. "Alright. So we focus on Irons. Build the case. Set the stage."
"Exactly."
There was a moment of silence before Jasen changed the subject. "What do you know about the Iron Serpents?"
Barry raised an eyebrow. "Local gun-running outfit. Been around a few years. Low-level syndicate, but well-armed and brutal. They keep most of their stash in a warehouse near the edge of the industrial district. Why?"
Jasen sat back, the plan taking full form in his mind now. "I want to rob them."
Barry blinked. "Come again?"
"Not for personal gain. I want to hit their money and weapons cache. Leak the location. Let RPD and S.T.A.R.S. sweep in and take credit. Public takedown, clean press."
Barry looked at him for a long moment. "You want to use them to take down Irons."
Jasen nodded. "He's been shielding them. Taking cuts off their income. When the bust hits, and it becomes clear Irons knew and did nothing? His reputation crumbles. Then we move in with the real charges."
Barry let out a low whistle. "It's dangerous. If you get caught—"
"I won't. I'll make it clean. Quiet. Minimal traces. I'll hit them when they're weakest, then tip off the right people. Let Marvin and his unit do the rest."
Barry stared at him, the gears turning. "This is risky. But it could work. You really think Wesker will stand by and let Irons fall?"
"He might. Irons is sloppy. Wesker doesn't like liabilities. And with the right narrative, Wesker might even spin it as internal cleaning to preserve Umbrella's ties."
"You're playing a deep game, Jasen."
"I have to. We're not just fighting monsters in the dark. We're in the middle of a system built to protect them. I'm not looking to be a hero, Barry. I just want the right people to live long enough to survive what's coming."
Barry looked away for a moment, then back. "Alright. What do you need from me?"
Jasen offered a thin smile. "Access to RPD logs. Movements. Patrol routes. Anything I can use to time the hit and ensure I don't get anyone caught in the crossfire. And a word to Marvin. Nothing solid yet. Just... prep him. Quietly."
Barry finished his water and stood. "I'll get what I can. But promise me, if this starts going south, you pull out. We can't lose you this early."
Jasen stood too. "I promise. I'll play it smart."
Barry opened the door, pausing before stepping out. "We take Irons down... you better believe the city's going to change."
Jasen nodded. "That's the point."
Barry gave him one last look. "Be careful."
"Always."
The door shut behind Barry, and Jasen returned to his table, eyes scanning the notes he'd laid out.
The quiet war had begun.