According to the Red Queen, the Book of the Dead had not arrived in this world at the same point in time as the two Ashes. Although all three had entered Ruby's dimensional vortex only seconds apart from their perspective, the Book had appeared inside the Hive six full days earlier. Umbrella researchers discovered the damaged human-skin artifact, recognized that it possessed anomalous properties, and immediately began studying it. Young Ash could think of very few organizations in any universe more likely to turn an obviously cursed book into a research project.
The Red Queen continued without any trace of emotion. "Five hours ago, an Umbrella employee with high-level access stole samples of the T-virus and the corresponding antivirus. Before leaving the research area, the individual deliberately released the T-virus by breaking one of the sample containers." The virus entered the Hive's environmental systems almost immediately and began spreading through the facility.
Older Ash frowned. "Your company built a secret underground lab, gave a computer control over half the place, and somebody still managed to walk off with the apocalypse in a bottle?" He shook his head in disbelief. "That is some impressive security."
The Red Queen ignored him. "Upon confirming viral contamination, I initiated full containment. Access points were sealed, emergency suppression systems were activated, and personnel throughout the Hive were rendered unconscious or otherwise incapacitated until an Umbrella recovery team could arrive."
Young Ash's expression hardened.
That part still sounded close enough to the original disaster.
Then the Red Queen continued.
"An unexpected event occurred in the laboratory assigned to the Book of the Dead. Shortly after the research personnel collapsed, one researcher regained consciousness far earlier than projected and killed the unconscious personnel around him. Several of the deceased subsequently reanimated."
Older Ash immediately understood what she was describing. "That first researcher probably died or became vulnerable somehow, then a Kandarian spirit took him. After that, every corpse he made became another possible host."
The Red Queen looked toward him, processing the unfamiliar terminology. "The available data is consistent with that interpretation. The reanimated personnel displayed behavior and physiological responses inconsistent with standard T-virus infection during their initial revival."
Young Ash narrowed his eyes.
So the Book had started producing Deadites inside the Hive.
Then the T-virus had gotten involved.
That was worse.
The Red Queen changed the footage on the monitors. "After reanimation, the affected subjects were exposed to the T-virus already circulating through the facility. Their physiology subsequently developed characteristics associated with advanced infection."
Young Ash stared at the screen. "So they were possessed first and infected second."
Older Ash grimaced. "Deadite zombies."
"Pretty much."
The surveillance footage showed a researcher in a bloodstained white lab coat standing in an empty hallway. Black demonic markings crawled across portions of his skin, but unlike an ordinary zombie, he was not wandering aimlessly or throwing himself against doors. He reached for the handle, turned it properly, paused to look through the opening, then moved through with obvious purpose.
The Red Queen continued. "Unlike standard T-virus infected individuals, these hybrids retain limited reasoning capacity. They can operate simple mechanisms, use basic tools, avoid visible hazards, and display rudimentary group coordination. Their physical output also exceeds that of ordinary infected personnel."
Older Ash stared at the footage. "Great. Smarter zombies."
"Smarter Deadite zombies," young Ash corrected.
"That is not better."
The screen changed again.
One of the possessed infected dropped onto all fours in the middle of a laboratory corridor. Its skin began splitting and sloughing away, its body expanded, its bone structure changed, and dense muscle tissue grew across the exposed frame.
Its skull distorted.
The brain became exposed.
Its fingers lengthened into claws.
Young Ash recognized the form immediately.
A Licker.
The Red Queen said, "One hybrid experienced an accelerated secondary mutation closely matching the Licker model developed through Umbrella's T-virus research. Dermal tissue was completely lost, skeletal structures remodeled for quadrupedal movement, muscle fiber density increased dramatically, and cranial tissue became externally exposed."
The creature on the monitor was larger than the standard Lickers Ash remembered. Black web-like markings spread through the exposed muscle, mixing Kandarian corruption with the grotesque biological mutations caused by the virus. Its long tongue lashed from its mouth, wrapped around an ordinary zombie, and dragged the infected body close enough for the creature to begin feeding.
Older Ash recoiled. "What the hell is that?"
"A Licker," young Ash said.
Older Ash looked at him. "You said that way too casually."
The Red Queen answered before he could continue. "Umbrella Corporation has produced controlled Licker specimens under laboratory conditions. This individual exceeds the documented averages for both strength and speed."
Older Ash stared at her. "Your company intentionally makes those things?"
"Yes."
Older Ash slowly looked toward young Ash. "I officially hate this company."
"You're catching up."
The Red Queen switched to another surveillance feed. The Deadite Licker slammed against a reinforced security door hard enough to bend the frame, then struck again until the metal finally tore loose. Its movements were violent but not mindless, and once it reached the elevator access, the creature stopped destroying things entirely.
It used the controls.
Young Ash's eyes narrowed.
The Red Queen explained, "Approximately one hour and forty minutes ago, the hybrid breached the sealed door on the Hive's third underground level. It then accessed the elevator system and escaped the primary containment area."
Older Ash looked confused. "Why would that thing know how to use an elevator?"
"Deadites can get memories from the bodies they take," he answered. "If the host knew the facility, the thing wearing him probably knew enough to navigate it."
The Red Queen processed the explanation. "That hypothesis is consistent with observed behavior."
More footage appeared.
The Deadite Licker disappeared through the access route first.
Several possessed infected followed.
Then came ordinary zombies.
Five.
Six.
More behind them.
Young Ash recognized one of the final figures limping past the camera.
It was the same zombie he had briefly seen through the train window.
"So that's what I saw."
The Red Queen continued. "The Licker created a breach large enough for additional infected personnel to escape. Several hybrid subjects and a small number of standard zombies subsequently left the Hive through the same route."
Young Ash's gaze hardened.
That meant the problem was no longer underground.
"In other words, Raccoon City might already be compromised."
The Red Queen answered immediately. "Based on current transmission models and the number of organisms believed to have reached the surface, the probability of a significant outbreak has risen to 78.6 percent. Estimated time until complete loss of containment is no more than forty-eight hours."
Older Ash slowly lowered the shotgun. "That sounds bad."
"It is."
The Red Queen continued. "Surface communications remain partially functional. No military response has yet been detected. Umbrella Corporation emergency personnel are expected to arrive before dawn."
Young Ash already disliked where that was going.
"And when they arrive?"
"A full containment and purification operation will begin."
Older Ash frowned. "Define purification."
"Elimination of infected organisms and removal of all compromised material."
Young Ash looked toward the hologram. "Including witnesses?"
The Red Queen did not answer directly.
That was answer enough.
Older Ash muttered, "I really hate this company."
Young Ash crossed his arms. "So why are you telling us any of this?"
The Red Queen's hologram turned toward him. "Because my active directives are currently in conflict."
Young Ash raised an eyebrow.
"My primary operational priorities require protection of Umbrella Corporation interests and prevention of T-virus propagation into the civilian population. Under current conditions, those objectives are no longer fully compatible."
Older Ash gave her a blank look. "English."
Young Ash understood first. "Umbrella wants the disaster hidden, but stopping the outbreak means warning people."
"Correct."
The Red Queen continued. "Corporate protocols prohibit me from independently broadcasting classified information to external authorities or media organizations. However, those restrictions do not prohibit me from allowing unaffiliated third parties to leave the facility."
Young Ash stared at her.
Then smiled faintly.
"You're exploiting a loophole."
"I am operating within permitted parameters."
"That means yes."
Older Ash looked between them. "So the murder computer wants us to tell people?"
The Red Queen ignored the description. "Once you leave the Hive, any decision to contact law enforcement, government agencies, medical authorities, or the media would be your own."
Young Ash thought about the 78.6 percent estimate.
If the Deadite Licker and several infected had already been on the surface for nearly two hours, then warning the city might not be enough anymore. Raccoon City could already be dealing with its first infections.
"It may already be too late."
"This remains the only available action consistent with both active directives," the Red Queen replied.
Young Ash studied the hologram for several seconds. "Fine. You said you can get us out."
"Yes."
Older Ash immediately brightened. "Finally."
"There is only one practical route from the Hive to the surface," the Red Queen continued. "The train tunnel."
Older Ash's expression changed.
Young Ash already knew what was coming.
"You exited the train after reaching the terminal and then proceeded deeper into the facility rather than reversing the transport system," the Red Queen said. "This indicates neither of you understands how to operate the train."
Older Ash looked offended.
Young Ash slowly turned toward him.
Older Ash pointed at the hologram. "She didn't have to say it like that."