At RPD Headquarters (Christmas Eve)
Jasen Smith stepped into the Raccoon City Police Station lobby, stamping snow off his boots. The hall was quiet; a Christmas tree twinkled in one corner and a wreath hung above the front desk. He carried his completed RPD application folder, heart thumping with a mix of anticipation and caution.
"Jasen! Over here," Jill Valentine called from the front desk. Beside her stood Chris Redfield. Jill's smile was warm. "Glad you made it. Ready to turn that in?"
Jasen handed over the folder. "As ready as I'll ever be," he said lightly, masking his nerves.
Chris glanced at the application and nodded. " Good to have you, man."
Before they could continue, the side door swung open and Captain Albert Wesker stepped into the lobby, black sunglasses on despite being indoors. Jill and Chris snapped to attention. "Evening," Wesker said coolly. "I'm letting everyone off early for Christmas. Stay on-call, though." His gaze then landed on the unfamiliar face. "And this is…?"
Jill cleared her throat. "Captain, this is Jasen Smith. He's applying for the STARS position."
Wesker sized Jasen up with a faint, icy smile. "Smith, huh. I expected someone taller."
Jasen felt a prickle of annoyance but answered evenly, "I guess genetics only gave me so much, sir — maybe gene therapy could stretch me taller."
Jill looked at Jasen in surprise; Chris had to hide a grin. Wesker raised an eyebrow at the cheeky reply but let it slide. He took the application folder from Jill and skimmed it. "Former USMC, special ops… impressive."
Jasen seized the chance. "Will Chief Irons have time to meet me today, sir? I'd love to say hello and maybe see the station."
Wesker checked his watch. "Chief Irons is giving a charity interview right now. He'll be back in 15 minutes. You can wait in his office." He gestured for Jasen to follow.
Wesker led Jasen down the hall and unlocked the door to the Chief's office. "Make yourself comfortable," he said, then left Jasen alone in the room.
In the Chief's Office
The office was dim and lavish. Jasen noticed stuffed animal trophies on the walls – a deer head, an eagle – giving the place a creepy touch. He inhaled to steady himself. This was a rare opportunity.
He slipped a small flash drive from his pocket and plugged it into the Chief's computer. Working quickly, he copied several directories of files. As the data transferred, one filename made his stomach lurch: "Spencer Estate – Special Security Report #3." It referenced incidents in the Arklay Mountains. So it's true, Jasen thought. They're hiding something out there.
Footsteps echoed in the corridor. Jasen's pulse jumped. He yanked out the flash drive, closed every window, and moved away from the desk just as the door opened.
Chief Brian Irons walked in with a jovial grin, Wesker right behind. "Mr. Smith! Sorry to keep you waiting," Irons boomed, extending a hand.
Jasen gave the Chief a firm handshake. "No problem at all, Chief. Thank you for seeing me."
Irons settled into his chair, motioning Jasen to sit. Wesker stood off to the side, arms folded. The atmosphere turned formal. Irons flipped open the application file. "Impressive stuff. Now, why do you want to join STARS?"
Jasen met the Chief's gaze. "To serve the community with the skills I've gained, sir. STARS is an elite unit. It would be an honor to be part of it."
Irons nodded, pleased. "Well, with your record, I'd say you're exactly the kind of candidate we want. Pending the usual background check, welcome to STARS." He offered a broad, congratulatory smile.
Jasen's jaw tightened. This was his moment of truth. He took a slow breath. "Thank you, Chief… but I'm going to have to decline."
A stunned pause. Irons' smile vanished. "Decline? Son, do you understand—"
"I do." Jasen's tone turned ice-cold. "No disrespect, sir, but I can't work under leadership I don't trust." He locked eyes with Irons, then glanced pointedly at Wesker. "I hate lies and corruption. In any organization it spreads like poison. Like a cancer, I will destroy it."
Wesker's impassive face twitched almost imperceptibly. Irons went pale, caught completely off guard. The air in the office felt like a frozen lake, ready to crack.
Jasen stood up calmly. "Thank you for your time. Happy holidays." Without another word, he turned and walked out, leaving the Chief and Captain in stunned silence.
Snowfall and Sparks
Outside in the hall, Jasen exhaled the breath he'd been holding. Almost immediately, Jill, Chris, and Rebecca emerged from around the corner, worry on their faces.
Jill hurried to Jasen. "We saw you leave... What happened?"
Jasen managed a faint, wry smile. "I turned down the job."
"You what?" Chris looked baffled. "Why would you do that?"
"It wasn't the right fit," Jasen said quietly. There was a note of finality that warned further questions off. Rebecca bit her lip and gave a tiny nod, sensing there was more beneath the surface.
Jill's brow furrowed in concern. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I will be," Jasen assured her. "Don't worry. Let's enjoy the holiday. We've got Barry's dinner to get to."
They all stepped out into the cold night. Snow drifted gently over the front steps of the station. Chris and Rebecca headed to their cars, still perplexed, while Jill fell into step beside Jasen for the walk home.
Their apartment building was only a few blocks away. Jill and Jasen strolled through the quiet, snow-dusted streets. Jill pulled her coat tighter against the chill. "You know you can talk to me if something's wrong," she offered softly as they walked under a streetlamp's glow.
Jasen gave her a sidelong glance and a small smile. "I know. Thanks, Jill. I'm alright... I just have my reasons."
She nodded, accepting that. "Alright. Just checking."
Later that evening, after they'd parted to get ready, Jill knocked on Jasen's apartment door. Jasen had changed into a clean outfit: a fitted olive-green long-sleeve shirt, black pants, and Timberland boots, with a white winter coat over it and a subtle gold chain at his neck. He opened the door and felt a genuine smile form.
Jill stood there in a dark red sweater dress that fell to mid-thigh, paired with black leggings and boots. Her short brown hair was down, and she looked both cozy and effortlessly elegant.
They both paused to take in each other's appearance. "You look great," Jill said, eyes noting how the outfit flattered his lean frame.
"You do too," Jasen replied, taking in her attire. Her cheeks warmed a little, and he realized he was grinning like a fool.
For a moment they lingered in the doorway, a pleasant tension in the air. Jill's eyes met Jasen's, and he felt the day's stresses melt away, replaced by a comfortable warmth.
Jasen finally offered his arm with a slight, playful bow. "Shall we?"
Jill laughed under her breath and looped her arm through his. "We shall."
Together they walked off into the snowy night, heading for Barry Burton's house down the road. Snowflakes swirled around them under the streetlights. Despite the chill, Jasen felt heat in his chest that had nothing to do with the coat. The day had been filled with intrigue and tension, but it ended on a soft note – two comrades growing closer, walking through the quiet Christmas Eve with newfound trust and a hint of something more.