Act 2 – Becoming Claire - Chapter 3: Inside the Umbrella

The Umbrella Corporation's Raccoon City headquarters stood twenty stories of black glass and steel, a monument to corporate power that dwarfed everything around it. Chris Redfield, dressed as his sister Claire, walked through the revolving doors with practiced confidence, though his heart hammered against his ribs.

The lobby was immaculate—polished marble floors, a massive Umbrella logo embedded in the wall, and receptionists who smiled with the perfect blankness of people trained to see nothing unusual. Chris adjusted the strap of Claire's leather satchel on his shoulder, feeling the weight of her notebooks inside.

"Claire Redfield," he said, his voice pitched higher, softer. He'd practiced for weeks until it felt natural. "I have an interview with Dr. Harris."

The receptionist checked a tablet and nodded. "Fourth floor, room 412. Dr. Harris will meet you there."

The elevator ride gave Chris a moment to breathe. He studied his reflection in the polished brass doors—the subtle makeup that softened his jawline, the way Claire's turtleneck sat against his neck, the small gold earrings she'd worn. He looked like her. He felt like her ghost.

Dr. Harris turned out to be a middle-aged man with wire-rimmed glasses and the weary patience of someone who'd interviewed hundreds of promising engineering students. He asked technical questions about structural load analysis, chemical compound stability, and fluid dynamics. Chris answered each one smoothly, drawing on Claire's notes and his own mechanical training from the Air Force.

"Impressive," Harris said, leaning back in his chair. "Your application mentioned specific interest in our Arklay facilities. Most students want the city office."

"I'm interested in fieldwork," Chris said, letting Claire's determined edge creep into his voice. "Real application of engineering principles in challenging environments."

Harris smiled. "We have just the position. A special engineering internship—rotating assignments across multiple facilities around Raccoon City. You'd work with our top teams on classified projects. The pay is excellent, and the experience..."

He let the sentence hang. Chris knew the lure: access to secrets, exposure to restricted technology, the chance to prove herself.

"I'm interested," he said.

"Good. You'll start Monday. Report to the main lobby at 8 AM sharp. You'll be assigned a temporary security pass—don't lose it." Harris stood and extended his hand. "Welcome to Umbrella, Ms. Redfield."

Chris shook it, feeling the lie settle deeper into his bones.

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