Part of the problem, and the most basic reason Marcus and Spencer could never truly see eye to eye, was that Spencer abandoned his once-promising career as a scientist to embrace his new role as an administrator. When the Umbrella Corporation grew to the point where a large upper-management class became a necessity, Spencer allowed himself to be named the new Research Director and became assimilated into the bureaucracy. Marcus, even when he could no longer prevent his promotion into upper-management, still retained his primary interest in science and spent most of his time working in the labs. Spencer, on the other hand, had not done any real science since before the Arklay facility had even been built, almost two decades before. And now, Spencer was purely an administrator, not even a scientist in name any more.
At one time, the two of them followed almost identical career paths. How had Spencer strayed so badly? Why would a man with such a dedicated and profound attachment to science throw it all away for the promise of management? Marcus, in this way, had no real respect for Spencer. He viewed the man as a traitor to the cause.
“Are they mentally prepared for the level of work done in the main labs?” Spencer asked.
“Wesker is, definitely. Birkin might be a touch naive, but he should adapt quickly enough. I don’t anticipate any problems.”
“Good. Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
“Do you think I should proceed?”
Spencer eyed him over the top of the paper he was holding. His eyes were narrowed and sharp, his voice coldly neutral, as if he was offended by the question. “Determining their acceptability is your responsibility, James. I’ve never met the candidates, so I cannot judge them.”
Marcus nodded. “I was just asking because they are so young.”
The response seemed to satisfy Spencer. “Ah, yes. Both of them still in their teens. If they are as talented as their files indicate, and as ambitious as you claim, then by all means go ahead and bring them in.”
“Am I excused? I have work to get to.”
Spencer didn’t respond for a few moments, and then sighed. “Yes, go if you must. Are you making much progress with your new lines of research?”
“Yes, quite a lot. That’s why I’m anxious to return.”
“When will we be given the details of your new work?” Sometimes, to Marcus’ constant irritation, Spencer used the plural “we” to mean the company as a whole.
Marcus shrugged lightly. “Give me six months.”
“Keep me informed.”
Marcus nodded and got up from the chair. He closed the door to the office when he left, leaving Spencer in cold silence. For some minutes, Spencer continued reading the progress reports, adjusting his glasses every now and then. When he was finished, he restacked the papers and set them neatly on the edge of his desk, for his secretary to shred later that day.
He pressed a button on the intercom, a silver speaker resting on the desk top. His secretary’s voice came forth. “Yes, Dr. Spencer?”
Spencer leaned back in his chair and turned it around to look out the large windows at the Arklay Mountains surrounding the estate. “Has Dr. Marcus left the building?”
“Yes, he left a few minutes ago.”
“Notify the security personnel at the training facility. I want them to keep a close eye on Dr. Marcus from now on. I want detailed reports as to his movements and activities. But they’re not to let Dr. Marcus know about this.”
“Yes, Dr. Spencer. Will that be all?”
“One more thing, Madeleine. When Mr. Warren arrives, call me and send him right to my office.”
Resident Evil Legends Part One - Welcome to the Umbrella Corporation Page 5