Chapter 34 – The Future
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In a well lit chamber, Leon's movements were a seamless dance of precision and power as he dodged bullets and dispatched multiple volatiles with a practiced ease. The onslaught ceased abruptly, and as the dust settled, Nikolai swung the door open, revealing the battle-hardened Russian. "Hey, Kid," Nikolai's gruff voice cut through the quiet, handing Leon a document that held the weight of a new mission. Leon's eyes scanned the contents, absorbing the details of his next assignment.

"It took long enough," Leon remarked, his confidence evident despite the brevity of his training. Over the past month, he had honed his skills, facing challenges that pushed his limits. A smirk curled on his lips as he recalled the rigorous training sessions, including facing a T-103 Tyrant and its monstrous super tyrant form. Nikolai's merciless approach had fueled Leon's determination, turning him into a force to be reckoned with.

Nikolai's hand landed on Leon's shoulder, his grip firm yet reassuring. "Seems like you're ready, Kid," he said, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and confidence. The mission directive was clear: capture the Grim Reaper, HUNK, a legendary figure known for surviving missions deemed impossible. "He once killed an Alpha Volatile and took its head as a trophy," Nikolai added, a hint of admiration in his tone.

Leon's brow furrowed as he processed the information. "What about Olivia?" he inquired, his concern for his fellow agent evident in his voice. The document implied that her fate hung in the balance. Nikolai nodded solemnly. "Let her go, but make it seem like she escaped by a hair's breadth. We can't afford to raise suspicions," he explained, his eyes narrowing with determination.

"Our next objective is to eliminate Sentinel Corp," Nikolai continued, his gaze unwavering. "Umbrella aims for economic domination and monopoly. The boss is steering us toward that goal. The U.S. President recently contacted him, and besides B.O.Ws, we possess the inhibitor vaccine."

Leon's curiosity piqued. "But won't the government attempt to reverse-engineer the vaccine?" he asked, a legitimate concern in his mind. Nikolai chuckled, his laughter carrying a tinge of amusement. "They can try, but they need a specific virus for it. Only Umbrella knows how to create it," he explained, his tone confident.

"Introduce me to my team?" Leon's request hung in the air, and Nikolai rose, gesturing for Leon to follow. As they stepped into the unknown, the weight of their mission bore down on them, a reminder of the responsibilities they carried in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

The night hung heavy over the city, shrouding Olivia's temporary sanctuary in darkness. Exhausted and drained, she had chosen a fifth-floor apartment, its balcony providing a narrow glimpse of the outside world amidst the chaos. Desperation had led her here, barricading the door with anything she could find, creating a fragile barrier between her and the relentless pursuit outside.

The apartment was devoid of life, its former occupants long gone, leaving behind an eerie silence broken only by the occasional distant howl of an infected or the faint rumble of destruction echoing through the empty streets. Olivia, however, found a brief respite from the relentless chase.

With caution etched into every line of her face, she settled into a corner, using a tattered blanket as makeshift warmth against the chill of the night. Her eyes, heavy with fatigue and fear, scanned the room one last time before succumbing to the exhaustion that clung to her like a shadow.

The hours passed in uneasy slumber, her mind teetering on the edge of consciousness. Outside, the city remained in its perpetual state of decay, a haunting reminder of the world she once knew. In her dreams, the echoes of her past mingled with the present horrors, creating a surreal tapestry of fear and survival.

Yet, amidst the nightmares, her mind found fleeting moments of peace, a sanctuary from the relentless pursuit. Her slumber was fragmented, a dance between the subconscious and the waking world. Every creak of the building, every distant sound, jolted her awake, heart racing in anticipation.

As the night wore on, Olivia's sleep grew deeper, the exhaustion finally claiming her fully. In the quiet corners of her mind, she held onto the hope that when she awoke, the Tyrant would be but a distant memory, a nightmare fading with the dawn. But in this new world, where danger lurked in every shadow, such hopes were fragile, easily shattered by the harsh realities of survival

Morning arrived, and Olivia awoke with a start. The urgency of her mission pushed her into action once more. Moving stealthily, she made her way toward Los Angeles Airport, leaping skillfully from rooftop to rooftop. As she traversed the city, she noticed a strange phenomenon: the infected, once omnipresent in the streets of Los Angeles, were becoming scarce. Hours passed without encountering a single horde, a rare occurrence in the world overrun by the Hydraxen Virus.

Her attention was caught by an unusual sight. In the distance, she observed a squad of Tyrants moving together, their imposing figures armed with miniguns, mowing down any infected that crossed their path. Fascinated and horrified, Olivia watched as the Tyrants efficiently cleared a horde of infected, their movements calculated and lethal. To her surprise, Umbrella Patrols appeared, providing the Tyrants with ammunition from well-stocked caches. The coordination was seamless, the Patrols ensuring the Tyrants were always armed to the teeth.

A chilling realization washed over her: Umbrella's control over the city had become more sophisticated. The Tyrants, once terrifying solitary hunters, were now organized into an efficient force under the watchful eye of the Red Queen. Olivia's presence seemed unnoticed amidst the orchestrated chaos, yet she knew better than to attract the attention of these monstrous guardians.

Unbeknownst to her, every step she took was subtly guided by the Red Queen, manipulating her movements according to Max's meticulous plan. The Tyrants and the Umbrella Patrols acted as invisible walls, ensuring Olivia's path was confined, her movements carefully choreographed to align with the unfolding strategy.

As Olivia approached the vicinity of Los Angeles Airport, she felt a sudden impact that shook her to her core. The sturdy wall against which she had been leaning was shattered into rubble, and from the midst of the debris emerged the relentless T-103 Tyrant, the very adversary she had been desperately evading. Panic surged through her, but sheer survival instincts took over. With incredible agility, she managed to evade the massive, outstretched hand of the Tyrant, and in a heartbeat, she sprinted towards the airport, her heart pounding with a mix of terror and determination.

Meanwhile, in the skies above, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk soared with a sleek and imposing presence. Its metallic frame glistened under the California sun, bearing the emblem of Sentinel Corp. The emblem was a symbol of unwavering protection and security. At its heart, an eye encased within a gear represented the corporation's unparalleled surveillance, control, and technological precision. The eye, vigilant and watchful, was encircled by a laurel wreath, signifying the achievements and authority of the corporation. The color scheme, dominated by dark blue and silver, portrayed professionalism, stability, and sophistication.

From the chopper's doors, a squad of Sentinel Corp soldiers emerged, their tactical gear gleaming under the sunlight. Their presence was imposing, and they swiftly secured the airport perimeter, though an eerie quiet had settled over the usually bustling terminal. Last to descend from the Black Hawk was HUNK, the enigmatic and lethal operative known as the Grim Reaper. He swiftly relayed a message to headquarters, his voice echoing over the comms, "HQ, this is Alpha Team. We have secured the landing zone and await our package. Over."

In response, a voice from headquarters crackled through the radio, "Secure the package and the agent." HUNK acknowledged the orders with a curt "Roger that. Over."

Upon sighting the colossal and menacing figure of the T-103 Tyrant chasing Olivia, a wave of shock rippled through HUNK's team. One of his squadmates couldn't help but vocalize the sheer terror they all felt, uttering an expletive-laden expression of dismay. The tension in the air was palpable, and fear mingled with determination in the eyes of HUNK's squadmates. One of them, voicing the collective sentiment, cursed under his breath, expressing the incredulity of the situation. "FUCK, I'm not paid enough for this shit!" he exclaimed.

HUNK, the stoic leader, issued a decisive command, his voice cutting through the chaos, "OPEN FIRE!" Instantly, the air was filled with the staccato rhythm of gunfire as HUNK's team unleashed a barrage of bullets upon the approaching Tyrant. Despite their experience with Special Infected, encountering the T-103 Tyrant was a wholly different level of threat. They had faced Tanks, formidable adversaries in their own right, but the Tyrant was an entirely new breed of menace.

As the squad rained bullets upon the Tyrant, their weapons seemed futile against the creature's impenetrable jacket. The Tyrant, undeterred by the onslaught, continued its menacing advance, following the Red Queen's directives with unwavering determination. In a desperate attempt to stop the approaching behemoth, HUNK swiftly ordered, "Get the RPG!" A soldier grabbed the rocket-propelled grenade launcher, aiming it at the Tyrant, hope glimmering in his eyes as he fired. To their shock, the Tyrant casually flicked the rocket away, displaying an unexpected agility and resilience.

One soldier couldn't help but voice his surprise, stating, "Tanks don't do that."

"That ain't a tank. Let's go, the Agent is here," HUNK's voice was resolute, devoid of any hint of fear. His orders were clear: retreat and regroup. As they hastily retreated toward their awaiting helicopter, the guards who had previously secured the perimeter lay on the ground, their lifeless bodies serving as a grim reminder of the peril they faced.

Upon reaching the helicopter, the squad found themselves face-to-face with a lone figure. Leon Kennedy, the skilled operative, stood there, his presence exuding confidence and readiness.

Leon's voice, firm and resolute, cut through the tense atmosphere, "How about you surrender? Let the spy go, and you can walk away from this, Mr. Grim Reaper." HUNK, known for his calculated and methodical nature, responded with an air of defiance, "No can do. I'm afraid not. How about you get out of the way before we shoot you into a honeycomb?" As he spoke, HUNK's team dispersed strategically, weapons trained on Leon, ready for a potential showdown.

However, before the situation could escalate further, HUNK's team was suddenly mowed down in a hail of bullets from an unseen adversary. Leon, with a blink of an eye, seized the opportunity and hurled HUNK several meters away from the helicopter. The sudden turn of events allowed Olivia to make a desperate dash for the helicopter, her only means of escape.

Yet, as Olivia neared the chopper, she found herself ensnared in a perilous combat with Leon, who had engaged her in a deadly duel. Each exchange between them was brutal, and Olivia bore the wounds of their conflict—bullet holes, broken ribs, fractured bones. Only her extraordinary regenerative abilities as an IMMUNE kept her in the fight, but the price was pain and suffering etched onto her battered body. Leon's uncanny ability to appear and disappear in the blink of an eye made the encounter all the more disorienting.

Desperate to reach the chopper, Olivia pushed forward, weaving through the interception fire from Leon's unseen allies, their shots creating sparks and riddling the ground and chopper with bullet holes.

Meanwhile, Leon closed in on HUNK, the moniker "Grim Reaper" now fully in question. HUNK, aware of the approaching superhuman adversary, drew his combat knife, ready for a showdown. The clash of blades between Leon and HUNK was a battle of skill and power. Sparks erupted from the friction of their knives as they moved at an almost supernatural speed. HUNK, a peak human with formidable combat skills, fought to predict Leon's strikes. He landed several blows on Leon, who displayed incredible regenerative capabilities, healing from the wounds in a matter of seconds.

Their duel unfolded with each passing moment, and HUNK felt the overwhelming strength behind Leon's attacks as his own body began to bear numerous cuts and stabs. His vest protected his torso but couldn't shield him from all of Leon's attacks.

As the duel reached its climax, Leon identified a vulnerability and seized the moment to slice HUNK's wrist, forcing him to release his knife. Leon then struck HUNK, rendering him unconscious and capturing the Grim Reaper.

With Olivia managing to pilot the helicopter out of Los Angeles, Max watched the situation unfold in his office. He nodded in approval and spoke to the Red Queen, "Red Queen, monitor Olivia's flight path using the satellites, and be prepared to proceed with the next phase of the plan."

the holographic projection of the White Queen materialized before him. Her presence exuded an air of efficiency and precision, a perfect reflection of her purpose.

"Mr. Sterling," the White Queen began, her voice crisp and composed, "Umbrella Corporation has successfully gained control over the Pharmaceutical Sector. We've accomplished this feat by usurping shares, employing strategic buyouts, and seizing opportunities amidst the chaos. Shall we proceed with the hiring process?"

Max's eyes flickered with a calculating intensity as he leaned forward, giving his approval. "Indeed, go ahead," he said, his tone firm and authoritative. "Initiate the production of the Inhibitor vaccines immediately. With our recent takeover of Los Angeles Airport and the control we've established over all fuel resources in the city, we have the means to transport our initial supplies. There are commercial airplanes lying idle, remnants of the world before the outbreak. We'll use those to ferry our resources from the West Coast to our factories on the East Coast."

He paused, his mind working swiftly through the intricacies of their plan. "Reconfigure the airplanes, erase any existing data linking them to their parent airlines. Register them under Umbrella Airlines with new credentials. We can't afford any legal entanglements, even in this post-apocalyptic world. We must appear seamless and above reproach."

Max's eyes glinted with a hint of cunning as he continued, "In terms of recruitment, focus on individuals who are talented but downtrodden, people struggling to survive in this new world order. Seek out those with exceptional skills, individuals whose talents are wasted in the remnants of society. Offer them not just employment but purpose. Loyalty is crucial. In these trying times, people are searching for stability, and we can provide that in exchange for their allegiance."

He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled in front of him. "However," he added, his tone turning sharper, "we must exercise caution. Spies are a constant threat, even in the face of global upheaval. While our vaccine is nearly impossible to reverse-engineer, the mere hint of theft or sabotage could tarnish our reputation. We can't afford even a shadow of doubt. Watch for infiltrators and double agents. Our operations must remain airtight."

The White Queen nodded, her holographic form displaying a subtle acknowledgment of Max's directives. "Understood, Mr. Sterling. I will initiate the recruitment process and employ stringent measures to ensure the security of our operations. Umbrella Corporation will continue to operate at peak efficiency."

Max Sterling leaned back in his leather chair, fingers tapping thoughtfully on the polished surface of his mahogany desk. With a sense of purpose, he dialed Sebastian's number, anticipation and authority evident in his voice.

"Sebastian," Max inquired, his tone a blend of curiosity and expectation, "how's the progress on the Inhibitor Vaccines and the Cure?"

A voice filtered through the phone, steady and confident despite the challenges faced. "It's progressing, Boss," Sebastian replied, his dedication evident in every word. "But it's not without its hurdles. The Hive can manufacture only three thousand doses per day. We're moving, albeit a bit slowly."

Max absorbed the information, nodding in understanding. "And the Inhibitor vaccine?" he pressed, his eyes narrowing slightly with scrutiny. "Are you confident about its security? I need assurance, Sebastian."

There was a brief pause before Sebastian's voice came through, resolute and unwavering. "Absolutely, Boss. The Inhibitor Vaccine's main component is the Primogenitor Virus, specifically a virion of the Primogenitor. No other virus has the capability to inhibit the Hydraxen like the Primogenitor. It's foolproof."

Max's confidence grew at Sebastian's assurance, but his mind was already moving to the next topic of concern. "And the Cure?" he inquired, a note of eagerness in his voice despite his calm exterior.

Sebastian hesitated momentarily before responding, his determination shining through. "The Cure is at 56% completion. We've encountered some obstacles, but rest assured, Boss, we're working diligently. We just need more time."

Max leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Take all the time you need, Sebastian," he said, his voice reflecting his unwavering confidence in his team. "We're not in a rush. After all, there's no shortage of opportunities to explore while we wait for the Cure."

Their conversation concluded, Max's attention shifted as his second-in-command, Nikolai, contacted him. The seasoned operative's voice cut through the air, delivering concise information.

"Boss, the kid did it. Samuel Nelson's in our custody," Nikolai reported briskly, his words punctuated with efficiency.

Max's eyes glinted with anticipation. "Excellent. Take him to Sebastian," he ordered, his mind already formulating the next steps. "Instruct him to add Samuel's DNA to the bank and initiate the cloning process. Let's see what viruses the Grim Reaper's DNA can handle."

In the hushed halls of the White House, the President and his cabinet members gathered, their expressions reflecting a mix of concern and curiosity. The air was heavy with anticipation as the enormity of the situation hung over them.

The President, a stern and composed figure, leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the presentation before him. "Gentlemen, ladies," he began, his voice steady, "we find ourselves facing an unprecedented crisis. Umbrella Corporation, has monopolized the Inhibitor Vaccine. Our experts from the CDC have scrutinized the vaccine, and as per their assessment, it appears to be genuine."

The room buzzed with murmurs, a mixture of disbelief and acknowledgment. One of the cabinet members, a seasoned military strategist, furrowed his brow. "But how did a single corporation manage to control the vaccine? And what about these Bio Organic Weapons they've developed?" he questioned, his skepticism evident.

A representative from the CDC, her expression grave, chimed in. "The Inhibitor Vaccine is our best chance at slowing down the spread of the Hydraxen Virus. However, relying on a single corporation for its production raises ethical concerns. We need transparency and accountability, especially when dealing with a crisis of this magnitude."

Another Cabinet member, the Secretary of Homeland Security, added, "On the other hand, the effectiveness of Umbrella's Bio Organic Weapons, as demonstrated by their data, could provide a substantial advantage in clearing out infected zones. We need to weigh the risks against the potential benefits. If these B.O.Ws can help us regain control, we might not have any other choice."

Another cabinet member, an influential diplomat, voiced the concerns shared by many. "But what does this mean for our military forces? Are we to rely on a private entity for our defense against the Hydraxen threat?" he asked, his voice tinged with unease.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the decision pressing upon them. The President sighed deeply, his gaze unwavering. "We're left with a difficult choice," he said, his voice resonating with resolve. "We must collaborate with Umbrella Corporation, cautiously. We'll need their resources and expertise. At the same time, we cannot relinquish our military's independence entirely. We'll establish strict protocols, oversight, and transparency in our partnership. We cannot afford to be defenseless, but we must also tread carefully."

 

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