Chapter 43 – Diplomacy, Maxwell Sterling’s Threat Level
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The unmarked black vehicle smoothly navigated the darkened city streets, weaving through the chaos of the blackout. Electric engines hummed softly, providing stealth as they moved toward their destination. The USS forces skillfully engaged the pursuing Russian military, disappearing into the shadows after each encounter, leaving behind only the echoes of gunfire and the distant wails of sirens.

In the midst of the confusion, civilians became unwitting witnesses to the unfolding conflict, caught in the crossfire as the pursuit continued. The darkened cityscape, illuminated sporadically by fleeting lights, became a battleground of uncertainty.

Nikolai's convoy finally reached the airport, where an Antonov An-225 awaited them on a private section of the tarmac. The seamless transition from vehicle to aircraft was executed with military precision, leaving no room for the Russian forces to intercept. As the massive aircraft ascended into the night sky, Nikolai contacted the Umbrella Russian Branch Director, Pietro.

"Thanks, Pietro. I left a few crates of good quality vodka in your warehouse," Nikolai chuckled over the radio.

"Haha! Comrade Nikolai, always a pleasure. Now I have to clean up so the government cannot trace it back to Umbrella. Береги себя, брат!" Pietro wished him well.

"You too," Nikolai responded as the call concluded. The Antonov soared into the darkness, leaving behind a city plunged into chaos and uncertainty.

The hum of the aircraft's engines created a backdrop to the conversation between Nikolai and Yelena, a father finally sharing glimpses of a clandestine life with his grown daughter. As the USS soldiers dispersed to their individual pursuits, the atmosphere inside the plane shifted to a more personal tone.

Nikolai cast a fond glance at his daughter, her eyes searching for answers in the dim light of the aircraft cabin. "That's it for now, dismiss," he said to the troops, the highly trained soldiers transforming into everyday individuals, their superhuman capabilities momentarily set aside for more mundane activities.

Turning his attention back to Yelena, Nikolai sighed before acknowledging the weight of the impending explanation. "I suppose Papa has some explanations to give," he admitted, his tone a blend of paternal warmth and the gravity of the revelations to come.

As Yelena voiced her inquiries, her confusion and curiosity palpable, Nikolai began to unravel the layers of secrecy surrounding his life and work. "Well, you see, my little rabbit, Papa works for Umbrella Corporation, a global entity dealing with advanced bio-weapons, pharmaceuticals, and, well, things you wouldn't usually discuss over dinner as well the global entity responsible for creating the inhibitor vaccine. I am the head of security as well as a Special Unit, the Umbrella Security Service or USS, tasked with mundane security and high-stakes operations"

"The inhibitor vaccine? You have the vaccine?" Yelena questioned.

"Yes, my little rabbit. It's a complicated world out there, and Papa's job involves dealing with threats most people never even imagine. The Inhibitor Vaccine you mentioned earlier is just one aspect of what Umbrella does. It's a crucial tool in controlling outbreaks caused by dangerous viruses," Nikolai explained, bridging the gap between the extraordinary and the mundane.

"Why does the Government not like Umbrella? I have seen the data, and with my own eyes, Umbrella has helped more people than the Government ever did, especially since Umbrella came to Moscow and, more broadly, Russia. The global pandemic that is the Hydraxen Virus was swiftly dealt with, and people had more jobs since the aftermath of World War 3. Umbrella gave tons of help to the remaining cities of Russia."

"Zayka, it's not always about what's apparent on the surface," Nikolai said, choosing my words carefully. "Umbrella, in its pursuit of technological advancements and solutions to global issues, has often found itself at odds with governments. The nature of our work involves dealing with matters that some consider ethically gray, and the line between savior and threat can blur."

Yelena asked, her inquiry cutting through the layers of secrecy.

Nikolai sighed, a moment of contemplation preceding his response. "You see, Zayka, it's about the work I do. Some people in power don't appreciate the necessity of what Umbrella does. They see it as a threat, and they wanted you as leverage against me. The world can be a dangerous place, and Papa's job sometimes involves making difficult choices." His words carried the weight of responsibility and the acknowledgment of the sacrifices inherent in their shared reality.

Yelena took a thoughtful pause, her mind processing the intricacies of the revelation. After a moment of contemplation, she made a conscious decision not to delve further into the complexities of her father's clandestine world. Instead, she chose to focus on the immediate and fundamental truth that resonated in her heart.

"The important thing, Papa," Yelena spoke with a genuine warmth in her voice, "is that we are back together." she expressed with a heartfelt sincerity, her words resonating with the deep bond that connected them. With genuine affection, Yelena enveloped her father in a warm hug, seeking solace in the embrace that transcended the intricacies of their respective roles and responsibilities. In that shared embrace, the complexities of their past momentarily faded away, replaced by the simple, unspoken understanding that family was the anchor in the tumultuous seas of their extraordinary lives.

A few hours later, Max, seated in his luxurious limousine, finally received the anticipated call from the president, summoning him for a meeting. With a hint of wry amusement, he mused, "Took him long enough to decide." Max stepped out of the sleek vehicle and made his way down the familiar corridor, passing Secret Service men stationed strategically along the path.

As the door swung open, revealing the high-stakes gathering within, Max noted the presence of key figures shaping the nation's security and intelligence apparatus. The Secretary of Homeland Security, the Directors of the FBI and CIA, and the Joint Chief of Staff, representing the various branches of the U.S Military, all occupied the room. However, Max's discerning eyes quickly caught the absence of the Secretary of Defense, a detail that elicited a subtle smirk, momentarily betraying his inner thoughts before returning to the stoic facade he consistently maintained.

Standing amidst the eminent figures, Max's towering stature of 7.6 feet cast an imposing shadow over the gathering. President Jasper, the orchestrator of this clandestine rendezvous, took the lead. "Mr. Sterling, after further deliberations and discussions regarding your B.O.Ws and their effects on our military assets, and considering the prices, we are willing to purchase 3 million B.O.Ws. Additionally, we request you provide us with the combat data and equipment details of your B.O.Ws as a complimentary addition to the deal," President Jasper declared, the nodding approval of his officials punctuating the gravity of the proposal.

In response, Max, the fulcrum upon which the fate of military prowess balanced, immersed himself in contemplation. The room, filled with an air of anticipation, awaited the verdict that could redefine the contours of national defense. Max, his expression inscrutable, finally broke the silence, "President Jasper, I appreciate your consideration. The combat data and equipment details for the B.O.Ws will be provided as part of our commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership. Rest assured, the quality of our products and their impact on enhancing national security will exceed your expectations." His words, measured and assured, hung in the air, sealing the pact that would resonate through the corridors of power.

President Jasper's inquiry cut through the air, his gaze fixed on Max Sterling, the orchestrator of a potential paradigm shift in military capabilities. "How fast can you deliver your B.O.Ws, Mr. Sterling?" he inquired, the urgency palpable in his tone.

Max, undeterred by the weight of the question, responded with calculated assurance, "Umbrella can deliver them in four batches. Which B.O.Ws do you want delivered first, Mr. President?" The room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the strategic decision that would soon reverberate through the nation's defense infrastructure.

"The Tyrants," President Jasper declared decisively. "Prioritize them. We need them to counter the Hydraxen Pandemic." Max nodded in acknowledgment, his mind swiftly processing the directive. He examined the orders laid before him, the sheer magnitude of 10,500 Tyrants poised to redefine the landscape of warfare.

"So, you want the first 2,000 Tyrants delivered initially," Max clarified, seeking confirmation.

President Jasper affirmed, "Yes. Deliver them here. For the remaining B.O.Ws, we can receive them in five batches, twice a month."

Max, recognizing the gravity of the task at hand, committed to the proposed timeline. "Understood, Mr. President. We will ensure the timely delivery of the requested batches." The intricate dance of power and precision unfolded in the exchange, the momentum building toward a seismic shift in national defense.

However, President Jasper's concerns extended beyond the battlefield. "Can you make some sort of adjustments about their exteriors, especially the Lickers and the Hunter Variants?" he requested, mindful of public perception. "We wouldn't want them to look like nightmare fuel to the public."

Max, ever the pragmatist, responded promptly, "Of course, Mr. President. We can manage that. The B.O.Ws will be delivered to the same location where we conducted the B.O.W showcase. Rest assured, their exteriors will be adjusted to align with public sensitivities." The negotiation, a delicate balance between power projection and public optics, progressed with each uttered assurance.

President Jasper, having absorbed the gravity of the information concerning the Secretary of Defense, shifted the focus of the conversation to a realm laced with intrigue and potential political upheaval. "Moving on, Mr. Sterling," he began, his tone measured and contemplative, "the information you provided regarding our Secretary of Defense is rather alarming, especially with the evidence you presented. It raises a pertinent question – if you can uncover treachery within our government, what's preventing you from delving into other concealed matters?"

The implication hung in the air, a tacit acknowledgment of the murky realities that often lurked behind the polished façades of political power. President Jasper, cognizant of the shadows that danced within the corridors of authority, sought to ascertain the extent of Max's capabilities. He probed further, "Can you provide information, especially sensitive and highly concealed, and offer evidence, both hard and soft, about others in our government?"

The question, a subtle challenge, hinted at the potential leverage Max held over the political elite. The President, aware that not everyone in the government could boast of pristine records, contemplated the far-reaching implications of Max's revelations.

Max, unfazed by the underlying implications, responded with a calm demeanor, "Mr. President, I provided information about the Secretary of Defense because he posed a hindrance and a potential threat to national security. My primary motivation is safeguarding my assets and ensuring the continued prosperity of my 'money-printing machine'—the United States. Nothing more, nothing less." His words, a careful dance between transparency and opacity, revealed the shrewd pragmatism that underscored Max's approach to power dynamics.

Max's gaze, penetrating and perceptive, swept across the room, taking in the array of expressions that ranged from stoicism to subtle discomfort. The air thickened as Max embarked on a revelation that cut through the veneer of political decorum.

"And if you are asking if I know about the things you do behind the scenes while running the government," Max began, his words deliberate and incisive, "let's say tax evasion, money laundering, blackmail, perjury, bribery, and, of course, money laundering again." Each accusation hung in the air like a heavy shroud, casting an undeniable pall over the gathered officials.

As Max continued, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken knowledge, he deliberately dropped a bombshell. "Sexual misconduct," he declared, a phrase that reverberated through the room, causing a palpable tension. The faces of those implicated betrayed a mixture of shock, anxiety, and the fear of exposure.

With precision, Max locked eyes with President Jasper, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. When Max specified "30 counts of sexual misconduct," it was a moment of unspoken understanding, a subtle assertion that the shadows held secrets that could unravel even the most powerful.

"But rest assured," Max continued, his tone taking on an unexpected twist, "I do not like delving into the muddy waters that are your personal lives... unless you antagonize Umbrella, no?" The declaration hung in the air, a veiled warning couched in the form of an understanding. The delicate balance between power and discretion, Max made it clear, rested on a mutual understanding that certain lines should not be crossed, and the muddied waters should remain undisturbed unless provoked.

In that charged atmosphere, Max Sterling, the enigmatic force behind Umbrella Corporation, had asserted his knowledge and power, leaving the room in a state of uneasy equilibrium.

With a deft shift in the conversation, Max Sterling, the enigmatic figure behind Umbrella Corporation, sought to alleviate the tension that hung in the air. "Now, Mr. President, let me add a promotion for being Umbrella's first customer," he declared, injecting a note of business amiability into the discussion. "Umbrella will donate 100 crates of Inhibitor Vaccines to the government and 2 crates to each official in the office." The offer, a strategic pivot, aimed to divert attention from the shadowy revelations and introduce a gesture of goodwill.

"And I like making friends, especially friends in high places," Max continued, his tone genial, as he unveiled an enticing proposition. "Now, everyone in the room can enjoy a 50% discount on their first purchase of any Umbrella services, even B.O.Ws." The palpable relief in the room, evidenced by the gradual return of normal heartbeats, signaled Max's success in diffusing the immediate crisis.

Seizing the opportunity to blend business with camaraderie, Max fixed his gaze on the older officials, including President Jasper. "Gentlemen," he declared, his voice carrying an air of revelation, "the 50% discount extends to our very new product—the Elixir of Youth!"

Max, ever the shrewd marketer, seamlessly transitioned to a captivating explanation of the Elixir of Youth, captivating the attention of the officials in the room. "If you look at the tablets we gave you earlier," he began, his tone carrying a hint of excitement, "you will notice that in the medicine section, costing almost in billions, the Elixir of Youth is priced." The deliberate placement of the phrase "Elixir of Youth" conjured an air of mystique, drawing the attention of those gathered.

As Max continued, he hinted at the tantalizing benefits of the elixir, "If you inquire a bit more and press the video, you will notice that the Elixir of Youth not only restores your body back to its prime but also provides additional benefits such as enhanced strength and speed." The revelation hung in the air, a promise of rejuvenation and newfound vitality that transcended conventional medical boundaries.

One of the older generals, intrigued by the prospect, took the initiative to play the accompanying video. The footage unfolded with a narrative that tugged at the heartstrings—a portrayal of disabled and limbless veterans in the first half, their agony palpable. However, the viewers witnessed a transformation, as the once limbless man began regenerating his limbs. The subsequent scenes showcased individuals not only looking younger but also exhibiting newfound strength, with one bending steel in a display of their revitalized vigor.

The older general, captivated by the spectacle, couldn't conceal the spark in his eyes. Yet, a contemplative expression clouded his face as he grappled with the exorbitant price tag associated with such a miraculous product.

The Director of the FBI, ever vigilant, raised a pertinent question. "Are there side effects? And who are these people?" he inquired, seeking assurances and clarification.

Max responded with a composed demeanor, "No known side effects. These people are American citizens who found themselves on the unfortunate side. Any further information would be illegal to divulge." The careful choice of words navigated the legal boundaries, leaving a veil of mystery around the participants in the transformative video.

Observing the intrigued yet troubled faces of the older gentlemen in the room, Max Sterling, ever attuned to the nuances of human psychology, recognized their hesitation. The fear of the unknown, especially when it came to groundbreaking innovations like the Elixir of Youth, held them captive in a realm of uncertainty.

"That will be all, gentlemen. Anything else Umbrella can do for you, Mr. President?" Max inquired, offering a courteous opportunity for any lingering concerns or requests. The room, still tinged with the echoes of the extraordinary propositions made, awaited the President's response.

President Jasper, after a moment of contemplation, spoke decisively, "Nothing else. We will be expecting the B.O.Ws, Mr. Sterling." The acknowledgment marked the conclusion of the meeting, and Max, with a nod of acknowledgment, left the room. As the door closed behind him, the weight of the impending transactions and the uncharted territories of scientific advancements lingered in the air.

The Director of the FBI leaned in, his tone hushed as he addressed President Jasper, "Mr. President, we've compiled a comprehensive dossier on this Maxwell Sterling and the Umbrella Corporation. Please take a moment to peruse the detailed analysis." President Jasper, his curiosity piqued, began scanning the document. The room, still charged with the lingering energy of Max Sterling's propositions, now hosted a silent anticipation as the President delved into the secrets and intricacies that lay within the pages before him.

As President Jasper perused the detailed FBI analysis report on Maxwell Sterling and Umbrella Corporation, the gravity of the situation became increasingly apparent. The shadows surrounding Max's enigmatic rise to power and the formidable capabilities of Umbrella Corporation painted a complex picture of a man with influence extending far beyond the conventional boundaries of business.

FBI Analysis Report

Subject: Maxwell Sterling

Background: Maxwell Sterling, CEO, and founder of Umbrella Corporation, is an enigmatic figure with a shadowy past. Born in Los Angeles, Max's rise to power remains shrouded in mystery. His former home in Los Angeles has been transformed into a strategic stronghold for Umbrella, acting as a functional safe haven amid the chaos of the Hydraxen pandemic.

Business Ventures: Umbrella Corporation, under Max's leadership, engages in various industries, notably advanced bio-weapons, pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge technology. The corporation's paramilitary forces, numbering potentially in the tens of thousands, are well-equipped and demonstrate exceptional combat prowess, as evidenced by satellite videos capturing their journey from Los Angeles to Washington.

Paramilitary Forces: The Umbrella Security Services (USS), led by the charismatic operative Leon Kennedy, is the face of Umbrella's paramilitary prowess. Videos depict the USS forces combating volatile and alpha volatile entities, suggesting the development of superhuman capabilities. It is plausible that Max himself may possess or have undergone enhancements, mirroring the capabilities of Sentinel Corp's superhumans.

Combat Capabilities: The satellite recordings showcase Umbrella's paramilitary forces efficiently navigating through hordes of infected, including engagements with special infected entities. Notably, Leon Kennedy's combat proficiency against these formidable adversaries suggests a level of training and augmentation that surpasses conventional military standards.

Los Angeles Safe Haven: Umbrella Corporation has successfully converted Max's former home in Los Angeles into a functional safe haven. The city, once in ruins, now stands as a testament to Umbrella's ability to establish secure zones amidst the Hydraxen pandemic. Limited information from within the safe haven is available, with resources primarily allocated to defending barrier cities against infected hordes.

Threat Level Assessment: Maxwell Sterling, with control over Umbrella Corporation and its formidable paramilitary forces, poses a significant threat. The corporation's technological advancements, coupled with combat capabilities, present a challenge to conventional law enforcement agencies. Max's ability to uncover and leverage sensitive information further amplifies the threat level.

Recommendations:

  1. Enhanced surveillance and monitoring of Umbrella Corporation's activities.
  2. Collaboration with international intelligence agencies to gather comprehensive data on Max's global operations.
  3. Strengthening domestic defenses against potential infiltrations by Umbrella forces.
  4. Developing contingency plans for dealing with biohazard incidents and potential outbreaks caused by Umbrella's experiments.

This analysis serves as a foundation for ongoing investigations into Maxwell Sterling and Umbrella Corporation's activities. Given the unpredictable nature of the situation, continuous monitoring and adaptive responses are imperative.

As President Jasper reached the end of the report, the weight of the recommendations bore down on him, highlighting the need for strategic and coordinated efforts to address the looming threat posed by Maxwell Sterling and the formidable Umbrella Corporation.

President Jasper's orders permeated the room, setting the tone for the government's strategy in dealing with the complex and potentially volatile situation orchestrated by Maxwell Sterling and Umbrella Corporation. As the officials absorbed the directives, the air in the room took on a renewed sense of purpose.

"For now, let's work with Umbrella," President Jasper declared, his voice carrying a note of pragmatic realism. "Maxwell Sterling is a dangerous man, but he is a man who cares for his business and money, just like any other businessman. At least this one cares for his country, even if he treats it like a money-printing machine. Let me know what his movements are and update me constantly."

The Director of the FBI promptly responded with a crisp, "Yes, sir!"

President Jasper then turned his attention to another pressing matter. "How's Adrian Forscythe? Has the rat been captured?" President delved into the ongoing pursuit of Adrian Forscythe, the former Secretary of Defense turned fugitive.

The FBI Director relayed the ongoing pursuit, "Not yet, sir. Sentinel Corp personnel intercepted our forces, and as we speak, we are tracking him as he runs to South America."

President Jasper, clearly frustrated by the interference, unleashed a directive against Sentinel Corp. "Damn Sentinel Corp! Uproot all and every Sentinel Corp company and business in the country. Have Umbrella take over the assets for a hefty sum."

The Director of the CIA raised a valid concern, "But sir, wouldn't this make Umbrella more powerful?"

President Jasper, displaying a keen understanding of the delicate power dynamics at play, responded with strategic insight, "It will, but it will also weaken them, as Sentinel Corp will retaliate. We shall show support for Umbrella, but we will be using them to uproot a rotting company. Even if Umbrella becomes stronger, they are at least making the common people's lives better."

He continued, revealing a nuanced plan, "Besides, if all else fails, then we can eliminate the head of the snake," implying that they could dispose of Max if his power became too overwhelming.

 

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