Patient Zero continued his relentless march towards Los Angeles, a harrowing tide of infected following in his wake. The legions comprised both special and normal infected, numbering in the tens of thousands. In the desolate cities they traversed, the infected stumbled aimlessly, driven by an insatiable hunger for flesh.

As daylight approached, Patient Zero displayed a strategic cunning. Aware of the vulnerability of special infected to sunlight, he directed his horde to seek refuge within the shadowy recesses of abandoned buildings. The remnants of once-bustling metropolises became their hideaways, shielding them from the lethal rays of the sun.

The infected moved with an eerie synchronization, a mass of decaying bodies guided by a primal instinct to seek shelter during the day and resume their relentless march through the night. Patient Zero, with an intelligence that seemed both familiar and distorted, orchestrated the movements of his undead legions like a twisted general leading his army of the damned.

The cities, once vibrant and full of life, now echoed with the haunting moans and shuffling footsteps of the infected. Each passing day brought them closer to their destination, and the impending doom of Los Angeles loomed larger on the horizon. Patient Zero's calculated approach and utilization of the urban landscape added an ominous layer to the unfolding catastrophe, turning once-thriving cities into eerie sanctuaries for the undead.

As Patient Zero, accompanied by his undead legions, inexorably advanced towards Los Angeles, a looming sense of impending doom pervaded the atmosphere. The infected, numbering in the tens of thousands, moved with a relentless determination, their nocturnal marches and strategic use of cities during the day showcasing an unexpected level of cunning.

In the confined space of his personal haven, "The Boss," Max Sterling leaned back in his chair, contemplating the unfolding crisis with an air of unruffled composure. The world outside may be on the brink of catastrophe, but within the luxurious confines of his mobile fortress, Max remained the epitome of calm.

"White Queen, enlighten me on the scale of this impending storm," Max calmly inquired, his voice carrying an undertone of detached curiosity.

White Queen, the ever-efficient artificial intelligence, responded with precision. "The horde is vast, Mr. Sterling—tens of thousands strong, comprised of both normal and special infected. Patient Zero, in a display of unexpected strategy, guides them through cities during daylight hours, utilizing shelter to protect the more sensitive special infected from the sun."

Max nodded thoughtfully, his mind already devising a strategic response. "Prepare our forces for the defense of Los Angeles. Simultaneously, dispatch reconnaissance teams to discern Patient Zero's motivations and objectives. I need to know what drives him, besides insatiable hunger, and if there's a way we can turn the tide in our favor."

"As you command, Mr. Sterling. Umbrella forces will be deployed, and reconnaissance teams initiated immediately," White Queen affirmed, echoing Max's calm assurance in the face of an impending storm.

As Nikolai Sokolov, Head of Security for Umbrella Corporation, received the urgent notice from White Queen about the impending horde led by Patient Zero, he wasted no time. Having recently arrived in Los Angeles with his daughter, he swiftly settled her at their home, ensuring her safety before turning his attention to the impending threat.

Now, surrounded by his officers in the Hive's command center, Nikolai scrutinized the map of Los Angeles. The approaching infected horde, guided by Patient Zero, posed a significant threat. However, Nikolai saw an opportunity to create a strategic chokepoint at San Bernardino, a city that had been cleansed of infected but had yet to be reoccupied by residents.

"Captain Gerome and Gabriel," Nikolai addressed two capable officers, "lead 4000 USS personnel, along with necessary engineers and workers. Make San Bernardino the bottleneck. Focus our forces there to resist and annihilate the incoming horde. I will send you the information on B.O.Ws, and we will coordinate with Red Queen."

"Yessir," both officers crisply saluted before exiting the command room. Gabriel and Gerome, once escorts to Max Sterling in the early days of Umbrella Corporation, now led their respective companies with a sense of purpose. The task at hand was clear – to fortify San Bernardino, turning it into a formidable barrier against the impending tide of infected.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the sprawling DC Umbrella Factories. Max Sterling, the enigmatic leader of Umbrella Corporation, made a call to his chief communications officer, Joe. The phone rang briefly before Joe's voice crackled through the device.

"Boss, How may I help you?" Joe inquired, his voice laced with professionalism.

Max's instructions were concise. "Tell the crew to meet me at the Airport. I'll brief you guys there upon arriving."

"Roger that, boss," Joe responded dutifully. "That will be all. See you at the Airport."

Louis, who had been overseeing the inspection of the factories, looked at Joe, curiosity evident in his expression. "So, what did the boss say?" he inquired, drawing the attention of Alisa and Sophia, who were also present.

Joe relayed the altered plans with a measured tone. "There has been a change of plans. We're heading to the Airport ASAP. The boss will fill us in after arriving."

Louis leaned back, tapping the glass beside him. "To the Airport," he instructed the driver. As the convoy set into motion, the anticipation among the crew members grew. Something significant had occurred, prompting Max to cut short their brief respite.

The V.I.P lobby of the airport served as a brief rendezvous point for Max and his dedicated crew – Alisa, Joe, Louis, and the young Sophia, cradled safely in Max's arms. With a sense of urgency, they swiftly boarded a Bombardier Global 8000, destined for Los Angeles. Max's iconic limousine would follow suit in a separate aircraft.

Inside the sleek private jet, Max and his team settled into plush seats as the aircraft soared into the skies. White Queen's composed voice resonated through the cabin speakers, announcing their estimated arrival time in Los Angeles – a mere three hours away.

Gathering the crew for a crucial discussion, Max's piercing gaze fell on Louis, Alisa, and Joe. Meanwhile, Sophia contentedly indulged in chocolate within the gaming room, blissfully unaware of the weighty matters at hand.

"Patient Zero," Max uttered, his tone grave. The revelation drew a sharp response from Louis, who questioned with disbelief, "Patient Zero? He survived?"

Max nodded solemnly, affirming the unsettling truth. "Indeed, and he is currently marching towards Los Angeles as we speak. According to White Queen's estimations, he will arrive within 15 days."

The three hours in the air elapsed swiftly, the private jet hurtling towards Los Angeles. Seated in the luxurious cabin, Max led a discussion with his trusted crew, dissecting the recent developments in Washington DC.

Louis, having overseen the DC Umbrella factories, delivered a positive report. "The factories are running smoothly, and Umbrella's assets stand solid," he informed Max, who acknowledged the information with a nod. It was a reassurance that their industrial endeavors were on the right track.

Shifting his attention to Joe and Alisa, Max sought updates on the intelligence front. Joe assured, "All is good, boss. The intelligence network in DC is functioning seamlessly," while Alisa revealed intriguing information. "In our monopoly over the healthcare sector, it appears that cures for diseases like cancer and AIDS have been discovered as early as 2011. However, the wealthy chose to keep these breakthroughs to themselves."

Max, with a discerning nod, contemplated the implications. Alisa proposed a course of action, "With your permission, boss, Umbrella could start selling these cures. Set the prices at a moderate range, something even the general public can afford. It's a substantial revenue stream, given our monopoly in the healthcare sector."

Louis, injecting a touch of humor, remarked, "If we set it at the medium range wouldn't it lessen the revenue?"

Max chuckled, acknowledging the truth in Louis's words. "Don't worry, Louis. That's just spare change. Besides, we can leverage the discovery for positive publicity. As a corporation, public image matters."

As the private jet descended over Los Angeles, Max observed the dramatic changes that had unfolded in his absence. The cityscape below revealed a transformed urban landscape, a testament to the impact of Umbrella Corporation's influence.

The most noticeable change was the surge in population. More people were visible on the streets, emerging from their homes and heading to work. Max's keen eyes observed a colossal, partially constructed wall encircling certain sectors of the city. Thousands of workers toiled diligently, contributing to the completion of this imposing barrier—a desperate effort to keep the infected at bay.

Beneath him, Los Angeles pulsed with newfound life, and the presence of Umbrella's security measures was unmistakable. In broad daylight, Tyrants patrolled the streets alongside well-organized security squads. It seemed to be the new normal for the citizens of Los Angeles, who had adapted to the towering giants as symbols of protection rather than fear. The sight of these walking behemoths instilled a sense of security, a reassurance that Umbrella was actively safeguarding the city.

The pervasive influence of Umbrella extended to the very fabric of Los Angeles. Symbols of the corporation adorned every corner, with City Hall proudly renamed Umbrella City Hall. The corporation's reputation had shifted from an enigmatic entity to a benevolent force in the eyes of the citizens. The once-dreaded Umbrella Corporation had become synonymous with leniency, offering free meals, healthcare, and a semblance of a comfortable life in exchange for labor. The common people, scarred by the trials of the apocalypse, eagerly embraced these benefits as a lifeline to a semblance of their former lives.

Work had taken on a new meaning in this post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. Umbrella had organized various sectors, including farming, manufacturing, fishing, and construction. The corporation had successfully unified the diverse gangs and organizations that once plagued the city, bringing stability and order to the chaos that had defined the aftermath of the pandemic.

After their arrival at the airport, Max and his crew were met by Nikolai and a squad of Umbrella soldiers. A camaraderie was evident as Max greeted Nikolai with a bro hug, expressing his relief, "I take that you have rescued your daughter?"

Nikolai, with gratitude in his voice, replied, "With your help, boss, it was a success."

"Great seeing you, Nikolai," Louis chimed in, maintaining his usual cheery demeanor. Joe offered a calm acknowledgment, "Glad your daughter is now safe," while Alisa added, "Don't forget to tell your daughter to visit me. Monthly checkups are essential."

In the Hive's War Room, Max, Nikolai, and the rest of Umbrella's officers gathered to discuss their plans. The real-time map of Los Angeles displayed the unfolding situation before them. Max, taking charge, directed his attention to Nikolai, asking for a briefing on their current strategies.

Nikolai began, "I've deployed 4000 Umbrella personnel to the empty city of San Bernardino. We're constructing defenses to create bottlenecks at the entrances from the North and East. It's a strategic move to slow down the infected horde."

Max nodded in approval, acknowledging the importance of securing key points in the city's defense. Turning to Red Queen, he inquired about their available B.O.Ws.

Red Queen's hologram materialized, providing a detailed breakdown. "We can field 5000 B.O.Ws, including 1000 Tyrants, 3000 Hunter Variants, and 1000 Lickers. However, Mr. Sterling, the latest data indicates that Patient Zero's infected legion is nearing the hundred thousand mark."

Max's gaze remained fixed on the holographic representation of Patient Zero's relentless advance. The sheer magnitude of the infected horde weighed heavily on his mind.

"At this rate, he's amassing nearly Two Hundred Thousand infected. The sheer numbers alone pose a significant threat, but it's Patient Zero and those Alpha Volatiles that elevate it to a coordinated army. That's where the real danger lies," Max mused, his mind working overtime to strategize a countermove.

In a decisive moment, Max turned to Red Queen, his query cutting through the tension. "Where is A.T currently stationed?" A.T, the Alpha Tyrant, stood as Umbrella's most formidable B.O.W.

"The Alpha Tyrant is presently in Panorama City, leading his cohort in clearing the entrenched infected and handling resistance from the locals, particularly someone they call 'the Chief,'" Red Queen responded with her usual clinical tone.

"Recall A.T. I have a task for him," Max commanded, his thoughts forming a plan to diminish the approaching threat. He pressed further, seeking details on A.T's cohort.

Red Queen's hologram flickered with data. "The Alpha Tyrant's Cohort comprises 10 Nemesis Tyrants, 20 T-104, 50 T-103, 500 Hunter Alpha, 1000 Hunter Beta, and 5000 Hunter Rogues, along with 3000 Lickers. It's worth noting that the Alpha Tyrant's Cohort operates independently from our reserve B.O.Ws."

Max leaned back in his chair, absorbing the gravity of the situation. The holographic map displayed the upcoming battlegrounds, and the numbers were undeniably daunting. Patient Zero's horde was a relentless tide, and the challenges ahead required strategic finesse.

"Alright, with those numbers, we can cull the tide of infected before it reaches Los Angeles," Max declared, his voice firm and resolute. He outlined the plan, focusing on guerrilla tactics to thin out the approaching horde. Locations were designated—Highway 15, Hamilton's Fort, La Verkin, and the expansive Mojave Desert. Max strategically planned the use of explosives and aerial harassments to disrupt Patient Zero's advance.

As A.T, the Alpha Tyrant, arrived, Max communicated the plan telepathically. A.T acknowledged his creator with a simple "Hello," and Max proceeded to brief him on leading the guerrilla warfare in the Mojave Desert.

"The first two locations will be handled by Umbrella Soldiers, utilizing air harassments. Fortunately, the infected haven't evolved flying units yet," Max explained, strategically distributing tasks among his officers.

Once the assignments were made, Max opened the floor for questions, ensuring clarity before dismissing the meeting. As the officers dispersed, Nikolai approached Max, expressing a pressing concern. "Boss, we are currently short-handed. Our total forces number ten thousand, with two thousand new recruits and eight thousand veterans. The population of Los Angeles has reached four hundred thousand, and maintaining security has stretched our limits," Nikolai reported.

Max nodded, his confidence in the resilience of the Umbrella Corporation bolstered by the loyalty of his employees and the strategic expansion of Los Angeles. "Let's go to the Warehouse first, perhaps the Runners have filled it with valuables again," Max suggested. As they entered the Hive's Warehouse, Nikolai positioned himself outside, understanding the need to provide Max with the space to work.

Inside, Max surveyed the crates filled with various valuables, including gold bars taken from banks. His mind was already calculating the potential value and how it could be converted into resources for Umbrella's operations. "White Queen, convert these into credits," Max instructed.

"The total value of 30 crates of valuables, including jewelry and precious metals, will be a total of $90,000,000. Converted to credits, it is equal to 450,000,000," White Queen promptly responded.

Max efficiently managed Umbrella's resources, strategically reinforcing his forces to face the impending threat. With a few clicks and calculations, he purchased 10,000 Umbrella Soldiers for $8,000,000, strengthening the corporation's manpower. Additionally, Max acquired three Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters for a total of $105,000,000, enhancing Umbrella's aerial capabilities.

As Max explored the weapons tab, he spotted a tempting offer—a bundle armory costing $200,000,000, sufficient for 10,000 individuals. Considering the potential need for additional ammunition, he inquired with White Queen. Her prompt assurance that the armory included enough ammunition sealed the deal.

"I'll purchase all of this, White Queen," Max declared, already thinking ahead to the future acquisition of the firearms market. White Queen confirmed the purchase, revealing the total cost of $313,000,000. With this transaction, Max's Umbrella Credits reduced to $137 million, a calculated investment in the corporation's readiness for the challenges ahead.

Max, intrigued by the imminent arrival of the reinforced troops and equipment, questioned White Queen about their appearance. In response, White Queen calmly explained, "These troops will make a grand entrance on a cruise ship, setting anchor in Los Angeles. The attack helicopters, accompanying them, will arrive on separate ships. Expect their arrival within the next 15 minutes, Mr. Sterling."