Infinite Progress, Starting With Arasaka

Many members of Vera's U.S.F. guard, bodyguard team, and emergency response units, or even the department organizers and trainers, came from that collapsed world power.

It could be said that after the CCCP's collapse, military contractors, security companies, including Umbrella, and any factions aspiring to build their own private armed forces, all profited immensely.

After 1991, thanks to the "shock therapy" of the new leader, the economy of the newly formed Russian Federation did not improve and continued to deteriorate, nearing collapse.

The increasingly harsh pressure to survive made the lives of the impoverished lower classes, who were already struggling after the 1991 changes, even more agonizing. Countless unemployed individuals who had left or been laid off from the military and had previously worked in the CCCP's vast internal affairs and intelligence departments had to completely abandon their former ideals and seek work elsewhere.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have food to eat, and their entire families would starve.

And what else could they do?

Besides their original professions, what else could they do?

The former CCCP had trained them in their skills. Now, with their beliefs and ideals shattered, they were starving and freezing. Vera absorbed them, giving them a respectable job that could support their families, and they served Vera's company.

Furthermore, Vera also brought their families over from Russia.

She purchased large tracts of wasteland in Washington State on the West Coast, near Canada, and established multiple Umbrella employee communities. These communities included primary schools, hospitals, and basic recreational facilities, almost all of which were employed by the Umbrella California Branch, controlled by Vera.

Using them as testimonials and leveraging their past connections, Vera continued to poach talent from Russia, recruiting soldiers, security personnel, internal affairs officers, and teachers and graduates from the architecture, engineering, and mathematics departments. She wanted talent from all fields.

At the same time, she didn't forget to dispatch numerous procurement personnel to the Russian Far East, Ukraine, the Baltic states, Kazakhstan, and other newly independent nations to buy, buy, buy, exchanging daily necessities and food for various high-tech equipment and weapon blueprints.

It wasn't until early 1998, as signs of a powerful figure rising to power in Russia became increasingly apparent, that Vera ceased her operations.

By then, her private armed forces had already been established and trained.

Vera naturally understood the wisdom of not putting all her eggs in one basket, so she began to recruit personnel more aggressively from the USA military, Europe, Mexico, and other Latin American regions.

"U.B.C.S., recruit as many as you can. Be mindful of the boundaries; in short, the mission is the highest priority. I've reviewed the list of company administrative and research personnel rescued in Raccoon City; their survival and testimony are very important."

After clarifying Andreyev's motives, Vera did not micromanage. Instead, she sequentially inquired about the progress of the U.S.F. rescue video filming, the collection of evidence regarding William Birkin's crimes and B.O.W. human experimentation data, and the status of the Tyran Project.

"Very good. I will be speaking with the National Security Advisor shortly. Pay attention to military communication signals; they will send people to receive the T-Virus and its inhibitors."

Fiddling with the red and white silver umbrella-shaped brooch in her hand, Vera gave a slight, almost imperceptible smile after receiving a satisfactory reply and then hung up the call with Andreyev.

Buzz buzz—

Vera picked up her phone and glanced at a newly arrived text message. "Been waiting long?" It was from her private number.

Sender: Derek C. Simmons

It seems you've finally taken the most correct step.

Under Spencer's misguided leadership and desires, Umbrella has become a threat to social stability.

Independent and happy, my friend.

Now, I suppose I should address you as the CEO of Militech.

The President wishes to see you, Ms. Vera Adelheid.

Her lips curved into a smile as Vera manipulated her phone, tapping the screen.

Sent.

I have a gift for you as well, Mr. Derek.

Simmons:

I look forward to it.

It's good that you're looking forward to it. Let your family help me with the research first. Carla Radames, don't disappoint me...

Vera wore a mischievous smile.

Vera was very interested in researching and improving the T-Virus, but it wasn't suitable at the moment. Since Simmons and the Pentagon were very interested, she might as well do them a favor.

This would also further solidify her image of ignorance and her established persona.

I, Vera, have nothing to do with the Raccoon City incident!

For years, I've only focused on my own affairs, never touched virus research, and had no idea about the production progress of B.O.W.s.

Although I may have vaguely sensed or guessed something, I never imagined Spencer and William Birkin would go this far.

This is the truth.

As for completely abandoning the genetic research and use of the T-Virus and its subsequent derivative viruses? Impossible, Vera wasn't that foolish.

It's just that the timing isn't right.

Umbrella... no, it should be Militech in the future, as a strategic partner of the Pentagon, will have opportunities to access the results. Moreover, the T-Virus and inhibitors rescued by the U.S.F. department that arrived in Raccoon City days in advance were not just one batch.

Even the Progenitor Virus and the experimental "Giant Leech" used to extract leech DNA were discovered.

One batch for the Pentagon, one batch Vera kept for herself, and one batch... needs to go to a very distant place—Arasaka.

By transforming the Umbrella California Branch into Militech, inheriting the USA regional lobbyist system, and establishing good relationships with high-ranking officials in Washington and the Pentagon, Vera distanced herself from the situation.

However, every advantage has its disadvantage.

This means that for a considerable period, she and her Militech cannot engage in research related to B.O.W.s and bio-weapons.

Although Vera herself didn't have high hopes for purely B.O.W.s, believing that cyborgs, a combination of B.O.W.s and cybernetics, held greater development potential.

But industry rivals wouldn't care; they would definitely keep a close eye on her.

Militech might be able to inherit Umbrella's business in pharmaceuticals and medical hardware, but related improvement research would likely grind to a halt. After all, it's virus-based, and Militech's actions in virus research would need to be very cautious and secretive for at least the next few years.

Vera wasn't in a hurry.

For now, Umbrella's legacy was enough for her to live on for several years.

She would build up Militech's framework first.

With Umbrella facing sanctions and its assets frozen, wasn't the time of its bankruptcy and closure the perfect opportunity for her to consolidate and reorganize Umbrella's legacy? Especially the African research center in the Diaba region of West Africa...

Calming her mind, Vera quietly awaited the video call arranged by White House National Security Advisor Simmons.

Beep beep—

At that moment, the screen emitted a dialing sound.

The connection was successful.

Adjusting her posture, Vera immediately closed the Raccoon City monitoring and accepted the video call.

After a shield-shaped bald eagle emblem appeared on his chest, a middle-aged man in a dark suit appeared on the screen. That iconic oval room with white walls and a blue carpet was none other than the renowned Oval Office in the West Wing of the White House.

Vera, whose joy had vanished before the presidential emblem appeared, spoke with a sorrowful expression, "Mr. President, I am Vera Adelheid Russell." Chapter 033: Everyone's Fed

Military.

The first impression it gives is always stability, reliability, and durability.

This is the new image I want to present to the public.

Military products may not always be the most expensive or best, but they definitely focus on large-scale, mass-produced, standard-quality, and reasonably priced bulk items.

The most advanced scientific technology is always prioritized for military applications.

It's not that better cannot be produced, but rather due to economic considerations.

Military represents the forefront of exploration in the technological field.

Technology.

It connects science and technology.

Science solves theoretical problems, and technology solves practical problems.

Every advancement in human society is accompanied by technological progress.

Military technology is my answer.

"Military" represents my commitment to fulfilling the civic responsibilities bestowed upon me by God and the Constitution, and I will never shirk them; "Technology" is a reminder to stay true to my original intentions, that we will be reborn from the ashes, break through the haze named Umbrella, and once again lead the forefront of technology.

Rustle—

In Washington D.C., on Capitol Hill, 25 meters high, at the Capitol Building, the House of Representatives.

In the second-floor gallery, clerks and reporters, some frowning in thought, others diligently taking notes, recorded the explanation by the non-member speaker at this special session about transforming Umbrella into Militech.

A special legislative session was being held.

1998/9/26

Morning.

Within this three-story neoclassical building, 233 meters in length, the world's first major biochemical crisis, the Raccoon City incident, was fully exposed.

Vera Adelheid Russell, former Umbrella Board Member and head of the USA region, submitted evidence of Umbrella Corporation's private research into biochemical viruses and bio-weapons, rescued from Raccoon City, to the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court!

If adapted into a Hollywood movie, this would be a story filled with elements of overcoming adversity, finding redemption, and a prodigal son's return, possessing a strong old-school American lone hero spirit.

From this moment on, Chris Redfield, a former S.T.A.R.S. member of the Raccoon City Police Department, became a hero known throughout America and even the world!

In Vera's vivid narration, this rookie cop named Chris sneaked into the Umbrella Industrial Park in San Francisco. Fully prepared to be shot dead by guards, he managed to meet her and convinced her with his personal experiences and the evidence he obtained.

This young man, while serving in S.T.A.R.S., was lured by William Birkin's scheme into a mansion built by Umbrella in the 1960s and 70s, becoming a guinea pig for testing biochemical viruses and B.O.W.s.

During this time, most of his teammates were killed or injured, and only he and a few other teammates managed to escape death.

After finally escaping, he faced constant suppression from Umbrella, and even S.T.A.R.S. was forcibly disbanded.

He received death threats multiple times when he tried to report them.

Because of this, he didn't even dare to meet his sister, with whom he shared a deep bond, and had to go to Europe alone to investigate. Even without any results and seeing no possibility of victory, he didn't give up and dared to confront Umbrella head-on.

Finally, his perseverance paid off. Following a suggestion and speculation from a surviving teammate, he saw another way.

Even though this method was not mature, his sense of justice and guilt towards his fallen comrades made him unwilling to wait any longer. Every day of waiting meant more innocent people would suffer, so he resolutely took action.

The outcome was good; with his influence, Umbrella split. There are still many good people in the world, and the evidence from Raccoon City was transported out before it could be destroyed.

See how right this story is?

That Chris Redfield is reportedly still in Raccoon City, rescuing teammates and digging up evidence of Umbrella's crimes.

A true tough guy, uncompromising, unyielding, and unafraid. He had already escaped the inferno of Raccoon City, yet he returned.

Retired Air Force pilot, ace shooter, former police officer, special forces operative...

What a righteous image, a stack of buffs!

As for Director Vera, the great genius, the great tycoon, who has long been at odds with William Birkin, the instigator of the Raccoon City incident, it's normal for her to be deceived by that old vampire Spencer, having not yet delved too deep. Her turning back from her misguided path and returning as a prodigal daughter is exactly the kind of narrative the American public loves.

In front of the central podium, designed like a Roman Pantheon with white marble as the main material, exuding a strong Neo-Roman revival style, Vera, as the specially invited speaker, concluded her performance on the House floor with a statement emphasizing "not repeating past mistakes, stressing civic responsibility and duty, and announcing the reorganization and establishment of Militech."

Yes, a performance.

Although Vera still lacked the status of a congresswoman, after speaking with the President, she was granted the title of advisor.

White House Technical Advisor, a think-tank strategist type of role.

To say she had absolutely no power would be a lie, but it certainly couldn't compare to Simmons' position as National Security Advisor.

The Speaker of the House brought his gavel down heavily.

"399 votes in favor, 5 against, 31 abstentions. 398 to 18. I declare the sanctions and asset freeze bill passed. The Umbrella Corporation bears primary responsibility for the Raccoon City biohazard incident and has committed serious violations. All of Umbrella's activities in the United States are hereby suspended."

Clap clap clap—

Thunderous applause erupted.

"A perfect speech, Militech, good name... Ms. Russell, do you have any aspirations for a political career? I can be your party introducer."

"Sir, thank you for your kind offer, but I don't have any such plans for now. Just thinking about Raccoon City..."

Stepping down from the podium, Vera looked at the middle-aged politician with sunken eyes and a receding hairline who had approached her, shaking her head gently. "The mess William Birkin created is too big."

House Majority Whip.