Infinite Progress, Starting with Arasaka

The meeting had been underway for some time. Due to the sheer volume of graphic documents rescued and transmitted from Raccoon City, Vera, focusing on the key points, recounted the details of the T-Virus.

She didn't mention the G-Virus because she didn't know about it.

Vera wasn't interested in what the generals from the Pentagon, or more accurately, those secretly colluding with William, were thinking. Judging by their expressions, they seemed to be playing the "we know nothing" card.

The President, after thoroughly reviewing the documents, said, "Okay, Ms. Russell, you are the expert on this. Regarding the T and G viruses, based on your on-site assessment, the Arklay Mountains have also been contaminated. Raccoon City's water supply system, underground sewage pipes, and the entire downtown Mendosa River basin are all contaminated... If we want to eradicate it..."

"It's difficult," Vera shook her head.

"According to the data, the first case of 'Cannibal Disease' in Raccoon City was caused by citizens drinking water infected with the T-Virus. Although my knowledge of virology is shallow, a rough estimate suggests it will undoubtedly consume a vast amount of funds and time. The best course of action, similar to Chernobyl, is to seal it off."

"Water will dilute the T-Virus. The T-Virus, at its root, is an RNA virus. Its genetic material is based on ribonucleic acid. Without a host, it cannot survive in nature for extended periods. The only thing to be wary of are rats, cockroaches, and birds that have ingested the T-Virus, and aquatic life in the water that carries the T-Virus. They will move, and although once infected they lose their migratory instincts and remain in place, neglecting them for too long could lead to further spread."

Hearing Vera's words, the President frowned and said, "Simmons."

The Raccoon City incident, this pile of excrement landing on his watch, was already infuriating enough. Now it was spreading?!

Simmons replied, "Mr. President, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are already taking action. The Colorado National Guard has also completely sealed off Raccoon City's major transportation routes and erected dams to block rivers flowing through Raccoon City."

The President looked back at Vera.

The implication was clear: you continue to speak, you are responsible for filling in any gaps.

Among those present, she had the highest technical proficiency, came from Umbrella, and was the consultant for handling the Raccoon City incident. She was undoubtedly the most qualified.

Vera pondered for a moment.

"Besides unprotected physical contact with the T-Virus nguyên bản, which can cause infection, being bitten by an infected person or carrier, mixing bodily fluids... and contact with animals that have consumed infected carrion are all verified transmission methods. Currently, unless one is in an enclosed space where T-Virus nguyên bản is volatile, airborne transmission is unlikely."

"That's the only good news in this misfortune," the Chief of Staff of the Army commented. "Are there any preventative measures, Ms. Russell?"

"Yes, samples and finished products of T-Virus vaccines, inhibitors, and neutralizers. My U.S.F has managed to rescue some, along with many Umbrella researchers who possessed the relevant technology."

"Excellent," the President and the generals all expressed their praise. "Mass-produce the T-Virus vaccine, Advisor Russell, this task is assigned to you."

"No problem."

Vera accepted the task. The senators, generals, and politicians were afraid of dying and needed the vaccine for peace of mind.

The parties involved exchanged questions and answers, quickly formulating a preliminary plan for T-Virus prevention. "This is the situation. Raccoon City, do any of you have further thoughts?" The President shifted the topic back to Raccoon City itself.

The spread had been temporarily halted, but with Raccoon City, a biological bomb, sitting on their home soil, no one felt at ease. Moreover, it was time-consuming and labor-intensive. What if some idiot went exploring and brought the virus out? Vera's Chernobyl-style containment proposal was rejected.

"Let's use incendiary bombs. Carpet bombing, like General LeMay's firebombing, set Raccoon City ablaze, incinerating all the infected and carriers within. High-temperature incineration should kill the virus, right?"

"That's not appropriate. The success of firebombing Tokyo was predicated on the fact that Tokyo in the last century was mostly made of wooden structures. Raccoon City is mostly modern concrete, steel, and brick buildings. The effectiveness of firebombing is likely to be limited..."

"Spray the T-Virus inhibitor into the atmosphere and conduct targeted artificial rainfall over Raccoon City."

"It only treats the symptoms, not the root cause."

"I propose using a nuclear bomb."

As the generals and the Secretary of Defense were voicing their opinions, Simmons stood up.

His words were like hitting a mute button, instantly enveloping his White House colleagues in silence.

Without backing down, Simmons placed his hands on the table, leaned forward, and pressed his advantage, emphasizing, "Since the Raccoon City biological crisis is beyond saving, and to eliminate all future risks and completely resolve the issue of viral leakage, I propose using a nuclear bomb for complete sterilization of Raccoon City."

"Mr. President, we absolutely cannot allow the virus to spread further. The sooner the incident is resolved, the lower the possibility of subsequent diffusion!"

The President showed a look of struggle.

North American soil had never been attacked before. Japan was the only place in the world to have been hit by a nuclear bomb. Now the United States was going to be bombed? And they were bombing their own territory?

"I agree," said the Secretary of Defense, standing up and surveying his colleagues in the situation room. "If none of you have any effective solutions, this is the most reliable."

"Agreed."

"Agreed." The generals raised their hands in agreement one after another.

Perhaps they had already considered using a nuclear bomb in their hearts, but no one wanted to be the first to suggest it.

"Ms. Russell." The President finally looked at Vera.

With a solemn expression, she pondered for a moment, then nodded with difficulty. "In terms of subsequent protective measures and safety, this is the most reliable method. I agree with Mr. Simmons' proposal."

"But," she drew out her words.

Simmons instinctively narrowed his eyes.

"I believe it is feasible to spray the T-Virus inhibitor into the atmosphere surrounding Raccoon City, and simultaneously conduct carpet bombing with incendiary devices over Raccoon City."

Vera emphasized, and as she spoke, she looked at the generals across the conference table.

"This is the world's first major biological crisis. The entire world is watching us. We must demonstrate our full commitment and minimize the social and public opinion pressure of ultimately deploying a nuclear bomb. Militech is willing to contribute its part, and we will do our best to supply new types of incendiary bombs."

Vera seized the opportunity.

"This is what you proposed. Militech is willing to become the military's aerial bomb supplier. This is a good opportunity to clear inventory, re-equip, and secure military funding. Do you want it?"

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force understood.

"Agreed."

The generals from the other two branches just smiled. Let your Air Force have this one first.

Simmons also nodded to Vera.

He was very satisfied with this ally.

"Thus, the resolution is passed. Chief of Staff, draft the emergency bill to launch nuclear missiles and submit it to Congress!"

After speaking, the determined President pointed to the map of Raccoon City on the screen. "Before the 28th, everyone must evacuate Raccoon City. Implement a sterilization operation on Raccoon City!"

"Establish a joint command. Advisor Russell, you will be the coordinator. The federal government officially hires your private military contracting force. You must evacuate the surviving citizens. That fine young man named Chris Redfield must be safely evacuated. I want to award him a medal."

With that, the President nodded to everyone present and then got up to leave the situation room.

He needed to go to Congress to argue and push for the emergency bill to be passed.

"Executive Officer Vera, according to Delta Force, your company's U.S.F, as well as the new individual combat weapon system you've equipped, are very impressive... We're very interested. Perhaps we can cooperate in the future?"

The President left first, but the situation room did not immediately adjourn. The Army Chief of Staff approached Vera and Simmons while they were talking in front of the map.

"It is an honor for me and Militech, General."

Vera smiled happily, extended her hand, "That was just a pre-sale field test. The real customers are right here, and I think the opportunity is right in front of us, no need to wait for the future."

She extended an invitation: "Are you interested in visiting Militech's exhibition center in Washington?"

Thirty minutes later, Vera, suppressing her joy, walked out of the White House with a look of sorrow for the citizens.

The security guards waiting outside the White House lawn immediately surrounded her. She didn't stop, and under the watchful eyes of White House staff and reporters, she quickly walked towards her car.

The car door closed, and the moment the one-way tinted glass rose, Vera rubbed her seemingly stiff face and took out her dedicated satellite phone.

"Andreyev, the evidence collection mission is complete. The operational objective has changed to rescuing survivors in Raccoon City. Cooperate with the military and U.B.C.S. in rescue operations. You know what I mean. Pay attention to capturing rescue scenes. The deadline is before the military's carpet bombing on the afternoon of September 27, 1998."

"Broadcast throughout the city, announcing that the White House has approved the sterilization operation by dropping nuclear bombs on the 28th."

September 28th. Two days earlier than the original timeline. Because of her influence and efforts, the nuclear bombing was moved up.

Washed clean and out of the woods, the act was complete. The T-Virus and Progenitor Virus extracts belonging to Vera had already been transported back to California overnight.

Beep beep.

Then, Vera made another call.

"U.S.F Mobile Team, Squads 2 and 3, deploy."

"Squad 3 will cooperate with military special forces operations. This is a demonstration match, a product showcase. Squad 2, find any remaining U.S.S personnel in Raccoon City. Rescue and persuade them to surrender. Save anyone who is still alive, even if they are missing limbs. I will fix them. Clean up any who resist."

Chapter 036: The Shadow Named Militech Slowly Rises (5K)

September 26th, afternoon.

Continuous gunfire and sporadic explosions were still the main theme in Raccoon City.

"Fire."

Gunfire echoed, and the brilliant muzzle flash was dazzlingly piercing in the overcast evening.

Blood splattered everywhere. William Birkin, no, more accurately, the G-Creature, its torso spun powerlessly in the air for a few turns before falling heavily to the ground.

Dr. William's head had been squeezed into his chest by mutated flesh and covered by layers of flesh membranes, being digested and swallowed by the G-Creature's flesh.

"Roar—!"

It roared, its massive right eye filled with bloodshot veins, staring intently at the source of the muzzle flash. In response, fresh granulation tissue like foul-smelling blood and intestines, along with exposed bone fragments, began to intertwine, connect, and expand from the wound where its severed limbs had been.

Visibly, the monster's appearance became even more ferocious.

The G-Creature's upper and lower body, which had been broken in half, rejoined. Its body size increased again, its muscles swelled, and sharp bone spurs pierced through the spine, connecting them. It lay prostrate on the ground like a twisted, long snake, top-heavy.

It became even more deformed, completely losing its human appearance.

Clang!

The shell casing fell. The soldier who pulled the trigger ejected the chamber and loaded a new shell.

On the rooftop of a tall building, surrounded by weapon cases with the red and white Umbrella logo hastily wiped clean, a Delta Force officer lowered his binoculars and said with a heavy tone to the surrounding private military contractors:

"Your U.S.F chose it as a demonstration platform. Be careful not to mess this up. This kind of monster absolutely cannot be allowed to leave Raccoon City..."

"That's natural. But please call us M.S.F. U.S.F is a thing of the past."

The M.S.F commander said proudly, with his hands crossed over his chest.

Umbrella; Militech. Since they were now legal, their designation would naturally change from U.S.F to M.S.F (Militech Special Force).

"Militech is here precisely for this. This single-soldier reusable recoilless gun is just an appetizer. Just watch, the future development direction of recoilless weapons will be demonstrated here."

As he spoke, the monster, whose hands and feet were transforming into a beast-like form, suddenly leaped up, its feet cracking the ground!

It was fierce and ugly. If encountered suddenly in an alley fight, even fully armed Delta Force or SEALs would be wiped out, but—

This was a firepower position set up by the modernized army.

The terrifying kinetic energy impacted the G-Creature's body. Both its thickened keratinous flesh and its proliferated bones were pulverized at this moment.

The eye on its further enlarged right arm exploded, and the connecting part of the arm that had evolved into a giant claw burst into a cloud of blood mist. The G-Creature lost its direction and violently slammed into the building wall. After a dull thud, debris and dust flew everywhere, and it fell, crashing heavily onto the ground.

"In the past, to ensure a single shot hit the target, they had to consider many factors that would affect the trajectory. Today, with an integrated observation helmet, target intelligence and magnified images are input, and combined with a specialized optical sight and trajectory compensator, deviations in the firing trajectory will be automatically calculated."

As the M.S.F. commander explained, two former Umbrella, now Militech M.S.F. soldiers wearing cool integrated helmets stood at the rooftop sniper position. With blank expressions, they pulled the massive triggers of their weapons again.

Two deafening gunshots followed.

Tungsten-core rounds pierced the air at astonishing speed, slamming into the fallen G-Creature. One struck the G-Creature's head, and the other hit where William Birkin's head was, indicated by the faint traces of withered yellow hair.

The moment of impact caused the ground beneath the G-Creature to crack as if struck by a heavy hammer. The bullets' force left deep, scorched bullet holes in the G-Creature's body, surrounded by layers of cracked flesh.

"This is a prototype electromagnetic weapon. While it's far from meeting the requirements for individual soldier portability in terms of lightweight design, it's sufficient."

"Next, we'll demonstrate the long-range firing stability and continuity of the Militech Type 1 heavy machine gun, using 0.70 caliber programmable sabot rounds. As long as you can observe it, the effective range exceeds 4000 meters..."

Bang bang bang bang—

"From 300 meters down to 10 meters, we'll have sequential demonstrations of the Ajax Type 1 assault rifle, Defender Type 1 light machine gun, and Tactician Type 1 shotgun..."

"That's insane..."

Drip.

In the dim cable car tunnel, an Asian woman in red, with short black hair cut to her ears and wearing an Umbrella researcher's white coat, crouched and jumped from the elevator platform. She entered the underground research facility built by Umbrella for William Birkin's virus research, only to find the entrance guard station destroyed and in disarray.

The normally clean and bright steel structure was covered in dents, and several sparking cables dangled from the shattered ceiling, crackling and spitting. A dry warning sound continued to blare.