Lies and Panic
A Side-Along Story to A Cruel, Undead World
Epilogue
Those Who Hurt Us
Time after the Tervu infection outbreak: 0 Years, 1 Month, 0 Days, 10:05 A.M.
President Witter with his lovely, slightly younger wife were still inside the White House. There, she straightened the withering man up. If you asked her if she liked her man being the president, she would say no. This country isn't the easiest to run, and she knew it was quickly draining her beloved.
Close by, their fifteen year old son and thirteen year old daughter talked to each other civilly. This was a rare sight for the president, but he knew the children weren't idiots (rather, they were very intelligent). They knew what happened and how many lives were lost. You always see those videos and pictures making fun of the teenage body for its indifference to life. Well, here's an example to prove them wrong.
While in France (having to hide from angry Americans), the daughter slept little and cried a lot over the thoughts of how those poor people passed, and the son became quiet and was even kinder to others.
Everyone was affected by this.
"What do you plan to say up there?" Mrs. Witter asked him quietly, as she tugged a little at his suit. He didn't answer right away, and only when she met his deep blue eyes with her sharp green ones did he say.
"I haven't come up with it in writing. I want them to know that what I have to say was no rehearsed. True, I've thought long and hard what I want to say. But not how I'm going to make them feel like I'm trying to win a Nobel peace prize, but about how I can make them feel a little bit better." His sad eyes dropped to look at the floor. Knowing his pain, his wife pulled him in close and embraced him tightly.
As they hugged, Leon S. Kennedy walked in from outside. "Mr. President, we're ready for the speech."
Witter straightened up and kissed his wife on the forehead affectionately, then when he passed his children, gave them both a hug as well. He walked away with Leon, patting him on the shoulder solemnly. The president's family waited a moment, then followed outside, taking their seats nearest the podium on the side with the celebrated agents who helped in the search.
Everyone waited in silence for Witter to speak. He made a noise in his throat, then started his speech.
"A month ago today, the United States was injured. We were lied to about a terrible event that was happening to one of our great cities, and in its time of need we failed it. I failed it. Many were lost, in the worst way imaginable. None of us would want to see or know that a loved one was taken in such a manner. I wish with all my might, that I could take this pain and suffering, and take it all for myself to spare our country.
But I can't. America; we were betrayed by an association that has named itself Neo-Umbrella. They are the reason why we suffer, and the reason why the city of Tervu is now in ruins. I swear on my life that we will not let them get away with this. We will find them. We will bring them to justice. Now, all we can do is rebuild, and try to recover what we had lost. The scars will heal. The pain will ease. All we can do now is be thankful that those who were hurt so badly, have found peace. Thank you."
While waiting for some sort of response, the president worried that they were angered instead of soothed by the speech. Then, the clapping started, first only a few people then the entire crowd.
He took a deep, relieving breath.
That night, he called a meeting. The meeting was to be utmost importance, and secretive—only those given assignments will be there.
At the meeting was of course the President, and joining him were: Leon and Helena, Chris Redfield from the BSAA and his second-in-command, Alek Burrell; even new agent of D.S.O, Sherry Birkin was summoned for this meeting.
"We know that Neo-Umbrella is behind the attack on Tervu, but we don't know where they are or what they plan to do next." He looked at the BSAA agents. "Chris, I need you and your team to be on the lookout—every hint, every whisper on the wind that you hear, follow it and investigate. I want the BSAA to be like hound dogs for information on future bioterrorist attacks."
Next, he turned to Leon and Helena. "I want you two personally assigned to find the headquarters of Neo-Umbrella. You will be undercover, of course, and tell no one of your mission. The government will fund for whatever you need to find it; plane tickets, hotels, everything."
When the missions were given to the four, they were dismissed, leaving Sherry with the president. He looked at her gravely.
"We don't know what their next move is, but with the little evidence we have, it has something to do with virus strains. I want you to return to Edonia and find the man you worked with before, and bring him back with you. His very life could be in danger, along with yours."
"Jake?" she whispered. Witter nodded.
"You will have a team to escort you. I don't care if you have to drag him with his heels dug in the ground, bring him back here. The last thing we need is someone getting ahold of the C-Virus and/or T-Virus. All information regarding the viruses are at the Pentagon, where no one can get to it. But you two are still easy-access sources we can't risk. Do you understand?" he asked. She bowed her head solemnly, knowing after she got Jake, she would be stuck in a room in a government building again—like how she spent the most part of her childhood. Feeling her melancholy, the president stood from his chair and walked to her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Hopefully, Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Harper will find the headquarters soon, and all of this will be over." She sighed and agreed, then thanked the president and left the round office.
With his new plan in motion, the president walked back around his desk and fell into his chair, exhausted. Why is this country always in danger? That question will never be fully answered. With a long breath, the president closed his eyes, and the first time in a while—fell into a deep slumber.