RE - Chapter 261: Turning the Tables (Patreon)

As reporters and representatives from various groups applauded, Graham walked onto the stage with a smile. The moment his face was out of view, however, a trace of worry crept into his eyes.

He didn't believe Wilson's claim that Alan and Leon were dead, but either way, they were running out of time.

"Mr. President..."

Graham glanced to the side and saw Patrick, one of the agents assigned to guard the podium.

Patrick looked nervous as he stepped closer and lowered his voice.

"China wasn't behind any of it. The hacking, the virus attack, the submarine explosion. It was all Wilson's doing.

He's trying to provoke a conflict with China."

Graham was startled. This was information that should have been known only to him, Alan, and Leon. So why...

Without drawing attention to himself, he glanced at the representatives in the audience who had ties to Wilson, then turned back to Patrick.

"Where did you hear this?"

"Leon told me, sir."

Patrick watched the President anxiously, worried Graham might think he was messing with him.

What Patrick could never have guessed was that Graham and Leon already had a close relationship behind the scenes.

Had he known, he wouldn't have been under nearly as much pressure delivering the message. Right now, it felt like reporting your teacher directly to the principal.

That was enough for Graham to make his decision. If Leon had been able to contact Patrick and explain the situation, their operation must be going well. They simply needed Graham to buy them more time.

He was also relieved to know that Leon and Alan were alive.

But Graham's expression never changed. He acted as though Patrick hadn't said anything at all and calmly walked away.

Patrick returned to his post and watched him go, visibly disappointed. He closed his eyes, trying to hide his frustration, and quietly sighed.

Sorry, Leon. I think I screwed it up.

The kid was just too earnest for his own good.

The applause and cheers from the audience continued to build until Graham finally took his place behind the podium. Only then did the noise gradually die down.

Graham looked over the crowd and the cameras farther back, his mind racing for a way to stall. He pushed the prepared speech aside.

After taking a quiet breath, Graham raised his head and addressed the audience.

"We must give hope to those seeking freedom and salvation from terror. We cannot allow anyone to stand in the way of Penamstan as its people rebuild their homes and their lives..."

Ryan, standing behind the audience, was caught off guard.

None of this was in the speech Wilson had prepared.

He looked at Graham, then at the American and Penamstan flags behind him, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

"I knew you wouldn't go through with it, sir."

"The people of Penamstan have chosen to overcome their suffering and forge a new path, and we will be there to support them. For our new friends, for their future and the future of generations to come, we will do everything in our power to help bring them peace and prosperity."

...

While Graham delivered his speech, Alan and the others were making their move beneath the air force base.

"How's it going?"

"The encryption here isn't anywhere near as tough as the White House. I can handle it."

"Guess you were the straight-A-student type."

"Thanks for the compliment... All right, here's the data you wanted on the inhibitor. Just like you asked, I've deleted the rest of the research data. I saved the evidence implicating Wilson separately."

Shen May tried to hand Alan the USB drive, but he declined. She looked at him in confusion.

"The inhibitor research could be extremely useful for developing a vaccine and eliminating this modified T-Virus. I've already arranged for someone to help you. When you get back to China, give it to him."

"...He's Chinese?"

"No. He's a very enthusiastic Spaniard, and this happens to be his area of expertise. He might be able to do something about Jun See's condition, and maybe even eliminate what's left of the virus in Jason's body."

Shen May stared at him in surprise. She hadn't expected Alan to bring someone in specifically to help them.

It sounded like she owed him one hell of a favor.

"All right... You really do know how to surprise me."

"Of course, there's always the possibility that he's not as good as he thinks he is and accomplishes absolutely nothing.

Still, it's worth trying for Jun See's sake. Jason needs it too.

The U.S. is too dangerous right now. Developing a vaccine here wouldn't be safe. You already have the resources, so I'm leaving it in your hands."

Before Shen May could ask anything else, Alan motioned for her to follow.

"Come on. I'll explain the rest later. Right now, let's wipe this place off the map."

Shen May nodded and quickly followed him.

Leon looked at Wilson, who no longer had the strength to struggle, then turned toward Jason.

"What did Alan say that had you thinking so hard?"

Jason smiled and shook his head.

"A philosophical question. I think I'll need some time to come up with an answer."

"Philosophy? Since when does he do philosophy?"

"Leon."

Leon turned toward the voice.

"Everything ready?"

"Yeah. Bring him. We're getting out of here."

Leon nodded, turned toward the control panel, and pressed the confirmation button.

Wilson's eyes widened in horror as alarms began blaring throughout the facility.

"Warning. Facility self-destruct sequence initiated. Evacuate the area immediately. Warning..."

"After all the times I've had to run from one of these, this is the first time I've ever started one myself."

Leon took a moment to savor the experience before giving Wilson an amused look.

"I should thank you. This is a nice change of pace."

Wilson could only watch as the facility began destroying itself. Highly corrosive liquid poured from outlets overhead, while the central pillar released the culture tanks one after another, sending them crashing into the corrosive pool below.

Hissing filled the chamber as thick white fumes rapidly spread through the lab.

"Don't stare. You'll give yourself nightmares."

Alan smiled at Wilson, then patted Jason, who was still standing there lost in thought.

"You handle him. Don't let him get away. And here, take this."

Jason turned and accepted a case of inhibitors.

"You'll have to rely on these a little longer. We'll figure out a way to cure you later."

"...That's fine. Gives me time to think about that question you asked."

"Now you're getting it. Come on, let's not keep the President waiting. He's been waiting long enough for some good news."

...

Graham finished his speech to thunderous applause, while Jill stood among the audience feeling thoroughly disappointed.

She hadn't gotten to ask a single question!

And she'd prepared so many, even if most of them were a little sensitive.

As the crowd began dispersing, Jill reluctantly returned to Chris.

He was packing up the expensive camera equipment when he noticed her sour expression.

"Who pissed you off? You look like you just ran into a zombie."

"I don't think I'm cut out to be a reporter."

After Jill explained what was bothering her, Chris burst out laughing.

"You're better with a gun anyway. Leave the microphone to someone else."

Jill immediately gave him an annoyed look and walked away.

Chris scratched his head.

Had he said something wrong?

Her shooting really was impressive. She always looked great in a fight.

Apparently, it had never occurred to this hopelessly dense man that praising a woman's combat skills might not be the compliment she wanted to hear.