Throughout the morning, the atmosphere in the office was electric, intensified by the sudden announcement of a presidential address scheduled for the evening. Kevin, constantly checking his smartphone for updates, was the first to catch the news.
"Hey, did you see this? The President is addressing the nation tonight. Must be something big," he said, looking up from his screen to meet our gazes.
I leaned in to take a better look at his phone. "Let's hope it's good news. We should watch it together, maybe set up a little viewing party."
Chris, always on the lookout for information that could impact our business, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. It might be directly related to what we discussed last night."
After having breakfast in an atmosphere filled with speculation, we continued our day with a series of highly anticipated meetings. Our first appointment was with Madame Reynolds, an influential national security advisor, at a discreet café near Dupont Circle.
"Good morning, Madame Reynolds. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today," I said, shaking her hand.
"It's always a pleasure to discuss matters with sharp minds, Gérald. What news do you have for me?" she responded with a smile as she took her reserved seat.
We exchanged information and discussed potential points of collaboration over cups of black coffee. Kevin took meticulous notes, ensuring that nothing was overlooked.
The morning continued in the same vein, with each meeting bringing its own share of discussions and negotiations. Eventually, we made our way to the Council of Nations headquarters for an afternoon session. The atmosphere there was formal, with delegates from various countries gathered to discuss urgent matters.
The United Nations Summit
The atmosphere at the United Nations headquarters was solemn, filled with a sense of anticipation. The grand hall was packed with delegates from all over the world, all eagerly awaiting the special session convened by President Adam Benford. I was in a privileged position, seated right behind the President—a recognition of my growing influence on the international stage.
Kevin, impeccably dressed in his bodyguard attire, stood close by, his eyes constantly scanning the room for any potential threats. Meanwhile, I had encouraged Chris and Sophie to take some time together, knowing how rarely they got a break from our fast-paced schedule.
President Benford stepped up to the podium, adjusting the microphone before beginning his speech. His voice was strong, resonating through the silent hall, immediately capturing the attention of everyone present—and millions of viewers worldwide.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed delegates of the world, and citizens watching from home," he began, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Today, we stand at a crucial juncture in our history—one where collaboration and innovation must be at the heart of our actions."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "It is in this spirit that I am proud to announce an extraordinary recognition for a man whose contributions transcend borders and redefine global well-being—not only in the United States but across the world."
The President turned slightly towards me—a gesture that did not go unnoticed. "I have decided to grant Mr. Gérald King the status of Strategic Interest Diplomat. This designation is a recognition of his unprecedented efforts in the fields of medical research and public health."
"Mr. King has not only spearheaded innovations that have saved thousands of lives, but he has also worked tirelessly to ensure that these advancements are accessible to all. His dedication to global health and security is an inspiration to us all."
Kevin, beside me, murmured discreetly, "Nice move, this is going to change the game."I nodded, fully aware of the impact of these words and the weight of responsibility that came with this new title.
The President concluded, "We are in an era of great opportunities and significant challenges. With leaders like Mr. King, I am convinced that we can face these challenges together. Thank you."
As applause erupted throughout the hall, I felt a wave of determination course through me. This status wasn't just an honor; it was also a call to act with even greater conviction and commitment. Kevin and I exchanged a knowing glance, ready to navigate the new waters this diplomatic status would certainly unveil.
We left the city under the dim light of dusk, driving back toward Raccoon City. Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was quiet, each of us lost in thought after such a busy day. Taking advantage of the calm moment, I pulled out my phone to call my daughters, Lisa and Sherry, whom I had adopted a few years ago.
"Hey, it's Dad. Are you ready for Spain?" I asked, my voice filled with excitement.
On the other end of the line, Lisa responded enthusiastically, "Oh, yes! Sherry and I have already started packing. We can't wait!"
Sherry, more reserved but equally happy, added, "We were wondering when you'd call. We have so many questions about the trip!"
I chuckled softly, promising to give them all the details once I got home. "I'll be there soon. Get your questions ready—I'm prepared for the interrogation!"
We hung up shortly after, and the rest of the trip went by quickly. As we arrived in Raccoon City, the city lights shimmered like fallen stars from the sky. I dropped Chris, Sophie, and Kevin off at their respective homes, advising them to take some time for themselves.
"Go on, take the evening off—you've earned it. We'll meet up tomorrow to finalize the preparations," I said as they stepped out of the vehicle.
Chris, ever stoic, simply nodded, while Sophie, flashing a tired smile, replied, "Thanks, Gérald. A good night's sleep sounds perfect."
Kevin, the eternal optimist, called out as he walked away, "Enjoy your time with your daughters, boss!"
I gave them a final wave before driving off toward my penthouse. Once I arrived, the elevator took me straight to the top floor, where a breathtaking view of the city at night awaited me.
As I opened the door, I was immediately welcomed by the lively chaos of Lisa, Sherry, and Jill chatting excitedly in the living room.
Lisa rushed toward me the moment I stepped inside. "Dad! You took too long!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.
Sherry, more composed, handed me a list. "Here's what we've prepared. We thought of everything for the trip—even your favorite snacks."
Jill, standing nearby with a cup of tea in hand, greeted me with a smile. "Hey, Gérald. The girls have been excited for days. They won't stop talking about Spain."
I kissed them all, immediately feeling more relaxed in the warmth of my family. "Well, I can't wait to hear all about it. But first, tell me how you managed without me today."
After a warm evening filled with playing and laughing with my daughters, I tucked them into bed, pressing a gentle kiss on their foreheads with a soothing whisper for a good night. Their room was soon enveloped in soft darkness, illuminated only by a small nightlight projecting stars onto the ceiling.
Returning to the living room, I found Jill standing by the door leading to her bedroom. With a suggestive smile, she invited me to follow her with a simple gesture. She had changed into something more comfortable yet elegant, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the already relaxed atmosphere of the night.
Understanding her invitation, I followed her into her room. She softly closed the door behind us, sliding the lock in place—ensuring that we wouldn't be disturbed, a clear sign of her intentions.
The room was bathed in the warm glow of candles she had lit, creating an intimate and inviting ambiance. A soft melody played in the background, wrapping the space in a tranquil atmosphere that deepened our connection.
We spent the evening strengthening our bond, sharing moments of closeness and tenderness that reflected the comfort and familiarity we had with each other. It was a night where we simply enjoyed each other's presence, celebrating our relationship in the quiet serenity of our private space.
Later, just before retreating for the night, I took out my phone to coordinate the preparations for our departure the next day. I sent a message to Marcus, Wesker Junior, William, and Alexia:
"Meeting tomorrow morning at 8 AM. Be ready—you'll be heading directly into the Factory for a few days."
The next morning, after a restful night, I met my scientific collaborators at the designated meeting point.
"Good morning, everyone. Thanks for being punctual. Get ready for some new discoveries," I said as I activated the entrance.
After ensuring that everything was in order, I went back to pick up my daughters. Jill, as expected, had decided to stay in Raccoon City to handle her own affairs. She kissed us affectionately before seeing us off.
"Be careful and send me tons of pictures," she said with a tender smile.
With my daughters by my side, we met Kevin at the airport. The excitement of the upcoming adventure sparkled in their eyes. Kevin was already waiting for us, making sure everything was secure for our trip.
"Everything's set, Gérald. We're just waiting for you to board," he announced, scanning the surroundings carefully.
As for Chris and Sophie, they had decided to stay in Raccoon City to spend more time together. I had wished them the best of luck in developing their relationship, hoping that their time together would help strengthen their bond.
"Make the most of this time together," I had advised with a knowing wink, aware that moments like these could be precious.
We took off in my private jet early in the morning, and Lisa and Sherry's excitement was evident. They bounced in their seats, listing all the activities they wanted to do in Spain. Despite their joy, a shadow loomed over my mind, as this trip was not just about vacation—I had serious business to attend to regarding the Plagas.
Upon our arrival in Madrid, the sun shone brightly, casting a welcoming summer warmth over the city. After retrieving our luggage, we met up with Kenneth, Edward, and Wesker at a discreet café near the airport.
Meanwhile, my daughters, armed with travel guides, were already engrossed in the colorful images of Spain's famous landmarks.
We sat at a secluded table where we could talk without drawing attention. Wesker, always direct, spoke as soon as we settled in.
"Salazar's territory is more isolated than we initially thought, deep in the Spanish countryside," he murmured, glancing around to ensure our discretion.
I nodded, concerned. "Pass the word to Claire. She'll go in as a scout with Leon and Enrico. I want them to assess the situation before we intervene more directly."
"And what about Brad, Forest, and Richard?" Kenneth asked, jotting something down on his notepad.
"Have them meet me here tomorrow. I need a full report on whatever they've managed to gather from local politicians and officials," I replied, keeping an eye on my daughters chatting at a nearby table.
Edward nodded. "Consider it done, Gérald. We'll take care of everything."
The three men stood up and left the café without raising any suspicion, blending seamlessly into the crowd of tourists and locals.
I turned back to my daughters, instantly switching into doting father mode.
"So, girls, ready to explore Madrid?" I asked with a smile, slipping back into my role as a devoted dad.
"Yes!" they cheered in unison. Sherry pointed to a large park in her guidebook. "Can we go there? I heard they have peacocks roaming freely!"
"Of course," I said as we set off for our first destination. Along the way, I let them pick out souvenirs from quaint little shops, and I played with them, pretending to be a gentle monster chasing them across the cobblestone plazas, their laughter echoing through the old streets of Madrid under the warm gaze of the Spanish sun.
(Author's note: RE4 is getting closer ^^)