Hearing the news, Richard stood momentarily frozen, the weight of Sara’s words slowly sinking in. The reality of becoming a father, something he had scarcely allowed himself to consider amid the chaos of their current situation, was now undeniable. His initial shock gave way to a complex mix of emotions; there was fear, undoubtedly, about the timing and the world they were bringing a child into, but these feelings were quickly overshadowed by an overwhelming sense of joy and responsibility.

"Positive," he repeated softly, the word echoing in his mind as he looked at Sara, seeing her in a new light. The gravity of their shared future, intertwined with the life they would soon be responsible for, rendered him speechless for a moment longer.

Finally, Richard found his voice, his words infused with a newfound resolve and tenderness. "Sara, this... this is incredible," he managed to say, his voice steady but laden with emotion. "I won’t pretend I’m not scared because I am. But more than that, I’m happy. Truly happy. We’re going to be parents."

He stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and took Sara’s hands in his, squeezing gently. "We’ve faced so much together, and this... our child... it’s a new Chapter. A bright one. No matter what lies ahead, we’ll face it as a family. You, me, and our baby."

Sara giggled at Michael’s words. "All the more reason to defeat Lin Feng. Because we want our child to live in a place where zombies and monsters are just bedtime stories, not daily realities," Sara added, her voice strong despite the tears brimming in her eyes. She shared Richard’s fears and hopes, but above all, she was determined. "And I know we can make that happen. We have to, for our baby."

Richard nodded in agreement, his heart swelling with pride and love for Sara and their unborn child. "Exactly," he said firmly. "Lin Feng, the zombies, all of it... We’ll put an end to the threats. We’ll build a safer world. Our child will grow up knowing what we fought for, and that we did it for them, for a future where they can live freely."

***

January 23th, 2024. In the bridge of a Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier, Admiral Johnson stood overseeing the final approach to the Port of Aparri. The early morning sun cast a golden hue over the vast expanse of the sea, reflecting off the metallic surfaces of the carrier and its escort ships.

"Status report," Admiral Johnson commanded, his voice echoing authoritatively across the bridge.

"Sir, all vessels are in formation, and we are on schedule to arrive at the Port of Aparri within the hour," responded the navigation officer, offering a crisp salute.

Admiral Johnson nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the coastline of Aparri was slowly becoming visible. The integration with Blackwatch forces was a top priority, and the admiral understood the logistical challenges and the need for seamless cooperation between their units and the Blackwatch team.

"Communications, establish a link with the Blackwatch Command Center. Inform them of our ETA and request docking instructions," he instructed, turning his attention to the communication officer.

"Yes, sir," the officer replied, immediately setting to work.

"Admiral, Blackwatch Command confirms receipt of our ETA. They’re ready to assist with docking procedures and have extended a welcome to our forces," the communication officer reported.

"Very well. Let’s make sure we uphold the Navy’s standards of professionalism. This cooperation is key to our success here," Admiral Johnson said, addressing his bridge crew.

As the carrier and its escort ships drew closer to the port, Admiral Johnson could see the Blackwatch naval base and more shockingly, a ship that was similar to the American naval vessels. The Arleigh-Burke, Ticonderoga, the San Antonio Class.

"How the hell?" Admiral Johnson wrapped his hand around the bridge’s railing, squinting to make sure his eyes weren’t deceiving him. The sight of American naval technology, replicated and docked at a foreign base, was unexpected and raised immediate questions.

"Get me a direct line to Eagle at Blackwatch Command," Admiral Johnson ordered, his tone now laced with a mix of curiosity and urgency. "I need answers."

The communication officer worked swiftly to establish a secure line, and within moments, Richard’s voice came through. "Admiral Johnson, this is Eagle Actual."

"Eagle Actual...I am seeing American ships here, are they part of our Naval Forces or not?"

"Well, if the ship was part of your navy, you would have known about it."

Admiral Johnson, momentarily taken aback by the straightforwardness of the reply, adjusted his stance. "Understood, Eagle Actual. I suppose that’s as clear an answer as any. Let’s focus on the task at hand. I’m here with the remnants of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, ready to coordinate with your forces."

"Appreciated, Admiral. Our primary objective is to unify our efforts against Lin Feng and the threats we’re facing. The origins of our fleet are... unconventional. I wish I could say more but you understand this is classified."

"I know. Let’s get to the docking procedure."

The Blackwatch Command Center, in coordination with Admiral Johnson’s fleet, had pre-arranged the docking procedures to accommodate the size and requirements of the incoming ships. Tug boats, operated by Blackwatch personnel trained for such operations, moved out from the harbor to assist.

Their role was crucial in navigating the large vessels safely into their berths, especially considering the limited space and the need to avoid disrupting the existing ships and infrastructure of the Blackwatch Naval Base.

The tug boats approached the carrier and its escort ships, communicating via radio to synchronize their efforts. They attached their lines to the designated points on the hulls of the incoming ships, guiding them with careful adjustments to their speed and direction.

As each ship was guided into its berth, the onboard crew prepared for mooring. The process involved securing the vessels to the dock with heavy mooring lines, ensuring they were anchored firmly to withstand the currents and any adverse weather conditions.

Once moored, the gangways were extended, allowing personnel to disembark, officially integrating Blackwatch Naval Forces with the United States Navy.

Ten minutes later, Richard and Johnson met on the ground, facing one another.

"Welcome to the Aparri, Mr. Johnson."

"Likewise, Mr. Gonzales."

"We’ll wait for your other ships to dock in our port, after that, we will begin our invasion of China."