February 7th, 2024.

The prolonged and arduous engagement with the zombies and Lin Feng’s associates in Hong Kong had finally drawn to a close. Under the combined efforts of Blackwatch and the United States Armed Forces, the region was now declared clear of any immediate threats. Richard, who had been at the helm of the operation throughout its duration, had been operating without pause, driven by the knowledge that unforeseen complications could arise at any moment. Now, with the mission successfully concluded, he allowed himself a moment of reprieve, a deep sigh of relief marking the end of constant vigilance.

The clearance of Hong Kong was not just a military victory; it was a strategic win that opened up numerous possibilities for future operations. The city could now serve as a vital staging point for Blackwatch and the United States Armed Forces, providing a foothold in the region that was crucial for both logistics and operations planning.

In the aftermath, Richard began the process of debriefing and evaluations. It was essential to analyze the operation’s execution meticulously, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. This would ensure that lessons were learned and integrated into future missions, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

As part of the cleanup operation, teams were deployed to secure sensitive areas, recover equipment, and gather intelligence left behind by Lin Feng’s associates. Decontamination was also necessary where soldiers from Blackwatch and the United States armed forces picked up dead bodies of zombies and burned them to prevent any possible outbreaks or contamination.

Search and party rescue roamed major streets and avenues with their megaphone telling all hiding survivors that it was safe to come out and that medical aid and food supplies were available. And there were survivors coming out from dilapidated buildings, houses, underground shelters, and other hiding places. They emerged slowly, and cautiously, their faces etched with the trauma and weariness of the days spent in fear and uncertainty. The rescue teams met them with blankets, water, and first aid, guiding them to the makeshift relief centers that had been set up in secure zones.

These centers were bustling hubs of activity, where medical personnel attended to the injured, volunteers distributed meals, and counselors offered psychological support.

In the following days, Richard conducted an operation to ramp up the relief efforts. Supplies of food, water, and medical essentials were flown in, while engineers and construction crews worked tirelessly to restore essential services like electricity and water supply. The goal was not just to provide immediate relief but to kickstart the long-term recovery of Hong Kong.

The part of the military base where survivors were gathered was called a survivor’s camp. These camps were organized to accommodate the large number of people affected by the conflict. Each camp was equipped with tents, emergency shelters, and portable facilities to ensure the survivors had access to basic living conditions. Security was a top priority, with patrols set up around the perimeter to provide safety and reassurance to the survivors.

Richard also initiated a registration process within the camps to document all survivors, assessing their needs and any medical attention they required. It will also serve as identification for those who were missing family members, helping to facilitate reunions.

February 18th, 2024. Richard decided to visit Hong Kong. His plane landed at the recently reclaimed airport known as Chek Lap Kok. The airport, which had been temporarily shut down during the height of the conflict, was now operating at partial capacity to facilitate the influx of aid and support teams from the Philippines.

As his plane landed, a ladder was rolled up to the side for him to disembark. Richard stepped out into the mild February air of Hong Kong, greeted by a team of military personnel.

Michael breathed the air and then exhaled it before walking down the ladder. Trailing behind him was Sara and Lisa.

"You said one day you want to visit Hong Kong right?" Richard asked as he glanced over his shoulder, looking over at Lisa.

"Yes brother...but not in its state," Lisa responded, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Richard nodded, understanding her sentiment. "I know, it’s hard to see it like this. But part of our job is to ensure that places like Hong Kong can bounce back, stronger and safer," he explained, leading them towards a waiting vehicle. The drive through the city offered a firsthand view of the extensive damage but also of the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy.

The streets, once scenes of chaos, were now lined with crews clearing debris and repairing infrastructure. Every now and then, they passed by aid distribution points, where volunteers handed out supplies to residents. The operation was massive, coordinated by both local, Blackwatch and United States Forces committed to the city’s recovery.

Arriving at the survivor’s camp, he was greeted by Graves.

"Sir, welcome to Hong Kong. I hope the place doesn’t shock you, it’s a lot more different compared to New Clark City."

"We have transformed the New Clark into a city where apocalypse seemed to not happen, we can transform Hong Kong as well," Richard responded, his gaze sweeping over the camp with a critical yet hopeful eye. He could see the vast expanse of tents and makeshift buildings that now housed those who had lost their homes in the conflict.

Graves nodded in agreement. "We’ve been working non-stop to stabilize the situation here. The camps are just the beginning. There’s a long road ahead in terms of rebuilding and ensuring these people can return to a semblance of normal life."

"Well, that’s one of the priorities, but the mission still doesn’t change. Lin Feng is still out there and we already spooked him out and there’s no way he is going to sit there and watch as we grow stronger every day here in Hong Kong."

"I understand the urgency sir, but it’s really going to take time for the next mobilization. It’s going to be a thousand-kilometer march towards Beijing. This was already laid out perfectly in the operation." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"I know, I’m just saying," Richard said, walking past him. "So how is our military hardware holding up after the operation? I know we pushed our equipment to the limits."

Graves responded, "Most of our hardware is operational. We have a few units undergoing repairs, but nothing that compromises our readiness. The Abrams tanks and the drones took the brunt of it, but our tech teams have been working non-stop to get them back online. We’ve also requisitioned additional supplies and replacements to bolster our capabilities."

Richard nodded, pleased with the update. "Good, I want a full inventory report by tomorrow. I want to know what machines we need to acquire for the upcoming operation."