After another grueling day of combat, Richard, Graves, and their team of ten Special Forces managed to neutralize the threats surrounding the strategic location of Tianjin. The cost of this victory was steep for the Joint Forces, which comprised both Blackwatch and United States Forces. The operation resulted in three hundred personnel either killed or wounded in the line of duty. Additionally, the battle took a significant toll on their equipment, with ten aircraft and twenty land vehicles either destroyed or rendered inoperable due to the intense confrontations.

The aftermath of the battle left the forces assessing their losses and strategizing their next moves. The city of Tianjin, now relatively secure, served as a critical foothold for the Joint Forces, but the victory was bittersweet. The high casualty rate underscored the ferocity of the opposition they faced and the challenges that lay ahead in their mission to reclaim territories overrun by the undead and Lin Feng’s forces.

Richard, amidst the sobering reality of their situation, convened with Graves and the surviving members of the Blackwatch Chief of Staff and the President of the United States.

"As you all can see, the battle from here is starting to get intense. Based on our intelligence reports, Lin Feng is not moving away from Beijing. He is waiting for us there," Richard said.

"So when are you going to mobilize the army to take out Lin Feng?" President Barry asked.

"I’m thinking about tomorrow at 0600 HRS. Depending on the resistance, we might reach there within a day or two," Richard responded.

Graves added, "We’ve been reinforcing our positions and replenishing our supplies as quickly as possible. But we need to be strategic about our next move. Rushing into Beijing without adequate preparation could result in unnecessary losses."

President Barry nodded in understanding. "I trust your judgment on this, Richard. The support from our side will continue. Let us know what resources you need, and we’ll make it a priority to get them to you."

"Everything is taken care of, Mr. President, don’t worry on the logistical side. The Blackwatch has unlimited resources at its disposal," Richard assured.

"Yeah...and I’m beginning to notice that. Like where is your arsenal coming from?" President Barry raised an eyebrow, his curiosity is evident. "Your resources seem... extensive."

Richard met the President’s gaze with a calm demeanor. "Let’s just say we’ve managed to secure a unique supply line that ensures our operations can continue without hindrance. The specifics are, for the moment, classified, but I assure you, it’s all above board and in the interest of our mutual goal."

President Barry, though still intrigued, decided not to press further. "Alright, Richard. I’ll take your word for it. Just ensure that these resources are used wisely. Now I’m wondering about the civilians we have rescued up to this point. Are there still Chinese citizens alive in different cities?"

"Yes, along the way we picked up some survivors who have been hiding out, waiting for a rescue," Richard replied, shifting the topic to a more pressing concern. "We’ve established safe zones in the areas we’ve secured, providing them with medical aid, food, and shelter. Our goal is not only to defeat Lin Feng and his forces but also to protect and assist the civilians caught in this conflict."

Graves added, "The number of survivors is less than we hoped, but each life saved is a victory in itself. We’re coordinating with local leaders we have selected and volunteers to ensure these people can start rebuilding their lives, even as we continue our campaign."

President Barry nodded, his expression somber. "Make sure those survivors know they’re not forgotten. The United States is committed to aiding in the recovery process, once Lin Feng is dealt with. The world needs to see that we’re not just liberators but also builders and healers."

Richard acknowledged the President’s words with a firm nod. "We’ll make sure of it, Mr. President. Our teams are working around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of every civilian we encounter."

"As for the assault on Beijing," Richard continued, "we’re finalizing our tactical plans. We expect heavy resistance, but we’re prepared for whatever Lin Feng throws at us. Our forces are motivated and ready to end this threat once and for all."

"Okay...I think I have heard what I need to hear, gentlemen, that would be all. Do tell me if there’s anything specific you require from our side," President Barry concluded, signaling the end of the meeting.

Richard and Graves stood up, acknowledging the President’s support with a nod. "Thank you, Mr. President. We’ll keep you updated on our progress," Richard said, offering a respectful salute before cutting off the transmission.

"Okay. Tomorrow will seem to be our final battle against Lin Feng," Richard said, turning to Graves.

"Yes sir...it’s been eight months since the zombie apocalypse, and I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel," Graves replied.

"I can’t wait to be back to Sara’s side and be with my budding child," Richard responded, his tone softening at the mention of his family.

"Speaking of which, when is Sara due?" Graves inquired, showing a rare moment of personal interest amidst the ongoing crisis.

Richard paused for a moment, calculating. "Well, we found out she was pregnant back in January, so if I make an educated guess... she should be due around late August or early September," he said, a mix of anticipation and worry in his voice.

"That’s soon," Graves noted, "You must be excited... and anxious."

"Yeah, excited to meet my child, anxious about the world they’ll be born into. But first, we’ve got a war to end," Richard replied, his gaze returning to the task at hand. "Let’s make sure we wrap this up before then. I don’t want Lin Feng or this apocalypse to be part of my child’s future."

Graves nodded in agreement, "We’ll make sure of it, sir. Let’s give it our all tomorrow."

The two shared a moment of mutual understanding before turning their attention back to the preparations for the upcoming battle. The conversation about Sara and the baby was a brief respite from the relentless pressure of their mission.

As the night deepened, the command center buzzed with activity, everyone focused on their duties with renewed determination. Richard, too, threw himself into the final preparations, ensuring that every detail was accounted for, every contingency planned for.

And then five o’clock in the morning. All troops were ready for deployment for their last march in China.

"This is it, Beijing," Richard muttered. "I’m going to kill you, Lin Feng."