As Richard, Graves, and the Delta Forces entered the command outpost in Beijing, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. The soldiers stationed there had gathered to welcome them, their expressions filled with admiration and relief. As Richard and his team made their way through the crowd, hands reached out to pat their backs, and enthusiastic cheers filled the air.

Graves, walking beside Richard, couldn’t help but smile at the reception.

"Looks like we’re heroes now," he remarked, half-jokingly, to which Richard responded with a modest nod, acknowledging the role they had played yet mindful of the sacrifices that had brought them to this point.

The clapping, the cheering, and the whistling still continued until they arrived at the tent where the command center was located. There, staffers paused what they were doing as they performed a salute to their returning leaders. Richard and Graves, in turn, saluted back, a gesture of mutual respect among soldiers.

"Congratulations sir," Mark approached him, extending his hand forward, offering a handshake.

Richard accepted the handshake, his grip firm. "Thank you, Mark."

Mark nodded, a look of respect in his eyes.

"The President has been informed of our victory. He’s eager to speak with you and express his gratitude personally," he informed Richard.

"Arrange the call," Richard said.

The room was quickly adjusted to facilitate a secure video conference with the President. As Richard prepared for the call, the rest of the team busied themselves with their respective duties.

When the President appeared on the screen, his expression was one of genuine gratitude. "Richard and all the brave men and women under your command, I cannot begin to express my thanks for what you’ve achieved. You’ve not only saved countless lives but also paved the way for a new beginning for all of us."

"Mr. President, we did what we believed was necessary. We’re just glad to have made a difference," Richard said. "With Lin Feng gone, we can focus on rebuilding the entire world. Though the specifics would be discussed in the future dates. For now, it’s a celebration."

"Yeah...celebration indeed," President Barry said, chuckling. "I have been eager to leave the Cheyenne Mountain and then return to where I belong, the White House."

"Well to go to that place, you will need to wait a bit longer, Mr. President. The area needs to be secured, and we need to ensure that no threats remain that could jeopardize your safety or the safety of the civilians," Richard replied.

"That is the first thing we are going to do, clear the area of zombies and any biological threat that might still be lingering," President Barry said. "Well, I won’t disturb you of your time to celebrate among your soldiers. Congratulations to humanity once again, Lin Feng is defeated and now the world can breathe a sigh of relief."

"Yeah...thanks to everyone’s effort," Richard said before ending the transmission.

As the video conference with President Barry came to an end, Richard rose to his feet and joined the others for the celebration.

The atmosphere outside the command tent was alive with energy, as soldiers mingled, sharing stories, laughter, and relief. Richard couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as he looked around at the faces of his comrades, knowing the challenges they had overcome together.

Graves clapped Richard on the shoulder, a wide grin on his face. "Well, I suppose this calls for a toast, doesn’t it?"

As they made their way into the heart of the gathering, the sound of music filled the air, providing a lively backdrop to the joyous occasion. Soldiers danced in clusters, their movements fluid and carefree, a stark contrast to the tension and danger they had faced just days before.

A line of tables had been set up, laden with food and drink, a feast fit for champions. Beers were passed around freely, clinking together in celebratory toasts as Richard and his team raised their glasses in salute.

"Here’s to victory, and to each and every one of you who fought alongside us," Richard declared, his voice ringing out above the din of the crowd.

The sentiment was met with a chorus of cheers and applause, echoing the unity and camaraderie that had carried them through the darkest of times. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the horizon, the celebration showed no signs of slowing down.

Soon, impromptu dance circles formed, with soldiers showcasing their best moves to the beat of the music. Richard found himself pulled into the revelry, letting loose and allowing himself to be swept up in the contagious spirit of jubilation.

Ten o’clock in the evening.

"Sir...you are drunk. Let me help you get back to your tent," Graves offered Richard grinned, feeling the effects of the celebratory drinks coursing through his veins. He leaned on Graves for support, chuckling.

"Drunk? Nah, just celebrating a little too hard, that’s all."

Graves shook his head with a smile, steadying Richard as they navigated through the throng of soldiers.

"Well, regardless, it’s time to call it a night, sir. Can’t have the hero of the hour stumbling around the camp."

Richard nodded in agreement, allowing Graves to guide him towards his tent. Along the way, they passed groups of soldiers still reveling in the victory, their voices raised in laughter and song.

As they reached Richard’s tent, Graves helped him settle onto his cot, ensuring he was comfortable before preparing to leave.

"Thanks, Graves," Richard said, his voice softening with gratitude. "Couldn’t have done it without you, buddy."

Graves smiled warmly, clapping Richard on the shoulder. "Anytime, sir. Get some rest. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but for now, let’s just enjoy the moment."

With that, Graves left Richard to drift off into a well-deserved sleep, the sounds of celebration fading into the background as the camp settled into the quiet of the night. And as Richard’s eyes closed, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and contentment wash over him, knowing that for tonight at least, they had triumphed against all odds.

***

A day later.

"Yeah...I’m going back to the Philippines in a week. I have to finish something up here darling," Richard said as he spoke to Sara. "I can’t wait to meet you and our baby. It’s been too long since I’ve been away."

"I know, Richard. I miss you, but I understand. Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? I want you back home safe and sound."

"Love...there is nothing that can hurt me now with all of the undead around the perimeter dead," Richard assured. "Okay...I love you."

They exchanged a few more words of affection before ending the call. As Richard sat alone in his tent, thoughts of his family filled his mind, driving him to push forward with even greater determination.

The following days were a blur of activity as Richard and his team worked tirelessly to secure the area. More Chinese were rescued from different parts of China, and it seemed that it would take more than months for the country to rehabilitate. But Richard couldn’t wait that long, he’d assign someone else and then fly back home.