Chapter 345: The Proposal Sealed & New Proposal

Barry’s mind raced as he contemplated the implications of Richard’s proposal. He recalled the warnings from his Joint Chief of Staff about the likelihood of such scenarios arising in the post-war world. As he sat in the conference room, surrounded by advisors and Blackwatch officials, he grappled with how to navigate this delicate situation.

"So how will I play it out here?" Barry thought to himself, weighing his options carefully. He knew that any decision he made would have far-reaching consequences, not only for the affected regions but also for the global community.

Turning his attention back to Richard, Barry addressed him with a determined yet cautious tone. "Mr. Gonzales, while I understand the necessity for stability in these regions, I must ensure that any intervention aligns with the principles of sovereignty and self-determination."

Richard nodded in acknowledgment, recognizing the validity of Barry’s concerns. "Of course, Mr. President. We share the same commitment to upholding these principles."

Barry leaned forward, his expression grave. "In that case, we must proceed with caution. Any action taken by Blackwatch must be transparent and accountable, with clear benchmarks for the transition of power back to local authorities." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Richard nodded in agreement. "Agreed, Mr. President."

Barry’s resolve strengthened as he formulated a plan of action in his mind. "Very well, Mr. Gonzales. Let’s proceed with your proposal but under strict conditions. Blackwatch’s role will be temporary and subject to regular review by an independent oversight committee. We must ensure that the rights and interests of the affected populations are protected at all times."

After that, the two leaders rose to their feet and approached one another with an extended arm, sealing their agreement with a firm handshake.

***

After the meeting, Richard, along with Mark and Graves, entered another room adjacent to the conference area. Graves closed the door behind them.

The room was dimly lit, with a large wooden table dominating the center. Papers and documents were scattered across its surface, evidence of the meticulous planning that had gone into the discussions. Richard took a seat at the head of the table, gesturing for Mark and Graves to join him.

"Alright, let’s debrief," Richard said, his voice commanding attention. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he processed the outcomes of the meeting with President Barry.

"The President is quite wary and cautious towards us. Well, that is expected and we anticipated that he will react in that manner," Mark noted.

"Indeed, Barry has a responsibility to ensure that Blackwatch’s involvement doesn’t overstep any boundaries or compromise sovereignty. Or so it was the Joint Chief of Staff or his council telling him to draw a line," Richard agreed.

Graves chimed in. "I think we should show them what they want to see. You know, act like we do care for the global restoration and yet at the same time, build our influence on the ruined countries and then establish ourselves as the sole organization who have control over their countries."

Richard chuckled. "Yeah, let’s do that. I don’t really want the world to return to the state prior to the zombie apocalypse. I don’t want it controlled by the people in black suits and briefcases."

Mark nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We need to strike a balance between projecting a positive image of Blackwatch’s intentions while also ensuring that we maintain a strong position in the rebuilding efforts."

Graves leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "We’ll need to be cautious about how we assert our influence. We don’t want to come across as overly aggressive or power-hungry."

Richard nodded in approval. "Agreed. Our priority should be earning the trust and cooperation of local authorities and communities. Should they exist? That’s the only way we can truly achieve long-term stability."

"Good, now then, let’s conclude this brief meeting of ours. Let’s prepare for dinner later with the President. For now, I want to return to my girl," Richard said.

Mark reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out two small ring boxes, placing them on the table in front of Richard with a meaningful look.

"What’s this?" Richard asked, surprised by the unexpected gesture.

Mark smiled warmly. "Well, now that everything is over and we’ve reached a significant milestone with the President, I thought it’s the perfect time for you to propose."

"You are giving me this so that I can give it to Sara?" Richard asked, his brows furrowed in confusion. He hadn’t even bought Sara a ring yet, let alone considered proposing.

"Yes... I managed to pick them up in an abandoned mall. I know you’d want to be the one to choose the ring, but I must admit, if you went to the mall where I got those rings, you’d be so disappointed. Everything was trashed like some thieves were stealing it as if they were going to make a lot of money during the zombie apocalypse... It was stupid."

Richard chuckled at Mark’s explanation, understanding the circumstances. "Well, thank you, Mark. I am going to give this to Sara. Actually, I’m going to give it to her right now."

With that, Richard left the room and headed towards where Sara was. He knew exactly where to find her - in their room at the Blackwatch Command Center.

As he entered the room, he found Sara sitting at the desk, engrossed in her work. She looked up, surprised to see him.

"Richard, what are you doing here?" she asked, a curious smile playing on her lips.

Richard approached her, a nervous excitement bubbling inside him. "Sara, I have something important to ask you," he began, his heart pounding in his chest.

Sara’s expression softened as she sensed the seriousness in Richard’s tone. "What is it?" she asked, turning her full attention to him.

Richard took a deep breath, his hands slightly trembling as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box that Mark had given him. He opened it, revealing the ring inside, and held it out to Sara.

"Sara, will you marry me?" he asked, his voice filled with emotion.

Sara’s eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of shock and joy washing over her features. She reached out, taking the ring from the box and examining it with awe.

"Richard, I... I don’t know what to say," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Richard’s heart skipped a beat as he waited anxiously for her response, his entire being hanging on her words.

After a moment of silence that felt like an eternity, Sara looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, a radiant smile spreading across her face.

"Yes, Richard. Yes, I will marry you," she said, her voice trembling with happiness.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Richard pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as tears of joy streamed down his cheeks. In that moment, surrounded by the remnants of a world scarred by devastation, Richard felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for the woman standing before him.

After hugging her tightly, he released her and then slipped the ring onto her finger, sealing their promise to each other.