In the evening, President Barry found himself seated at the head of a grand dining table in the Blackwatch Command Center. However, in reality, it was just a conference room converted into a dining area for the occasion. Around him, his closest advisors and members of Blackwatch sat, engaged in conversation about the day’s discussions.

Since they had already discussed the pressing matters earlier, Richard found no need to revisit the discussion and simply focused on having a meal with the President as a gesture of camaraderie. The atmosphere was formal yet congenial, with conversations flowing smoothly between bites of food.

"So...Richard, that girl sitting next to you, that’s your girlfriend I recalled," Barry said, flickering his gaze to Sara.

Richard placed a hand over Sara and nodded with a smile. "Yes, Mr. President," he confirmed, pride evident in his voice as he introduced her.

"I noticed that there is a ring on her index finger," President Barry pointed out with his eye. And the person sitting next to his left, Lisa, widened her eyes in shock.

"Wait...brother? You proposed to her?!" Lisa whispered in astonishment, her eyes darting between Richard and Sara.

Richard chuckled softly, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "Well, I... Yes, I did," he admitted, sharing a sheepish smile with Sara.

Sara nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It was a bit unexpected, but I couldn’t be happier," she confessed, glancing fondly at Richard.

Richard chuckled softly, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "Well, I... Yes, I did," he admitted, sharing a sheepish smile with Sara.

Sara nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It was a bit unexpected, but I couldn’t be happier," she confessed, glancing fondly at Richard.

Barry raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the revelation. "Congratulations, Richard. I’m happy for you both," he said sincerely, offering a warm smile of approval. "When is the wedding? After all, this is the perfect occasion because the zombie threat is almost nonexistent."

"I know, right?" Richard responded, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "We’re actually planning to tie the knot on December 12th, 2024," he announced, a sense of anticipation evident in his voice.

Barry nodded approvingly. "That sounds wonderful and romantic," he remarked, a hint of nostalgia crossing his features as he reminisced about his own wedding many years ago. "Would I be invited to the wedding?"

"Absolutely, Mr. President," Richard replied with a warm smile. "We’d be honored to have you there."

Barry’s expression softened with appreciation. "Thank you, Richard. I’d be delighted to attend," he responded a sense of genuine happiness in his voice.

Lisa leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Are you going for a big ceremony or something more intimate?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with interest.

Richard exchanged a knowing look with Sara before answering. "I want it to be special, like in the church. That means we’ll have to reclaim the area where I want my wedding to be held. It’s going to be an easy task, eliminating zombies has been the work of the Blackwatch after all."

"That I can agree," President Barry chimed in, nodding thoughtfully. "Blackwatch has done an impressive job in reclaiming territories. I’m sure they can make the area safe for your wedding."

Richard smiled gratefully at the President’s reassurance. "Thank you, Mr. President. With Blackwatch’s expertise, I have no doubt that everything will go smoothly."

With dinner coming to a conclusion, Richard and President Barry rose to their feet, signaling the end of their meal together. They exchanged a firm handshake, a silent understanding passing between them as they reaffirmed their commitment to their shared goals.

"Thank you for the wonderful dinner," Barry said,

Richard returned the handshake with a warm smile. "It was my pleasure, Mr. President. I look forward to seeing you on December 12th."

Barry nodded, acknowledging Richard’s words with a smile. "Likewise, Richard. I’ll be sure to mark it on my calendar," he replied warmly.

With their exchange concluded, Richard and Barry began to make their way out of the dining area, their conversation transitioning into casual small talk about upcoming events and plans within Blackwatch.

As they reached the doorway, Richard spoke. "Tomorrow, you’ll leave and return to the United States. I will send troops to the country to help your men in the reclamation efforts of your country." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Thank you, Richard," President Barry. "We will need all the help we can get. The United States is a large country after all."

Richard nodded in acknowledgment. "You’re welcome, Mr. President."

***

A day later, on the runway of Clark International Airport, the Boeing VC-25 gleamed under the bright sun. President Barry stood at the foot of the aircraft’s stairs, flanked by his security detail and a group of Blackwatch officials, including Richard.

As the engines roared to life, a sense of anticipation filled the air. President Barry turned to Richard, extending his hand once again. "Thank you for everything, Richard," he said, his voice sincere.

Richard clasped the President’s hand firmly. "Safe travels, Mr. President. And remember, Blackwatch stands ready to assist however we can," he replied, his tone resolute.

With a nod of appreciation, President Barry ascended the stairs, disappearing into the aircraft as it taxied down the runway. Richard watched until the plane became a mere speck in the sky.

Inside the aircraft, President Barry’s advisors and counselors congregated around him as the plane took flight.

"Sir...I don’t think we can trust Mr. Gonzales. He is too much of a risk, we can’t afford a potential tyrant that has superior military forces dictating what happens in the post-apocalyptic world," one of the advisors murmured, voicing a concern that had been lingering among the group.

Barry listened attentively, his brow furrowing with concern. "I understand your concerns," he replied gravely. "Richard Gonzales is a threat we can’t ignore. However, for now, we have to tread carefully. Our priority is maintaining stability and protecting our people."

The advisors nodded, acknowledging the President’s words, though the unease in their expressions remained evident.

Barry leaned back in his seat, contemplating the situation at hand. "Richard...please don’t be the man I am scared of you to be."

***

Meanwhile, on the ground. Richard was still looking at the sky. Sara standing next to him.

"I think my darling, they are starting to get wary," Sara noted.

"Yes...I bet they are talking about me right now," Richard said, placing an arm behind his back, and leaning against the railing. He glanced at Sara. "Let them think whatever is in their mind. Let’s focus on ourselves first, the world later."