RESIDENT EVIL • Assignment Ashley: Rescue Condor One (RE4)

Another Oath

Leon's POV:

"This is Condor One. I'm initiating security check on all positions. All units, do you copy?"

It was my third time running through the protocol while I waited for the President's arrival at the steps of the White House. The clock was ticking away, and yet, he still hadn't emerged from the meeting. We were running behind on schedule, despite having meticulously planned everything.

Over the intercom, the static noises cackled with responses from the units on standby, one by one:

"Team Spade here, copy that, Condor One. Checking north perimeter once more."

"Team Club, acknowledged C1. Grounds secured."

"Team Diamond in position, Condor One. All set and waiting.

I sighed and shifted my gaze towards the idling vehicles of the motorcade, ready to depart for the ball. The incessant rain battered against their windows like a torrent of machine gun shells. If we delayed any further, there was a real concern that the weather might worsen to the point where reaching our destination became uncertain at best.

"Team Heart, what's the status of highway I-90?"

"Team Heart to Condor One. The highway remains closed, traffic in control. Though we can only do this for another 45 minutes, the highway needs to be reopened as soon as possible. The blockage in this weather has only increased the risk of road accidents."

Dammit, not only our we are running out of time, but also jeopardizing public safety. Best start preparing for plan B.

I had raised my hand to signal the escort team to prepare a chopper for our transportation when I heard hurrying steps behind me.

"There's no need for the chopper; we will make it." The President's voice carried determination as he quickly descended the stairs, making his way towards the waiting limousine. A staff member rushed to keep up with him, holding an umbrella aloft to shield him from the downpour.

With a nod of understanding, I hurried to open the door, and we both entered swiftly. Now that the President was on board, there was an unmistakable sense of purpose in the air. The motorcade roared to life, and we set off on our mission to reach our destination, rain and time be damned.

"I must apologize to you; I do tend to put you in tight situations, my friend," Mr. Graham looked apologetically at me once we settled in the backseat.

I offered a reassuringly smile. "It's my duty, Mr. President. We'll get through it, just as we always do."

He gave a heavy sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose."I don't know if we can this time," the weariness in his voice showed years of immense pressure that came with his role as a President, but I could sense there was more to it.

"What happened at the meeting?" I asked, after reading the troubled look on his face.

"We're not entering a new crisis, we're in midst of it."

"Sir?"

"That's what Hunnigan told me. We don't have much time for details, but...apparently an unknown group has put a bounty on my head in the underworld, and they are also rewarding a heavy ransom for kidnapping Ashley. This is part of a grander scheme, a scheme that we suspect includes government officials and other important figures of the country. The first step in their plan is to eliminate the Head of State...and my only family."