The acting president of Maharlika was the current senate president, Manuel Chavez. After the death of President Maracas and the sudden disappearance of Vice President Butete, he was temporarily appointed as the acting president.
Acting President Manuel Chavez just disconnected from the meeting of the global leaders. He had a grim look on his face. He grabbed the telephone and dialed a number.
As soon as the call went through, he said. "Call the high officials and invite them for an emergency meeting in the Mala?ang Palace! They should be here before 3 p.m.!"
After the short call, Manuel Chavez leaned on his chair while rubbing his weary eyes. He hadn't slept since he heard the news about the zombie virus.
"Sir, what should we do?" His assistant asked worriedly.
Manuel Chavez shook his head and replied. "You saw what happened to Islamabad. If we don't take action now, we could be next. We have to make a facility that could accommodate our citizens, but we have to prioritize the safety of researchers and scientists."
"Doing that would need a huge amount of resources. Those stubborn officials would be strongly against the idea." His assistant sighed helplessly.
"There is no other way. Even if it means becoming their enemy, we have to do it! This is the only way for us to survive!" Manuel Chavez said while clenching his fist.
His assistant nodded in agreement.
After a moment of silence, Manuel Chavez suddenly thought about something. "Hold on... Lieutenant General Rivera came here yesterday and told us about this matter." He frowned. There was still no news about the zombie virus yesterday and everyone thought that it was just a rumor.
"Does he know something?" His assistant was also taken aback.
Manuel Chavez stood up and said. "Call him and invite him to join the meeting."
"Yes, Mr. President!" His assistant immediately grabbed his phone and dialed the commanding general's number.
"Hello, General Rivera. There will be an emergency meeting at 3 p.m. The acting president is hoping that you will be there."
"What?! You can't come? Wait! I-"
"What happened?" Manuel Chavez stared at his assistant in surprise.
"He said that he has something important to do and he couldn't come to the meeting." His assistant shook his head with a wry smile.
Manuel Chavez sighed. "It seems like the commanding general is still angry about yesterday's matter. It looks like we will be fighting this battle by ourselves..." He said bitterly. He knew that a majority of the high officials would oppose his plans, but he was prepared to use his temporary authority to suppress them.
***
In the port of Last City. The soldiers were escorting a group of researchers.
Lieutenant General Rivera snorted as he disconnected the call. "Those old farts must have heard of the news about the zombie virus."
"General, why do you look so gloomy? Did someone offend you?" The commanding general was surprised when he heard this familiar voice. He turned his head and saw Arlan walking towards them with a group of bodyguards.
"Mr. Roa!" The commanding general saluted. He no longer treated this man as his equal for he had seen what Arlan was capable of.
Arlan chuckled and waved his hand. "There's no need to be formal. Who were you speaking with earlier?" He asked.
The commanding general shook his head and replied. "It's the acting president's assistant. He wants me to join the meeting in the palace, but I declined his invitation."
"Oh? So it seems like they are already aware of the zombie virus. I bet those people are regretting their decisions yesterday." Arlan smiled. He then stared at the researchers rescued by the commanding general and his soldiers. "Are they the people on the list?" He asked.
The commanding general nodded his head. "Yes, Mr. Roa. We managed to rescue most of them. My men are still looking for the others, but they should be here in another day or two. I will inform you when they are back."
Hearing this, Arlan smiled faintly. The commanding general's soldiers were capable people. Although they couldn't compare to Arlan's men, they could still complete rescue missions efficiently. "Great job, general!"
Suddenly, Winter whispered to his ears. "Tell him to come to the meeting. Although we have already prepared for the zombie virus, we don't know what will happen in the future. We might not be able to fight against the virus by ourselves so it would be better if we support the government. With their authority, they could evacuate the citizens and provide them with temporary shelter. There will be hope if we have more people..."
Arlan's eyes narrowed upon hearing this. He then looked at the commanding general and said. "General, you should go to the meeting."
Lieutenant General Rivera was shocked by his words, but he nodded his head. He knew that Arlan didn't trust the government so he wondered what Winter told him to change his mind. "Yes, Mr. Roa."
"Although there are still no reports of an infection in our country, it is still better to be careful. I will send twenty of my elite soldiers to escort you and I will allow you to use the Black Dragon Assault Helicopter." Arlan's words made the commanding general's eyes glow with joy.
"Thank you, Mr. Roa!" Lieutenant General Rivera saluted him respectfully.
Arlan grinned when he saw this. "You don't have much time to prepare. Follow me to the camp."
The commanding general nodded his head. He then left the escorting duty to his subordinates.
While the commanding general was speaking with his subordinates, Arlan said to Winter. "Inform Khalon to gather twenty of our best soldiers."
Winter nodded her head. She then grabbed a communication device and relayed Arlan's words to Khalon.
A moment later, Winter said. "I've already informed Khalon. They are waiting for us at the camp."
Hearing this, Arlan nodded. He turned his gaze to the commanding general and said. "Let's go."
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢