Chapter 15: 15
Everyone was shocked from what they’ve heard.
“Sky is not trying to scare you for the hell of it but I think that people have also started on researching about the virus much earlier than we thought. The only problem with that is the methods they employ.” Oscar said.
Oscar tried to diffuse the situation but what I haven’t said was that I’m not sure whether those people are searching for a cure for the virus by studying it or they were the ones who created it in the first place. I think Oscar knew that too, he just tried to lay it off smoothly. I’d like to be perfectly honest with the group but I think in this case we need to do that gradually.
“So, what are we gonna do from now on?” Jared asked me as everyone’s eyes are on me now.
“Well, we survive and wipe every zombie in this place, well, that’s what I would do.” Russel chimed in.
“Woof!” Zeus added in as though he’s part of the conversation.
“We could wait this thing out? It would be dangerous outside; we have a lot of food and water…”
“We could maybe try to take more people in?”
“What if they’re dangerous?”
“We could drive them away… or you know…”
“What? Kill them? Can you do that?”
“…”
“How about weapons? Will you lend us some guns?”
“Do you even know how to use one?”
“… Well I saw it in the movies…”
“Ha! I’m telling you, you’re gonna shoot yourself before you kill one.”
“I have a crowbar at the bike, we could always go melee.”
*clap* *clap*
I clapped twice to get their attention, I looked at each one of them then I spoke.
“Well the obvious answer is we try the best we can to survive. I’m not going to sugar-coat this. The only advantage we got over the people outside is that we are well prepared than most of them. We stocked up on a lot food and water that could last us a few years, more if we ration them properly. We have a small greenhouse here and we could even dig on a few more places here so we could grow more crop so we could have a source of food indefinitely. Same with the barn, we have a few farm animals in there and we could get milk and eggs every day if we take care of them properly.” I said as I look at everyone.
“On security, we have been building this place for quite some time, look around, we have high walls and a huge gate. We even have CCTVs and floodlights installed. Me and Oscar have an armory where we could share our weapons with you just as long as we teach you first on how to properly use it and maintain it. We will have more to discuss tomorrow, so I’ll request you guys to rest up because we will have lots of work to do when the morning comes.”
“And one last thing, I invited you all here not only because of the goodness of my heart, nor because I’m a self-less human being. I decided to bring all of you here since not a single person could survive alone in this world, well, maybe you could, then good on you, but there will be a time where you will need people. People who you could rely on, lean your back to, save you when needed and trust wholeheartedly. This place is just the first phase of the plans, Oscar and I am cooking something for the long run. I just want you guys to support me in every decision I make. I’m not telling you to jump of a cliff and kill yourself when I told you to but just keep in mind that the decision that I will be making is in the group’s best interest.”
Some hesitant faces appear on the group, mostly from the people that haven’t known me that long.
“I understand that some of you will have reservations in taking orders from me, but that is how Oscar and I decided beforehand in how we plan to run this place. To put it very bluntly, all of you are very inexperienced in this type of scenario, f.u.c.k, everyone else is, including me, though Oscar has been in the war, his role is very different from being the one in charge. Oscar gave me the steering wheel of this bus that we are driving, he himself decided to be the conductor where he could advise. Though you can voice your opinions at me, I will have the final say. Make sure you have a very strong argument if you wish to sway my decision, because if you know what type of person I am, I’m a very stubborn guy. I once convinced a guy when I was 10 to give me extra gravy and if not, I’ll not move from the line.” I said as I laughed.
I heard a few chuckles and a few grins.
“If any one of you think otherwise, I would happily guide you to the DDR camp tomorrow safely with a bag that I gave Nathan and Ariel when they decided to go their own way, no hard feelings. On the other hand, if you agree with me, I thank you with all my heart and will make sure you don’t regret your decision. Speak now if you have other plans so I could prepare a bag for you tonight and whatever you’ve brought in the storage area, I’ll give it back or replace it if we used it already. We have everything on record and we’ll know even the tiniest grain of rice that goes missing, knowing that, we’ll also know what you have brought in here. We’ll share everything here except for the guns since we need to teach you first in how to use them properly.”
I took a look at everyone and everyone is in deep thought.
“I think if you disagree with the terms Sky said you’d be pretty f.u.c.k.i.n.g stupid, this is a fortress if you ask me, a comfortable one to boot.” Russel said.
“Though Sky said those strong words, he’s much more lenient than the commanding officers at my unit. I’d be stricter than him if it was me, he’s just thinking of you all since you’re all civilians. We’ll slowly tighten the noose as time goes by in a way you won’t notice. But by the time you did, you would all be accustomed to the change in lifestyle. This will not be like your normal days as the time progresses.” Oscar chimed in.
“I agree with Oscar, I was in ROTC training to be one of the officers, what they did there left the other ones with no breathing room, what they say is law. If you break one of them there will be strict disciplinary action. In this case he’s still willing to hear your opinions.” Jared added.
“Guys, I’ve literally traveled from Cavite to Manila and I’m in a f.u.c.k.i.n.g wheelchair, I’ll add that to think about if you’re worried about his leadership skills. He might think weird stuff from time to time but it’s just pure curiosity.” Ken pointed out.
“Thanks, I guess?” I said to Ken as he laughs.
I gave them a nod and they did as well. Everyone seems to agree to stay as no one speaks up after.
“Though we didn’t technically vote, I think Sky still won the election.” Oscar said as he gives a hearty laugh.
I’m not sure if everyone really decided to follow me but I’m happy that nobody objected and that reason and understanding is in their faces.
Olivia stood in front of everyone holding the camera Ken lent her. “I think we need a group photo for this?” she said.
Everyone’s mood seems to lighten.
“That sounds good, actually.” I said.
We gathered in front of the house as we posed.
*click*
Olivia set the timer on the camera then she ran frantically to her position. She grabbed the camera to take a look at the photo then she scratched her head.
“I forgot the flash, ehehe~” she said.
It got a few laughs then after we took a proper photo, I told her to take individual pictures of everyone tomorrow so Rin could add that to everyone’s profile.
I went back to my room and grabbed a rifle and my binoculars. I went to the 1st floor to make some coffee for a small thermos and I also made a few sandwiches. A few people saw me and asked me what I’m doing.
“I’m standing guard at the barn.” I said.
“All night? What are you watching for? I think no one will be able to get past this gate, at least take your uncle Zardon with you. You’ve been busy, right?” My aunt Sharon said.