Georgia Tech University
Central Department
West Zone.
In a meeting room, a discussion was taking place regarding the progress of the base in this part of Georgia. Now, under Jason's orders and plans, everyone was busy cleaning buildings and shops in the surrounding area while moving walkers to a completely different location to prevent infections.
"Sir, the walls are expected to be finished and operational in a few weeks. For now, with everyone working hard, we could consider the initial goal could be accomplished as soon as possible."
"As for the other details, our elite soldiers have been tasked with sealing off different points in our area to prevent walker hordes from getting too close. Another group is working on creating a completely new uniform to classify our people and offer them better protection."
In an open space, a projector displayed the design of the suit to protect soldiers from walker bites. This suit, in addition to bite protection, also included a gas mask, bulletproof vest, and an optimal design for engagements not only with walkers.
"This suit design is called Arm-3J, and we are preparing the first prototype for use by experienced soldiers, so they can provide feedback and suggestions for improvements before sending the data to the team in Atlanta."
"What about resources? That suit looks very futuristic. Is it really useful?" From the back of the room, Shane stood up and pointed at the suit design.
Anna, now in charge of weapon production, food, and equipment, looked at Shane and nodded. "This suit is useful. Don't let its futuristic appearance fool you. It will be really helpful, and as for the materials, it's no problem to produce a thousand of these suits with the reserves Captain Sam Valdez is gathering while training the soldiers."
Shane scratched his nose and nodded. "Make the prototype. Have an elite squad use it and write a review. Later, I'll try to contact Jason before making any decisions."
Anna nodded, and everyone began working. This group of people had been assembled by Anna and Shane, and under Jason's instructions, they were to turn this refuge into a superior organization. They were no longer just survivors trying to protect their lives, but humans working to rebuild the future.
"Sir, the A-1 team in the south was attacked by a group of survivors. We captured a few individuals while the others were taken down," a soldier approached Shane and reported.
"What the hell are they doing capturing those scum when they should have killed them?" Shane got up and went to resolve the issue.
...
Prison West of Georgia
"What's the message?"
Gregor Helmont took a letter from under his arm and handed it carefully to Rick.
Rick took the letter and looked at it several times with a strange expression. The envelope was folded, and the paper was white with a wax seal in the middle. It had been a long time since he had seen something like this.
Rick opened the envelope, unfolded the letter, and began scanning the contents. His expression gradually changed from calm to surprise, and eventually, even the hand holding the letter began to tremble.
After storing the letter, he took a step toward the three elderly men standing nearby. He saw a pair of elderly figures and asked, staring at the older man, "Are you the scientist Gregor Helmont?"
Seeing the elderly man smile and nod in response, Rick turned his head to look at the elderly woman next to him and asked again, "So, you must be Marie Curie?"
The elderly woman also nodded slightly and took Rick's hands with a smile. "Jason told us that here, you are still doing everything you can to find a cure for this infernal virus. We spoke a lot yesterday, and he said that our help might still be valuable to you, which is why we are here."
Gregor, alongside her, added, "Yes, we thought it wasn't worth mentioning that we had useless titles for survival these days, but when he mentioned there were still safe bases, we dared to bring it up."
Gregor Helmont sighed as he looked at his wife. His eyes showed disappointment, and he quickly added, "My wife and I tried to support the CDC's research to provide assistance. We were escorted by the military, but the traffic jam was impossible to get through on time. As a result, we had an accident and were taken to the other side of the city."
Marie nodded and then said, "Maybe it was fate that brought us to your people, but when we heard that, although the CDC was destroyed, your group was relocated here, we were eager to meet you."
Rick listened to the detailed explanation from the elderly couple and another person who had joined them, indicating that they also had the right qualifications and could contribute to the research. Once Rick learned this, he couldn't help but admire Jason's good fortune—these people were key figures for advancing the research.
Just as Rick was about to respond calmly, a shout came from his side: "My God! Professor Helmont! Mrs. Marie! Am I dreaming?"
Candace ran toward the elderly pair standing in front of Rick, grabbed their hands as if to say something, but in her astonishment, she couldn't get any words out. They quickly embraced, and Edwin also approached with an excited expression.
Edwin Jenner smiled happily at his wife, then walked toward Professor Helmont and spoke apologetically, "Professor Gregor, we couldn't do anything for you when we lost communications."
Professor Gregor Helmont stepped forward to greet Edwin and got straight to the point that had been bothering him since the beginning: "Don't say useless things. Where's the lab? How are the conditions here?"
Edwin replied directly, "The conditions are very good, professor. Jason did everything he could to set up a lab with all the necessary requirements to continue the research. There's power, but the research process is on hold due to some problems. Luckily, you're here now."
What Gregor Helmont cared about now was the lab. How could he be in the mood to respond to Edwin's flattery? The smile on his face had vanished, his expression shifted, and he said, "Alright, let's hurry up and catch up."
After speaking, he turned and was about to enter. Rick looked at the old man with an ironic smile and was about to say he'd arrange their accommodations first, but unexpectedly,
Gregor stopped while walking forward and turned back to face another elderly man beside him, showing an embarrassed expression. "Look at my excitement, I forgot to introduce you to this elder. This is Richard Gatling. Don't look at him as a quiet old man; according to him, he's a secret in weapon creation."
After saying that, he turned to Richard and added, "Sorry for the world's view. You might be able to create all kinds of weapons here if they admire your work."
After speaking with Richard Gatling, Gregor smiled and walked toward the interior courtyard, and his wife Marie followed with an ironic smile, alongside Candace.
The elderly man, Richard, showed a helpless smile and nodded to Rick.
Rick felt he could fall asleep smiling that night. It seemed like their luck had been very good this time, compensating for what had happened the night before.
He quickly stepped forward, extended his hand to shake Richard's, then looked at the two children standing with the old man and asked, "Are these three your grandchildren?"
As soon as the children were mentioned, Richard's face covered with a loving smile. He placed his hands on the heads of the three children and said the first sentence upon entering the base: "These are my grandchildren. Their parents were traveling on business before the world ended. We are still waiting for news about them."
Rick squatted down and waved behind him, and Carl immediately came running out of the crowd.
Rick pointed to Carl and said to the three children, "This is my son. He'll show you around the grounds here and introduce you to the other children. What do you think?"
The two children nodded obediently and took Carl's hand one by one, and the four children ran off without a trace.
Rick stood up and said to Richard, "Come on in, old man, and I'll find a place for you to settle. Later, you can see if you have any interesting ideas!"
He then turned to Ryan and said, "Make sure everyone gets a blood test and goes through the mandatory inspection."
Sergeant Ryan nodded and looked at the others, who were slightly stunned as they entered the courtyard. This place felt like an indestructible fortress at the end of the world. Just looking at the thickness of the base's walls was something one could only dream of!
While Rick was speaking, everyone had arrived at the interior courtyard. After the mandatory tests everyone had to go through, Rick led the group of new survivors to their unit.
"Everyone, these two rooms will be yours from now on. How you distribute them is up to you. After you choose your room, just complete the plaque with your name and hang it on the door."
After speaking, Rick ignored the excited group and took Richard to another area of the special unit.