Jesus had arrived a little later than Jason. He had heard his words and truly didn't know what was about to happen now that they were all gathered in this community.
But the truth was, Jason had no intention of leaving this place anytime soon. Even though Gregory chased him down the hallway, the old man stopped when he saw the others doing the same.
Sighing in defeat, Gregory said, "Fine, whatever your people want, I'm willing to negotiate it."
And Jason, who had turned his back on Gregory, cut him off with a wave of his hand. Seeing how low the old man had fallen, he turned around and explained what would happen next.
"Mr. Gregory, you must understand that the reason we're planning to trade isn't because of you, but because of the sick people outside. You have absolutely nothing to offer me. I can say with confidence that the food you're hiding wouldn't last even one lunch in my community."
After saying those words, Jason felt the pressure that had been weighing on his chest for the past few days ease a bit, making him feel much more at ease. Indeed, words can be keys that open countless doors and the only things capable of silencing someone.
If the Saviors hadn't reached this shelter yet—which was strange—Gregory would have to find another way to retain some level of authority in this area, where his community no longer held any true power.
No one here could come up with something like that, so Jason deliberately let Maggie speak with the old man, just as she originally had. That way, everyone would realize that this old man, as a leader, was completely worthless.
"Let me change the deal, since I don't want people dying from hunger or lack of medicine..."
The old man's mindset at that moment was a bit tense. He waved his hands indifferently and turned to look at Jesus, murmuring all kinds of things while following Jason and his group.
"Fine! I'll give you everything I can, even if I'm left with nothing!"
Jason smiled slightly and then said, "My community is strong and helps anyone who needs food, medicine, and weapons to defend their homes from walkers. Since you have none of those three things, my community will care for these people on your behalf."
Those next words left Gregory completely speechless. What exactly was this man saying? Jesus, beside him, was very surprised but said nothing and just watched in silence.
Jason wasn't going to take over this place by force. He was being kind, and his stance was unshakable. No one could make him change his mind. Maggie and Michonne agreed with Jason's words, and Glenn had nothing to add.
"Jesus told me you weren't connected to the military, is that correct?" Gregory stopped Jason, prompting the others to adjust their weapons.
"That's right. Our community, S.C.T., is made up of experienced soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and people who want to survive. If your people join our group, they'll be cared for like my own brothers."
"But your words will no longer carry weight in the decisions made here. Jesus will handle that, since he's better prepared than someone like you."
"I can't take on the leadership role if Gregory has done well. I think we should give it more thought," Jesus stepped forward, wanting to protest this decision.
"Do you know what would've happened if we were a different group of survivors? Everyone here would've died without exception. There are huge groups of cannibals out there—you have no idea what that means. My people will train yours. As long as you're part of our community, you'll be protected and supported."
What followed was much simpler. Jason didn't accept any food from the shelter and instead replaced Gregory as leader, leaving Jesus ready to take over. Once his people arrived, he would send a special team to take control and carry out what needed to be done.
Old man Gregory was still grinding his teeth as he stared at Jason, who had taken over this place as one of his bases—but Jason paid no mind to his reactions.
"We won't eat your food. We won't accept your people here because we don't need your protection. If you want to trade for medicine, we'll do that, but we won't let you take control over us."
Gregory was the kind of man who didn't want to lose the little power he had left. Even though he didn't gain anything from this transaction, he still wanted to give the people of Hilltop the impression that he only cared about their lives, not the resources.
Jason said nothing, only smiled coldly.
Suddenly, Gregory felt that the atmosphere around him wasn't quite right. He turned his head and looked around, realizing that everyone in Hilltop was staring at him with strange expressions. There was a hint of anger and disgust in their eyes. Was he seeing correctly?
Carson, next to him, quietly said, "The leader of those people saw that you hadn't said anything about the deal, so he handed out medicine to everyone, along with some weapons and food. It seems like the fever is already going down."
Gregory, upon hearing the news, felt his entire body ache and his blood pressure spike. Since this group arrived, he had been at a disadvantage.
Ever since he became the leader of this place and started negotiating trades with many others—armed with experience in dialogue—he had never faced a situation like this. Now, not only had he lost his leadership role, but most likely the unconditional support of all these people as well. There was no doubt he had underestimated this group, and now there was nothing he could do.
His eyes scanned Jason's team one by one and realized that none of them were old or ragged, making it difficult for him to judge them.
"I won't be the one to tell you this, but my community—S.C.T.—formed by government members and solely focused on rebuilding civilization, will now be looking after this place and all of you."
"My people are on their way. We've taken all of Atlanta and we're strong. We don't lack food or water, clean clothes or showers, weapons or ammunition. My community has it all, and now I'll make sure you lack nothing."
Jason paused and pointed to Jesus beside him. "My friend Jesus was the one who asked me for help on your behalf. Thanks to him, your future is about to change. Now doctors, men and women alike, won't have to go out unless they truly believe they're skilled enough."
Gregory was red with fury, but he only kept his thoughts to himself.
Son of a bitch, who the hell does he think he is to say these things!?
He forcibly repressed the discomfort in his chest, did his best to make his expression more natural, and tried to recover the confident tone he had when they first met.
"If all of this is true, change is coming for all of us. Since it's already night, I hope you have a safe journey back. Jesus, you can see your friends off."
After he finished speaking, he walked into the mansion without looking back, leaving Carson and Jesus standing in silence, staring at everyone who had gathered, speechless.
Everyone was happy and excited; they didn't expect to receive help without giving anything in return nowadays. To them, Jason's group was exactly who they said they were.
"I'm sorry, Gregory's just that kind of person. To be precise, when the leader was chosen here, no one ran against him. He just took the position directly. He managed things well enough this past year, so everyone got used to his peculiar leadership. But now that you mention it, I guess you've made up your mind..."
Jesus knew Gregory's strengths. The man had the mindset of a typical businessman. He didn't like taking losses in anything. As long as something was profitable, he didn't care about things like shame. But once there were no profits, he immediately changed his tone, even insulting those who came to help.
Jason waved his hand indifferently. He didn't believe this man could cause problems in his presence. The most important thing now was that contact had been made with Hilltop and it was now under his care. At the very least, he had left a good impression in the hearts of these people.
In the future, this would be a base protected by his community where important work for the future would be carried out.