This entire set of plans must be carried out to weaken the strength of the cult stationed in Atlanta, just like the other bases that have already been destroyed—and with that, avoid killing so many people.
"I think… this plan is too idealistic," said Madison.
But at that moment, Shane objected, "We're doing this for the sole purpose of preventing more deaths and saving resources. But if the communities outside the cult oppose us, we must destroy them before they alert the cult's main base."
Shane's cold words made everyone realize that this decision carried serious risks—but no one truly agreed with killing so many people.
"Set up special sniper teams. Elias, you'll handle that with Captain Ian. Sam, I need you in the air with the helicopters to launch the special containers. And Shane, you'll be in charge of eliminating everyone underground with me."
Naturally, Brian was aware of the gaps in this plan and quickly suggested a temporary solution. Looking at Shane, he said, "First, we'll take care of the communities near the cult. We have a list of how many there are and how many people live in each. It won't be a problem to handle it—whether peacefully or not."
"Thanks to the fact that Dung never handed this key over to Teddy's cult, we're all here, talking and planning how to take them down. That's why we have to do this right and make sure there are as few casualties as possible."
Pointing to the submarine key that the cult had found, Jason looked at everyone and said, "It's easy to destroy Teddy's cult, but I don't believe everyone is guilty, and I hope I'm not wrong."
"I think we all feel the same way, right?" Morgan asked, looking around the room.
Daniel Salazar said, "I agree with Morgan. Killing them all would turn us into something we're not. Since I joined you, I've learned a lot, and I'm sure we'll reach our goal by acting the way we are now."
"We could also fake an attack on some of their bases. The message Teddy would get is that a loyal cult community intercepted a vehicle carrying the submarine key. I'm sure Teddy wouldn't just sit back after hearing that."
"No, I don't think he's that stupid…" said Shane, shaking his head at the suggestion.
Doubt after doubt was being cleared, and at first glance, the plan seemed to have no major flaws.
Faced with a crucial decision, Morgan's expression turned slightly uncertain, reflecting an inner conflict. Suddenly, he stood up, walked toward the door, and said, "I'll prepare the team. We need to move out first thing in the morning!"
"Then hurry up, time waits for no one."
Watching Morgan's back as he left, Jason leaned against the chair, looked out the window at the dark sky, and said, "I'm thinking of talking to Teddy directly. I want to see his face."
Everyone immediately objected when they heard Jason's words: "That won't happen. You can't put yourself at risk like that."
Shane agreed with Daryl's words and added, "It's a bad idea. You can talk to him over the radio. That would be the safest option for everyone."
"This kind of opportunity is unique and may not last long. It doesn't matter if they find out in advance that we're going to attack—they won't be able to escape anyway. I want them to be aware that we're doing this to avoid unnecessary deaths and to rescue the relatives the cult is holding captive."
"It's not that I underestimate them. With the number of people and weapons we have, that cult doesn't pose a real threat. It's almost naïve to think they can stop us. Teams are already moving to locate the submarine, and it's only a matter of time before we have control."
After a while, it was Madison who spoke first. She looked at Jason and said with a hint of acceptance, "Life is precious. I'm glad you value that. I truly believe everyone here understands it. Don't be afraid to lead in your own way."
After saying that, Madison returned to her group. The only reason she was there was because she represented the civilians on the base and had to inform the population about the upcoming events. These people had been rescued gradually over time.
Jason spoke his mind without hesitation: "The gap between both sides is really vast. They can't beat us, but we can't ignore them either. This isn't personal revenge—we're trying to survive without falling into a nuclear catastrophe."
"Alright, then let's gather the soldiers to brief them," said Shane as he said goodbye to everyone.
When the clock struck eleven, the voices from the discussion began to fade one by one. The people inside exited through the door, dispersed, and hurried back to their rooms.
A few minutes later, heavy and slow footsteps could be heard outside the room where Jason remained, and Shane appeared in the doorway with a determined look.
"Did you confirm it?"
"I spoke to the soldiers. They all showed their support."
After getting the answer he wanted, Jason stood up and said with a smile, "We have to act fast tomorrow. We can't stay here—we're needed somewhere else, where thousands of people depend on us."
"Yes!"
Jason planned to neutralize the remaining three cult-serving bases. Once they accepted surrender or showed hostility, they would be dealt with accordingly.
After weakening the cult's power, they would strike directly—not without first giving Teddy the chance to surrender.