On this quiet night, some seemed bewildered and others more frightened. For those who had not been at the central base for more than a month, they could still feel that this sensation of security and celebration was somewhat unreal.
Throughout this time, most people had struggled to survive at the hands of the walkers. It is no surprise that nowadays every person carries a story filled with tragic events.
This was what united them all; Jason's organization had gathered again all those people who still had a spark in their eyes. Many longed to see a new day free of walkers, where there was no fear of being bitten and where law and order would once again protect their safety.
That world is difficult — Jason knew that after having lived through the hell of the past months and surviving it. But if one thing was certain, he had gained what he initially needed.
Leaders!
Yes, Jason now had very important people of the future with him. Men he knew he could trust, people willing to give their lives to protect their comrades. That kind of people is what the base needed today; he needed those people for a future war.
Ezekiel, Jesús, Negan, Abraham, Aaron, Victor, Nick, among many others, were now standing right in front of him. It is true that from the beginning he never thought he would get this far, but it is also true that even if he could not, his efforts would have succeeded down a different path.
Things had changed in a direction Jason no longer recognized; not only are there new walkers, but many people's stories have changed. From this moment what will happen next is very uncertain — he does not know if he will win against the CRM or if tomorrow a walker will bite him.
But he must stay focused to win; only those who win will live to tell the stories of the past. There was nothing in particular Jason fought for at first, but then he understood that now he was not only fighting for his loved ones, but also for all those people who had followed him.
After everyone had gathered, Jason slowly climbed onto the stage with a microphone in his hand. At this point everyone had fallen silent, waiting for what Jason was about to say.
"First of all, I would like to acknowledge all the guards who are protecting us today. Those who are on the walls and who did not have the opportunity to be present with you."
Jason's voice rang out around the area; thousands of people could hear him and some even cried because their relatives were now watching over the base.
"WE ARE SAFE THANKS TO THEM!"
"THEY ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN!"
Shouts soon came from various excited people, making many smile unconsciously.
"We have enemies in every corner of this world, living or dead people who want to take everything we have built. Do not be mistaken, I do not want anyone to think they deserve to be here more than others. I accepted you when you had nothing, and I did it with a smile on my face."
"The value of life is priceless, and fighting to protect this place is what we have left. We have always upheld the idea that one more life is an additional point toward our goal, and I want to tell you that each time we are closer to that future we promised you."
Jason's words flowed one after another, giving hope to those who needed it and calm to the newcomers at the base. Everyone, regardless of anything, felt safe, smiling and at the same time crying.
Many of the others who did not know Jason understood why he was the leader of the organization; his words alone were enough to calm thousands. His vision of the future is something very few possess, making him the kind of great leader any place could need.
"Today I can tell you that more than 23,000 people are with us; from Atlanta to Georgia our soldiers have taken the entire area as secure. We rescue dozens of people every single day, and I can tell you that we humans are the most persistent beasts on the planet."
"No virus has broken our hope; even when it seemed impossible, thousands have come out of the darkness to fight in the light. You are the future our world needs — your children need you."
"Even if enemies much more powerful arise elsewhere, I am sure that even the elders will rise with weapons in their hands ready to fight. Now we fight to rebuild the future; we suffer for the dead, and I want you to know that we will only rest once we die!"
"The S.C.T. will defend that which we believe impossible, we will rebuild what we lost and eliminate the dangers we face! Only those who understand the desperation of losing everything will fight with strength to recover it!"
"You all must know who you are fighting for, understand to whom you are offering your life! The S.C.T. defends a purpose: to rebuild humanity in an order that will benefit you all."
Everyone felt their bodies burn; Jason's powerful words stimulated them and even people far away remained silent. Both Ezekiel and Negan looked toward Jason and were surprised at how he had trained these people who had come with him, so they immediately understood what Jason was fighting for.
"WE WILL FIGHT FOR A NEW FUTURE!"
Jason stood before all these people, raised his hand, gave a military salute with the utmost respect and said, "Glory to humanity and may luck always be on your side."
They had all been attentive, and after hearing Jason's words they returned the military salute and shouted, "GLORY TO HUMANITY!"
"Today, we begin a fight against all odds to establish a safe path for humanity! I am sure many will not understand our vision of the future, but you must remember one thing: we do not need two orders to lead the world! We will not entrust the future to a powerful group of people who only look out for their own benefit and leave the interests of us, the people, to the hands of fate.
"Today everyone in the S.C.T. is worth the same! If you want to recover that world and rebuild little by little all that we have lost, do not hesitate and follow me. I am sure that within all this darkness there will be sparks of ballads illuminating our future again!"
"We protect the future, we create the path and we destroy our enemies. We strengthen ourselves under the blood of the walkers, and when they touch one of ours, they will suffer the cruelest vengeance!"
Everyone, regardless of who they were, was left with a devastating impression of Jason. All the soldiers saluted with the utmost pride; their eyes were full of determination and tears streamed down their cheeks.
Only a commander can convey that kind of feeling!
Jason knew that it did not matter if the CRM found them early. In the event they do find them, he can have confidence in resisting the enemy's force.
Even though it is surprising that the CRM does not know the Commonwealth, he knows he cannot count on the same certainty that they will not find his organization. That is why now a greater growth begins; they are ready for any kind of battle, and that is what awaits from now on.