John looked at all the soldiers standing before him and said, "We've lost the military chain of command, communications are down, and everything leads to one conclusion… We're on our own. There's no more government."
"If any of you still think things will go back to normal, you're only lying to yourselves, because the world as we knew it is gone. From now on, we carry a very important task: to slowly reclaim everything that was taken from us."
John's voice was strong, dignified, and filled with a hardened will that was unshakable for all the soldiers standing in formation before him.
"Don't hesitate. Remember, this time our fight has a deeper meaning than just serving the ambitions of politicians who used us for their own gain. You are no longer fighting for a leader—you're fighting for the future of the world and your children."
Pausing, John placed a hand over his chest in a salute unlike any other and said, "Glory to humanity!"
"Glory to humanity!"
"Glory to humanity!"
"Glory to humanity!"
Alan, watching all of this from a far distance through binoculars, felt quite reassured knowing the military power under his command was this strong.
"In total, counting the entire coast guard, we have around 98,359 soldiers and over 190,289 civilians, along with the 15,278 rescued from this island—bringing the total to just under seventeen thousand people here."
"We're still few, considering the population of Texas." Alan looked at Stuart and, after thinking for a moment, said, "Let the coast guard handle bringing in all the civilians from the sea—not now, of course, but once everything is stabilized."
None of these people were yet organized, and according to Tommy, it would take at least a week to get everything in order.
Alan knew that the main job of his men was to defend this island and defend themselves. The military was the best resource they could have—trained to handle anti-aircraft systems, tanks, and advanced weaponry that ordinary civilians couldn't operate.
They were a top priority, but their job wouldn't always be holding rifles or manning watchtowers. What was most needed now was labor. The soldiers would have to help set up the watchtowers and unload supplies.
"How are the architects doing with the base plans?" Alan asked Stuart, who had remained quiet after giving his report.
Stuart lowered his binoculars and said, "The plans are finished. We've addressed all concerns regarding the base's protection. With the blueprints complete, the workers have begun construction."
What Alan had learned about Stuart was that he was a deeply heroic man—he loved his country and, as a special forces soldier, had a clear understanding of sacrifice.
When Alan started worrying about being sidelined, he began observing Stuart more closely and realized he was following Alan's orders because he believed in benefiting the people, not himself.
In Stuart's eyes, Alan placed the survival of civilians and the safety of each soldier's family far above his own interests.
"What do you think of all this?" Alan, dressed in black tactical gear and holding a black sword, looked at Stuart, wanting to know what he was really hiding.
Stuart lowered his gaze and said, "I've always fought for my country. I believed I was creating a better future… but I realized too late that my sacrifices didn't make a difference."
Before Alan could say anything, Stuart continued, "We all fight for something, or so I was taught. I had my battles, but they never meant what I thought they did. But now, it's different. Now I can truly fight for something. And for that, I'll be grateful to you for the rest of my life."
"It was never my intention to end up here. Things just developed in a way I couldn't control," Alan admitted sincerely.
Truthfully, he had never planned on establishing a safe place like this. He used to care very little about people, but when he looked into the eyes of the soldiers who truly knew him, he felt a flicker of joy.
Stuart shook his head as if he didn't recognize Alan anymore and said, "I admire you a lot. Even after leaving the army, you still have the touch."
"You think so?"
"Well, the soldiers trust you… and so do I."
Alan smiled for the first time, genuinely, and extended his hand to Stuart, who looked a bit confused. "I really don't know how far I'll go, but let's protect this place together."
"Yes, sir." Stuart extended his hand and shook Alan's with a wide smile. He was certain that Alan was born to be a great leader—especially now that he had started making sacrifices for others.
…
Night had fallen over the island. The lights in every home were off, and faint fires glowed from large metal barrels scattered across the main streets.
The electricity stored through solar panels was currently being used for construction, so there wasn't much to waste.
Riya, holding a white sword similar to Alan's, was training hard in secret, careful not to let her mother see her.
She kept her breathing controlled, her movements long and precise, maintaining a unique rhythm in each strike. For a sniper, she had an impressive ability to adapt to different situations—and this was no exception.
"How many infected are you planning to kill tomorrow?" Alan appeared behind Riya without her noticing.
"I'll be in the exploration missions. You said you'd lead the group, so I hope I'm up to the task." Riya lowered her sword after saying this.
The renowned exploration group—once everything progressed, Alan planned to start clearing distant zones to eventually gain control over Los Angeles and remain ahead of expectations.
"We'll be killing more than just infected, Riya. Are you sure you're ready?" Alan intended to eliminate anyone unwilling to adapt.
"I can do it. I really have to."
Alan nodded, checked the time, and said, "If you're interested, we could train in hand-to-hand combat. I could teach you a few... special moves."
Riya smiled and asked, "Just training?"
"Just training. It's not time to repopulate humanity yet." Alan joked as he lunged at Riya, attempting to take her by surprise—which caught her completely off guard.