章節 50: Strengthening Control

"Zz... Wait for my call, gather the people, and I'll keep you informed about the next course of action." Dominic had received information that most of the families had been identified and placed under Stuart's direct care along with his men.

This, of course, is not a bed of roses; many relatives of soldiers had died, and a few had been saved. But unfortunately, not all their relatives were alive, and this would be detailed for each soldier.

In the following weeks, Dominic took charge of sending information to save valuable individuals for his interests, but many of them hadn't been found.

The military bases on the coasts of Los Angeles had been abandoned; some soldiers stayed, but activity soon ceased due to fallen signals. Stuart, who knew the value of those bases, immediately saw the best way to take control of those military bases.

In the short time he had been in that area, not only did he accept deserting soldiers with their families, but they also sent communications stating that they would be helped to find their families.

The way they reached hundreds of soldiers was so simple that Stuart now understood that indeed his military power could be noticed.

The simple way to build resistance simply to survive is by helping others, but this would lead to a very important problem, which is control over those people.

Dominic could help thousands of people, but if control is not maintained, everything would be lost in a matter of seconds. That's one of the main reasons why not everyone would be sent directly to the central base.

That's why he would take control of this base as soon as possible; first, he needed to maintain order in a shelter to bring those people to a place where there was control.

"Dominic, I heard you have something very urgent to report to me. Tell me, what's happening?" Sergeant Castro found Dominic at the entrance of the community they were protecting, and his urgency could be heard in his voice.

Dominic looked at this man and said, "Sergeant Castro, when do you think this place will collapse?"

Sergeant Castro fell silent, looking at Dominic, who seemed to be about to explain.

After about five seconds, Dominic said, "In all my simulations, after five months, all bases in Los Angeles will be abandoned due to the large and uncontrollable hordes of the undead. Supplies will be cut off, and when that happens, the military will leave their duty for their personal interests."

Dominic's voice was as calm as if he could foresee that and be prepared for any contingency.

"Where are you going with this, Corporal?" Sergeant Castro looked around, only to realize that no one was watching them.

"Very few know me, but I'm one of the few people who has prepared for the world's collapse and has a good plan to survive the next fifteen years. Your family is currently being evacuated to a base away from any military control; all I'll need from you is your complete loyalty." Dominic said as he took a chewing gum from his pocket.

"You're lying!"

Dominic didn't rush to respond immediately.

He wanted to give Sergeant Castro the impression that he had control of the situation and that he was reliable enough to be considered a leader.

If what he had planned required a lot of manpower, he would need the support of the military just to be safe. He knew what the end of the CRM was, but he also knew his strength. If they noticed his little safe place, then he would be a poor devil without the power to defend himself.

What would stop others from stealing his things?

Dominic made it very clear that he wanted to belong to a strong place. Even if he could stay strong, he could aspire to be part of the CRM, which wouldn't be bad at all.

"Not only is your family safe, but so are all your men's families. Unfortunately, as in any crisis situation, not everyone can be saved, but at least I'll make sure that their remaining relatives can survive." Dominic turned to Sergeant Castro and handed him a radio.

"I hope you don't misunderstand me; checking your personal data was very easy with the right help. Immediately send a group to retrieve your family. The reason? I need strong men who can work without fear of death; their relatives will be safe, so it doesn't matter if they die doing it."

Sergeant Castro was about to throw the radio and hit Dominic until a familiar voice was heard from the radio's speaker. "Zz... Black Eagle is here; the first batch of survivors has been retrieved. Sergeant Castro's daughter wants to talk to him, connecting her now."

"What the hell..."

"Zz... Dad!"

"Laura? It can't be; is it really you?" Sergeant Castro completely forgot about Dominic, who was standing by, and focused on talking to his daughter.

Dominic could see this communication as somewhat pleasant, but the problem with it was the resources he was burning to achieve it. At least now he wanted to be right and for all of this to be beneficial; otherwise, it would be a waste of time.

At this moment, Dominic couldn't determine if his performance was perfect, but it was the only way he could communicate with people without being taken as an idiot.

He needed to not only make people believe him, so each of his very dangerous moves was necessary to have control of events.

He didn't want to miss the opportunity to create a strong community in the early days of the case.

"It seems you understand now; it only takes following my orders as if I were a commander in chief, and everything will be fine. I'll lead you to a less bloody world; gather your men." Dominic said as he looked at Cole, who had also spoken with his mother.

His control over them now was so great that he could even have control over their lives. Dominic could decide what would happen to them from now on.

"Okay, you're the boss... Although I don't know what you want to achieve, I'll follow all your instructions as long as we don't have to harm innocent people." Sergeant Castro nodded as he left.

Dominic watched the departure of this man, so he nodded, then saw Daniel approaching alone, who was about to present himself to the others as Dominic's new spokesperson, who from now on would remain in the dark.

Before all this, of course, Dominic had noted down the names of all the people who knew his identity and would give them high-ranking jobs within his organization. Only then would this be worthwhile, and he would stop risking so much.

"Just one more move..."