Everyone turned towards the spokesperson. It was the first time they had heard from the military in over a day. They hoped for good news, but all their hopes were squashed quickly.
"As much as we’d like to welcome everyone inside, it’s neither feasible nor possible," the soldier announced. "You all are aware of the changes in the world. As much as it saddens us, we just cannot support all of you."
That was all the soldier could say before the crowd went berserk. They had paid taxes to the government, so they’d protect them when the time came. Yet, now the navy is refusing its duties?
Neha’s group got agitated as well, but one stern look from her turned them silent. And then...
BANG!
A gunshot rang out, silencing the crowd.
"Silence!" the soldier yelled over the noise. "Let me say my part first! While we cannot support all of you, we won’t abandon a single person here!"
Everyone was confused by the contradictory words.
"As you have noticed, some of us have awakened strange powers. These chosen individuals are welcome inside, to help us expand our influence and gather resources."
The soldier continued, "While the rest of you can get in if you meet certain criteria. People with exceptional intelligence and certain jobs are allowed to stay inside. While some soldiers can also sponsor regular humans."
"As for those who don’t fall in either category, they can stay outside. The soldiers will protect you as they have been doing till now. However, you’ll have to find your own food and other supplies."
Neha smirked. The soldier’s intention couldn’t have been any clearer. They did not care about those who weren’t chosen. The sole reason they plan to keep them close was to act as a barrier between the base and the zombies.
They wouldn’t protect the unawakened for long. Just long enough to organize themselves before heading to the North Island Base.
"Are you kidding me?" someone asked from the crowd. "Those with abilities should be the ones to stay outside. They can fight the zombies and get resources. Why do we have to do it?"
"Yes! At least give us food!"
"You’re lying! Everyone knows the base has plenty of food storage!"
Everyone expressed their displeasure, but not a single one of them dared to act against the soldiers. The gunshot from before had left a mark on their minds.
With the government most likely fallen, no one could hold the navy accountable. Even if they killed civilians.
The soldier ignored those who aired their grievances and continued on.
"The Chosen ones are requested to head to the third gate. Those meeting the second criterion shall head to the second gate. Finally, those seeking sponsorship can stay here. The soldiers will be with you in a moment."
With that, the soldier climbed down the tower, leaving the crowd to manage itself.
The crew headed towards the third gate. Only Neha and Alaric were left behind.
"Neha, what are you waiting for?" Min asked.
"You go ahead. I’ll join you after helping the professor," she replied, looking at Alaric. "Let’s head inside, sir."
Min watched the two leave before joining the crowd ahead.
"What are you playing at, Neha?" Alaric asked, unable to hold back anymore. "I’m sure they would like someone with your ability among their ranks."
In the apocalypse, mind-reading ability was a gift from the heavens. The humans were more dangerous than the zombies.
After all, everyone knows the zombies are the enemy, but humans were cunning and could stab you in the back at any moment.
That’s why having the mind-reading ability is so precious. Yet, Neha planned to hide it from the soldiers. It made Alaric wonder why.
"Playing? Professor, I don’t think we have the time to play around," Neha replied, smiling wanly. "I’m doing this for Blaze... I don’t think he’ll ever forgive me if something happened to you."
Alaric nodded, not arguing further. Neha could read his mind, and he didn’t want her to peek inside his head.
***
"Name, previous job, talent, and age." A soldier asked in a stern voice.
A massive line had formed in front of gate-2. Everyone had to register their information there. The list would then be taken to the higher-ups, who’ll decide who was good enough to enter the base.
"Alaric Darwin, college lecturer, Ph.D. in paleogenetics, 51 years."
"A scholar? Does it look like we’re opening a book club in there?" the soldier scoffed. "Get lost, old man, and don’t waste my time again—"
"Let him in."
Another well-dressed soldier appeared there.
The one from before stood up, saluting the officer before allowing Alaric inside. Neha stood next to the officer.
"Thank you, Commander Hailey," she said, shaking the man’s hand.
"Anytime," he replied, before briskly walking away.
"Who was that?" Alaric couldn’t help but ask.
"The guy in charge of everything," Neha replied. "I just told him a couple of things about you, and he agreed to help. After all, we need people like you to find an end to this mess."
Alaric shook his head. Neha was resourceful. Dangerous, but resourceful.
She must have shown off her powers to earn Commander Hailey’s trust and helped him.
On one hand, Alaric was thankful for her help. On the other hand, he couldn’t help but suspect the motive behind her generosity.
"We should head inside. The soldiers are showing us around."
As they walked further inside, Alaric took in the sights before him. The base was enormous. It could easily fit everyone outside into two or three empty hangars.
Armed soldiers were seen roaming around, watching the newcomers with interest. At times, they’d come across a zombie corpse. It seemed the base had quite a few of them before, but with weapons and training, it was easy to take them out.
Slowly, the crowd was dispersed into different zones around the base. The chosen individuals were given space in the barracks, while the second category citizens were moved to the tents.
A tent which was suitable for four was occupied by ten people. Alaric was dropped at one such tent, while most of his students went to the barracks. But Neha stayed behind with the professor, much to Min’s annoyance.
"Neha, a word?" he asked before heading away.
After making sure Alaric was comfortable, she followed Min behind the barracks. Min grabbed her hand and forced her against the wall, staring at her numb eyes.
"What are you doing with him?"
"Just making sure he’s comfortable. What else do you think—?"
"You should think about yourself first!" he blurted out.
"Are you jealous of an old man?" Neha chuckled, caressing his face. "Want me to help you again?"
"T-That’s not what I mean! I just want to know why are you doing this?"
"I’ll tell you everything when the time comes," she said, patting his cheek again. "Go get some sleep for now. Also, don’t cause any problems for the professor.