113

You take one final look around the room at the tired and worn faces, the dirt and debris, the corpses lying among you, and the severe damage to the Cathedral.

"Everyone, can I have your attention, please," you say, and the survivors form a semi-circle around you. Taking a final deep breath, you wait for all to quiet down.

"We are all tired, hungry, and worried about our safety. The only thing that has kept us alive since the outbreak is this Cathedral, and though it is damaged, it can be repaired. We need to gather our strength and rebuild. There is a lot to do. The front doors must be fixed to withstand our enemies and the dead. Our walls must be guarded to warn us of danger. Any routes that may be taken to gain access must be blocked. The bodies of the slain must be carried outside, or we risk disease.

"Will we be here in six months? A year? We may not even be here in a month. But we need to restore this Cathedral to house us for just a little longer. And while I have not led you for long, I ask for your confidence in me now and to listen to my instructions so all of us can survive. Thank you!"

The survivors clap at the end of the speech, and you gather from looking at each of their faces that they are encouraged by your words.