460

"I think we have enough nominees now. I'll keep track of all the names and votes if everyone is okay with that," Parker says and holds up a notepad.

"Sounds great," Kelly says. "Let's have all the nominees say a few words before we vote, addressing their strengths, how they want to lead the group, and anything else they might feel would help us decide."

Rachel moves into the space between the nominees and the group. "I can speak first," she says and pans her gaze over each survivor with the purpose of a seasoned politician. "I've been preparing for survival since word first spread of the virus. We need to work together to get through the days or weeks ahead. Most of you are ill-prepared for this sort of life, and you need someone to tell you what to do to stay alive. I can be that person. I have the skill set and determination to see us through this."

Rachel takes a step back in line. A gust of wind blows dirt and bits of car debris onto the grass, and from the edge of the tree line comes the sound of squawking birds.

"Did she call us 'ill-prepared'?" Nathan remarks.

Benjimin nods to him with a sardonic grin.

Jaime takes a slight step forward, first glancing at the other nominees as if asking permission. "I'll go next. Well, most of you know me, know I'm fair, and either treat you like family or will soon enough. Not sure I have all the things y'all might look for in a leader, but I'll be honest and loyal, give everyone respect, value their opinions, and work hard to make sure we all get through to the other side. Thank you."

"Damn, that goosed up my skin," Woody states.

Kelly marches to the front of the main group and strides along the line like a general before troops on the battlefield. "We are only at the start of this outbreak, and we've all lost a lot: our family, our homes, our very lives. We need someone who's going to make hard decisions to lead this group. Jaime's a nice guy, but can he make the tough calls? Rachel already has a group, so we can't be sure if she puts them first or has the larger group's interest in mind."

Rachel raises her eyebrows and wears an uncomfortable, astonished look.

Kelly continues. "I have all the qualifications you'd look for in a leader. I've managed a team of staff to produce my top-rated news segment and podcast, 'Kelly at Nightfall.' In college, I started an activism group of University of Colorado students, which led to blocking the destruction of acres of forest land near campus."

"Where they built that Super WalMart?" Parker asks, confused.

"Eventually, yes, WalMart's legal team cleared the restraining orders, but that's after I left school and turned the group's leadership over to another student."

"I like that WalMart. They have amazing sales," Nora says to the group.

Kelly puts her hands up. "My point is that my leadership was effective, and if elected, I'll use my experience and tenacity to see us all thrive. That's it." She steps back into line as the rest of the survivors speak in low whispers.

Since all of the other nominees have finished addressing the group, everyone turns to you for your speech.