479

You stand before the semi-circle of survivors and project your voice with authority. "What happened on the hill is only the first of many battles we are sure to face in this outbreak. We lost some people. Because of this, we need to be more disciplined in the future. I plan to run this group with order, because it's the only way we'll survive. We can't sit back and relax but need a system of rules to live by. You chose me to be your leader, and I will not betray your trust in me. But I need something in return for that responsibility—your allegiance and commitment. I need that in order to do my job and keep us all alive in the future.

"With that said, our first task is to set up camp and get everyone some food and some rest. While that's going on, I'll be figuring out the next step in surviving this hell."

Reading the faces of the survivors, you see them nodding in agreement and showing signs that your words have had an impact. If you had to guess, you've made the group more loyal towards you.

Just as the semi-circle breaks, Jaime walks up to you, yawning and stretching his back. "Hey, good speech."

"Yeah, I can see it really kept you awake."

"No, sorry. I wasn't yawning because of you talking. I don't even remember what sleep is like."

Rachel joins the two of you. "Well, Jaime, right after you eat, you should nap for a few hours."

"Maybe. We'll see." He looks at the dirt floor of the clearing, and you can see his mind working over all of the things that need to be done.

"So, Luth, whilst I have you aside from the group, I thought it would be wise for us to pick a person to act as a quartermaster of sorts—one who can inventory and track our supplies. Not to play favorites, but I thought one of your group could do so."

"Who do you have in mind?" you ask.

"Parker, perhaps? He worked as a museum curator and might be more suited to cataloguing weapons than firing them."

"To put it nicely," Jaime adds.

"I agree. At least he'll be useful for something," you say.

"Then there's Nora. She wants to help but has limitations. This gives her a charge, and her motherly disposition suits her to the task."

Jaime smirks. "I sure wouldn't cross her."

Rachel nods her head towards the side of the clearing. "Kelly might be a proper choice. She's a bit troubled over not winning the leadership vote, and this helps to show her she's a vital member."

"So what do you think, Luth?" Jaime asks. "You can't do everything yourself, so you better start delegating."