The Prison Is the Goal

"Are you saying we've been living on top of a bomb this whole time?"

Everyone looked at Jason with disbelief written all over their faces. They had never imagined that the CDC facilities had such special features. Had they heard Jason correctly just now, or were they mistaken?

Rick was also somewhat confused, so he asked angrily, "Why are you telling us this just now?"

Seeing how everyone's expressions suddenly changed, Jason knew they were all upset and bewildered. But what could he do with so many problems to solve?

Jason suddenly gestured for everyone to calm down. He checked the time and then looked at them with a tranquil expression. "There's nothing to worry about. Even now, the condition for the self-destruction program to activate is that fuel resources must be scarce."

Jason sighed calmly. He really thought he shouldn't have to explain everything, but he still answered all their questions and pointed out, "Currently, the gasoline stored in the basement is enough to keep the CDC running for a long time. However, we've come to a conclusion—it's not optimal to keep it operational."

To be honest, he wanted to keep the CDC active and let the researchers continue working on a cure for the virus. That would have been ideal. But he couldn't afford that luxury with all the problems ahead and the possible events that could unfold.

Jason was certain that if he kept growing in Atlanta, he would soon receive unwanted visitors. For now, he preferred to conceal his strength and not attract too much attention.

When everyone heard Jason's explanation, those nearby felt somewhat relieved. But at this moment, no one wanted to return to the CDC or even consider staying there.

After everyone understood the issues with the CDC and the S.C.T. community, they all turned their heads toward the prison again. Now, the excitement in their eyes reignited.

Jason knew that many couldn't understand his plans, so he could only share what they could accept and keep to himself the problems that very few could comprehend.

In the future, some people would be in awe of those who were strong and maintained a safe haven. But once those strong individuals became weak in their eyes, they would start forming plans to act separately and take what little they had, revealing their selfish nature.

How could Jason not think about the many things that would happen and the potential enemies that would cause trouble? He knew it all too well. That's why he had to be prepared to defend his community. He needed to take advantage of his future knowledge and be ready for all these challenges.

He couldn't afford to dwell on trivial things like emotions or what others thought. He couldn't allow his thoughts to be disturbed by such minor concerns when he knew that was the weakness of many strong individuals.

Jason pulled out the radio from his vest and began communicating with Daryl while focusing on what was next.

Today, he only wanted to confirm the prison's location and wasn't planning to make any big moves yet. As long as his people weren't nearby, making any major moves would be foolish.

Moreover, Jason knew very well that they were about 70 days into the apocalypse. The farm was still under siege by a massive horde of walkers. He didn't know exactly when it would happen, but there was still time before he needed to think about saving Hershel's family.

Their agricultural skills were incredibly valuable for starting food production as soon as possible. The horses and many other resources on the farm were crucial, making Hershel's family something Jason couldn't afford to overlook.

Besides, knowing that food would be their most critical need in the future, he required a massive piece of land that could provide enough food for his people year-round.

However, given Hershel's stubborn nature, it was hard to guarantee that he would abandon the farm without experiencing the ups and downs of the original storyline. Jason wouldn't waste his energy on them just yet.

The successive deaths of his loved ones—such as Otis—Shane's downfall, and Patricia's loss had deeply impacted Hershel's family and Rick's group. By this point, Hershel had already been through a lot. He had mostly recovered after quitting alcohol, but the shadow of his son's death was something he had never gotten over, which would cause problems.

How could Jason solve this issue? If there hadn't been so much death and loss, how could Hershel's family have willingly left their home? They were valuable people who could greatly strengthen the S.C.T. community!

Jason could only shake his head and decide not to think about it for now. If he couldn't successfully transfer people and resources from the CDC to the prison, all his plans would collapse.

If that happened, he would consider seeking out the CRM and growing within their ranks rather than continuing to pursue a future under his own ideals.

"Zz... Jason, everyone is gathered. You can say what you wanted to announce!"

Meanwhile, Jason and the others had already returned to the road. They stood there for a moment, lost in thought, when Edwin Janner's voice came through the radio.

Jason organized the chaotic thoughts flooding his mind, took the radio, and spoke clearly, "Zz... Alright, I have a few things to share with you. I'll keep it brief. If you have any questions, I'll answer them after my explanation."

After pausing for a moment, Jason pressed the intercom button and stated, "Zz... First, the relocation plan that we've been preparing for all this time is about to begin. Once I'm done, the others will explain in detail why this decision has been made."

"Second, I have to apologize to Felipe and his friends. Guillermo was injured, but it wasn't serious. He was accidentally hit by a bullet, but he's stable now and recovering."

"The third thing, and the most important, Merle and Daryl... You two will have to bring a group of people with whom you've had the most experience this past week, while Mike and the others take care of moving the supplies and preparing the relocation operation."

"Tomorrow, you'll have to bring that group to participate in a major battle and meet up with us. We've found an excellent shelter. Due to its large size, there are areas that need to be cleared. Now, you can ask any questions."

"Zz... Jason, is Guillermo with you? Can I talk to him?"

As soon as Jason finished speaking, Felipe's anxious voice came through the radio, and Jason could only offer brief reassurance: "Zz... Sorry, Felipe, we're still outside where he is. Guillermo is currently in a very safe place, and someone is taking good care of him."

"Zz... That's good, very good! Thanks, Jason... Stop crying like a damn bitch, give me the radio, you bastard!" Felipe's grateful voice was suddenly interrupted by Merle's rough voice.

"Jason! Aside from the most experienced men, all the soldiers are in the city searching for military-grade supplies, so we have very few who can help you. What do you want to do? Wait, could it be that damn prison you mentioned last time?"

"Zz... That's right, it's that prison! Tomorrow, lead an elite team. Remember to bring as many melee weapons as you can, but make sure you also have firearms in case you run into enemies. Oh, and don't forget food—if you can bring extra supplies, even better."

...

After long discussions, Jason finally arranged everything for the next day, and for now, they returned to the farm.

Before entering the house, Jason noticed that young Jimmy had come out to greet them and informed everyone of several things, the most important being: "Your friend has woken up and is looking for you."

Upon hearing this, several people quickly went inside. When they reached the room, they saw Guillermo half-lying in bed, drinking a bowl of oatmeal.

Everyone stepped forward, surrounding Guillermo with smiles on their faces, exchanging high-fives one by one. Guillermo clasped his hands together and said to everyone, "Thank you all. I heard what Hershel said—if it weren't for you, I really could have died."

Rick patted Jason on the shoulder with a smile and told Guillermo, "We're glad you're okay. There's nothing to worry about."

Everyone was happy that Guillermo had woken up—there wasn't a single person who hadn't helped to ensure he was safe.

"Man, it's a shame you didn't see Jason at that moment. We were all frozen, watching you bleed out on the ground, but Jason acted fast. He cut some sticks, asked several people for clothing, and in an instant, he had put together a stretcher," T-Dog said with an ironic smile.

Shane joked as well, "Guillermo, I really admire you. You know, a certain someone also got shot, but he was in a coma for two months in the hospital. Wow!"

When he heard the clapping, Rick protested, "But I wasn't in a hospital, I was at the CDC!"

Glenn suddenly added dumbfoundedly, "Is there a difference between those two places?"

"Ha ha ha!!!"

After chatting for a while, the conversation shifted back to clearing the prison and other important matters.

The next morning, on the small road outside the farm's entrance, a massive line of vehicles could be seen in the distance. The entire convoy was led by another modified RV. The exaggerated modifications on this RV gave everyone the impression that it wasn't just a conventional combat truck.

Not long after, the huge convoy stopped in front of Hershel's house, and more than forty people got out of the vehicles one after another.

Jason and the others stepped forward, first greeting the Dixon brothers and then everyone else one by one. But many were surprised to see Andrea, Amy, Jacqui, and Carol stepping out of the vehicles. As he looked further, there were many more women whose names Jason couldn't even recall—most of them likely part of Guillermo's group.

"Why are all these people here too?" Jason's face darkened.

He wasn't sexist and knew that there were very strong women who could take care of themselves, but he had made it clear that they needed to be strong fighters. Some of the women still had shaky hands when handling firearms, so despite considering that, Merle had still decided to bring many women.

Jason turned to Merle and said angrily, "I asked you to bring the best fighters available. What do you think when you look at this?"

Merle spread his hands innocently. "I never thought the leader of the S.C.T. community was sexist—you're one of us, brother! But you forgot something: fighters need to eat too, don't they? Besides, they all insisted on coming."