Chapter 85 – The New Order
The air in the survivor settlements was unusually tense. People gathered in clusters around crackling radio receivers and makeshift screens as an unexpected transmission cut through the static. Across the wasteland, from the fortified compounds of major survivor groups to the hidden enclaves of scavengers and refugees, every working communication device came to life.
A black screen flickered before stabilizing, revealing a man seated behind a steel desk, his sharp gaze piercing through the camera.
President Elias Voss.
His expression was calm, but the weight of authority pressed down like a storm on the horizon. Behind him, the New UNO emblem—a metallic globe encircled by five interwoven rings—was displayed prominently.
Then, he spoke.
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The Broadcast
"Survivors of the surface," Voss began, his voice steady, "this is President Elias Voss, speaking on behalf of the United Nations Order. We are the remnants of the world's greatest nations, united in purpose to rebuild civilization from the ashes."
The survivors watching held their breath. Some exchanged wary glances. Others clenched their fists.
"For too long, the surface has been fractured—chaotic. Lawlessness and scarcity have driven people to fight one another for survival, but this is not the future humanity was meant for. We—the New UNO—offer a solution."
The camera zoomed out slightly, revealing the other four leaders seated beside him.
General Helena Zhao (China) – A stern military strategist, her uniform crisp, radiating discipline and control.
Dr. Adrian Lorne (Israel) – Cold and analytical, his sharp mind focused only on efficiency and survival.
Minister Evelyn Roth (Brazil) – A master of politics and manipulation, her lips curved in a subtle smile.
Arjun Mehta (India) – The economic and infrastructure planner, his expression composed, thoughtful.
Voss continued, his voice measured but firm.
"As of today, we are establishing order among the survivor groups. The strongest of you have formed communities—leaders have emerged. This is commendable. But independent factions can only take humanity so far. To rebuild the world, we must be united under a single authority."
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Divide and Conquer
"Effective immediately, the New UNO is offering official recognition to all major survivor groups. Those who accept will be granted governance titles, trade rights, and access to technological support. In return, they will contribute 25% of their resources to the restoration of global stability."
Murmurs erupted in settlements across the land. Some leaders of the five major survivor groups narrowed their eyes, already sensing the trap.
In twenty-five minor groups, debates flared. Some saw opportunity in aligning with the UNO—security, resources, legitimacy. Others recognized the danger of becoming vassals to a hidden power.
Voss let the words sink in before delivering the real warning.
"Understand that this is not an invitation—it is the natural course of rebuilding. Those who cooperate will be rewarded. Those who resist…" He paused for effect, then leaned forward. "Will find themselves alone."
His voice was even, not a direct threat—yet everyone listening knew exactly what he meant.
"In time, we will establish proper governance, security, and infrastructure. The chaos of the old world will be left behind. Those who resist this order will only harm their own people."
A subtle shift in his tone gave the final message weight.
"This is your chance to be part of something greater."
The screen went dark.
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Immediate Reactions
The moment the broadcast ended, the wasteland erupted into a storm of reactions.
In the larger settlements, leaders of the five major survivor groups gathered their most trusted members. Some considered the offer with skepticism, while others saw it as an insult.
One leader scoffed. "They want us to gather supplies and hand them over? They didn't fight for this land. We did."
Another, more cautious, responded, "And if we refuse? They might not attack outright, but they'll strangle our trade, isolate us, and make an example out of someone."
Among the twenty-five minor groups, arguments broke out. Some saw this as a golden opportunity for survival, a way to climb the ranks. Others feared that once they submitted, they would never be free again.
And in the lawless ruins, the independent survivors, scavengers, and outcasts knew one thing—change was coming, whether they wanted it or not.
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General Carter's Defiance
In a heavily fortified compound miles away, General Royce Carter watched the broadcast in silence. His officers stood behind him, waiting for his reaction. The glow of the screen faded, but the fire in his eyes remained.
"They want to rule us," he muttered. "To turn us into obedient resource farms while they sit in their bunkers."
One of his men, a battle-hardened lieutenant, stepped forward. "Sir, if we don't play along, they'll isolate us."
Carter chuckled darkly. "Then let them try." He stood, his presence commanding. "We aren't scavengers clinging to life. We are soldiers. We've fought to survive, not to surrender our freedom to cowards who hid underground while the world burned."
The room buzzed with approval.
"They expect us to break. To turn against each other. But they underestimate the will of those who have lived through the fire." His voice hardened. "We don't bow."
His officers nodded. Plans would have to be made. Supplies secured. Allies contacted.
War was not inevitable.
But it was beginning to look that way.
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The Unseen Player
Elsewhere, hidden from all watchful eyes, James listened to the transmission from the safety of his underground base. His fingers tapped rhythmically on his knee as he processed every word.
He had expected the New UNO to reveal itself eventually, but this? This was a calculated power move.
"They don't even know I exist yet," he murmured.
And he intended to keep it that way.
For now.
With each move the New UNO made, the world grew smaller. Tensions would rise. Factions would take sides.
But James wasn't interested in being ruled.
He glanced at his system interface, his mind already running through contingencies. If the UNO wanted to control the surface, he would ensure they never saw him coming.
In the distance, Lily and the others continued their daily work. They had no idea what had just been set in motion.
The world had changed again.
And soon, blood would follow.
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Author's Thoughts:
The New UNO has made its first major move! This announcement will change the balance of power among the survivors, and tensions will start to rise. Who will submit? Who will resist? And what will James do when the world begins to fall into conflict?
Let me know your thoughts! Do you think the UNO's plan will work, or will it backfire?