Chapter 87 – The First Step

The plan was set. The moment we decided to reach out to the smaller survivor groups, there was no turning back. We had just declared, even if only to ourselves, that we would not submit to the New UNO's control.

Now, it was time to act.

Ray and I stood over the map, marking key locations. We had to be strategic. We couldn't approach every group at once, and we couldn't afford to make enemies out of those who might already be considering joining the UNO. This had to be precise, calculated.

First targets: The isolated and the desperate.

"They'll be the easiest to convince," Ray said, running his finger across the map. "Most of these groups have been barely scraping by. If we show up with food and a way forward, they'll listen."

Vivian crossed her arms. "And what happens when the UNO finds out? They'll see us as rebels."

"They already do," I said. "They just haven't acted on it yet. That's why we have to move quickly, quietly. We need to reach these people before the UNO gets to them."

Mason leaned against the table. "We need a way to make contact that doesn't put us at risk. If we roll up with weapons and armored trucks, they'll assume we're trying to take over."

Ray nodded. "I'll go. Alone, at first. I know how to approach them without spooking them."

I hesitated. "That's dangerous. If one of them decides to sell you out to the UNO…"

"I know the risk." Ray met my gaze. "But it's the best way. If I bring a small team, it might still seem like a power move. If I go alone, I can make it personal."

I hated that he was right. But it was the only option.

I exhaled. "Fine. But you take a long-range comm device. If something feels off, you call us, and we come in."

Ray smirked. "Understood."

---

First Contact

The first target was a small group camped out in the remains of an old warehouse, about 15 miles from our base. According to what little intel we had, they were barely holding on—low on food, low on weapons, and torn between accepting UNO's offer or taking their chances alone.

Perfect candidates.

Ray went in just before sundown. We watched from a safe distance, our drones scanning for any signs of hostility.

"Looks like they've got about fifteen people," Vivian muttered, watching the live feed. "Four of them on guard duty. Lightly armed. No serious defenses."

"They don't look hostile," Mason added. "But that could change fast."

Ray approached slowly, hands raised to show he wasn't a threat. From the drone's camera, we saw one of the guards step forward, raising a rifle. There was a tense pause.

Then Ray spoke. We couldn't hear him, but we saw the guard lower his gun slightly. Moments later, they led Ray inside.

"Now we wait," I muttered.

---

The Deal

Ray spent nearly two hours inside before the comm device crackled to life.

"They're in," he said. "But they need proof."

"What kind of proof?" I asked.

"Food," he replied. "They believe me, but they need to see it for themselves. They've been burned before."

I nodded. "Understood. We'll bring a small supply crate."

We loaded one of our trucks with just enough food to show good faith—vegetables from our greenhouse, some preserved rations, and fresh water. Enough to prove we weren't bluffing, but not enough to make us seem weak.

Mason, Vivian, and I rolled in about an hour later. The group's leader, a grizzled man named Ethan, met us at the entrance.

"This is a hell of a risk you're taking," Ethan said, eyeing the truck.

"So is trusting the UNO," I replied.

He grunted. "You're not wrong."

We opened the crate, revealing the fresh produce. I saw the way his people's eyes widened. Some of them looked like they hadn't eaten well in months.

Ethan ran a hand through his beard. "And you can provide this… regularly?"

I met his gaze. "If we work together. Alone, we all fall. But together, we stand a chance."

Ethan exhaled sharply. Then, after a long moment, he nodded.

"You've got a deal."

One group down.

---

Escalation

The next few days were a whirlwind of movement. Ray made contact with two more small groups, each one desperate and willing to listen.

The greenhouse had given us leverage. Real leverage.

By the end of the week, we had five minor groups willing to work with us. It wasn't much—but it was a start.

But then came the first sign of trouble.

We intercepted a radio transmission from the UNO.

"Survivor factions are consolidating. We must accelerate integration efforts. Increase patrols."

Vivian frowned as she listened. "They're catching on."

I nodded. "Then we move faster."

Ray looked up from the map. "I know one more group we can reach. But they're different."

"How so?" I asked.

"They're organized. Stronger than the others. Not a major faction, but not small, either." He hesitated. "And they don't trust anyone."

"Then why would they trust us?" Vivian asked.

Ray sighed. "Because they're led by an ex-military officer."

I narrowed my eyes. "Who?"

Ray hesitated. "His name's General Carter."

Silence filled the room.

The name was familiar. Very familiar.

Vivian crossed her arms. "He's openly against the UNO. Rumors say he believes they knew about the disaster beforehand and let it happen."

I exhaled. "That means he's a target."

Ray nodded. "And if we can get him on our side, we won't just have a few extra fighters. We'll have a real army."

Mason frowned. "But if he's already against the UNO, why hasn't he joined any of the major factions?"

"Because he doesn't trust anyone," Ray said. "He thinks the other factions are just playing politics. He's holding out, waiting for the right opportunity."

I leaned back. This could change everything.

If we secured a leader like Carter, we wouldn't just be uniting small groups. We'd be positioning ourselves for real resistance.

But it was a gamble. A big one.

I looked around at my team. "Then we reach out."

Ray nodded. "I'll make contact."

I met his gaze. "Be careful. If the UNO is watching anyone, it's him."

Ray smirked. "When am I ever not careful?"

I shook my head. We were playing with fire now.

But there was no turning back.

The war for survival had truly begun.

---

Author's Thoughts:

James and his group are making bold moves, and the UNO is starting to notice! With smaller groups joining them, things are heating up fast. But will General Carter be an ally—or another problem? Let me know your thoughts!