Chapter 43: A Simple Favour
Upon hearing Mark's request, David Dolan thought for a few seconds before replying,
"I'll think about it. But damn… if it's a yes, I'll have to rearrange the proceedings for the plan from scratch and also change a few things..."
Mark nodded, "I know it's hard but please I need your help. It'll be safe. I can assure you."
…
The 30-minute break had elapsed and everyone was called back to hear the briefing.
David Dolan clapped his hands together and said, "Ok. We have about 5 hours before the 2nd phase begins, so every preparation must be done before our time runs out. Therefore, we'll postpone the relocation to the empty apartment block until after the 2nd phase has started…
"We don't want to be caught unawares since we don't know what it'll be about."
Claudia raised her hand and asked, "If we're moving into another apartment, then what was the point of leaving our old one?"
The crowd murmured in accord with her question. Everyone had been thinking the same thing ever since David Dolan told them his plan. If they were just going to live in a new apartment in the same city, then why did they have to leave their old one in the first place?
David Dolan harrumphed and said, "No mistaking you all say the dead bodies littered everywhere, right? I'd even argue some were acquaintances to some of you. What if I told you we were just the lucky ones?
"We left through the garage, not the front door. If you saw what I saw on the first floor I doubt you'll ever have an appetite.
"Way before that, after that plane crashed, I saw something... inhuman coming out from the cockpit. People that lived in apartments facing the park most likely saw it too unless they weren't curious about the plane that crashed just a mile away…
"Most of you that either saw the new OS or the holographic screen in the sky know that individuals were offered 10 rings for each person they murdered…
"Now piece everything together. I know everyone's smart enough."
The residents that followed David Dolan since the beginning and the new members were equally terrified upon realization of how horrific it would've all been. If they stayed in Cranberry street it would've just been a matter of time before it was their turn.
Once again, they were reminded of how David Dolan was always thinking ahead and looking out for their safety. They couldn't feel any more grateful to him.
Mark looked down. He didn't have the guts to look anyone in the eye.
Is… Is that pilot like me? Wouldn't he be even stronger? He crashed a f*ckin' plane! How many people... died? I swear if I find him– No. It's not like I'm any different. I won't claim innocence, but I'm sure taking him to hell with me…
David Dolan continued, "We'll divide ourselves into three groups. People that'll take care of the kids – the caretakers, people that'll offer medical help – the medical team, and our very own armed forces – the defence team…
"The defence team's primary goal is to protect the base. Now for the special operation of eradicating the surrounding demons, we'll have a special team…
"This special team will be formed from individuals from the medical team and the defence team. We'll just call it the 'eradication team'...
"Members of this team will be grouped in pairs of two, each placing their lives in each other's hands. This is a very risky task we have on our hands because even a bite will have you infected, and to be realistic, not having casualties is most likely impossible…
"If you're not brave enough, please don't hesitate to speak up. No one will judge you. No one would want to place their life on such a person."
Someone raised their hand and asked, "Mr Dolan, where do you fall in among all these?"
"I'm glad you brought that up, because actually… I'm not participating in this operation."
The crowd felt their heart plummet and they almost went wild. Was he just leading them to their deaths?
"Heh, everyone calmdown. To ensure our survival we have to be at least two steps ahead of the enemies…
"I and my good friend here, Officer Jordan, are going to a refugee camp he was told is in dire need of help. Don't worry about my absence because the Director of NYC Central Health and Nobel-prize-rejecting neurosurgeon, Damian Cross, will lead the eradication team…
"Heck, I'd argue he's better than me in leadership and coordination. Moving forward, we'll have Ma'am Rose head the medical team, I for the defence and Miranda for the caretakers. I advise each head to get an assistant. Now, let's share ourselves… again."
On the other hand, Damian wasn't having it. He didn't want anyone's life to be in his hands. It was a burden he wasn't willing to bear.
As the sharing began, he went over to David Dolan and asked fiercely in a hushed tone,
"What sort of thing are you trying to pull? Have you forgotten already? Heh, Do you really think I won't do the same for these people I don't even know?"
David Dolan smiled and said, "Don't worry, I know damn well you only look out for yourself, so how 'bout you just go and capture those demons you need for your 'tests' yourself, huh?"
David Dolan continued, "It's a fair trade, isn't it? You get the manpower to capture some of those creatures alive for your 'tests', and I (we) get to survive because there'll be no demons around anymore. It's a win-win…
"Undeniably, I will NEVER forget and will definitely get my revenge, but I place the lives of everyone here above that…
"Set your team how you like it, eradicate the surrounding demons, capture your lab monkeys and make sure EVERYONE survives…
"I and your friend will go rescue some people and also check your hospital out while we're at it. You're welcome."
He tapped Damian's shoulder and walked into the crowd. Damian stood there, feeling pissed, but he didn't let it show.
They didn't know, but Mark was eavesdropping. Despite Damian's low tone, Mark could still hear everything crystal clear because all his senses had been kicked up a notch.
…
Adding the new members, the group now had 68 members in total, including Damian, Mark and Arthur.
There were 27 men in total, 28 women, and 13 children.
Half the women joined the caretakers, while the rest joined the medical team.
David Dolan stated that men weren't allowed to be caretakers. Therefore, over half the men joined the defence, while only a few voluntarily joined the eradication team.
The eradication team had only 12 members, excluding Damian. There were 10 men and 2 women, of which were from the medical team.
David Dolan stood beside Damian with the members of the eradication team in front of them.
"If you don't have experience in using firearms please move to the left, and if you do please move to the right." David Dolan instructed.
Excluding the women from the medical team, 6 men moved to the left; which included Julian. While only 4 men moved to the right.
Among the 4 men that moved to the right, there stood the possessed watchman.
-- Gift
received