The Meeting

"I keep thinking about it even now, and the answer is always the same."

A massive confrontation between organizations in a world like the one they lived in, where there are more than 100,000 survivors on both sides, would have significant consequences for both the involved groups and the post-apocalyptic world in general.

"First and foremost, there would be a massive loss of life."

In such a large confrontation, a massive loss of life would be inevitable. Intense fighting, the use of weapons, and the presence of walkers would increase the death toll on both sides. Even survivors not directly involved in the fight could fall victim to collateral damage.

Losing loved ones, parents, or children would be very common in a state of war. Of course, a war a war today with millions of walkers in every city could be fatal.

"But something more important than that would be the food shortage."

With such a large number of survivors involved in the confrontation, essential resources like food, water, medicine, and shelter would become even scarcer. Organizations would have to fight not only against their enemies but also for the necessary resources to survive, which would increase desperation and competition among the groups.

In turn, the massive conflict could cause groups to be displaced from their settlements or have to abandon their homes to seek safety in other areas. This could lead to a forced migration of thousands of survivors, further exacerbating the resource scarcity and potentially causing conflicts with other groups already established in those areas.

Jacob was prepared for this. Over the past few months, he has been recovering large fishing vessels, abandoned combat ships on the coasts, nuclear submarines, and abandoned ships that were slowly being maintained for future use.

With great effort, they had taken over an aircraft carrier that was very far from the Florida coast.

As the post-apocalyptic world stabilized, Dominic's organization began to establish its dominance in strategic areas, including the naval fleet that could still be recovered. To secure and maintain these vital resources, a gradual plan was implemented to take control of the fleet and send soldiers and resources for maintenance. This process was carried out as follows:

First, there was the identification of recoverable ships. The Unification established reconnaissance and exploration teams to identify ships that were still operational. These teams scouted ports and coastal areas in search of vessels that could be recovered and put back into operation.

Once recoverable ships were identified, secure naval bases were recovered near the ports or areas where the ships were located. These bases served as operational points from which the recovery and maintenance of the fleet would be coordinated.

The Unification deployed trained soldiers specializing in naval operations to secure the recovered ships. These soldiers were experts in handling vessels, naval maintenance, and sea security. Their primary mission was to ensure the integrity of the ships and protect them from both internal and external threats.

Once the naval bases were secured and the soldiers deployed, the phase of recovery and repair of the ships began. Teams of engineers and naval technicians worked on rehabilitating damaged vessels, repairing critical systems, and ensuring they were seaworthy.

To keep the fleet operational, supply and resupply routes were established. The ships received provisions, fuel, and necessary equipment for continuous operation. Additionally, reinforcements and additional resources were coordinated on land through convoys protected by military forces.

As Dominic's force consolidated its control over the fleet, it began integrating it into its global strategy. The recovered ships were used for maritime exploration missions, securing supply routes, and, in the future, establishing communications with other communities or survivor groups.

In the future, the naval fleet would become a crucial tool to expand their influence and project their power in a post-apocalyptic world.

…

Stuart had been thinking that a large-scale confrontation could lead to the fragmentation of existing organizations. Internal differences, rivalries, and betrayals could arise as leaders and members took different stances and divided into smaller factions. This would further weaken the groups and make it more difficult to resist external threats.

"[Ten minutes to arrival, Commander!]"

"Understood. If you see anything that looks like a threat, don't forget to abort the mission," Dominic replied with a cold voice.

Dominic was aboard one of the three helicopters as he headed to a valuable meeting with Elizabeth, the current leader of the CRM. The tension in the air was palpable, as this meeting would determine whether peace would prevail or war would break out between the two organizations. Dominic knew that the fate of his people depended on the outcome of this negotiation.

As they flew through a desolate landscape, Dominic mentally reviewed his strategy. He was determined to find a peaceful solution but was also aware that Elizabeth and the CRM represented a potential challenge to the expansion of his own organization. The balance between compromise and firmness would be crucial to reaching a favorable resolution.

Finally, the helicopters landed in a remote, well-protected location where the meeting would take place. Stuart and his team disembarked cautiously and met a CRM delegation waiting for them. Elizabeth stood out at the center of the group, emanating a powerful and mysterious presence.

From Stuart's group, there was a robust person on his right side carrying a large wheeled suitcase, unarmed as it wasn't necessary. To Dominic's left was Alicia Clark, his partner, carrying a slightly smaller suitcase.

The rest of Dominic's escort split into two parts, with the first staying near the helicopters with rifles in hand, while the second approached Jacob, watching those soldiers covered head to toe just like them.

"Dominic, you can't imagine how long I've been envisioning this meeting." Elizabeth's voice was the first to be heard, breaking the cold silence.

"Elizabeth, certain people have spoken a lot about you. I've also been looking forward to talking with you." Dominic could see Okafor in Elizabeth's group, who was also surprised to see him.