The World's Collapse

On the way, Dominic glanced at all the roads and, knowing that these were all normal, didn't pay attention to the ones that were different. While there could have been, that would be more common in the place where the virus originated.

When they arrived at the base, Sergeant Castro took charge of gathering all the soldiers from outside, while Dominic entered with Daniel inside.

"Do you have control over this?" Daniel looked at Dominic as they descended to the lowest level, where the patients were located.

Dominic looked at Daniel, knowing what worried him. "My team is on the way; even if these men betray me, I won't have major problems getting us out of this place alive."

This was one of Dominic's assurances regarding the problems of betrayal that could easily happen at any time.

"Caution, as I thought." Daniel thought to himself as he looked around.

He hadn't seen his wife in these last few days, but by Dominic's words, she was fine. Fortunately, she received medical attention in time and is alive, unlike in the original story.

Dominic knew that woman had died, but this time things had changed. He wasn't a hero, but he did things right if the benefits outweighed the sacrifices.

Looking around, large numbers of people couldn't be seen. This changed things a bit for Dominic's upcoming plans to increase his influence.

As for the deaths that would occur by then, Dominic hoped they wouldn't be more than expected.

"Zz... We've started with the control of the outer areas; all the soldiers to whom it was promised to retrieve their families if they are okay will join us."

Daniel, who heard this, murmured, "That's a problem."

"I was just bothered about those people's families because taking this base could have been more complicated than expected, but I suppose if the missions are dangerous, I'll give up on them." Dominic expressed his little interest in committing without having the obligation to do so.

"What is this?" Daniel looked at all the people in cages and couldn't help but exclaim with surprise.

When they exited the elevator, Dominic pointed to the back of the place and said, "You'll find a secluded place where the first priority people are held; your wife is there. Be quick because I'll need you later."

"Understood."

Once Daniel walked away, Dominic walked to where Victor was. About four days had passed since his arrival, so his state wasn't the same as when they spoke days ago.

"Are you ready to work?" Dominic asked a question as he looked at this highly intelligent and, more importantly, perspicacious man of color.

"I thought I would never see you again. What does someone like you need from me?"

"There are few things you can offer me, but your skills are indeed interesting. You have a special way of reading people, detecting problems, and making weak minds bow before you." Dominic took the keys, but not before looking at all the people around him.

Once Dominic finished speaking, Victor smiled subtly and nodded as if he understood what was being asked of him.

"Very well, it seems you're better informed about what's happening inside here than many others out there." Dominic handed the keys to Victor, expecting him to open the cages where the people were.

When Dominic gave him the keys, he walked toward the cages and shouted, "I'll release you right now with only one condition: you must obey orders given the consequences of losing control in this place."

Everyone stood up when they knew they were going to be released.

"I would recommend staying a few more moments in the cages until I make a plan to get you out of here by helicopter. The situation is much more complex than you think; the ones who have been keeping you locked up here are the higher-ups, but no more. Today, we've disobeyed orders and will make the decisions that suit us best."

Dominic extended his hands slightly and said, "If you trust me, I'll tell you everything that hasn't been told to you; you'll know where we're heading, and you'll have the opportunity to follow us or go your own way."

"Tell us in simple words, what's going on?"

Upon hearing that question, Dominic responded simply, "The world's collapse has begun. If you wait and trust me, you'll know everything in detail. Now, the command of this place has changed; my priority is your safety, and Mr. Victor will help me keep you all informed. But for now, for there to be trust, you'll be released, and I only ask you to trust me."

None of the people in the cages came out; many eyes waited because, at that moment, in the distance, a large group of armed soldiers approached.

"Sergeant Williams, what the hell are you doing?"

Dominic smiled a little and thought, "Right on time."