Suggestions and Requests

A/N: Had some technical issues with my computer over the past few days but they are solved now, so here is the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it and also, be aware that by popular demand, I will be making newly updated character profile chapters after this arc is finished in a few chapters so that you all have an easier time refreshing your memory of who is who amongst the growing cast. But for now, there is the older one I did at the beginning of the arc with informative entries on the background of the original residents of the building. Feel free to check them out if you are curious or want some reminders now that we have been covering scene with them a bit more recently than with the newer recruits. Here is the link: https://chyoa.com/chapter/Information-on-the-Cast%3A-The-Original-Residents-%28Forcy%27s-Branch%29.1403209

Anyway, I hope you like this and if so, please remember to review.

The venison was tender, rich with herbs scavenged from long-abandoned balcony gardens. You savored each bite, the warmth spreading through you as you watched your claimed group eat with quiet contentment. Conversation flowed softly, punctuated by the clink of utensils.

Sophia sat close beside you on the low wall overlooking the murky pool, her shoulder warm against your arm. She picked at her food, dark eyes scanning the room as she saw everything from Melissa Carter laughing softly at something Jade said, to Aanya Patel demonstrating a bandaging technique to Gabriella using a napkin, to her younger sister Anjali being deep in discussion with Alyssa Carter about survival tactics that Alyssa in her profession as a tour guide versus what she herself learned in the process that earned her her Girl Scout's merit badges on that category. It felt improbably normal, yet charged with the constant awareness of the world outside their walls.

Fifteen minutes bled away in this fragile bubble of shared comfort. The initial ravenous hunger subsided, replaced by slower bites and low, careful murmurs. Eventually, though, you set your fork down with a quiet scrape. You stood, the movement deliberate, drawing every eye in the room like a magnet.

"Alright," you began, your voice cutting through the subdued chatter without being loud. "This is good. Seriously good. And you all pulled it together fast, so that's even better." You added before letting your gaze sweep over them, acknowledging the effort in their faces. "While we’ve got this moment, before the rest arrive and I give the proper rundown…let’s talk shop. Your shop."

You leaned back slightly against the gritty concrete wall. "Open floor. Questions for me? Things you’ve noticed? Anything you’d want to be doing, based on what you’re good at, or what you think we need? Or just stuff you’d rather not be doing, if something else fits better."

You gestured loosely. "Think about the group, sure, but think about yourselves too. Sustainable contributions matter."

A heavy silence descended, thicker than before. The only sounds were the faint hum of the LED lights overhead and the far-off, dissonant sound of a speeding car that may or may not be in a rush to escape a horde, now that you thought about it. Eyes darted down to half-finished plates or nervously around the room. Jonathan Carter shifted his broad shoulders, looking at his father. Melissa gripped her husband's arm subtly beneath the table.

Jeremy then cleared his throat, the sound rough in the stillness. He met your gaze, a flicker of uncertainty in his green eyes before they settled into determination. "Michael. Uh, Boss...Chief?...Okay then." He straightened in his chair. "Today, with Jonathan…helping Sergeant Zhang clear that supermarket and its pharmacy? Getting those meds? Felt…solid. Useful. And I am proud of what we were able to grab for the group."

He paused, his fingers tapping restlessly on the table edge. "But…" He glanced down at his own frame, strong but undeniably softened by years of desk work. "Honestly? Sprinting through alleys, dodging teeth? Not sure my mid-forties knees and lungs are built for that, at least not as my daily routine. Those supply runs? They are essential and high reward, yes. But also high risk. Maybe…maybe it's not the best long-term way for me to contribute."

You watched him intently, giving no sign of agreement or disapproval, simply gesturing at him to keep going. So, Jeremy took a breath, plunging ahead. "What I did notice today, back here? Sergeant Foreman's administrative talents. She’s…very organized. Like, scary efficient. Inventory, rationing, assigning tasks...she had the whole building humming while the action was outside. But she’s also one of our best fighters, right? She’ll be out there, leading or at least participating in potentially dangerous missions. And she will need her own downtime as well."

He leaned forward slightly, earnest now. "As you know, I used to manage a team at an accounting firm. Logistics, resource allocation, process streamlining…that’s more of my jam. Years of it. So, I’d like to…request…to be her assistant. Someone who can handle the nuts and bolts here and keep things running when she’s out kicking ass. Maybe even take on some of the administrative duties she’d have to do when she returns. I think it’s a good use of my skills, and it gives her more time in the field, which we know is crucial right now."

You nodded slowly, taking in the words of the Carter family patriarch. "That's a solid observation, Jeremy. And it makes sense. Foreman's one of our best fighters and organizers. Having someone like you to help manage the day-to-day logistics would free her up to focus on the bigger picture, both in terms of missions and long-term planning. Plus, it would give you a critical role in our operations without exposing you to as much danger."

Jeremy nodded, relief evident on his face. "Exactly, Chief Michael. I can still contribute, but in a way that plays to my strengths."

"Very well then, request granted. Make sure to report all of this to Sergeant Foreman next time you see her."

"I will, Boss; you can count on me." He replied with a relieved smile as he exchanged glances with his equally relieved wife as Melissa held his hand.

Suddenly, the heavy stairwell door groaned open again, cutting through the low murmur of the feast. Sergeant Zhang and Sergeant Garcia stepped into the Social Area, their boots scraping on the worn tile. The rich scent of roasted venison and herbs must have immediately washed over them, given the hungry looks in their faces.

"Smells like a little slice of heaven," Garcia breathed, her shoulders visibly relaxing as he scanned the laden tables. Zhang nodded curtly, but her eyes softened as they landed on the steaming stew pot. "Looks damn good," She added, the tension of the perimeter sweep easing from her posture.

"Welcome back," you called out, gesturing towards the food. "Grab plates. Don't let it get cold."

They moved towards the serving area, Garcia already eyeing a thick slice of venison. "Looks incredible, Master," She murmured, filling his plate.

For her part, Zhang piled on roasted vegetables beside her meat. "Much appreciated," She said, the simple words heavy with genuine relief.

As they settled near the pool wall to eat, you noticed Surya Patel exchange a quick, meaningful glance with his eldest daughter, Divya. The carpenter wiped his mouth, cleared his throat deliberately, and stood. The room’s chatter dipped slightly. "Master Michael," Surya began, his voice carrying a quiet authority honed by decades of managing his own business. "There’s something I’ve been meaning to bring up. Especially now, with our numbers growing and defenses strengthening."

You leaned back against the chair, giving him your full attention. "Go on, Surya."

He gestured towards Zhang and Garcia, now eating steadily. "Tactics aren’t my strong suit, not like these fine soldiers. But we’ve barricaded the street entrance, secured supplies, and worked harder to consolidate our position here." He paused, his brow furrowed with the memory. "But...that other building. The Vista Nova Tower. Directly across the street, seventy feet away or so. You remember the third day of this madness? Horrific panic. People fled the building, and many didn’t come back. But as you recall, some did, but only after they got bitten and ended up turning inside. We barricaded the lobby doors, locked them in." He explained to the newcomer soldiers, a grimace flickered across his face as he did so. "A small horde, trapped. Still there."

Divya nodded beside him, her expression serious as she backed her father. "It’s a threat. Locked up, yes, but so close. A bomb waiting to go off if they ever break containment," She insisted. "But now? With more fighters, trained soldiers…" She gestured again at Zhang and Garcia. "We have the strength and the skill. My father and I have talked about it, and I believe we should clear it while we have the chance. Eliminate that threat on our terms and then secure the building."

Surya nodded, and then his voice gained more conviction. "Besides, the resources abandoned inside? If we are lucky we might be able to gather a lot of furniture, tools, still useful electronic equipment like refrigerators and washing machines, maybe more food, and medicine. The works. And the space itself…if we secure Vista Nova, it doubles our living area. Room for more survivors. Essential for our group’s future."

Silence settled, thick with the weight of his proposal as the images flashed in your mind: that chaotic third day, screams echoing from Vista Nova, the frantic hammering as your own building’s residents sealed the lobby doors against the rising tide of infected within. A necessary, but brutal act of containment. Now, it was a festering wound next door. The logic was undeniable, cold, and pragmatic. You winced internally at the memory but nodded slowly. "It’s a valid point, Surya. And a serious one."

You turned your gaze to the soldiers. "Zhang? Garcia? Your assessment?"

They exchanged a brief, professional glance, and their chewing stopped. Zhang swallowed first. "He’s right, Commander. A contained horde that close? High risk. They’ll weaken the structure eventually and find a way out. Better if we control the engagement." Garcia nodded, wiping gravy from her chin. "Agreed. We should eliminate the threat on our terms. Scavenge the building. Secure the assets. It's a smart move."

That sealed it. Their professional confirmation cut through any lingering hesitation.

"Alright," you stated, decisiveness hardening your voice. You looked back at Surya Patel. "Thank you. That’s an excellent observation and a necessary plan." You swept your gaze around the room, catching the eyes of the Carters, the Patels, Jade Jones, and the Sanchez sisters. "We’ll have a meeting tomorrow. We’ll organize our strongest and fastest into a combined militia unit. Then, when we are ready, we will do a systematic sweep. Floor by floor. Eliminate the infected. Secure any resources. Claim Vista Nova."

Relief washed over Surya’s face, followed by a pleased smile. Beside him, Divya’s expression brightened, a genuine warmth replacing the earlier seriousness. And the rest of the Patel family, that being Parvati, Aanya, and Anjali, mirrored the relief, small smiles breaking out. "We’re glad we could help, Michael," Divya said, her voice smooth and sincere, her dark eyes meeting yours directly. "Truly glad."

And with that, no one seemed to have any additional comments or questions at the moment, so the feast continued as they waited for the rest to arrive.