Read A New World 10 - Storm for Free Online

you decide.”
    “Then let’s talk trust factor. How well do you know these soldiers? What will they do?” I ask.
    “I can’t speak for everyone, but I trust the remaining squad leaders, and I know that the men and women will follow their lead,” he replies.
    “Very well, Sergeant. Thank you. If you’ll wait for us by your men, I’d like a word with Sergeant Connell.”
    Watching him walk away, I feel my exhaustion creeping back.
    “Well, what do you think?” I ask Lynn once we’re alone.
    “I believe he’s telling the truth. I don’t think they knew what was going on here,” she answers.
    "How far do you think we can trust them?”
    “That’s a different story. They’re soldiers and more than likely stunned beyond belief. However, we did just engage them, and killed or wounded friends of theirs. And don’t forget we wiped out a whole company from the air. While they may understand, they’re still going to be upset and some may carry residual resentment. Now, that may be directed at those who ran this place. But, as they won’t be able to focus that toward them, some of it could come back to us. I don’t know.”
    “That’s my feeling as well. We just don’t know. It sure would be a boon to us if we could incorporate them into our group, but I’m not sure we can take the chance. We’re hanging on by our fingernails as it is and we don’t need any distractions that could arise from it. I’m thinking we keep Montore and those he definitely trusts with us. That’s a risk, but we could use some help. We contact the others who are holding out and disperse the troops among them. Not enough at any given place to overcome them, but enough to help,” I say.
    “I think that’s the best solution, and it feels right. These were just soldiers doing their job,” she states.
    I turn sharply toward her.
    “Now, before you go getting your panties in a bunch, you know there’s a difference between being complicit in an operation, knowing the facts, and being misled into something,” she forestalls.
    “You’re right. I’m sorry. I just hate hearing that used as an excuse.”
    “I know, Jack. I know.”
    I wave Montore back to us.
    “Here’s the problem I’m having, sergeant. If we were to fold you into our group, you’d outnumber us. Although I hate to say it, I have to maintain the integrity of our group,” I state.
    “I understand,” he responds, but I can see the tension build around his eyes.
    I outline the current state of affairs as we know them, including the rules we maintain and would expect them to abide by.
    “We’ll be incorporating some of you into our group. Sergeant Connell here is the First Sergeant and you will report to her. Any sign of trouble will have dire consequences, until trust can be established on both sides,” I brief.
    As close as we are to the brink of extinction, and need every survivor, we can’t afford trouble.
    Continuing, I state, “There are other groups of survivors scattered across the western part of what used to be the United States. We’ve been in contact with some of them and we’re contemplating dispersing some of your men to those camps, provided the camp leaders agree to take you. We’ll be in continual contact with them and the same rules apply. Everyone has to agree to these stipulations.”
    “I don’t think you’ll have any problems with that, sir. Or with any of us.”
    “We’re not going to arm you until we see to the disbursement, and in your case, not until we return to the compound. Until then, we’ll keep you together and under guard. It’s not anything personal.”
    “I understand, sir. What about the civilians?”
    “We’ll decide what to do with them when we decide what to do with the facility. For now, they will stay with you.”
    Montore nods his understanding.
    “Okay, brief your men and see to your injuries. We have a couple of medics who can help,” I say.
    With that, Montore heads back to the gathered soldiers to