My 100th Rebirth a day before the Apocalypse - Chapter 243

Chapter 243: Chapter 243 The Plan Progressing Smoothly
Loud gasps filled the air at Kisha’s announcement. Some viewed her as arrogant, dismissing her as just another Coltons’, hungry for power, and would use deception to mislead people, and believed that her gender did not necessarily mean she would lead with kindness. Others speculated that she had used her body to secure the position or that her lover had helped her seize it. Many began to make their own conjectures since Kisha had not detailed how she came to power. However, she paid little heed to these rumors, knowing that explanations would fall on deaf ears. Instead, she preferred to let her actions demonstrate her competence and leadership.

Aston, the most familiar figure among them, shouted, “Silence!” His voice was loud and commanding, cutting through the murmurs like a thunderclap. The crowd, knowing Aston better than Kisha and her team, took his command more seriously. While they didn’t necessarily dismiss Kisha, they gave Aston’s presence and authority more weight.

Once the crowd had quieted, Kisha resumed speaking. “First, I want to make it clear that my team and I will be taking on leadership roles in the base. As a community, we must adhere to certain rules—not to control any of you, but to maintain order and uphold the societal norms we had before the apocalypse. The specifics will be outlined later by our newly appointed Minister of Base Laws and Judiciary, Darius Winters, the Patriarch of the Winters family from City A.”

The mention of the Patriarch of the Winters family brought a moment of stunned silence, followed by enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Since the Winters family had arrived at the shelter in City B almost simultaneously with many other survivors and had communicated with them before, the crowd began to recognize the people on stage as the Winters, and since the Winters had removed their disguises before coming, they are now easier to distinguished, they just didn’t pay much attention, earlier because their attention was all on Kisha. When the people realized that the Winters had survived outside, returned, and fought back against the Coltons, a wave of relief and renewed faith in Kisha’s team swept over the majority of the crowd.

The crowd’s attention grew more focused and earnest. Kisha seized the moment, continuing, “We have also appointed a new Minister of Defense: Commander Aston McMillan. Many of you are already familiar with his reputation, so I need not elaborate further. Let’s move on to the next leader and their role.”

As Kisha spoke, the crowd’s enthusiasm grew. Each announcement seemed to bring good news, reinforcing their belief that this truly marked a new beginning.

“Next, we have appointed Mrs. Olivia Winters as the Minister of Women’s Care. She will oversee the welfare of women, children, and the elderly, and work to create job opportunities for these groups, ensuring that no one has to suffer from hunger due to their age or perceived usefulness.”

The announcement prompted a thunderous cheer from the crowd, but the applause was quickly subdued to prevent attracting any zombies with the noise. As the square fell into a respectful silence, Kisha continued her speech. The crowd, now united in anticipation and excitement, listened intently, their previous doubts and speculations set aside.

“We will also be establishing a City Patrol to maintain order and prevent crime, ensuring everyone can live within the base with peace of mind. Additionally, we will enhance our wall defenses with a new Wall Patrol, which will also handle perimeter security. An Advance Party will be dispatched to search for more supplies. The individuals standing behind me—Sparrow, Vulture, and Bald Eagle—will serve as the captains of these teams. You’ll witness their effectiveness firsthand as they carry out their duties.”

Kisha then gestured towards Sparrow, Vulture, and Bald Eagle, who stood confidently behind her.

“And of course, I saved the best news for last,” Kisha said with a smirk, the first time she had shown such expression, which only heightened everyone’s anticipation and drew them closer to her.

“We are appointing Mr. Dante Winters as the Minister of Revenue. But before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. The role of the Minister of Revenue isn’t just about collecting money from you. We’re creating jobs throughout the shelter so everyone can earn and purchase food supplies, medicine, water, and other necessities at the Supply Center we’re establishing. You will earn ‘Work Points’ for your efforts, which will be used for transactions. Additionally, we will introduce a new currency system, details of which Mr. Winters will unveil in due course. Stay tuned for that, as it will be important.”

As Kisha concluded her speech, the crowd erupted into loud applause and cheers, their excitement palpable. It took a considerable effort to calm them down, such was their happiness and enthusiasm.

Some people even broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the sight of hope after such a long struggle. They were profoundly grateful to have held on through the hardships, witnessing and experiencing a significant change that promised to secure their survival.

Before concluding her speech, Kisha introduced Duke as the Vice City Lord and Tristan as the Secretary. This announcement was met with enthusiastic approval. As Kisha and her team prepared to leave the stage, the crowd erupted in chants of “Long Live HOPE Base” and “Long Live the City Lord.” The people followed Kisha and her team to the temporary Supply Center, while soldiers maintained order to prevent any stampede. The crowd exhibited remarkable patience, forming orderly lines to ensure the supplies were distributed fairly according to the established system.

Everyone was astonished by the vast amount of supplies the base was distributing, realizing that such a generous allocation might not actually be sustainable. This gesture motivated them to work harder and meet the City Lord’s expectations, determined not to become a burden. This was precisely what Kisha intended—to inspire a strong sense of responsibility and commitment among the people.

Before Kisha and the others emerged from their territory space, they had already portioned some of the meat and fish. This allowed the soldiers to start distributing a portion of each item per person almost immediately. Meanwhile, other soldiers continued cutting and portioning the remaining meat and other food supplies. The Scarlet Bees, working discreetly, helped maintain order. Anyone attempting to cut the line or deceive the soldiers for extra portions would face consequences, as Sparrow and the team monitored the situation closely through the Scarlet Bees’ observations to intervene if necessary.

The soldiers and people, eager to keep things running smoothly, insisted that Kisha and her team take a break and not tire themselves out. As each person received their supplies, they approached Kisha and the others to express their heartfelt gratitude. The overwhelming show of appreciation, including deep bows and expressions of respect, overwhelmed Kisha and the others deeply. The gratitude was so profound that many, who had been at their breaking point, pledged their unwavering loyalty to Kisha, vowing to follow her to the end if necessary.

This level of conviction exceeded Kisha’s expectations. She had momentarily forgotten that offering a helping hand during one’s darkest times can forge deep, faithful devotion, especially when the help is given with genuine care and intent.