“Helen and I are exploring the area, with plans to establish our claim over as much territory as possible before our one-year Stabilization period is over.  Because when it is, the aliens from all the other worlds in this Collective will descend upon us.  So far, they’ve treated us like less than nothing.  Vermin to be exterminated from this world so they can make it their own.  If we’re weak and without resources when they arrive, my guess is we’ll be little more than slaves to them.  Or maybe just another food supply like cattle.  I can claim half of the US in a year, driving from place to place.  But I could never hold it.  The only way I see us being strong enough to stand up for ourselves is if we work together.”

Again he paused to watch them take that in.  When he saw most of the heads nodding along, he continued.

“This morning Helen and I established a Stronghold here in Cheyenne.  The entire Frontier Mall is now a walled fortress.  There’s power, water, and living space for a hundred or more people.  I am here today to extend to all of you an invitation to join me.  To offer you a safe place to live, protection from the aliens – both the monsters that are here already, and the ones to come when our year is up – and the benefit of whatever knowledge and resources we accumulate as a group.  Now, this does require an oath of loyalty to me.  In order to remain among us, you’ll have to follow our rules and laws, which right now are the same as they’ve always been here.  Don’t kill people except in self-defense, don’t steal, you know the drill.”

He stopped when Dean made a shooting motion at him with one hand.  He was being told to talk about Twitch and friends.  Allistor had given Dean a brief report when they arrived.

“I have come to trust Dean and Annie in the short time I’ve known them.  And by extension, all of you.  You would be welcome additions to our community.  But not everyone will be.  Earlier today we went to visit another group over in the warehouse district.  They turned out to be thieves who tried to kill us when I refused to hand over my truck.  Helen and I were forced to kill them.  I’m sure all of you heard the gunfire.”  He looked at them one by one to gauge their reactions.