For the next ten minutes, Allistor worked with Thorne and another cook to prepare lunch.  They had fresh baked-from-scratch bread, canned vegetables, and snake steak for everyone.  Between his short time assisting Dean and his shift at the grill here in the Silo, his cooking skill was now up to level 5.

Allistor spoke to the gathered troops as they consumed their first reasonably fresh food in weeks.  The discussion went faster as several of them were gamers who followed along easily.  He decided to rely on them to explain the fine details to their comrades.  Some of them had assigned attribute points already, others seemed to be waiting for guidance.  And a few had developed skills, most around their day-to-day duties.  Unlike folks above ground, these men and women had continued doing their day jobs.  Security patrols, maintenance, system monitoring.  Eventually, he got to the bit about claiming the base complex.

“So we need to clear out all the mobs down there.  I’ll take the lead, but I could use a few of you as backup. Most of you haven’t had much of an opportunity to level up.  From what I’m told there are a hundred or more mobs down there.  Those who join me will gain a good bit of xp.  Of course, you’ll also be risking your lives.”

An airman named Durham spoke up.   “Tell us again why you’re the new boss?  You’re not an officer.  Not even military.  You’re just some gamer kid with a bear following you around.”

Andrea snapped at him.  “He’s the boss because I say so!  And the bear is not only cute, but he’s also a higher level than you. So sit your ass down and shut your trap, Durham!”

Allistor held up a hand. “It’s okay, Sarge.” He turned so the others couldn’t see and winked at her.  “I’d ask the same question if I were him.”  He turned and addressed the airman.  He was tall and thin with beady eyes and a permanent scowl on his face.