“You’re right.  I was just a college kid and a gamer when all this happened.  I didn’t ask to be in charge.  It just sort of worked out that way.  My town was flattened by a sixty-foot giant right off the bat.  My family was all killed in the first days.  I managed to survive, kill some of these things on my own, and save a few other survivors.  Then we grouped up and fought more of them, eventually killing the giant, as well as some other elite monsters.  The group I was with just sort of made me the leader because I knew what to do.   Then I built a Stronghold, helped liberate another one from murdering asshats, built a couple Outposts, and another Stronghold here at the mall.  But mainly, it is because I claimed a large quantity of land very quickly, and earned myself the title of Baron.  It’s like being named a general – it gives me certain powers and authority to do things you can’t do.”

Most of the men and women in the room were nodding their heads. But Durham’s sneer got a little nastier, and he shouted, “Why should we risk our lives so you can claim this place and play overlord over the rest of us?” His face was turning red.

“I’m not looking to be anyone’s overlord.  I didn’t want this responsibility.  But it’s mine now, and I’m determined to make all of us stronger.  To reclaim as much of Earth as we can for ourselves before our year is up.  So that we can have decent lives going forward.  I’m not ordering anyone down into the lower levels here.  Each of your lives is just as important to me as my own. There are so few of us left, every human life is precious.  I’ll be leading the way myself.  I’d appreciate volunteers to help, but I’ll go alone if I need to.”

“Screw that noise.  I’m not risking my life for you.  And none of my brothers and sisters here should either!” Durham was on his feet now.  He looked around the room for support but received only cold stares.

Bjurstrom stood up.  “You’ve always been a dick, Durham.  Sit down.”  Turning to Allistor, he saluted.  “I’m in, boss.  Er… Baron?”   The other three who had greeted them at the lift stood as well.

“Neither,” Allistor said.  “I’m just Allistor.  There may come a time in the future where we have to pay attention to bullshit like that, but for now, I’m just Allistor.  If I understand correctly, Andrea here is the highest rank among you?  So you can call her boss.”

More of the airmen stood up to volunteer in ones and twos.  Eventually, all but Durham were on their feet.  Seeing that he’d lost, he stood as well.  “Fine.  I’ll go too.”