After an hour or so, Allistor pulled Dean, Andrea, and Helen aside, leading them into one of the unused storefronts and shutting the door behind them.  Fuzzy sat outside, guarding the door.  Which meant he plopped down on his belly and idly chewed gently on the Fibble doll.

“I wanted to speak to you about leadership.” Allistor got straight to business.  He was anxious to get back to the Warren, but he wanted to make sure things were stable here before he left.  “As far as I’m concerned, you three are among my most trusted.  Any one of you would make good leaders for our people.  So my first question for each of you is: Are you willing to take on that responsibility?”

Dean was first to ask.  “What kind of responsibility are we talking about, here?”

“Well, I’m about to turn this place into a Citadel.  Which means it’ll hopefully have a decent population of survivors, eventually.  We can set up a democratic system of government, with some kind of town council or something for each Stronghold or Citadel.  They can handle things like planning decisions, whether or not to charge yourselves taxes and how to spend them, assignment of available shops, that kind of thing.  But there needs to be one person who has the final word.  The person who says whether new survivors found out there are a good fit, and if they get to stay or have to go.  Who is the ultimate authority in disputes?  And who makes sure everyone is doing their part to grow and strengthen the community.”

“So, like a Mayor,” Helen suggested.

“Or a Commander,” Andrea added with a grin.

“Right.  We’ll figure out the title if the System doesn’t already have one.  And down the road, maybe it can be an elected position.   For now, the choice will be mine.”

“I’m in.” Andrea didn’t hesitate.  “And I suggest the title be Lord Commander.  Or Chancellor.  Or… Boss!”

Dean chuckled.  “I’m up for the challenge.  Though I’m no commander.  I was a grunt, and that’s all I’ll ever be.”

Helen shook her head.  “I’m good with taking a leadership position.  I’ll help in whatever way I’m asked.  But for now, I think I’m best suited to go with you on your little road trips.  You need someone to watch your back other than Fuzzy.  Maybe when we’re done expanding I’ll sit my ass down and become a mayor or whatever.”

Allistor nodded.  “Great!  And thank you for being willing to step up.  Now, we have two facilities here.  And two pretty distinct groups.  One being military, trained to accept orders from a superior officer.  Which just happens to be Andrea.  So what do you guys think of Andrea becoming officially Lady Commander of the Silo?  A sort of captain of the city guard with a separate fortress that happens to be filled with nuclear missiles? It would be a subordinate position to you, Dean, as Chancellor of the Mall Citadel?  And both of you would remain subordinate to me, of course.”