“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.”

The two looked at each other, neither wanting to speak first.  Finally, Andrea grinned at Dean.  “I was already willing to follow Dean.  He’s been taking good care of us since we gathered together.  I have faith in him.  Sounds good to me.”

Dean nodded, returning her smile. “I’d depend heavily on you to help me make decisions.  And I wouldn’t want our people to think of themselves as separate groups.  Your people should mix and mingle here at the Mall.   And maybe some of my group can go there to train, or help with repairs, do some farming inside the walls, that kind of thing?”

Andrea held out her hand.  “Agreed, sir Chancellor!”  Dean took the hand and they shook.

“Right!  Perfect.  Now, I’ve authorized all three of you for access to almost every door in both places.  As well as the two outposts between here and the Warren.  I’ve also authorized you to add others to the list at your discretion.  You can control who has access to what areas.   The only exceptions are my quarters here in the Mall, and at the gun shop Outpost.   And once Andrea explains to me where the big explodey stuff is inside the Silo, that area will be restricted to just the four of us, maybe a few others.”

They all made agreeable sounds.