Now he was getting nods of agreement.  “In light of this, I think we have to push ourselves harder than we have been.  I’m talking boot camp combined with midterm cram sessions combined with trade school.  All at once.  We need to build our bodies and our skills. We need to craft, or buy, better weapons and armor.  We need to get ready for whatever nasty surprise they send us next.  And the one after that.  And when our year is up and the stabilization is over, we need to be strong enough to go find those dicks and get some payback!”

He slammed his fists on the table and looked around.  He didn’t get the rousing cheers of agreement he hoped for, probably because his Charisma only had one point.  But most were nodding their heads and slapping the table.  Nancy was giving him a dirty look, her hands over Chloe’s ears.  Chloe was giggling.

Attribute level increase! Your Charisma attribute has increased by +1

Allistor waved away the notice.  “I’m sorry, Nancy.  I’ll try to watch my language.  But I’m afraid in this new world, Chloe’s childhood is going to be much shorter than any of us would like.”   Lilly put an arm around Nancy’s shoulder, giving a quick squeeze for support.

Then she spoke up.  “In case you folks who were outside didn’t notice, we have electricity!  And the crafting hall.” She pointed to the new building.   “Both will go a long way toward helping us grow.”

Meg chimed in, “Then let’s get outside and start rounding up useful items.  Appliances, medical equipment, tools.  We’ve got lots of space down here.  Let’s grab what we can while we can!”

Allistor held up a hand.  “I was thinking about just that this morning.  I want to go to the car lot and find the keys for the two trucks and the Mustang that are still intact.  We’ll bring them back here.  I’m going to sell the Mustang on the open market.  From the research I’ve done, it should bring us a butt- … err, a great big pile of money.” He winked at Chloe.

“We can hook one of the trucks up to the trailer and use both trucks to gather what we can use.  A group of us will go out together.  There is strength in numbers.”

He looked at Michael and Ramon.  “From the snoring that was happening in the infirmary earlier, you two need some sleep.  There are several unclaimed sleeping quarters.” He paused as they all thought about the three friends they just lost.  “You two grab a place and get some sleep.  You’ve got the rest of the day off.”

Michael nodded.  “Thanks.  But… I have to ask.  Who put you in charge?”

Allistor opened his mouth, then shut it again.  “You are absolutely right.  Nobody did.  And maybe one of you is better qualified.  The system chose me to establish this Stronghold, but we’re not really sure why.  So if one of you thinks you’d rather lead…” He opened his arms in a gesture that encompassed the entire table.