Marie and Candace arrived at the lab a little later. Upon entering, the first thing they noticed was the size of the place, divided into different areas with specific functions.
A dozen people were working on various tasks, while the elderly couple known by the Janners headed toward a secluded section. Noticing that enclosed space, Marie asked:
"Why is this area covered?"
Candace smiled at the question, looked at Marie, and explained:
"The infirmary is right behind that section. Although our medical skills aren't perfect, we can still treat some illnesses and heal wounds. There are professional doctors who support us, but when they're not at the clinic, we use that space to continue treatment. Thanks to that isolation, we avoid disrupting the lab's disinfection process."
Gregor Helmont nodded at the explanation, impressed by how well-organized the team was. He never imagined this shelter would be so prepared, let alone that he would reunite with his former students.
"Who is that man named Jason? He seems like a General, but his age doesn't match that rank. How did you meet him?" Marie asked, glancing at her husband.
Candace also looked at Edwin and replied:
"We ran into him when the outbreak began. He was slightly injured, but we didn't have time to take him to a hospital. We knew chaos was about to erupt, so we brought him home."
"He was a former soldier, very capable and with vision. Thanks to him, this base was created, and now he leads several shelters with the rank of General."
Edwin smiled, satisfied and proud of having trusted Jason from the start.
The elderly couple was surprised to hear the story of how the Janners had met him. Then Gregor Helmont commented:
"It's rare to see people like him these days. I heard he's planning to open more shelters and connect them to the established bases."
"That's crucial for the future. Come on, let me show you our equipment."
The four of them entered the lab. Upon seeing the Helmonts at the front, the researchers could hardly believe it. They all stopped what they were doing and rushed to greet them.
Gregor exchanged brief greetings with the team and immediately began discussing the progress on the vaccine. Upon learning that significant progress had already been made, he smiled in satisfaction and got to work with the experimental data. Marie joined in to support him.
Seeing their passion stirred admiration among everyone present.
"No wonder they're such renowned professors!" one of the technicians commented.
…
In a pipe factory, far from Atlanta
The group had just secured the trailer behind the modified RV and couldn't hide their excitement. Jon Seda looked at the trailer and exclaimed:
"Damn! We finally finished securing this thing."
The rest of the group inspected the exterior structure of the massive vehicle. Maggie and the others checked the details of the work done.
Soon after, they began loading bulky materials into the RV. They also transferred the supplies they had gathered during their stay at the site, and finally, everyone boarded the vehicle.
George, excited, took the wheel. He couldn't wait to start the engine and head for the exit.
During the conversation the night before, Jason had discovered that Gregor Helmont was a well-known researcher, even more specialized than Candace. Gregor mentioned that a friend of his had founded a shelter about 10 miles from Washington D.C.
They last spoke before Gregor was transferred to a military settlement. They couldn't travel directly to that shelter, but Jason noted the approximate location.
Remembering that place, Jason also asked for the name of the founder.
"Alexander Davidson," Gregor told him.
Jason was stunned. He knew that name well. The shelter Gregor was referring to was none other than Alexandria.
Although many people might not recognize the name Alexander, anyone who has followed this story knows what Alexandria represents. It's where Rick's group lived new experiences, found stability, and where Rick ultimately sacrificed himself to protect his people.
Jason, though he didn't show it at the time, was deeply moved to learn the exact location of the shelter. But he knew it still wasn't time to leave Atlanta.
Auron had a clear opinion: the first thing they needed to do was take control of the largest hospital in Georgia—Grady Memorial Hospital—and then deal with the situation at the terminal.
For many, that name brings back bad memories. Even Jason shuddered at the memory of Beth's death at the hands of a police officer.
Currently, the hospital is filled with tension. Police officers, civilians, and doctors coexist there. The civilians, "rescued" by the police, are forced to work to pay for the services they receive: food, medicine—everything has a price.
It's a system disguised as order, where the police have taken on the role of a dominant class, and the civilians live trapped in a lie built by those who were supposed to protect them.
Many have lost hope of escaping. Even when Rick came to rescue Beth, no one took the opportunity to flee—except for Noah, who managed to escape.
Dawn, the officer in charge, maintains tight control under the excuse of restoring humanity. But in that small hospital, she rules unchallenged.
Perhaps she once had good intentions, but there are some things that, once they happen, cannot be undone.
Jason looked at George, who was waiting for his orders, and said with determination:
"Take us to Grady Memorial Hospital!"
"Understood, boss!" George responded without hesitation.