Dawn looked back and saw that Merle and Bob had stepped out of the room right behind her. Their rifles were already aimed at her head.
But Dawn wasn't nervous, because she noticed that nearly all the officers who had been outside unloading the donated supplies were now in the hallway, aiming their weapons at Jason and his group.
Feeling a bit more secure, Dawn turned to Jason, who hadn't stopped moving, and warned, "Commander Jason, as a soldier—and in the interest of placing our trust in you and your people—stop right now."
Jason smiled, looked at Dawn, and then said, "I already told you. Look behind you."
"Please, are you joking right now? There's only three of you—"
"Everyone, drop your weapons right now!"
Before Dawn could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by Jon Seda's commanding voice. At that moment, the eyes of the officers behind Dawn shifted to the hallway, and as they looked, they saw people entering with weapons.
As they tried to count how many were coming down the corridor, the officers in front of Dawn moved aside, and the group entering was led by a long-haired man holding a crossbow.
Soon after, more and more people appeared—all heavily armed.
Though the individuals were different, there was something unmistakably similar about them: their gear. It was far too advanced. Most wore standard military equipment, almost identical to that used by Jason and his group.
There was no need to ask who these people were. Dawn understood instantly.
She cursed silently. She had definitely made a mistake. Then she asked the group of officers beside her, "Wasn't he just under arrest a moment ago? What the hell did you do?"
Daryl stepped forward and said, "No need to look for the rest of the cops—they're taking a break right now!"
"Well done, little brother!" Merle never missed a chance to praise his sibling, and his grin grew wider.
Dawn let out a sigh of relief. At least she was comforted by the fact that this military group didn't intend to kill them over their mistake. But knowing she couldn't resolve anything with these people, she immediately turned to Jason.
Understanding the situation, Dawn asked, "Sir, what happens now? Let me tell you, this situation is bad for both of us. Why did your people storm the hospital?"
Jason didn't respond right away. Instead, he looked down at Lacari, who lay unconscious on the ground. Then he stood up, set his gaze on Lamson nearby, walked over to Dawn, and cracked his knuckles.
Seeing that everyone had gone quiet, Jason smiled and said, "I'll tell you what happens next: you're all going to lower your weapons, and I'll let this disagreement slide. That way, none of you will have on your damn record that you pointed a gun at the general of the place you're about to be sent to."
Every word from Jason made the officers more and more afraid. They exchanged silent looks and began lowering their weapons. If the military was really arriving here, they had no choice but to support them. And if they resisted in a situation like this, they'd definitely be killed.
Once he saw the officers lower their guns, Bob stepped forward and collected them all. Jason, watching this, looked at Dawn and said, "You're not a bad person. I mean that. You've done a lot to keep this place safe. Let me take care of it from now on."
Dawn, hearing Jason's words, looked around. Seeing everyone else had surrendered, she slowly lowered her weapon and handed it to Bob. "I don't want to be the one who causes trouble. If your people are going to stay here, I hope you'll help everyone."
Though she was scared, Jason's earlier words had finally convinced her. The army was taking back the city of Atlanta. If the man calling himself a commander caused her problems, there'd be no place to run.
If she backed down now, at least she'd still be in control of her own safety. So, she looked at everyone and sighed.
"Merle, take all the cops into custody and have them ready to be evaluated by the team that's on its way," Jason said before turning toward his group.
"Right now, we're going to gather all the survivors in this hospital and explain what's going to happen next."
Understanding Jason's words, Daryl nodded and turned away with some of his group. Rather than waiting around while the officers were arrested, it was better to gather the survivors and explain the situation.
"That cop apparently tried to rape her. If any of you have committed crimes that serious, we don't need people like you in our community."
After saying that, Jason walked to where the survivors were gathering. With Shepherd's help, everyone quickly came together.
"What's going on?"
"Who are these people?"
"Are they military?"
Jason didn't want to waste time, so once in front of the crowd, he clapped loudly and said, "I know you're all confused right now. Are the military even trustworthy these days? Let me tell you—my people and I are still fighting for humanity's future."
"Ever since the chaos began a year ago, we've all been lost—especially the top brass in the military, who completely mismanaged the situation."
Everyone listened intently to Jason's words. Now that no officers were in sight, they felt calmer and couldn't help but dream of a new future outside that hospital.
Jason paused and then said, "I'm not asking you to trust me—but to trust my future actions. All of you will be moved to a base about three miles from here. My people are already closing in on this hospital."
"I saw firsthand the brutality the police committed. Let me tell you, they'll be judged for their crimes, and many of you will never have to see their faces again. You'll be able to work in areas you enjoy without risking your lives."
"All I can say is that I arrived a little late. On behalf of the army and my soldiers, I'm sorry we couldn't protect you. But from this moment on, you'll be safe under our protection."
Everyone listened to Jason's honest words through tears. Some of his companions looked at him with surprised expressions. No one had expected him to move so many hearts with just a few words.
Merle, standing in a corner, looked over at the officers, ran a finger across his throat, and whispered with a grin, "Most of them will be six feet under."
Daryl looked at the crying people and felt something strange. You definitely experienced new things when you followed Jason in his mission to save the world.
"Sir, reinforcements have arrived!"
At that moment, Jon Seda entered, followed by a man and several soldiers in standard gear. "Commander, I'm the captain of squad A-1, sent by Leader Shane! I await your orders!"
"You arrived at the perfect time!"