The Endgame Chronicles (by Hugh White) novel Chapter 209

“But on the radio, they said it’s the biggest survivor base in Aecraton… And they have the military,” the girl insisted.

“Sweetheart, it’s big, but that doesn’t mean it’s good,” the cafeteria lady said earnestly. “You’re really lucky you came straight to Haylight Base. Don’t go jumping into a fire pit!”

Hayley waved a hand. “No need to convince them. It’s your choice. But if you join my base, you have to work. Everyone participates in production.”

“What kind of work? We used to be office staff,” the young woman said.

“We farm here, raise pigs, raise chickens, catch bugs, build houses… Lots and lots of things! Any job is fine, but everyone has to work! Even me!” Cloudia chimed in happily. “Every day, I have to help my mom and dad water the vegetables and feed the piggies. Otherwise, I won’t have anything to eat!”

The girl’s face changed immediately.

What? Even kids have to work? And if they didn’t, they wouldn’t get food?!

Hayley noticed the girl’s expression and couldn’t be bothered to coddle someone whose brain was still living in pre-apocalypse fantasy.

“You have ten seconds. If you want to stay, stay. If not, leave.”

“I’ll stay,” Otis answered after thinking for three seconds.

The apocalypse had been going on for almost six months. Even though they were stuck in an office and didn’t see the outside directly, he wasn’t an idiot.

The world wasn’t returning to normal. If it could, it would’ve been by now, and they wouldn’t be hearing only base promotion announcements being broadcast on radios.

The era of bases had already come.

And this base looked good. It was producing its own food, well organized, and run by the strong and capable woman who had just saved their lives.

That was enough for him. No point gambling on the legendary Base K1.

So, Otis chose to stay without hesitation.

His words convinced a few others.

“I’ll stay, too!”

Even Megan, the pretty girl, joined the group.

Four men and one woman from the same research company decided to remain. That left three others, which were from another

company.

“I’ll stay, too!” A soft voice rang out.

“Andrea, you’re not coming with us to Base Ki?”

“I’m staying,” Andrea Wallaker said firmly. “They saved my life. I want to follow them.”

Hayley gave her a longer look.

She remembered this girl, the one who froze halfway on the zipline.

Out of eight people, six chose to stay.

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The girl who insisted on going to Base K1 tugged one guy along with her

Hayley didn’t argue. She let thein Teave freely.

“We’re going to Base K1. It’s way bigger than this place. This base is…fine, but Base Krhas to be much better!”

“Yeah, totally.”

“And look at this place. They’re making us farm and raise pigs. That’s not office work! I’m a clerical worker! 1 do paperwork, not manual labor! Base K1 is developing fast. That’s where people like us belong!”

Cyril and the others heard them and felt their heads ache.

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