Rock Fortress Command Center.
A detailed map of Knoxville Industrial Park and the reconnaissance reports were spread across the long table.
Calista sat at the head of the table, her back perfectly straight.
She wore a thick dark olive-green shirt, her long light-gold hair tied into a simple ponytail behind her head. A few loose strands fell across her forehead, but they did nothing to soften the sharpness in her eyes.
Hank stood in front of the map.
It had already been updated with more precise symbols and lines, marking the latest information on Knoxville Industrial Park and the surrounding area.
Block A: precision instruments and electronic components factories
Block B: machinery and consumer goods factories
Block C: medical device and pharmaceutical factories
Block D: chemical plants
He pointed with a charcoal pencil. "In summary, there are currently two main factions inside the park.
"The Throat-Slasher Gang, around twenty people. Former local thugs who know the terrain well, but they lack discipline and only bully the weak while fearing the strong.
"The Scavengers may have more people, but they're scattered. They're made up of former scrap collectors. Their goal is simple, supplies. They avoid conflict with other humans whenever possible.
"There's a fragile balance between the two sides. They mostly stay out of each other's main areas of activity."
Hank paused, then looked at Calista. "The most important piece of intelligence is that both groups are used to pulling out before dark. If we act before dawn, the chances of running into human trouble will be at their lowest."
Bossie added, "Spring is here, and people are coming out again. The density of walkers inside the park has risen sharply because of recent human activity.
"So our window is short, probably no more than a few hours. We'll also need to use firearms as little as possible. Once the noise starts, it's bound to draw walkers in."
On the other side of the table, Ancheta handed over a document. "Based on our actual development needs and the information from the factories, we've drawn up a priority list.
"First priority: large gantry milling machines, CNC cutting equipment, industrial-grade electric welders, along with matching spare cutting tools and consumables. These are the foundation for building a weapons production line and machining precision parts.
"Second priority: vehicle repair equipment, tire removal and installation equipment, and any diesel engine repair kits we can find. These are critical for restoring and maintaining our mobility.
"Third priority: the substation, as well as metal raw materials, standard parts, and similar supplies scattered throughout the park."
Oliver added, "The list has been narrowed down as much as possible to specific models and brands to improve search efficiency. Time is limited. We have to secure the factory areas containing these supplies first."
In other words, Block B.
Finally, Rickson gave the logistics assessment. "In terms of manpower, the base can mobilize about one hundred combat personnel, plus eighty people for combat logistics and transportation.
"That leaves two hundred and twenty people, enough to keep the base running. If necessary, we can still draw from them. After resting and training through the winter, morale is high, and the new and veteran members are working well together.
"As for supplies, our weapons and ammunition are more than enough to support one medium-intensity assault and clearing operation. Food and medical support have already been prepared according to plan."
Leah picked up from there. "Based on all that, Rickson and I have drafted a preliminary plan for Operation 'Spring Harvest.'"
She stood and traced across the map with a pen of a different color. "The core of the operation is the harvest."
"Phase One will be armed infiltration." Leah marked several arrows on the map.
"This requires our best fighters. Fast and lethal. We recommend splitting into two main assault groups and one advance squad."
She looked toward several people seated along one side of the meeting room. "Infiltration Group One will be led by Maya. Your mission is to clear the main routes through Block B, then establish defensive positions and forward outposts.
"Infiltration Group Two will be led by Edmund. You'll enter from the west and secure the flank.
"Both groups must converge at Lorenzo's weapons production line in Block B within the scheduled time.
"The advance squad will be led by Gavin. Danny and Ethan will be responsible for establishing stable communications between the base and the park."
At that moment, Calista suddenly raised one hand slightly.
The meeting room fell silent at once. Every gaze turned to her.
Calista did not look at the map. Her eyes swept slowly over everyone present before finally settling on Jason and Hank.
"Hank, Jason, tell me. These two factions, the Throat-Slasher Gang and the Scavengers, what do they fear most? And what do they want most?"
Jason thought for a moment, then answered first. "They're afraid of dying, and they're afraid of stronger forces. They want safety and stability. They want food and supplies. They want to live like people instead of staying rats."
Hank's answer was more thorough. "They lack organization and long-term vision. Under the Red Scarf Gang's shadow, all they could do was steal scraps here and there.
"The fall of the Red Scarf Gang is an opportunity for them, but it's also a greater fear. They don't know who will control this place next, or how that new power will treat them."
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Calista's mouth.
"Then," she said, raising her voice, "why are we treating them only as obstacles, or background noise?"
Calista stood, walked to the map, and took the pen from Leah. "Second line: contact and absorption."
She drew a circle on both the south and east sides of the park. "This will proceed at the same time as the armed infiltration."
A faint stir passed through the meeting room.
It was a bold idea.
"We need a negotiation team," Calista continued. "Not after the harvest operation, but before it, or even at the same time.
"Our goal is not to start a war. It's to show our strength and give them a choice."
She searched the room, then found a relatively new face toward the back. Gwendolyn.
After being brought in during the winter, Gwendolyn had been responsible for handling survivors' psychological trauma and evaluating new arrivals. She was highly capable, but she had not yet entered the core operational level.
"Gwendolyn," Calista called, "I need you to serve as our negotiator."
Gwendolyn froze for a brief moment, then fierce determination flashed in her eyes.
She knew this was an opportunity. A crucial moment to truly establish herself in Rock Fortress and prove her value.
Gwendolyn straightened her back and said firmly, "I'm willing, Miss Norton. I need to know our bottom line and what we can offer."
"The bottom line is the supplies in Block B and the safety of our operation. As for what we can offer…" Calista's gaze sharpened.
"Rock Fortress's protection, order, and a more reliable future than hiding everywhere like rats.
"You can promise them food, safety, and work. They won't have to remain thugs or Scavengers. They can become residents of Rock Fortress, maybe even future Defense Force members or laborers."
She turned to the others. "The negotiation team needs armed deterrence, but they're not going there to fight a war.
"Hank, your team just conducted a deep reconnaissance of the industrial park. Jonathan, your search team is good at handling unexpected situations.
"Your two teams will escort Gwendolyn and provide armed support."
Hank and Jonathan nodded at the same time.
Calista continued, "The negotiation team and infiltration groups will set out together, but the negotiation team will operate on the outskirts of the park. Your mission is to make contact with members of the Throat-Slasher Gang and the Scavengers, and deliver our message.
"If possible, speak directly with their leaders. The point isn't to make them surrender immediately. It's to make sure they know Rock Fortress is here, and that we're different from the Red Scarf Gang.
"Once we take the main area, the choice in front of them will be simple.
"Do they keep living like little rats, never knowing if they'll survive the day, or do they join a base that can offer absolute safety and a steady supply of food?"