Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 92: Live and Die Together

The team exchanged glances. They were starting to understand where this was going, but no one was going to interrupt her.

She swept her gaze across them and announced flatly, "Serena is a child. She doesn't go. Dr. Lester works with scalpels, not weapons. He doesn't go. Captain Zimmer needs to be available for supply runs with me at all times. He doesn't go. Number One needs to hold down the fort and command the team while we're away. He doesn't go.

"That leaves the remaining ten of you. All of you are being assigned to the property's security patrol. You will rotate shifts hunting crocodiles. This is a dangerous assignment. You could be killed or maimed. Anyone who doesn't want to do it can resign right now."

Mariella's original plan had included a second round of evaluations beyond the initial screening.

But the disasters had arrived two weeks ahead of schedule, catching her off guard, and the second round had never happened.

Now was the time to test her team's combat readiness and willpower.

"You've all received your first month's pay. Anyone who resigns today leaves with a full kit. Tactical uniform, entrenching tool, combat knife, nail gun, one week's worth of food and water, two life vests, one inflatable boat, a medical first-aid pack, and a repair toolkit."

It was a generous severance package. Anyone hearing that list would swallow hard.

The bodyguards looked terrified—and shook their heads like bobbleheads.

"I volunteer for croc patrol!" Number Nine was the first to raise his hand, face blazing with do-or-die bravery.

Aside from the female bodyguard, Number Ten, he was the weakest fighter on the team. He lived in constant fear of being cut.

If his combat skills were lacking, his enthusiasm had to make up for it.

In a situation like this, who in their right mind would leave a safe haven to go be crocodile food?

Floodwater everywhere. Crocodiles in every direction.

If you didn't kill them, they'd come eat you.

Try to run? Nowhere to run. Except into a croc's stomach.

And even if you dodged the crocs, the flood was still raging. Starving survivors were everywhere. Where would you go?

Following Number Nine's lead, the rest volunteered one after another.

"Number Seven, reporting for croc patrol!"

"Number Four and Number Six, reporting for croc patrol!"

"Number Five and Number Eight, reporting for croc patrol!"

"Number Ten, Number Two, Number Three, reporting for croc patrol!"

...

Once all ten had signed up, Number One stepped forward, voice low. "I also—"

"You don't go." Mariella cut him off, no room for negotiation. "Someone has to hold this place. When Captain Zimmer and I are out, you command the defense. I can't have someone raiding our base while we're gone."

Harvey had already discovered she was alive. He'd come after her again.

And now that No. 98's capabilities were exposed, more people would be circling, eyeing her supplies.

Number One was steady, experienced, strong, and respected. He was the best person to hold the home front.

Getting that public endorsement from the boss sent a rush of pride through him.

His eyes brightened slightly. He hesitated, then offered, "It's dangerous out there. Why don't Number One and Captain Zimmer take turns on supply runs? You could stay at the townhouse, Ms. Townsend."

She was the boss.

Shouldn't the boss sit at home and enjoy life while leaving the strenuous legwork to the subordinates?

They ate her food, lived in her house, and pulled 300,000 a month. And she never worked them like mules. She was out in the field herself every time.

What kind of boss did that?

Mariella smiled. "I like being out in the action. If Captain Zimmer were as steady as you, I'd leave him at home instead."

That was a serious compliment.

Number One rubbed his big hands, embarrassed. "Nah... Captain Zimmer's plenty steady, too."

Chandler stared at them, speechless.

Seeing that no one had objections, Mariella continued. "Since everyone's staying, from here on out, we're a team that lives and dies together.

"If anyone gets hurt in combat, all medical expenses and recovery are on me. If anyone is permanently disabled, they're taken off active duty and moved to logistics. If anyone can't care for themselves, a teammate will be assigned to help.

"We are a team that stands together, fights together, and falls together. You can trust the person covering your back. We look out for each other, we take care of each other, and we keep going. How does that sound?"

Everyone in the room, in unison, shouted, "We follow Ms. Townsend's lead!"

Mariella had Matthew bring out the gear for today's patrol: two short-handled combat knives and two chainsaws.

"Crocodile hide is thick. Nail guns and entrenching tools won't cut it. Only chainsaws have enough bite. Watch yourselves out there. Don't cut your own people."