Apocalyptic World: Surviving with my husband and my cute little babies-Chapter 63: City D
Chapter 63: City D
In City D, where the Caldwell and Fords were currently situated, a martial law had been declared as chaos overtook the streets.
The people had lost all respect for the law, leading to rampant looting, harassment, and vandalism. This surge of criminal activity forced the military to intervene, establishing control over the city.
Under their watch, the city transformed into a military fortress, leaving the government powerless.
Inside the military meeting room, the generals debated whether Jack Heather should be promoted to a higher role for his contribution.
Meanwhile, Jack leaned forward in his chair, keenly observing the discussion. His gaze locked onto the group of generals as he assessed who might be easily manipulated.
With the treasure they sought now vanished and chaos looming, the Heathers needed the military’s backing to secure their influence and ensure they had a voice in every military operation.
He had orchestrated a scheme by warning them of an impending earthquake, making them believe he had a way to know danger and that they should be well-protected.
Of course, the government believed him. The bunker they built saved the higher-ups’ families from the earthquake’s destructive force, cementing Jack as the most trusted advisor after Grandpa Caldwell left the military.
Now, he sat in the meeting room, having been nominated by someone to become a senior military advisor.
A smirk crept across his face as he envisioned his ascent to becoming a pivotal figure in every military decision.
’The victory was almost within my grasp.’
"Please raise your hands if you are in favor," the military spokesperson announced, his voice echoing in the tense room.
Everyone looked at each other, weighing the implications of their decisions. One by one, the votes began to roll in.
General Kaiser glanced at his fellow generals as they raised their hands. He felt a sense of hopelessness, but he chose to remain silent. He could see it clearly: the military in City D was destined to become a fortress for someone else.
He had already warned his comrades that the Heathers getting close to the military had their own agendas, but their choices now reflected the moment they raised their hands.
’Let it be’
After the voting concluded, 11 out of 12 generals were in favor of appointing Mr. Heather as the newly appointed senior military advisor.
Then the spokesperson invited Jack Heather to step forward to give a speech.
"Thank you all for your warm welcome," he began, his voice smooth and persuasive.
"I am committed to providing the best advice possible and supporting our military efforts in helping our fellow citizens during this natural disaster. In light of this, my family and I will be donating food and water to our fellow citizens. I believe that together, we can help the people in this challenging time. Lastly, thank you for appointing me to this position."
To General Kaiser, his speech was typical words of a cunning businessman and politician. Jack’s speech gave the military the impression that he was working for the benefit of the people, but Kaiser knew that behind his generous gestures lay a hidden agenda: he expected something in return.
’Let’s see how long his facade can hide his true colors’
Everyone applauded as the meeting came to an end. Before the generals could leave, Jack Heather quickly invited them to a banquet in a few days.
General Kaiser seeing this just left and reported to Brother Elias about the results of the meeting.
"So, what’s the decision?" Brother Elias asked, preparing a cup of tea.
General Kaiser replied matter-of-factly, "Is there still a need to answer that?"
"So, everyone voted except for you, right?"
"Yeah, and I believe soon this military district will be called the Heather Military District," General Kaiser said sarcastically.
"Pack your things; we’ll be leaving for City A soon," Brother Elias instructed.
"Finally, you decided to leave this military. But why did you suddenly change your mind?" Kaiser asked with surprise.
"I never said I wouldn’t leave. I am just waiting for something."
Now, General Kaiser was curious.
"By the way, I noticed you’ve been deep in thought lately. What happened?" General Kaiser probe.
"Nothing much, just thinking a few things. I find it hard to understand the heavens’ vision nowadays."
General Kaiser raised his brows, intrigued.
"Mind to explain?"
"Just a few hours ago, the heavens sent a vision regarding a woman who needs to be eradicated, along with the message that says, ’abnormal knows the secret.’"
"What the f*** does this mean?" Brother Elias asked in confusion.
"Oh, Brother, this is the first time I’ve heard you curse! Hahahah!" General Kaiser chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
And then added, "Simply the heavens want you to kill that woman. Maybe heaven’s giving us a clue, and she will be the reason we’re experiencing this disaster and the mutated beasts."
Brother Elias first thought that way, but something felt off. His gut instinct told him that the heavens were hiding something.
"There are suspicious parts in Heaven’s vision"
First, when he glimpsed into the future, the heavens showed him chaos and the downfall of humanity. Natural disasters ravaged the world, followed by the mutated beasts that roamed freely.
’Is the heavens trying to warn me or frighten me?’
His instincts suggested that the heavens were trying to intimidate him into becoming their messenger or minion.
Second, the vision of the woman was vague.
The heavens had shown him a woman massacring a group of mutated beasts with ease, as if they were mere cabbages. That’s why Brother Elias initially believed she was the person the heavens wanted him to find in Willow Village to become humanity’s salvation.
But now, he realized he had been mistaken. The heavens had given him that vision not to proclaim her as a savior, but to warn him to be wary of her. They wanted to eradicate her, not elevate her.
’Is she dangerous because she’s too strong? Then wouldn’t it be better to have her on our side so we can strive to kill all the beasts? Why eradicate her if she could be the strongest pillar of humanity in the future?’
’What exactly is going on with heaven?’
"What do you think?" Brother Elias asked, seeking General Kaiser’s opinion.
"Maybe the heavens warned us because she’s too strong, and we humans can’t control her,"
Kaiser suggested, but Brother Elias shook his head, feeling that wasn’t the complete answer.
Then he recalled the word "abnormal" in their message.
"Maybe the heavens can’t control her, so they deem her abnormal and rather than have her become a headache in the future, it’s better to eradicate her now. Since they can’t interfere too much with worldly affairs, they want me to do their bidding."
General Kaiser and Brother Elias exchanged glances, the weight of the conversation settling between them.
After a moment of silence, Kaiser asked, "Who do you think that woman is?"
Brother Elias smiled knowingly.
"We both already know the answer."
"That brat’s wife. That’s why you doubted the heavens about their demands to eradicate her."
"Hmmp, we’ve seen the lady, and I believe she’s a good person," Elias replied, conviction in his voice.
"So that’s why you want to go and look for her in City A," Kaiser concluded.
Brother Elias nodded while sipping his tea.
"Then let’s go, I also want to see that brat now."
*****
"So, Grandpa, when are we leaving this bunker?" Trixie asked with irritation in her voice.
She had been cooped up in this tiny room since yesterday, and it was driving her insane. All she wanted was to return to their mansion, but her grandfather wouldn’t allow it.
Jack Heather, upon learning that someone had attempted to kill his granddaughter at Seafood City last month, felt a surge of protective instinct.
"Not yet," he said firmly.
"Things aren’t clear. It’s safer if you stay where I can keep an eye on you."
Trixie snapped, convinced her grandfather was trying to cage her. She felt suffocated and stripped of all freedom. The endless rules—things she had to abide by—were driving her mad.
"So, what do you want me to do? Stay here forever?" Trixied yelled.
"Have you looked outside? There’s chaos everywhere! Don’t you get it? We’re under martial law because people aren’t obeying the rules. They’re robbing, vandalizing, and committing crimes left and right. Do you still want to go out?" Jack calmly replied.
Trixie fell silent, feeling frustrated. Nothing was going her way. The treasure was gone, the man she loved had married someone else, and now someone was trying to kill her.
Observing the tense atmosphere, Troy felt an urge to leave. He was already in a bad mood over the missing seafood and firearms from last month, so he wanted to get out of this bunker to cool down.
But before he could go, Jack called out to him, "Troy! Come here. Starting tomorrow, you’ll join me in distributing relief goods."
Troy raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
’His stingy grandfather was now playing the Samaritan? Had the world turned upside down?’
"Yes, Grandpa," he replied, though skepticism lingered in his tone.
Jack looked at him with a serious expression. "Stop harassing the women around here. You need to keep your behavior in check. The women here are from the military—don’t embarrass me. Call Marcus and the other Elders; we have important matters to discuss."
The Heather family was now trying to tighten their grip on the military district in City D. They wanted to ensure they were in control before the impending disaster.