Chapter 139: Gather Up
"Yes, Mr. Alan, I will send your request later today," Captain Carter replied, agreeing to settle the matter of the unpaid potatoes as part of their deal. Alan, in turn, committed to recruiting players for the new company, promising to provide updates during the next day's briefing.
With this understanding, Alan exited the military headquarters, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. He now had an extra item on his to-do list for the upcoming round: forming and leading the Wolverines Company.
Alan was barely out of the room when he encountered Vicky, Daniel, and Luis, who despite their casually dressed; Vicky wore a bathing suit under her shirt, it was clear that they had been waiting for him anxiously.
"Mr. D, did you get into any trouble?" Daniel inquired, a touch of worry in his voice.
"Alan, we came here as soon as we heard," Vicky added.
Apparently the Mexican chef saw Alan being escorted by soldiers and decided to call the others. Alan assured them, "It's nothing bad, but unfortunately, no break for us just yet. Let's gather everyone."
"Wolverines!"
It took roughly 20 minutes to coax everyone away from the swimming pool, spa, massage areas, and their beds to converge in one of the cruise ship's function rooms. The Wolverines arrived with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, ready to hear what their leader had to share.
The Wolverines had assembled, and as Alan scanned the group, he was relieved to note that none of them had met their end in the second round. The sense of unity and relief that washed over him was palpable.
"We're just missing one person," Daniel pointed out.
"It's Rose. We can't find her,"
Given Rose's mysterious personality, Alan decided not to wait for her any longer and began the briefing. However, before he could address the group, Merle, the Crimson Gunner, interrupted him, his face etched with annoyance.
"What is this about?" Merle demanded, clearly frustrated.
Alan cleared his throat and responded, "We're here to make preparations before the next round." He went on to explain the military's expectations and their request for the Wolverines to expand into a larger unit.
Most of the group seemed excited about the news, but a few wore expressions of uncertainty. These players had originally come together due to their mistrust of the government, and this change represented a significant shift in their dynamics. Alan swiftly clarified the flexibility of the new unit, however he admit that this will mean that the Wolverines will play a much larger role in the next round, emphasizing that while he would prioritize the safety of the group, he couldn't guarantee it. At this critical juncture, Alan requested a commitment from the Wolverines.
A silence hung in the room, broken by one dissenting voice. "You can play army general if you want, but me and my boys are out," Merle, the Crimson Gunner, declared, his decision to leave the unit clear and defiant.
"Are you sure, Merle?" Alan asked, his tone laced with curiosity. He continued, "I have a secret about the next round. Aren't you interested?" Now that Captain Carter had shared the note with Alan, he felt more comfortable disclosing some of the information. If needed, he could always refer back to the note to support his claims.
The news about the note's existence offered the players a better understanding of why Alan possessed so much knowledge about the game.
Unfortunately, Alan had underestimated the tenacity of the redneck pride. Although Merle hesitated momentarily, he resolutely declared, "Our deal is done. I helped you for one round, and that's all."
Alan couldn't help but sigh. It was apparent that Merle's lingering annoyance, particularly regarding the supersoldier tube incident, still colored his judgment. As Merle and his small group of five started to leave, Vicky swiftly moved to stop them, but Alan gently held her back. "Don't worry, give him some time to cool off. He'll come around."
"But how can we expand our numbers without him?" Vicky questioned, a hint of panic in her voice. Alan had placed considerable hope in her for a leadership role within the Wolverines.
However, just as anxiety began to ripple through the group about the potential loss of Merle, another group arrived in the room, providing an unexpected solution to their problem. The newcomer confidently announced, "I heard the Wolverines are having a meeting here."
It was Lieutenant Marsh, accompanied by a few of his soldiers. They were the reinforcements that Alan had requested from Captain Carter, and she had approved the allocation of Lieutenant Marsh and his squad.
"I introduce you to our new squad leader," Alan announced, nodding towards Lieutenant Marsh.
Marsh, still on his R&R, hadn't spoken to all his men yet, but he exuded confidence that he could bring in the 50 additional members Alan had requested.
"Don't worry, I'll bring in the best one," he assured them with a grin.
Lieutenant Marsh was an ideal choice for the military presence within Alan's unit, and he was visibly relieved by this new role within the Wolverines.
"I'm glad to have you with us, Lieutenant," Alan replied.
"Please, call me Marsh."
This new development reassured the Wolverines that they could still move forward and expand their numbers, and all took it positively that their team was growing.
Afterwards, Alan provided them with what he referred to as "military intelligence" about what to expect in the next round, including skills and items to prepare or purchase.
Before dismissed the group to let them enjoy the remainder of their break. He instructed them to spread the word about the Wolverines' recruitment event, urging interested candidates to gather on the deck before sundown.
As the group began to disperse, Vicky approached Alan with her usual charming smile and said, "Now that you're not busy, would you accompany me shopping?"
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