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🕑 Added 2025-06-27 23:12:58 +0000 UTCA New Beginning From the End of the World
Chapter 195 – Minutes
Hilltop
Two hours after Jason’s group departed for the military base in Texas.
A convoy consisting of two Humvees with mounted machine guns, a military truck carrying supplies, and two additional vehicles was approaching the shelter that had to be secured under Jason’s orders. The captain of this AA-10 squad was a young man named Bruno Lastra, who had been training for nine months since the base in Atlanta was established.
This time, the Hilltop gate wasn’t opened like it had been for Jason’s group. People at the top of the wall notified those below, and soon, Jesus came out to meet the new arrivals.
“You must be Jesus, right?” Bruno stepped out of the vehicle, walked over to Jesus, and introduced himself: “I’m Bruno Lastra, captain of the AA-10 squad from the S.C.T. community. My commander sent me to protect this place and train your people. We’ve also brought food and medicine that will be very useful to you.”
Jesus looked back, sighed helplessly, and replied, “I’m very sorry, but our leader Gregory convinced the community to deny you entry until he can speak with Jason again.”
Bruno frowned; this wasn’t part of the plan. Following Jason’s instructions for this situation, he replied, “My leader won’t be pleased to hear this. The disappointment over your community’s poor decision will have consequences if you ever come across a group less peaceful than ours.”
“I know, believe me, I’ve tried to convince him… but Gregory is convinced you’re dangerous and only want to harm us.” Jesus had spoken with Gregory many times, but the old man refused to listen to reason.
“What a shame, Jesus of Hilltop. My commander is on his way to Texas as we speak. Can you even imagine the power of our organization? Anyway, when he returns, he’ll make contact with your community. But let’s make one thing clear: the medicine and food you received when we arrived must be paid for. Also, all weapons and ammunition must be returned.”
After his words, several soldiers in dark brown uniforms stepped down from the vehicles and took positions behind Bruno, carrying their weapons.
“Yes, I understand. That’s fair. I’ll speak to Gregory—please wait,” said Jesus before heading back into Hilltop.
“You have twenty minutes. We can’t stay here long—there are other missions to attend to.” Bruno smiled coldly. Things were unfolding just as Jason had anticipated from the beginning.
At the same time, in The Kingdom, a similar number of soldiers, weapons, and supplies arrived at the community led by Ezekiel. Unlike Hilltop, here they were welcomed with open arms. Everyone was grateful for the soldiers’ kindness and understanding.
Before long, they began working to improve security. According to the agreement, Ezekiel would continue leading his people and only needed to wait to see what Jason’s plans were and how the community would develop going forward.
Jason wasn’t present, so his plans would be delayed until his return. The Kingdom was a strategic location that had to be protected. The Salvation Army would not set foot there, and Jason’s people would remain unseen.
Hilltop, on the other hand, needed to learn that the way they were being led was not right. Sooner or later, they would understand. Jesus would realize that he had many chances.
If they didn’t value the help—as The Kingdom did—they would have to face more suffering. It was true Jason hadn’t explained everything to Gregory like he had to Ezekiel, but it also wasn’t wise to trust a man so deceitful.
…
Military Base in Texas
At that moment, a massive horde was approaching the military base. The soldiers began firing everything they had as they waited for help to arrive. After all, it was the least they could do.
By the side of the highway, crates of weapons, ammunition, MREs, and countless other essential supplies were stacked. Soldiers, civilians, and even children had been moving materials since they received word that help was on the way.
Just when they thought no one would come, a C5 aircraft descended from the sky. It was skillfully piloted and, as if it were about to crash, landed perfectly on the military base runway.
“Move now! First team, load up the supplies—the rest, refuel the plane!”
“Yes, sir!”
Everyone was beyond excited. The help they had waited for had finally arrived. For a moment, they thought it would never come.
The aircraft positioned itself for a quick departure. The rear hatch opened, and the soldiers Jason had brought began to disembark in an orderly fashion.
Their uniforms varied between gray and dark green, but they were all armed and began securing the perimeter. Ben Miller watched as a man approached them.
A soldier in a dirty uniform came up to Ben and Jason, who disembarked last, and said:
“It’s an honor to have you here. We’ll start loading the necessary supplies for evacuation.”
“How many of you are there, exactly?” Jason asked, watching his people set up the defense.
“We’re just over two hundred civilians and a hundred and twenty soldiers. We’re holding off the infected, but we won’t last much longer.”
“Alright. Have the soldiers load the supplies and the civilians board the aircraft. My people will make sure no one’s been bitten.”
Jason signaled to Daryl, who nodded and followed closely. They needed to verify if the situation was as dire as described.
Just then, an explosion sounded in the distance. Minutes later, several military vehicles began retreating. Behind them, hundreds of "runner" class walkers were rapidly closing in.
“Fire!”
At Jason’s shout, everyone aimed at the walkers and began shooting. Gunfire rang throughout the base. Chaos took over.
The sound of weapons and the howls of walkers shattered any brief moment of calm. In seconds, the base was overrun with people running toward the aircraft, terrified.
“We’re leaving! We can’t stay here with those infected incoming! Daryl, help control the civilians!”
“Yes!” Daryl shouted, running alongside Carlos.
Jason, along with Morgan and Billy, watched as the walkers closed in. Their red eyes reflected the intensity of the moment.
Military dogs locked in cages barked uncontrollably, as if sensing the disaster. The metal doors on the west side rattled, but they were held in place by an iron bar.
Civilians ran toward the C5, its engines already roaring, clinging to hope.
Jason watched the scene and knew that whatever he did in the next few seconds would determine everyone’s fate.
Morgan looked at him, waiting for orders.
“We need to clear the runway so the C5 can take off safely. Regroup and get back to the aircraft immediately.”
Jason ran back to the plane, grabbed a bag of weapons and ammo, and approached the soldier organizing the people.
“Listen to me! Tell your men to hold the line until this plane is in the air! We can’t take everyone, but at least the civilians must make it out!”
“I… I don’t know…” the soldier muttered, hesitating.
Jason snatched the radio from him.
“Soldiers! It’s time to give your lives for others. Help us evacuate this aircraft! If it all goes to hell, we’ll escape in the helicopters.”
He then looked toward the helicopters at the far end of the runway and closed his eyes.
“There is no retreat. Kill every infected before they reach the C5.”
Daryl saw Jason running into battle and yelled, “Don’t be an idiot—get back here!”
Carlos grabbed him firmly. “Master, Jason knows what he’s doing! We have to evacuate these people!”
“Let me go, kid!”
Without Daryl and Carlos noticing, a civilian who had been infected slowly transformed. With glowing red eyes, he lunged at Carlos and bit into his neck.
Daryl froze—then shot the infected. Carlos and the walker collapsed. Elias, seeing what had happened, shut the aircraft door and ordered everyone else inside.
“No, no—stay with me!” Daryl cried, trying to stop the bleeding. Carlos was already turning.
“Daryl, we have to go now!” Elias shouted as men dragged Daryl inside the plane.
Jason, from a helicopter, was firing a light machine gun. He watched the C5, still not airborne, and ordered over the radio:
“Elías, Morgan, we’re in the air! We’ll buy you some time—but not much! Get out now!”
From above, Jason just wanted to get out. There was no time to think. At least most had escaped—except for the soldiers on the ground… now being devoured by the runners.
As the aircraft took off, Jason looked at the pilot and ordered, “Head for the city. Anywhere but here!”
“Yes, sir!”
Jason looked at Morgan and Billy, and shook his head with a bitter smile.
…
Ten Minutes Later…
Jason contacted Daryl and heard about Carlos’ death and the infection that had killed more civilians. This time, everything had gone wrong.
Suddenly, the helicopter’s engine burst into flames. The pilot screamed, “Sir, we’ve lost power to one engine! We need to land now or we’re going down!”
Jason was about to reply calmly when a burst of gunfire struck the cockpit. Two soldiers were killed instantly.
Bang, bang, bang!
“Everyone, cover your heads!”
Jason didn’t know what was happening. He shielded Morgan and braced as the helicopter began to fall.
“I’ve lost control, sir!”
“Brace for impact!”
