ushernet Chapter 260: True Purpose
Chapter 260: True Purpose
"Can your walkie-talkies... still work?" Nicholas asked incredulously.
"Yes, indeed," Elijah replied. "Some of our people have figured out the cause of the interference with the radio waves!"
Seeing Nicholas's interest, Elijah deliberately fiddled with the walkie-talkie and continued, "After removing the interference, this thing will work fine.
Having this is quite convenient, allowing us to communicate like people from modern civilization!"
Elijah's response immediately dispelled Nicholas's intention to withdraw quickly.
There was a reason for Nicholas's urgency to leave.
In fact, Neoville City was never their target.
The city, with its large population and numerous zombies, was not a suitable place for human development or resurgence.
Their forces focused more on rural and smaller areas that could produce food, were sparsely populated, and were easier to clear and control.
They also targeted key projects, factories, and industries, such as water facilities, military factories, power plants, and petrochemical plants!
Nicholas's team was originally assigned to clear the highway adjacent to the mall's storage base.
This highway was a crucial hub and major artery for several nearby cities.
Clearing the highway would make it more convenient for them to access certain military factories and important areas.
Clearing highways was relatively quick, as there were fewer people and more vehicles.
They had gathered a significant amount of supplies during the clearing process, all packed into large trucks.
When they arrived at Neoville City, Nicholas happened to learn about a mall storage base nearby.
Although the supplies there were not urgently needed, having more was always beneficial.
The key point was that it was close to the highway, making it easier to control.
If it were within the city, he would not have considered it.
Of course, Nicholas had a personal motive as well.
This revelation changed Nicholas's preconceived notions!
Nicholas didn't realize that Fiona's strength was not only in her abilities but also in her intellect.
She merely glanced at Nicholas and furrowed her brow. "Soldiers? Are you from the Eastern Theater? How did you end up here?"
Then, looking at the nearby highway, Fiona seemed to understand. "You're clearing the highway? And you came to check if anyone had occupied this place?"
Nicholas was taken aback. From their equipment and appearance, they could infer this much, but how did she deduce it so precisely? This woman was not ordinary!
Elijah briefly explained what had happened and the connection between Elena and Nicholas. Fiona quickly pieced everything together.
She noticed Nicholas's eyes fixed on the walkie-talkie in her hand and smiled, saying, "Actually, the supplies in this mall storage base aren't that important to you, right? After all, they're just civilian living supplies!"
Although Fiona was correct, Nicholas was not ready to leave just yet. "We soldiers are people too, and we need living supplies. Moreover, we've saved many civilians who also need these supplies!"
"That's a line meant to deceive ordinary people. If you really need food, you could simply take over the major grain warehouses. The food stored there would last the survivors nationwide for years!" Fiona retorted, leaving Nicholas speechless.
In fact, the nearest grain warehouse to their military district was one he had taken with his own team!
"So, since we've already secured this storage base, I assume you have no objections. Why don't we discuss something else? For instance, I see you're quite interested in the walkie-talkie in my hand. Are you curious about the technology for removing signal interference?" Fiona continued, her smile unwavering.
Nicholas was indeed distracted and stopped insisting on the base issue. "Yes, I am. Is there any chance you could share this technology with us? It's crucial for us and the surviving humans nationwide. With this technology, we could rescue trapped people more quickly and accurately!"
Nicholas raised the banner of moral righteousness, but unfortunately, Fiona wasn't swayed by it. "The technology itself can't be given to you, but we can arrange a trade. We could sell you the modified equipment!"
"Fine!" Nicholas had not expected to get it for free, so trading for the equipment was acceptable.
With the equipment, and the expertise of their military district specialists, they should be able to crack it, right?
Fiona seemed either unaware of this possibility or simply didn't care if it was cracked.
"Since we have a mutual understanding, why not make the deal now? I have a question that I'm very curious about. If you answer it truthfully, I'll give you both walkie-talkies. How does that sound?"
"What's your question?" Nicholas asked.
"It's about the truth behind the zombie virus outbreak that your father sent to Elena, and what happened at Serenity Peak. Can you shed some light on that?"
Fiona asked with a light laugh, and Elijah also turned his attention to Nicholas with a serious expression.