<h4>Chapter 160 The Appointment</h4>


    New rk City, September 22nd, 2023. The dawn''s light barely broke through the dense clouds, casting a somber glow over the headquarters of the survivor''s camp. Inside, former Vice President Maria Santos prepared to convene an urgent meeting with the camp''s council.


    The atmosphere in the room was tense, charged with the weight of impending decisions. The council,prised of individuals who had risen to the asion in these trying times, gathered around arge, makeshift table littered with maps and documents. Each councilor bore the responsibility of overseeing different aspects of the camp''s operations, their faces etched with the seriousness of their roles.


    As Maria took her ce at the head of the table, she surveyed the room, her eyes lingering on each councilor. They were a diverse group, united by circumstance and the shared goal of survival. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, there was a palpable sense of resolve among them.


    "Thank you all foring. As you all know, a private militarypany known as ckwatch has made contact with our camp with the intention of moving into New rk City. Of course, we are the first to upy the city and so we have the right to deny them. However, Graves, a soldier of the ckwatch, showed me irrefutable evidence showing their arsenals. If we were to fight them, I believe that we wouldn''t stand a chance against their firepower. This puts us in a difficult position," Maria exined.


    The councilors exchanged nces, their concern evident. One of them, a middle-aged man with a stern look, spoke up. "So, what are you suggesting, Maria? Are we just going to let them walk in here and take over?"


    Maria shook her head. "Not necessarily. Graves assured me that they didn''t intend to take over. They''re looking for a base of operations and are willing to share resources. We need to consider the potential benefits of their presence here."


    Another councilor, a woman with sharp features, chimed in. "But can we trust them? They are a military force, after all. What if they decide to take controlter on and lose our power?"


    Maria leaned forward, cing her hands on the table. "That''s the risk we have to weigh. On one hand, their presence could mean better security for us against external threats. On the other, we risk losing our autonomy. But let''s be clear – we''re not in a position to engage them inbat effectively."


    General Peralta raised a hand and spoke. "I had a small exchange with Graves, the soldier. And I believe that if we ept them, and let them upy New rk City, a power struggle may be inevitable. Even if theye with good intentions, their presence and military strength could overshadow our authority."


    Maria nodded at General Peralta''s concerns. "That''s a valid point, General. We need to ensure that any agreement with ckwatch includes clear terms aboutmand structure and authority within the camp."


    A younger councilor, his voice tinged with urgency, interjected. "We should also consider our current situation. Our resources are limited, and their offer to share supplies could be a lifeline for us. It''s a tough call, but the potential benefits might outweigh the risks."


    The discussion continued, with each counselor voicing their opinions and concerns. Some were wary of the potential threat posed by ckwatch, while others focused on the desperate need for resources and security enhancements.


    After a lengthy debate, Maria called for a vote. "We need to make a decision. All those in favor of opening negotiations with ckwatch, raise your hands."


    A majority of hands went up, signaling a reluctant agreement to negotiate with the private militarypany.


    Maria looked around the room, her expression resolute. "Alright, the decision is made. We will negotiate with ckwatch but on our terms. We''ll draft a proposal outlining our conditions and expectations. I want this to be a partnership, not a takeover."


    As the meeting concluded, Maria reached for the radio Graves handed to her and—awkwardly, she didn''t know how to use it.


    "Uhm…General Peralta…how do you use this radio?" Maria asked, holding the device uncertainly in her hands.


    General Peralta stepped forward, a hint of a smile on his face. "Here, let me show you," he said, taking the radio from her. He quickly demonstrated how to turn it on and switch to the appropriate frequency. "Just press this button to talk, and make sure you release it when you''re done speaking," he exined.


    Maria nodded, taking back the radio. "Thank you, General,"


    She pressed the button, hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "This is Maria Santos, former vice president and current leader of the New rk City survivors'' camp. We''ve discussed your proposal and are willing to open negotiations. Let''s arrange a meeting to discuss terms."


    After a brief pause, an unfamiliar voice crackled through the speaker.


    "Oh…Madam vice president…we weren''t expecting to receive your call so early."


    "Who are you? Where is Graves?" Maria asked.


    "Oh I forgot, I''m Richard Gonzales and I''m the founder of the ckwatch Military…"


    "You are?" Maria''s brows furrowed. "You sound young and from your ent alone…are you a Filipino?"


    "I am indeed, and I get it all the time. Like, howe a man like me has someone from another country under mymand. Well, it''s simple really, I''m rich and our past clients are richer than me. So it all exins the arsenal that we have. Okay, for the discussion, do you want to discuss it face to face or not?"


    Maria hesitated for a moment, processing the unexpected information. "Yes, I believe a face-to-face meeting would be best to discuss the terms," she replied cautiously.


    "Great…and the location would be…in your camp?"


    "If possible, yes," Maria said.


    "Okay…how about the time? Are you fine with it in the morning or in the evening?"


    "Morning, and please be careful with your helicopters, they are too loud and they attract unwanted attention."


    "Don''t worry, I will have an air asset that will take care of them should they decide to appear," Richard assured her. "We''ll be discreet in our approach. I''ll send Graves with the details shortly."


    "Understood," Maria replied. "So tomorrow morning, at our camp. We''ll prepare breakfast."


    "If you still have food left, that would be delightful…but you don''t have to force yourselves," Richard added, his tone light but considerate.


    Maria gave a small, strained smile, even though Richard couldn''t see it. "We''ll manage. See you tomorrow then."


    After ending the call, Richard addressed themand center.


    "You have heard our conversation, there will be a meeting tomorrow morning. I want everyone on their game…we want that camp, so let''s negotiate for it."