Chapter 79: Walking Around the Base

After witnessing the commencement operation of the diesel generator, Adrian walked around and explored the Basa Air Base.

The tanks, IFVs, JLTVs, and other military hardware such as helicopters, fighter jets, and even large aircrafts such as AC-130s, C-130s, C-17 Globemaster, A400M, and unmanned aircraft such as MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper.

It was like a US military base but it was operated and owned by him, which made him feel proud. All thanks to the system, they have a fighting chance against the zombies.

As for the civilians, their numbers diminished due to the recent zombie attacks within the base. And despite the situation, they were all getting by thanks to the accommodation they have. Like free food and shelter.

He had been thinking of how to put them to use when the time comes as he knew he can’t be too lucky in the gacha. Like he’d spin 20 times but not get military or non-military personnel.

Well, it’s still early and everything can be operated by his summoned personnels.

Along the way, he encountered Chandrika, and her two friends, Aubrey and Glaiza. Compared to the earlier days, they looked depressed and drained. Perhaps, they are still affected by the recent events, on how Miguel dealt with them. It was disturbing really and fortunately, he’ll exile him in five days.

They noticed Adrian as he approached.

"Sir," Chandrika said, giving a small nod.

Adrian returned it.

"How are you holding up?" he asked.

It was a simple question.

But none of them answered right away.

Aubrey looked down.

Glaiza shifted slightly.

Chandrika took a breath before speaking.

"...We’re okay," she said.

It wasn’t convincing.

Adrian didn’t call it out.

Instead, he looked at them for a second longer.

"Sophia," he said.

That was enough.

Aubrey’s lips tightened immediately, her breathing catching just a little.

Glaiza looked away.

Chandrika nodded once.

"...We’re trying," she said quietly.

Adrian nodded back.

"That’s enough for now," he said.

Silence settled briefly between them.

"Look, if you need some counseling or therapy, we have a personnel that can look into you guys if that’s okay," Adrian said.

The three of them looked at him.

Not surprised.

But unsure.

Chandrika was the first to respond.

"...We’ll think about it," she said.

Aubrey nodded slightly, still avoiding eye contact.

Glaiza didn’t speak, but she didn’t reject it either.

Adrian gave a small nod.

"Take your time," he said. "It’s there if you need it."

Another short silence passed.

Then Adrian shifted slightly.

"Listen," he added with a steady voice. "What happened... that wasn’t your fault."

That made Aubrey finally look up.

Her eyes were still shaken, but there was something else now.

Relief.

Even if it was small.

Chandrika nodded slowly.

"...I know," she said.

But it still lingered.

Adrian didn’t push further.

Instead—

"You won’t be left alone here," he said. "We don’t tolerate that kind of behavior. Not in this base."

Glaiza’s grip on her phone loosened slightly.

"...Thank you, sir," she said quietly.

"Please don’t call me sir, we are about the same age or older than me."

"But you own this place sir...and we respect your authority here," Chandrika said.

Adrian let out a small breath, not quite a sigh.

"Then respect it by listening," he replied. "Drop the ’sir.’ Just Adrian is fine."

The three of them exchanged a quick glance.

"...Alright," Chandrika said. "Adrian."

Aubrey gave a small nod.

Glaiza followed a second later.

Adrian nodded once.

"Good. Now, do you mind if I ask you some questions," Adrian asked.

"What is it si—I meant, Adrian?" Chandrika responded.

"Uhm, how is living here in the base feels like? Like you know, since this is my base and we operate it. We want to know from you, the civilians, if there is something to improve on, something to address, how my men are treating you guys, or anything. Think of it as a survey," Adrian asked.

The three of them looked at each other again.

This time, it wasn’t uncertainty.

It was hesitation.

Chandrika spoke first.

"...It’s safe," she said. "That’s the first thing."

Adrian nodded slightly.

"Compared to outside," she added, "this place... it feels controlled. Organized."

Aubrey shifted a little.

"The food is consistent," she said quietly. "Three times a day. That alone... it helps."

Glaiza nodded.

"And the guards," she added. "They don’t... look at us weird. They keep their distance and they are professional."

Adrian took that in.

"And the problems?" he asked.

That was where it slowed again.

Chandrika exhaled lightly.

"To be honest, there’s really no problem I could think of because it’s operated so well. We are glad that this place existed as a safe haven for people like us. Of course, there are among men that can be a problem but aside from all of that, everything is good," Chandrika commented.

Adrian knew he was referring to Miguel. "Don’t worry, he’ll be taken care of in five days. Thank you for the response, I’ll be on my way now."

Adrian left them behind and continued down the paved path.

He arrived at one of the hangars and saw a man, who stood still, hands on his hips, staring upward.

Herrera.

Adrian stepped in, boots echoing slightly against the concrete floor.

Herrera didn’t turn immediately.

His eyes stayed locked on the aircraft in front of him.

"...That’s an F-35," he said after a moment.

Adrian stopped beside him.

"Yeah."

Herrera let out a slow breath.

"You don’t just ’have’ an F-35," he said. "That’s a fifth-generation fighter. Stealth, sensor fusion, network warfare... that thing is a flying command center."

Adrian didn’t respond right away.

Herrera finally looked at him.

"...How the hell does a private military company get something like this?" he asked.

Adrian gave a small shrug.

"We bought it."

Herrera stared at him.

"...No," he said flatly. "You didn’t."

Adrian glanced at the jet again.

Herrera stepped closer to him.

"The U.S. barely exports these," he continued. "And when they do, it’s to close allies under strict control. Even then, there are limits. End-user agreements. Software locks. Oversight."

Adrian nodded slightly, like he understood all of that.

"Yeah," he said. "That’s true."

"So?" Herrera pressed.

"Look, it is best when you just accept it for what it is," Adrian simply said.

"Okay, looks like you don’t want to explain. I won’t force but I do have a request."

"What is it?"

"Is it possible that I can fly one of your air assets?"