Doomsday police, please show your god/demon ID card.

laugh--

The alloy gate of the police station slid open slowly.

"Team Leader Tang, you're back!"

"Huh? Who are these people?"

Dr. Zhang, Xiao Lin, and Xiao Zhao all curiously gathered around when they saw the newcomers.

"New members," Tang Long introduced briefly, "Liu Qiang, Luo Yongchao, Chen Ming."

He then pointed to Dr. Zhang and the others: "Dr. Zhang, nurses Xiao Lin and Xiao Zhao."

Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao simply nodded to the crowd before discreetly observing the layout and defenses inside the police station, their eyes filled with barely concealed surprise.

Chen Ming, on the other hand, completely ignored everyone and rushed to the alloy gate as soon as he entered, knocking and touching it.

"T-7 series high-strength alloy... no, it also contains shape memory metal? This drive structure, is it a magnetic levitation rail? Tsk tsk, it must consume a lot of energy."

He muttered something to himself, then ran to the control panel on the wall, his eyes shining.

"An independent power supply system? Or direct power from energy blocks? This energy conversion rate... is unbelievable, it completely violates the second law of thermodynamics!"

The crowd looked at each other, completely unable to understand what he was saying.

Tang Long, however, frowned slightly and glanced at the college student in front of him who was talking nonsense and calling himself a "scientist".

Then he spoke to the two nurses.

"Xiao Lin, Xiao Zhao, get ready to cook. We're making enough for three more people today."

"Okay, Captain Tang!"

After arranging everything, Tang Long went to the rest area in the corner.

Su Yan was leaning against the bed, her face still pale, but much better than a few days ago.

She actually woke up yesterday, but she is still very weak and cannot get out of bed for the time being.

"How are you feeling?" Tang Long sat down beside her bed and lowered his voice.

Su Yan slowly opened her eyes, saw it was him, and smiled weakly.

"fine."

Her gaze passed over Tang Long's shoulder and landed on the three unfamiliar faces, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes.

"A newcomer?"

Tang Long nodded.

"Yes, I just rescued her today."

After a brief chat, seeing that Su Yan didn't seem to be in very good spirits, he gave instructions.

"Okay! You rest first! I'll be right there."

He now values ​​Su Yan highly, firstly because of her value as a doctor, secondly because she is a comrade-in-arms who has fought alongside him, and most importantly, because she is a superhuman with sensory abilities, making her of great strategic value.

He needs to be protected very well!

Su Yan responded weakly and closed her eyes again.

Although she was awake now, the mental exhaustion made her feel tired even to say a word, and she soon fell into a deep sleep.

Tang Long stood up and went outside.

Wang Hu and Liu Qiang, along with Luo Yongchao, two veterans, started chatting.

However, it's not hard to see that the two men were constantly scanning the police station from the corner of their eyes, and even their body movements were tense, maintaining a vigilant posture at all times.

As for Chen Ming, he remained the same as before.

He was practically lying on the control panel next to the alloy gate, his face filled with fanaticism and obsession.

"Something's not right with this energy circuit..."

"Without a main power cable input, is the energy generated out of thin air? Or is there a miniature nuclear fusion reactor here that I'm unaware of?"

He reached out his finger, intending to touch an energy indicator light on the panel, but then abruptly pulled it back, as if it were some kind of sacred object.

"No, I can't touch it carelessly, what if I break it... I have to reverse engineer its entire structure first."

Wang Hu walked over, nudged Tang Long with his elbow, pointed to his own head, and said in a low voice.

"Captain Tang, is there something wrong with this kid?"

Tang Long shook his head: "I don't know."

He walked up to the three of them.

Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao's eyes immediately focused on him, scrutinizing him.

"My name is Tang Long," he introduced himself succinctly. "This is our temporary base."

He pointed at Wang Hu: "Wang Hu."

"Liu Qiang," the man with the axe replied in a deep voice.

"Luo Yongchao." The man with the iron rod spoke in a loud voice.

Both of their answers were brief and forceful, like roll call in the military.

Tang Long's lips twitched: "I know, you've already said that before! No need to repeat yourself."

He waved his hand: "Come with me."

"Let me show you around."

The two exchanged a glance and followed, while Chen Ming reluctantly left the control panel behind the metal door.

"This is the rest area. There are three cots in total, all reserved for the female comrades to rest, and also for storing supplies."

"The original hall has been converted into a kitchen and a dining area."

"That used to be an office area, but now it's been converted into a sleeping area. Look, these are the two big mahogany tables that were put together! There's also a sofa in the corner; we usually sleep here."

"You guys will be staying in this room with us, but you might have to make do tonight and sleep on the floor."

"No problem," Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao nodded.

In the apocalypse, safety is the top priority; issues like environmental comfort can only be considered later.

Moreover, since they were veterans, they cared even less.

Moreover, in their opinion, this place was already quite nice.

Clean, orderly, and even electric.

In the apocalypse, this is practically paradise.

Chen Ming, standing to the side, was like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden, constantly exclaiming in amazement.

"A temperature control system! Wait... you guys even have air conditioning?"

"Wait...where does the energy come from?!"

He frantically grabbed his hair, his eyes filled with confusion.

After the apocalypse, many electronic components will no longer be usable, such as mobile phones, computers, and car systems.

Many people were hiding at home because their smart door locks broke down, allowing zombies to break into their homes.

He had suspected that the fog might be radiating electronic devices, or that a massive electromagnetic pulse might have occurred on the day of the apocalypse.

But here, the air conditioning is working, the central control system is working, and all electronic devices are still usable.

and...

Where does the electricity come from?

Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao didn't seem to care about Chen Ming's reaction, as if they were already used to it.

Tang Long, however, glanced at the other person again, feeling that this person's focus was different from the others!

He led a few people to the weapons and equipment area.

"This is where the weapons are stored. You are not allowed to enter without my permission."

As he spoke, Tang Long pushed open the door and entered.

A row of weapon cabinets against the wall came into view.

"System, exchange for a Type 92 rifle and a magazine."

[Ding~ Redemption successful.]

Click.

A gap appeared in the weapon cabinet, and Tang Long picked up the Type 92 rifle and handed it over.

Liu Qiang stepped forward, picked up a Type 92 pistol, and skillfully removed the magazine, inspected the chamber, and pulled the slide—a series of smooth and fluid movements.

"Not bad! Well maintained." He nodded and handed the gun to Luo Yongchao, who was standing next to him.

Luo Yongchao also weighed the weight, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

He looked at Tang Long and asked, "What do you mean?"

Tang Long raised an eyebrow: "Want some? I have more here."

"Yes," Liu Qiang replied.

"I'd like to too," Luo Yongchao added.

"Then stay." Tang Long smiled.

"We don't support idlers."

"Your value lies in the guns in your hands and the professional knowledge in your minds."

Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao exchanged a glance.

This condition is both fair and cruel.

"What do we have to give up?" Liu Qiang asked the most crucial question.

"I will obey orders." Tang Long's answer was simple and direct.

"Here, I'm in charge."

The two exchanged a glance, their expressions slightly hesitant.

At this time.

A voice came from outside the door.

"Dinner's ready!"

A rich aroma of food wafted from the kitchen.

Xiao Lin and Xiao Zhao came out carrying several large plates.

White rice, stir-fried greens, and a large plate of stewed potatoes and meat.

Steaming hot food holds a deadly allure for those struggling to survive in the apocalypse.

Chen Ming's stomach started growling uncontrollably.

Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao couldn't help but swallow hard; they hadn't smelled such a delicious aroma in a long time.

"Let's eat first," Tang Long said.

"Let's make a decision after we finish eating."

The atmosphere at the dinner table was somewhat peculiar.

Dr. Zhang and the two nurses seemed a little reserved, curiously observing the three newcomers.

Wang Hu, in a familiar manner, offered cigarettes to Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao, trying to get closer to them, but the two politely shook their heads and refused, maintaining a soldier-like posture and eating with meticulous care.

Tang Long guessed that the two men had recently been discharged from the military before the apocalypse and still retained some of their military habits.

Only that college student, Chen Ming, seemed like a starving ghost reincarnated, sweeping away everything in his path without even raising his head.

I reckon they must have been starving for a long time.

After a moment of silence, Liu Qiang suddenly spoke up.

"I used to be an engineer, specializing in demolition."

"Artillery," Luo Yongchao said slowly.

Tang Long was slightly surprised, not expecting that these two were special forces.

Especially Liu Qiang, who is in the explosives business. If he can get his hands on the raw materials, his strategic value might not be any less than that of the Soviet Union.

As for Luo Yongchao, he also has good potential.

If we can get some artillery shells after the base is upgraded, that would be awesome!

At this time.

Liu Qiang looked at Tang Long and asked.

"We want to know, what is your goal? Is it just to hold onto this place, or do you have other plans?"

This question made everyone stop eating and look at Tang Long.

Even Wang Hu and his group were no exception.

As the leader of the base, Tang Long's ideas were of paramount importance to them, and could even be said to determine how long they could survive in the apocalypse.

Tang Long put down his bowl, took out a tissue, and wiped his mouth.

His gaze swept over everyone present, and he slowly began to speak.

"What kind of goals are these? That's too abstract."

"I only have one thought right now: to survive this damn apocalypse."

His voice was calm, with a hint of coldness.

"If you really want to know, I can only tell you that in the short term, I need to clear out all the zombies in this area and find more survivors."

"As for the future, no one can say for sure..."

Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao exchanged another glance and nodded slightly.

Liu Qiang took a deep breath and stated his position directly.

"I'm joining."

"I'll join too," Luo Yongchao followed closely behind.

[Ding! Qualified personnel detected.]

[Liu Qiang, former engineer, specializing in demolition and fortification (Level E).]

[Luo Yongchao, former artilleryman, specialization: heavy firepower operation, level C.]

[This person meets the special talent recruitment regulations and is exempt from assessment. Your promotion to full-fledged police officer (2 positions) has been automatically completed.]

The staffing system has been updated; current staffing: 6/12.

Tang Long nodded to himself.

Just as he had expected.

Military and police personnel with specialized skills before the apocalypse can be directly incorporated into the organization; Wang Hu is a good example of this.

"Me... what about me?" Chen Ming finally raised his head, his mouth full of rice, and asked indistinctly.

"What can I do? I can't shoot a gun."

Tang Long's gaze fell on Chen Ming.

The young man still had rice grains stuck to his face, but his eyes were as clear as a child's.

Tang Long hadn't seen this kind of look in a long time; it reminded him of college students on campus before the apocalypse.

Equally clear, equally foolish.

but...

It also gives people a lot of peace of mind.

Tang Long stood up and walked towards the equipment storage area.

"Come with me."

Chen Ming was stunned for a moment, then quickly followed.

Everyone put down their bowls and chopsticks, exchanged glances, and curiously followed.

Tang Long pushed open the door to the equipment area, dragged out something covered by a canvas from the corner, and suddenly ripped it off.

A pile of dark, twisted wreckage appeared before everyone's eyes.

It was that destroyed drone.

He and Wang Hu risked their lives to retrieve it during the cleanup operation outside the supermarket these past few days.

Unfortunately... it's no longer usable.

The fuselage was torn apart, several propeller blades were broken off to their roots, the camera gimbal was nowhere to be found, and the entire shell was covered with a layer of dried, foul-smelling slime.

"This is..." Liu Qiang recognized the general outline of the thing.

"A reconnaissance drone." Tang Long's tone was calm. "Before it was destroyed, it brought back the most crucial intelligence about the supermarket."

He looked at Chen Ming and asked.

"It's a pile of garbage now."

"I'm asking you, can you make this pile of garbage talk again?"

Chen Ming didn't answer immediately. He squatted down, carefully ran his fingers over the sticky substance on the fuselage, and then sniffed it.

"Strongly acidic biological secretions, interesting... The outer shell is a polymer composite material mixed with shape memory metal, no wonder it wasn't completely dissolved."

He was like a child who had discovered a new toy, constantly spouting words that no one else could understand.

"The physical structure of the flight control module is basically destroyed, but the core processing chip is protected in a lead-tin alloy shielding layer... so there might still be hope."

"What about the data storage unit? Is it solid-state or...?"

He suddenly looked up at Tang Long, his eyes gleaming with a fanatical light, like a researcher who had made a new discovery.

"Do you have the tools? I need a multimeter, soldering iron, oscilloscope... an oscilloscope is fine too, but at least give me a set of precision screwdrivers and a soldering torch!"

Wang Hu watched in stunned silence, whispering to Tang Long, "Captain Tang, he... he seems to really know something."

A hint of astonishment appeared in Liu Qiang's and Luo Yongchao's eyes as well.

They had been spending some time together.

I always thought the other person was eccentric and had some mental issues.

But now it seems that they never really understood each other.

"There's no oscilloscope," Tang Long shook his head. "We only have some basic repair tools here, which we found in nearby residential buildings."

"That's enough!" Chen Ming answered without hesitation. "Give me a worktable and don't let anyone bother me!"

Wang Hu couldn't help but give a thumbs up: "Awesome! Little scientist! If you really fix it, you'll have done a great job."

"Wrong!" Chen Ming shook his head and answered very seriously, "He is a great scientist."

Wang Hu's lips twitched, and he remained silent.

Tang Long was quite satisfied. He might be a bit arrogant, but he seemed so confident, so he must have some skills.

He nodded to himself, then turned to look at Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao.

"Liu Qiang, you're an engineering soldier, you know about blasting and fortification construction."

"In the future, the base's defense will need your planning. Also, could you improve the Molotov cocktails we've been making? I need something more stable and powerful."

"Luo Yongchao, you are an artilleryman."

"Although we don't have cannons now, you will be in charge of the maintenance of everyone's weapons from now on."

"I want everyone to be able to fire their guns at crucial moments."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.

"Your expertise is your weapon, and it's your value to this team. Any questions?"

"No!" The two stood at attention almost simultaneously and answered loudly.

This is obedience ingrained in the bones of soldiers.

Tang Long nodded, then turned to Wang Hu and said, "Wang Hu, take them to settle down where they'll be resting tonight."

"Got it!" Wang Hu grinned, patted Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao on the shoulder, "Come on, guys, let's make the beds."

The two nodded to each other and turned to leave.

……

Five days later.

In the hall, Wang Hu was giving Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao a lecture, his spittle flying everywhere.

"...In short, here, Captain Tang's words are orders, and absolute obedience is mandatory! Second, no touching female comrades is allowed; anyone who dares to mess with them will have their head ripped off by me! Third, all supplies will be distributed uniformly; no hoarding is permitted..."

Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao listened very attentively, nodding from time to time.

They could sense that this small group of survivors possessed a quality that was extremely rare in the apocalypse!

That is "order".

They weren't absent; other survivor groups did stay there.

However, within these groups, there is either infighting and mutual distrust. Small groups like Tang Long's, where everyone is united and helps each other, are extremely rare.

Tang Long and Su Yan stood not far away, watching Wang Hu set rules for the two of them.

Su Yan couldn't help but laugh and said, "This Officer Wang seems like a gang leader."

After several days of recuperation, she is much better now, and yesterday she was even able to go out with Tang Long and others.

At first, Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao didn't understand why they had to bring a woman along when going out on a mission. Wasn't that just making things difficult?

until...

After Su Yan demonstrated her abilities, the two were immediately astonished.

"I'm also a little skeptical! Was Wang Hu really a policeman before the apocalypse?" Tang Long couldn't help but tease.

He looked at the three of them and nodded to himself.

Sometimes, he couldn't help but marvel at the power of the system.

Being formally employed is, to some extent, equivalent to being stamped with a layer of ideological imprint.

As long as the other party is a staff member, he can subtly gain their favor and trust.

Having only been there a few days, Liu Qiang and Luo Yongchao, while not exactly blindly obedient to him, certainly trusted him implicitly.

He even felt that these two people now trusted him more than Dr. Zhang, Xiao Lin, and Nurse Xiao Zhao, who had joined at the very beginning.

"Ahem~" He coughed softly.

The three of them turned their heads at the same time.

"Team Leader Tang!"

"Tang..."

"..."

Tang Long smiled and said, "After checking our weapons, we should get going."