Chapter 10: Recruiting Survivors
Hive Level 1 — Community Center
Wu Fan stood behind a temporary desk. A thick stack of documents lay in front of him, each stamped with the red Umbrella Corporation logo.
Twelve researchers sat around the hall, their expressions mixed with curiosity and hesitation.
"Sign this," Wu Fan said, pushing the documents forward. "From now on, you are official employees of the Umbrella Corporation."
Dr. Edwin Jenner picked up a contract and read it carefully. His brow slowly tightened.
"Salaries are replaced with contribution points? Lifelong service? No job changes?"
He turned a page and froze.
"Violators will be treated as biochemical test subjects?"
He looked up. "This is inhumane."
Candice leaned closer. "What is it?"
He handed her the contract.
After reading it, she fell silent for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"Look around."
Edwin looked up.
Outside the glass walls were artificial skies, clean streets, and orderly villas.
But beyond that was a ruined world.
"This world is already over," Candice said. "Where else can we go? Even if there's another company, can it compare to this place?"
She held his hand. "There's no job-hopping anymore. Only survival here, or death outside."
Edwin was silent for a long time.
Then he sighed and signed his name.
"I'm in."
One by one, the others followed.
Twelve contracts were signed.
Wu Fan checked the system interface.
Employee Records Updated
Edwin Jenner — Senior Virologist — Loyalty: 72%
Candice Jenner — Biochemistry Researcher — Loyalty: 81%
Abraham Green — Director of Virology — Loyalty: 68%
Most values ranged between 65% and 75%.
Stable.
Wu Fan closed the panel.
"From now on, you are members of Umbrella Corporation."
He pointed toward the villa district.
"The dormitories are over there. Choose any house. The labs are on the third basement level, but you don't have access yet. Rest for now."
The researchers left.
After that, Wu Fan returned to the CDC first floor.
Eight survivors were gathered in a corner, whispering. When they saw him, they fell silent.
Wu Fan scanned them.
"I'll give you two choices," he said. "Join my company, or leave."
The bald man frowned. "What does joining mean?"
"Work," Wu Fan said. "You work, I give you points. Points can be exchanged for supplies."
"Is there any protection or rights?" a woman asked.
"No," Wu Fan said.
Another woman in glasses crossed her arms. "This is unfair. I refuse."
A few others hesitated.
Wu Fan raised his gun.
Bang.
The woman fell. Blood spread across the floor.
Silence.
Wu Fan looked at the remaining survivors.
"Anyone else?"
No one moved.
"Work, or leave."
The bald man stepped forward first.
"I'll work."
One by one, the others followed.
"I will."
"Me too."
Wu Fan lowered his gun.
"Go upstairs. Find rooms. Work starts tomorrow."
The survivors left quickly.
Wu Fan crouched beside the body, pulled out an ID card—Linda Parker, 34—and kept it.
He dragged the body outside and pushed it into the horde.
The growls outside grew louder.
He closed the door and wiped his hands.
Survival first.