He put away his gun and signaled Sandra to do the same.
“We are a security team for a private enterprise.
The company focuses on biological research and vaccine development.
We’ve established a survivor base at the CDC.” Gail’s eyes lit up.
“Vaccine?
You’re researching a vaccine?” “Yes, over a dozen doctors are working on it, and there’s already some progress.” Leon took a step forward.
“You’ve been hiding in the hospital alone for half a month?” Gail nodded, then shook her head.
“Not alone.
There’s also a patient.” She pointed to the door blocked by the hospital bed.
“His name is Rick Grimes.” Gail said, “A deputy sheriff from King County.
He was wounded in a shootout and has been in a coma for a long time.
On the day of the outbreak, the hospital was in chaos.
His colleague blocked the door with a hospital bed so those things couldn’t get in, and he survived.
I also stayed here to care for some elderly people with mobility issues.
Unfortunately, they passed away one by one, and now only Rick is left.” She didn’t tell the whole truth, but it was a fact that she had taken care of Rick with all her heart.
Leon looked at her, his expression somewhat complex.
This woman had stayed in the hospital alone for half a month guarding a comatose patient?
“Why?” He asked, “Why didn’t you run yourself?” Gail was silent for a moment, then said, “Because I am a doctor.” Five simple words.
Leon was stunned for a moment, then smiled.
“Good.” He said, “Do you want to join us?” Gail looked at him, her gaze firm.
“If you really are researching a vaccine, if it’s truly to save humanity—I am willing to join.” “Are you sure?
You’ve seen those things outside.
Living isn’t easy.” Gail took a deep breath.
“My father was a military doctor who served in the Gulf War.
He taught me one thing—a doctor’s duty is to save people, no matter when or what the circumstances.
Those things outside, they were once people too.
If a vaccine can be researched, if the rest of humanity can be saved, I’m willing to take this risk.” Leon nodded.
“Deal.” He turned toward the door blocked by the bed and gave it a push.
The bed was wedged very tightly and required force.
“Wait.” Gail walked over.
“He needs to be moved carefully.
After being in a coma for so long, his muscles have atrophied and his bones have become brittle.
He can’t be handled roughly.” She skillfully pushed the bed aside, opened the door, and went in to check Rick’s condition.
Pulse, breathing, pupil response—she did it all meticulously.
Leon stood at the door, looking at the thin man on the bed.
Rick Grimes.
The protagonist of The Walking Dead.
The man who woke from a coma, rode a horse into Atlanta, and led a team through the struggle for survival.
The man who would kill anyone for his family.
The man loved by countless viewers for eleven seasons.
Now he just lay there, skin and bones, completely unconscious.
Leon noticed that the famous warning sign—”Don’t Open, Dead Inside”—was not on the door.
It seemed that fellow named Paul hadn’t arrived yet, hadn’t clashed with Gail, and the cafeteria’s iron doors hadn’t been written on with blood-red letters.
Butterfly effect.
Or maybe it’s just a different timeline.
It didn’t matter anymore.
“Can he be moved?” Leon asked.
Gail nodded.
“Yes, but we need to be careful.
The bedsheet can be used as a stretcher.” Sandra came over to help.
The three of them carefully transferred Rick onto the sheet, each taking a side, and slowly moved him out of the room.
Downstairs, the armored vehicle was still parked where it had been.
Marcus was leaning against the car door on lookout; seeing them come out, he immediately opened the rear door.
“Boss, what’s this?” “New members.” Leon said, “Lend a hand.” Together, they lifted Rick into the vehicle and placed him on the bench.
Gail followed him inside, adjusting his posture to make him more comfortable.
“What about the medicine?” Sandra asked.
Leon pointed back.
“There’s another batch.
Wait for me.” He turned and ran back into the hospital, heading straight for the pharmacy.
Antibiotics, painkillers, anesthetics, glucose, saline, gauze, bandages, disinfectant—anything he could take, he took.
He found a large bag, filled it to the brim, and ran out carrying it.
The space in the vehicle wasn’t large to begin with, and now it was stuffed with medicine, medical equipment, and four people, packed like a can of sardines.
“Drive.” Leon panted, “Back to the base.” Marcus started the engine, and the armored vehicle slowly drove away from the hospital.
Through the window, Leon took one last look at the grayish-white building.
Harrison Memorial Hospital.
The place where Rick woke up.
But now, Rick had been taken away by him.
Would the story follow its original trajectory?
He didn’t know.
But what he did know was— Regardless of whether Rick was the protagonist, in this world, survival was the only truth.
The armored vehicle sped along.
At dusk, the silhouette of the CDC appeared in sight.
The rolling shutter door slowly rose, the armored vehicle drove in, and the gate behind them fell again, sealing off the outside world.
Leon jumped out of the car and saw Dr.
Jenner waiting for him in the lobby.
“Boss, you’re back?
How was the haul?” Leon pointed to the vehicle.
“New members, and one who’s comatose.
Arrange an isolation room and blood tests.” Dr.
Jenner glanced at the Rick being carried down and frowned.
“This man is in very poor condition; he needs an IV.” “You handle it.” Leon patted his shoulder.
“You’re a doctor of biology, which counts as a doctor.
You’re in charge.” Gail followed them into the building, observing the surroundings along the way.
Isolation rooms, blood-drawing rooms, disinfection equipment—everything was very standard.
“This is your base?” She asked.
“Part of it.” Leon said, “You’ll be in isolation for three days.
If there are no issues, you can officially start work.” Gail nodded and didn’t say much.
She walked into the isolation room, and the door closed behind her.
Leon stood in the corridor, looking at the closed door, as the system notification sounded in his mind: [Recruited new employee: Gail Macones, Doctor, initial loyalty 78%] [Recruited new employee: Rick Grimes (Comatose), former Deputy Sheriff, evaluation pending awakening] Leon smiled.
Two more talents added.
A doctor and a—future combat powerhouse.
This trip was worth it.