Ellie's fingers flew across the tablet so fast they almost blurred as she recorded the key points of Calista and Rickson's conversation.
"But running an industrial park takes a lot of manpower, especially workers." Calista looked at Rickson.
"So from today on, every team that goes out, whether for reconnaissance or scavenging, adds one more item to its mission list: keep an eye out for suitable survivors.
"Those with skills and clean backgrounds can be contacted and absorbed. As for looters…"
She did not finish, but Rickson already understood perfectly. He picked up where she left off. "Clear them out. It reduces trouble, and it counts as removing a threat for everyone else."
"Exactly." Calista nodded. "Population and technology are the key to our next stage of expansion."
After they finished discussing the plan to retake Knoxville Industrial Park, along with strategies for handling survivors and looters, Calista scooped up the last spoonful of now lukewarm vegetable soup. Then her movement paused slightly, as if she had suddenly caught onto an idea she had overlooked before.
She set down the spoon and looked out the window, as though her gaze had passed through the stone walls of Rock Fortress and reached a much farther future.
"There's one more thing, Rickson." Calista drew Rickson's attention back to her.
"We just talked about expanding the search teams' range to look for fuel, parts, medicinal herbs, and even to absorb more people…
"I think we can add two more items to the search list. They're not as urgent, but in the long run, they may be even more important."
Rickson set down his cup, his expression focused. "Go ahead."
"Knowledge," Calista said.
"The foundation of civilization isn't just weapons and food. It's also the passing down of knowledge and culture.
"Right now, we're relying on word of mouth and accumulated experience, but that isn't enough. It's too slow, and the chain can be broken too easily."
She tapped the tabletop lightly with her finger and emphasized, "I want the reconnaissance teams and search teams, while carrying out their main missions, to keep an eye out if they happen to come across anything. And I mean only if it's convenient. They are not to force it or take risks for it.
"For example, in universities, research institutes, libraries, or even private homes, if they find anything related to agriculture, industry, medicine, water management, architecture…
"Any useful technical books, manuals, or USB drives and hard drives containing relevant information can be brought back."
"Especially agriculture," Calista added. "Professor Howard's knowledge is valuable, but more information on planting techniques, soil improvement, pest control, and disease prevention can help us use our land more efficiently.
"There's also industry. Even the most basic mechanical principles or introductory chemistry might play a key role in helping us restore production in the future.
"Even… some children's introductory books, entertainment books, board games, card games, and things like that can be brought back in small amounts too.
"People need comfort in despair. And the children in the future will also need to know what this world used to look like."
Rickson nodded seriously. He understood the deeper meaning behind Calista's words.
This was about storing soft power for Rock Fortress, and perhaps even for a civilization that might one day be rebuilt.
This idea went beyond simple survival. It pointed toward continuity.
"I understand what you mean," Rickson said in a low voice. "This won't be a priority, but it will be an added objective.
"I'll notify all outside teams to keep an eye out for these kinds of supplies.
"We'll set up a dedicated area to store and organize this 'knowledge archive.'"
Calista nodded and continued along the same line of thought. "The same goes for biological resources.
"We have Blackberry Ranch now, and the number of livestock is increasing.
"If the search teams encounter suitable young animals that are easy to transport, like lambs, chicks, ducklings, goslings, or even healthy cats and dogs, they can consider bringing them back, provided it's safe.
"That will enrich our livestock varieties and increase biodiversity."
She paused. "Also, if they pass by safe lakes or rivers and can bring back some fish fry, that would be good too.
"We can try raising them in suitable streams, or in the ponds we build in the future. They'd be another decent source of protein.
"All of this has more long-term value than simply searching for canned food."
"Young animals, fish fry…" Rickson repeated, adding them to the scope of his management. "We'll need to evaluate the transport risks and whether they can adapt to a new environment.
"But the idea is right. We can't just live off what we already have. We need to bring in fresh life.
"I'll have Mr. Howard and the people in charge of livestock help set the evaluation standards."
Ellie quickly recorded everything.
Calista looked at the two new entries on Ellie's tablet, and the blueprint for the future in her mind seemed to grow a little clearer.
Weapons provided the guarantee of survival, while knowledge and diverse biological resources were the seeds that would allow human civilization to take root and sprout again.
She did not know when those seeds would flower and bear fruit, but she was certain that collecting them now was absolutely necessary.
"That's it." Calista ended this informal lunchtime meeting. "You and Leah can handle the details."
After Calista finished the last point and picked up her cup to drink, Rickson stayed silent for a few seconds, as if digesting the long string of information and decisions.
Then he looked at Ellie. "Did you get all that down?"
"I did." Ellie quickly skimmed the notes and answered with certainty.
"Good." Rickson said to Calista, "I'll coordinate and put it into effect as soon as possible.
"I'll finalize the point-redemption rules with Mrs. Howard.
"I'll handle the ground crew staffing.
"The mission lists and priority search directories for the reconnaissance and search teams will be updated today.
"As for the standards and procedures for absorbing survivors, I'll discuss a plan with Leah and the others."
Calista nodded in satisfaction.
She finished the last bit of food on her plate and stood up. "Thanks for the hard work, Rickson. Move quickly."
Survival and reconstruction. Calista intended to hold on to both.
Throughout the entire conversation, the noise in the dining hall seemed to fade into the background.
The people at the other tables were also talking among themselves, but many of them kept glancing over from time to time, curious about what major plan Calista and Rickson were working on now.
Carver even stopped bragging and pricked up his ears, trying to catch a few words, only for Turner to laugh and pull him back into their conversation.
...
Afternoon sunlight passed through Rock Fortress's windows, casting mottled bars of light across the wooden long table covered with maps.
Calista had just finished a short walk to digest her meal and was about to start handling the paperwork brought on by the series of plans set that morning when a soft knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Danny pushed the door open, holding the radio log in his hand. "Calista, the prison sent a communication request. It's Rick. It sounds like a routine check-in, but the signal is already connected."
Calista nodded, set down the pen in her hand, and stood up to walk toward the radio communication console in the corner of the room.
This equipment, carefully maintained by Danny, was the important link connecting Rock Fortress and the prison.
She put on the headset and adjusted the microphone.
...
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