It was definitely quiet, the designated Meeting Room. Underneath the activity of the Camp's surface and Palace's rooms, the underground system of the building was originally designed to satisfy the safety and comfort of Government Officials and personnel involved in the Ex-Royal Family's affairs. That was what it was intended for, an event like this. However, with officials of a much higher rank either escorted to safety, or even not making it to safety, they were left almost untouched. A few High-Classed Military Operatives were left behind, those of which had taken command of the brand new life that buzzed above. Used mainly as rooms for accommodation, research, stock storage and other more vital activities of occupation, it was definitely somewhere to be used with great care. Having a few rooms with working medication gear, testing rooms and such, it was something that could drag the population towards it.
The Meeting Room, however, was quite dark. It wasn't large, or exciting. Simplistic for its role, it didn't need any of the electronic touches. Only a table, chairs and light were required for the topics discussed down there. At the room's slightly larger chair, sat a woman. She didn't seem to be too old, most likely within her later-40s. She'd sit there, a man of a somewhat similar age, though younger slightly, stood beside the rear of her chair. The two waited patiently, preparing to make the meeting quite short in some cases. It wasn't going to take too long, in their eyes, and was going to lead on to the events coming up. The man looked towards his superior, addressing her with formality.
"Hannah...Any pre-thoughts on the situation coming up? I mean...Remember who we are bringing in. What if they aren't fully up for the task? He has the right to back down on this point, as our policy goe-"
"I am aware of that, Lance. But think about the chances...I'm sure he will understand the priorities of his recruitment yet again. It will only increase the chances by small numbers, but it is better than not increasing them at all." A door opening interrupted the small-talk between both of them. Both Hannah and Lance would look towards it as two males entered. One, dressed in the usual gear handed to the Assignment Enlistees. The other, was far from their clothing. The clothing was in good condition, yet it wasn't what you would call exciting. With Jet-Black, ruffled style hair, emerald eyes, a stubble that glanced across his lower face and a size that showed individuality, it was clear that the right person had entered the room. Looking rather nervous, even shaking at certain points of his entry, he edged over to his seat. The door, and enlistee, left the three from being completely overheard. Standard protocols, as they were called."Well...It is great to see you on such short notice, Gareth." Hannah began, denying any silences from making the conversation awkward and antagonising. "I have my suspicions that you know what this meeting is about, correct?"
Finally, the man said something. His tone was low, lacking a powerful gruff. It wasn't the squeaked pitch that some of the previous Scavengers had bared, far from it, and showed somewhat maturity. He looked from Lance to Hannah, sighing slightly as he dragged out the words to say. The Scottish tone flowed from his lips, reaching speech.
"I can only...think of such topics."
"Well...you must be referring to the last Scavenging Operation we regrettably have the results for. For starters, I'd like to send you my sincerest apologies and concerns towards your well being, especially after what you went through." She had to be apologetic. The decision to send the teams out ended in but a disaster for Team Westminster. Nothing could've been more harmful to the population and succession of the Camp's Scavenging Group that that single event. Gareth was only but one of the two lucky one's around, having the incredibly dangerous role of a Guard during such hours.
It was a disaster, starting off with the Spotter's failure to acknowledge the approaching danger. It was more than just New-Born classed hostile individuals, with Leapers closing in from the rear. He was the luckiest, him and Christopher. They were with the Explore Party, examining the ruins of a Flat when the main group were struck down with almost no time to react. A few Gunshots alerted the party, meaning that they could at least sense the danger beforehand. Being told to go look out the window, it gave the opportunity for an escape for both the Medic and Guard when New-Born's swarmed through the door. Time would pass, and within a day, only the Medic and battered Guard returned to the Gates. To anyone, the details from both survivors were not explained, only the sheer size of the horde being identified by the defensive stand-off minutes after their return. The size of the swarm gave a very clear idea of what sort of things would've happened, and how quickly it occurred. The streets were no more than a death-trap, with very few returning from being sent out each day. Though Christopher had given some brief details about how everything went down, applying some knowledge to the Seniors, Gareth hadn't discussed it with anyone. His Sister, also known for having the deepest conversations with her sibling, hadn't even heard a word about it. Gareth nodded, he wanted her to continue, and had a rough plan of where it was going to go.
"Gareth..." She would sigh, rubbing her forehead. "You should know that in less than two days, the Scavenging Group are going out for another task. But...well...Buckingham is more than just a Man down. We've managed to pull through a good few volunteers, roughly enough to fill half of your original size, in attempt to make you more than worthy of an asset to our home...We...We just need you, though. Gareth...You are one of the two survivors...now we know that you will find this hard to take in, and we understand if you really want to turn the necessity down..." She was interrupted during her pause, the realisation slowly flowing through his veins.
"You want me to go back out there as the Guard again, don't you?" His tone was unsettled, uneasy and unwanting. He clearly was in a position of worry...one that would most definitely be assured to deny such a measly role with incredible dangers.
"Not entirely, Gareth...We want you to be the replacement Team Leader." There was a deafening silence, bouncing around the room like a ricocheting bullet. Like Light on a Mirror, it reflected off every corner and face, until it slammed straight back into him.
"Why me..." Was all he could mutter out. Confusion settled into his mind as comprehension was attempting to be set into play within his thoughts.
"You are the only experienced one...We know that this is difficult to go through, but we can't have Christian lead. Camp Apothecary haven't sent us any fresh Medically trained people recently that could fill his role. He is needed in that position as the Medic, still! Gareth, we would like to explain how important your participation will be...You are the only one who's been out there, in this group, who is in the position to take lead. Four times out into the streets is more than enough experience to take a team under your wing! You know that, don't you? Think about it...There's less danger if someone know's what they are doing! You'd still have someone to assist in superiority, that being Christian, but he cannot fill two separate roles alone. We could risk setting a fresh-volunteer as a Scavenger Leader, but...I'm just repeating myself now...Just." She paused, thinking about whether he'd agree to her pleading. "If you are honestly going to follow my want, Gareth, even though you can turn down the offer...I'd like you to follow me outside after you have thought about it. I'll get the Assignment Enlistees to gather up the team in the Forward Yard so we can introduce them, and the upcoming task ahead...Please...Make the right decision..."