System Of The Undead

Chapter 199: Jason’s Choice

Things were taking an unexpected turn and with the re-emergence of Mariam, everyone found themselves feeling relieved, everyone but Dimitris.

This action she took was far too drastic, the logic behind it wasn’t justified either because this would put her above the law.

Dimitris excused himself amidst the cheers to recollect his thoughts and piece together a reason for this. Something was going on with Mariam but was this some sort of trauma response to the trauma that she faced? She almost lost her life and lost her husband due to his neglect so from a logical point of view, it was understandable that she had lost faith in him but this went unnoticed by everyone until another was afflicted, even the people who solved the case didn’t suspect any foul play with her husband until the second attack happened.

"You felt it too, huh?" A voice said behind him, prompting the man to turn around.

It was Bella, Dimitris didn’t want to play into her hand as he didn’t know if she was capable of independent thought that didn’t align with Mariam’s agenda.

"The risk always existed, even in the real world, we never knew what our neighbours were up to..." Bella began to speak, driving at the same conclusion that Dimitris had.

"Mariam has taken a drastic stance and I don’t know why but this doesn’t feel right..." Dimitris blurted out, that she nearly lost her life six months ago but was that enough to make her forgo democracy?

Dimitris, however, knew it was in his best interest to keep his true thoughts to himself.

"We best return..." Dimitris said to which Bella agreed as they both returned to her speech.

This didn’t go unnoticed by Mariam.

-

The little gathering was over and Mariam immediately requested to see Dimitris in her office.

Dimitris knew he had no choice but to obey her summon but there was a lot more politics going on than he bargained for.

"I know you have a lot of questions, Dimitris..." Mariam said the moment the man was seated before her but Dimitris didn’t give a verbal response.

"And I can assure you, the recent development doesn’t reflect my trust in you but everything that happened did happen right under your nose..." Mariam said.

She was right, if Dimitris had perceived this threat earlier then it would have never escalated to this extent.

"You’re right, I have been incompetent," Dimitris accepted his fault without hesitation.

"The lives lost were my fault, I didn’t catch on to things quickly and if it wasn’t for the new additions, I probably would have never caught on," Dimitris admitted.

"That is right and this is the reason I must relieve you from your post as the raider’s leader...". Mariam said sternly, Dimitris couldn’t keep his composure because this surely took him off guard.

"What do you mean by that?" Dimitris asked in the calmest tone that he could muster.

Everyone knew he was best suited to lead these raiders, he had more experience dealing with the outside world than all of them combined or at least that was the case before...

"Oh, Dimitris, you’re here too." Jason’s voice echoed, Mariam had summoned him as well.

Jason could tell that whatever conversation they were having must have been intense judging from the atmosphere but that was none of his business.

He was living his best life and there was nothing that could ruin his mood.

"Jason, please take a seat," Mariam commanded and he took the empty chair right beside Dimitris.

"What’s going on?" Jason asked.

"How would you like a promotion?" Mariam asked Jason but Jason was still confused.

"A promotion?" Jason repeated, he wanted to be sure he heard it correctly to which she affirmed with a head nod.

"That is correct, you’re taking over from Dimitris..." Mariam said and Jason didn’t even know how to react but he knew he lacked the leadership skill that Dimitris had so this didn’t make sense to him.

"Are you sure that is the right choice?" Jason asked, showing hesitation in taking more responsibility even though it would mean he was one of the highest-ranking individuals in the community.

"I’m sure..." Mariam said.

"Very well then..." Jason accepted the offer even though it meant outranking Dimitris.

Dimitris maintained his composure because Jason had proven himself to be quite the fighter.

He didn’t particularly disapprove of his replacement.

"My first order of business is to step down and reappoint Dimitris as my successor," Jason said and the room fell silent.

Mariam’s smile soon faded into one of confusion, not knowing what he even meant by this but this was no time to be joking.

"I have no interest in leading the Raiders and I think it is stupid to replace Dimitris considering we are only here because he continuously risked his life outside the walls," Jason said sternly and this was influenced by the fact that Dimitris trusted him enough to leave Carl in his care, there was no reason why he shouldn’t repay the favour.

"This guy..."Dimitris thought to himself with a smile, he knew that Jason was the only one qualified to take his spot and if he turned it down, there was nothing that could be done.

Mariam sighed in defeat, she knew that there was nothing that she could do but the fact that she had tried to replace Dimitris wouldn’t go easy with the seasoned fighter.

"Well, Dimitris, congratulations..." Mariam said with a disappointed tone.

The meeting lasted less than five minutes and both men were out, Dimitris walked ahead of Jason but without saying a word, Jason could tell he was grateful.

"Why did you do it?" Asked the General.

"I don’t know, it didn’t feel right taking it away from you when you are the reason this community still stands, I’m surprised Mariam did attempt to do such though..." Jason said.

Dimitris was glad he wasn’t the only one noticing Mariam’s erratic choices but this told him that he was on her list.

"What are you doing Mariam..." Dimitris thought to himself but this was the last thing he needed on his mind considering that he had to venture outside these very walls later that day.