On the third floor of the Base, in Leon's private reception room.
Amy had specifically instructed the Base's chefs to prepare a sumptuous lunch.
Amrin had brought his two children to accept the invitation.
About halfway through the meal, both men were slightly tipsy. Amy considerately took the children to the activity room next door to play.
Leon swirled the red wine in his glass a few times, took a sip, and said:
"Professor Amrin, after spending a day here, what do you think of our Base?"
Amrin revealed a gentle smile. After a day's rest, he had changed into a clean suit, shaved off the disheveled stubble on his face, and regained the refined elegance characteristic of an intellectual.
He gave a light cough and spoke in a steady, unhurried tone, with a hint of flattery toward the powerful:
"It's very safe, the conditions are excellent, and everyone at the Base is united and hardworking. To find such a safe shelter in the apocalyptic world is already a blessing from God."
"Of course, I'm even more grateful for your kindness."
"Mr. Castor, as an ordinary technician, I'm unable to offer you any advice regarding the Base's construction or the organization's future."
"However, based on what I've learned during this time, I've found an area where I can contribute to the organization."
Leon immediately became interested. He heard the confidence of a professional beneath Amrin's humble tone.
"Go ahead, Mr. Amrin. I'm a generous boss, and I never begrudge rewards for any talented person who makes a contribution."
Amrin wore a humble smile as he said:
"My fields of research are electronic engineering and software design. I've worked in the industry for over twenty years and have some knowledge of almost every aspect of them."
"The first thing that comes to mind is our Currency Payment System. Yesterday, when I went to collect supplies, I noticed that the Logistics Department staff were still recording everything manually. It's very inefficient and prone to errors."
"I think I can design a specialized currency management system for the company—a Magnetic Card Payment System, similar to a scaled-down version of a modern bank and supermarket. All the data would be transmitted to the Central Smart Computer. A single magnetic card would serve as both identification and each person's bank card, making it extremely convenient to use and manage."
Leon's eyes lit up. He felt that such a payment method was worthy of an organization as prestigious as the Umbrella Corporation. He asked excitedly:
"What about the materials and equipment?"
Amrin sensed the organization's leader taking him seriously, and his confidence soared as he replied:
"I asked Ms. Quinn, who is in charge of managing the Warehouse, about it beforehand. She found many blank magnetic cards, along with the corresponding card-encoding machines and card readers. There are enough for several hundred people. They're all very common office supplies. Once the software is designed and entered into the computer, they'll work normally."
Leon was slightly surprised. He gave the university professor before him a meaningful look.
So he prepared all this in advance. It seems Professor Amrin is a truly clever man. He knows how to display his abilities to those above him, and he understands that valuable people can live better in this world.
He nodded slightly and said with a smile:
"Excellent, Professor Amrin. Once this is done, I'll give you credit for it. Do you have any other proposals?"
The smile on Amrin's face grew even wider. He considered his words before continuing:
"As you know, Mr. Castor, I used to be the Chief Engineering Consultant of Delta Air Lines. Atlanta is Delta Air Lines' headquarters, and I know a great deal about the company."
"That includes several Aircraft Fuel Depots with enormous reserves, Private Aircraft Hangars, Delta Air Lines' various advanced facilities, and all kinds of supplies stockpiled for its many employees."
"I estimate that the fuel reserves there amount to more than one hundred thousand tons. There should also be nearly a hundred brand-new small private aircraft."
"One hundred thousand tons of fuel? And private aircraft?"
Leon's lips stretched into a broad grin, and he couldn't help revealing a brilliant smile.
It feels like my electricity consumption for the next few years is guaranteed.
Delta Air Lines was one of America's leading major airlines, reputed to be the busiest airline in the country. It operated more than four thousand flights a day, served nineteen airports, and maintained hundreds of routes, providing tens of thousands of jobs for Atlanta.
The airline had played an irreplaceable role in making Atlanta a transportation hub of the southern United States.
If Amrin's intelligence was accurate, his estimate of the resources was certainly conservative.
Leon was delighted inside, but his face showed regret as he said:
"Excellent. Your intelligence is very useful, Professor Amrin."
"Unfortunately, our current strength is still insufficient to take down those large Bases surrounded by Zombies."
"However, your intelligence has given us a visible path toward the future. I'll give you credit for it."
"Do you have any other proposals?"
The smile on Amrin's face remained as humble as ever. He gave a soft cough and said:
"Last year, I worked on the program design for a military Drone Production Base, designing operating programs for its Reconnaissance Drones."
"It's about a hundred kilometers from here. I still remember the location. I estimate that a large number of Reconnaissance Drones should still be stored there. There weren't many soldiers, and there was also a small amount of military equipment."
"By now, it has most likely fallen."
"If we could obtain them, our reconnaissance capabilities would improve significantly."
After receiving another astonishing piece of good news, Leon was already somewhat numb. Maintaining the smile on his face, he asked again:
"Any other proposals, Professor Amrin?"
"The current Satellite Communication System has collapsed. If you can find a high-powered radio station or similar Radio Transmitter, Mr. Castor, I'm confident I can build a communications system for the Base with a very wide range."
The corner of Leon's mouth twitched, but he still asked:
"Anything else?"
Amrin thought for several seconds before saying:
"I remember that the Georgia Institute of Technology had a comprehensive disaster emergency system. If the survivors there handled things properly, then after only a little over a month, there should still be quite a few survivors."
"Oh, right. If you intend to visit the Polytechnic Institute, Mr. Castor, I hope you can bring back as many books from the library as possible. They are the crystallization of humanity's inherited wisdom and the spark of human revival. We can learn a great deal from them and rebuild human civilization."
"Is there anything else you want to say, Professor?"
"Nothing for now. It's only been a short time, so these are the only things I could think of. If I think of anything else later, I'll tell you immediately."
Leon took a deep breath and looked at the frail middle-aged man before him with a hint of admiration as he said:
"Professor Amrin, your suggestions are extremely valuable. They're exactly what we need right now."
"But our strength is limited at present. We can't accomplish everything in one stroke. We can only proceed step by step."
"You can go back and rest properly for a few days first, then join the work."
Amrin shook his head silently and said:
"No need to rest, Mr. Castor. I want to start working immediately."
"While waiting to die in the basement, I thought about many things. I've rested for too long. This is an extraordinary time, and I need to work harder to contribute to humanity."
Leon silently studied the university professor for a few moments before saying:
"All right, Professor Amrin. This afternoon, I'll have Amy arrange your workplace. You can tell her about any needs you have. You must take care of your health. A good person of value deserves a better life."
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