Chapter 41: The Special Committee (8)

"Zombies can't stand the sound of gunfire," Li Fengyi mused, finding it even stranger. "Could it be that they retain some memories from when they were alive, enough to know firearms are the greatest threat? The city rail bridge has drawn over three hundred zombies these past days. Our weapons are pretty crude—barely better than those from the age of cold steel, just a little more advanced, all steel arms at best."

"We don't have the equipment," Li Qiang said sympathetically. "We can only make rough observations. Who knows when Xiaoshan will find time; once we're all free, we can fix up the tank together."

"We're short on supplies..." Li Fengyi longed for the tank to stand guard. Now, every time he passed by the tank, he would climb atop it, scanning the surroundings, imagining a fleet of tanks charging into the zombie horde. The zombies would howl, claw, and scratch, but be ultimately helpless. Just the thought of it was invigorating—if they had that, what would a zombie horde be? If it didn’t crush them for dozens or hundreds of kilometers, it wouldn’t be enough.

The new sweeping plan was to advance steadily from east to west, with each north-south road marking a new boundary. After each sweep, the Ministry of Civil Affairs would bring in teams to clear out supplies and manage newly rescued survivors, then continue rolling the operation forward.

To keep everyone occupied and prevent trouble, the Special Committee required all survivors to undergo military training in rotation.

"It's working well," Li Fengyi remarked, watching a group of frail young women shouting commands and skillfully wielding steel pipes and shields. "In the first days of the apocalypse, I was so worried, afraid everyone would become too oppressed and lose their minds."

"Yes, you can't let people be idle," General Liu said, clearly moved. "I was never afraid of war; it was the long stretches of idleness that worried me. So many times, the political commissar had to clean up after me." It was obvious he was no stickler for rules either.

"I wonder if humanity can survive the apocalypse," Li Fengyi thought pessimistically, but kept it to himself. Instead, he said, "Let’s hold a send-off ceremony, boost morale a bit."

"Absolutely," General Liu replied confidently; he was well-versed in such matters. "We should also have a formation ceremony, a flag presentation."

The retirement home was full of capable people, and they planned to hold the flag presentation with proper ceremony. The military uniforms, ranging from the 1965 style up to the 2007 spring and autumn versions, were a chaotic mix—service dress, dress uniforms, training outfits, camouflage, all jumbled together. They couldn’t even guarantee one set per person, which frustrated the soldiers, making them feel unworthy of the title "civilized army" of the People's Liberation Army. Only the retired veterans took it in stride: "Be grateful, boys—at least you have clothes to wear." And then came a round of military history lessons.

They dug out an old Japanese officer's sword, captured by a predecessor during the war of resistance and kept as a souvenir. There had been two; the other was in a military museum. They also found three sets of 2007 uniforms—one worn by the standard-bearer, the other two by the honor guards. While searching for clothes, they were surprised to find a set of special forces gear, which the scouts quickly requisitioned.

They conducted a rough experiment: during a violent thunderstorm, the massed shouting on the training ground didn’t attract distant zombies. Of course, the suggestion to use loudspeakers was unanimously rejected.

It was decided that General Liu would present the flag, and Li Fengyi would receive it—symbolizing the old soldiers, who had borne the nation's fate through hardship, passing the battle flag to a new generation of soldiers who would carry on the same sacred duty. This was the spiritual inheritance of the People's Liberation Army. Li Fengyi felt Li Qiang would be a better choice, but Li Qiang insisted otherwise—he wasn't one to compete with Li Fengyi.

They found several military flags, large red banners with the August First star and emblem. General Liu said, "Just seeing that green stripe at the bottom of the army flag gives me a headache—let’s go with this one!" So they used the all-red flag.

On the flagpole sleeves, from top to bottom, they inscribed: "Provisional First Battalion of the People’s Liberation Army," "First Company, Provisional First Battalion," "Second Company, Provisional First Battalion," "Third Company, Provisional First Battalion."

The main stage was set up on the parade ground between buildings 1 and 2 of the retirement home. The Ministry of Industry’s construction team built a canopy and arranged a dozen tables as the first tier, stacking a few more on top for the head table. With no wind, the flags couldn’t unfurl, so Sun Xiaoshan brought several electric fans to make the bright red banners billow.

The flag ceremony was set for 3:00 p.m. All base personnel, except those on duty, attended.

The Provisional First Battalion formed up between Mary Hospital and the two main buildings in neat blocks. Active-duty soldiers were placed in prominent positions—tall and disciplined—while the survivor soldiers, hastily trained, stood awkwardly, having spent most of their time practicing with shields and steel pipes.

Civilians gathered around, pointing and whispering: who looked smart, who stood as if cockroaches were crawling on them. The soldiers grew more self-conscious.

Li Fengyi, Li Qiang, and General Liu stood on the stage, with Li Fengyi insisting that General Liu take the center.

Li Qiang announced loudly, "The flag presentation ceremony for the Provisional First Battalion of the People’s Liberation Army begins!"

General Liu took a step forward, the August First flag in his hand fluttering under the electric fans. "Comrades of the Provisional First Battalion of the People’s Liberation Army! On behalf of the PLA, I present your unit with the flag of the Provisional First Battalion. At this moment of national crisis, I hope you will embody the spirit of our army—enduring hardship, fighting bravely—to rescue the nation and alleviate the people’s suffering!"

Li Fengyi stood at attention before General Liu, raising his right hand in salute—a gesture Li Qiang had specially trained him in. "Rest assured, Commander. After receiving the flag, allow us to pledge to the Party and the nation: all officers and soldiers of the Provisional First Battalion will forever uphold this glorious, great, and invincible 'August First' flag as a symbol of our courage and honor.

The Party and the nation have entrusted us with the mission to fight for the people’s salvation, to restore human civilization.

As we accept this great and difficult task, on behalf of all officers and soldiers of the Provisional First Battalion, I promise: we will steadfastly fulfill our sacred duties, unite as one, overcome all difficulties, demonstrate the highest enthusiasm and creativity, strengthen organization and discipline, fear neither hardship nor adversity, and never bow to any challenge. We will ensure the completion of the honorable mission given to us by the Party and the nation.

Let us shout together: Long live the People's Republic of China!

Long live the People’s Liberation Army!

Long live China!"

General Liu was the first to shout, followed by Li Qiang, then the Provisional First Battalion, and finally the entire assembly joined in.

Battalion Commander Wei Yong took the flag from Li Fengyi and waved it vigorously before the crowd. The cheers grew even louder.