To arrange for all eight of the marines to be kitted with everything they may need took well over an hour. Mainly because some of them could not decide on what they wanted and kept adding things they just spontaneously thought of.

As a general rule, David tried to keep them to the price range of their signup bonuses. In general, they each took battle dress uniforms, with kevlar vests and a large backpack. Their individual weapons differed, but they each took a 5.56 nato compatible rifle and a 9mm nato pistol. In addition, they each took two Ka Bars, a couple of months' worth of daily necessities including water and rations, about ten thousand rounds of ammo, some various explosives of choice, and medkits.

There were other things such as changes of clothing and spare bandages as well, but David did not take much note of such cheap purchases. To David’s understanding of how the inventory will work, everyone will be given a storage menu they can activate in the safe zone. Where they can store what they find and withdraw further supplies as needed. They could even store or summon vehicles or whole buildings even. Much like his small inventory works

With the soldiers taken care of, he asked the marines what a bunch of soldiers without gear might need for the month to guard a bunch of people and the nine of them made a simple kit with an m16 assault rifle, a Ka-Bar, a 1911 colt and a few hundred rounds for each gun. As well as about a week worth of water and MRE and some basic BDU, but no armor.

Each kit cost David about fifty thousand and he got a thousand of them. Causing his personal credit reserves to drop to nine figures. In addition, he arranged for about ten thousand gallons of bottled water and five thousand cans of beef stew, or other types of canned goods. Naturally, he also reserved some stuff for himself and his people. Thinking back on the pizza he technically ate that morning, he decided to try to recruit the pizzeria family. Which left Rick with less than a quarter of a billion credits.

“ All right, Marry, I know you hate it, but I really need Rick to give my gear an overhaul first thing. Rick, start with replacing the barrel of the M-134. I already bought a replacement. Then check the fine components. There is this god-awful screech when I use it. I have enough parts to build two more and arranged for a workshop for you.

John, I need you to look for someone in charge. Let them know we are an independent NGO. Let them know we will be willing to work with them in return for some concessions.

Marry, I am going to need you to work the crowd. Specifically, look for those with skills we can use. And I know you want me to be a bleeding heart but I am not going to bleed myself dry for charity cases. First, we make sure we can help ourselves stay alive then we help others. Do 'NOT' Under Any Circumstance Reveal We Have Money. I am serious, Marry. I will kick both you and Rick out if you do.

So just try to find people who would like to help out. And stay away from the military. That is going to be Jake’s job. I mean it.

Jake, I am going to give you perhaps the hardest job next to Marry keeping her mouth shut.”

Marry started giving him the stink eye and he gave her one back.

“ Hooking me up with your hooker friend so she can take half my money gives me that right. Now get over yourself, Marry.”

Marry stared at him another moment before sighing.

“ Don’t have to be a dick about it though.”

“ I do need to make sure you get the point though, now don’t I?”

She looks away ashamed and David looked at her for another few seconds before turning back to Jake.

“ Jake, I need you to look for the soldiers while keeping your daughter with you. Your job is also headhunting. Let the soldiers and other fighters who are factionless know we are hiring. I have no doubt most of them have been snagged up by now, but it never hurts to try. Your other job is to let those in a faction know we are offering the {grunt starter kit} for sixty thousand. I know I originally said I would give them at cost, but I have already lost the last two figures on my bank account. All I got left is enough for a couple of big emergency expenses. Like if we need a truck or something.”

David then turned to Jasmine and the others who will likely not be seen for a month.

“ Your number one job is staying alive. If it is between you potentially dying and not getting loot. Live to loot another day. Besides I can tell you are better armed and are more useful working overwatch. Use your own judgment, but try to prioritize scavenge rights over direct pay. Remember, we are looking for lost technology more than what we know. If it comes between a tank and a magic self-flushing toilet...”

David gestures towards the marines. As one they spoke.

“ Take the magic toilet.”

David smiled and nodded as they laughed afterward. He then began focusing on the other half of the group.

“ Now for you noncombatants. Similar deal with the headhunting, just take note I only have ten kits for each of you to sell. Try to find unaffiliated soldiers to give them to act as bodyguards. If you manage to be with one of us, try to work together. Again, your number one job is staying alive.”

David then took out several dozen cards representing all the items he was giving to each of them. After those were distributed he took out another card for each of them. A brown headband with five fists forming a circle.

“ Also wear this on you at all times you are able. It is the symbol of our order. May you fight with honor. May you protect your kin. And above all else for the love of god. Please don’t be a fucking idiot.”

That got a hearty laugh from all of them.