Industrial Cthulhu doesn't believe in the end times.

Chapter 129 Discussion of Humanitarian Issues

"Thank you for your affirmation, Commander-in-Chief. This gives our newspaper a lot of motivation and also makes us feel a great sense of responsibility."

Cheng Lu's eyes flashed as she quickly took notes.

Soon, she asked her second question.

"The second question is one we published in the newspaper that sparked considerable discussion—about the zombie eradication operation and the humanitarian considerations involved."

“We have received anonymous letters from some frontline soldiers and interviewed soldiers who came down from the front. They generally reported that when facing zombies and infected people, especially some... those who had contact with them before they died, and those who were originally elderly people, children, or even pregnant women who had turned into zombies…”

"When faced with them, the pure, mechanical order to eliminate them can bring a huge psychological burden after execution, including nightmares, persistent guilt, and questioning one's own humanity... This is not an isolated case among soldiers."

"How do you view this kind of psychological trauma? Under the premise of ensuring safety, is it possible, or is it our responsibility, to incorporate a touch of...humanitarianism when carrying out missions? This is not for the zombies, but perhaps more for our soldiers?"

Su Xun did not answer immediately. He leaned back in his chair, holding a cup that was filled with hot water and gently shaking it.

A brief silence fell over the conference room, broken only by the faint hum of the ventilation system.

Cheng Lu paused in her writing, suddenly feeling a little nervous, but the silence didn't last long before Su Xun put down his cup.

"I actually read that newspaper back then, but I didn't express any opinions at the time."

“Your question is excellent; it touches on one of the most easily overlooked, yet most fatal, wounds of this long war.”

“The psychological trauma suffered by our soldiers is not an isolated case. I have seen many such cases myself. Even the most steadfast and courageous people can be defeated by such trauma.”

Not only this life, but also past lives.

Compared to the previous life, the situation in this life is much better. The soldiers in the many safe zones can take turns on duty and can also rest fully in the safe and stable rear. Su Xun and others have been trying their best to make the atmosphere in the safe zones warmer and more harmonious, which is also a consideration in this regard.

In his previous life, Su Xun had witnessed soldiers who had broken down and pointed their guns at normal people, and he had also seen many snipers who had finished their missions staring blankly at bullet casings all night.

Humans are not machines after all. The soldiers who carry out the mission are flesh and blood, with memories and conscience. Long-term slaughter of humanoid creatures will inevitably lead to PTSD. Even if the target is zombies, it will gradually erode the line in these people's hearts that distinguishes 'us' from 'them'.

Cheng Lu explained to Su Xun: "Currently, there are two discussions among the survivors regarding this issue. One is that they support the idea that humanitarian measures are necessary, since zombies were once human. The other is that zombies are just zombies, and all means are acceptable and tolerable in order to eliminate them."

"Does that also include wantonly destroying zombies after they've been controlled?" Su Xun shook his head. Everything has its extremes, and there will always be people who do extraordinary things. The situation he described actually happens frequently in civilian organizations, and it happened even more often in his previous life.

The motivations for such behavior range from old grudges accumulated before the cataclysm, to new hatred after having companions killed by zombies, to simple extreme desires.

Ultimately, the root cause of all these problems is that the zombies still retain human form.

“Actually, both of them make sense,” Su Xun said. “However, when facing a problem, we cannot simply say that one is right and the other is wrong, otherwise we will fall into a binary view.”

"First of all, we must make it clear that zombies are enemies, desecrated creatures that have taken over the bodies of our fellow countrymen, and mortal enemies with whom we are irreconcilable and can never coexist."

“There are some things I can say. I myself just killed a mutated zombie that still retained its memories and knew what it had done before the cataclysm.”

"But zombies are not human after all. In their eyes, the world presents a different state. Zombies are their kind, while we are food and aliens."

"All zombies are enemies. We must always keep this in mind and never let our guard down. The corps' primary mission is to annihilate all zombies on this planet while ensuring the stability of the safe zone."

"With this bottom line clearly defined, we not only demand survival, but also safeguard the integrity of our soldiers as 'human beings.' While ensuring the absolute safety and efficiency of our operations, we must also try to incorporate humanitarian procedures. This is not weakness, but wisdom, and a deeper level of combat effectiveness protection."

Cheng Lu perked up, wrote down what he had said, and then asked, "Could you elaborate on the specific measures?" "There's no need for a detailed explanation, to save you some time," Su Xun smiled. "But I can give you a general overview. Some things haven't been implemented yet, but they will be documented and issued by the Corps in the future."

In fact, Su Xun had solutions to these problems in his previous life, but since the situations in the two timelines are different, they need to distinguish between various methods.

In previous lives, many organizations even chose to deal with these problems through religion, which was quite effective, but it is clearly not suitable for the current situation.

After thinking for a moment, Su Xun said in a calm tone, "The first thing is to handle things quickly and remotely."

"In most cases, our goal is to eliminate the threat rather than create additional bloodshed and sadism. Under this premise, we can use various firearms to deal with zombies at a distance. Even when we are limited by the environment and need to use melee weapons, we should end the battle as quickly and efficiently as possible. This approach can significantly reduce psychological burden."

One major reason for the decrease in PTSD rates in modern warfare is the excessive efficiency of killing. Eliminating a team 100 kilometers away can be done with just a click of the mouse. While they cannot replicate this feat yet, it is entirely worthwhile to sacrifice the mental health of soldiers by using gunpowder, provided that safety is ensured.

"Second, during mission breaks, especially after clearing an area, we allow squads a brief period of silence, provided it is safe to do so. Soldiers can bow their heads and silently say a phrase, such as a simple 'Rest in peace.' This is not to commemorate the zombies, but to mark the boundary of their role as humans in carrying out a necessary but brutal mission."

"Through this ritualistic behavior, we give our emotions an outlet and help us psychologically draw a line between our actions and our daily lives."

"In fact, this measure has already taken shape. In Haiqu and many other places, we have built large cemeteries where the ashes of the zombies in the safe zone are buried. Some places have even erected monuments for this purpose. However, in the past period of time, we have needed to make the soldiers aware of the danger of zombies. After nearly a month of training, this behavior is suitable for implementation on the front line."

"Another rule was issued earlier: we strictly prohibit the use of extremely insulting words or terms that refer to zombies as 'trash' or 'beasts' in formal reports and daily communication."

“We require the use of neutral terms such as ‘infected,’ ‘target,’ and ‘hazard.’ Language shapes thinking. The continued use of dehumanizing terms will dull the empathy of our soldiers and may eventually backfire on how they view their fellow countrymen or even civilians.”

“Remembering that they ‘were once human’ is not out of pity for them, but to remind ourselves of who we are.”

"These are the three main points. Other aspects, such as strengthening psychological support and post-event summary reports, can be delegated to the existing military mechanisms."

“Our organization has a complete set of plans to deal with related issues. The old sergeant’s care is just a form of expression. Our officers are not just promoted. These things only need to be ensured to function properly, without any further modifications.”

Su Xun spoke eloquently, and these were things Cheng Lu had never thought of before. Her eyes widened in surprise, and the tip of her pen, which was recording, paused.

"Commander-in-Chief, is there a risk of being criticized for this? Perhaps some people will think that such a policy is indecisive or wasteful of resources."

“Criticism? Of course there will be.” Su Xun was somewhat helpless, but more so determined: “There are always people who believe that ruthlessness is the only rule in the apocalypse, but I want to ask them, how long can a team whose hearts are broken, filled with self-doubt and even hatred, hold out?”

“What’s the difference between a safe zone that has forgotten why it’s fighting and only has the instinct to kill? Resources? The most worthwhile resources are those that protect the core fighting strength of our soldiers—their will and humanity. This is not about the gains or losses of a particular battle, but about whether we can win this war and ensure that we remain ‘human’ after the victory.”

"Therefore, Comrade Cheng Lu, this is precisely where you can play a role. Please help the residents of the safety zone understand the deeper meaning behind these measures. Report on the soldiers' true feelings while carrying out these procedures, and explain the importance of psychological support."

"To help everyone understand that the procedures for upholding a shred of humanity in the apocalypse are not a burden, but the last barrier that distinguishes us from the abyss, and the key to our warriors being able to continue fighting and return to normal life after the war."

"Your reporting itself is a form of support for the mental health of the soldiers, letting them know that those inside the wall understand and cherish everything they have endured, as well as their efforts to maintain 'humanity'."

As he spoke, Su Xun looked at the young girl in front of him with encouragement and said solemnly, "Comrade Cheng Lu, this is the mission that the organization has given to you. As long as you can speak out for the organization and the people, as the voice of the people, we will spare no effort to support you."

Upon hearing this, a strong sense of mission rose in Cheng Lu's heart. She stood up, solemnly closed her notebook, and saluted Su Xun.

"I understand, Commander-in-Chief. Xinghuo Daily will certainly live up to your expectations. Thank you for your honesty and foresight."

"I should be thanking you. There is still a long road ahead. Everyone should work hard on their own path. On different fronts, you all play equally important roles. Take care."

(End of this chapter)