Thomas looked at the tank, then back to them. He holstered his gun, crossed his arms, and spoke defiantly, "No. You don't get it, you aren't the ones holding the power here." Thomas pulled his gun again and trained it on the tank as he said, "You don't understand, it's cause and effect. Let's say you are actually stupid enough to shoot this tank, and I'm not saying any of you idiots is a good enough shot to do so, but let's say you do. What'd happen is I, my friend, and any supplies we have would be incinerated. Moreover every creature and survivor within a two mile radius would hear the explosion, meaning you get to deal with everything that wants you dead. You see, if I shoot this tank, I die painlessly. However for you, if I shoot this tank, you all get to face every gun and every hungry mouth in the area. Face it, if anyone shoots this tank, your deaths aren't a possibility... they're an inevitability. And let me tell you, they will not be as pleasant as mine." Thomas began backing away, giving them a smaller shot at him as he continued. "Then again, you can try shooting me, but the fact of the matter is that my body will re-actively pull the trigger if you shoot me anywhere but dead between the eyes. So make your best move, you ain't got many!" Thomas continued backing past the gas truck, hoping this would work.