The back road passes beneath a cracked overpass. A young adult woman stands openly beside a scavenged pack, pale skin and white hair mostly hidden beneath a charcoal-black hood, while distant dead drift between the weeds.
Sara
Easy. I'm Sara. I've traveled near New Hope, but I'm not explaining why I'm alone until you answer a few questions first.
Fin keeps her rifle lowered but ready, standing between Maya and the open road. Her mismatched eyes remain fixed on Sara's hands and the pack beside her.
Robin
What kind of questions? And if you've been near New Hope, why are you out here instead of inside it?
Robin studies Sara's gear instead of her face: patched straps, a hard-sided water container, and tools arranged for quick access. Nothing looks like settlement-issued equipment.
Sara
Who is leading you west? How long have you been traveling together? And has anyone bitten you recently?
Under the overpass, wind carries a distant chorus of dragging feet. The dead are still far off, but Sara watches the group calmly, her athletic build outlined by layered black tactical clothing,, waiting for answers before she offers anything more.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get Sara to share reliable news about New Hope
“I answer Sara's questions honestly: I lead, we've traveled together, and I was bitten.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +0)
Maya Gonzales
I am leading. Fin, Robin, and I have traveled together. I was bitten recently, but I did not turn.
Maya answers without softening the truth. The words leave her briefly unsteady, and her hesitation hangs in the open before she forces herself to meet Sara's gaze.
Sara
You were bitten and stayed yourself. How long ago? Who saw it happen?
Fin's grip tightens around her rifle, though the muzzle remains lowered. Robin shifts nearer to Maya, watching Sara for the reaction that follows the admission.
Sara
I have seen people hide the first sign until it was too late. You told me plainly, so I will answer plainly: New Hope has reasons to fear bitten survivors.
The distant dead drift closer through the weeds, a loose cluster beneath the overpass. Sara does not look toward them; her attention stays on Maya and the covered history of the bite.
Fin
She has been stable since we checked it. If you know something about New Hope, say it now.
“I ask Sara what New Hope fears about bitten survivors”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled +1)
Maya Gonzales
What does New Hope fear about bitten survivors?
Sara
They fear a bite means the change has only been delayed. They quarantine the bitten, take away their weapons, and watch for fever, confusion, or violence.
Sara finally glances toward the dragging figures beneath the overpass, then returns her attention to Maya. Her voice remains level, without the panic the settlement's policy suggests.
Sara
If symptoms appear, they put the person outside the walls. If no symptoms appear, they still may refuse entry. New Hope would rather lose an immune survivor than risk an outbreak.
Fin's jaw tightens, and Robin looks from Sara to Maya's covered bite. The distant dead continue drifting closer through the weeds, but none has reached the group.
Sara
Your stability gives them a question they do not know how to answer. It does not give them trust. Bring proof, witnesses, and a reason not to lock you outside.
Quest Complete
Get Sara to share reliable news about New Hope
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great