George remains braced against the weakened service frame as zombies crowd the exposed loading lane. Metal groans beneath his shoulder, and the shelter shivers with every impact.
Ella Bawer
The baby and I are ready. On my signal, we move through the vehicles. Pele, hold this opening.
Ella gathers the newborn securely against her chest and edges toward the gap. The rifleman at the stairwell steps into the lane, covering the route between abandoned cars.
the rifleman
Route is narrow but open. I’ll take point with Corporal Bawer and the baby.
The rifleman at the sandbags stays behind with George, weapon trained over the barricade. Beyond the pumps, more dead press between rusted vehicles.
the rifleman
I’m staying with Pele. We cover the withdrawal, then fall back together.
Ella Bawer
Stand by. When I raise my hand, we go. Make every second count.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get Ella Bawer and the newborn beyond the shelter gap
“I hold the frame and watch for Ella’s signal. whispers hopefully with this I get promoted to LCpl”
SUCCESS (Great Strength, rolled +3)
George holds the frame steady, shoulder pressed into the buckled metal while the impacts fade beneath his controlled breathing. Through the gap, he watches Ella’s raised hand.
George Pele
Whispers hopefully, "With this, I get promoted to Lance Corporal."
The support settles firmly behind the frame with a heavy click. The entrance locks in place, leaving the withdrawal gap clear and stable.
Ella Bawer
Signal now. Pele, you held that door like a seasoned corporal.
Ella raises one hand, then moves through the abandoned vehicles with the newborn secured against her chest. The rifleman at the stairwell advances ahead.
the rifleman
I heard that, Corporal. I’ll remember who kept us alive when the frame failed.
Ella Bawer
Move with us, George. If we reach cover, I’ll put your name forward for Lance Corporal.
“I direct the rear rifleman to cover us”
FAILURE (Good Willpower, rolled -1)
“I direct the rear rifleman to cover us”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
George Pele
Cover us from the rear. Keep those dead off our backs while we withdraw.
The rifleman at the sandbags shifts his stance and angles his weapon through the gap. Behind Ella and the lead rifleman, the abandoned vehicles form a cramped retreat.
the rifleman
Understood, Pele. I’ll cover the rear and fall back when you’re clear.
George releases the frame and moves after the group. The weakened entrance remains locked behind him as snarls roll across the loading lane.
Ella keeps the newborn tucked tight against her chest, following the lead rifleman between rusted cars. The baby’s cries are muffled by the movement and engine shells.
the rifleman
Rear is covered! Keep moving, Corporal. I’ve got the lane behind you.
Controlled shots crack from the shelter entrance, driving the nearest zombies back from the withdrawal path. The group gains the first row of vehicles together.
Get Ella Bawer and the newborn to defensible cover
Quest Complete
Get Ella Bawer and the newborn beyond the shelter gap
Attribute Upgrade: Strength Great→Superb