Charlie enters the church shelter while Maya cleans the scrape across his knuckles. Grant is settled near the hall with his leg elevated, and Luis and Mateo stay among the other survivors.
Thomas's mother
We have endured by rationing water, keeping the children away from the doors, and taking turns listening for infected. The van gave us hope, but hope needs fuel.
Thomas Roberts
Mom, Belmont has working defenses, medical supplies, and people who know how to keep them running. But the truck and van cannot carry everyone safely without planning.
Thomas's mother
Does Belmont truly have room for all of us? I will not move six people into another shelter just to make your refuge collapse.
Maya finishes wrapping Charlie’s hand and checks Grant’s bandage. Nearby, the church survivors quietly sort blankets, canned food, and water, making the question feel like a countable burden.
Thomas's father
Some of us can travel, and some cannot. The injured man and children need protection, but this church still has supplies and defensible walls.
Thomas's mother
We can send Thomas’s father and me with the first convoy, if that is safest. The others could remain here with radios, food, and a promise that Belmont will return.
“Charlie asks who can't travel and why? He doesn't want to leave them here another night.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
Who cannot travel, and why? I don’t want anyone left here another night. Let’s find a way to move everyone safely or reinforce this shelter first.
Thomas's mother
The children can travel, and so can your father and I. The injured man cannot walk far, and two of our volunteers have fevers from exhaustion, though no bites.
Thomas's father
The church is defensible for one night, but water and fuel are limited. The injured man needs a careful transfer, not a hurried march.
Thomas looks from the crowded hall to the parked van. Maya checks the medical supplies while Evan studies the route map, turning the concern into a practical transport problem.
Maya Rodriguez
We can move the injured man in the truck’s padded cargo area, keep the children in the van, and monitor the feverish volunteers during the drive.
Thomas Roberts
Then we take both vehicles today, babe. Nobody spends another night here unless they choose to, and we leave enough supplies for a fallback team.
The shelter group begins packing immediately. Blankets, water, food, radios, and medical supplies are divided between the truck and van, while Evan marks a protected convoy route back to Belmont.
“Once he has a second alone with him, Charlie pulls Thomas into a quick discrete kiss. "I told you we'd find them."”
While Maya and Evan organize the convoy, Charlie catches Thomas beside the church office, briefly out of the others’ sight.
Charlie Moore
I told you we'd find them.
Charlie pulls Thomas into a quick, discrete kiss, then releases him as footsteps and the shifting sounds of preparation approach from the hall.
Thomas Roberts
You did, babe. You kept saying there was a way forward, and now my family is coming with us.
Thomas rests his forehead briefly against Charlie’s, his smile tired but certain. Beyond them, volunteers load water and blankets into the van.
Thomas Roberts
Let’s get everyone home safely, then we’ll make room for whatever comes next.
They return to the shelter together. The convoy takes shape around the repaired van, the utility truck, and a shared route back to Belmont.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get everyone aboard the evacuation convoy
“Charlie helps move the injured man into the truck while Thomas gets the kids into the van. When everybody is loaded up and ready, they head out to race against the sunset.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Strength, rolled +1)
Charlie and Maya secure the injured man onto the padded cargo floor, keeping his leg elevated and the bandage clear while blankets brace him against the truck’s movement.
Maya Rodriguez
Pressure stays on the wound, and nobody shifts him unless the truck stops. He is ready for transport.
Thomas guides the children into the repaired van, fastening their belts and settling water bottles within reach. His parents and the church volunteers fill the remaining seats.
Thomas Roberts
Everyone is loaded, babe. We keep the van behind us, stay together, and reach Belmont before sunset.
Evan checks the marked route, radios Belmont, and confirms the convoy order. Maya rides with Grant in the truck while Thomas takes the van’s wheel.
Evan Cole
Route is clear through the side streets. I’ll lead from the truck, and the van follows close enough to see our lamps.
Engines start beneath the church trees. The utility truck pulls out first, the passenger van following, and both vehicles accelerate toward Belmont as the afternoon light begins to thin.
Quest Complete
Get everyone aboard the evacuation convoy