The second building is active but orderly. Residents settle into marked rooms beneath violet lamps, while the cleared exits and posted handoff sheets keep movement controlled.
Beside the laundry area, Maya has arranged two food-grade barrels, mesh screens, clean hose, labels, and a checklist for the first supervised water-collection test.
Thomas Roberts
Tools are here, babe. I’ve kept the cutting and sealant supplies separate, and the kids know not to start until you approve the layout.
Daniel, Luis, Mateo, and Ellie wait beside the materials, clipboards ready. Thomas steadies one barrel while Maya checks the nearby roof drain and covered storage area.
Maya Rodriguez
We need a clean capture path, a screened inlet, and a sealed container. Nothing collected today gets used for drinking until it is treated and logged.
Ellie
I can handle the labels and checklist station. Daniel and Luis can assemble the screen, while Mateo records the first measurements.
The group looks to Charlie for the engineering judgment before anyone cuts hose or drills a mounting point. Outside, the new building remains quiet and secure.
✓ Quest Accepted
Validate the refuge’s water-collection and treatment process
“Charlie checks the design and marks on the equipment everywhere they need to drill or cut before helping them start the process”
SUCCESS (Legendary Mechanics, rolled +0)
Charlie studies the barrel placement, roof-drain angle, hose path, screen frame, and covered storage point. He checks clearances before marking every drill and cut location.
He labels the inlet opening, screen supports, hose pass-through, barrel fittings, and mounting points directly on the equipment, then copies each mark onto the checklist diagram.
Thomas Roberts
That layout keeps the collection path short and the containers protected, babe. I’ll hold everything steady while you start the first cuts.
Maya Rodriguez
Good. I’ll verify each mark against the checklist before anything is drilled. Once it is confirmed, we can assemble without guessing.
Charlie rechecks the measurements, confirms the screen will sit above the inlet, and approves the marked equipment. Daniel and Luis position the screen frame under his supervision.
Daniel
The marks match the diagram. We can drill the frame supports and keep the mesh clear of the water path.
With Thomas bracing the barrel and Maya watching the checklist, Charlie helps begin the first controlled cuts and drill points. The workshop moves from planning into construction.
“Charlie helps finish the assembly and installation of the first section. Pouring clean water through it to check for leaks.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Mechanics, rolled -2)
Charlie helps secure the screen frame, tighten the barrel fitting, and route the clean hose through its sealed pass-through. Thomas braces the assembly while Maya checks each connection against the diagram.
Maya Rodriguez
That section is ready. Keep the inlet supported while we pour, and watch every seam before we call it sound.
Charlie and Daniel lift a marked container of clean water and pour it through the screened inlet. Water travels into the barrel, passes the fittings, and collects without escaping.
Ellie
No drips at the frame, hose, or barrel wall. I’m recording the time and the starting level now.
A sharp edge on the cut frame catches Charlie’s glove and tears the fabric, scraping his knuckle beneath it. He rinses the small mark, then tightens the protective cover over the edge.
Thomas Roberts
The first section is installed and holding, babe. We lost one glove, but the water stayed where it belongs.
Maya signs the leak-test sheet, and Ellie labels the barrel as untreated collection water. The completed section stands beneath the drain, ready for rain while the workshop records its first successful test.
“Charlie grins and says they just need to wait for rain to verify the system works. But everyone did a good job setting it up.”
Charlie Moore
We just need to wait for rain to verify the system works. Everyone did a good job setting it up.
Charlie grins at the completed assembly. The screened inlet, sealed hose, and labeled barrel sit ready beneath the roof drain, with every connection recorded.
Maya Rodriguez
Exactly. Until then, we keep it covered, treat the first collected water, and log the results before anyone uses it.
Thomas Roberts
You gave everyone a clear job, babe. They built something useful together, and now the refuge has another piece of working infrastructure.
Daniel, Luis, Mateo, and Ellie review the checklist and admire the finished setup. The children begin labeling the remaining materials for the next collector.
Ellie
When it rains, I’ll record the starting level, the collection time, and every treatment step. We’ll know exactly whether it works.
The workshop winds down with the barrel secured and the tools returned. Above the refuge, clouds gather beyond the cleared roofline, leaving the new system waiting for its first real test.
“With the water system ready, Charlie swings by Maya's clinic to get checked out before he builds a team for the Larry's Garage mission.”
SUCCESS (Great Health, rolled -1)
Charlie leaves the rainwater workshop and crosses to Maya’s clinic, carrying the torn glove and keeping his scraped knuckle uncovered for inspection.
Maya Rodriguez
Sit down. The scrape is shallow, but the glove tore through at the frame, so I’m cleaning it properly before you plan anything.
Maya rinses the abrasion, checks Charlie’s reopened cuts and sore hand, then tests his grip and range of motion. The wound needs no stitches, but she applies antiseptic and a fresh dressing.
Maya Rodriguez
You’re cleared for coordination and light work. No bare-handed fabrication today, and change this dressing if it gets wet or dirty.
The clinic spends one sterile dressing, a pair of protective gloves, and several minutes of Maya’s supply inventory. Charlie leaves checked, bandaged, and ready to organize the garage team.
Maya Rodriguez
For Larry’s Garage, take people who can drive, search, and repair without splitting up. I’ll release the medical list after you name the team.
Maya records the scrape in the clinic log as Charlie turns toward the planning board, already sorting volunteers by vehicle skills, security, recovery gear, and radio discipline.
“Charlie blushes and asks if he is going to be ok to run and jump around after his first time with Thomas, or if he needs to limit movement on the mission. He looks utterly embarrassed to be asking.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Charlie Moore
Maya, am I going to be okay running and jumping on the mission, or should I limit movement? I mean, after my first time with Thomas.
Charlie’s face turns bright red. He keeps his eyes on the clinic floor while Maya pauses over the medical log, understanding both the question and the embarrassment behind it.
Maya Rodriguez
You can run and jump if you have no pain, bleeding, dizziness, or loss of range. Start carefully, test your movement, and stop if anything hurts.
Maya Rodriguez
For the mission, wear supportive clothing, keep the dressing dry, and let the team know if your soreness changes. You are cleared for normal movement, not reckless stunts.
Maya checks his grip and asks him to bend, squat, and step quickly across the clinic. The movements stay controlled and produce no concerning response.
Thomas Roberts
That sounds fair, babe. You can move with us, but I’ll make sure you do not turn every obstacle into an action-movie audition.
Maya Rodriguez
You’re mission-ready, Charlie. Just pace yourself, communicate early, and let someone else take the risky jump if your body says no.
“Charlie blushes and tells Thomas that next time it will by Thomas's turn to ask the embarrassing questions. Presuming Thomas is ok with swapping roles next time?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Charlie Moore
Charlie blushes and tells Thomas that next time it will be Thomas’s turn to ask the embarrassing questions, asking if he is comfortable swapping roles.
Thomas Roberts
Thomas’s smile turns mischievous. “Absolutely, babe. I’m comfortable with that, and I may have a few questions ready.”
Charlie’s teasing lands, but the movement pulls at his fresh dressing. The edge loosens, and Maya immediately reaches for a replacement bandage.
Maya Rodriguez
That is enough flirting to reopen the paperwork, you two. I’m replacing this dressing now, and the clinic spends another sterile bandage.
Thomas Roberts
Thomas gently takes Charlie’s hand while Maya works. “Role swapping is approved, babe. We can take turns being the one who gets flustered.”
Maya secures the new dressing and checks Charlie’s grip again. The scrape remains minor, but the mission kit now has one fewer sterile dressing.
“Charlie grins and nods. Then he starts asking around the camp for volunteers for the Larry's Garage mission.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Charlie grins, nods, and leaves the clinic, keeping his freshly replaced dressing protected. He moves through the refuge, asking residents who can join the garage mission.
Evan Cole
I’m in. I can navigate, manage the radios, and keep the route documented without splitting us up.
Maya Rodriguez
I’ll stay here to cover the clinic and approve the medical kit, but I can assign two volunteers with first-aid training.
Thomas Roberts
I’m coming with you, babe. I can drive, handle security, and make sure you do not turn every repair into a stunt.
Several residents raise their hands. Daniel and Luis volunteer for inventory and vehicle checks, while two rested adults offer to help search, carry, and watch the retreat route under supervision.
Maya Rodriguez
The team is set: Charlie, Thomas, Evan, and two adults for security and recovery. Daniel and Luis can prepare the checklists here before departure.
Evan writes the volunteers onto the mission board, and Thomas gathers the route map. The garage run now has drivers, searchers, security, radios, and a confirmed return team.
“While Daniel and Luis do the departure prep, Charlie introduces himself to the two adults joining the mission and asks for their names.”
While Daniel and Luis gather checklists, spare gloves, and radio batteries, Charlie approaches the two rested adults assigned to security and recovery beside the mission board.
Charlie Moore
I’m Charlie. I’ll coordinate the repairs and vehicle recovery. What are your names?
the security volunteer
I’m Andre. I worked campus security before the outbreak, so I can watch the route and keep our movement organized.
the recovery volunteer
I’m Rosa. I know basic tools and first aid, and I’m comfortable carrying supplies or helping with the vehicle checks.
Charlie writes Andre and Rosa onto the mission board beneath security and recovery. Evan adds their radio assignments while Thomas checks the route map beside him.
Thomas Roberts
Good team, babe. Everyone has a clear role, and we can review the route together before we leave.
“Charlie says he is surprises Andre is from Belmont. And asks how he ended up at the church in Franklin?”
Charlie Moore
I’m surprised you’re from Belmont, Andre. How did you end up all the way at the church in Franklin?
Andre
I was on campus security when everything started. I helped move people toward safer buildings, then followed a radio lead about survivors sheltering at the church.
Andre taps the route map with one finger, tracing the service roads south. His expression stays focused, but his voice carries the fatigue of several difficult days.
Andre
The church had walls, water, and people who knew how to keep watch. I stayed because leaving alone would have been stupid, and the shelter needed someone who understood security.
Aunt Rosa
Andre helped organize the watches and kept everyone from wandering outside without a partner. He was one of the reasons we lasted there.
Thomas Roberts
Small world, babe. Belmont keeps sending useful people our way. Andre knows the campus and Franklin routes, so this team just got stronger.
Evan adds Andre’s Franklin experience to the mission notes while Charlie reviews the route with him. The garage team now has another familiar landmark and a trusted local guide.
“Charlie says Rosa has the same name as another survivor, David and Miguel's mother, and asks if they have met each other yet?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Charlie Moore
Rosa, you have the same name as David and Miguel’s mother. Have you met each other yet?
Rosa glances toward the church survivors gathered near the supply tables. Across the room, the other Rosa looks up, recognizing the question and the familiar name.
Aunt Rosa
We have. We met during the church shelter’s first headcount, when David and Miguel arrived with Thomas’s family. It was confusing for about five minutes.
Aunt Rosa
She is the mother of the two boys, and I’m the volunteer who helped organize supplies and first aid. We decided the easiest solution was using our surnames on every list.
Thomas Roberts
That explains why the inventory has two Rosas, babe. I thought someone had duplicated a line and Maya was going to make us recount everything.
Maya Rodriguez
I did make them recount it. Now both Rosas are clearly labeled, and nobody gets the wrong medication or assignment.
The two women exchange an amused wave across the refuge. Evan adds their surnames to the mission board, while Andre marks the correction on the security roster.