Inside the construction yard entrance office, Thomas finds a weathered site map beneath a collapsed clipboard. Dust veils marked service lanes, equipment cages, and a rear gate absent from Daniel’s reconnaissance notes.
Thomas Roberts
Babe, this changes the layout. The rear gate could give us another way in, another way out, and maybe a safer expansion route for Belmont later.
Daniel spreads the route copies across the counter while Evan holds the map flat. Andre and Rosa watch, an adult woman with a sturdy build, dark hair tied back, a charcoal work shirt, olive utility trousers, and sturdy brown boots the sunlit yard through the office windows as Biters drift far beyond the fence.
Daniel Roberts
The gate is not on my notes, but the service lane lines up with Grant’s old access road. We need to verify whether the gate opens before treating it as usable.
Evan Cole
It could support future supply movement or a protected materials route. It could also be chained, blocked, or exposed to the main street.
Thomas compares the map’s faded measurements with their route copies and marks the rear gate, equipment cages, and a narrow lane leading toward the western entrance. The quiet holds.
Aunt Rosa
We can document it from cover without committing to the yard. If the gate looks manageable, it becomes a future option, not today’s obligation.
“Charlie agrees. Their objective today is to survey the yard and hardware stores and mark supply locations. Checking the gate is secondary. They should focus on searching the construction yard first.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +2)
Charlie Moore
Agreed. The gate is secondary today. We survey the construction yard and hardware stores first, marking supply locations without committing to recovery.
Thomas folds the site map beneath the route copies, leaving the rear gate circled but unexamined. Daniel records the revised priority on the mission sheet.
Thomas Roberts
Understood, babe. We document materials, vehicles, fuel, and UV equipment, then return to the truck before curiosity turns reconnaissance into salvage.
The team exits the office into the construction yard’s sunlit edge. Stacks of lumber, concrete barriers, pipe bundles, fenced equipment cages, and several parked vehicles become visible through drifting dust.
Evan Cole
I’ll mark each supply concentration and note access points from here. The western entrance remains our retreat, and nobody crosses the yard without the team.
Daniel sketches the yard perimeter while Andre and Rosa watch the distant Biters. Thomas photographs faded inventory boards and vehicle tags, building a useful survey without disturbing the quiet.
Aunt Rosa
The yard is documented. We have enough information to compare it with the hardware store before deciding what Belmont can safely recover later.
“Charlie says they should sweep the yard and verify the supply stores. They can move together and take out biters as a team.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Investigation, rolled -3)
Charlie Moore
We should sweep the yard and verify the supply stores. We can move together and take out the Biters as a team.
The team leaves the office in a tight formation. Daniel covers the rear while Evan marks lanes, and Thomas, Andre, and Rosa watch the lumber stacks, equipment cages, pipe bundles, and parked vehicles.
Three Biters stagger from behind a concrete barrier. The group closes around them, using controlled strikes and coordinated spacing until all three are down without anyone becoming separated.
Daniel Roberts
The yard is clear enough for a full verification. I’ll record the materials while we move, and I’ll keep our western retreat marked.
They sweep every accessible section together. The cages contain lumber, pipe, barriers, hand tools, and two portable generators, while the vehicles include a box truck and a flatbed with intact tires.
Evan Cole
The stores are confirmed, and the western entrance remains open. We have a usable inventory for a future recovery team.
A fallen metal sign clatters beneath Rosa’s boot, drawing distant movement from the street. The team withdraws immediately, carrying only the completed inventory and route notes.
Quest Complete
Reconnoiter downtown for construction supplies and usable trucks
Skill Upgrade: Psychology Good→Great
“Once they have fallen back out if the yard, Charlie directs them to head toward the nearest hardware store next. They move in tight formation and take down biters quietly when they need too.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Streetwise, rolled -2)
Charlie Moore
We head for the nearest hardware store now. Tight formation, quiet takedowns only when necessary, and no detours.
The team slips away from the construction yard and follows the marked side route. Biters drift between storefronts, but the formation stays compact, with Daniel guarding the rear and Evan guiding each turn.
Daniel Roberts
Biter ahead, left side. I’ll draw it into the service alcove. Keep moving once it’s down.
Daniel and Andre quietly pin the Biter against the wall while Rosa finishes it with a controlled strike. Two more wander from a delivery bay, and Thomas and Charlie help drop them without breaking formation. The effort spends one of the team’s spare blade wrappings when it tears during the second takedown.
Evan Cole
Hardware store entrance is visible. The side loading door looks intact, and the street between here and there is clear enough to cross.
They cross beneath the storefront awning, bypassing a cluster of distant Biters. Evan marks the route behind them, and the team reaches the hardware store’s loading entrance with everyone accounted for and weapons still controlled.
Thomas Roberts
We’re here, babe. We keep the door quiet, check our exits, and document what Belmont could recover later.
“Charlie nods. He says if they run into trouble they stick together. Nobody break off.”
Charlie Moore
If we run into trouble, we stick together. Nobody breaks off.
Charlie nods once, making the rule clear before anyone touches the loading door. The team tightens its formation, weapons lowered but ready, and checks the marked retreat route behind them.
Thomas Roberts
Understood, babe. We move as one group, keep sight of each other, and return to the truck together.
Daniel Roberts
I’ll watch the rear, but I won’t separate. If anything changes, I call it out and we regroup before moving.
Evan Cole
The loading door has a clear threshold and a second exit through the sales floor. I’ll mark both as we advance.
Thomas eases the loading door open without a scrape. Sunlight reaches rows of shelving, hand tools, batteries, and boxed equipment while dust hangs undisturbed in the aisles.
The team enters together, maintaining sightlines and leaving the door clear behind them. Evan begins the inventory while Charlie leads the quiet sweep toward the hardware store’s rear exit.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine whether the hardware store offers a dependable supply route for Belmont
“Charlie keeps the sweep methodical. Checking for biters who might be hidden in the shelves and trying to keep the sweep silent”
SUCCESS (Legendary Stealth, rolled +2)
Charlie advances aisle by aisle, pausing at shelf ends and checking beneath displays for concealed movement. His careful signals keep the group quiet and coordinated.
Behind stacked toolboxes, a Biter lies collapsed beneath a fallen rack. Charlie spots its twitching hand before it can rise and silently redirects Thomas around the aisle.
Thomas Roberts
I see it, babe. We’ll handle it without noise.
Thomas and Andre pin the Biter while Rosa delivers a controlled strike. The body settles among the dust, and the sweep continues without drawing attention from outside.
Evan Cole
The front aisles are clear. Batteries and portable work lights are stacked near the rear, with an unobstructed path to the sales-floor exit.
Charlie checks the remaining shelving, boxed equipment, and shadowed corners. No other Biters move. The store is fully swept, and every member remains together with both exits open.
Daniel Roberts
Rear is clear too. We can inventory the useful equipment and leave by the same route without splitting up.
“Charlie says that is a job well done. He asks Daniel and Andre to watch the exits while they do the inventory. And for them to stay close together and call the second they need help”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
That is a job well done. Daniel and Andre, watch the exits while we inventory. Stay close together, and call the second you need help.
Daniel and Andre move to opposite ends of the sales floor, keeping both exits in sight without separating beyond easy voice range. The rest of the team begins sorting shelves.
Daniel Roberts
Understood, Charlie. Andre and I will stay together between the exits, keep the doors visible, and call immediately if anything changes.
Andre
I’ll cover the loading entrance with Daniel. We’ll report movement, noise, or anything that blocks the retreat before anyone commits to another aisle.
Evan records batteries, portable work lights, hand tools, extension cords, and boxed hardware while Rosa checks labels and Thomas photographs larger equipment for Belmont’s recovery plan.
Thomas Roberts
The batteries and work lights are the priority, babe. We can mark the rest for a later team and keep this inventory focused.
The store remains quiet around them. Daniel and Andre exchange a quick confirmation at the center aisle, then resume watching both exits as Charlie’s team identifies several rechargeable lamps and spare battery packs.
undefined / undefined
A sharp crash erupts from the front of the hardware store. Dust shakes from the ceiling as the glass entry doors bow inward beneath repeated impacts.
Daniel Roberts
Movement at the front! More than one, coming through the sales floor!
Daniel and Andre tighten their position between the exits. Beyond the shelving, several Biters stumble through the damaged doors, drawn by the earlier noise.
Andre
Loading entrance is still clear, but they’re spreading across the aisles. We need to move before they cut us off.
Thomas Roberts
Babe, the rechargeable lamps are packed. We can take the battery packs and withdraw now, or hold long enough to check the rear cage.
A second impact rattles the front display, and more silhouettes gather beyond the fractured glass. Evan points toward a narrow employee corridor beside the rear shelves.
Evan Cole
That corridor reaches the loading side, but it’s unverified. The main aisles are closing fast, and the retreat route is shrinking.
“"Use the planned retreat route, stay together, cover each other. That crash will attract Virals. Head to the next objective."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
Use the planned retreat route. Stay together, cover each other, and head to the next objective. That crash will attract Virals.
Thomas Roberts
Loading entrance, babe. We take the lamps and battery packs, then move as one group.
Daniel and Andre hold the front aisle while Evan guides everyone through the employee corridor. Thomas, Charlie, Aunt Rosa, and the others keep close, carrying only the packed rechargeable lamps and battery packs.
Evan Cole
Corridor clear. Loading door is open, and the service route back to the turnout remains marked.
The team slips through the loading entrance and pulls it nearly closed behind them. Crashes and shrill movement echo from the store as Virals begin answering the disturbance inside.
Daniel Roberts
Everyone is accounted for. We keep moving, no fighting unless the route closes, and regroup at the next cover point.
They follow the planned side route in tight formation, bypass the infected gathering near the storefront, and reach the next covered intersection toward the downtown objective with the team intact.
✓ Quest Accepted
Return the downtown survey findings to Belmont
Quest Complete
Determine whether the hardware store offers a dependable supply route for Belmont
Skill Upgrade: Psychology Great→Superb
Nearby infected, including Virals and mutated infected from a wider radius, are drawn toward the noise.
+ New Item Acquired
Rechargeable work lamps
“Once they are far enough out, Charlie asks how far the next hardware store is?”
Charlie Moore
How far is the next hardware store?
The team pauses beneath the covered intersection while distant crashes and shrill Viral cries spread through the streets behind them. Evan checks the marked route without lowering his guard.
Evan Cole
About four blocks east, Charlie. We can reach it through two service lanes and avoid the main avenue.
Daniel studies the retreat marks, while Andre and Rosa watch the storefronts. The infected noise continues gathering behind them, but the route ahead remains open in daylight.
Thomas Roberts
Four blocks is manageable, babe. We keep the same formation, check the approach, and leave if the store is compromised.
Daniel Roberts
I’ll refresh the turns as we move. The next cover point is one block ahead, with a clear sightline toward the store.
The team resumes its advance together, carrying only the recovered lamps and battery packs while the hardware store route becomes the next documented objective.
Nearby infected, including Virals and mutated infected from a wider radius, are drawn toward the noise.
“Charlie surveys the route from the next cover point. Verifying if they have a clear enough run at the next objective.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Perception, rolled -2)
Charlie climbs onto the next cover point and surveys the four-block route. From the raised angle, he identifies two service lanes, open sightlines, and a clear approach to the hardware store’s side entrance.
The route behind them is filling with movement as the store’s crashes draw Biters and answering Virals from surrounding streets. The pressure confirms they cannot linger here.
Charlie Moore
The run is clear enough, but the infected are converging behind us.
Charlie briefly activates his UV lamp to inspect a shadowed service cut, spending a visible portion of its charge. No infected occupy the lane, and the hardware store approach remains open.
Evan Cole
I see your marks. Both service lanes are usable, and the side entrance is clear. We can cross without taking the avenue.
Thomas Roberts
Good survey, babe. We move now, keep formation, and reach the next store before the noise behind us closes the route.
Daniel refreshes the turn marks while Andre and Rosa cover the flanks. The team leaves the cover point together, following Charlie’s verified route toward the next hardware store.
“Charlie leads them to the storefront via the verified route. Taking out any biters that get too close.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee weapons, rolled -1)
Charlie leads the team through the verified service lanes, keeping them off the avenue. The distant crashes continue behind them, drawing Biters and Virals toward the abandoned hardware store.
A Biter lurches from a recessed doorway too close to the formation. Charlie steps across its path and drops it with a controlled hammer strike before it can reach anyone.
Evan Cole
Route remains clear ahead. The side entrance is visible, and the infected behind us are concentrating on the old store.
Two more Biters shuffle from between parked cars. Charlie intercepts the first while Thomas and Andre contain the second, ending both threats without breaking formation or losing the marked route.
Thomas Roberts
Good work, babe. We keep moving together and reach that entrance before the noise spreads farther.
Daniel refreshes the turn marks as the team crosses the final service lane. Rosa watches the rear while Charlie guides everyone beneath the hardware store’s side awning.
Daniel Roberts
We’re at the storefront, everyone accounted for. The approach is secure, and both retreat marks remain visible.
“Charlie leads them inside. Sweeping the entrance before closing the doors and catching his breath.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Investigation, rolled +0)
Charlie leads the team through the side entrance and sweeps the threshold, aisles, and shadowed corners before anyone moves deeper inside.
No infected stir among the shelves. Charlie pulls the doors shut and secures the latch, sealing out the street noise and the growing movement behind them.
He rests briefly against the wall, catching his breath while the team gathers close. The recovered lamps and battery packs remain intact.
Thomas Roberts
Take the moment you need, babe. The entrance is secure, and everyone made it inside.
Daniel Roberts
I’ll watch the doors with Andre. We have a few quiet minutes to check the store before deciding whether to continue.
Evan marks the side entrance and alternate exit on the map. Rosa checks the team for injuries while the store’s dim aisles offer temporary cover.
Evan Cole
No movement outside this side entrance. The old hardware store is drawing them away, so this location gives us a clean pause.
“Charlie asks them to sweep the store while he rests. He can watch the door.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Perception, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
Sweep the store while I rest here and watch the door. Stay together, check every aisle, and call me if you need help.
Charlie settles beside the secured entrance with the door in view. Thomas, Daniel, Evan, Andre, and Rosa form a compact sweep team and move into the dim aisles.
Thomas Roberts
We’ll clear it carefully, babe. Keep the entrance secured, and we’ll report anything important before touching it.
Daniel and Andre check the rear aisles while Evan maps exits and Rosa examines shelving. Thomas searches the central displays, keeping his radio low and his weapon ready.
Evan Cole
The sales floor is clear. We found boxed batteries, rechargeable work lights, extension cords, and a locked rear cage.
The team checks the stockroom and rear exit without splitting up. No infected move inside, and the rear cage contains more lamps and battery packs for Belmont.
Daniel Roberts
Store sweep complete. Both exits are clear, the useful supplies are documented, and the team is accounted for.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine the recoverable value of the locked rear cage
− Scene Quest Removed
Return the downtown survey findings to Belmont
“Charlie asks Rosa to swap with him and watch the door while they check out the rear cage”
SUCCESS (Legendary Investigation, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
Rosa, swap with me and watch the door while we check out the rear cage. Keep everyone together and call us if anything changes.
Aunt Rosa
Got it. I’ll hold the entrance, keep the retreat clear, and call before moving anyone.
Rosa takes Charlie’s position beside the secured side entrance. Charlie joins Thomas, Daniel, Evan, and Andre as they move together toward the locked rear cage.
Evan checks the cage door and finds a simple padlock. Daniel covers the stockroom while Thomas keeps the aisle visible and Andre watches the rear exit.
Charlie works the lock with a recovered tool, and the hasp releases without a loud snap. Inside are rechargeable work lights, battery packs, extension reels, and sealed tool cases.
Evan Cole
The cage is open and fully clear. I’m logging three lamp crates, several battery packs, two extension reels, and compact tool kits for Belmont.
Rosa reports no movement at the entrance. The team documents the cage contents, leaving everything in place while the newly confirmed supplies expand Belmont’s future recovery options.
Quest Complete
Determine the recoverable value of the locked rear cage
“Charlie suggests they break for lunch and let things quiet down outside. Then they can plan out the next move.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Charlie Moore
Let’s break for lunch and let things quiet down outside. Then we can plan our next move.
Thomas Roberts
Good call, babe. We have supplies, a secure entrance, and enough breathing room to think before we choose another target.
Rosa keeps watch at the side entrance while the team carries water and packed food into a sheltered stockroom corner. The cage remains open but undisturbed.
Aunt Rosa
Nothing is moving near the entrance. I’ll call if the street changes, but lunch can happen safely here.
The group eats quietly around stacked boxes, passing water and comparing the two hardware stores, the construction yard, the secured truck, and the marked retreat lanes.
Evan Cole
We can return with a recovery team later. For now, the best next move is checking the map, logging the UV equipment, and choosing whether to scout another route.
Daniel Roberts
I’ll update the inventory and watch the radio. Once the outside noise drops, we can decide whether to head back or document one more safe approach.
✓ Quest Accepted
Return the downtown survey findings to Belmont
“Charlie asks for everyone's opinion. Should they fall back or document on more route?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Charlie Moore
Everyone, what do you think? Should we fall back now, or document one more route before returning to the truck?
Thomas Roberts
I vote we fall back, babe. We already have valuable supplies documented, and keeping the team together matters more than one more route.
Evan Cole
Agreed. The map work is enough for this run. We can document another approach later with fresh batteries and a recovery team.
Daniel Roberts
Fall back. The infected noise may shift, and our retreat is still clean. I’ll update the route notes as we return.
Aunt Rosa
I agree. We have a secure truck, useful inventory, and no injuries. Another route is not worth spending that advantage today.
Andre
Back to the truck makes sense. We can bring more people and proper transport when we return for the lamps and equipment.
The team reaches consensus to withdraw. Evan marks the next route for a future mission, while Daniel repacks the notes and Rosa keeps watch at the entrance.
“Charlie nods. "Sounds good to me. Be ready to fight on the way back. Things have calmed down but there are still plenty of biters out there. And who knows if we'll run into any of the mutated infected. Stay alert."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Charlie Moore
Sounds good to me. Be ready to fight on the way back. Things have calmed down, but there are still plenty of Biters out there. Stay alert for mutated infected.
Thomas Roberts
Understood, babe. We’ll move together, keep the lamps ready, and protect the retreat without chasing anything.
Rosa secures the side entrance behind them while Daniel takes the rear and Evan guides the route. The team leaves the hardware store carrying only maps, notes, and recovered lamps.
Evan Cole
The service lanes remain our safest route. I’ll call every intersection before we cross, and we’ll avoid the avenue.
They advance in a compact formation beneath the awnings. Biters wander across the distant street, but the team slips between cover points without drawing their attention.
Daniel Roberts
Movement behind us, but it’s staying spread out. Rear is clear for now, and the route to the turnout remains open.
Andre and Rosa watch the flanks as Evan refreshes the route marks. Ahead, sunlight glints off the secured utility truck, and the team continues toward it together.
“We continue forward to the utility truck, moving from cover to cover.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
The team moves from awning to parked van, then across a sunlit gap to a recessed doorway. Biters wander far off, never turning toward the quiet formation.
Evan Cole
Next intersection is clear. We cross to the loading cover, then take the final lane directly to the turnout.
Charlie keeps the group moving between solid cover points. Daniel watches behind them, while Andre and Rosa scan the flanks and Thomas keeps the lamps ready.
Daniel Roberts
Rear remains clear. I can see the truck from here, and nobody has followed us into the service lane.
They cross the last lane together and reach the utility truck. Thomas checks the surroundings while Evan confirms both exits remain open and usable.
Thomas Roberts
We’re back, babe. Everyone made it safely, and the truck is secure. Load in when Charlie’s ready.
Daniel unlocks the cab and Rosa opens the rear compartment. The team boards with its maps, notes, and recovered lamps intact, ready to leave downtown.
✓ Quest Accepted
Leave downtown safely
− Scene Quest Removed
Return the downtown survey findings to Belmont