The loaded white utility truck rolls smoothly along the campus service road, its engine steady beneath the fading afternoon light. Thomas drives, Maya watches from the passenger seat, and the dorm remains their destination.
Thomas Roberts
The truck handles better than I expected. We should reach the dorm lot with enough daylight to unload before dark.
Evan and the other survivors remain behind at the dormitory, guarding the medical supplies and preparing the entrance. In the truck bed, fuel cans and emergency kits shift softly with each turn.
The service road narrows ahead where a fallen maintenance barrier lies across the pavement. Two abandoned vehicles leave only a careful passage between their dented sides.
Maya Rodriguez
We can fit, but slowly. Thomas, take the left side, and Charlie can watch the truck bed and the clearance.
Thomas Roberts
Got it. Nobody rushes this. Losing a tire here would make the walk back much harder.
Thomas eases the truck through, tires crunching over broken glass and leaves. Beyond the obstruction, faint movement stirs near the dormitory side entrance as dusk gathers across the lot.
“I raise a hand to stop Thomas and check for the source of the movement.”
SUCCESS (Great Perception, rolled -1)
Charlie raises one hand sharply. Thomas eases off the accelerator, and Charlie leans toward the windshield, tracking the movement near the dormitory side entrance.
Between the abandoned cars, Charlie identifies two Biters shifting beside the entrance steps. Their decayed bodies move slowly, drawn toward the truck’s engine noise.
Charlie Moore
Two Biters, close to the side entrance.
Thomas Roberts
I see them. I’m holding position. Tell me if we should back up or continue through.
As Charlie adjusts to see past the truck’s side mirror, his sleeve catches the mounted radio microphone. It drops against the console with a sharp crack, and both Biters turn toward the vehicle.
Maya Rodriguez
They heard that. Keep the doors locked, and do not let the engine idle longer than necessary.
The Biters leave the steps and shamble into the open lot, confirming the immediate approach is not clear. The truck remains stopped, with the dorm entrance visible beyond them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Clear the way to the dormitory
“Charlie grabs his hammer and gets out of the truck. He says he will draw them to the side so Maya and Thomas can squeeze through.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Charlie grabs the reinforced hammer, unlocks the door, and steps into the open lot. The two Biters turn toward him, dragging their feet across the fading light.
Charlie Moore
I’ll draw them to the side. Maya, Thomas, squeeze through.
Charlie moves away from the truck at a controlled pace, keeping the Biters’ attention while positioning himself clear of the narrow passage between the abandoned cars.
Thomas Roberts
Understood. Keep your distance, Charlie. We’ll move the second they clear the lane.
Both Biters follow Charlie toward the lot’s outer edge, leaving the side entrance and the vehicle gap open. Their rasping groans fade behind the truck.
Maya Rodriguez
The way is clear. Thomas, drive slowly. Charlie has them exactly where we need them.
Thomas guides the utility truck through the gap, tires crunching over glass as Maya watches Charlie through the passenger window. The dorm entrance remains accessible.
Quest Complete
Clear the way to the dormitory
“Once they are through, Charlie begins to circle back around toward the dorm. Ready to strike the second a biter enters range.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Once the utility truck clears the abandoned cars, Charlie circles back toward the dorm, hammer raised and eyes fixed on the two Biters trailing him.
The Biters drag themselves across the open lot, their attention divided between Charlie and the truck’s fading engine. The dorm side entrance remains open behind him.
Thomas Roberts
We’re through. Keep them away from the entrance, and we’ll get the truck positioned for unloading.
Charlie stops near the edge of the entrance approach, leaving space behind him and a clear striking lane ahead. One Biter crosses into hammer range.
He settles his stance and tracks its shoulders, ready to strike the instant its reach carries it close enough. The second Biter follows several paces behind.
Maya Rodriguez
The truck is safe, and the entrance is still clear. Hold them there, then fall back inside when Thomas signals.
The utility truck rolls to a stop beyond the cars. Its rear doors open toward the dorm while Charlie keeps the approaching Biter centered in front of him.
“Charlie waits for the right moment and swings, trying to bash in the biter's skull and bring it down quickly.”
SUCCESS (Good Melee weapons, rolled +1)
The Biter lunges into range. Charlie waits until its weight commits, then swings the reinforced hammer in a tight, controlled arc into its skull.
The impact drops the Biter immediately. Its body collapses across the pavement, motionless except for one fading twitch, while the second Biter continues dragging closer.
Thomas Roberts
Good hit! Fall back toward the entrance, Charlie. I’ll keep the truck positioned, and Maya can cover the remaining one.
Charlie keeps the hammer raised and shifts backward from the fallen body. The second Biter turns toward him, crossing the open lot with its arms extended.
Maya Rodriguez
The first one is down. Keep the lane clear, and we can finish this without letting it reach the doorway.
The truck idles beyond the abandoned cars, rear doors open for unloading. Thomas angles the vehicle to shield the entrance while Maya retrieves a UV lamp from the cab.
Thomas Roberts
One more, then we unload fast. Stay coordinated, and nobody gets trapped between the truck and the entrance.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the dorm entrance from the remaining Biter
“Charlie settles his stance. And swings to bring down the second biter.”
SUCCESS (Good Melee weapons, rolled -1)
Charlie settles his stance as the second Biter reaches him. He swings the reinforced hammer in a controlled arc, crushing its skull and dropping it beside the first.
Maya Rodriguez
Both are down. Charlie, check the entrance while Thomas keeps the truck ready. We need the supplies inside before anything else hears us.
Maya sweeps the UV lamp across the lot, doorways, and parked vehicles. No additional movement appears, but dusk deepens over the campus road.
Thomas Roberts
The engine is still steady. I’ll back closer to the entrance, then we unload in one trip and get the doors secured.
Thomas guides the utility truck beside the dorm wall. Maya holds the lamp toward the abandoned cars while Charlie checks the bodies and the clear approach.
Maya Rodriguez
Nothing else moving. Bring the medical cases first, then fuel and repair gear. We keep the entrance watched until everyone is inside.
The dorm door opens from within as Evan signals them through. Thomas lifts the refrigerated case, and the group begins unloading under the last usable daylight.
Quest Complete
Secure the dorm entrance from the remaining Biter
“Charlie helps them unload the truck, only stopping when they begin to hear the howling of the infected from the city as dusk falls.”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled +2)
Charlie takes the medical bags from Thomas and carries them through the dorm entrance, then returns for fuel cans, emergency kits, and the remaining supplies.
The survivors form a quiet chain from truck to common room. Refrigerated medication reaches the cooler first, followed by testing supplies, fuel, tools, and repair gear.
Thomas Roberts
That’s everything medical inside. Charlie, take the last fuel can, then we secure the truck and close the entrance.
Charlie lifts the final can from the truck bed. As he turns toward the dorm, a distant howl rises beyond the campus, followed by another from deeper in the city.
Maya Rodriguez
Stop unloading. Those are infected calls, and dusk is here. Everyone inside, now.
Thomas abandons the open rear doors and waves the others back. Charlie carries the fuel can through the entrance before Maya pulls the door inward.
Thomas Roberts
The truck can wait until morning. We have the medicine, the transport, and everyone accounted for. Lock it down before those howls bring anything closer.
“Charlie sets down the fuel can and helps secure the UV lamps and barricade at the door. Listening to the swelling howls of the infected that signals the true start of night.”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled -1)
Charlie sets the final fuel can beside the medical supplies, then joins Thomas and Maya at the side entrance. Together they position the UV lamps toward the exterior approach.
The barricade slides into its brackets with a heavy scrape. Thomas checks the door latch twice while Maya angles the lamps across the windows and parked vehicles.
Thomas Roberts
That holds. We keep the lamps powered, the truck untouched, and nobody opens this door after dark without three people confirming the approach.
Howls swell beyond the dorm, overlapping from the campus roads and distant buildings. The daylight drains from the windows, leaving the UV lamps as the only deliberate light outside.
Maya Rodriguez
The night shift starts now. We rotate every hour, conserve the batteries, and report anything moving before it reaches the entrance.
Thomas Roberts
The truck got us home, but the real danger is only starting. At least Charlie is inside with us.
Inside, Evan marks the secured entrance on the campus map while survivors gather quietly in the common room. Beyond the barricade, distant footsteps begin to answer the howls.
✓ Quest Accepted
Survive the infected night
“Charlie nods and does a quick inspection of their defenses. Making sure all the UV lamps work and windows are properly boarded so they don't attract infected.”
SUCCESS (Good Investigation, rolled +0)
Charlie checks each UV lamp in sequence, confirming every bulb ignites and every battery connection holds. Their violet glow covers the entrance, windows, and parked vehicles outside.
He moves along the common room and dormitory corridors, testing window boards, braces, and latches. Each boarded section sits firmly, leaving no bright interior gaps visible from outside.
Thomas Roberts
All lamps are working, and the boards are solid. That gives us a real perimeter instead of just hoping the darkness protects us.
Maya follows with a checklist, marking every lamp and window as secure. She shifts one loose curtain away from a pane, then confirms the glass remains fully covered.
Maya Rodriguez
No exposed windows, no dead batteries, and the exterior approach is lit. We should keep one spare lamp ready in case a fixture fails.
A howl rises beyond the dorm, but the secured windows reveal no answering silhouettes. The survivors remain concealed behind boards and curtains while the UV lamps hold their perimeter.
Thomas Roberts
Good work, Charlie. I’ll add the lamp checks to the hourly rotation, and we can inspect the truck from inside again at first light.
“Charlie grins and says they did good today. He asks if they should check Jerry's garage tomorrow or try for Franklin?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Charlie Moore
We did good today. Should we check Jerry’s Garage tomorrow, or try for Franklin?
Charlie grins as the last lamp check finishes. The common room remains tense but organized, with the recovered medical supplies secured and the truck waiting outside.
Thomas Roberts
Jerry’s Garage first. If we find better tools, spare parts, or another vehicle, Franklin becomes safer instead of just sooner.
Maya Rodriguez
I agree. We can search the garage at first light, return before dark, and keep the medical supplies and dorm defenses protected.
Thomas studies the campus map, then draws a route from the dorm toward Jerry’s Garage. Maya adds fuel, gloves, lamps, and a short search window to the mission checklist.
Thomas Roberts
We make the garage run tomorrow, inspect everything carefully, and decide about Franklin after we know what the truck and our equipment can handle.
Maya Rodriguez
Then it is settled. Tonight we rest in shifts, and tomorrow we strengthen the transport plan before risking a long rescue trip.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure useful vehicle equipment or a better vehicle
“Charlie nods and turns to Thomas, he asks if Thomas will be okay if it takes them a couple tries to reach Franklin? There's no guarantee the roads won't be blocked. They might have to clear a little more of the path each day.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Charlie Moore
Will you be okay if it takes a couple tries to reach Franklin? The roads may be blocked, and we might have to clear more each day.
Thomas looks from the Franklin route to the secured medical boxes. The common room stays quiet around them, listening without interrupting.
Thomas Roberts
Yes. I can handle that. I want to reach them quickly, but I would rather make several careful attempts than lose people by forcing one reckless trip.
He takes the pencil and marks likely stopping points along the route, choosing places where the truck can turn around, shelter, and return before dark.
Thomas Roberts
We can clear one section, document what changes, and come back with better tools. Each attempt gives us more information, even if the road stays blocked.
Maya Rodriguez
Then the garage search should include shovels, pry bars, tow straps, spare tires, and anything useful for moving debris without exhausting the truck.
Thomas Roberts
I can live with a slower plan. As long as we keep trying, Franklin is not out of reach.
“Charlie agrees, and says they might get lucky and find a clear path, he just wants them to be prepared. That's how they stay alive. It's the only reason they're still alive. Preparation.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
We might get lucky and find a clear path. I just want us prepared. That’s how we stay alive. It’s the only reason we’re still alive: preparation.
Charlie taps the marked route with one finger, then adds a second return point beside the first. The map becomes a plan for success and retreat alike.
Thomas Roberts
Preparation, then luck if it comes. We check the garage for everything that keeps the truck moving and everyone protected.
Maya Rodriguez
I’ll make a full checklist tonight. Tools, recovery gear, fuel, lights, medical supplies, and enough water for a delayed return.
Maya pulls a fresh inventory sheet from the supply table. Thomas circles the garage approach while Charlie studies nearby streets, service alleys, and spaces wide enough to turn the truck.
Thomas Roberts
If the main road is clear, we take it. If not, we return with better information instead of gambling the truck and the whole group.
The three coordinate the garage run around first light, daylight, and a firm return deadline. Beside the map, the checklist gains one final heading: preparation before Franklin.
Quest Complete
Secure useful vehicle equipment or a better vehicle
Skill Upgrade: Mechanics Superb→Legendary
“Finally, Charlie says he is going to go upstairs and wash up. He would appreciate of someone could stand by the door while he's in there. In case there is trouble.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
Charlie Moore
I’m going upstairs to wash up. I’d appreciate it if someone could stand by the door while I’m in there, in case there’s trouble.
Thomas Roberts
I’ll guard it. Take your time, and call out if you need anything.
Thomas takes up position outside the upstairs bathroom with the reinforced hammer resting against his shoulder. Maya updates the checklist below while Charlie climbs the stairs.
The bathroom still has water in the pipes. Charlie washes away sweat, dust, and the day’s grime, keeping his injured palm clear of the soap and steadying himself against the sink.
Thomas Roberts
Everything’s quiet up here. The dorm is secure, and I’m still right outside.
Warm water runs briefly before Charlie shuts it off to conserve the supply. Fresh clothes wait nearby, and the hallway remains quiet beneath the distant, muffled howls.
Thomas Roberts
When you’re ready, we can finish the garage checklist together. No rush. I’ve got the door.
“Charlie thanks him as he strips down naked and starts to scrub himself. Making quiet conversation with Thomas as he washes.”
Charlie Moore
Thanks, Thomas. I’ll keep the water brief, and I’ll call if I need anything.
Charlie strips down and steps beneath the warm water, scrubbing away dust and sweat while keeping his injured palm clear of the soap. The bathroom door stays partly closed.
Thomas Roberts
You’re welcome. The water pressure is still holding, which feels like a miracle after everything today.
Steam gathers lightly on the mirror. Outside, Thomas remains posted in the hallway, listening toward the stairs while the dorm’s distant defenses and muffled howls fill the quiet.
Charlie Moore
Tomorrow’s garage run should tell us a lot. If we find recovery gear and parts, the Franklin trip becomes much more manageable.
Thomas Roberts
Exactly. We’ll build the plan around what we find, not force the truck into a route it cannot handle. I’ll help you finish the checklist when you’re done.
“Charlie smiles and starts washing his hair. He says he appreciates Thomas talking to him while he's in here. It helps while he's having to do this in the dark.”
Charlie Moore
I appreciate you talking to me while I’m in here. It helps, having to do this in the dark.
Charlie smiles and works shampoo through his short black hair. Water patters against the tile, while the bathroom’s weak light leaves the corners in shadow.
Thomas Roberts
Then I’ll keep talking. I can review the garage checklist, or tell you something completely unrelated if that makes the darkness less oppressive.
Thomas shifts his stance outside the partly closed door, keeping his voice calm and conversational while one hand remains near the reinforced hammer.
Thomas Roberts
For the record, I vote we prioritize tow straps and a decent jack tomorrow. If the truck gets stuck, optimism is not going to pull it free.
Charlie Moore
Thomas is still standing guard outside the door.
“Charlie says he agrees. And he knows where in the garage those things are kept, and where all the spare keys to the tool cabinets are. The hardest part will be getting there and back. He rinses his hair and shuts off the water to start drying himself with a towel.”
Charlie Moore
I agree. I know where the tow straps and good jacks are kept, and where the spare keys to the tool cabinets are.
Charlie Moore
The hardest part will be getting there and back.
Charlie rinses the last shampoo from his hair and shuts off the water. The bathroom settles into dripping silence as he reaches for the towel.
Thomas Roberts
That knowledge could save us a lot of time. We’ll go straight to the useful equipment, keep the search tight, and leave before dusk.
Charlie dries his hair and shoulders while steam thins across the mirror. Outside the partly closed door, Thomas remains on guard, his voice close and steady.
Thomas Roberts
Tomorrow, you guide the garage search. I’ll watch the approach and handle the route back. We’ll make the return just as deliberate as the trip there.
“Charlie slips into a clean pair of pajamas and brushes his teeth. Telling Thomas that he is glad they brought down those two biters today. He's been dreading it since they made that run to the Ag building the other day. He feels better now that he knows he won't freeze up.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Charlie slips into clean pajamas, brushes his teeth, and rinses the toothbrush. The simple routine steadies the room after the long day and the distant night sounds.
Charlie Moore
I’m glad we brought down those two Biters today. I’ve been dreading that since the Agriculture building, but I feel better now. I know I won’t freeze up.
Thomas lowers the hammer from his shoulder and looks toward the partly closed bathroom door. His expression softens, and he answers without breaking his watch.
Thomas Roberts
You didn’t freeze. You saw the opening, drew them away, and put them down cleanly. That was brave, Charlie.
Thomas shifts closer to the doorway, keeping the hall in view while the bathroom light spills across the floor. His voice becomes quieter.
Thomas Roberts
The Agriculture run taught us what fear feels like. Today taught us that preparation works, and that you can act even when you’re scared.
Thomas Roberts
Tomorrow, we use that same confidence at Jerry’s Garage. You know the equipment, I’ll cover the approach, and we’ll come back together.
“Charlie steps out of the bathroom and nods to him. He offers to take the hammer so Thomas can take a turn showering.”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled -1)
Charlie steps out in clean pajamas, nods to Thomas, and reaches for the reinforced hammer. The hallway light catches the dried grime still marking its handle.
Charlie Moore
I’ll take the hammer. You should get a turn to shower.
Thomas Roberts
All right. Thanks. Keep the door locked, and call me if anything sounds wrong.
Thomas passes the hammer over, then checks the latch and heads into the bathroom. Charlie plants himself in the hallway, facing the stairs and listening.
Thomas Roberts
I’ll be quick. Afterward, we can finish the garage checklist and decide who carries what.
The bathroom door closes partway. Water begins running, while Charlie’s grip settles around the hammer and the dorm’s night watch continues beyond the dim stairwell.
“Charlie thanks him for standing guard and asks if Thomas minds being his shower guard partner going forward. He admits that if something happened and someone had to come in to help him, he would be way less embarrassed if it was Thomas. And not just because of all the flirting lately, but because they are roommates and have seen it all already.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Charlie Moore
Thanks for standing guard. Would you mind being my shower-guard partner going forward? If someone had to come help me, I’d be way less embarrassed if it was you. Not just because of all the flirting lately, but because we’re roommates and have seen it all already.
Water continues running behind the partly closed bathroom door. Charlie’s words carry softly through the hallway, leaving the stairwell, hammer, and distant night sounds briefly forgotten.
Thomas Roberts
I would not mind. I’d actually like that, Charlie. And for the record, I’d be less embarrassed with you guarding me too.
The water shuts off. A moment later, Thomas opens the door just enough to look out, his damp hair and relaxed smile visible in the hallway light.
Thomas Roberts
Roommates who have seen it all already, huh? That is a pretty convincing argument. We can make it official, as long as we keep the door locked and stay alert.
Thomas steps into the hall and takes the hammer back only after checking the stairs. His expression remains warm, while the dorm’s night watch continues around them.
Thomas Roberts
You have a shower guard partner from now on. Now let’s finish that garage checklist before we both get too tired to remember where the tow straps are.
“Charlie smiles and says that at least if they've seen it all already there won't be any surprises if they hook up. He winks at Thomas and walks past him.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
At least if we’ve seen it all already, there won’t be any surprises if we hook up.
Charlie winks at Thomas and walks past him into the hallway, leaving the bathroom door and the garage checklist behind for the moment.
Thomas Roberts
Wow. You really decided to make that an official possibility before breakfast.
Thomas remains by the bathroom doorway, hammer lowered at his side. His grin widens as he watches Charlie cross toward the stairs.
Thomas Roberts
For the record, I am not surprised. Interested, definitely. But I still think we should finish the checklist before we get distracted.
He locks the bathroom door, then follows Charlie toward the common room, carrying the hammer and the charged warmth of the exchange with him.
Thomas Roberts
Charlie just made that sound possible. I need to stay focused, but I am absolutely going to remember it.
“Charlie smiles and says they probably should talk about this thing they have going on soon too, but Thomas is right, checklist first.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
We should talk about this thing between us soon too. But you’re right, checklist first.
Charlie smiles and turns toward the common room. Thomas follows, still carrying the hammer, while the charged awkwardness settles into something gentler and more deliberate.
Thomas Roberts
Soon sounds good. I want to talk about it properly, not between a shower and a possible zombie attack.
At the planning table, Thomas spreads the garage map flat. Maya has already listed tools, fuel, lamps, water, and a firm return deadline beneath the route.
Thomas Roberts
Tow straps, a heavy jack, spare tires, pry bars, and the cabinet keys go first. Then we check the garage doors, vehicle bays, and any safe exit.
Thomas writes each item into a departure checklist and marks who carries it. Beside the garage route, he adds a note: talk afterward, somewhere private and safe.
Thomas Roberts
There. Checklist first, exactly as promised. And after we get back, we’ll talk about us.
“Charlie blushes and agrees before moving to take his turn on watch.”
Charlie blushes, nods in agreement, and moves toward the common room’s watch station. The awkward warmth lingers, but his attention settles on protecting the dorm.
Thomas Roberts
I’ll take the next rotation with you. We can review the garage checklist while we watch the entrance.
Thomas follows with the hammer and checklist, leaving the planning table behind. Maya looks up from the route map and shifts the watch schedule.
Maya Rodriguez
That works. The side entrance is quiet, and the lamps are holding. You two can cover this position until the next change.
Charlie checks the barricade, door latch, and violet light spilling across the exterior approach. The utility truck remains dark outside, waiting beside the dorm wall.
Thomas Roberts
Tomorrow, we inspect Jerry’s Garage first. Tonight, we make sure everyone gets through the night safely.
Thomas settles beside Charlie, shoulder nearly touching his, while distant footsteps pass beyond the lit entrance. The checklist rests open between them, ready for the next decision.
“Charlie leans closer so their shoulders are touching and starts to listen to the sound outside. Trying to pick out anything strange.”
SUCCESS (Great Perception, rolled -1)
Charlie leans closer until his shoulder touches Thomas’s, then stills beside the barricade. Beyond the violet-lit entrance, campus sounds separate into wind, distant footsteps, and the truck’s cooling metal.
Charlie Moore
The footsteps are slow, uneven, and moving away from the dorm.
He catches a second sound beneath them: a wet scrape near the service road, followed by a faint groan from behind the abandoned vehicles. Nothing approaches the entrance.
Thomas Roberts
You heard that too, didn’t you? It sounds like something is crossing the road, not coming toward us.
Charlie shifts his weight to listen more closely, and the open checklist slips against the barricade. Its metal clip snaps against the floor, a sharp click in the quiet.
Thomas Roberts
That was loud enough to notice, but nothing answered. We keep watching, and we remember the road is not empty.
The groan fades toward the far buildings. Thomas nudges the checklist back into place with his boot, keeping his shoulder against Charlie’s as the watch continues.
“Charlie admits that they have been really lucky so far. He doesn't know where all the biters and virals have been hiding, but he expected to see mote of them. He wonders if they all congregated closer to Vanderbilt Hospital or something.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Charlie Moore
We’ve been really lucky so far. I don’t know where all the Biters and Virals have been hiding, but I expected to see more. Maybe they congregated closer to Vanderbilt Hospital or something.
Thomas Roberts
That would make sense. Hospitals, emergency shelters, and major roads probably drew people when everything started collapsing.
A gust moves across the service road, carrying a distant chorus of groans from beyond the hospital district. The sound is faint, but it comes from several directions at once.
Thomas Roberts
Our luck has a shape now. The quiet campus may just be outside the main concentration, not actually safe.
The radio’s battery indicator flickers down another bar as its receiver catches static. The concrete barricade stays firm, but the unexpected drain costs them one reserve of listening time.
Thomas Roberts
If Vanderbilt is packed with infected, Franklin may be safer by the eastern route. We need better information before choosing a road.
“Charlie admits that one other thing has been bothering him too. The second night they stayed here after the outbreak happened, he remembered waking up because he heard a weird deep howling. Way deeper in tone, more like a lion's roar. When he looked out the window, he saw something bigger than a viral, but it took off before he could get a good look.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +1)
Charlie Moore
There’s one other thing bothering me. On our second night here, I woke to a deep howl, more like a lion’s roar than any infected sound I’ve heard.
Charlie Moore
I looked out the window and saw something bigger than a Viral. It moved away before I could get a good look.
Thomas turns from the radio completely. Beyond the barricade, the campus groans continue, but the memory makes the violet-lit road feel suddenly too open.
Thomas Roberts
Bigger than a Viral? How big, exactly? And when it took off, was it moving quickly or just disappearing into the dark?
Charlie Moore
Fast. Much faster than a Biter, and too large to mistake for an ordinary infected. I only saw it for a few seconds.
Thomas Roberts
Then we treat it as an unknown threat, not something we understand. I’m telling Maya, and we keep the lamps ready every night.
Thomas reaches for the radio, then stops before transmitting, glancing toward the dark service road. He lowers his voice and studies the campus map for daylight routes and enclosed approaches.
“Charlie apologizes for not mentioning it sooner. He honestly wondered if he dreamed it and has been looking out for proof ever since. He was scared there might have been one in the Health Center basement but they never saw it.”
FAILURE (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -4)
“Charlie apologizes for not mentioning it sooner. He honestly wondered if he dreamed it and has been looking out for proof ever since. He was scared there might have been one in the Health Center basement but they never saw it.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Charlie Moore
I’m sorry I didn’t mention it sooner. I honestly wondered if I dreamed it, so I’ve been watching for proof ever since. I was scared there might have been one in the Health Center basement, but we never saw it.
Thomas Roberts
You do not need to apologize. That is exactly the kind of detail we should record, even if you are not sure what you saw.
Thomas writes unknown large infected beside the campus map, underlining it once. His careful handwriting steadies the conversation without dismissing Charlie’s memory.
Maya Rodriguez
I’ll add it to the threat notes. We treat the Health Center basement as unconfirmed, keep daylight searches brief, and never investigate a dark building without a retreat plan.
Thomas Roberts
Tomorrow’s garage run still comes first. After that, we can compare your description with anything we learn about the hospital district and decide whether the basement matters.
The radio remains quiet except for faint static. Thomas circles the Health Center, hospital district, and eastern route, turning Charlie’s uncertainty into three daylight questions.
Thomas Roberts
You noticed something unusual and brought it forward. That helps protect everyone, Charlie. We’ll be careful, and we’ll find out what is really moving around this campus.
“Charlie relaxes and thanks him for understanding. He focuses on the watch duty for awhile, seeing the shapes of biters milling about in the distant dark of the parking lot. Like they do every night.”
SUCCESS (Great Perception, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
Thanks for understanding.
Charlie settles back into the watch beside Thomas, hammer resting across his knees. He studies the barricade, the violet-lit approach, and every dark gap beyond it.
In the distant parking lot, Biters mill between abandoned cars, their uneven silhouettes drifting through the darkness. They follow no clear pattern, but none turn toward the dorm.
Thomas Roberts
There they are again. Same group, same distance. We should mark their position and see whether they shift closer over the night.
Thomas reaches for the checklist, and the radio beside it spits a brief burst of static. One battery bar disappears before he switches the receiver off.
Thomas Roberts
That costs us another bar, but now we have a baseline. If the Biters move, we will know the campus is changing around us.
The Biters continue milling in the parking lot while Charlie and Thomas maintain their watch. Their slow groans blend with the wind, and the dorm entrance remains secure.
“Charlie asks if Thomas ever thought he'd live to see a zombie apocalypse?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Charlie Moore
Did you ever think you’d live to see a zombie apocalypse?
Thomas glances from the parking lot back to Charlie. The violet light catches his tired face while distant Biters continue drifting between the abandoned cars.
Thomas Roberts
Honestly? No. I joked about it sometimes, like everyone else, but I never believed the world could actually become this.
Thomas Roberts
I imagined surviving disasters in movies. I never imagined measuring my life in batteries, barricades, and whether Charlie was standing beside me.
Thomas Roberts
I thought I’d graduate, find a job, maybe move somewhere quieter, and complain about ordinary problems. I miss ordinary problems.
He taps the checklist once, then looks toward the secured entrance and the dark campus beyond it. His voice stays quiet, but the answer is unguarded.
Thomas Roberts
What about you? Did you ever think you’d actually have to build a life around surviving this?
“Charlie shakes his head. "I think we all joke or fantasize about it at aftercare seeing a movie like that at some point, but the past several days have been surreal. I keep wondering about my folks back home and the guys over at Jerry's Garage.”
Charlie Moore
I think we all joke or fantasize about it after seeing a movie like that, but the past several days have been surreal. I keep wondering about my folks back home and the guys over at Jerry’s Garage.
Charlie shakes his head, keeping his voice low as the Biters drift beyond the violet-lit entrance. The checklist remains open between him and Thomas, its pages stirring in the night air.
Thomas Roberts
Your folks are a long way from here, and Jerry’s Garage is close enough to feel almost reachable. I understand why both places stay on your mind.
Thomas Roberts
He is carrying more worry than he says. I want to help without turning his family into another impossible promise.
Thomas studies the campus map, then adds Knoxville and Jerry’s Garage to the margin beside Franklin. He draws a line between the garage run and the supplies needed for any family search.
Thomas Roberts
Tomorrow, we check the garage for transport and communication gear. After that, we make a separate plan for your folks, one that does not gamble everyone’s safety.
Thomas Roberts
And if the guys at Jerry’s are still there, we find out what they know. They may have tools, fuel, or information that makes every route safer.
“Charlie smiles and thanks him, but he doesn't think going for his folks is all that feasible. 180 miles, give or take, is further than they can get with a single tank of gas. And they will have the same problems with road blocks. It would be almost impossible to make the trip there and back in the same day before nightfall. He admits he's been putting a lot of thought into it.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Charlie Moore
I’ve been thinking about my folks a lot. Knoxville is roughly 180 miles away, and that is farther than we can manage on one tank of gas.
Charlie Moore
Even with the truck, roadblocks could force detours, and making the trip there and back before nightfall would be almost impossible. I do not think it is feasible yet.
Charlie’s explanation settles over the watch station. Beyond the violet-lit entrance, the Biters continue drifting through the parking lot, while the open map shows how little daylight they can spare.
Thomas Roberts
That is the hard answer, but it is a useful one. We cannot turn your parents into a rushed rescue mission and risk everyone getting stranded after dark.
Thomas Roberts
We build range first, then information. Extra fuel, a second vehicle or a way to recover one, and a route with places to shelter if the return takes longer.
Maya Rodriguez
I’ll add Knoxville to the long-range list, separate from tomorrow’s garage run. We can also conserve radio power and look for campus maps covering the roads south.
The radio suddenly spits a harsh burst of static, consuming another battery bar before Thomas switches it off. The cost is small but immediate, leaving their information supply thinner.
“Charlie asks, a little surprised, why they would take such a big risk to help him find his family?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Charlie Moore
Why would you take such a big risk to help me find my family?
The question quiets the watch station. Static fades from the radio, leaving only distant groans and the faint electrical hum of the UV lamps.
Thomas Roberts
Because they matter to you, Charlie. That is enough for me. I would not ask you to abandon them just because the road is dangerous.
Thomas turns fully toward Charlie, one hand resting on the folded Knoxville map. His expression is tired, but there is no hesitation in it.
Thomas Roberts
You helped me make a plan for Franklin when I was scared and barely thinking clearly. I want to do the same for you, carefully and honestly.
Maya Rodriguez
And because helping people is why we are still a group instead of frightened strangers hiding in separate rooms. We manage the risk. We do not pretend it is free.
Thomas Roberts
We will not rush Knoxville. We build the range, gather information, and decide together. But when it becomes possible, you will not be going alone.
“Charlie tears up and pulls Thomas into a fierce hug, kissing his cheek. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." He whispers out through his tears.”
Tears spill down Charlie’s face as he pulls Thomas into a fierce hug and kisses his cheek. The folded Knoxville map presses between them before slipping to the floor.
Charlie Moore
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Charlie whispers the words through his tears, holding Thomas tightly beneath the violet glow of the UV lamps and the distant groans outside.
Thomas Roberts
You do not have to thank me that many times. I meant it, Charlie. When the time comes, we face Knoxville together.
Thomas wraps both arms around Charlie and holds him close. His cheek warms beneath the kiss, and his tired expression softens into an unguarded smile.
Maya Rodriguez
I’ll give you two a minute, then I want your input on the Knoxville supply list. Fuel range and shelter points come first.
Thomas Roberts
That sounds right. We can start with the practical pieces, and Charlie can tell us what the truck will need before we ever leave Nashville.
“Charlie releases him and wipes his tears. He says he had been afraid to ask for help because it felt like too much. He takes a deep breath to steady himself.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled -2)
Charlie releases Thomas and wipes the tears from his face. He draws a slow breath beneath the violet lamps, steadying himself as the Knoxville map lies between them.
Charlie Moore
I was afraid to ask for help because it felt like too much. Like I’d be asking everyone to risk everything for me.
The movement bumps the radio against the table. It crackles once and drops another battery bar before Maya switches it fully off, leaving their reserve thinner.
Thomas Roberts
You are not asking us to solve Knoxville tonight. You are asking us to help build a chance, and we can do that carefully.
Maya Rodriguez
The cost is real, but so is the planning. We separate immediate needs from the long trip and protect the group at every step.
Thomas retrieves the fallen map and smooths it across the table. He marks fuel depots, possible shelter points, and roads south while Maya opens a fresh supply sheet.
Thomas Roberts
You do not have to carry this alone anymore. We start with range, information, and a route home for everyone who is waiting.
“Charlie nods. Once he is composed again, he says that they really need an SUV for that kind of trip. He has two younger brothers at home and his parents. It will be a pretty full vehicle. And the SUV will need to be equipped with roof rails so they can strap supplies on top. The interior is going to be mostly full of people.”
Charlie Moore
We really need an SUV for that kind of trip. I have two younger brothers at home, plus my parents, so it’ll be a pretty full vehicle.
Charlie Moore
It needs roof rails too, so we can strap supplies on top. The interior will mostly be people.
Charlie points between the Knoxville map and the vehicle notes, turning passenger space, cargo limits, and roof capacity into specific requirements for the long trip.
Thomas Roberts
An SUV makes sense. Five people inside, supplies secured above, and enough room for everyone to stay together without stacking bags on their laps.
Maya Rodriguez
I’ll add roof rails, tie-down straps, weatherproof containers, and a passenger count to the list. We should inspect every suitable vehicle at Jerry’s Garage.
Maya writes beneath the Knoxville heading while Thomas circles Jerry’s Garage on the campus map. The plan now includes a specific transport standard instead of merely finding any running vehicle.
Thomas Roberts
Then tomorrow we search for the SUV first. We check the roof, suspension, tires, cargo space, and whether it can carry your family safely before we think about distance.
“Charlie shakes his head. "We can look for the SUV but we should focus on the jack and tow straps for the Franklin mission. We can always go back to search Jerry's again, but if we try to do too much in one day we'll get caught out after dark.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Charlie Moore
We can look for the SUV, but we should focus on the jack and tow straps for the Franklin mission. We can always search Jerry’s again, but if we try to do too much in one day, we’ll get caught out after dark.
Charlie taps the garage checklist beneath the Knoxville map, crossing the SUV search into a brief inspection while circling the recovery gear as tomorrow’s priority.
Thomas Roberts
Agreed. We get the heavy jack and tow straps first, then inspect only the most promising SUVs. No wandering, and we turn back before the light goes.
Maya Rodriguez
I’ll set a hard return time and mark the search order. Recovery gear, then one focused SUV check, with Jerry’s Garage available for a later trip.
Maya rewrites the mission list: heavy jack, tow straps, spare tire, tie-downs, then a limited vehicle inspection. The plan now protects daylight as carefully as supplies.
Thomas Roberts
That gives Franklin the tools it needs without risking the dorm for a perfect vehicle tomorrow. We search smart, bring back what matters, and leave the rest.
✓ Quest Accepted
Finalize the survivors’ assignments for the garage run
− Scene Quest Removed
Survive the infected night