The Nebuchadnezzar slowly rumbled forward, its imposing frame casting a long shadow across the cracked asphalt of an abandoned gas station. The now faded and chipped signage swayed gently in the wind, emitting a eerie creak.

  As the massive vehicle came to rest a sharp hiss announced its arrival. Stepping down from the cab, boots crunching against the broken concrete, was a tall woman with shoulder-length — side-shaved, blonde hair. Scanning the desolate scene, she tugged her leather jacket into place, the cool dusk air biting against her skin. She turned back to the behemoth of a truck, her voice calm but commanding.

  “We’ll be quick,” she stated. “Maya, Jade — you’re with me. Rachel, stay with Sophie and siphon what’s left from the pumps. Keep the radio on.”

  A pensive figure followed in order, clutching a large overstuffed medical bag, a look of concern clearly visible behind a scratched set of glasses. Just behind her stepped a shorter frame — though muscular and imposing a floral tattoo sprawled down her left arm, offering soft contrast to an otherwise rough facade. The two followed behind the first, eyes scanning in unison.

  "You got it, boss," a playful voice chirped in as a another member planted her feet firmly behind the others, offering a quick salute and a mischievous grin. With a sharp heel-to-toe pivot, she turned back toward the cab — like a soldier before a commanding officer, her crimson curls flicking behind her. At that moment a much younger girl emerged, her gaze distant yet alert, fingers curled around one of the many small canisters clipped to her belt.

  “C’mon, Soph,” Rachel leaned in, tapping the young girl on the nose. “Let’s see if we can squeeze a little life out of these rust buckets.”

  Sophie nodded, her eyes following the lead group briefly before focusing back on Rachel. Without a word, she followed behind Rachel, though not at all trying to mimic Rachel's comically exaggerated march toward the pumps.

  The frontrunner’s gaze lingered on the ruins of what had once been a quaint gas station. Adjusting the strap of her tool belt, she glanced back at Maya and Jade. “Stay close. We don’t know what might still be lurking.”

  “I’m right behind you, Tera,” Maya reinforced, her voice steady but tinged with unease.

  Jade, ever the silent sentinel, nodded and hefted the heavy crowbar from her side. Her eyes scanned the interior, alert for movement. Maya adjusted the pack on her shoulder, her lips pressed into a thin line.

  The trio approached the station cautiously. The glass windows shattered, jagged shards catching the light of the waning sun. Inside, the aisles were lined with dust-coated shelves, most contents long since looted or spoiled. A faint scent of mildew and decay hung in the air as they stepped inside.

  Tera knelt near the doorframe, her eyes tracing a trail of dark stains smeared across the linoleum — blood, old and dry. Her face tensed further as she motioned for the others to stay alert.

  “Let’s move fast,” she whispered. “We’re looking for anything useful — canned goods, batteries, medical supplies — if it’s useful and not bolted down, grab it.”

  With an accepting glance toward each other Maya and Jade spread out, each scanning with quiet efficiency. Jade stalked through the aisles, looking for danger as much as supplies. Maya paused at a shelf near the front counter, rifling through the debris of what had once been basic retail medical supplies.

  Tera moved deeper into the station, her tools swaying softly on her hips. Her mind was already calculating — What did they need to last another week? How much fuel would they lose idling here? How far until they find another market or gas station? A faint creak from the back of the station snapped her from her thoughts, and her hand instinctively went to the wrench holstered at her side.

  “Did you hear that?” Jade’s low voice carried across the room, her posture immediately tense.

  Maya straightened, clutching a flashlight tightly in her hand. “Hear what?” She whispered.

  Tera quickly raised her hand demanding silence, her heart pounding in her ears as the faint sound of shuffling echoed from the shadows — Is it a shambler? A walker? A sprinter? The stillness became oppressive, every creak of the structure amplified in the tense quiet.

  Outside, Rachel lightheartedly hummed a tune while working the siphon, the setting sun casting a warm sepia glow across the lot. Sophie’s gaze lingered on the dark lifeless shadows of the building. A chill ran down her spine as she instinctively noticed the intense silence within.

  Inside, Jade moved toward the noise with calculated precision, crowbar raised. Tera cursed under her breath but followed softly, wrench in hand.

  The calm was already beginning to crack...

  » Investigate, secure the area, you need more supplies.

  » Leave, take what you have, safety is key.