Zoe examined one of the walls, running her fingers over the faded writing etched into the concrete. "This was an Echelon outpost. Probably used to monitor the infection when it first started."
"That means they might have left supplies," Caleb said. "We should split up and search."
Ruby nodded. "Stay in pairs. Keep your radios on. If anything moves, you let us know."
The group's search was methodical but tense. Zoe and Mia explored the upper levels, their flashlights cutting through the thick dust that blanketed every surface. They found old maps, medical supplies, and a few weapons, but the place had clearly been scavenged before.
"What do you think this place was really for?" Zoe asked as she sifted through a desk drawer.
Mia's fingers brushed over a faded photo pinned to the wall. It showed a team of scientists standing in front of a facility—smiling, hopeful. Her heart ached as she realized these people had likely been among the first to die.
