The group reached Safe Zone Alpha as the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the ruined city in a dim, fading light. The zone stood on elevated ground, surrounded by crumbling barricades and rusted fences. Though overgrown with vines and debris, it was intact enough to offer hope—a potential haven from the dangers outside.
Alex motioned for the group to stop near the entrance. "We'll settle here for the night, but Carter and I will scout the area first. Nora, stay with the kids and keep an eye on the perimeter."
Nora nodded, pulling Sam and Chloe closer. "Be careful."
Carter smirked, shouldering his crowbar. "Always am."
---
Alex and Carter moved cautiously through the zone, their senses heightened. Despite its derelict state, the safe zone had once been a fortified refuge. Guard towers loomed overhead, and remnants of long-abandoned supplies littered the ground.
"Keep your eyes open," Alex said, scanning the area.
The two split up briefly, checking different sections of the zone.
Alex, with his enhanced agility and intelligence, quickly located a stash of equipment: old but functional radios, flashlights, and a few medical supplies. "This could be useful," he muttered, packing the items into a bag.
Carter, meanwhile, stumbled upon a hidden storage room in one of the crumbling structures. Inside, he found something far more dangerous—TNT, still intact and ready for use.
Carter's lips curled into a sly grin as he examined the explosives. He glanced over his shoulder to ensure Alex wasn't nearby, then carefully concealed the TNT in his pack. Whatever plans Carter had brewing, he wasn't ready to share them.
---
By the time they returned, the rest of the group had set up a small camp near the central building. Nora had scavenged what she could to create a modest sleeping area, while the kids huddled together, their exhaustion evident.
Alex placed the bag of supplies in the center of the group. "Found some things that might help us. It's not much, but it's a start."
Carter dropped his pack near the edge of the camp, keeping his movements casual to avoid drawing attention. "Place seems secure enough. No signs of recent intrusions, at least."
Nora nodded, though her expression remained cautious. "Let's hope it stays that way."
---
The group shared a quiet meal of whatever rations they had left. The atmosphere was tense but calm, everyone too tired to dwell on their fears.
As night fell, Alex took the first watch, sitting near the perimeter with his knife in hand. His mind wandered to the TNT Carter had stashed, though he was unaware of it. Something about Carter's demeanor still gnawed at him.
Carter, lying a short distance away, watched Alex through half-closed eyes. The shadows of the firelight danced across his face, masking the calculating expression beneath.
---
Despite the unease lingering in the air, the group managed to rest, their exhaustion overpowering their worries. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, they had a brief reprieve.
Alex sat alone for a moment longer, gazing at the dark horizon. This place could be the start of something better, he thought, gripping the knife tighter. But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that not all threats came from outside the walls.
Little did he know, the TNT hidden in Carter's pack and the secrets each member carried would soon test their fragile unity in ways none of them could anticipate.