The gas station proved a somewhat decent place to rest. Greg's snores resonated through the small building like a growling bear, while Alex grumbled about being paired with Mallory for the morning scout. She claimed she needed beauty sleep, which somehow excused her from all strenuous activities.
"Mallory, wake up!" Alex's sharp whisper barely stirred her.
"I am awake," Mallory mumbled from her corner, blanket pulled over her head. "I'm practicing tactical stillness."
"Tactical stillness? Is that what we're calling laziness now?" Alex asked, hands on his hips.
Greg burst out laughing, his sides shaking. "That's why we keep her around! Tactical stillness might just save our lives one day."
Before Alex could counter, Blinky chirped and rolled toward the door, its sensors picking up movement outside. Everyone froze.
Greg crouched by the window and peeked out. "We've got company. Zombies, maybe ten or fifteen."
