The next morning brought a quiet resolve. The faint hum of the generator and the gentle drip of the water purifier served as their wake-up call, blending seamlessly with the distant groans of zombies.
Inside the walls of their fortified base, the duo prepared for the next phase of their plan.
Aurielle leaned over the map spread out on the table, her damp hair tied back loosely.
"Alright, Emperor," she began, tracing her finger across a cluster of marked buildings. "We've got the greenhouse, water, and power. Next up, we take the vineyard—or, well, whatever patch of grapevines we can find. Then we expand further."
Linsley stood behind her, crowbar in hand, his expression calm and thoughtful. "The map shows an old market district a few blocks from here. If anyone's been hoarding food or seeds, that's where they'll be."
Aurielle tilted her head, grinning. "And if they don't feel like sharing?"