Arrival at the Base

The forest loomed around them, the moonlight casting long, eerie shadows across the dirt path. Alexia and Quinn moved in silence, their breaths even but tense as they pushed forward. The night's event lingered like a bad taste, the screams of the outpost still fresh in their ears. 

"So the base, you're sure about it?" Alexia asked breaking the quiet.

Quinn didn't look back, his stride steady. "I wouldn't bring it up if I wasn't."

Her system chimed softly in her mind: 

[Path Confirmed: Closest Military Base Within 7 Miles.]

"Convenient," Alexia muttered under her breath. 

"What?"

"Nothing." she adjusted her grip on the machete, scanning the dark trees. "I'm just hoping the base is as reliable as you think."

Quinn's jaw tightened, his shadow stretching unnaturally as he stepped over a root, still he said nothing, and like that silence fell over them.

After what felt like hours of them walking, the base came into view, as the sky lightened up a bit, the moon yet to go into hiding, painting the walls in hues of grey and blue. Survivors and soldiers patrolled the perimeter with military precision, rifles slung over their shoulders. The hum of generators and the faint echoes of voices within the walls were signs of life, a stark contrast to the desolation Alexia and Quinn had left behind.

Quinn slowed as they approached the gates. Alexia kept close, her body tense but her expression neutral, taking in the sight of what seemed like a haven---if such a thing still existed.

At the gate, a guard stepped forward, his weapon resting casually across his chest. His sharp gaze flicked between Quinn and Alexia before settling on Quinn. 

"State your name and entry number," the guard barked.

"Quinn Hayes. Entry number 2436," Quinn replied without hesitation. "I'm returning from a scouting mission, and I've brought another survivor with me. She'll need to be registered."

The guard gave Alexia a once-over, his expression unreadable, before nodding curtly. "Wait here."

He disappeared into a nearby tent. The minutes stretched uncomfortably, but Alexia stayed silent, observing the tension in Quinn's posture. Finally, the guard returned, motioning for them to enter. 

"Welcome back, Hayes," he said gruffly. "Head straight to the general."

Quinn nodded, guiding Alexia through the gates. Inside, the base was a hive of activities despite it being way early. Survivors moved with purpose, some carrying weapons, others transporting crates of supplies. A sense of order permeated the air, but Alexia could feel weight of fear lingering beneath the surface.

"This way," Quinn said, leading her toward a large central building.

The general's office was a stark, functional space dominated by maps, charts, and pinned reports. General Evans, a grizzled man with a face carved from stone, looked up as Quinn entered, his expression sharp and assessing.

"Hayes," the general said, his tone neutral. "Report."

Quinn stood at attention. "The investigation was worse than expected sir. The phenomena I was sent to investigate turned out to be a creature resting ground. The outpost near Sector D is gone--- overrun. The infected weren't just acting randomly; they were coordinated. It is safe to say they are either evolving or something or someone was leading them."

The general's jaw tightened. "You're saying they're evolving?"

"Yes sir. This wasn't a normal horde. If they were being led, then whatever that thing is its bigger, faster and smarter. It's a new kind of threat."

The room fell silent as the weight of Quinn's words sank in. Finally, the general spoke. "Write up a detailed report. We'll discuss this in tomorrow's briefing."

He turned his gaze to Alexia, his gaze practically saying, 'Who is this?'

"Alexia Kane," Quinn said. "I found her at the outpost before it was overrun. She's capable and fought her way out. She'll need to be registered."

The general nodded. "Get her processed and take the rest of the day to recover. Good work, Hayes."

Quinn led Alexia through the maze of corridors until they reached a modest apartment. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, flipping on a dim light. The space was small but livable, with two bedrooms, a shared living area, and a tiny kitchen.

Quinn tossed his bag onto a worn couch. "This is where Damien and I stay. He's not back yet, so we'll wait here."

Alexia glanced around, taking in the sparse furnishings. "You share this place with your friend?"

"Yeah," Quinn said, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and handling it to her. "Damien's one of the team captain here. We've been working together since the early days."

She took the water with a nod of thanks, settling into one of the chairs. The silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the faint hum of the base.

The sound of the door opening broke the stillness. A tall man with sharp features and a commanding presence stepped inside, his dark eyes scanning the room before landing on Quinn.

"You're late," Damien said, though his tone held more relief than reprimand.

"Ran into some trouble," Quinn replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Good to see you alive, though."

Damien's gaze shifted to Alexia, his brow arching. "And who's this?"

"Alexia Kane," Quinn said leading back against the counter. "She's the reason I made it back at all." 

Damien's lip twitched into a faint smile as he nodded towards her. "Well, Alexia, welcome to the base. I'm Damien, it looks like you're stuck with us now."