Chapter 32: A Signal from Afar

November 26, 2058 – Morning

The survivor camp was still in the process of recovery after the previous battle. The survivors worked tirelessly to repair the damaged defenses, while Aegis Squad remained on high alert, ensuring no new threats approached. The wounded were treated in temporary medical tents, while others scavenged for leftover ammunition and salvageable supplies.

Jenna sat at a small desk inside the communication post, adjusting the dials of an old but still functional radio. She cycled through various frequencies, hoping to catch a transmission that could give them insight into the world beyond. Most of it was static—until suddenly, a voice broke through.

"...If anyone can hear this... we're still holding out in the north, about 50 kilometers from the main coordinates... The shelter in Blackridge is still standing... We need help, but we can also take in survivors... repeat, we're still holding out in Blackridge..."

Jenna froze for a moment before quickly pressing the transmission button. "This is the survivor camp to the south! Who is speaking? Can you hear us?"

Silence. Only static filled the air once more.

Pan entered the communication post, noticing Jenna's serious expression.

"There's someone out there," she said. "They mentioned a shelter in Blackridge. That's about a two-day journey north."

Cong, standing near the door, frowned. "So there's another place still standing besides us?"

Professor Selman, who had been listening in, nodded slowly. "It wouldn't be surprising if more survivor groups exist. But the real question is… are they truly safe, or is this a trap?"

Pan crossed his arms. "We need more information. We can't assume the place is safe without knowing the truth."

Rico chimed in, "Maybe we should send a small team to investigate. If they're really surviving, we could find a way to establish contact."

Mira, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Before that, we need to make sure our camp is secure. We don't know if another horde is already on its way."

The Looming Threat

As the discussion continued, a guard in the watchtower suddenly shouted, "Suspicious movement in the eastern forest!"

Everyone sprang into action. Pan climbed up the tower and peered in the direction the guard indicated. In the distance, beyond the trees, shadows moved slowly. Unlike a typical zombie horde, these figures seemed more coordinated, as if they were waiting for something.

"This isn't good," Pan muttered. "They're back."

Cong gripped his rifle. "Do we strike first or wait for them to come?"

Pan considered the situation. "We watch them for now. If they're just observing, we can't afford to act recklessly."

The guards readied their weapons, standing watch along the camp's walls. Every small noise from the forest heightened the tension.

Meanwhile, Jenna remained in the communication post, scanning for more transmissions, hoping that Blackridge would send another signal—something to help them make a decision.

A Difficult Decision

As night fell, the shadows in the forest remained motionless. Pan stood in the watchtower for hours, ensuring there were no sudden attacks. Lila joined him, handing him a cup of warm coffee they had managed to brew from their dwindling supplies.

"You're sure they're just watching?" Lila asked, taking a sip of her drink.

Pan nodded. "It seems like they're waiting for something. I don't know if it's an order or the right opportunity to strike."

Below, Cong and Rico discussed their next move with a few survivors.

"We need to decide soon," Cong said. "If we stay, we might get surrounded again. But if we leave without knowing what's out there, we could walk into a trap."

Professor Selman approached, holding a tablet with notes he had compiled. "I think we should take the risk. The Blackridge shelter could be the answer we need. We can't survive here alone forever."

Pan descended from the watchtower and joined them. "If we're going to search for that shelter, we need to send a scout team first. We can't move everyone without knowing what we're walking into."

Mira nodded. "I'll help organize the trip. But we also need a backup plan in case things go wrong."

Pan took a deep breath. "Alright. Tomorrow morning, we'll prepare a small team to head to Blackridge. The rest will stay behind to defend the camp."

Tension Unresolved

As the meeting concluded, everyone returned to their positions. But deep in the forest, something moved in the darkness. Blue eyes flickered among the trees, silently watching the camp.

By the time morning came, the figures had disappeared—leaving behind one lingering question:

Was this truly the right time to leave?