Things About to Get Steamy

The night air was cooler than usual as Thomas made his way toward the designated unit where ALAB and RAVE had gathered. The building was one of the repurposed residential spaces within the MOA Complex, a former hotel now converted into living quarters for groups of survivors. The scent of warm food and the faint murmur of conversation carried through the corridors.

When he entered, the scene was livelier than he expected.

A long table was set up in the middle of the room, covered with plates of simple meals—mostly rice, canned meats, and vegetables scrounged from storage. But what caught his attention were the bottles of alcohol scattered across the table—something that had become a rarity in the new world. A small group of survivors was already laughing, chatting, and sipping from their cups.

The members of ALAB and RAVE immediately noticed his presence.

"Hey! The Supreme Commander actually showed up!" Kai grinned, raising her drink in greeting.