Distant Enclave

A pale sun rose over the rolling hills and fractured highway as Kai, Edda, Benton, and the rest of the scouting party pressed deeper into unknown territory. The donkey plodded dutifully at their side, occasionally braying at the uneven ground littered with rusted vehicles and half-buried wreckage. Each footfall kicked up a light layer of dust, the air tinged with the smell of old asphalt and distant decay.

They'd left the settlement only a day ago, following the partially intact highway that Edda and Benton had scouted. Already, the landscape felt different—less picked-over by other survivors, more quiet but tinged with that familiar post-apocalyptic hush that often signaled either emptiness or hidden threats. Bent road signs jutted at awkward angles, graffiti scrawled across them, and an occasional shattered billboard hinted at a once-thriving world now devoured by time and the undead.

As midday approached, the road curved through an area of collapsed overpasses and rubble-choked side streets. Kai signaled for a halt, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the sun. Edda and Benton joined him, scanning the horizon with careful intensity, Jonas and the orchard workers watching the donkey and supplies.

"Any sign of movement?" Kai asked softly.

Edda, who had keen eyesight and plenty of field experience, squinted at a distant ridge. "Nothing but crows." She paused, turning in a slow arc. "Still quiet."

Benton gave a curt nod, tension in his shoulders. "Too quiet. We haven't even spotted many walkers, just a straggler or two. Almost feels like someone cleared them out."

They exchanged uneasy glances. Such a thorough clearing usually signaled an organized group—raiders, enclaves, or someone who had the resources to push back the undead. That both excited and unnerved them.

"Let's keep moving," Kai decided. "But stay alert."

They proceeded slowly, weaving around abandoned cars and debris. The orchard workers, used to farmland tasks, gripped machetes more tightly than usual, scanning every broken storefront. Jonas, from Harriet's group, hefted a short rifle, face impassive. The donkey trudged dutifully, occasionally letting out disgruntled snorts whenever they steered it over or around large obstacles.

Then, a glint of metal caught Benton's eye—a series of shimmering panels set against a collapsed structure in the distance.

"Solar panels?" Benton whispered, pointing to the reflection.

Kai's heart skipped a beat. Any group with enough knowledge or resources to maintain solar power was potentially valuable—or dangerous. "Let's approach carefully."

They rounded the bend, crouching low behind rusted cars, creeping toward what appeared to be a barricaded entrance to an old industrial complex. High fences topped with barbed wire encircled a cluster of warehouses—several partially collapsed, but one large building still intact. Rising above it was a row of solar panels angled at the sun, their surfaces mostly free of grime.

Guard towers, improvised from stacked crates and salvaged metal, stood at two corners. Figures were visible at those towers—armed, watchful. Bent chain-link gates had been reinforced with steel plates and welded crossbars. This was no random group; these people knew how to fortify.

Kai motioned for the group to spread out in a half-circle, weapons lowered but ready, donkey included. If the watchers in the towers saw them, they'd see a small band, not an army. He glanced at Jonas, who nodded silently, stepping behind the donkey for partial cover. Edda and Benton took the lead, aware that they had to show no hostile intent.

When they were within shouting distance, a voice boomed from the nearest guard tower: "Halt! State your business!"

Kai held up both hands, stepping forward. "We're travelers—scouts. Looking for safe routes, potential trade. No quarrel."

There was a tense pause. The watchers murmured something, possibly conferring over radio or sign language. Then, one called back, "Stay where you are."

Moments later, the barricaded gate swung open, accompanied by the creak of chains. Three figures stepped out, heavily armed but not immediately hostile. A woman in her forties, hair in a loose braid, waved them closer—her posture rigid but not aggressive.

"Name's Rowan," she said, voice echoing. "This is the Sunridge Enclave. We don't let raiders past, so I hope you're not here for trouble."

Kai exchanged a quick glance with Edda. Sunridge Enclave. A name and presumably a group with resources. He cleared his throat. "No trouble. I'm Kai, from a settlement north of here. We heard rumors of safe roads in this direction."

Rowan studied them. "And you found more than a road, I see." She tilted her head at the donkey, laden with meager supplies. Her gaze lingered on Jonas and the orchard workers. "We've had watchers posted all around these highways. Surprised we haven't crossed paths sooner."

Jonas gave a slight shrug. Edda managed a careful smile. "We only just started exploring this route. We kept clear of possible undead or raider signs."

Rowan nodded, waving them inside. "Come on, then. You said you're open to trade. Let's talk. But keep your weapons lowered. We have snipers on the walls, and we don't want misunderstandings."

They obliged, tension coiling in Kai's chest. He sensed no immediate hostility, but enclaves could turn on a dime if they sensed betrayal. Still, curiosity and hope bloomed—solar panels in active use hinted at advanced knowledge that could be invaluable to their settlement.

Beyond the gate, the industrial yard had been repurposed into a bustling mini-community. Stacks of crates formed walkways, barrels collected rainwater, and a row of solar panels anchored on tall scaffolding to harness the sun's rays. The watchers who had greeted them guided them to an open area near a refurbished warehouse. There, more enclavers worked on contraptions that appeared to be water filtration units, some tinkering with wires or mechanical parts. A small garden of potted plants thrived in a corner, reminiscent of the orchard's farmland approach.

Kai's group exchanged awed looks, each silently acknowledging that these people had advanced technology they themselves lacked. The orchard workers whispered, pointing at the functioning filtration system. Jonas remained stoic, but his eyes flicked around with interest. Edda and Benton tried not to gawk openly.

Rowan led them to a table beneath a makeshift awning, calling out, "Mace! Visitors. They're here for trade, apparently."

A tall, lean man emerged from behind an array of solar batteries, wiping grease from his hands. "Name's Mace," he said, glancing at them with cautious welcome. "Rowan says you're from a settlement up north. What's it called?"

Kai hesitated. They hadn't named their settlement in any official capacity, though some called it just "the orchard." But a name felt trifling compared to forging a new alliance. "We're from the orchard farmland, near the old city outskirts. We have farmland expansions, an outpost… We're rebuilding."

Mace nodded. "That so? Good to hear someone's fighting to make this land yield again. We're focusing on scavenging old tech, figuring out ways to survive off solar power, water purification. Not easy, but better than living in the dark."

"Impressive," Benton muttered under his breath.

After a moment's wariness, Rowan gestured for them to sit at a makeshift bench. "We've had run-ins with raiders and unscrupulous enclaves. But we're open to trade with honest folk. If you truly have farmland produce or orchard yields, that's something we can't easily replicate here. Soil around this industrial zone is too toxic in places."

Kai shared a quick look with Edda. "We do have produce—tomatoes, peppers, squash. Enough to feed our settlement and maybe spare some for trade, if we can trust you."

A faint smile touched Rowan's lips. "We prefer alliances over conflict. You want solar tech or knowledge on advanced water filtration, we might talk. But we'd need to see your goods, confirm your farmland success is real."

Edda perked up. "Our orchard and farmland are real. We can bring samples if you'd be willing to send a liaison to check it out. We don't want to haul everything blindly."

Mace nodded. "Fair enough. We can talk specifics. But let's be clear: if you're harboring raiders or plan on infiltration, we'll cut you off fast."

Kai's mouth twitched in a humorless grin. "We feel the same. We had infiltration scares, sabotage… It's why we keep watchers."

Jonas, silent until now, spoke with cautious calm. "We've seen your watchers. Impressive. But we're not here to trick you. Just mutual survival."

A flicker of acknowledgment passed through Rowan's eyes. She glanced at Mace, who gave a small tilt of his head—some unspoken agreement between them. "Alright," she said. "Stay a night, share a meal. We'll discuss potential trade tomorrow. But keep your weapons sheathed, and no wandering unsupervised."

Kai and his companions exchanged glances of relief and tension. It was a start—a new enclave with advanced knowledge that might revolutionize the orchard farmland if they formed a genuine alliance. But caution pulsed through them, the memory of infiltration and betrayal never far from their thoughts. Leila will want to know about this immediately, Kai thought with a pang of longing—he missed her steady presence, her protective instincts. But we need to confirm the sincerity of these Sunridge people first.

Back at the orchard settlement (unbeknownst to the scouting party), watchers had just received a short-range radio signal from Edda's handheld device, a patchy static-laced message relaying, "We found a possible enclave—some advanced tech. Will confirm details soon. All's safe for now."

It wasn't enough to quell all fears, but it caused a stir of excitement. Mark, hearing the news, practically glowed with anticipation, pacing near the orchard gate. "Solar tech? Water filtration? We've struggled to get beyond rudimentary compost systems. If this is real—if they have working panels—we could upgrade everything."

Darren, arms crossed, eyed Mark's excitement. "Or it could be a trap. A lot of enclaves put on a friendly face, then turn hostile if they think we have resources they want."

Mark set his jaw, acknowledging the caution but refusing to let it darken his optimism. "Yes, it's a risk. But we can't just cower. If Kai's group sees an opportunity, we should explore it."

Leila, having just returned from checking farmland logs, overheard them. Her heart fluttered at the mention of Kai, relieved that he was safe, at least for the moment. She approached, posture calm but expression unsettled. "We'll wait for their full report. We can't commit to anything until we know more. But if it's genuine, this might be a partnership that solidifies our orchard expansions."

Darren gave a measured nod. "Agreed. I just don't want infiltration biting us from behind while we chase new alliances."

As dusk fell at the orchard settlement, the watchers locked the gates, orchard staff concluded their day, and Harriet's group settled under Tamsin's watch, continuing their tasks. Leila roamed the courtyard, mind buzzing with the partial radio message. If the new enclave was legitimate, it could transform the orchard farmland, providing stable solar power or advanced water systems that dwarfed their current efforts. The thought sent a ripple of excitement—and a twinge of fear. Alliances can sour, especially if infiltration or sabotage manipulates them. Or if Jace sees a bigger resource to conquer.

She paced near the orchard fence, recalling the moment she let Kai join the scouting mission. The memory stirred that old tension—fear of losing him, of heartbreak repeating. But her mind circled back to the orchard's success, the farmland expansions, and the new outpost. They were forging forward. We can't let fear paralyze us, she reminded herself again. Kai is capable. This enclave could be a turning point.

A gentle breeze rustled the orchard leaves overhead, carrying the faint sweet scent of ripe fruit. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. Tomorrow might bring more radio transmissions from Kai. They'd know if the Sunridge Enclave (or whatever it was called) wanted honest trade or had hidden motives. Mark's excitement might prove warranted, or Darren's caution might save them from a trap.

Meanwhile, in the unknown expanse beyond orchard territory, Kai and his team found themselves sharing a meal with the Sunridge Enclave. The large warehouse interior had been converted into a communal space lit by flickering LED lights powered by solar batteries—a jarring contrast to the torchlight they used back home. They sipped watery soup made from dried goods, while Mace and Rowan explained bits of their operation: how they'd salvaged old solar panels from a defunct facility, bartered for a few battery packs from wandering traders, and developed a rudimentary water filtration system using scavenged piping and chemicals.

Edda listened with rapt attention, Benton swapped anecdotes of orchard farmland, Jonas contributed little more than a polite nod. Kai recorded mental notes to relay back to Leila: functioning solar arrays, possible water purification knowledge. This could revolutionize the orchard settlement, offering a stable power supply instead of the patchwork solutions they currently had.

Rowan caught his thoughtful expression. "We'll talk terms tomorrow. We're not giving away our secrets for free. But if your farmland expansions are real, we might find a fair trade. Vegetables, produce—fresh food is our biggest weakness."

Kai forced a mild smile, nodding in acknowledgment. "We can show you proof. Possibly bring a few samples next time or invite a liaison to see our orchard farmland. But we prefer to keep our location guarded, for obvious reasons."

Mace chuckled. "We get it. Raiders, infiltration—this world's a real piece of work." His amusement faded. "If you folks were allied with Jace, for instance, we wouldn't want to open our doors."

A jolt of alarm flashed in Kai's chest at Jace's name, but he kept his composure. "We're not allied with him," he said evenly. "He's the last person we'd work with, trust me."

A fleeting shadow crossed Mace's features, as though he recognized the bitterness in Kai's tone. He just nodded, exchanging a glance with Rowan. Maybe they have their own stories of Jace's raiders, Kai mused, unsettled. He decided to press no further for the night. They'd glean more tomorrow, then hopefully head back to the orchard with good news.

Thus, the day ended with two enclaves poised on the brink of alliance: the orchard farmland, newly thriving, and Sunridge Enclave, advanced in solar and water technology. Each had reason to be cautious—fear of infiltration, sabotage, or betrayal. Yet the promise of shared resources sparkled in both groups' minds, overshadowing the old wariness if only momentarily.

At the orchard settlement, Leila paced in the courtyard, Tamsin's watchers rotating to guard Harriet's group, Mark eagerly anticipating a further radio update, and Darren's caution shaping the next day's defensive measures. A hush of anticipation and worry pervaded the night, each soul bracing for what might come from these new horizons.

Far away, in a repurposed warehouse lit by flickering LED lights, Kai and his small team settled onto borrowed cots, hearts stirred by the possibilities of forging an unprecedented partnership. The donkey rested outside in a makeshift stable, as watchers patrolled the enclaves' perimeter. Through the walls, Kai could hear the distant hum of a generator or solar battery rig, a faint reminder that progress was possible even in a world undone by apocalypse.

At both ends of this tenuous path, hope intertwined with caution. The orchard farmland had blossomed from near starvation to real harvest, and Sunridge Enclave symbolized a leap forward in technology. If they could unite, if trust held… they might reshape their fortunes against the undead and lurking raiders. But alliances were fragile, infiltration was always a risk, and Jace's name hung like a specter over every plan.

Still, for now, they pressed on—ready to explore new horizons, wresting control of their fear, forging a future from the ashes. In the orchard settlement, Leila found solace in the knowledge that the next day might bring a radio message from Kai, confirming that the unknown held not just threat, but opportunity. And that, for the moment, was enough.