Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Sneak Peek

As you may know, I am writing the mission where the MC goes with Brody and Madison to the stripmall. The mission will culminate into an event where you encounter two new strangers. Here is an excerpt from the scene along with the choices that are possible.

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"Hey, guys, you need to see this," Brody says and points through the window.

You rush to his side and peer into the parking lot. Two figures walk through the labyrinth of deserted vehicles in the store's parking lot. The man, clearly military from his worn uniform, cradles an assault rifle, its matte surface void of reflection, while his eyes dart in all directions, always on the alert.

In jarring contrast to him, a girl barely out of childhood walks by his side. Her dress, once a vibrant shade of pink, is now faded and stained. As your eyes flicker between the man and the girl, you can't help but feel a pang of empathy. Their movements are methodical, their faces marked with caution, their eyes reflecting a struggle for survival in a world that's no longer theirs.

"She's so small and thin. I hope they're okay," Brody says.

"Keep your voice down." Madison pinches his arm, and he pulls away from her.

From the dim confines of the photography studio, you observe the unfolding scene in silence. The military-uniformed man and the small girl scrutinize your SUV, their actions monitored by the three of you. It's your makeshift storage, a repository for all the items you, Brody, and Madison have scavenged from the strip mall.

Madison places her finger against the window to point. "What the heck? They're stealing our stuff."

"It's not really our stuff. We just stole it, sort of," Brody says.

The man, a towering silhouette against the smaller figure of the girl, is hunched over the back of the SUV. They appear to be engaged in muted conversation, their voices lost in the sprawling desolation of the car park. The girl raises her hand, pointing at something nestled within the SUV's belly.

He abruptly straightens up, his body seizing in tension. His gaze, previously calm and focused, scans the surroundings with a frantic intensity. Without wasting a moment, he swoops down, hoisting the startled girl into his arms. His heavy boots resound in an ominous rhythm against the pavement as he hastily retreats from the SUV.

"Why did he do that?" Brody asks and cranes his neck to look through the parking lot in all directions. "I don't see any infected."

"Somehow he knows he's being watched," you say.

"Let's go out there and talk to them," Brody says. "It looks like they need stuff. There's plenty more to scavenge around here."

"Madison's face goes red with frustration. "Brody, you have said some dumb things, but this tops them all. Did you see his rifle? He looks like he knows how to fight."

As you look into the parking lot, you see the man stop behind a van and put the girl down on her feet. He seems to be looking and waiting.