One week later.
May 23rd, 2037.
I stood at the edge of the clearing behind the lodge, bow in hand, and put three arrows into a target log at twenty-five meters. All three hit within a hand's width of each other.
Seven days had passed since the dam. Seven days of relentless training, and it showed.
The Glock felt like an extension of my arm now. I could draw, acquire target, and fire in under a second. My accuracy had climbed to 89% at fifteen meters, 76% at twenty-five. The rifle—the Remington 700—had become familiar too, though I'd only practiced with it at longer ranges twice. Ammunition was too precious to waste.
The bow, though. The bow felt natural. Silent, efficient, deadly. I'd taken down two deer over the past week, field-dressed them with the Ka-Bar, and stocked the freezer. Real food, earned through skill.
I'd also killed four more infected.
Two runners near the creek. A stalker that had wandered too close to the lodge. Another runner I'd encountered during a perimeter sweep. Each time, I'd been calmer, more controlled. The first kill at the dam had been chaotic, desperate. These had been... clinical.
I wasn't sure how I felt about that.
You've come a long way, APEX said as I retrieved my arrows. Your progression has exceeded initial projections. You're ready.
"Ready for what?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
Jackson. You said you wanted to scout the settlement, observe their operations. Today is the day, if you're willing.
I'd been thinking about it all week. Jackson was ten miles northeast—a two-to-three-hour hike through forest and hills. I'd studied the maps, planned routes, identified vantage points. But planning and doing were different things.
"What's my cover story?"
Keep it simple and close to the truth. You found the old ranger lodge, got it operational. You're surviving on your own but looking to establish contact with the settlement. You're offering cooperation, not asking for handouts.
That was better than pretending to be desperate. It positioned me as capable, self-sufficient—someone Jackson would want as an ally rather than a burden.
"And my background?"
Boston QZ. Former engineer. Left when FEDRA's control collapsed. Traveled west, found the lodge, decided to make it work. Vague on details—most survivors don't like talking about what they've lost.
"Alright," I said, making the decision. "Let's do this."
I spent the next hour preparing. A small pack with water, dried meat, basic first aid. The Glock in its holster, visible but not threatening. The bow and quiver across my back. The Ka-Bar on my belt. I looked like someone who'd been surviving successfully—capable but not aggressive.
One more thing, APEX said as I was about to leave. Remember: you know things you shouldn't. Be careful what you reveal. No mention of Joel's future, Abby, or anything that would raise suspicion.
"I know. I'll be careful."
Good luck, Evan.
I stepped out into the morning and started northeast, toward Jackson.
The hike was longer than I'd anticipated.
The terrain was rougher than the area around the lodge—steeper hills, denser forest, more obstacles. I moved carefully, using the skills APEX had drilled into me. Quiet footsteps. Constant awareness. Checking sightlines.
I encountered infected twice. Once, a pair of runners near an abandoned campsite. I avoided them, circling wide and letting them wander away. The second time, a clicker in a ravine. I heard its distinctive clicking long before I saw it and took a different route entirely.
No unnecessary risks.
Three hours after leaving the lodge, I crested a hill and saw it.
Jackson.
There, APEX confirmed, highlighting the settlement in my vision. Approximately 1.2 kilometers northeast.
I pulled out the binoculars and looked.
It was bigger than I'd expected. The game had shown a decent-sized community, but seeing it in person was different. A wall of reinforced timber and sheet metal surrounded the core settlement, maybe three meters tall. Guard towers at intervals. I could see buildings inside—houses, larger structures that might be communal spaces. Smoke rose from chimneys. People moved along the streets.
It looked... alive. Like a piece of the old world, somehow preserved.
Population approximately 300, APEX provided. Established in 2034 by Tommy Miller and Maria. Self-sufficient through agriculture, livestock, and scavenging. Defensive perimeter includes patrol routes extending 5-10 kilometers in all directions.
I scanned the walls, looking for details. The gates were solid, reinforced. The guard towers were manned—I could see figures moving. This wasn't some ramshackle survivor camp. This was organized, defended, built to last.
And somewhere inside, Joel Miller was living his life.
"Can you identify individuals from this distance?" I asked.
Negative. Too far for facial recognition. You'd need to get closer.
I was considering my options when movement caught my eye. A gate opening. Four people on horseback emerging, heading in my general direction.
Patrol.
Confirmed, APEX said. Jackson patrol, four riders. Current trajectory will bring them within 200 meters of your position in approximately eight minutes.
"I'll reveal myself. Make it look natural—someone approaching the settlement openly."
Smart. Move to that clearing 150 meters east. Good visibility, non-threatening position. Wait for them to come to you.
I moved quickly to the clearing APEX had indicated. It was perfect—open ground, no cover for an ambush, visible from the patrol route. I sat on a fallen log, pulled out my water bottle, and took a long drink. Arranged my bow beside me, within reach but not in hand. Tried to look like someone taking a break, not a threat.
Patrol has adjusted course. They've spotted you. ETA: three minutes.
My heart rate increased, but I forced myself to stay calm. I was just someone looking to make contact. Nothing threatening.
The sound of hooves grew louder.
Four riders emerged from the treeline, spreading out in a loose formation as they approached. Three men, one woman. All armed—rifles across their backs, pistols at their hips. The woman was in front, clearly the leader.
She was in her mid-twenties, athletic build, honey-brown hair pulled back in a practical braid. Green eyes that assessed me with sharp intelligence. She rode with easy confidence, one hand on her horse's reins, the other resting near her pistol.
Analyzing... APEX provided data as it scanned her. No match in database. Not a canon character from the original timeline. Unknown individual—Jackson patrol member.
So she wasn't from the game. Someone who existed in this world but hadn't been in the story I knew. That was both reassuring and unsettling—it meant this world was real, not just a recreation of the game.
The patrol stopped about ten meters away. The woman dismounted smoothly, her hand staying near her weapon. The three men remained on horseback, rifles unslung but not aimed. Professional.
"You lost?" she called out, her voice strong but not hostile.
I stood slowly, hands visible, non-threatening. "Not lost. Actually, I was hoping to make contact with Jackson. I'm staying at the old ranger lodge about ten miles southwest. Thought it was time to introduce myself to the neighbors."
That got a reaction. The woman's eyebrows rose slightly, and the men exchanged glances.
"The ranger lodge?" she said. "That place has been abandoned for years."
"Not anymore. I got it operational—power, water, the works. Been there about two weeks now."
She studied me carefully, reassessing. "You're alone out there?"
"I am. It's defensible, and I've got the skills to keep it running. But I figured it'd be smart to establish contact with Jackson. Better to be friendly neighbors than strangers."
One of the men spoke up, younger, early twenties with dark hair. "How'd you even find that place?"
"Luck, mostly. I was traveling west, spotted the dam, followed it to the lodge. Realized it was in decent shape, decided to make it work."
The woman exchanged glances with the others, some silent communication passing between them. Then she looked back at me.
"What's your name?"
"Evan. Evan Mercer."
"I'm Kiera. This is Jesse, Luke, and Marcus." She gestured to each man in turn. "If you're really staying at the ranger lodge, Maria's going to want to meet you. That's prime real estate—good location, defensible. She'll have questions."
"I figured as much. That's why I'm here."
Kiera studied me for another moment, then nodded. "Alright. You'll come back with us. But I'm going to need to see this lodge for myself at some point. Make sure you're telling the truth."
"Fair enough. I've got nothing to hide."
"Jesse, he can ride with you."
Jesse brought his horse forward, that easy grin in place. "Hop on. Try not to fall off."
"I'll do my best," I said, slinging my bow across my back and climbing up behind him.
As we started toward Jackson, I caught Kiera watching me with those sharp green eyes. Calculating. Curious.
She's evaluating you, APEX noted. You've presented yourself as capable and self-sufficient. That's good—Jackson values people who can contribute.
The gates opened as we approached, and I got my first real look inside Jackson.
It was surreal—seeing the place I'd only known through a screen, now real and alive around me. People working, talking, living. Children playing. Gardens growing. A functioning community in the middle of the apocalypse.
This was real. This was Jackson.
And somewhere in there was Joel Miller.
We passed through the gates, and they closed behind us with a solid thunk. People glanced at me—curious but not hostile. Kiera dismounted and gestured for me to follow.
"Come on. Maria will want to meet you right away."
We approached a larger building—looked like it might have been a town hall once. Kiera pushed open the door and led me inside.
The interior was warm, lit by windows and a few electric lights. A woman sat at a desk, reviewing papers. She looked up as we entered.
Maria.
I recognized her immediately from the game. Late thirties, dark hair pulled back, intelligent eyes that missed nothing. She had the bearing of someone used to making hard decisions and living with them.
"Kiera," she said, standing. "Who's this?"
"Found him about two miles out. Says his name is Evan Mercer. Claims he's living at the old ranger lodge, got it operational. Came here to make contact."
Maria's eyes fixed on me, sharp and assessing. "The ranger lodge? That place has been empty since before the outbreak."
"Not anymore," I said. "I've been there about two weeks. Got the hydroelectric dam running, power to the building, water systems functional. It's livable."
"And you're alone out there?"
"I am."
She studied me for a long moment. "Sit. Let's talk."
I sat, and Kiera took a position by the door. Maria leaned against her desk, arms crossed.
"Where are you from originally?" she asked.
"Boston QZ. I'm an engineer—worked on infrastructure. Water systems, electrical, that kind of thing."
"What brought you west?"
"FEDRA's losing control in Boston. The QZ was falling apart. I decided to leave while I still could. Traveled west, found the lodge, realized I could make it work."
"Just you? No group?"
I shook my head. "Traveled with some people for a while, but we went our separate ways. I prefer working alone—less complicated."
Maria's expression was unreadable. "You said you got the dam operational. That's no small feat."
"I'm good at what I do. The dam was in decent shape, just needed maintenance and some repairs. The lodge had the basics—I just had to get systems running."
"And you came here why? If you've got a working setup, why risk contact?"
"Because being isolated is dangerous," I said. "I've got a good position, but I'm one person. If something happens—injury, illness, larger infected group—I'm on my own. It makes sense to establish contact with Jackson, maybe work out some kind of arrangement."
"What kind of arrangement?"
"The lodge is about ten miles from here. It's defensible, has power and water, good sightlines. Could work as a waypoint for your patrols, a safe house if they need it. In exchange, I get backup if I need it, maybe trade for supplies I can't produce myself."
Maria's eyes narrowed slightly, but I could see interest there. "You're offering to let our patrols use your lodge?"
"Makes sense for both of us. You get a secure location in your patrol radius. I get an alliance with an established community. Win-win."
She was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then she looked at Kiera. "Your read?"
"He approached openly, made himself visible. Gear is well-maintained, he's clearly capable. The lodge story is easy enough to verify." Kiera paused. "I think he's genuine."
Maria turned back to me. "Here's what's going to happen. You're going to take Kiera and Tommy—my husband—out to this lodge. We're going to verify your story, see the setup. If it checks out, we'll talk about an arrangement. If you're lying..." She let the implication hang.
"I'm not lying. And I'm happy to show you the place."
"Good. We'll leave in an hour. Kiera, get Tommy. Tell him we've got a field trip."
Kiera nodded and left. Maria studied me for another moment.
"You're either very smart or very stupid, offering to let armed strangers into your home."
"I'm betting on smart," I said. "You're organized, you've built something here. That takes leadership and discipline. I'd rather ally with you than go it alone."
"We'll see. Wait here."
She left, and I was alone in the room. I let out a slow breath.
Well done, APEX said. You've positioned yourself as an asset rather than a liability. Now you just need to follow through.
"Think they'll go for it?"
If the lodge is as impressive in person as it is on paper, yes. You're offering them strategic value. Maria's smart—she'll see that.
The door opened, and a man walked in.
Tommy Miller.
I recognized him instantly—Joel's younger brother. Late forties, weathered face, sharp eyes. He carried himself like someone who'd seen combat and survived.
He looked at me, assessing. "You're the guy with the lodge?"
"That's me. Evan Mercer."
"Tommy Miller. Maria says you want to show us your setup."
"Happy to. It's about a three-hour hike from here."
"Then let's not waste time. Kiera's getting the horses ready."
An hour later, we were on the trail back to the lodge. Tommy and Kiera rode ahead, I was on a horse with one of their other patrol members, a quiet guy named Marcus. Maria had stayed behind to manage Jackson.
Tommy kept glancing back at me, evaluating. Finally, he spoke.
"You said you're from Boston?"
"Yeah. Left about two months ago."
"Long trip."
"It was. But worth it if this works out."
"This lodge—you really got it operational by yourself?"
"I did. Engineering background helps. The dam was the key—once I got that running, everything else fell into place."
Kiera spoke up from ahead. "If it's as good as you say, why share it?"
"Because being alone is a death sentence eventually," I said. "I'm good at surviving, but I'm not invincible. Having allies makes sense."
Tommy nodded slowly. "Fair enough. We'll see what you've got."
The rest of the ride was quiet. I used the time to think about what I was doing. I was bringing Jackson's leadership to my sanctuary, the place APEX had given me. But if I wanted to protect Joel, I needed to be part of Jackson. And this was the best way to do it—offer value, establish trust, build relationships.
Three hours later, we crested the final hill, and the lodge came into view.
Tommy pulled his horse to a stop, staring. "Well, I'll be damned."
Kiera looked equally surprised. "You weren't kidding."
The lodge sat in the clearing, solid and well-maintained. Smoke rose from the chimney. The greenhouse was visible on the side, plants growing inside. The solar panels on the roof caught the afternoon sun.
It looked like a home.
"Let's take a closer look," Tommy said.
We dismounted, and I led them to the lodge. I opened the door and gestured inside.
"Welcome to my place."
They entered cautiously, hands near weapons. But as they looked around, I could see their expressions change. The living room was clean, organized. The kitchen was functional. Everything spoke of someone who knew what they were doing.
"Power works," Tommy said, flipping a light switch. The lights came on. "I'll be damned."
Kiera was examining the greenhouse through the window. "You've got food growing."
Chapter 6: "First Contact" (Continued)
"Yeah," I said. "Tomatoes, lettuce, herbs. Not a lot, but enough to supplement hunting and stored supplies."
Tommy moved through the lodge methodically, checking each room. The command center made him pause.
"You've got a radio setup," he said, looking at the equipment.
"Long-range. Haven't used it much, but it works. Figured it might be useful for communication."
He nodded, clearly impressed despite himself. Kiera had moved to the workshop, examining the tools and reloading bench.
"You reload your own ammunition?"
"When I need to. Supplies won't last forever. Better to be self-sufficient."
Tommy came back to the living room, exchanging a look with Kiera. Then he turned to me.
"This is... this is a hell of a setup. You did all this in two weeks?"
"The infrastructure was already here," I said. "I just got it running again. The dam was the hard part—once that was operational, everything else was maintenance and optimization."
"And you're willing to let our patrols use this as a waypoint?"
"That's the offer. You're out here regularly, right? Patrols sweep the area, check for threats. The lodge is defensible, has resources. If your people need shelter, supplies, a place to regroup—it's here."
Tommy was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then he looked at Kiera. "What do you think?"
"It's strategic," she said. "Ten miles from Jackson, good position, functional infrastructure. We could use it as a forward operating base for longer patrols. And if he's willing to maintain it..." She looked at me. "You'd keep it operational? Keep the power running, the supplies stocked?"
"That's the plan. I'm here anyway. Might as well make it useful."
Tommy nodded slowly. "Alright. Here's what I'm thinking. We set up a schedule—patrols check in here every few days, use it as needed. You maintain the place, and we provide backup if you need it. We can work out supply trades, maybe get you integrated into our patrol rotation if you're interested."
"I'm interested," I said. "I can handle myself, and I know the area around here pretty well already."
"We'd need to verify that," Kiera said. "But if you're as capable as you seem, we could use someone with your skills."
Tommy extended his hand. "Deal. Welcome to the neighborhood, Evan."
I shook his hand, feeling the weight of the moment. I was in. Connected to Jackson. One step closer to Joel.
"Appreciate it," I said.
"We should head back before dark," Tommy said. "But I'll send word to Maria. We'll get you set up with a radio schedule, patrol routes, the works." He paused. "And Evan? Thanks for this. Having a secure position out here—it matters."
"Glad I could help."
We rode back to Jackson as the sun started to dip toward the horizon. The conversation was easier now, less guarded. Tommy asked about my engineering background, and I gave him enough detail to be convincing without revealing too much. Kiera asked about how I'd survived alone, and I shared stories that were part truth, part fabrication.
By the time we reached Jackson's gates, I felt like I'd passed some invisible test.
Tommy dismounted and turned to me. "Come by tomorrow. We'll get you set up properly—introduce you to more people, go over patrol protocols, that kind of thing."
"I'll be here."
"And Evan?" He smiled slightly. "You did good today. Not many people would offer what you did. We won't forget it."
I watched him head into Jackson, then turned to Kiera. She was still on her horse, studying me with those sharp green eyes.
"You surprised me today," she said.
"How so?"
"Most people out here are just trying to survive. You're thinking bigger—building alliances, planning ahead. That's rare."
"Survival's easier with friends."
"True." She paused. "I'll be on the patrol that checks your lodge in a few days. Looking forward to seeing how you've really set things up."
"Door's always open."
She smiled—a real smile this time, not just professional courtesy. "See you around, Evan."
She rode through the gates, and I stood there for a moment, processing everything that had happened.
Excellent work, APEX said. You've established yourself as an asset to Jackson, secured an alliance, and positioned yourself to integrate into their community. Well done.
"Now comes the hard part," I said quietly. "Getting close to Joel. Figuring out how to save him."
One step at a time. Today was a success. Build on it.
I started the hike back to the lodge as darkness fell. The forest was alive with night sounds, but I moved through it confidently now. This was my territory. I knew it.
And tomorrow, I'd start building the relationships that might save Joel Miller's life.
Eight months and three weeks.
The clock was ticking.
But I was in the game now.