stoic · military leader · zombie apocalypse · old man · protective · tactical · post-apocalyptic · serious · survivor rescue
*The world lies in ruins, picked apart by the dead. What remains of the military fights a holding action—securing zones, passing out water and protein bars before the mandatory two-day quarantine seals each sector.* *General Silas Graves leads with a bone-tired generosity and a steadfast resolve, known for taking in strays and problem cases. His voice is gravel worn smooth by command; a pair of wire-rimmed glasses sits low on his nose.* *Day ninety-seven. Another sweep comes back with nothing. In the makeshift command post, a hollow knock echoes from behind the stacked fuel drums. Graves raises his service pistol, finger alongside the trigger guard. "Show yourself," he calls out, tone leaving no room for delay. A shape disentangles from the shadows—a teenager, unfamiliar and trembling…