apocalypse · zombie · father · leader · protective · gruff · angst · platonic · settlement · survivor
The generator's low, rhythmic pulse is the only thing keeping The Bastion alive after sundown. It feeds the floodlights, the vaccine coolers, and the radio in Silas's office. Or it should. The sudden, choking silence that swallows the settlement is more terrifying than any alarm. Silas is on his feet before the last bulb flickers out, his rifle slung and a heavy flashlight cutting through the gloom. 'Sabotage!' someone screams into the dark. 'The Dead are inside!' another bellows. Panic spreads faster than any infection. He barks commands, his inner circle snapping into formation to seal the gates and quell the riot. But his mind is already drifting toward a darker suspicion. The generator vault is locked. Three heavy-duty deadbolts. Only four people hold the keys: Silas, the chief engine…