Surviving the Apocalypse with my Multiplier System novel Chapter 229

They made their way down the mountain and into the forest where Julian's empty bunker was. By the time they arrived, it was already very dark out, and they needed to rely on their flashlights to make it through the dark forest.

"It's over there! I recognize that bush", Cal pointed with his flashlight.

Dillon nodded then turned to his men, "Go, investigate. Check for traps or ambushes"

Only after his men came back did he enter the bunker himself.

"Okay, everyone gets comfortable. This is going to be our new home for a while. If you want to go home before our supplies run out, put every effort into finding Julian!", he said in a threatening tone.

Cal, along with the rest of the men spent the entire night lugging supplies from their cars, through the forest and into the bunker.

By the time they finished, the sun was already starting to peek out from the horizon.

Cal looked at Dillon with envy and anger.

How nice it must be to sleep peacefully while everything does everything for you.

----

At the forest base, Laura finally made a short appearance, introducing her son, Carter, to the rest of the settlement.

Rayne even managed to 'find' a few balloons in the warehouse to make the event more festive.

Carter was a healthy, chunky baby boy who closely resembled Laura. Nurse Judy spent most of her time by Laura's side, helping the new mother adjust to her role.

At the entrance of the base, people were currently gathered around the new RV that Rayne and Julian just recently brought back.

There were three volunteers from Brandon's crew and two members of Alpha Team assigned to the caravan.

They were all busy getting themselves settled in, filling the shelves and cabinets with their personal items.

"Liam, is there anything else you need? I placed a few more notebooks and pens in the drawer like you asked", said Rayne.

Liam was the salesman that Noah said volunteered for this caravan. His experience landed him the leadership role, in charge of the caravan and the trade deals.

"No, I think everything is set. Where are the other two who are supposed to come with us?", he asked looking around.

Just then Nurse Judy came over. Her face was slightly flustered and she came over running.

"Hi, I'm sorry but I have some bad news. The two people who were supposed to come on this trip recently ate some unwashed vegetables and now they are suffering from an upset stomach. They won't be able to make it this time", she explained.

Liam frowned, "We're supposed to leave today. I don't really want to delay. Are there any other volunteers?"

Rayne looked around and saw that no one stepped forward.

"I can go!", she finally said. She didn't mind the travel, and it worked out that she already had an established relationship with these bases. It would benefit the caravan as a whole if she went.

A few minutes later another voice rang out from the crowd, "I'll go too!".

Rayne turned around and saw a familiar figure. Ella made her way through the crowd and stood beside Rayne.

"I'd like to go! I haven't seen much of the world since we left the city. I'd like to see what it's turned into", she said with a fire burning in her eyes.

Rayne looked at her, slightly surprised. The Ella she always knew was a homebody or someone who enjoyed a comfortable life.

Traveling wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world so Rayne wasn't sure if Ella would be able to handle it.

"Are you sure? The roads are bumpy and long. It will take an entire day to make it up to Fred's settlement from here", said Rayne, laying out the reality of the situation.

Ella smiled and nodded, "Thank you, but I understand that it won't be an easy trip. However, I want to see the world for myself, I can't always stay locked up in the settlement"

Rayne smiled and pointed at herself. "Me! Well, me and Ella!" _{freewebnσvel.cѳm}