[participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] The colony of Trellis has gone dark, no longer communicating with the outside world. Duane Benjamin is a scientist and part of a small crew sent to investigate. Upon arrival they come into contact with the citizens of Trellis now mutated and morphed to be more insect than human. The shuffling and growling creatures are harder Duane now must find his way to the help beacon in the center of the city. By his side are the battle hardened Command Marshall Randolph and the Impulsive Lieutenant Marki Hill. Along the way to the beacon they encounter other survivors jaded by the lack of help from those that were supposed to save them. Despite the masses becoming unkillable creatures with a hunger for flesh, humanity may be the most dangerous threat.