The cold air of Haven felt different now. It wasn’t just a shelter from the storm—it was a stronghold. The group had reclaimed the facility, fortified it with the stabilizing agent, and now had a place to call home. But the work was far from over. If they wanted to survive long-term, they needed more than just walls and cold air—they needed resources, communication, and, most importantly, allies.

The mission to secure the radio tower would be their next step toward establishing contact with the outside world. If they could boost the signal, they might be able to reach other survivors, or even other groups like theirs. The hope of expanding Haven’s influence was real, but so were the risks.

D’Souza spread the map of the area across the table in Haven’s common room. Everyone gathered around, their eyes fixed on the marked location of the radio tower—a few miles north, nestled deep in the forested hills. It wasn’t too far, but it was isolated enough to pose a challenge.

“This tower’s been abandoned since before the outbreak,” D’Souza explained, tapping the map with his finger. “It’s old, but if we can get it operational, we’ll be able to broadcast a signal strong enough to reach anyone still out there.”

Corey nodded, his jaw set with determination. “We need to be careful, though. If there’s anything left of the enhanced creatures nearby, they could be attracted to the tower’s noise once it powers up.”

“We’ll go in quietly,” Palesa added. “Scout the area, secure the tower, and get out before anything notices us.”

Ntlentle, who had been quiet, spoke up. “Once we get the signal up, what’s our message? We need to be clear about what we’re offering. Haven’s a safe place, but we can’t take in just anyone.”

Dr. Moloi, sitting at the end of the table, nodded thoughtfully. “We’ll need to vet anyone who comes. Make sure they’re not infected or carrying mutations from the virus. But the goal is to build a community here—Haven needs people, resources, and skills.”

Ornelas looked up from the map. “So we go, set up the tower, and send out a call for survivors. If they’re out there, they’ll find us.”

“We’ll split into two teams,” D’Souza said, finalising the plan. “Corey, Ornelas, Palesa, and I will go to the tower. Ntlentle, you stay back with Dr. Moloi and keep things secure at Haven. We’ll need your eyes on the security systems and to monitor our progress.”

Ntlentle’s eyes flicked to Corey, a silent question hanging between them. Corey understood her concern—splitting up wasn’t ideal, but they couldn’t leave Haven unguarded. He gave her a reassuring nod.

“We’ll be back before you know it,” Corey said, trying to inject confidence into his voice.

Ntlentle smiled faintly, though her worry was still visible. “Just... stay safe.”

With the plan set, they prepared for the mission. The forest surrounding Haven was still dangerous, and though the cold perimeter kept most creatures at bay, the radio tower was in unprotected territory. Corey strapped on his gear, checking his machete and the few remaining rounds of ammunition they had left. Ornelas double-checked his bow and arrows, his face serious but determined. Palesa loaded up on tools for the tower, while D’Souza packed explosives in case they needed to rig the place for a quick escape.

“We move fast, stay quiet,” D’Souza said as they left Haven and made their way into the forest. “Once we’re at the tower, it’s a quick job. Get in, boost the signal, and get out.”

The journey was tense, but the landscape around them was eerily quiet. The trees stretched high above them, their branches heavy with snow. It was almost peaceful, except for the ever-present fear of what lurked beyond the cold mist. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig set Corey on edge, but they moved carefully, keeping their senses sharp.

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After a few hours, they reached the base of the hill where the radio tower loomed above them. The structure was tall, rusty, and ancient, but it still stood, its skeletal frame cutting through the overcast sky.

“There it is,” Palesa said, squinting up at the tower. “Looks stable enough.”

“Let’s hope it still works,” Corey muttered, scanning the area for any signs of danger. “We don’t want to be stuck up there if something comes looking for us.”

They made their way up the hill, keeping low and moving quietly. The base of the tower was surrounded by thick brush, and the ground was uneven, but the group moved with purpose, knowing that every second counted.

Once they reached the base, Palesa quickly got to work. She knelt by the control panel, her fingers moving deftly as she assessed the damage. “It’s old, but I think I can get it online. I’ll need a few minutes.”

D’Souza stood guard, his eyes scanning the trees, while Corey and Ornelas checked the perimeter, making sure they hadn’t been followed.

As Corey moved through the brush, he felt a growing sense of unease. The forest was too quiet, the air heavy with tension. His instincts were screaming at him that something was wrong.

“Ornelas,” Corey whispered, glancing at his brother. “Do you hear that?”

Ornelas frowned, cocking his head to listen. “I don’t hear anything.”

“Exactly,” Corey said, gripping his machete tighter. “It’s too quiet.”

Suddenly, there was a low growl from the trees, followed by the sound of something large moving through the brush. Corey’s heart pounded in his chest as he pieced together what was happening.

“Palesa!” Corey shouted, running back toward the tower. “They’re here!”

Palesa looked up from the control panel, her eyes wide with alarm. “I need more time!”

D’Souza was already in motion, raising his pistol as the first of the creatures burst from the treeline. It was fast—too fast—and its glowing eyes locked onto them with a predatory hunger.

Ornelas loosed an arrow, hitting the creature in the shoulder, but it barely slowed down. Corey swung his machete as the creature lunged at him, the blade connecting with its arm. The creature howled in pain but didn’t stop, its claws raking through the air as it tried to tear into him.

“Palesa, hurry!” D’Souza shouted, firing at the approaching creatures.

“I’m almost there!” she yelled back, her hands flying over the controls.

Corey dodged another attack, his heart racing as the creatures closed in around them. They were surrounded, outnumbered, and the noise from the tower would only attract more.

Suddenly, the tower hummed to life, the control panel lighting up as Palesa finished her work. “Got it!” she shouted. “Signal’s boosted!”

“Now we run!” D’Souza barked, throwing a small explosive at the base of the hill. It detonated with a loud crack, sending debris flying and creating a temporary barrier between them and the creatures.

The group bolted from the tower, running back down the hill as the creatures howled behind them. The blast had slowed them down, but not for long. The creatures would keep coming.

Corey’s lungs burned as they sprinted through the forest, his mind focused on one thing—getting back to Haven. The cold would protect them there, and the creatures wouldn’t be able to follow.

“Keep moving!” D’Souza shouted, firing another round at the creatures that were gaining on them.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the entrance to Haven appeared through the mist. They burst through the doors, slamming them shut behind them, the cold air rushing over them like a shield.

Corey collapsed against the wall, breathing heavily. “That… was too close.”

“We got it done,” Palesa said, panting as she checked the control panel. “The signal’s boosted. We should be able to reach anyone in the surrounding area.”

D’Souza leaned against the door, his face grim. “We need to be ready. If that signal reaches survivors, it’ll reach the enhanced ones too. Haven’s going to be a target now.”

Ntlentle appeared from the control room, relief flooding her face as she saw them all alive. “You made it.”

Corey nodded, still catching his breath. “Barely.”

Dr. Moloi approached the group, a hopeful look in his eyes. “The signal’s already broadcasting. We should start hearing from survivors soon.”

Corey glanced around at the others, a mixture of exhaustion and pride filling him. They had done it. They had boosted the signal, and now, for the first time, Haven was connected to the outside world.

“We’ve taken a big step today,” Corey said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. “But we need to be ready for what’s coming. This is just the beginning.”

As the group gathered around the control console, the cold air of Haven swirled around them, a constant reminder of the world outside. But for now, they had made another victory—one that could bring them new allies and resources, or new dangers.

The signal was out there.

Now, all they had to do was wait.