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Andy's Brave New World: Part 3

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Andy’s Brave New World: Part 3
The group leaves Yosemite, encounters Crystal.

Based on a post by the

hospital. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.



They were halfway through clearing the third floor's

residential wing when the smell hit them, that too-familiar sweet-sour scent
they'd encountered far too many times in the past week. They found him in one
of the bedrooms, a middle-aged man in diplomatic attire, Juyeon John Chu,
collapsed across his bed as if he'd simply laid down for a moment's rest.

"I'll take care of it," Andy said quietly, already

moving toward the body. "We can't bury him here, we might need the soil
for growing food later. I'll take him to the sea tomorrow morning."

No one argued. They'd all seen too many bodies to be truly

shocked anymore, but finding one in what was meant to be their sanctuary cast a
pall.

"Let's get the water system running," Andy

suggested after they'd wrapped the body and moved it to the yard. "But
hold off on the generator for now. No sense advertising our presence with lights
until we're more settled."

They chose their rooms quickly. Daniela picked a corner room

with good sightlines to the street. Sarah chose one near the bathroom, while
Crystal selected a smaller room. Andy took the room nearest the stairs,
positioning himself between potential threats and the others.

The work of unloading their supplies took the rest of the

daylight hours, their movements becoming more efficient as they learned the
building's layout. They gathered on the roof as the sun began to set, their
camp stoves and rehydrated meals spread out on a foldable plastic table
scavenged from the kitchen. The view was breathtaking, the Golden Gate Bridge
silhouetted against the darkening sky, the bay waters reflecting the last
orange rays of sunlight. Despite everything, despite the silence that had
fallen over the city and the scattered signs of candlelight appearing in
distant windows, the vista remained stubbornly, achingly beautiful.

"It's so pretty here," Crystal offered softly.

"And it has everything we need. Good choice." She smiled at Andy.

"Yeah, I'm glad this place has a gym," Sarah said,

picking at her camping meal. "If I could just order my Korean skincare
products, I'd be set." She sighed. "God, my skin is going to be a
disaster without my routine."

Andy chuckled, leaning back against the low wall. "For

me, it's Netflix and H B O, I'll miss most. And streaming new music." He
shrugged at their surprised looks. "I know, I know, I'm a park ranger, I
should be all about nature. And I am! But there's nothing like unwinding with a
good show or a new album after a long day."

"Ice cream," Daniela said suddenly, her voice

softer than usual. "I really miss ice cream. It's probably all melted now.
And YouTube. Dad and I used to;" she paused. "Watch together all the
time. I learned so much from tutorial videos. How to fix things, how to make
stuff." She stared at her bowl.

Crystal set down her bowl and touched Daniela softly on the

arm. "For me, a proper hot shower," she said wistfully. "And
getting my hair done at the salon. Just the whole experience of it, someone
washing your hair, the massage;"

"Oh god, yes," Sarah groaned. "My colorist in

L A, she was an artist. These highlights?" She tugged at a strand of her
expertly highlighted hair. "They're going to grow out and look
awful."

"Who did you go to?" Crystal asked, perking up

slightly. "In L A, I mean?"

"Sadie at Salon Santa Monica," Sarah replied.

"Once I could afford it."

Crystal's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh! I knew

some girls who went there. The agency had me going to Maurice at Atelier."
She named one of the most exclusive salons in Los Angeles. "I mean, I
couldn't afford it myself, it was part of the modeling contract."

"Maurice?" Sarah's eyes widened. "I dream

about getting an appointment there. Their balayage technique is
incredible."

They spent the next few minutes trading stories about L A

salons and beauty treatments, their voices growing more animated as they
compared experiences. Andy and Daniela exchanged bored glances, letting them
have their moment of nostalgia.

Finally, the conversation lulled naturally. Andy cleared his

throat, his expression growing more serious.

"For tonight, we'll get the Starlink array set up, then

everyone can get some rest. Maybe have a shower." He gave Crystal a small
smile. "Though it'll be cold for now, the water heater runs on natural
gas, so that's going to take some time to sort out."

He set his empty bowl aside. "Tomorrow morning, we

should head to the Presidio, see what kind of organization is forming there.
But before that, we need to think about security. Daniela, those anti-personnel
mines you brought; think you can set up a perimeter?"

Daniela nodded.

"I also want to do a more thorough sweep of the

building," he continued. "Check every desk, every shelf. Might find
keys, documents, anything useful."

The setting sun cast long shadows across the roof as he laid

out his thoughts. "This place makes sense as a long-term base. The
off-grid water and power should last us months, hopefully long enough to find
renewable sources. If we can track down someone who knows electrical work,
maybe get some solar panels up here on the roof with a battery bank, we'll be
set."

Sarah nodded, her expression open. "So we're

staying?"

A series of quick nods around the group confirmed their

agreement.

"In that case," Andy continued, "we should

start doing serious scavenging runs. Stock up on preserved food, drinks,
medical supplies, anything useful we can find. Crystal, can you look up all the
grocery stores and restaurants, anywhere we might find food, and put them on a
map? I saw a framed map of SF downstairs, we can use that for now."

"Of course, glad to. I found a janitorial closet

earlier too," Crystal said, her voice careful but eager to contribute.
"But most of the cleaning equipment is electric. If we could get some
manual supplies I could help maintain the place properly."

"Good thinking," Andy acknowledged. "Add that

to the list." He paused, considering. "You know, looking at our group,
we've got, survival skills, combat expertise, " he nodded toward Daniela,
"and you two are both eager and resourceful. But we're missing a lot. No
medical knowledge beyond basic first aid. No electrical or mechanical
experience. Nobody who knows construction or farming." He looked around
the circle. "If we find people with those skills, we should consider
inviting them to join us. This place is big enough."

"What about the water situation long-term? We'll go

through it faster if more join." Daniela asked. "Once our storage
runs out, going down to the bay to refill with our trucks and purify would be
inefficient. Maybe dangerous too."

Andy nodded approvingly at her foresight. "You're

right. But that's a problem we share with other survivors, so we can keep an
eye out for solutions, maybe try to organize something collectively. A well,
maybe? Or a water truck, get someone who knows how to swap its engine for a
Tesla electric one." He paused and rubbed his chin. "Solar panels and
batteries can last 25-30 years with minimal maintenance. Medium-term, we should
look to electrify everything we can. Long-term;" he shrugged.
"Hopefully society gets organized enough to restart battery and solar
panel production or something."

He sat up straighter. "Actually, that should be our top

priority, medium term, reducing fuel dependency. All our fuel will degrade
within a year anyway." He started counting off on his fingers. "Find
an electrician. Scavenge solar panels and batteries. Track down some electric
vehicles." A pause. "Everything else we need, food, medicine, weapons,
we can stockpile, but fuel? That's our biggest vulnerability right now."

"Makes sense," Sarah said, rising from her spot on

the roof. "I'm going to set up the array and then hit the gym before
bed." She glanced at Andy, her voice taking on a playful tone. "Want
to join? I could use a spotter."

Andy met her gaze, a slight smile playing at his lips.

"Sure. Could use a workout after all that driving."

Day 7, Evening

The gym felt different in the dim glow of their camping

lantern, shadows playing across the equipment. Sarah had changed into a
matching set of compression shorts and sports bra in deep purple, the material
clinging to every curve as she began her warm-up stretches. Why she felt the
need to change from athleisure to athleisure was beyond Andy's comprehension,
but he appreciated seeing her in yet another fitness-influencer outfit. She
positioned herself where Andy could clearly see her, making each movement
deliberately graceful, arching her back slightly more than necessary.

"I usually focus on targeted exercises," she said,

moving to the cable machine for some standing rows that emphasized her toned
back and shoulders. She adjusted her stance, making sure he had a perfect view
of her form. "You know, for the gains. But I guess those days are
done."

Andy let his gaze linger appreciatively on her athletic

figure, toned legs, and firm ass. "Those isolation exercises clearly
worked for you," he said, moving closer ostensibly to watch her form.
"But with everything we're dealing with now, functional strength might be
more important."

Sarah adjusted her position, deliberately brushing against

him as she moved. "Oh? What would you suggest?"

"Compound lifts," Andy said, pointing to the power

rack. "Deadlifts, squats, bench press. Works multiple muscle groups at
once, builds practical strength." He walked over and demonstrated the
deadlift form with an empty bar, aware of her eyes on him.

Sarah approached the rack, copying his stance but imperfect.

"Like this?" she asked, looking back at him over her shoulder.

Andy stepped behind her to adjust her position, his hands

firm but gentle as they guided her shoulders and hips into proper alignment. He
stayed close, his breath warm on her neck. "Keep your back straight,"
he said, his voice low and intimate. "Engage your core."

She completed the lift, then turned to face him, still

holding the bar, their bodies inches apart. "That definitely feels
different," she said, looking up at him. "More; intense."

"It's better for overall fitness," Andy said,

making no move to step back. "Not just for show."

Sarah set the bar down carefully, letting her hand brush his

arm as she straightened. "Well, I trust your expertise. As long as I don't
get too bulky." She moved toward the bench press, adding an extra sway to
her hips. Looking back at him, she smiled. "Though I have to admit, I
don't think I'll be able to stop caring about aesthetic results too."

"It really is impressive," Andy said sincerely,

his eyes meeting hers. "You'd still be hot if you got bulky though. Amazonian."
He said with a flex. She laughed.

They worked out a few more minutes, then Sarah approached

him, dabbing at her neck with a towel. After a moment's hesitation, she
started. "Andy; can we talk serious for a sec?"

He nodded, giving her his full attention.

"Look, I'm just going to be honest," she said.

"I'm attracted to you. How could I not be? You've kept us safe, led us
through this nightmare;" She gave a small laugh. "Plus, you know, the
whole ranger thing really works for you."

Andy smiled, and let her continue, anticipating a

"but".

"But, well, we only met a few days ago, even if it does

feel like it's been weeks. And with everything that's happened," She
motioned vaguely at the world outside. "I'm not ready to jump into bed
yet. I don't even know what a relationship would look like now. I hope you
understand."

"Of course," Andy said gently. "I'm attracted

to you too, Sarah. Very much. But you're right, we're all still processing
everything that's happened. There's no rush."

Sarah stepped closer, a playful glint returning to her

pretty almond eyes. "That said; maybe we could explore things
gradually?" She glanced toward the gym shower. "For instance, I'm
gonna shower right now. I need someone to wash my back." She gave him a
flirtatious smile before biting her lip. "Though I can't promise you won't
end up a little; frustrated."

Andy's smile widened. "I think I can handle that

risk."

"Yeah?" Sarah asked, already backing toward the

shower, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Yeah," Andy replied, following her lead.

They walked together to the shower area, exchanging eager

smiles.

"Me first," Sarah said playfully, turning her back

to him. She slowly peeled off her sports bra, exaggerating her movements and
swaying her hips. The compression shorts followed, sliding down her toned legs
with deliberate sensuality, revealing a plump and juicy ass.

When she turned back, she had one arm draped across her tits

and the other hand covering herself below. The lantern light played across her
athletic figure; toned, gently muscled stomach, curved hips tapering to strong
thighs, and a natural tan line from her usual workout attire. Her skin glowed
golden in the dim light, a light sheen of sweat from their workout making her
practically shimmer.

Seeing Andy's appreciative gaze, she giggled and dropped her

arm from her chest. Her cute B-cup tits were perfectly perky, defying gravity
even uncovered, with small rosy nipples standing at attention.

"Your turn," she said coyly, still covering

herself below. Andy laughed and simply pulled off his tank top. "Aww, I
give you a show and you just do it like that? No; ceremony?"

Grinning, Andy turned and mimicked her earlier performance,

slowly working his shorts down with exaggerated movements. When he turned back,
he had one hand strategically placed over his junk. They both laughed at the
playful awkwardness of the moment before simultaneously revealing themselves
fully.

"Oh," Sarah said appreciatively, her eyes widening

slightly. "Nice; proportions."

"Thanks, you too." He said, eyeing her up and

down.

Sarah laughed and led him into the shower by his arm, both

of them very aware of his erect hardness brushing against her waist. She
reached for the tap, and sighed luxuriously as the cold stream hit her.
"Ahh, that's nice. I always shower cold. It's better for skin and
post-workout inflammation."

"What about this inflammation?" Andy quipped,

making her giggle.

They swapped places and as the ice-cold water hit him, Andy

tensed slightly, trying not to show it. Sarah noticed anyway. "What kind
of ranger isn't used to cold showers?" she teased, reaching for the soap.

"Actually, I have the Korean no-B O gene," Andy

admitted. "So I usually just skipped showers if there was no hot
water."

"Gross" Sarah said, as she began soaping herself.

"Could you get my back?" she asked innocently, turning around. Andy's
hands moved across her shoulders and down her spine. She turned back to face
him. "Oh, and I think I missed a spot in front too;"

Andy's breath caught as his hands cupped her tits. They were

perfectly sized for his palms, simultaneously firm yet yielding, with hard
nipples pressing against his fingers as he explored them. Sarah giggled at his
expression of sacred reverence. "Are they that nice?" she asked
playfully, mewling gently at his touch.

"Yes, they are," he breathed.

She took the soap and returned the favor, working her way

down his back and across his stomach. When she reached his waist, she paused,
looking up at him questioningly, her hazel eyes wide and innocent despite her
intentions. At his smile, she wrapped her delicate fingers around his shaft,
exploring every inch with careful attention. Andy watched as she traced the
length with feather-light touches, circled the sensitive head with her thumb,
stroked the tender underside, and gently cupped his balls. Her eyes never left
his face, studying his reactions to each touch, noting every subtle change in
his expression to learn what pleased him most.

Turning off the water, she pressed closer, her wet skin sliding

against his. "Think you can finish like this?" Her voice was soft but
confident.

"Yes," Andy managed, already breathing harder from

her exploratory touches.

She gripped him with both hands now, quickly establishing a

rhythm. The soap acted as a perfect lubricant, letting her fingers and palms
glide smoothly up and down his shaft. Her technique was precise, one hand
working his base while the other focused on his sensitive head, occasionally
twisting slightly in a way that made his knees weak. Her gaze was intense as
she worked him harder and faster, her eager face showing clear enjoyment of the
power she held over him.

Water droplets ran down her face and neck, across her

perfect tits, making her skin glisten in the dim light. She varied her pressure
and speed expertly, reading his reactions and adjusting accordingly. When his
hips began to thrust involuntarily, she matched his rhythm, her small hands
providing the perfect amount of friction and pressure.

Just as he felt his orgasm build, she shifted her approach, her

left hand maintaining a steady stroke while her right hand moved lower to
gently massage his balls. The change in sensation made him gasp, bringing him
back from the edge while introducing a new kind of pleasure. She grinned at his
reaction as she rolled and squeezed him gently.

"Please, I was getting close" Andy breathed. With

a mischievous wink, she resumed jacking him with both hands, drawing another
sigh from Andy as he enjoyed the feeling of her soft fingers rubbing his shaft.

Andy's breathing grew increasingly ragged as the pressure

built. His hands gripped the shower wall for support as Sarah worked him
relentlessly toward his peak. She seemed to sense when he was close, her
movements becoming more focused and deliberate. Her eyes locked onto his face,
eager to watch his expression as he came.

When he finally reached his climax, it was intense, thick

ropes of warm white cum erupting from his cock, splashing across her toned
stomach and thighs. His whole body shuddered with each pulse as she continued
to stroke him through his orgasm, maintaining perfect pressure to draw out
every last wave of pleasure. She watched in fascination as his seed painted her
skin, her expression one of satisfaction and pride at bringing him such intense
release.

"Wow, that's so hot." Sarah said, looking at the

impressive volume. "Someone's been storing that up, huh?"

Andy closed his eyes and smiled deeply. "Yeah." he

breathed. "Been a while. Thanks." He ran a hand down her shoulder,
savoring the feeling of her soft, cold skin, the post-nut clarity heightening
his awareness.

She examined her cum-covered hands and smirked. "Hey

loves!" she chirped in her best content-creator voice. "Today, I'm so
excited to share this amazing new product with you!" She winked at Andy.
"Make sure to swipe up for the full review!"

She delicately touched her finger to her tongue, then assumed

a thoughtful expression. "Hmm, nice thick consistency, slightly sweet with
just a hint of salt. Ten out of ten would recommend!" She sucked on her
finger erotically, then dissolved into giggles at Andy's amused expression.
"Don't forget to like and follow for more cum content!"

She turned the water back on, laughing as Andy visibly

flinched at the cold. "Really, some ranger you are!" The water washed
away the evidence of their activities, and they stepped out to dry off.

Andy felt wonderfully relaxed, tension draining from his

shoulders. "What about you?" he asked softly.

"Don't worry about me," Sarah smiled, toweling her

hair. "I don't think I could anyway. Too much tension, and;" she
paused, "I'd need to feel more emotionally connected."

Andy looked puzzled. "Wait, so you're comfortable

showering together, giving me a handjob, and even tasting my cum, and we
haven't even held hands? Or kissed? Actually," he realized, "we
haven't even hugged."

Sarah giggled. "Those things are about love and

emotional connection," she explained. "And for me, so is sex.
This?" she giggled again, mimicking a handjob in the air. "This was
just making sure my fearless protector," she emphasized those words with a
sultry voice "is thinking with his brain and not his cock!" She gave
him a playful grin. "And; tasting a new Korean sauce. If you're really
good to me, maybe I'll be trying a new Korean skincare next time." They
both laughed.

She paused, letting the towel drop. "Although; I

wouldn't mind a hug now, if you want."

Andy opened his arms and she stepped into them. They held

each other, feeling the warmth of skin on skin, this simple embrace feeling
somehow far more intimate than what they'd just done.

Day 7, Late Night

Andy lay in bed, his phone's glow illuminating his face as

he scrolled through Beacon. A soft, barely audible knock at his door caught his
attention.

He opened it to find Crystal standing in the dark hallway.

Even in the dim light cast by his phone, her stunning figure was unmistakable.
She wore a delicate black lace bra that cupped and lifted her full tits,
creating an enticing cleavage. A matching garter belt hugged her narrow waist,
leading to sheer stockings that emphasized her long, toned legs. High-cut lace
panties completed the ensemble, leaving little to the imagination. The scent of
her expensive perfume, a light, floral fragrance, wafted towards him, adding to
the intoxicating effect of her presence.

"May I come in?" Crystal whispered, her voice

barely audible.

Andy nodded, stepping aside to let her enter. As she passed,

he couldn't help but notice how the lace hugged the curve of her perfect,
heart-shaped ass. Crystal closed the door behind her, hesitated for a brief
moment, then turned to face him.

"I thought I might; fulfill my end of the

bargain," she said softly, her posture shifting to emphasize her curves.
She took a step closer, her blue eyes locked on his. "I'm here to show my
appreciation, in whatever way you'd like."

Andy smiled ruefully, taking in her body but thinking about

his encounter with Sarah only a few minutes ago. He knew he almost certainly
wouldn't be able to get hard so soon. Not wanting to reveal this, he decided to
try to play it off, raising a hand to stop her. "Hey, relax, we just got
here. You don't have to worry about that right now." He forced his eyes
away from her perky tits and up to her eyes.

Crystal's demeanor deflated slightly, a mix of surprise,

relief and disappointment crossing her face. "Are you sure?" she
asked, her voice small. "I; I wanted to be useful to you. I even put on
this outfit, just for you, sir." She raised her arms above her head and
twirled slowly like a ballerina, showing off her body from all angles.

As she rotated, Andy's eyes were drawn to her long, shapely

legs. The sheer stockings accentuated every curve, from her delicate ankles to
her toned calves and up to her perfectly proportioned thighs. The high-cut
panties drew attention to the junction where her legs met her torso,
emphasizing the enticing curve of her hips.

Her backside was a work of art, two rounded globes, neither

too large nor too small, but ideally suited to her frame. The lace of her
panties clung to the curves, outlining the heart shape of her ass and hinting
at the soft valley between.

Unable to help himself, Andy reached out, giving her ass an

affectionate squeeze. His hand was met with an enticing balance of firmness and
give, soft enough to be incredibly inviting, yet firm enough to maintain its
shape, smooth and warm to the touch. Crystal jumped slightly at the contact but
quickly tried to play it off, her body instinctively pressing back into his
hand for a brief moment before she caught herself.

"I appreciate it, truly," Andy said. "But

there's no hurry. I'm sure there will be plenty of time for that later."
He paused. "If you want to be useful, maybe you could start by making us
all coffee in the morning."

"I see," Crystal said, turning to face him again.

She took a moment to regain her composure, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Well, I promise it will be the best coffee you've ever had. The most
mind-blowing, hot, tight, wet coffee ever." She winked.

Leaning in close, she whispered in his ear, her breath hot

against his skin. "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find
me." With that, she turned and left the room, the soft click of the door
the only sound in the quiet night.

Andy sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his

hair as he processed what had just happened. The image of Crystal in that
lingerie was seared into his mind, and he knew it would be a long time before
he could forget it.

Day 8, Morning

The early morning silence in the consulate was profound.

Andy woke to sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows
across his room. The building's stillness felt almost reverential, as if the
world itself was holding its breath.

He rose and headed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on

his face and quickly freshening up. The morning routine felt almost normal, a
small piece of civilization preserved in their diplomatic sanctuary. Through
the window, he could see fog rolling in from the bay, wreathing the silent city
in gray. The building's old pipes groaned softly as he washed, the sound
echoing through the empty corridors.

Andy made his way downstairs to the break room adjacent the

kitchen, settling into one of the chairs. Moments later, Crystal appeared
carrying a tray with coffee and sugar. She wore loose-fitting silk pajamas that
somehow managed to look both casual and elegant, the fabric draping softly over
her curves. The absence of a bra was subtle but noticeable, with her perky tits
shaking beautifully, and her hard nipples sticking up proudly.

"I wasn't sure how you liked your coffee, sir.

Unfortunately we don't have milk," she said, putting a soft emphasis on
the word "sir" that sent a shiver down his spine.

"This is fine, I like it black, thank you," Andy

replied, reaching for the cup. "You're going to work on the map of
scavenging sites in the area today, right?"

"Yes sir. I'll get started on it after my yoga this

morning," Crystal responded with a small smile before turning to leave.
She paused at the doorway. "Enjoy your coffee, I'll be in my room if you
need me."

Andy sipped his coffee, appreciating its rich flavor,

momentarily distracted by thoughts of Crystal, before returning to scrolling
through Beacon on his phone. The posts about San Francisco painted a slowly
emerging picture: survivors were gradually congregating at the Presidio, though
organization remained loose. Someone had started cataloging available medical
supplies across the city's hospitals. Another person was working on getting a
solar array functioning at the city hall.

A post from the Presidio account caught his attention, they'd

designated Land's End as a mass grave site, with plans to begin proper burials
soon. Several volunteers with construction equipment were already clearing space.
Andy made a mental note, it would be a better option than his original plan of
taking the diplomat's body to the sea.

He composed a quick message to Mike: "Made it to SF.

Secured shelter @ Korean consulate. How's drive north? Your mom?"

A few more posts mentioned growing communities forming in

Marin and the East Bay, but nothing substantial yet. Most survivors seemed to
be following the same instinct, head toward major population centers, look for
others, try to rebuild. The Presidio's natural defensive position and former
military infrastructure made it an obvious rallying point.

Andy finished his coffee, letting the now familiar routine

of morning research ground him in this strange new world. The sound of
footsteps on the stairs drew his attention. Sarah and Daniela appeared, both
looking refreshed despite their slightly sleepy expressions. The consulate's
secure walls had clearly provided them their first proper rest in days.

"Morning," Sarah said, stifling a yawn. She wore

her usual athletic wear, while Daniela was already dressed in camo pants and a
t-shirt.

"Crystal made coffee, there's some in the kitchen if

you want some," Andy offered, gesturing with his empty cup.

"Oh god, yes please," Sarah replied, heading for

the kitchen. She paused, noticing Daniela's hesitation. "Have you never
had coffee?"

Daniela shook her head. "Dad said I was too

young."

"Well, you're basically living adult life now,"

Sarah said gently. "Might as well try it. Here, I'll make you one."

They returned moments later, Sarah handling her cup with

ease while Daniela examined hers with suspicion. She took a careful sip and
grimaced.

"It's; intense," she said diplomatically.

Sarah laughed. "Try adding some sugar. Most people

don't start with it black."

Daniela followed the suggestion, her expression softening as

she tasted it again. "Better," she admitted. "I can see why you
like it."

"Have either of you checked Beacon this morning?"

Andy asked.

Both shook their heads, so Andy summarized what he'd

learned. They listened intently. He watched as a dark expression cast over them
both when he brought up the Land's End grave.

"Yeah, speaking of which," he added, his tone

growing more serious, "we should probably deal with the, ah, body outside.
Wrap it properly until we can take it to Land's End."

"I'll help," Sarah offered, squaring her shoulders

slightly. "I need to get better at handling this kind of thing. Can't be
squeamish anymore."

Daniela set down her coffee. "I know where the large

garbage bags are. They're heavy-duty, should work until we can get something
better."

Day 8, Midmorning

"You sure you don't want to wear something more; practical?"

Andy asked, watching Sarah adjust her deep blue Lululemon set in the hallway
mirror.

"This is practical," she insisted, giving him a little

view. The tight sports bra and leggings left little to the imagination, showing
off her gentle abs and toned curves. She then covered herself in the North Face
jacket he'd selected for her from their scavenged supplies. "Besides,
first impressions matter. We want to seem approachable."

Andy checked his holstered Glock, making sure it was secure

but not too visible under his jacket. "Fine, but at least wear your boots
instead of those running shoes."

They'd packed their backpacks thoughtfully, bottles of

antibiotics carefully wrapped in cloth, and several dozen apples from the fruit
stand. "The medicine is what they really need," Andy explained as
they prepared to leave, "but I think fresh fruit will mean more to them
emotionally. A lot of it in the city will have spoiled by now."

"Makes sense," Sarah nodded, shouldering her pack.

"A little taste of normal."

Andy turned to Daniela, who was studying a building layout.

"You good here? Remember, no answering the door-"

"Unless it's you guys, I know," she cut him off

with a hint of teenage exasperation. "I'll figure out the best spots for
the mines and come up with a defense plan." She pointed at a few spots she
had already marked on the layout. "I've already found a few spots
here."

Crystal looked up from where she was marking locations on a

large map of San Francisco. "I've marked three promising grocery stores
within walking distance," she offered, her braless chest hanging downward
as she bent over the map. "I'll have a full scavenging map ready by the
evening."

"Perfect," Andy said. "We shouldn't be more

than a few hours. Mainly just want to get a sense of what's happening at the
Presidio, make some connections." He glanced at Sarah. "Ready?"

Sarah nodded, and they headed out into the quiet streets of

their new city.

The morning fog had mostly burned off, revealing a

neighborhood frozen in time. Expensive cars sat in driveways, morning
newspapers still sat on pristine lawns, and recycling bins waited patiently for
a pickup that would never come. The silence was absolute except for the
occasional bird call and the whisper of wind through untended gardens.

"Look," Sarah pointed, "A Tesla, Model Y. And

it's plugged in."

Andy marked the location on his phone. "Good catch.

That'll be useful later when we're looking for vehicles that don't need
gas."

They turned onto Jackson Street, where a dark blue Rivian

R1T sat parked beneath a row of cherry trees. Andy added its coordinates to
their growing list of resources.

The houses stood as silent witnesses to the abrupt end of

normalcy, gardens still meticulously maintained, windows spotlessly clean,
patio furniture arranged for evening cocktails that would never be served. Just
eight days ago, this had been one of San Francisco's most exclusive
neighborhoods. Now it was a museum piece, preserved in perfect, haunting
detail. "It's so weird," Sarah said softly, eyes scanning the
immaculate homes around them. "Everything looks exactly like it did
before. Like any minute now, people will start coming out to get their mail or walk
their dogs."

As they walked past another row of silent houses, Sarah

glanced at Andy with a playful smile. "Sleep well?"

Andy caught her eye and winked. "Very well. Mind's

quite clear and focused today, thank you."

"Good," she said softly, reaching for his hand and

giving it a quick squeeze. "Maybe we can go for round two later
today."

Their fingers lingered together for a moment before

separating, both of them smiling as they continued their walk through the quiet
neighborhood.

Movement ahead caught their attention, another woman walking

alone toward the Presidio. She was in her early thirties, wearing expensive
yoga pants and a Patagonia fleece that had seen better days. Her brown hair was
pulled back in a messy ponytail, and she kept glancing around nervously as she
walked.

"Hey," Andy called out softly, not wanting to

startle her. She jumped slightly anyway, then relaxed a bit when she saw Sarah.

"Oh! Hi," she replied, maintaining a careful

distance. Her wedding ring glinted in the morning light, though she was
obviously alone.

"Would you like an apple?" Andy offered, already

reaching into his pack. "We just picked them yesterday."

Her eyes lit up. "Really? Fresh fruit?" She

stepped closer, accepting the apple with trembling hands. "Thank you. I've
been living on protein bars and coconut water from my pantry." She took a
bite immediately, closing her eyes briefly at the taste. "I'm Rachel, by
the way."

"I'm Andy, this is Sarah," Andy replied.

"Heading to the Presidio?"

Rachel nodded, wiping juice from her chin. "Yeah. I've

been holed up in my apartment, but;" She gestured vaguely. "I figured
I should see what's happening, maybe find other people. It's getting a little
scary being alone. Are you two staying nearby?"

"Yeah, we just got into the city," Andy said

carefully. "We're a small group, set up at the Korean consulate." He
made a mental note, another survivor with no immediately obvious useful skills
for their core group.

"Oh," Rachel said, seemingly hoping for an

invitation that didn't come. "Well, I'm at 2740 Jackson if you; if anyone
needs anything. Though I don't have much to offer."

"Thanks." said Andy. "Let us know if you need

anything as well."

"Well, to be honest I could use some food. That's

mostly why I'm going to the Presidio."

"We don't have a ton to spare right now, but we are

planning to go on some scavenging runs soon. We have a truck. If you wanted to
join us, we could offer you a split of what we recover."

"Oh, that would be great." said Rachel. "Let

me get your Beacon handle, let me know when you decide to go."

They walked together in silence for a few moments before

Rachel spoke again. "Did either of you lose much family?" she asked
quietly. "My husband was in New York for meetings when, you know."
She twisted her ring absently.

"We all lost people," Sarah said gently but

firmly, cutting off that line of conversation.

Rachel nodded, understanding the boundary. The walk

continued in silence.

They emerged from the tree line, and the main parade ground

of the Presidio opened up before them. What had once been a pristine lawn had
transformed into a makeshift settlement of perhaps four or five hundred
survivors.

Colorful camping tents dotted the grass in loose clusters,

many bearing high-end outdoor brand names, testament to San Francisco's wealthy
outdoor enthusiast population. Larger military-style tents had been erected at
strategic points, including a prominent medical station marked by a red cross
fashioned from spray paint. Two nurses in scrubs moved between cots visible
through the open flaps.

A row of folding tables had been set up near the old

barracks, forming an impromptu marketplace. Someone had already established a
basic trading post, advertising "batteries, solar chargers, and
medicine." Next to it, a woman stood behind a table of sorted electrical
equipment, carefully logging exchanges in a notebook.

Hand-painted signs stuck in the ground advertised various

needs and corresponding Beacon handles:

"Needed: Electricians for solar project"

"Volunteers wanted, water purification"

"Medical Skills? Report to Tent 4"

"Engineers needed, power grid planning"

The gender disparity was immediately apparent, women

outnumbered men significantly, matching the pattern they'd seen elsewhere. A
few men in partial military or police uniforms walked the perimeter, rifles
slung across their backs. One carried himself with particular authority,
speaking into a handheld radio as he made his rounds.

A group of women was setting up what looked like a communal

kitchen, sorting through boxes of supplies. Nearby, someone had rigged a solar
panel to charge phones and laptops, with a small crowd gathered around it. The
air smelled of campfire smoke and cooking food, punctuated by the distinctive
scent of unwashed bodies and physical labor.

"Oh my god," Rachel breathed, taking in the scope

of the settlement. "I had no idea there were this many," she noted,
eyes wide.

Andy studied the scene carefully, noting the mix of

organization and chaos. While some basic systems were clearly being
established, there was no real sense of central authority yet. Just people with
useful skills trying to help where they could, while others waited for
direction.

A woman with a clipboard approached them, her manner

friendly but professional. "Welcome to the Presidio Settlement. Are you
here to join us or just checking in?"

"The two of us are just checking in," Andy said,

gesturing to Sarah. As another volunteer stepped forward to speak with Rachel,
he continued, "We arrived in San Francisco yesterday, we've set up in the
Korean consulate building. We brought antibiotics and some apples we snagged on
the way here, wanted to offer them as a donation." He offered her one of
the apples.

"Donations are greatly appreciated," the clipboard

woman said warmly, accepting the apple. "I'm Alice, by the way."

"Are you a volunteer here?" Andy asked.

"Yep, been here three days now. We're trying to make a

directory of people in the area, if you're okay with me taking down your
information?"

Sarah glanced at Andy, who nodded. "Sure."

"Okay, great." Alice flipped to a fresh page.

"Name and age?"

"Andy Rhee, 28."

She nodded, writing. "We're cataloging useful skills.

I'll read through the list, just let me know which apply: Medical training?
Engineering? Electrical? Plumbing? Construction? Military experience? Hunting?
Navigation? Survival skills? Agriculture? Animal husbandry? Radio operations?
Vehicle maintenance? Water treatment? Solar installation?"

"I was a park ranger before all this," Andy

replied. "So yes to navigation, survival skills, and hunting. Basic first
aid training. I'm good with radios too, amateur operator license."

Alice made several check marks, nodding appreciatively.

"That's actually really useful, we don't have many people with real
wilderness experience. A lot of the survivors here worked in tech, myself
included." She gestured at the camp. "Lots of programmers, not many
who can track game or build shelters."

"I'm sure," Andy said dryly.

Alice turned to Sarah. "And you?"

"I was;" Sarah hesitated, "just a biology

student. UCLA, second year. Nothing really useful like Andy."

"Hey, don't sell yourself short," Alice said

kindly. "Most people here were also doing jobs that don't matter anymore.
We're planning to set up training groups, teaching practical skills. Biology
could be helpful with agriculture, medicine, lots of things."

Sarah simply nodded, looking slightly relieved.

"We have two others in our group," Andy added.

"Daniela's fourteen, but she has extensive survival, hunting, and military
training from her father, he was a Marine, and a; ah; prepper. She can do some
vehicle maintenance too I think. And Crystal;" he paused, realizing he
didn't know her age. "Well, she'd also need to reskill."

Alice's eyebrows rose as she made notes. "A teenager

with military training? Interesting." She flipped through her papers.
"You should talk to Guillermo Herrera; he was in the Army. He's been
trying to organize some basic defense planning for the Presidio. And Diana
Wells has been looking for people with hunting experience, trying to put
together expeditions to supplement our food supplies."

She made a final note. "Do you have a Beacon handle?

We're trying to keep a communication network going."

Andy gave her his handle, which she copied down carefully.

"Well, welcome to the Presidio," Alice said

warmly. "We're glad to have people with real survival skills join the
community. Even if they're not living here directly," she added with a
smile.

"Thanks. Oh also, you said 'We're trying to make a

directory' earlier. Who is we? Some kind of leadership?"

"Nothing formal yet, but there's a group. Mostly people

with different types of expertise. I don't know all of them, but Megan Lunn is
the one coordinating us. She's great, I trust her a lot."

"Great, thanks."

As they walked deeper into the settlement, Sarah moved

closer to Andy, lowering her voice. "Are you sure it was smart to tell
them so much? About where we're staying, our skills, Daniela's training?"

Andy considered her question thoughtfully. "Well,

here's what I'm thinking. The Presidio is almost certainly going to become the,
or at least one of, the centers of power in San Francisco. It's inevitable. The
location, the infrastructure, the natural defenses, and it's already starting
to get established before anywhere else. If we ever get to a point where we
regret having told them our information," He shrugged. "Well, by then
we'd already be pretty screwed. We'd probably need to leave the city entirely
anyway."

"So little downside to being open?" Sarah asked,

watching a group of women organizing supplies nearby.

"Exactly. I think I'm going to try to talk to Megan and

get myself involved early, try to shape how things develop." Andy kept his
voice low but confident. "Being cooperative and open now gives us more
influence later. If we tried to stay completely separate or, like, secretive,
we'd just look suspicious. Then we'd be outsiders trying to affect things from
the margins instead of a respected part of the community."

Sarah nodded slowly, processing his logic. "If the

Presidio is going to be the power here, might as well join it and be a leader
within it. I get it."

"Yeah. Don't worry," Andy assured her.

To be continued. Based on a post by the

hospital, for Literotica.

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