Surviving the Simulation: The Grand Crusade

Xander awoke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the thin curtains of his room. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of a nightmare that had clung to him like a stubborn shadow. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of yesterday's battle with the troll and the escort quest still pressing down on him, and pushed himself out of the chair he had fallen asleep in.

Stretching, he moved to the small basin in the corner, splashing cold water on his face. While the chair was better than the floor or sleeping on the ground outside, it still did a number on his back, he thought as he continued to stretch out the knots. Glaring at the chair as if it was its fault that he hadn't slept in the bed, Xander grabbed his gear and headed out the door.

Descending the creaky wooden stairs of the inn, Xander could already hear the murmur of conversation and the clinking of cutlery from the main room. The scent of breakfast wafted towards him, a comforting reminder of normalcy in a world that had turned upside down.

Jo and Zoey were already eating at a table near the window. Jo looked up as he entered, her eyes lighting up with a warmth that made the corners of Xander's mouth twitch upwards in a smile. He crossed the room in a few strides, leaning down to kiss Jo on the forehead. She reached up, squeezing his hand briefly before letting him go.

"Morning," Xander said, taking a seat beside her.

"Morning," Jo replied, her voice soft but steady. There was a hint of something unspoken in her eyes, a reflection of the ghosts that haunted them both. They had been through so much, and yet, here they were, holding onto each other as best they could.

Zoey grinned at him, her mouth full of bread. "Hey, sleepyhead."

Xander chuckled. "Hey, Zoey. What do we have here?" He glanced at their plates, pleasantly surprised to see eggs and something that looked like bacon.

"The cook said they rescued some chickens from a nearby farm, and there is some type of boar animal out there that the hunters have been bringing back," Jo explained. "It's a pleasant change, isn't it? It's not practical for the field, but it's sure a nice treat while we're in town."

Xander nodded, savoring the aroma. "Definitely." He waved over a server and ordered the same for himself. As the server left, Xander leaned back in his chair, trying to push away the thoughts gnawing at him since dawn.

"After you guys went to bed, JT showed up. He mentioned he has some kind of mission he wants to set up," he said. "There's a strategy session later this morning. We should all be there."

Jo frowned slightly, the familiar furrow of worry creasing her brow. "Did he say what it's about?"

"Not in detail. Just that it's important and could give Starlight an edge."

Zoey rolled her eyes. "There is always another adventure. Typical."

Xander laughed, but it was a hollow sound. "Yeah, typical."

His hand paused midway to the table. "We should also talk about... other things soon," he added quietly. "Things we've been avoiding."

Jo's gaze dropped to her plate, and she nodded slowly. "Yeah. We should."

There was a moment of silence, heavy with the weight of unspoken words and shared memories. Then, the server returned with Xander's breakfast, breaking the tension.

Xander took a bite of the eggs, savoring the rare treat. "You know, something weird happened during the Simulation patch last night," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "There was this glitch that made everything look... different. Like we were in a completely different world for a few seconds."

Zoey looked intrigued. "What do you mean, different?"

"Hard to explain. Just... surreal. Like the rules of reality had shifted."

Jo raised an eyebrow. "Think it's anything to be concerned about?"

"I don't know," Xander agreed, taking another bite. "I don't think there is an immediate issue, but it is feeling like a larger game is taking place here behind the scenes, one that I would like to avoid. Guess we'll find out soon enough. That or some unpaid intern at Simulation HQ flipped the wrong switch."

They lapsed into a more comfortable silence, the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of other patrons filling the room. For the next thirty minutes, it almost felt like an ordinary morning in an everyday world. Conversations were unhurried, a temporary escape from the harsh realities outside the inn's walls.

As everyone finished eating and cleared their plates, Xander leaned back with a contented sigh. "That was a pleasant change from travel rations," he said, smiling at Jo and Zoey. His hand reaching out to take hold of Jo's.

"Definitely," Jo agreed, using her free hand to wipe her mouth with a napkin. "We should enjoy moments like these whenever we can."

With breakfast finished and their spirits somewhat lifted, the trio exited the inn. The village was livelier than the day before, with the opening of shops and the rhythmic hammering from the blacksmith's shop filling the air. The sun had risen higher, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene.

"This place is really coming alive," Zoey remarked, scanning the various shops. "I saw a general goods store that might have some supplies we can restock on. We should check it out later."

"Sounds like a plan. Plus, I want to see about getting that device for music and whatnot that was listed in the patch notes. Not sure what shop that would be in, but the general goods store is a starting point," Jo agreed, her gaze lingering on the blacksmith's shop. "Xander, you still thinking about taking up blacksmithing?"

Xander nodded, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Yeah, that reminds me. I talked to Lily last night. She came in with JT and is the town head blacksmith. Nice lady, I'll introduce you later. It wouldn't replace my combat role, but it could be a useful skill to have. Plus, I think it'd be a good way to contribute to our little adventuring cadre."

Jo smiled, squeezing his hand. "It's a great idea. Just don't burn yourself, okay? You have a tendency to do that with your hobbies."

"Promise," Xander said with a chuckle.

They continued walking, taking in the sights and sounds of the village. However, it quickly became apparent that they needed to figure out where they were going.

"Does anyone know where this briefing is supposed to be?" Xander asked, looking around.

"No clue; we didn't even know about the briefing until you told us this morning," Zoey admitted. "You should have asked for directions."

Just then, Zoey spotted Harvey, a familiar face among the crowd. He was heading in the same direction they were supposed to be going.

"Hey, Harvey!" Zoey called out, waving her hands over her head to get his attention.

Harvey turned, his face breaking into a friendly smile. "Morning, folks. You looking for the briefing?"

"Yeah," Jo said, giving Xander a playful hip check. "We're lost. Someone forgot to ask for directions."

"Not a problem," Harvey said. "I'm headed there myself. Follow me."

They fell into step beside Harvey, who led them through the village. They passed various shops, including the general goods store Zoey had mentioned and the blacksmith's shop that Xander was eager to visit later.

"Seems like the village is growing," Xander noted.

Harvey nodded as they passed a cluster of makeshift market stalls, sunlight flashing off the rows of salvaged gear and hand-forged tools. "Yeah, we've had some new arrivals. A few organized groups came through, not just stragglers but whole caravans. Couple of other adventuring teams too. It's slow, but the place is feeling alive again."

Xander glanced at a passing line of villagers unloading crates from a wagon, then back to Harvey. "Caravans? From where?"

Even as he asked, a sharp thread of irritation uncoiled in his gut. He should have gotten up to speed last night. The Date Forge will have updated information on what had been going on and he had barely skimmed it. Too much time spent pacing, thinking about Jo, Alex, and that weird glitch during the patch instead. About everything except what was right in front of him.

He was slipping. Leaders did not get to improvise their way through the unknown anymore.

Harvey shrugged. "Caravans isn't really the right term. These aren't merchants or traders. They're groups of refugees, organized, moving with purpose. Not like the ones you brought in yesterday. These people have scouts, formations, and supply discipline. Someone's calling the shots."

"I wonder why they didn't just stay here," Xander mused.

"Well, I remember a certain individual who was insistent on tearing off halfway across the state on a mission. Is it really so hard to think that there are other groups that are looking to get someplace specific?" Harvey laughed.

"We've had a couple of groups of military folks stop by as they head north. They're pretty tight-lipped about where they're going."

Xander's ears perked up at that admission: "Ok, Harv. You're right. There are still a lot of people trying to get wherever they feel they need to be. That bit about the military folks is interesting. We ran into something similar in Saint Joseph. I'll fill you and JT in, but the short version is that there appears to be some kind of emergency action plan for the end of the world that the military is following."

"Hrm, that's interesting. None of the groups that came through here would say a word. That could be good or bad."

As they approached the old gas station, now converted into a central command center for the safezone, Xander felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Permanent fortifications and equipment transformed the former gas station into a veritable stronghold, starkly reminding them of their new world.

Inside, a group of people had already gathered, some familiar faces and some new. JT stood at the front, a map spread out on a table. He looked up as they entered, nodding in greeting.

"Glad you could make it," JT said. We've got a lot to discuss.

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Xander glanced at Jo and Zoey, then back at JT. "Ready when you are."

Xander leaned against the wall near the back of the room, his arms folded and his gaze fixed on the map spread across the table. His posture looked relaxed, but his thoughts weren't. The logistics outline on the map alone was already grinding through his mind. It was boggling to see what JT had sent up in the month that Xander had been gone. Across the space, Harvey and his bruiser crew clustered near the benches, all of them carrying the same hard-set readiness that Xander remembered from the last time he had worked with the group.

The space had once been a gas station, but now it bore the scars and repurposed guts of a command hub complete with lamps bolted into cracked walls, whiteboards covered in crude zone sketches, and a smell of oil and stale air that never quite went away. Tension buzzed through it, not loud, but low and constant.

Becky Morgan stood beside JT like a coiled snake. She wore standard issue scrap-plate armor and an old Army field jacket stained at the sleeves, but it was the way she never blinked during a briefing that made her stand out. Xander noticed she continually thumbed the edge of her notebook with one finger, methodical and quiet, like she was counting seconds.

"Appreciate everyone making it on short notice," JT said. "What we've got isn't just another supply run or salvage job. It's bigger."

JT rested a hand on the table, fingers splayed over the westbound edge of the map. "Steam tech. We've confirmed it works inside the Simulation. Found a survivor who swears there's a functioning steam locomotive in a museum town west of here. If we can bring it back, we control the rail lines."

Xander's mind whirled with the possibilities and the difficulties working steam engines would bring. A train meant mobility, access, force projection. "That's ambitious," he said.

JT nodded once. "It is. But if we pull it off, we unlock transit, trade, long-range scouting, maybe even safezone linking. Game-changer."

"What's the catch? There's always a catch." Zoey chimed in.

"There is," JT said. "The only viable route takes us through Champaign. The place is a crater of undead and monster nests. No safe passage, no shortcuts. Just wreckage and things that tear through steel."

Someone in the back scoffed. A heavyset man with a patchy beard and patched armor stepped forward from the edges of the group. "And you want to drag civilians through that? With what, prayer and plywood?"

Xander didn't recognize the man, likely a new recruit, but his frustration was valid. Becky turned toward him slowly, fixing him with that dead-center stare that could freeze lava.

"We're not dragging anyone," she said flatly. "We're assembling a detail. If you're not volunteering, no one's stopping you from walking out that door and letting the rest of us handle the real work."

Silence returned, harder this time. JT didn't interrupt. He gave Becky a small nod before continuing.

"We've got engineers who can keep the train running and repair track breaks. What we don't have is protection. Harvey, I want your crew as the primary shield. You've worked with the engineers before. Xander, your team runs support. You've got the flexibility and most likely more experience dealing with the unknown since you've traveled further for Starlight.

Xander scanned the room. The eyes on him weren't hostile, but they carried weight. He didn't need to look at his crew to know what they were thinking. The mission was insane. That didn't mean it wasn't necessary.

"I'm good with that," he said. "Harvey?"

Harvey gave a half-grin, the kind that never reached his eyes. "You had me at monster nests."

Becky flipped open her notebook, scribbled something down, then resumed her quiet vigil. JT exhaled through his nose and leaned over the map again.

Jo nodded thoughtfully. "What resources can we expect? Supplies, weapons, backup?"

JT motioned to the map on the table, "We've got limited knowledge of the area, and the Data Forge is extremely light on information in the area, so we think there are no safe zones nearby. We'll be sending along what extra medical supplies and rations we can spare. As for backup, we can't cut the safezone defenses to send out additional people."

"I might have a solution for that," Xander spoke up, "We brought in a group with us that acted as guards for the main body of refugees. They made some mistakes at the start of all this, but I'm sure many people did, and they're trying to make good. If we can get them geared up a little, I'm sure they'd be willing to help. That would free Harvey's team to be more flexible in dealing with direct threats to the team we're taking out there."

"I like it. Can you coordinate that? If they're interested, get them over to Lily's," JT said, clapping his hands together.

Someone Xander didn't recognize spoke up from the middle of the room. "What about the train itself? Do we know if it's in good working condition?"

JT shook his head. "We have no way of knowing for sure until you get there. The person who provided the information believed it was functional, but that was before the reboot."

Xander took a deep breath. "It's a huge risk, JT. But the potential reward... it's worth it."

Harvey nodded in agreement. "We're in. My team will lead, but we can't do this without Xander and his people. They've got the experience and the skills we need."

JT smiled, relief was clear on his face. "Thank you. This mission could be a turning point for all of us. We'll start preparations immediately. It will take a couple of days to coordinate, but we'll want to kick this off in a few days.."

Becky stepped forward again, her expression serious. "Remember, this isn't just about survival. It's about building a future. We need this train to create connections, to rebuild what we've lost. Keep that in mind when the going gets tough." Everyone around the room nodded, along with Becky. All involved saw the value of what they were trying to achieve.

JT added, "Unless anyone has questions. We have a lot to do and very little time to do it. The longer we wait to get this show on the road, the longer people out there suffer."

The sound of chairs sliding across the floor filled the room, as did several side conversations. There were no questions. The group had been planning what needed to be done for several days before Xander and his group arrived. Now, it was time for final preparations and action, not more questions.

"Xander and Harvey, stay behind. We need to discuss what happened in Saint Joseph." JT called to the pair as the room continued to empty.

Turning to Jo and Zoey, Xander instructed, "Head on and see if Gary is up for the job. We'll need his team acting as guards for the non-combatants."

"Got it," Jo replied, and Zoey gave a thumbs-up. They headed out briskly, their footsteps echoing down the corridor as they prepared to connect with Gary. Before they left, JT reminded them sternly, "Remember, don't divulge any details of the mission. The secrecy is paramount."

With the door closed behind them, the room grew quieter. Xander, Harvey, and JT settled into the vacant seats. The air felt heavy with unspoken thoughts as Xander prepared to recount the harrowing events in Saint Joseph.

Harvey leaned forward, breaking the silence. "First off, Xander, we're truly sorry about Alex."

Xander gave a curt nod, appreciating his condolences. He began recounting the events, painting a vivid picture with his words, though he spared them the grittiest details. The room seemed to darken as he spoke of the chaos and the peril they faced in Saint Joseph.

Harvey and JT listened intently, their expressions shifting from shock to grim understanding. They asked a few questions for clarification, but mostly, they let Xander narrate uninterrupted. The occasional clinking of a water bottle or the rustling of papers punctuated the silence.

As Xander spoke, Harvey occasionally glanced at JT, sharing a look that communicated a mixture of concern and resolve. They knew the information Xander was providing was crucial, not just for the immediate mission, but for the broader strategy they needed to develop to counter the growing threat of the Cult.

The meeting stretched on, the gravity of the situation sinking in with every passing minute. By the end of Xander's recount, the three men sat in a contemplative silence. The air was thick with unspoken fears and the heavy burden of leadership.

"I looked up Victor last night in the Data Forge after you mentioned his name," Harvey said after a moment. "It seems they've linked him to the Cult of the Simulation."

"Dammit, I should have put two and two together. That explains so much," Xander fumed.

JT nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed. "What's really scary is the issue with Saint Joseph's leadership could have easily happened here. Do you remember the pushback I got at the start when I tried to take ownership of this safezone? I wonder if that will be a common theme we see in other places."

Silence filled the room again with JT and Harvey each lost in their thoughts, until finally, JT broke the silence. "We've got a lot to process, but we'll handle it. Thanks for bringing us up to speed, Xander."

Harvey nodded, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "We'll make sure Alex's sacrifice wasn't in vain. Those wankers try to pull that kind of crap here, and we'll make them regret it."

"Does anyone know what the actual goal of the Cult is? Victor was doing weird experiments, but that didn't match up with what I was first told about the group." Xander asked.

"We've had a couple of their so-called preachers come through here, but they were just ranting kooks." JT said.

"Now me and the boys ran into a group of them about a week back and they just straight up attacked us," Harvey responded.

"Sounds sort of like there may be a power struggle inside the cult, with different factions having different sub-goals." Xander said. "That's going to end well for us. Guess we'll just have to treat them as hostile until proven otherwise."

JT shifted the conversation. "Let's talk about the refugees you brought in, Xander. From what I hear, most of them want to stay here at Starlight."

Xander's expression softened slightly. "That's good news! Well, good news as long as you have room and jobs for them. I think a good number of them see this as a chance to start over."

Harvey interjected, "We could use the extra hands around here. But this morning, I heard there's been some trouble?"

Xander sighed. "Let me guess, it's someone named Lucy causing a bit of drama? She was a giant pain in the ass the entire trip here. What baffles me is I'm not exactly sure what the problem is. She seemed convinced that there is some kind of government relief effort taking place in Champaign. She acknowledges the apocalypse has happened, but just refuses to admit that she doesn't know all the answers. It's weird and I'm not convinced she is as oblivious as she is trying to appear. She is delusional, a plant, or I'm just being paranoid."

JT frowned. "We'll need to address that quickly. Lucy, not you being paranoid. The last thing we need is internal conflict while we're trying to secure our future. Not to mention that someone like her could cause the exact type of instability you saw in Saint Joseph."

"Agreed," Xander said. "JT, talk to her. See if you can get her on board. If not, you might need to consider other options."

The three men looked at each other with mutual understanding. Although they had faced external threats together, maintaining harmony within their ranks was equally crucial.

"Yeah, we've had to banish a couple of people already, but not for something like being a pain in the backside," JT grimaced. "I'll talk to her and make sure the rest of the refugees feel welcomed and integrated. She may come around if we can remove her from what she sees as her power base. We need every ally we can get."

With the discussion of the refugees concluded, JT leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "While you were gone, a lot has happened here at Starlight. We've been working on fortifying our defenses and securing a stable base of resources. We've got a couple of nearby dungeons that help on the supply front."

Xander listened intently as JT continued, outlining their progress and challenges. The fortifications had held up well against a few minor attacks. However, there had also been setbacks, including a shortage of medical supplies and a recent attack by an undead surge. JT could only speculate that the undead were part of the ongoing world event. They had repelled the attack, but at the cost of many supplies.

"We've got through the worst of it," JT said, "but it's been tough. Everyone's been working double time to keep things running smoothly."

Xander nodded, appreciating the reciprocating update. He could see the toll it had taken on JT and Harvey, who looked wearier than when he had left. "Sounds like you've been handling things well, despite the challenges."

"We do what we can," Harvey replied. "But having you back, especially with the information you've brought, will make a big difference."

"I'll update the Data Forge tonight. On a side note, if this train thing works out like you think it will, JT, I recommend you try to get to Rantoul. That is where all those military folks were supposedly heading." Xander said.

"Those military folks certainly looked like they were hiding something. Rantoul would be a rough test run for the engine, given the distance and everything else involved. I was thinking of sending it south; that's what Lily and I were doing out yesterday. There is a broken section of track where it looks like something big chewed it up. It was an excellent test to see how easy it is to fix the track." JT said.

"That being said, I can't argue with your logic, Xander. Those military folks looked like they could all fight and seemed to have a better grasp of classes and abilities."

Harvey piped up at that point in the conversation as he snorted loudly, "That was certainly one thing we've seen. Most of our front-line folks have had past military experience or a history of nefarious activities."

With the discussion winding down, JT stood and addressed the two men. "Alright, I need to get to work. This place doesn't run itself. I've got a lot to do and not much time to do it."

Xander nodded. "I'm going to head over to the blacksmith's shop. There are a few things I need to check on."

Harvey clapped him on the shoulder. "Sounds good. I'll catch up with you at dinner tonight."

JT offered a warm smile. "I'm glad you found Jo, Xander. She seems like a great fit for you."

Harvey couldn't resist a teasing remark. "Yeah, she actually makes you look competent for once."

Xander chuckled, appreciating the levity. "Thanks, guys. You know what they say: behind every strong man stands an even stronger woman. That's Jo. I'll see you tonight."

As Xander made his way to the door, he turned back for a moment, feeling a surge of gratitude for his friends and the shared mission that bound them. He wasn't over Alex's death or his role in it, but he was happy to be around people he considered friends, even if it took the end of the world to place them in each other's path. With a last nod, he stepped out into the corridor, his mind already focused on the tasks ahead and the promise of a better future.