Chapter 3— The Man At The Supply Depot.

“I'm sorry, ma'am, but the last shipment has already been allocated.”

Rue stared at the employee behind the counter. “Allocated to whom? I placed my order yesterday, paid the deposit, and received a confirmation message saying the batteries would be ready for collection this morning.”

“I understand, but another customer purchased the remaining stock before your order was processed.”

“Then you should have informed me before I travelled across the city. I need those batteries, and I have the confirmation right here.”

The employee glanced at her phone. “I'm afraid there's nothing I can do.”

Rue drew a slow breath, resisting the urge to argue. The industrial batteries were essential to the backup power system she was assembling for her shelter. Ordinary household batteries would not provide enough capacity, and the remaining suppliers were already running out of stock as people began buying emergency equipment.

“Can I speak to your manager, please?”

“I'm the manager,” a man behind her replied. “And I can tell you that raising your voice won't make the batteries appear.”

Rue turned sharply. The man standing a few feet away wore a dark utility jacket, sturdy boots, and a backpack that looked as though it had seen years of use. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone accustomed to handling difficult situations. His expression was calm, but his eyes were fixed on the stack of battery crates beside the counter.

“Were you the one who bought them?” Rue asked.

“Yes. I paid for the entire shipment.”

“And you couldn't leave a few for someone who had already placed an order?”

“I could have, if I had known someone else needed them.”

“You heard the employee. I paid yesterday.”

“And I paid this morning. Apparently, we're both disappointed.”

Rue folded her arms. “You don't seem particularly disappointed.”

“Would you prefer that I start shouting?”

“I'd prefer that you show some consideration.”

He studied her for a moment. “How many do you need?”

“Enough to power a small shelter's backup system.”

His eyebrows lifted slightly. “A shelter?”

“An emergency shelter. I'm preparing for a situation where the electricity supply might become unreliable.”

“That's a very specific concern. Are you an engineer?”

“No. I simply don't like being unprepared.”

“Most people who don't like being unprepared don't buy industrial batteries in bulk.”

“Most people haven't learned what happens when they wait until it's too late.”

Something shifted in his expression. “That's an interesting way to put it.”

Rue regretted the words immediately. She had to remember that she was surrounded by people who knew nothing about the future. She could not afford to speak as though she had already witnessed the end of the world.

“Look, I'm not asking you to give me everything,” she said, softening her tone. “If you could spare enough to run a backup ventilation system and a few lights, I'd be grateful. I'll pay you for them.”

He considered the request before turning to the employee. “How many batteries are in the shipment?”

“Twenty-four.”

“I only need sixteen for the installation. Give her eight.”

Rue blinked. “You're actually willing to share them?”

“Don't make it sound like I've offered you a kidney. Eight batteries won't ruin my plans, and you clearly need them.”

“Thank you. I mean that.”

“Kael Mercer,” he said, extending his hand.

“Rue.”

He shook her hand, then glanced at the packed trolley beside her. It contained water filters, medical supplies, protective gloves, tools, sealed containers, and several coils of heavy-duty cable.

“Are you planning to open a hardware store?”

“I'm preparing for an emergency, remember?”

“I remember. I'm beginning to wonder what kind of emergency requires medical supplies, industrial batteries, water filtration, and enough cable to wire a small building.”

“Perhaps I enjoy being prepared.”

“Perhaps you watched too many disaster films.”

Rue gave him a dry look. “And perhaps you ask too many questions.”

Kael laughed softly. “Fair enough. But if you're building an emergency shelter, you should know that batteries are useless without a safe power system. Have you considered ventilation, drainage, structural reinforcement, and an independent water supply?”

Rue's expression changed despite herself. “You know about those things?”

“I used to work in emergency response. I've helped evacuate buildings after fires, floods, and structural failures. I've seen what happens when people prepare for the obvious danger and ignore everything that keeps them alive afterward.”

For the first time since arriving at the depot, Rue felt she might have found someone worth listening to.

“Then you understand why I'm buying all this.”

“I understand why someone might. I don't understand why you look as though you're racing a clock nobody else can see.”

She lowered her eyes to the trolley. “Because I am.”

Kael did not laugh this time. “Are you in danger?”

“Not yet.”

“That's not a reassuring answer.”

“It's the only one I can give you.”

He leaned against the counter, studying her with renewed interest. “You know, I've met people who prepare for emergencies because they enjoy feeling in control. You're different. You aren't excited about any of this. You look frightened.”

Rue swallowed. “Would you believe me if I told you I had a reason?”

“I might, depending on the reason.”

“What if I told you that in thirty days, the world would become a very dangerous place?”

Kael remained silent long enough for Rue to wonder whether she had finally said too much.

Then he asked, “What happens in thirty days?”

“I can't explain everything here.”

“Then explain what you can.”

Rue looked around the crowded depot, where customers were arguing over generators and portable power stations. She wanted to tell him about the Hollow, about the bunker, and about the way Clark had looked at her before abandoning her to die. But she barely knew Kael, and revealing everything would make her sound unstable.

“Something is coming,” she said at last. “Something people won't be ready for. I'm trying to make sure I am.”

Kael's expression grew serious. “I've been following the reports about the underground tremors. The authorities say they're investigating, but the patterns don't look natural to me.”

Rue's pulse quickened. “You've noticed them?”

“I've seen enough emergencies to know when official explanations leave important questions unanswered. I've also noticed that certain supply warehouses have increased their security, and some emergency-response teams have been told to remain on standby.”

Rue stared at him. She had not expected anyone else to be paying attention.

“Do you think something is wrong?”

“I think something is happening, and I don't like being told not to worry about it.” He picked up his bag. “I'm not asking you to tell me everything, Rue, but if you're preparing for something serious, you should make sure you have a way out when your shelter becomes unsafe.”

Her stomach tightened. “What makes you think it will become unsafe?”

“Every shelter has weaknesses. People forget that the walls keeping danger out can also trap everyone inside.”

The words struck too close to her memories of the bunker.

Kael noticed her expression. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No.” Rue looked away. “You just reminded me of something I needed to remember.”

He handed her the eight batteries. “Take these. And if you need help checking your shelter's structure, I can look at it before things get worse.”

“Why would you help me?”

“Because you look like someone who is trying very hard to save herself, and I respect that. Besides, if you're right about whatever is coming, I would rather know about it before everyone starts panicking.”

Rue accepted the batteries, uncertain whether she should trust him or keep her distance.

“Thank you, Kael.”

“Just make sure you use those batteries properly. I would hate to discover that you've built an impressive shelter and forgotten to install a working ventilation system.”

“I haven't forgotten.”

“Good. Then perhaps you can tell me what you've prepared when you're ready.”

He started toward the exit, but Rue called after him.

“Kael, if I ask you to do something that sounds unreasonable, will you at least hear me out before deciding I'm crazy?”

He turned, one hand resting on the door.

“I'll hear you out,” he said. “But I reserve the right to tell you when you're being reckless.”

Rue almost smiled. “I suppose that's fair.”

“Good. I'll see you around, Rue.”

She watched him leave, then looked down at the batteries in her arms. For the first time since returning from the dead, she had met someone who understood that preparation was not paranoia.

She only hoped he would believe her before it was too late.