The main interstate highways were probably already hopelessly jammed early in the apocalypse, clogged by fleeing civilians and National Guard blockades.
Secondary highways and rural roads might be better, but Calista and the others would need more detailed maps—and they would have to take longer detours.
Along the way, besides walkers, there might also be survivor camps. The greatest danger wasn't the half-rotted walkers, but human survivors who might set up roadblocks and ambush travelers.
That made the travel time completely unpredictable.
Aside from the supplies they had prepared, gas stations and repair shops along the route were also marked on the map.
Whenever possible, they would try to drive past those locations to refuel and possibly find more detailed maps.
After studying the routes carefully, they finally settled on a plan.
"Okay, listen up." Leah tapped the map with her knuckles, drawing the attention of the nearby team members.
"From here to Atlanta isn't that far in a straight line, but the roads twist all over the place. And we don't know which sections might already be blocked by abandoned vehicles or walkers packed together like sardines."
Her finger pointed to a location on the map.
"Our best option is to head south on Highway 441 first, skirting around the outskirts of Cherokee. That place used to be packed with tourists—so it's probably a disaster now. Then we connect to Highway 23 and head southwest, crossing the state line into Georgia."
Turner leaned closer, frowning as he pointed to the area where Highway 23 intersected with Interstate 85.
"The problem is here—around Gainesville.
That's on the edge of the Atlanta metro area. It used to be a major transportation hub with heavy traffic. I bet it's ten times worse than any traffic jam we've ever seen."
"Exactly," Calista said with a nod. "So we need backup routes prepared in advance. Look at these smaller county roads and rural routes—see if any of them might work."
Her finger traced along the thin gray lines winding across the map.
"It's farther and the road conditions are unknown, but it might actually be faster. We'll have to stay alert and be ready to change direction at any time."
Carver spat out his soggy cigarette butt and leaned in to take a look.
"Damn. Sounds like a delightful country road trip, huh?
Tell me something—doesn't Knoxville have any decent doctors? Or at least some university medical professor?"
Only Calista, Leah, and Evans knew about the Wildfire vaccine.
They hadn't told anyone else.
As far as the others knew, Rock Fortress had simply changed its current objective. Instead of immediately recruiting more combat personnel, they would first look for doctors who understood the walkers better.
Once the base had enough medical capability, they could start bringing in more fighters and specialists.
Because of that, this trip would be a light operation with a small team.
Rickson remained behind at Rock Fortress with the main force.
The departing group consisted of Calista, Leah, Mike, Carver, Turner, Bossie, Jenson, and Wells.
Danny and Ethan would stay at Rock Fortress this time.
After all, the barbed-wire perimeter still wasn't finished. They needed enough manpower there, since it was their main base.
Leah ignored Carver's sarcasm and looked at several circled locations on the map.
"These are small clinics or pharmacies along the way that might still have medical supplies or equipment. If we pass near them, we'll try our luck.
And like we discussed before—National Guard units or anything like that. If we happen to encounter small groups along the way, we can try picking them up."
She emphasized again:
"But remember—our main objective is the CDC in Atlanta. Don't go looking for trouble unless we're short on resources."
After clarifying the route, Leah straightened up and looked past the map toward the surrounding area of Rock Fortress.
The three-mile defensive perimeter Calista had planned was already starting to take shape. At least the section near the entrance had been completed.
Layers of barbed wire stretched along the terrain, tightly secured to wooden stakes and metal posts driven deep into the ground.
At several key turns and elevated positions, Ancheta had also built simple firing platforms using sandbags and abandoned vehicles. They worked together with the original watchtowers near the estate.
"Looks good, huh?" Mike said as he followed her gaze, sounding approving.
Leah said nothing, but the corner of her lips lifted slightly as a wave of emotion passed through her.
Her younger sister had grown quickly.
In less than three months, she had gone from the teary-eyed girl she first met into someone who could lead a group like this—gradually making Leah and Rickson's unruly band of mercenaries begin to feel a sense of belonging.
Rock Fortress was starting to feel like a home.
Tilting her head, she gave Calista an approving smile.
"You've done well."
"Not well enough," Calista replied calmly, looking back at the defenses.
"When we return, Rock Fortress should be even better. Hopefully nothing stupid shows up to visit while we're gone."
Leah nodded, gathering her thoughts before tapping the map again.
"The route is set.
Mike, you, Bossie, and Carver take the first Humvee and lead the way.
Jenson and Wells take the pickup and cover the rear.
I'll take the second Humvee with Cali and Turner in the middle.
Radio channel one. Stay in constant communication."
Carver immediately protested.
"That's not fair! I want to switch with Turner!"
Leah looked confused.
"Haven't Turner and I always been in the same vehicle during missions?"
Carver replied firmly,
"That's exactly why it's unfair. I demand rotation. I don't want to be the one leading the charge every single time."
Mike elbowed Bossie and raised his eyebrows meaningfully.
Bossie looked completely confused.
Calista glanced at Carver.
Carver simply crossed his arms and glared at Turner, as if that was the only reason he objected.
Leah sighed and spread her hands.
"Fine. You ride with us. You drive."
He raised his right hand to his brow, leaned slightly to the side, and gave a sloppy salute before grinning.
"Yes, ma'am!"
Leah looked around at the fully prepared team, her eyes sharp.
"Everyone understand? This isn't a picnic.
We're heading to Atlanta. That place had far more people than Knoxville.
Millions died when it fell. There'll be even more walkers wandering around there now.
Stay alert. I don't want anyone getting careless and getting us all killed."
"Yes, ma'am!" a few of them answered lazily.
Leah's voice sharpened.
"Take this seriously!
If you encounter small groups of walkers, avoid them whenever possible. If you can't avoid them, run them over. Don't waste ammunition.
If you see large herds—or anything that looks like human bandits—take a detour.
We're going to pick people up, not start fights. Don't waste time!"
"Understood!" This time the response was serious.
Leah nodded to Calista.
"Good. Our fuel is more than enough to get us to Atlanta, but we'll need to scavenge on the way back. So keep your eyes open—this mission depends on you."
Calista folded the map.
"Then let's get moving."
Move out!