More people appeared as Old Nick and his group moved deeper into the southern districts.
Some worked outside damaged buildings while others carried boxes between reopened shops. Engineers were scattered among them, usually easy to recognize from the large yellow cases and equipment around their backs.
A group worked on one apartment block with part of its outer wall still missing. Across the street, another building already had lights inside.
Joe stopped and started at it.
"Is that electricity?"
"Looks like they got their lights up here."
"Damn it! And I had to put up with my dark room all those months?"
Nick could not blame him for that one.
They passed another intersection. This time, the road ahead was not empty.
Several civilian vehicles occupied one side while people moved between shops that were reopened along the surrounding block.
Tarps covered damaged storefronts. Tables had been set outside where the interiors were still unusable.
Food.
Clothes.
Tools.
