Just as a few people were about to object, Calista added, "Every walker you process counts for points for everyone involved."
Those who had been about to speak immediately fell silent.
Points were what mattered.
The order was carried out.
At first, some people resisted, but Calista's prestige was at an all-time high. The members of Rock Fortress trusted her decisions, and with points as an incentive, compliance came quickly.
As time passed, more and more "processed" walkers were brought back, fixed along the outer perimeter like grotesque sculptures.
Gradually, the outermost layer of Rock Fortress formed a truly intimidating barrier made up of hundreds of moving walkers.
At the same time, construction outside the base continued at full speed, and technical development inside did not fall behind.
After settling the overall plan for the Wall of the Walkers, Calista made her way to the area behind Rock Fortress, near Black Bear Creek.
What had once been part of Twilight Manor's scenic grounds had now become a fairly large worksite.
Before she even got close, she could hear the sound of flowing water, the occasional clang of metal, and the lively voices of young people.
"Ben, I told you to secure that deflector plate, not weld it in place. We need it adjustable."
That was Elena.
"Sorry, Professor. I'll fix it right away."
"Aleksei, help me hold this bracket. Steady… Ming, how are the readings?" Kevin called out.
"Flow rate is stable. Pressure's rising. Almost there, we're about to hit the threshold."
Calista walked past stacks of PVC pipes and several panels clearly salvaged from old solar water heaters and took in the scene.
The naturally flowing Black Bear Creek had been cleverly modified.
A low but solid stone dam partially blocked the stream, raising the water level.
It had been built using cement and stone brought back by the search team from a building supply yard outside Knoxville.
A wide channel made from rolled galvanized metal guided the water down along a trench carved into the slope.
At the end of the channel sat a strange-looking metal device.
At its core was a heavily modified industrial washing machine, stripped down to its turbine and generator.
The turbine was housed inside a sealed steel tank, with only inlet and outlet openings.
Water rushed through at high speed, driving the turbine and spinning the generator with a steady, powerful hum.
Thick wires ran from the generator to a storage setup made of car batteries and a hand-built charge controller.
From there, power fed into a critical water purification system.
The system consisted of several large plastic brewing barrels connected in series, filled with layers of activated carbon, quartz sand, and other filtration materials.
Water flowed in from downstream of the turbine, and a much cleaner stream exited toward a newly built cement reservoir.
Beside it stood a solar preheating tank made from an old water heater core, painted black.
The whole setup looked rough, clearly assembled under post-apocalyptic conditions, but it was well-structured and, most importantly, fully functional.
"My God…" Calista said, unable to hide her surprise. "It hasn't been that long, and you've already built all this?"
Hearing her, the group turned.
Elena wiped her forehead.
"Calista, you're here. Thanks to what the search team brought back, especially that washing machine and the turbine blades, we made much faster progress."
She began explaining.
"We're using the elevation difference to move water without external power. The flow drives the turbine to generate electricity.
Part of that powers lighting at night and Dr. Jenner's lab equipment. More importantly, it powers that booster pump."
She pointed to a small device beside the filtration system.
"It forces water through multiple layers of filtration. It's far more efficient than relying on gravity alone."
She then pointed to the reservoir and the solar tank.
"The filtered water is stored here. After solar heating, it can be used in the kitchen and eventually for showers. It's not fully drinkable yet, but it reduces the need for boiling and saves fuel and time."
Aleksei patted the humming turbine housing with a grin.
"Miss Norton, output is even a bit higher than we expected. The bearings are a little noisy, but we'll fix that with some lubricant."
His face was smeared with grease, a wrench still in hand.
Ming added, "At full load, the system produces about 1.5 kilowatts. Not a lot, but enough for lighting and small devices during the day.
At night, the batteries can maintain basic lighting. Combined with the existing generators, the base's power needs are covered, and water purification efficiency has tripled."
Ben and Kevin stepped forward.
"Miss Norton, once we optimize it further, we might even be able to supply power to Blackberry Ranch," Ben said excitedly.
Calista looked at the four energetic students, then at the system they had built together with Elena.
A sense of awe rose in her chest.
This was the power of talent.
With stable water and electricity, the base's living conditions and future potential had taken a huge leap forward.
"Well done. Elena, all of you, excellent work," Calista said sincerely.
"You'll receive top credit. If you need anything, go to Rickson. You'll have priority."
Just as the atmosphere lifted, and Calista began imagining a future with lights on at night and running water throughout the base—
a young National Guard member responsible for internal security came running over, out of breath.
"Miss Norton!"
"What is it?"
"Dr. Jenner… he told me to find you immediately. He says there's an important discovery. You need to go to the lab right away."
The young soldier looked tense, even a little frustrated with himself for stumbling over his words.
...
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