**Chapter 4: The Convoy's Approach**

The news of the convoy spread like wildfire through the shelter, and soon everyone was talking at once. Tony's family was caught up in the excitement, his parents exchanging worried glances as they tried to make sense of the scout's words. Marcus, however, seemed to be taking it all in stride, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. As the shelter continued to buzz with activity, Marcus stood up and strode over to a large map that was pinned to a makeshift wall. The map appeared to be hand-drawn, with various symbols and markings scattered across its surface. Marcus began to study it intently, his finger tracing a path across the terrain. "What's that?" Tony's father asked, nodding towards the map. Marcus turned to face him. "That's a map of the surrounding area," he explained. "We've been tracking the movements of various groups, trying to stay one step ahead of them." Tony's mother frowned. "What kind of groups?" she asked. Marcus hesitated before answering. "There are several factions out there, all vying for power. Some of them are friendly, but others...well, let's just say they're not interested in helping us." As Marcus spoke, Tony noticed that the scout who had brought the news of the convoy was standing off to the side, her eyes fixed on the map. She seemed to be studying it with an intensity that bordered on obsession. "What's your name?" Tony asked her, trying to break the silence. "I'm Sarah," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been out there for weeks, trying to gather information. I've seen some terrible things." Tony felt a pang of sympathy for her, and he reached out to touch her arm. "I'm sorry," he said. "What did you see?" Sarah hesitated, her eyes glancing around the shelter before settling back on Tony. "I saw a city, abandoned and burning," she said. "I saw people, running and screaming. And I saw...other things. Things that can't be explained." As Sarah spoke, the shelter fell silent once again. Tony's family exchanged worried glances, and Marcus's expression turned grim. Just then, a loud rumbling noise echoed through the shelter, growing louder by the second. The ground began to shake, and Tony stumbled, his balance wavering. "What's happening?" his mother cried out, grabbing onto him. Marcus shouted above the din, "It's the convoy! It's approaching!" The shelter erupted into chaos as people scrambled to prepare for the arrival of the convoy. Tony's heart was racing, and he felt a sense of trepidation wash over him. What did this convoy want? And what would happen when they arrived? As the noise grew louder, Tony caught a glimpse of something through the entrance of the shelter - a convoy of vehicles, kicking up clouds of dust and debris as they approached the crater. And in the lead vehicle, a logo emblazoned on the side - a symbol that sent a shiver down Tony's spine.