Ryan at the truck counter, morning routine. Steam rising, grill sizzling. System HUD visible showing crystal count and review stars.

Ryan looks up from the grill. A new zombie approaches the window. Something different about this one.

The Groom reaches the window. Ryan sees his face clearly for the first time. Clearer eyes than most zombies.

The Groom shows Ryan his message. Ryan's chest tightens.

Ryan makes the Groom a taco. Doesn't reach for the crystal counter. Doesn't ask for payment.

System warning flashes. Ryan made a mistake.

The Groom finishes eating. Reaches for something. Ryan sees the ring coming off.

Ryan pushes the ring back. The Groom doesn't understand.

The Groom shows Ryan the new message. Ryan understands he has no choice.

Ryan finds a solution. The Groom pays in rotted pocket crystals instead.

The Groom leaves. Ryan processes what just happened. System confirms payment received.

Later that day. Ryan hears screaming outside. Looks up to see chaos.

The refugees stumble into the perimeter. The zombies stop. Can't enter.

System confirms neutrality zone active. Ryan makes a decision.

Ryan serves the refugees. They pay in supplies — a can of beans, a bottle of water, a worn photograph.

The refugees look out the window at the zombie line. They see something unexpected.

Ryan cleans up after the refugees leave. He realizes something about pricing.

Ryan implements a two-tier pricing system. Basic meals vs premium intelligence.

The Pack arrives with news. Ryan's crystal count approaches the soup unlock.

The Pack communicates important news. S-Base is coming.

Ryan processes the information. James is coming. He looks at his crystal count.

Evening. The Groom returns. Ryan sees him approaching through the window.

The Groom shows Ryan his slate. New message. Ryan's stomach drops.

Ryan serves the Groom anyway. Makes a decision about what he will and won't cook.