Title: The Iron Nomad
Synopsis:
In a post-apocalyptic world where civilization has crumbled, survivors roam the wastelands in search of safety, fuel, and a place to call home. Among them is The Iron Nomad, a six-wheeled fortress-on-wheels that has become both a legend and a lifeline for those who dare to cross the barren lands. Driven by a mysterious wanderer known only as "The Engineer," this armored motorhome is more than just a vehicle—it’s a sanctuary, a war machine, and a beacon of hope.
Scene One: The Arrival
The wind howls across the empty desert, kicking up spirals of dust and ash. A faint rumbling grows in the distance, a mechanical growl that sends scavengers scurrying for cover. Then, through the haze, it emerges—a behemoth of riveted steel and rubber, its thick tires chewing through the wasteland like a beast on the hunt.
Inside, The Engineer grips the wheel, his gloved hands steady despite the rough terrain. He scans the horizon through the reinforced windshield, eyes shadowed beneath the brim of a worn-out cap. The motorhome’s exterior, once a military transport, has been reinforced with makeshift armor. Bullet holes and claw marks tell stories of battles fought and survived.
As the Iron Nomad crests a dune, a small settlement comes into view—half-buried ruins surrounded by rusted barricades. Smoke rises from fires within, and figures move cautiously behind cover. The Engineer slows the rig, tapping a switch on the dashboard. The armored shutters on the windows snap shut, shielding the interior from prying eyes.
A crackling voice comes through the radio:
"State your business, traveler."
The Engineer picks up the receiver.
"I bring trade… and stories, if you've got the fuel."
Silence. Then, the heavy gates creak open.
Scene Two: The Strangers
The settlement is small but well-guarded. Makeshift homes built from scraps of old vehicles line the dusty streets. The Iron Nomad rolls to a stop in the center, its shadow stretching long in the fading sun. Curious eyes peer from doorways, whispering about the legend of the wandering machine.
A woman, armed but calm, steps forward.
"They say you ride alone, but you never leave empty-handed. What is it you're looking for?"
The Engineer steps down from the cab, his boots crunching against the dirt. He gestures to the rig.
"A little fuel, maybe a warm meal. In exchange, I've got parts, tools, and knowledge."
She crosses her arms.
"And stories?"
He nods.
"Always."
Scene Three: The Choice
That night, the settlement gathers around the fire as The Engineer speaks. He tells them of cities swallowed by sand, of raiders who ride the night like phantoms, and of a lost paradise hidden beyond the mountains. Some listen in awe, others with suspicion.
Then, a boy—no older than twelve—steps forward.
"Take me with you."
Gasps ripple through the crowd. The Engineer looks at the boy, then at the people around him. He sees the fear in their eyes, the exhaustion of fighting to survive. He knows the road ahead is brutal, but he also knows the Iron Nomad was never meant to carry only one.
He stands, dusts off his coat, and nods.
"At dawn, we leave."
The Iron Nomad will roll again.
To Be Continued...