"Start making your way upstairs Padre, I'll secure the lobby and barricade them from higher ground." John did a little jump backwards. Out of nowhere, a military-looking man appeared in front of him, wielding an assault rifle. Uncertain, John said, [b]"I don't think so. There's no way I'm going to let you stay here by yourself." [/b] Turning back to glance at the stairwell, he saw the crowd panicking, pushing, striking each other. Holding his hands out over the crowd, he said loudly, [b]"Excuse me, everyone!"[/b] The majority of people didn't even so much as glance backwards. Repeating himself, several times, he eventually got frustrated enough, and then shouted quite loudly. The sound didn't matter, because there were freaking guns and explosions and cars and- He calmed himself. [b]"EVERYONE SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME!" [/b] The crowd heading up the stairs turned slowly, and stared at him, surprised that their benevolent, calm priest could muster enough air to shout, or even get angry at all. 

[b]"Men! The women, children, and elderly need to go up first! But I'm not asking you to leave your families! You will be safe, I assure you, but only if you go up quietly, and in an orderly fashion!"[/b] Unless this chaos ended, they most likely wouldn't survive. He spotted two people, a young Asian girl, and a relative newcomer to town, just standing there. Pushing past the crowd, he pulled the girl close so she could hear above the noise, and then spoke into her ear. [b]"Head upstairs! I don't want to lose anyone else!"[/b], and then moved on, going over to the newcomer. [b]"Sir, if you would help us block off the stairwell after everyone's up, then that would be appreciated!"[/b] Not waiting for his response, the priest took one look at the frightened crowd, and resolve and determination showed on his face. This was his flock. Pushing back to the base of the stairwell, he stood beside Sargent Wright and the mysterious military man. [b]"We need to buy everyone time to get up to the second story! WE need to protect those weaker than us, guys!"[/b] John held the cross in both hands, like a baseball bat, ready to swing. 

[b]"The lord is my shield, I shall not want...."[/b] he began whispering, as the small group of undead approached.