Location - Back of the truck, heading towards Newnan
Ciel was barely conscious when he heard Marx's ear-splitting scream. No doubt about it now, something had gone wrong. Likely they'd been found by walkers or raiders or even wild animals. He made one last futile attempt to sit up, weakly shifting his arm and trying to prop himself up on his elbow, but an intense wave of nausea hit him and he fell back, his small fragile frame going limp. His breathing slowed a bit, but remained shallow and labored, as if he weren't taking in enough air with each breath.
Perhaps if Ciel had been older, more experienced, or at least had gone through a real tragedy or two, his unconscious delusions might be interesting to remark on. But alas, the kid had been raised upper class and spent the majority of his childhood alone and friendless. He didn't even really know what a ghetto was. Though he was an orphan, had been alone and starving for the better part of the last three years, and had even cannibalized a person at one point, none of that had really traumatized the kid. Strange how the ones you'd think would be affected most by these cataclysmic times are often actually the most stoic.
So naturally, the dreams that swam through his unconscious mind were little more than garbled nonsense. Scenes from the recent past mixed in with some of his earliest memories, faces and voices distorted in a way he couldn't quite place. Even in his dreams he felt sick, his unconsciousness offering no comfort. It felt much more like an acid trip than actual unconsciousness, as if on some level he hadn't realized that he was no longer awake. Even the stranger imagery that plagued his head, like feeling insects burrowing into his flesh as if he were a decomposing corpse and watching people melt away into gory puddles, failed to alert him that this was all in his head.
From the outside, he could easily be mistaken for dead. His breathing was so weak it was hard to notice, and he lay cold and limp in the back of the truck and failed to react to the rampant mayhem that raged on like wildfire, totally unaware that two women had died in his last few moments of consciousness. A few locks of his hair had fallen away from his face when he fell back, revealing that his face held a vacant expression, his wide blue eyes only three-quarters closed. He appeared... helpless was the best word to come to mind, though Ciel would have loathed to be called such a thing. If he ever woke up at all, it didn't look like it was going to be soon.
Location: On Her Motorcycle, on the Walker Infested Route to Newnan
Sometimes, Tryke wished she had the good sense to shut her goddamn mouth. Right before the walker hoard appeared on the horizon, she had asked Bridgette if they were going to Valhalla. It had been a joke. But flash forward to moments later, when Astrid's axe was embedded in Bridgette's skull, and Astrid's last words to her sister had been just that. Valhalla.
At that moment of her life, Tryke felt like the asshole supreme. Despite hardly knowing her for even an hour, she liked Bridgette. She could see herself being friends with the Viking chick. She hadn't had a true friend since the year the outbreak began--and engineers at CalTech, shockingly, tended not to be very good with social skills. And as much as Tryke was pissed at herself, she wasn't the type to curl up and cry.
No, she got pissed at the world. "Oh fuck no, you asshats!" Tryke exclaimed, removing her bat from its place behind her shoulder. "That was my friend!" Tryke practically growled. Usually, her policy would have been to speed away on her bike as fast as she could, and put as much distance between her and the walkers as she could. But this was different. This was time for revenge, for payback. With one hand on her bike, the other hand held her bat. Swerving as best as she could, Tryke did her best to help Astrid clear a path to Bridgette, swinging at any walkers that came near her.
But it wasn't enough. Just as Tryke's anger had begun to falter slightly, seeing Astrid pull her dead friend into the truck, her throat caught slightly as Astrid was bit as well. Tryke had a list of things that were okay, and goddamnit, this was not on the bloody list. Her anger swelled again, and she was tempted to pull out her makeshift flamethrower, and burn the sons of bitches to hell that had done this.
But that wouldn't solve anything. For those few awkward and sarcastic moments over in Franklin, Bridgette had been her friend. Astrid was Bridgette's sister. And if the dying woman wanted to get everyone back to wherever the hell the Vikings came from, then Tryke vowed that she'd do her best to help. Enough was enough.
Édouard Riviere
Location: Franklin ---> the Infirmary
Édouard held himself deathly still as the group headed out vanished into the distance. He had fallen back on one key strategy, when encountered with situations beyond his understanding--playing dead. The pretty girl, Sana, had placed her head on his shoulder. On one hand, he was ecstatic and thrilled--but on the other, he was deeply and undeniably terrified. This seemed exactly like something Lyon would come over and kill him for. He didn't fancy death, not really. As much as he sometimes wished for it, he never wished for it all too long. Mostly, it was just when there were problems in his path, and death just seemed like an easier and less stressful alternative.
"Il est....ton frère?" Édouard repeated, still holding himself still. He couldn't help but feel more and more confused. Did they commit incest here, then? He supposed that it could just be an American thing, or another product of Lyon's brainwashing. Either way, he couldn't help but be glad then that his sisters were likely dead. The thought of kissing Darcey, or Alisanne especially, almost made the Frenchman gag.
"Je suis certain que ton frère se sentira bien," Édouard said, a bit awkwardly drawn out. He moved his hand very slowly, and patted Sana on the back, like a child petting a dog for the first time, filled with terror that it might run away. "Mes sœurs sont mortes, je pense," he added, as if that could somehow comfort Sana.
He couldn't help but feel relieved as Sana seemed to focus on his hair. He had lovely hair, he had to admit. It wasn't strange at all that someone else would become obsessed with it. Frankly, he was almost surprised more people didn't. As Sana took his hand, he nodded, once again terrified at the physical contact of it--especially as the devil himself came over. A few strange English words later, and Édouard glanced at Sana with unease.
He then made the (in his mind) unfortunate decision to trust her. He hoped his hair wouldn't perish as a result.
Following her inside the school, they ended up back in the wretched infirmary. He wouldn't be surprised if Lyon made him live there, with how much time he spent in the place. Nodding at her question, Édouard held out a hand for either the scissors or the comb. He wanted to help.
Il est....ton frère? = He is...your brother? Je suis certain que ton frère se sentira bien. = I'm sure your brother'll be fine. Mes sœurs sont mortes, je pense. = My sisters are dead, I think.
Jack Hudson
Location: Building 7 (Rec Center) ----> Death the Gate
"You deserve some relaxation time," Jack agreed, as Miss Sally sat down and directed the placement of the chairs. He abandoned his practice of announcing--still debating whether or not to leave in the bit about monstah trucks--and set to work. It wasn't too long before most of the chairs had been set up, and even Sophia, the one handed girl, was pitching in. The more he saw of Newnan, the more it seemed like a paradise, a dream come true.
He was about to whistle playfully at Tatiana, when he heard the crackle of the radio. For a second, he reached towards his hip, the way he had done back as a police officer. But there was just air there, no radio. His fingers had grasped for nothingness. Refocusing his attention on the Ashton's voice, Jack swore under his breath. Jack's immediate, gut reaction was to protect Tatiana at all costs, and he looked over at his Russian ballerina, his heart heavy in his chest.
"You sure, solovey? I don't mind staying here with you," Jack replied, having walked back over to Tatiana, a hand on each of her shoulders. He could tell how nervous she was, and he wanted nothing more than to stay with her, in the safety of the Rec Center. But if they were going to make this their home, it had to be defended. Paradise came at a price. As Tatiana reassured him, Jack pulled her in for a hug and a kiss. "I'll be back before you've got a chance to miss me," he promised. "Take good care of Bazhooli while I'm gone, yeah?" he added, cracking a joke and a smile.
Bidding his farewells, Jack left the Rec Center, remembering that Ashton had told people to meet at the courthouse with weapons. He didn't have a single thing on him, and he couldn't help but feel slightly foolish. However, he spotted a few people heading towards the gate, and figuring that crowds weren't usually wrong, he followed them. Moving at a bit of a light jog, he finally made it out to the gate, seeing the other members getting ready to go.
Sophia heard the radio going off as she looked over towards Tatiana and Jack the couple there overhearing Tatiana saying that he should go, as much as she wanted to go out and help as well she was still recovering from last month and she did just get released earlier today. She got up and moved over towards Tatiana and watched as Jack got ready to leave the room. "I'll watch Tatiana for you while your gone." Sophia said with a soft smile as she watched Jack leave the Rec Center, she closed her eyes and sighed slightly to herself Sophia turned to look at Tatiana and gave the woman a smile. "Jack will be in good hands i'm sure he will come back with everyone else." Sophia reassured her.
But something in her gut said that there something bad had happened to those that had left earlier, she hated the feeling that her friends were out there she was still adjusting to doing things with only one working hand. "So what do you want to talk about?" Sophia asked changing the subject maybe she could keep Tatiana occupied from worrying about Jack to much. She then started to wonder about how Niesha was doing over in the infirmary, she knew that her girlfriend would most likely be very occupied tonight with whoever is coming back with the injured.
Kristina Smith
Location: Building E (Kristina's Apartment)
Kristina had gone back to her apartment with the bag of ice that Ms. Sally had given to her earlier, she rested her bad ankle on a pillow with the ice underneath it. She reached up and around her neck taking off her necklace, sighing slightly as she ran across it before setting it down on the bedside table. Kris rolled over onto her side as she looked outside the window, the sun seemed to be slowly setting now. Kris wasn't sure what else she could do for the day other than just simply read some books that she had managed to get her hands on, sometimes she did actually miss getting her hands on a controller and playing some video games. But that was now all in the past Kristina then got out of the bed and made her way towards the bathroom.
She started to look at herself in the mirror wondering what was going on outside now as she heard something had happened a few minutes ago, she then reached over and started to brush her hair. Kris started to slowly pull out the tangles in her hair, she then hobbled over towards the bed and opened up the book she had been reading earlier in the day. If she hadn't hurt herself she could have been able to go and see if she could actually help but she was in pain due to her sprained ankle and she couldn't run either.
Meghna Kumar
Location: Building 1 (Infirmary) -> Building 6 (The Armory) -> The Main Gates
"I'll get myself geared up." Meghna said towards Ashton as she quickly left the infirmary and started making her way down the street watching as the others were getting ready to head out as well. Meg made her way into the armory and asked for Tom to grab her things, Meg got her bow and quiver of arrows and then grabbed two extra magazines for her Colt M1911A1. To her surprise Meghna saw Dick carrying Zoie into the Infirmary making her favorite little 'Zoie bombs'. "I'll take them over to the group." Meghna said as she grabbed a bag putting them into it. Meg then started to adjust the straps for her gear and started to make her way back out towards the front gate, Meg could see a small group forming there as well and saw a new face standing among the group it was Jack.
It was a good and bad thing through it was good that Jack was willing to help out already since he was just brought into the community, but it was bad, she knew that Tatiana and him were getting married soon. "Your more than welcome to join." Meg said as she motioned for one of the men to hand Jack a weapon. "Just stay close to everyone."
Raymond Mendoza
Location: Road to Newnan and a herd of walkers.
Raymond looked over towards Tiffany and nodded it was probably a better idea for her to stay in the truck, he looked at the two kids seeing Ciel shifting slightly then going limp again. He felt bad for the kid Ray couldn't do anything to help out the kid other than to simply watch over him. Raymond closed his eyes and cringed slightly when he heard Marx scream in pain as the Franklin folk lifted the man off of the metal, then carrying the man into the back of the truck. Ray looked down at his leg seeing the wound, he wasn't sure what he could even do to stop the bleeding he didn't have any medical knowledge that could do to help him.
Ray then saw Astrid lifting up her fallen friend's body and carrying her into the back of the truck as well, Raymond then noticed a walker getting closer and closer to Astrid. "Watch out!" Ray yelled but it was to late as the walker bit into Astrid's shoulder, seeing where she had been bit knew that there was no way to amputate where she was bitten. He could help but thing it was his fault now one died already and the other would die soon enough from the bite itself.
Location: Building 7 (Rec Center) -> Gilbert Street, in front of Building 1
The Great Bazhooli heard exactly what everyone else did. His reaction was, to begin with, hesitation. What could he do? I mean, he was getting along great with the few people he spoke to. Laughs, even. The stone face guard they posted on him didn't seem like so bad of a guy, either, except that he was holding the man's stuff hostage until the head man gave him an interview. And that was another thing. This poor guy has to follow him around, hold his stuff (which must be getting super heavy by now), and wait to shoot him dead if he happens to act in an aggressive manner. Now that the guy he's been calling "Captain" is going away, it promised to be soo much longer.
He couldn't help, he reasoned, if he wasn't part of the community. And he wouldn't be part of the community until this guy gives his say-so. He couldn't do that if he was gone, and he sure as hell couldn't do that if he was dead. But Bazhooli still hesitated. Jack had already left the building. He couldn't wait anymore.
"Tatiana, if I stay, I am disgraced. I vant this to be home. Cannot juggle bowling pins vhile others are in trouble. I follow Jack. Vill vatch out for him. Am his Best Man, yes?"
The Great Bazhooli stood up to his full height and assumed an air of performance-like arrogance. He spun on his heels and began to stride confidently toward the door. Without stopping, he snapped his fingers above his head and spoke in haughty tones to the guard assigned him. "Come, styuard. We go to the Big Man."
The instructions over the radio clearly said to meet him in front of the Courthouse in five. And so he was. On the way there, he had worked out a speech, full of impassioned words and dramatic arm gestures, in grand Russian tradition of sentimentality and promises of grandeur. He was stopped dead in his tracks by Ash.
"Interview. Didn't forget." he snapped at the odd Cossack. Ashton looked over to the guard assigned him, still dutifully doing his job. "You want your interview?" he asked, grabbing the great, bear fur bundle from the guard. He shoved it into The Great Bazhooli's chest. The second that the kinda Russian's hands came up, he let go. "Then come with me. Your interview's on the road."
Well, that was easy. And terrifying.
Black James(!)
Location: Building C (His House) -> Building 6, Armory
"Yes'm, Miss Zoie. Be right there." answered James, changing his direction at a run. Lord, how he hated to run. Running and speaking into a radio - just not his thing. It is why, when Ash addressed him, it came with moderate annoyance. "While you're there, James, grab us a couple sacks of molotovs. If the Dead have them, I want to light 'em up. If the living have them... I want to light 'em up."
"Yessir, Cap'n Ash." he breathed heavily. Run run run, that's what he seemed to do anymore. Unless it was toward food or away from Walkers, James really didn't have that much use for it. The exception, of course, being when the guy in charge needs something. Obviously. Otherwise, he wouldn't be running.
His demeanor was positive, if a bit serious, as he entered the Armory. The first thing he did was reacquire his Barret Heavy Sniper System. The second was turn to Zoie. "Aight mama, lay 'em on me."
Ash Holloway
Location: Gilbert Street, in front of Building 1
The volunteers had begun to arrive. Ash was pleased when he saw the immediate turnout of long-standing members of the community, coming to support relative newcomers. What surprised him, if just a little, were the extremely recent ones coming to aid people that they hadn't known but for a couple of hours, if even that. Jack Hudson was the first. When he offered his services, Ash quietly nodded.
"Head to the Armory. Get your things. Equip yourself as best Tom will allow otherwise."
Bazhooli came next. He returned the odd man's belongings, and likewise sent him to the Armory. He would trust the newer people or he wouldn't, either or both. If these people, Jack and Bazhooli, wished to assist in the recovery, then more power to them. From a more tactical standpoint, if he reduces their forces within the wall to accomplish this, he would rather the newer, less established ones come with him - if they were of unstable morale or not trustworthy, the city itself would be safer. Likewise, he would see firsthand the mettle of these people, how well they worked with others, and their competency. If Ash returned at all, it would be with a greater understanding of these new people. Well, if they returned at all.
"Any more volunteers, radio in. I will need one or two on light vehicle to act as advance scout."
Ash looked across the street to his crowning achievement of engineering, sitting in the parking lot in front of the Auto Service building. Yeah, it was time to bring her back into active duty.
As she picked off whatever Walkers she could it became increasingly clear they wouldn't be able to survive by holding them back. They needed to get moving. And quickly. She watched as the women traveling with them fought hard. One soul was lost, sadly, and the other woman, Astrid she believed she was called, tried to bring the woman's corpse back. She had to give the woman credit for wanting to bring her friend with her, as silly as it was. And her concerns were met when a Walker sank its teeth into her as Raymond screamed and she couldn't get the words out in time.
The woman backed into the truck. Tiffany, still holding her gun, knew it was only a matter of time before the bite took hold. It wasn't like Ray's where cutting off the limb could help prevent the infection. She was going to die, it was only when.
She nodded her agreement, "I agree, we need to get the truck moving, we have injured on board, two of whom are kids! Newnan has to have defenses of their own if the horde makes their way there." Tiffany looked at Astrid, keeping her gun close. If she had to, she would put a bullet in her skull before she could turn and attack them all. She didn't want to, and she figured the woman would fight back at all costs before she could turn, but it crossed her mind.
It was an immediate response, Niesha merely letting herself fall back on her training days, falling back on the instinctual respect she had given senior Pharmacists, before becoming one herself. She couldn't say that she liked that, but if it was what was needed to get through this, then that was what she would do. Now, hopefully it wouldn't be taken as condescending. She was growing weary of checking her words before she spoke, knowing she sometimes didn't understand her own tone, or what others might perceive of it.
Niesha stared at the sink a moment. It had certainly been a while since she had scrubbed up-since the fall of her community, where there hadn't been any medical professionals really. She couldn't truly say that she knew what she was doing, and that had been something she had wanted to explore, before all hell broke loose and practically shoved her into it. She nodded, and went over to the sink, making sure her hair was tied back and would stay that way before quickly, but thoroughly scrubbing her hands, and arms to the elbow.
She didn't let her thoughts wonder to the possibilities of why the two horses had come back alone, instead she focused on what could happen, what injuries they would have to deal with, and hoping she wasn't going to be a hinderance. Slowly, though, she let her eyes close and drew in a deep breath, calming herself as her thoughts drifted inevitably towards Sophia. She could do this, for her. Turning to Froggy, she shifted, ready for what was to come.
It is a whirl wind of actions and problems over the next few moments. On the road, the group is trying it's best to get away from the walkers that are trying to surround them and make a meal out of them. Astrid is in the back of the truck, trying to fight more off as it drives. Her wound is gaping and bleeding but the fever hasn't set in yet. One can easily tell though from her swings that she is tiring but the woman is strong and doesn't let that slow her down as the group tries to mow through.
Ciel is passed out but starts coming to but the nausea has returned with the consciousness and Ray is now getting to dizzy to remain conscious at this point, his eyes rolling back slowly until his body goes limp. Astrid turns and hurries over to Marx, trying to tie off his leg for now. Both Tiffany and Tryke are able to take out a good many but in a crowd like this, it is only thinning the heard, not easing the struggle enough. Others from Franklin are trying to clear out more and keep the group moving forward. Progress is being made but if they aren't able to make a clear break soon they will be over run.
Over in Franklin things seem alright. Sana isn't sure what to say to Ed, so she just gives him a reassuring nod and sad smile before handing him over the scissors and comb as she packs her bag back up and slings it over her shoulder. "Allons chercher vos cheveux lavés d'abord," she tells him as she holds the door to the infirmary open, figuring they better run some soap and water through what is left of his hair before she tries to even it up so it doesn't look to comical. There isn't a chance though, as she steps out into the hallway she screams. Her eyes widening as she unslings her cross bow from her back and knocks an arrow into place. Dashing off she yells back at Ed, "Reste derrière moi!" she yells, wanting him to stay behind her as she dashes out the front door of the school where the screams are coming from. It seems Newnan is under attack from somewhere beyond the tree line, people are getting picked off.
Sana ducks down and slowly makes her way behind a broken down car, trying to see as she takes aim at well nothing, just hoping she sees something. Then suddenly Sana is on her back as her ankle gets grabbed and a knife goes driven deep into her calf muscle. Someone is under the car trying to pull her under now as she kicks to get away.Her crossbow landing next to her as she presses her hands to the door of the car and keeps trying to get out of the grasp of her assailant. Bullets are flying over head and hitting the dirt near her as others are trying to take cover. Rodger runs out of the school and isn't even able to get a good look around before a bullet tears through his chest and he drops lifeless to the ground, rolling down the front steps of the school until he comes to a stop, blood pooling beneath him.
Things in Newnan, well frankly are going about as well as they are in Franklin. Newnan doesn't seem to be under attack at the moment, that is until an explosion goes off within the walls. As Zoie is handing over the little presents she has created, Dick is standing by one of the shelves, waiting to get her back to her house. A hissing sound gets his attention. Slowly he starts walking down the hall of the Armory, and opens the door down to the basement. Peaking his head down his eyes widen before he tears off. grabbing Zoie in his arms. "Fucking water heater, get out!" he yells to Tom and the rest in the armory, Tom doesn't need to be told twice and takes off after Dick as they run out of the building. A few seconds later the "explosion" goes off in the basement. The thick walls off the banks structure keep the water heater from completely trashing everything and blowing up the building but the sound cuts through the air, the ground shakes, and now there is a fire in the basement that is being fueled by a broken gas line.
Over in the Rec center, Tatiana was in the middle of the a movement, the sudden noise and "quake" cause her to go off balance and sends her tumbling to the ground. A messed up ankle, some bruises from hitting a row of chairs, and a busted lips but she will be okay, at least it seems that way. Dick drops Zoie off in the road before rushing towards the back of the armory to find the gas and water mains, hoping he can shut them off before things get worse. The sounds and everything cause the Viking Women's horses to rear up and tear off through the area between the outer and inner wall, they're fine but they are spooked.
Location - Back of the truck, heading towards Newnan
The first few minutes after Ciel woke up, he didn't really realize that anything had changed. He was still nauseous and delusional, which felt much the same as when he was out cold. He barely had the energy to open his eyes, and his breathing was so poor he felt like he was suffocating. Even with his eyes open, it didn't make a difference. His vision was nothing but a colorless blur. He couldn't speak, hear, see or move, so it took him a long time to realize that he was conscious again.
He coughed weakly, gagging and retching as he began to vomit again, bile staining his left cheek and coating a few locks of his pale hair. He didn't bring up much as nothing much was left in his stomach. He was miserable and severely dehydrated, barely conscious and terribly delirious. He never would have done this if he were more lucid, but the eleven year old took in a hoarse gasp for air as tears began to trickle down his cheeks. He'd been sick before countless times, but this was the lowest moment of his life, which only spanned a little more than a decade. He felt like he was at death's doorstep, and he was far from the only one. IF he died today, he certainly wouldn't be the first.
Amelia gave it a quick, but serious thinking as of what to do now. She did indeed feel like getting some rest as soon as possible. The things from the day were getting to her and she felt her body losing it’s edge as things seemed to get harder and harder to do. Things seemed good enough for now and she did help a little so far. Still it would eat her on the inside if she went to bed now, leaving her new friend alone to deal with the chores. She shook her head and smiled.
“No, I will accompany you…” She replied with a smile and took his hand to follow him.” Two people will finish the chores faster than one, I’d feel uncomfortable if I leave you alone to deal with things when I could have helped you...” Amelia added with a small traces of blushes on her cheeks. She liked Mike, he was somewhat different from most people she had met since the walkers thing began. Maybe she just had bad luck with people so far, who knew. The important thing was she enjoyed his company and was gladly going to help him out." Lead the way."
Thing is… everything turned to complete hell as bullets started flying. Everything just happened so damned fast! She barely had any time to realize it before she saw people start dying under the hail of bullets. Blinking once she let out a scream as she jumped away from the door and deeper into the building.’ Why now..!?’ She thought as her hand slipped from Mikes. They were under attack! Under ATTACK!! She didn’t have any weapon to shoot from range, nor could she run outside right now as she’d be picked off easily! In the whole confusion she didn’t even notice that Rodger was one of those who got shot down as she was with her back towards the entrance almost the entire time."MIKE, ARE YOU ALRIGHT!?" She called out, franktically looking for him around.
Location: On Her Motorcycle, on the Walker Infested Route to Newnan
Well shit.
No matter what Tryke did, the hoard of walkers seemed to be just as strong. She swung her bat around, driving her motorcycle at the same time, and yet her deadly multitasking hardly seemed to have any effect. The blonde girl in the truck--the non Viking one--managed to pick off a few with her gun, but even that hardly helped. They needed to do something quickly, or they'd be overrun. The injured would have no chance.
And so, Tryke was faced with a dilemma. She grimaced, whacking another walker with her bat, as she slung the weapon over her shoulders again. Reaching behind into her bag, Tryke contorted her hand slightly, before she was able to grab the makeshift flamethrower from the mesh water bottle pouch on the side. They needed to make a decent break in the walkers, and she wasn't certain how much this would help...She found it was the most effective with the winning--no one liked being set on fire.
"I'll light these fuckers up, you guys try to break through!" Tryke called out. Holding out the homemade flamethrower in one hand, Tryke pressed down on the aerosol spray, causing the spray to come out and the lighter to ignite, creating a column of flame. She aimed at as many walkers as she could, all the while trying to keep a safe distance, if at all possible.
She really didn't want to continue the trend of people getting bitten on this trip.
Édouard Riviere
Location: the Infirmary ---> Cowering Behind a Car Door (Franklin)
Taking the scissors and comb from Sana, Édouard couldn't help but fantasize that they had raided a beauty parlor in Franklin. There were so many beauty lines in the United States, one of his favorite features. A bit of product and his hair would be right as rain, that he was certain. If there were any supermodels left in the world, well, Édouard felt that he'd be qualified to stand among them. Maybe he'd ask Sana if Franklin had any beauty pageants.
"Sana?" Édouard called out, frowning as he heard a scream. Perhaps they'd run out of haircare products? Following her into the hall, his eyes widened as she had a bolt ready in her crossbow. Was she trying to kill him? He shook his head slightly, before obeying her as she commanded him to stay behind her. He rushed outside of the school with her, armed with scissors and a comb, as they entered the hellscape that once was relative safety.
"Qu'est-ce qui passe?" Édouard called out, following Sana as she dove behind a car. However, his answer was cut off as someone sank a knife into Sana's leg. The screaming and gunfire was all background noise, and Édouard instinctively reached for a sword--but Lyon had confiscated them all. He only had a comb and a pair of scissors to fight with.
And then, an even more peculiar thing happened. As Sana kicked around at her attacker from under the car, her crossbow abandoned, Édouard dropped to the ground, snatched up Sana's crossbow, and aimed it underneath the car. And then, figuring that it couldn't be that hard, he pulled the trigger, hoping that he'd done it correctly. He'd never used a crossbow before. But how hard could it be? "Olé!"
Qu'est-ce qui passe? = What's happening?
Jack Hudson
Location: Gilbert Street, in front of Building 1 ---> Lagrange Street, in front of Building 6
While Meghna motioned for someone else to arm him with a gun, he knew that Ashton was in charge, at the end of the day. If he said Jack should head to the armory, then he'd do just that. It was no different than if he had been given an order by the captain, back during his career as a cop. Chain of command had to exist for work to get done. And having been in Newnan for less than a day, he wasn't about to stick his neck out and break it.
"Thank you, sih," Jack replied. He grinned a bit at Bazhooli, seeing that his best man was joining them on the adventure. Having a familiar face was always a comfort, but he did feel slightly more worried for Tatiana. He didn't want her to be all alone in the rec center, but if he didn't do this, then perhaps the safety of Newnan would vanish.
Nodding at his best man, Jack headed over to the armory, excited to (hopefully) get his gun back. Having it on him had become second nature since joining the force, and with the apocalypse, it was as needed as food, water, and clean air. Not having it with him for the past few hours had been unnerving. "Any idea what's going on?" Jack asked his traveling companion, only faltering when the explosion shook the foundations of the city. His eyes widened as he glanced around quickly, before noticing the destruction centered on the armory.
He grimaced a bit, looking over at Bazhooli. This didn't bode well.
location: Building 7 (Rec Center) -> Outside of Building 6 (Armory)
Sophia went back to sitting down in her seat and started to watch as Tatiana that's when she heard a loud bang and then the whole building started to shake, what instantly came to her mind was a second attack in one day. She quickly turned her attention and saw Tatiana had fallen from the sudden earthquake caused by the explosion. Sophia quickly got up from where she was sitting and went over to help Tatiana back up onto her feet. "Are you okay?" Sophia asked as she looked towards the door, she could see the armory from across the street. "Lets get you to the infirmary." Sophia said as she could see Tati's busted lip, she wasn't sure what else hurt but possibly a hurt ankle.
As Sophia started to get out of the building she could see a better look at the damage to the building, the walls seem to be holding from the bank. She spots Kristina across the street to see what had happened, Sophia moves over to Kris gesturing towards Tatiana. "Go and get her checked out in the infirmary for me okay?" Kristina looks towards the girl and nods. "Got it." Kris said as she went to go to help Tatiana if she needed it.
Sophia quickly started running towards the back of the building she sees Dick there searching for the gas and water mains, she looked through one of the small windows on the ground and could see a fire. "What happened?" Sophia asked as she started to search for the gas and water mains if she knew where they were she knew how to shut them off. So long as there wasn't another explosion that would make things worse. The explosion was pretty loud and Sophia was pretty sure that it would lure a herd of walkers right to Newnan.
Kristina Smith
Location: Building E (Kristina's Apartment) -> Building 1 (Infirmary)
As Kristina continued to read her book that's when she jumped and rolled out of her bed letting out a groan as she landed on her back, she slowly got up to her feet and limped her way towards the window that's when she saw the bank from across the street. Kris quickly went to grab her crutches and headed outside, she could see Sophia outside helping Tatiana out. She moved over towards her friend she wasn't sure what happened. Sophia asked Kris to take Tatiana towards the Infirmary she nodded slightly as Kristina offered one of her crutches in case she did need to use it.
"Infirmary isn't far." Kristina said as she started making her way towards the building watching as Sophia ran the opposite direction towards where the explosion happened. Kris looked towards the group that was standing outside of the Infirmary that was going to be going out to search for Bridgette and Astrid. Kristina made her way into the infirmary and looked around till she found Niesha and Froggy getting ready motioning for Tatiana to see them.
Meghna Kumar
Location: Building 1 (Outside)
Meghna looked towards Jack and gave him a friendly smile and nod as he watched him heading towards the Armory, she handed the gun back towards the other Newnanite. She looked to see Bazhooli as he came up to be one of the volunteers to head out, she watched Ash and Bazhooli speak glad to see the man getting his stuff back from his escort. "I can scout ahead if you'd like me to Ash." Meghna volunteered as she saw Jack coming back with his own gear he had came into Newnan with.
That's when she felt the ground suddenly shake and then the large explosion coming from several blocks down getting a better view Meg could see a plume of smoke from where the armory was. Meg quickly reached for her handgun being alert in case if it was an attack from Eden again.
Raymond Mendoza
Location: Road to Newnan and a herd of walkers.
Raymond slowly turned his head around as time seemed to slow down around him he watched as the others around him continued to fight off the herd of walkers that were slowly surrounding them. A wave of dizziness hit him again harder this time as Ray's eyes started to get heavy, he slowly started nodding his head doing his best to try and stay awake until finally his body just gave way. Raymond's body went limp his head resting on the bed of the truck.
Franklin - "Yeah, I'm fine! Stay inside!" Mike yells back through the door as he pulls his side arm and ducks down, trying to get a look around. After a minute he comes back into the school and looks over at Amelia. "I need to get on the roof, follow me, gonna need you to hold a few things for me," he says before taking her hand and running down the hallway to his quarters where he retrieves his rifle and his dads. (Hey, Rodger isn't going to need it anymore." Handing one over to Amelia he tells her to follow him again as he looks for the roof access. Lyon is in the hallway gather people and spouting off orders of who to get where. Sana is kicking at the assailant under the car. "Let go you fucker!" she screams. As Ed pulls the trigger the pulling stops and there is a yell from under the car. Sana manages to get her leg out. Looking over towards Ed she nods and slowly takes the cross bow from him. "Merci," she says as she gets to putting another bolt into place as the shots keep being fired around them. Her calf is bleeding horribly and Sana's expression is getting more and more angry. Eying Ed for a moment before she suddenly takes aim right at him and pulls the trigger. The arrow flies by his right ear before burying itself into the chest of a man who is stopped mid run and drops dead at Ed's feet.
merci - thank you
On The Road - The group manages a bit of luck and is able to break through the main hoard, speeding travel up significantly. Eventually turning north onto Smokey Rd headed towards Newnan. Tryke is able to take out a few more as she travels with the truck. Franklin folk picking off others. Astrid gets to work on stabilizing Marx and Ceil. There is only so much she can do in the back of a moving vehicle. Four patients and a woman that just lost her sister in arms and was bitten herself is not making for a good time. Taking a quick moment she pulls out the sat phone and calls for Ash, waiting until he picks up. If he does she says the following - "Ran into a hoard, coming in on Smokey Rd currently, need back up and a team to divert the hoard." - if she doesn't she curses under her breath in Norwegian as she gets back to work on the four she is determined to get back to Newnan alive. Ceil's vomiting will be subsiding, Ray is holding stable even if out cold, the boy with the broken leg is just looking around frantically, and Marx sitting up, leaned against the back of the bed of the truck while he takes fire at Walkers getting to close despite bleeding.
Newnan - Zoie looks around and slowly pulls herself to her feet, wrapping her arm around two of the children who have come scrambling over to her. "Don't cha be fretin' none, let's get ya inside, comes on now," she says as she starts to hobble over towards the infirmary. Dick looks over towards Sophia and growls slightly. "Fucking water heater went off, need to get these lines off but I needs me tools from the shop," he says before hearing a scream from inside the armory. Running in he finds Tom near the basement door, seems he didn't listen and the man has flash burns all over his body. Grabbing Tom he pulls him outside and looks at Sophia. "Get him to Froggy, going to get my tools before this place blows again," he says before running off towards the repair shop. "Meg! Help Sophia with Tom!" Dick yells as he runs into the shop. Tatiana looks up slowly, holding the front of her head where she hit it. "Vhat vas that?" she asks confused to what had caused the quake in the ground. Slowly standing she nods towards Kris and starts to make her way towards the infirmary.
Location - Back of the truck, heading towards Newnan
Ciel was in truly miserable condition, too weak to respond to anything. He was no longer able to even produce tears, being terribly dehydrated. At this point he was fully conscious and yet completely unaware of his surroundings. He almost wished he hadn't woken up, because as much as unconsciousness didn't offer much relief to his symptoms, it was ultimately better than being awake. Nothing was worse, in his mind, than being unable to move... or see, or speak. All he could really do was listen, try to stay as alert as he could.
At least he'd stopped vomiting, and hadn't choked to death on his own bile. That would be a nastier way to die than succumbing to simple malnutrition and dehydration. However, he'd managed to make quite a mess of himself, and losing what little amount of fluid was left in his system was not going to help him survive this trip. For the moment, however, he was mostly stable. Not dead yet, anyway.
Niesha waited, feeling like the infirmary was holding its breath, like it knew all hell was going to come to them. Niesha wondered, as they waited, who would make it through the night. As what seemed like an explosion burst through the complex, Niesha tensed, waiting for more, wondering if anyone had been hurt, mentally trying to figure out what injuries would manifest from that. Burns, certainly. People falling over fromt he blast, maybe? So injuries from that...she wondered if they had enough of everything, or if she was going to be running around boiling water, ripping up sheets, slaming together medicines as quickly as she could...One thing was for certain, whatever happened here tonight, she was going to be busy the next few days trying to replenuish their stock of medicines, at the very least.
as Kristina appeared, totting along one of the newer arrivals to newman, Niesha took the chance to leap into action, looking the woman over as she approached, seeking to help Kristina with her-knowing Kristina herself had an injured ankle. The woman just seemed bruised up, mostly, but if she'd fallen on something, as it seemed evident from the way she was limping and being supported, Niesha knew there could be internal injuries, and she wondered if they were set up for that. "What happened? Did you hit your head?" She looked to Kristina too, hoping there would be answers enough for what happened. Panic shifted threw her. If there was injuries inside, and injured coming...would they have enough beds, or would they have to result to using every bit of avaliable floor space? Her heart clenched-Sophia! Yet she reframed from panicking fully. Sophia just had to be alright.
She honestly wasn't sure they were going to make it.
Her attention was drawn to the three injured in the truck. The boy with the broken leg seemed panicked, the other boy looked nauseous, and Ray was going in and out of consciousness. The odds were not in their favor, especially when two of their guards were now dead and one was bitten. She put her gun away and took out her bow and arrows, but she slung it over her shoulder as she tended to the boy, putting a hand on his forehead, "It's going to be ok, just relax. She did her best to soothe the boy, even though she wanted to panic herself. They needed to get to Newnan quickly.
"Copy on Smokey Road, undead hostiles in force." Ash indeed did answer the satellite phone. "Hole up someplace if you can. We're coming hot and fast." He hung up the phone and began walking across the street to his baby, the gigantic piece of utility machinery that one of his wayward women referred to quite unaffectionately as a "Big Diesel Dumptrain. Well, the joke's on her. That sweet, lifesaving truck was about to pull her bacon out of the fire in short order. Ash greatly wished that the Internet was still functional, mostly so that he could watch video of his Hordebuster flinging away an endless succession of shambling corpses, to and fro in the dying light of the evening.
He was stopped by Meghna, offering to run as a scout. It was a first for her. Ash flashed a look of concern for a half second, but quickly dismissed it. "Grab a light vehicle that you're extremely comfortable maneuvering. Wait for us at the gate."
At that moment, the explosion rocked downtown Newnan, originating at the Armory. This was no small cause for alarm. In the event that this was an attack (again), Ash pulled his .45 and scanned the area. Through his radio, he rather loudly inquired, "Someone tell me what's going on. Is anyone hurt?"
The Great Bazhooli
Location: Gilbert Street, in front of Building 1 -> Headed North on LaGrange Street
The Great Bazhooli had deftly stowed his knives and was in process of checking his rifle when the BOOM occurred. He instinctively dropped low, looking for someplace to tuck and roll into and/or behind. For a moment, his mind's eye saw the destruction of his Circus's touring train. He wasn't particularly eager for the same thing to happen to his new home (or what he hoped was going to be his new home).
His very recent friend posed the blaringly obvious question, "Any idea what's going on?". Were he a second or two later with the inquiry, Bazhooli surely would have asked first. He shook his head for a bit before actual words came from his mouth. "Not knowing, Mr. Jack. Is giant boom, I know same as you." At least they weren't getting shot at. "Ve go help, da?" It was less of a question than it was a statement that they should. But of course, he didn't figure that Jack had to be convinced. He didn't seem to be that type of person.
The Great Bazhooli pulled on his grey, bear fur coat and began to run toward the source of the offending noise. As it turned out, that was exactly where they were headed in the first place. Maybe he could help, maybe he couldn't. But, much as before, there was no way in hell he was going to stick around and juggle bowling pins while something urgent was going down.
Black James(!)
Location: Building C (His House) -> Building 6, Armory
So, James's day was eventful. Started out that way, continued with smokey meats, kept going with a running tally of drama over the radio. Now here he was, admiring his monster of a Sniper System/Anti-Materiel Rifle when an explosion from the floor just below knocked him off of his feet.
"Boy oh boy, this shit rains, it muthafuckin' pours, don't it?" he mumbled to himself. James looked around, surprised that there was anything of him left. An explosion inside the armory had the potential for far more carnage than an errant grenade lobbed almost anyplace else in town. Well, except maybe Ash's distillery storage. That would be a loss on multiple levels, in James's estimation. All the same, the ringing in his ears chased out any other bits of rational thought. He struggled to pick himself back up off of the floor.
By the time he was upright, James saw Tom getting carted off. No armorer, explosion in the building. He had half a mind to grab as many munitions as possible and sprint for the door, the other half to merely get as far from this building as possible. Absently, he spoke into his walkie. The first few words weren't his strongest, but they steadied as he went on. "Hey, ...hey, anybody, umm... Big 'splosion in the Armory basement. Tom is down but not out. Ash, Zoie, what y'all need me to do? I'm inside at ground zero."
Location: On Her Motorcycle, on the Walker Infested Route to Newnan
By some stroke of luck, worthy of cheering and shouting, they managed to break through the main hoard. And on the extreme bright side, no one else appeared to have been shoved to the brink of death. Those in the truck didn't look too hot, but to be fair, they didn't look much different when they left Franklin. It was to be expected. Odds were, those in the truck wouldn't make the trip.
But damnit, she couldn't help but hope the sexy one handed engineer survived. She'd already lost her other friend. And as much as she enjoyed the company of her bike, Sheila (as she so lovingly called it) wasn't a great conversation partner.
"Fuck yes," Tryke muttered under her breath, putting away her flamethrower contraption. Unlike swinging a bat, she could only use the flamethrower for a very limited amount of time. It was never supposed to be more than a scare tactic anyways. Readjusting her grip so her bat was back in her hands, Tryke continued her work, attempting to help the truck get through. And from what she heard, soon-to-be-dead Viking Chick Number 2 had a fucking phone.
How the hell did....No, Tryke wasn't going to question it. But if more Viking Chicks were going to show up to help them get out of here without having their asses handed to them by the hoard of undead, that was fine with her. Just peachy, really.
Édouard Riviere
Location: Cowering Behind a Car Door (Franklin)
Édouard pumped his fist in the air at the yelp. He'd done it! He'd protected Sana! A broad goofy smile spread across his face. Maybe sword skills did transfer over to crossbows, then? Nodding at Sana's thanks, Édouard continued to congratulate himself for saving the damsel in distress. However, his features quickly changed back to horror and confusion as Sana raised her crossbow, and ever so elegantly, aimed it at him.
"Sana..." Édouard cautioned, holding his hands up defensively. But it was no matter. Sana released the bolt, and Édouard yelped in terror. Did pretty girls generally shoot at their saviors?
But it never hit him. It whistled by his right ear, and a moment later, a stranger fell dead at his feet. He blinked a bit, blushing with embarrassment. It seemed Sana hadn't attempted to kill him after all. And he now owed her his life...again. It bothered him ever so slightly. He never fancied himself to be a good damsel in distress, but he supposed, he could live with it. He had been meaning to replace Félix anyways...
Somehow, though, Édouard got the notion that Sana didn't want to be his bodyguard. She wanted to be his equal, perhaps his partner--not in a romantic way, of course. "Merci," Édouard replied, thanking Sana for her assistance. "Le mollet..." Édouard commented, taking the pair of scissors, and cutting off the sleeve of his black button-up. Handing it over to her, Édouard nodded down at her leg.
In his opinion, she was too pretty--and nice--to bleed to death.
Merci = Thank you Le mollet = Your calf...
Jack Hudson
Location: Lagrange Street, heading to Building 6
Jack nodded, as his best man rose to his feet, putting on his assorted furs. Perhaps this was more where he'd be needed--not out in the road dealing with the walkers or whatever had gone on. Of course, he didn't have any knowledge of explosions or repairs, but he could listen to and follow directions pretty decently. It was perhaps the only thing his high school diploma had been good for, beyond allowing him to join the force--it taught him the simple skill of following what others said.
"Yeah, let's see what's up," Jack replied, joining Bazhooli in the run towards the armory. "'Least we can do to help."
Generally, explosions--or very large booms, at the least--weren't the best sign. And with the problem happening out of the settlement, Jack couldn't help but fear there was some sort of attack. He had lost Sutton in an attack due to invaders, he couldn't allow the same thing to happen here. He had a small little family, with his fiancée and his best man. And he couldn't help but feel like he'd get closer with the rest of the community in time, since they all seemed to be wicked cool.
He couldn't help but muse over what could have happened, of course. The sound came from the armory--maybe they had some bombs down there or something? With all of the advancements this settlement had, it wouldn't shock him too much. But still, he couldn't imagine bombs would go off accidentally? He shook the thoughts of his head. All he could do was show up and see what they needed from him. That was how he could help. It was his superpower, almost--showing up.
Location - Back of the truck, heading towards Newnan
Ciel was still curled up shivering in the back of the truck, the left side of his face and part of his hair splattered with vomit. He breathed in shaky gasps of air, occasionally emitting a raspy cough that sounded like it hurt. He'd been conscious for the last five minutes or so, and his vision was starting to come back. However, he was still far too weak to move around much. Looking around the truck, he noticed that Ray was now lying limp. ...He's probably dead. Thought the eleven year old, feeling lucky that he wasn't dead himself.
With great effort, he managed to prop himself up on his elbow and clean off his face with his sleeve. This gave him a better view of the scenery. Mostly just a bunch of walkers, some of whom were now on fire. Oy vey... He thought to himself, unable to speak due to the dryness in his throat and the intense burning sensation it carried with it. The walkers caused Ciel some anxiety, to say the least. His chances of making it were already slim. If walkers got into the truck, he'd have no chance of fighting them off. Besides, he had no idea where his rifle had ended up. Or his inhaler, for that matter. The latter item might be more urgently needed. Since he'd showed up to Franklin with a far more dire medical emergency, he hadn't told anyone about his asthma....
Nevertheless, there was nothing to be done about that now. He was surprised that he even had the energy to sit up. He kept his eyes on the inside of the truck, watching one of the women comforting the boy with the broken leg, and the amputated man lying cold and languid. Another man, also with an injured leg, and a woman whose shoulder had been bitten had joined the people in the back of the truck. This wasn't a good place to die. Surrounded by walkers and injured people, the scent of sickness and death lingering in the air. He was only eleven years old. He couldn't die now. He'd never even had a chance to be useful to anyone. Dying a liability was possibly one of the things he feared the most, after heights and spiders and being restrained. Ciel forced his eyes shut, taking a deep, shuddering breath in a futile attempt to calm his nerves. He'd never get through this if he wasted his energy panicking.
Amelia followed Mike without any delay. She was currently in shock and confusion, but held onto his presence as the single thread of logic and stability in the present situation. She held tightly his hand as she ran after him. Mike said they needed to head to the roof, a thing which she actually realized was a good plan. Roof meant height, height meant great vantage point and good defense from bullets. It was the overall best strategy option for them at present.
She followed him all the way to his quarters. At first she gulped when Mike gave her a rifle, but then she took a breath quickly, grabbed the gun, holding it securely in her hands and nodded with small brave look in her eyes despite feeling fear.
“Alright!” She then stated as they started to look for the roof. She really hoped that she won't need to fire this gun as at this distance, she'd only waste the bullets. Still she was more than ready to carry the guns and do anything to help. She wanted to survive! To survive and see those people who broke this place dead, laying on the ground.
"Mike, do we have other poeple up on the roof?" She asked, with concern as this small detail had escaped her. She never really looked up towards the roof when they arrived earlier. Cause while position up there would be of great advantage, it would also make them eventually great target.
location: Outside of Building 6 (Armory) -> Building 1 (Infirmary)
Sophia nodded when Dick answered her question, she jumped suddenly when she heard a scream coming from within the armory she quickly followed Dick towards the entrance of the armory she stood just outside. Sophia then saw Richard carrying an injured Tom out of the building, seeing the flash burns all over the man's body. "I'll come help once Tom is settled in there." Sophia said towards Richard as she saw him running off towards the shop, she gently took Tom's arm over her shoulder feeling the man's body weight on her. "Just hold onto me alright?" Sophia said as she groaned slightly slowly making her way towards the armory she heard Richard yelling out for Meg to help her out. Even though she could easily handle carrying someone it would make things a bit faster, a few seconds later Sophia saw Meg coming over taking Tom's other arm feeling some of the weight off of her now they both started making their way towards the armory.
"Thank you." Sophia said with a soft smile towards Meg as they made it towards the armory, she turned her head towards Ashton asking for a report on what happened. She heard Black James' voice on the radio she didn't even know that he was in there until now, but he answered his question. She and Meg both walked into the infirmary seeing Tatiana and Kris there the two of them rushed Tom into the infirmary. "The water heater in the armory went off, that's what caused the explosion, Tom went back into the building for some reason and got burned." She told Froggy, Niesha, Tatiana and Kris.
Sophia and Meg got Tom onto one of the beds and went over towards Niesha and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'm fine I have to get back and help before anything else explodes." She told her before heading back out and started running back towards the armory she ran past Bazhooli and Jack.
Kristina Smith
Location: Building 1 (Infirmary)
Kristina looked at Tatiana seeing the confused look on the woman's face as Kris helped her she looked over towards Niesha and smiled at her friend as she introduced herself to Tatiana she stood just outside of the room to the infirmary letting Froggy and Niesha do their thing. Kris quickly turned her head as she saw Sophia and Meg coming into the infirmary with a badly burned Tom in tow, she shuddered slightly seeing the burns on Tom. She wasn't sure what she could do to help out but Kris was willing to help out if they did actually need her to help out.
Kris listened to Sophia as she explained what had happened to Tom as she walked into the room once Tom was in the infirmary bed Kristina watched Sophia kiss Niesha on the cheek and then heading out of the room. "Is there anyway I could help out?" Kristina asked looking over at Froggy she didn't have anything else to do she couldn't run over and help the others. And Kris couldn't help out in the fields for the next two days, she just really wanted to feel useful.
Meghna Kumar
Location: Building 1 (Outside)
Once Meg finished helping out Sophia carrying Tom to the armory she started to head back out she headed over towards Ashton she saw the slight flash of concern on his face before it quickly faded. "Will do." Meghna said as she started to head towards the motor pool as she walked around until she found a white sedan she was the most comfortable driving with. Meg went towards the building and grabbed the keys to the car and started her way towards the sedan. Meghna set her pack in the backseat of the car and closed the drivers side door and started up the sedan's engine. Meg stopped for a moment seeing her brother Sid nearby and waved him over, she didn't have any other partner at the moment. "Sid your joining me." Meg called to him. He nodded slightly as he made his way to the car and got inside.
Meg slowly started to drive down Lagrange Street she stopped the car at the main gate she shut off the engine and rolled down the window looking out the window as she waited for Ashton and whoever else had volunteered to go out and save their own people. She wasn't sure why she even wanted to go in the first place. But Meg knew she couldn't let their own people stay outside wherever they were.
