Clover shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Apparently talks were going better than expected, especially if Carter had allowed the woman inside the truck. The sound of the door opening had startled her but now that the initial shock was over and Katrina had firmly taken her place, something else was bothering her. That seat she was in belonged to someone else. [b]"What's..."[/b] She'd been inside the cab for a while now trying to keep quiet and to herself that when she finally opened her mouth, the word came out as a whisper. Closing her eyes, she shook her head and tried a second time. [b]"What's your name?"[/b] Clover closed her eyes again as she waiting for the woman to speak, hoping that she would answer correctly... [i][center]...Skylar...Skylar...Skylar...[/center][/i] Maybe if she repeated the name over and over in her head, that's what she would hear. [b]"Drop your fucking weapon...!"[/b] Clover's eyes shot open and she twisted around to look outside. Most of the conversation being exchanged between everyone left had been muted to a point that she could only understand a dull mumbling of words. However, Niko's yelling and what he was saying put her on edge immediately. She tried to make out who he was talking to until another new face with a shotgun walked past her window toward the three men. [b]"You've got to be kidding me..."[/b] ---- Carter stepped away from his truck just as he was about to climb in and drive off only to see one more stranger invite himself to the party. Another young man as far as Carter was concerned, every thing was younger when compared to him. He wore warm thick clothing that seemed in surprisingly good shape, not to mention the gear he was carrying around seem... full. This man was clearly alone and seemed to be doing rather well by himself. More importantly, it was almost immediately clear that he was no bandit. He had on everything he held dear, that much was clear. Furthermore he was outnumbered and if he tried to kill anyone, he'd quickly find himself in a puddle of his own blood. No... this man wasn't a bandit. In fact, considering the group he found himself in, the plus one may be the last thing they needed to round off a solid team. Niko, although somewhat unpredictable, had at least some apparent knowledge of firearms. His possession of a working vehicle gave him more value than anything else. With more space in the back, they could double the amount of loot they carried back during runs. Sure, he may have to rip out his radio and speakers but other than that, the man had his use. Ryan had proven earlier that he could at the very least handle walkers up close and personal with any assortment of melee weapons. In the new world, knowing had to swing a crowbar maybe universal knowledge but some people still relied on firearms instead. Stealth was important and Carter knew Ryan was only two steps away from becoming invisible. Then there was Katrina. The woman had surprising charm even if she did seem a bit jumpy. However she too knew how to handle her own and as if to add a cherry to Carter's desert, she carried with her an axe. To round her off, she had a disarming voice. There was a hint of Spanish tongue and with the looks she brought to the table, she could get into the mind of any man and leave him defenseless. It was a skill that other men didn't have and one very important to their party. Of course the same skill was a double edged sword but he was sure everyone would keep in line. As far as Clover and himself was concerned, they both had survived with just each other for many months now. More faces just made things easier on themselves. [b]"5......4....."[/b] Carter turned toward Niko, his rifle raised with the intent to kill. It was a noble effort, especially after the debacle he'd created for everyone earlier but they didn't have time to hold anyone up anymore. The last light of the sun was going out, the remaining slivers of orange and red disappearing in the sky. If they didn't leave soon, they were going to have trouble getting to safety later without attracting a horde of walkers with the noise from their trucks. [b]"3.....2....."[/b] He quickly stepped in between the rifle and it's intended target and put his hand up in front of Niko, shaking his head slowly so he'd lower the gun. [b]"No."[/b] He started before turning around to face their new friend. [b]"Listen, I've run into too many new people to give a fuck about anyone else. I'm tired and it's already late so I'm giving you two choices and one chance."[/b] A small drop of moisture landed on his left hand. Carter looked down to see the small bead of liquid quickly disappear. [b]"You can either join us as we seek shelter, or whether this storm by yourself."[/b] The word storm held more than just one definition to Carter. The new world was a storm and to fight it alone was suicide. [b]"If you intend to join us, then you'll have to convince me why we should keep you. A few cans of food and a loud mouth isn't isn't going to cut it."[/b]