[hr][hr][center][h1][color=steelblue]Ashton Holloway[/color][/h1] [img]https://31.media.tumblr.com/bcfab66a674d39bfaaddc28bd62d4470/tumblr_inline_ne41kcr5UN1s5par2.jpg[/img][/center] [hr][center][b]Location:[/b] Quarters, Out and About in Newnan [/center][hr][hr] The month passed with Ashton throwing himself into whatever project came along next, displaying his almost trademark stoic professionalism. Luckily for him, there was a lot to do. His responsibilities with Engineering kept him especially busy, having to handle the brunt of the repair and modification. Walls to fix. Gates to install. Wells to dig. His Hordebuster required diagnostics and repair, a thing which could not be put off, owing to the nature of projected supply and salvage runs. Much of this required substantial assistance from Newnan's two resident metalworkers; one of whom spoke very little, the other comparatively much, often with horrible, vulgar descriptors. When he wasn't giving orders or pushing himself with Newnan's upkeep, Ash could be found in his home, writing with a clean, solid hand in a series of notebooks. Every penstroke was calculated for legibility and sentence structure, designed for easily comprehensible reading. There were several such notebooks carefully set aside in his home, but there seemed to be three that got the majority of his attention these past few weeks, titled "Distillation of Spirits and Utility Products", "The Hordebuster", and "Civil Engineering, Present and Projected". The first such text detailed the construction and proper operation of a few different types of stills suitable for the production of alcohol, vinegar, and purified, distilled water. The applications within the walls of Newnan were limitless; it could be said that the city ran on booze. Not just the stuff for drinking, though Ash was a man with a talent for making The Good Stuff, but the utility alcohol used for medical purposes, fuel, sterilization, even weaponized. And yes, he made sure to add much in the way of information about his personal techniques and recipes for good, old fashioned, smooth, consumable liquor. Vinegar was an essential item as well, one that promised to get vigorous use once crops started coming in after a few more weeks. Distilled water found its uses with Medical, primarily, though when needed it was the most excellent medium for the production of flammable beverages at their disposal. A touch of family history rounded out this Tome of Potent Liquids, making it the equal of any textbook on the subject. His second book, "The Hordebuster", told a story of the origin of the 1990 Freightliner FLD Class Severe Duty Tandem Drive Utility Truck; its origin as a hauler in Canada, subsequent modification to conform to United States law concerning freight haulers on interstate highways, and its role in the Holloway family business. The script changed ever so slightly, bolder, more determined, when it discussed the events leading up to the massive alteration Ash had done to it, turning it into the unmistakable road beast known to Ash's people as The Hordebuster. The tale of it aside, it contained all of the technical information required to properly service the machine, and even rebuild it if necessary. Further, written inside were his plans for future upgrades, were the situation to do so availed itself. The information inside would allow a suitably talented individual to fully construct another Hordebuster, given the right vehicle to start with as a base. "Civil Engineering, Present and Projected" was a potentially dangerous book to let loose. Alternately, it could function as a blueprint for any other such group of survivors in their situation, looking to survive and rebuild in the wake of global catastrophe. The script outlined the structures in Newnan that made their community possible: Wells, cisterns, solar plants, their power grid, the construction of walls and gates, and the myriad of other systems in place. The utilization and augmentation of existing technology was written about at length, and a good half of the script and pictures concerned plans for expansion and further innovation, in hopes of bringing more good people into the community. There was one final piece of documentation that Ash penned over the course of the month, one that he drafted again and again, meticulously, until he was certain that he had gotten it exactly how he wanted it. It was a short piece of text, in comparison to the others, clearly labeled with the words: "[u]Last Will and Testament - Ashton J. Holloway[/u]". The Captain gave this last piece considerable thought, at least daily. He would take it out and read it, sometimes many times. This particular day, it was the first thing he did when he rose in the morning. Ash outfitted himself for a day inside the walls. Cargo style ACU pants and a close fitting black shirt, polished black combat boots, and his industrial cutsleeves. The last item seemed an oddity, a bit strange looking until one got used to seeing him in them. Still, he insisted on having them on his person. Generally, the Captain insisted on wearing a patrol cap bearing his rank insignia. Today it was folded over and stuck in one of his cargo pockets. He didn't quite feel himself today. Then again, he hadn't quite felt himself for a while. Rather than fully prepare for a battle, he brought with him his .45 and his knife; a big, shaggy thing that was essentially a knuckle duster with broad, slightly curved blade. Just because he knew he would be working, he snapped his canteen upon his utility belt, full of good, clear water. It had been a month to the day since all hell had broken loose in Newnan, bringing them fully into spring. May 1st was considered a holiday of sorts, among some older cultures; a time of rebirth and green, growing things. While Ash didn't know about all that, it was a time to get things done for the community. One thing that advancing spring did bring with it was the return of prevalent wildlife. One day, and soon, he needed to take a group out and go hunting. Or have James do it. Deer would be coming out soon, and Wild Hogs would be circling back around to this area any day now. Something to talk to their Agriculture Lead about later. For now, Ash gathered the four items on his study table, smoothed out his shirt, and started toward the door. He stopped for just a moment, regarding the coatstand next to his front door. It had a recently familiar coat hung upon it. Brown, mottled leather, it formerly belonged to Leann McCormick, the previous Commanding Officer. More accurately, it was her grandfather's flight jacket from World War II. Ash's own jacket was utterly destroyed one month ago; he had let the newcomer, Lorna, borrow it to distinguish her from the invaders. She was buried with it. For a brief moment, Ash considered wearing the decades old coat of Leann's, but ultimately decided against it. It was getting warm out, and he would be working today. Notebooks and papers in hand, Captain Holloway strode out to the sidewalk and turned to go to the Courthouse. A few minutes later, Ash had his writings under lock and key. He recovered freshly charged batteries for his walkie, and grabbed a few tools from storage that he thought might be useful. With a businesslike demeanor, he strode into the Infirmary. Nodding to Astrid, he paid some attention to the pair of them, she and Sophia. [color=steelblue]"You're looking well, ma'am. Doc's report from last night says you're about good to go. Domestic should have your quarters squared away whenever you're ready."[/color] Ash looked around the Infirmary proper again. Victor wasn't around, and he was the person Ash had come to see. He must still be in his quarters. Nodding to the two women again, he gave a stern but polite, [color=steelblue]"Ma'am, and ma'am."[/color] before heading out and over to the Doc's designated apartment within the building. Ash gave a curt knock to his door. A formality, really; him being polite and respecting the Doctor's personal space. [color=steelblue]"Dr. Bonheur! We have time scheduled at the Distillery. Meghna has a barrel or two of spoiling fruit we need to convert, on the now. I'll meet you there."[/color] Satisfied that the doctor would see to his non-medical responsibilities, Ash exited the building. A part of him actually felt hopeful for the day - his and Froggy's task was the production of peach brandy. Longer than a one day affair, still, the most important part had to be done now. That, and Ash was looking forward to eventually sipping on a jug of sweet, peachy ambrosia. The little things in life, especially now that life was so brutish and short, were especially important. [hr][hr][center][h1][color=firebrick]Black James![/color][/h1] [img]https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/avatars/6AE78329E91063505631975227392_pic-r-1396533712688c4afde8ecf.jpg.jpg?versionId=ZnGOSit0zozlhxpJk0w6QVx4cSozVRdq[/img][/center] [hr][center][b]Location:[/b] Newnan, Inner Wall and Agriculture [/center][hr][hr] James was awake right at dawn. Perhaps it was survival instinct, or the side effect of being raised entirely in an agricultural setting. Whatever the cause, he was up just before the sun, ready to go. A quick few minutes of getting himself ready and pulling on fresh overalls, he hightailed it over to the Mess to grab a quick something before jumping headlong into his tasks for the day. He didn't figure on needing his bow, nor Vera today; it was a day for digging in dirt and slopping hogs. The morning meeting went by as things do in an ordered community; fast and easy. When everyone knows what they're doing, and the folks in charge trust the judgement of the people working under them, this is how it's supposed to go. Times past, way past, James had responsibilities like this. Not quite on the scale of keeping a community alive, but he had run a farm before. Not as the big bossman, mind you, but he played his part where he was needed, and as a result came to know a great deal about keeping people fed. It was a good system, what he had set up. One that he hoped would stay in the care of Maria Smith, before her untimely expiration. But it looked like he had re-inherited the responsibility whether he wanted it or not. Still, he was competent with this kind of management. The system was based on crop and livestock rotation, restoring the soil for the next go around. Two chief crops were produced, chosen for nutritional value and how long they could be preserved: Corn and Peanuts. Another full section of the growing area was dedicated to the various fruits and vegetables that made mealtime more exciting, seasonally. When rotation occurred, everything shifted location to accommodate what the last crop left behind in the soil, changeable in location with Livestock. All in all, a very tidy and sustainable way of keeping Newnan fed, in an manner almost as ancient as the concept of Agriculture itself. After breakfast and the morning meeting, James went in search of his people to hand out assignments. As the crops were in, all that was really needed today was a little upkeep, maybe some weeding in Crops. Livestock was where the fun was to occur today. No huge, major ordeals to perform, but the basic care for these animals meant adequate access to food and water. Certain elements of their holding pens must be shoveled elsewhere and composted. Horses needed to be exercised. Perhaps James would speak to the Valkyries about the horses, the pair seemed to have a thing for them. At the least, new blood in the form of Cadence and Edgar, their personal mounts. Fine animals, those, strong. Their "Horsey Essence" would make for satisfactory breeding with their preexisting stock of horseflesh. But that was for another day. Today, James would find the two people assigned to Livestock and get them started. He could clearly see from the street in front of the courthouse that Kristina was on her way to the gate to Crops. No problem. He moved at a jog to meet his crew at the gate. [color=firebrick]"Mornin' there, Little Sister!"[/color] he started, looking as cheerful as being awake at this hour allowed, [color=firebrick]"Naw, we got people pullin' weeds n' such. You, me, and Guy'll be out the south gate. We gots'ta feed the animals and collect eggs. C'mon now."[/color] He looked to Guy, the man who took over the sniper's post from that horrible day one month ago. Then it occurred to him that it had been exactly one month since. [color=firebrick]"Hey hey! Good news there, Guy! Today's your last day shovellin' pigshit for me, 'less you wanna reassign permanent! Good news, right?"[/color] James looked to Kristina and winked. It was no secret that he wasn't especially happy with the assignment, but it beat exile. Or worse. Hell, Guy had gotten off easy, getting to work for him. If only he'd been able to transfer him off of stable-mucking duty regularly, it really wouldn't have been such a bad work detail. But, somebody had to do it. Black James put just a bit more spring in his step, and began leading his team toward the main gate. [hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=orangered]Bridgette Vinters[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d5/b4/78/d5b478ac0063ce48f5bab3cb5648b0a1.jpg[/img][/center] [hr][center][b]Location:[/b] Home, Newnan Outer Wall [/center][hr][hr] Bridgette wasn't sure how she wound up sleeping sideways on her bed, over the covers. Or why she was naked except for a goggled aviator cap. Or where in the room-spinning Hell she even found a goggled aviator cap. These things were of little importance. What was primary on her mind, headwear aside, was the fact that there were still good peaches sitting in a bowl on the kitchen table. She had to repeat that again in her mind: [i]There were peaches, in a bowl, in the kitchen.[/i] Holy shit. Ordinarily, Bridgette had zero appetite early in the morning, preferring to get moving to whatever had to be handled first in the day. Until recently, that had been packing up and getting on the road. But there was fruit within her reach, here. Sweet, delicious, fresh little spheroids of fuzzy orange flesh, loaded with juicy nectar. She hadn't expected to see anything like that again, not for years. Thinking on it, she hadn't expected to sleep somewhere reasonably safe, without her armor, in a frigging [i]bed[/i] ever again. So much so that she woke up naked, sideways, with an aviator cap. Here, in an apocalyptic world, that must just be the norm. But back to the peaches - Bridgette was already up and moving before she realized that she was slightly hung over and had forgotten to put on pants. No matter, keep to priorities. Peaches. Her journey to the kitchen was a little bit shaky but very direct. She grabbed a couple of peaches from the bowl and attacked one immediately. Even if she had never experienced the wonder of this particular fruit before, and no matter that she hadn't in ages, there was a stone certainty in her that this region produced the best peaches in the entire goddamned planet. Period. Her initial guttural desire sated, Bridgette walked over to Bryn's bedroom door, slightly ajar from Astrid's actions earlier, She spoke through the crack in the doorway, [color=orangered]"She's a bitch but she's right. We got shit to do. Cap'n says there's a couple cracks in the eastern wall that need fixing; you and me are just the cunts for the job."[/color] She glanced down, seemingly just realizing her state of undress. [color=orangered]"Huh..."[/color] she began in a matter-of-factly voice while adjusting the goggles off of her eyes [color=orangered]"That's fucking [i]weird[/i]. You get up. I need to find my pants."[/color] After a few minutes, Bridgette found herself dressed in clean clothes, quite ordinary to the century - Loose carpenter's jeans, high brown snake boots, and a black tank top. She tied a pink paisley bandanna around her braids, letting them fall across her back. Her concessions to her occupation as a Professional Battle Bitch came in the form of her riveted steel bracers and greaves. Additional protection in places intended to take a blow, and a little extra oomph if she suddenly felt the need to knuckle a guy. Day being very young, that could be a possibility. She finished off her second peach and pocketed the seeds. Funny, the concept of preparing for a long-term future both irked and comforted the wiry metalworker. There was no illusion that this place was an invincible bastion of all things good and holy. One bad day could ruin everything. Hell, it almost did the day she arrived. But it was a thing worth fighting for, which was, in this world, almost as good. As it turned out, Bridgette didn't have an especially busy day lined up. The work on the wall shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. Then she had a class on coordinated melee violence she had to instruct. She had considered keeping to her forge after that, working on farming tools or weapons after that. But her day was open. In truth, she was looking forward to getting back to work. Something about perfectly rounding a red hot horseshoe with a hammer and set of tongs was massively appealing. So was turning scrap metal into masterful weaponry. Unless something compelling occurred, she would definitely be back at the forge later that day. Come to think of it, Sophia came out of the infirmary today. Oh yeah, she'd need a visit from her "personal trainer". Maybe after supper. Bridgette walked casually out of her house (an actual [i]house[/i] in a historic district!) and walked around to the wide pens for their horses. Another recent addition, it gave them grazing and wandering room but kept them close to their masters. She approached Cadence with a great smile, led him under the awning, and saddled the noble beast. The east wall was a ways off, and she would need tools. That, and she took any opportunity to get in a good, brisk ride. This would do. A quick stop to their work area, less than a block down the way, scored her the equipment she needed. Simple weld repair wasn't a huge ordeal, though it would be substantially easier with two people. Besides, no one should go anywhere alone these days. Even behind walls. She rode Cadence back up to her house, prompting her friend within to get vertical, if she wasn't already. [color=orangered]"Hey! Get your tits moving, Aggie, or I'm going to tell people you're into brony porn!"[/color]