Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by Sigil
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Sigil Literary Hatchetman

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Ashton Holloway



Location: Newnan Inner Wall Streets, Mess Hall




Ashton paused as Zoie's voice came through his radio, loud and clear. As it turns out, he was headed to the Mess anyway to retrieve the fruit that was quickly turning. So fragile a thing, fresh fruit. Very valuable in these times, what Ash considered humanity's second Dark Age. Having it was such an immediate and powerful morale boost, Ash gave some serious thought into how he could acquire a stable source of the stuff. Not just for morale's sake, either. Sustainability was the goal.

What he wouldn't give for a community with which he could trade.

But that was a plan for tomorrow. Today's responsibilities took priority. Just now, those priorities shifted from Backwoods Peach Schnapps to meeting new survivors. Ash thumbed the button on his walkie, addressing both Zoie and Victor. "Understood, Zoie. I'll meet them at Mess; got business there, anyway. I'm sure there's still enough from breakfast for two more people, we'll have plates waiting. Doc! If you want to meet and greet before we head out, you know where we'll be."

A couple of minutes after Newnan's new guests arrive for breakfast, Ash emerged from back storage. "Pleasure to meet you." he began, with just a trace of rural Virginia in his speech. "Captain Ashton Holloway, commanding officer of the Newnan Safe Zone, such as it is. Call me Ash, if you prefer. Welcome to Newnan."



Black James!



Location: Newnan, Inner Wall Main Gate




James got the message loud and clear, too, but his mind immediately shifted to the part of the conversation that most piqued his zone of competence. After Ash's Official Word of the subject, he monopolized his own corner of the airtime, completely unaware he was paraphrasing The Sound of Music: "Doe? A deer? A female deer?" He needed to make an appearance, meet the people, and get that animal processed before the organs spoiled the meat.

Again, he spoke into the walkie, trying to get someone to cover his duties with Livestock while he tended to new business. He knew someone, presently working in Domestic that had worked Agro from time to time. "Ray! If you hear me, come help Kris when you can." He turned to the girl he affectionately referred to as Little Sister, continuing, "Me, I'm gonna be up at the smoker, if'n you need me, 'k? Ain't gonna be too Far. You keep doin' what you're doin'. It'll be aight. So, you an' Guy play nice."

James seemed almost giddy. He had a deer to smoke off, which meant a meal with meat he didn't have to take out of their livestock population. "Well, La Tee Da, gonna cook us up some venison today..." he said, making his way back up to the Inner Wall's main gate at a jog. As he neared the truck, he doffed his broad stetson and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. James looked in the back of the truck to get a look at what he had to work with for the day. "Well, hot damn. That brings us back to Doe."



Bridgette Vinters


Location: Gate at Newnan Inner Wall, Infirmary




"FINE. Brony porn it is." remarked Bridgette. There was no response whatsoever from Bryn's room , from either the inside or the outside. Over the past month, she had gotten to know her new roommate and work partner; Bryn was not the type to shirk responsibility. Either she was dead, or she wasn't around. Now, the brash worker of iron and beater of wholesale ass was pretty sure that a day of light labor and possibly a drink wouldn't have killed the girl. Hell, a face full of buckshot probably wouldn't kill the girl, though it would make her social engagements a little more awkward. Not that Bridgette would mind too horribly much; Phantom of the Opera masks might be quite in vogue this season of the Apocalypse.

Still, she had to get some work done, and would have preferred an experienced hand to assist. She scanned her brain for people skilled in this kind of work, or that (at least) knew their way around tools and could be of some benefit. She thought of Ash, ever the military engineer and the guy that assigned the task in the first place. He could, no problem. Buuuuut, having assigned the job to Bryn and Bridgette, he likely had other shit to do. So who else? Sophia, certainly. Construction Chick, knows her way around a torch and/or patching equipment. Sadly, she had just gotten out of the infirmary, and this would not be the strictest definition of Taking it Easy. Also, still singing the Hand Cut Off Blues.

So, she could do it herself, or she could try to find Bryn. Come the evening hours, she, Bridgette, and Astrid were fairly close knit. Valkyries of Newnan, and parts beyond. If anyone would have an idea as to where she might be, it would be her Sister Valkyrie, Astrid. Who should be at the Infirmary right now, playing ER Bouncer and passing out cotton balls (if memory serves).

Ok, we're doing this. Bridgette spurred Cadence around and to the new interior gate constructed near their house. She waved to Shondra, the lady that tended to stand this post, exclaiming, "Yo, Shondy! I'll show you some nipplage if you crack open the fucking gate. How about it?"

Shondra waved her on, shaking her head and motioning for her to keep her shirt down. The gate opened enough for woman and horse to enter, which Bridgette did without delay. The shieldmaiden chuckled, if but a bit, and kicked Cadence into a trot. Within two minutes, Bridgette had tethered Cadence, was inside the Courthouse (oh God air conditioning yummmm), past the Infirmary doors, and in front of Astrid.

"Hey Sis. Patch job on the Wall, looking for Batgirl. Seen her?"
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Morose
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Morose ✨Krakoan Princess✨

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Jack Hudson

Location: Main Inner Wall Gate Post --> Mess Hall


Jack winked, putting the Rainbow Brite monstrosity over his shoulders. He knew what gender roles dictated, but he couldn't help but have his same goofy grin as always. He nodded at Miss Zoie, listening to her carefully. Every bit of information he could get would help--especially because he knew, no matter what they did, Tatiana would have some anxiety over it all. At the instant she mentioned food, Jack's stomach growled, practically on cue.

"That sounds amazin'," Jack remarked. His eyes followed Tatiana as she went back to the truck, his heart dropping slightly...until he saw her emerge with the blanket and the board game. He grinned again, knowing already that they likely wouldn't be leaving this place. They'd be staying. Maybe they'd get a little house somewhere, someplace quiet where Tatiana could dance and he could trip and fall to music.

Wrapping an arm around Tatiana's shoulder, he held her close to him as the pair of them followed Zoie through the gate and into what he assumed to be the town proper. Little kids were kicking around a ball, a bit of dust coming up with each motion. His eyes widened, and in a moment, Jack could see a future there--or at least, something close to one. Before this entire awfulness, Jack had wanted to eventually have a family. And while he couldn't see himself bringing life into this world, he could see himself finally having a home here.

He glanced at Tatiana and spied her smile, giving him more reason to believe they'd remain in Newnan, if allowed. He closed his eyes slightly as the cool air touched his face. "This can't be real," Jack chuckled, taking a look around. His stomach grumbled again as he saw two trays be prepared for them, and he sat down at one of the tables after Zoie motioned for them to do so.

"Thank you, miss," Jack nodded, as soon as Tatiana had sat down. "This is wicked kind of you."

Hearing someone approach from behind, Jack craned his neck, his hand already entwined with Tatiana's. "Pleasah to meet you as well, sih," Jack acknowledged, standing from his chair to shake the man's hand. It was a bit traditional, but that was how Jack was raised to be. "This place is wicked amazin', I can haahdly believe this isn't a dream."
Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by Lady Absinthia
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Ryan O'Riley


Location: Eden -> Newnan Front Gate


"I wouldn't worry about them Father, they are a bunch of amateurs," Nathen said as he came back into the main room of the club house, wiping the blood from his hands with handkerchief. He made his ways up the steps and towered over most all around him standing at six and a half feet tall and weighing in at just over 250 pounds. The man was older, easily approaching his mid-fifty's but one too many had taken his older age and thick layer of fat as weaknesses. There was a reason that the steel blue eyed elder was the second in charge of Eden and the enforcer for their lord God Adamm.

"Yes... In some thing's they are very innocent but if we are not careful and strike down with vengeance they could become a thorn in our sides. Especially now that we know she is there." Adamm made a point to stress what he was saying as he sat back in his throne like chair from which he ruled the city of Peachtree from.

"He could have been mistaken, he was never very reliable." Shoving the stained rag back into his pocket he pushed up his glasses a bit and looked over towards Adamm, only to see the Father shaking his head.

"One does not mistake her." Picking at his nail with the tip of his pocket knife Adamm he looked up and over to the cage in center of the room.

"Let me the fuck out of here you wankers! I didn't do shit and you're tossing me in the cage? For what? Because some idiot think he saw Zoie and because another who ain't happy with his chipped beef on toast says I helped her? I ain't helped no one in this life but me! You know that Adamm!" Ryan bellowed from the thin bars.

"Shut your cake hole O'Riley," Nathen barked as his thin chin wobbled.

"Eat me Nate."

Adamm just smirked. Ryan had a big mouth but he was manipulative and cunning. He had proved useful over the years in Eden, it was why Adamm kept him around but he kept a close eye on the man. Out of all the people in the city Ryan was one he knew could get to him, to have him killed. It was better to keep him close where he could watch him. Now with the sighting of Zoie over in Newnan, the man might prove even more valuable. There was no proof that O'Riley had helped the girl escape but something ticked at the back at the old man's head that told him he was at the center of it.

"Boss, we got trouble! A Hoard is coming in!" one of the men of Eden yelled as he came running in from outside. "Got to be hundreds of them!" Adamm scowled deeply as he stood up and was escorted by Nathan to the front to look out. Everyone in the place rushed to see what was happening and chaos was about to ensue before Adamm turned and instructed everyone on what they should do. They did not hesitate and went to work.

Ryan stood there; watching, waiting. Until he was able to make sure no eyes were on him. This would be his one chance. A quick pick of the rusted locks, and he was out and into the crowd that was running around barricading the doors and windows as the hoard approached. Ryan kept his head down and his mouth shut for once, slipping out the back with his things as the hoard got to the Golf Course Club House. He didn't know his chances but he knew they were better than sticking around. He had seen the look Adamm had given him before with others. It meant his time was drawing near and Ryan was sure as hell not going to stick around for what he knew was coming.



It had been a month since Ryan had escaped Eden with a pack in hand. It hadn't been an easy month. He knew once the hoard was cleared out they would be looking for him if they didn't find his body among those that were going to be scattered on the ground. He had taken the long and hard road from Peachtree City to the one place he knew might be safe; Newnan. Granted he also knew Newnan would be a target as soon as things calmed down in Eden but Ryan was one of those that liked to place a bet and then stack the odds in his favor. If he could get inside the walls he could learn a lot. If Eden got the upper hand, he could always play the ace up his sleeve.

Right then though as the wall came into view as he walked up the street, he knew he only had one ace left currently. That was Zoie. Sure, they weren't friends but he had helped her escape Eden and he had never laid a hand on her while she was there. He was placing all his bets on that little bit. He knew Zoie had one of those people with big hearts, that she forgave people, was a good person. It what was used to capture her in the first place. Her kindness had been her downfall. Maybe it would work again. Not that he had set out to intentionally dick her over but if it came down to her or him, he would always chose himself first.

The closer he got to Newnan, the more clear it became that there were a lot more people standing guard at various posts around the city. "They're learning," he said to himself as he continued to walk down the road and over the bridge that lead to the main outer gate. He didn't bother trying to hide or sneak up. It was best to appear as if he was laying all his cards out on the table right then. He knew Zoie was going to be suspicious of him anyways as soon as she laid eyes on him, it was best not to make matters worse by breaking and entering.

"Stop right there," Jim said from his post on the tower as he aimed the rifle right at the Irishman's head. Ryan did as he was told, stopping in his tracks. He held his bag out gradually and dropped it on the ground before raising his hands above his head and turning around slowly.

"I'm looking for a friend, maybe you have seen her," Ryan yelled up to the tower post as he finished turning around fully. Flashing the guard a smile as his eyes squinted from the sun light.

"Doubt it, once people get separated now a days chances of finding them are next to none," Jim called out keeping the rifle in place as he took aim through the scope.

"Yeah, I know but hey, gotta try. Young woman, about this tall. Got dirty strawberry blond hair, bright blue eyes and a hell of a right hook. Real backwoods country accent, sounds like something off Heehaw. Pretty thing and real crazy. Goes by the name of Zoie," Ryan said as he cupped his palm over the furrow of his brow to shield his eyes from the sun. Jim slowly lowered the rifle and looked at Ryan directly. Ryan smiled at the reaction. "You know her don't you. Please, I'm not asking to get inside, I'm here to warn her. Can you have her come to the gate? Please."

"Warn her about what?" Jim asked as his brow arched over one eye.

"Eden."



Zoie Crawford


Location: Mess Hall -> Inside Newnan Front Gate


Miss Sally same over holding two trays that looked like what used to be used by schools or prisons to serve food on. On each tray was some scrambled eggs, powdered but hey they were eggs, little bit of beef sausage and potato hash, a glass of chilled milk that had been powder that morning but again hey it was milk, and a single fresh peach. "Here you two go, looks like you could use this," she said before setting the trays down in front of them and resting a fork on top of each tray. "Anything else?"

"Naw, that be great Miss Sally, thank ya," Zoie said as she took a seat across from the couple and smiled. Miss Sally nodding her head a bit and turning to go back to work. Zoie looked back over to the couple and pushed the trays a bit closer to them. "Eats up, y'all need it from the looks of it," she said as she glanced around, waiting for Bossman to arrive. She kept watching the door but then perked a brow as she heard him and turned around after he came out of the back.

"This be Tatiana and Jack boss," she said and was about to say more as her and Ash's radios started to hiss a bit.

"Momma, we have someone at the gate that says he knows you," Jim's voice said as it crackled in over the radio on the southern belle's hip. Zoie stopped and a confused look came over her face as she undid it from her belt and relayed back.

"Jim, whatcha be goin' on 'bout? Who be sayin' they know me?" Taking her fingers off the button she rubbed her nose with the back of her hand as she gave Ash a sideways glance. As far as she knew the only person she actually knew before she came into the walls was Froggy and he was in the walls.

"Says his name is Ryan O'Riley and he needs to talk to you; about Eden," Jim said and Zoie nearly choked on her own tongue as she started coughing. That was a name she never thought she would hear again. It sent a chill down her spine and made her stomach knot up.

"Son of a bitch," Zoie muttered and stood up quickly. "Okay folks, I be leavin' ya with bossman here. I gots somethin' to take care of," she said quickly before excusing herself and walking as calmly as she could out the door of the Mess Hall. Once outside she broke into a full sprint as she unholstered her side arm. "If it really be who he says he is, we might be in for a werld of hurtin'. Posts, y'all keep an eye out and lock downs all gates tight until further notice. Jim, gets him inside the outer gate but don't be takin' yer eye off him!" she called into the radio as she turned on her heels and started high tailing it towards the front entrance of the Inner Wall Gate.

"Got it," Jim radioed back as Zoie kept running through town to get to the main gate. "Alright, you heard her folks," he yelled to the Gate workers and gave a single as he lifted his hand in the air. The outer wall gate opened slowly, just enough to let Ryan walk inside. "Come on," Jim said as he took aim at O'Riley's head once again.

Ryan nodded as he picked up his back slowly and cautiously stepped inside. Well, he hadn't been shot; yet. Once he was inside the door closed hard behind him and he looked around. "Damn," he said to himself, they had nice set up it seemed even if all guns were trained on him.

Zoie was running as hard as she could, bolting right passed James as if he wasn't there and down the road towards the outer gate at top speed as if she was Fasuba. Hearing boot hitting gravel he turned back around and looked down the street only to see Zoie coming towards him with a none to happy look in her eye and both her pistols draw now and aimed right at him. He dropped his bag and held his hands up in surrender quickly. "Hey girl, long time no see," he said with a cheeky grin on his lips as his teeth flashed.

"Not bein' long enough fer me O'Riley." Zoie said in flat tone as she pulled the hammer back on both her guns, taking several deep breaths. "Whatcha be wantin'?"

Ryan stayed standing there, glancing over his shoulders and looking back at the gate he had walked through before looking back over to Zoie and cocking a crooked smile. They know you're here."

Those words made Zoie blink and she slowly lowered her guns, letting the hammers fall back into place carefully as she held the barrels pointed at the ground. She swallowed slightly as Ryan finally dropped his hands and took a slow step forward. "They saw you, during the raid. Adamm knows Zoie. Nathen didn't believe Tomas but Adamm sure did."

"Fuck me," Zoie said as she looked at the ground for a minute and kicked at the dirt.

"Well if you want," Ryan said in a sly voice. Zoie's response was to raise her gun and point it right back at his head without evening looking at him. "Kidding, kidding!"

"Why you be here tellin' me? We ain't exactly two peas in a pod," she asked, skeptical of his intentions, as she looked over at him and kept her pistol aimed where it was.

"Survival. Mind getting me out of the sun before I tell you anything else? It's hot as hell out here and I am thirsty as fuck," Ryan said. It wasn't a lie, it was hot and he was thirsty but he wanted out of the sun and the direct line of fire as quickly as possible.



Astrid Hansen


Location: The Infirmary



Astrid tossed the papers that had surrounded the band-aide into the trash and got back to work. She only had a few things to straighten up before she was able to sit down at the desk and pull out her worn copy of the Nursing Diagnosis Handbook and went to her studies. She had a lot to learn still even though she had picked up a lot and been taught even more by Froggy over the last month.

Sighing she pushed the book away and grumbled a bit under her breath. She was brooding. Neisha hadn't said two words to her when she dropped off Sophia and the rudeness of the situation was starting to get to her. Astrid had done what she could over the last month to ensure that Neisha had gotten to see Sophia. Froggy didn't want the woman anywhere near the infirmary, but Astrid had arranged for the girl to be able to stop by and made sure to keep her informed.

Astrid felt no remorse for binding the woman when she came in that day. She was acting like a raving lunatic, as if she knew everything and owned the joint. Only causing treatment to be delayed and ticking off the resident doctor. The woman's attitude and self righteousness had been a plague since she arrived. But Astrid had kept her mouth shut and kept doing her job. But to keep acting this way over a month. Astrid had had it. Rudeness and lack of gratitude was not something she could tolerate.

Looking over as Bridgette came in she leaned back in her chair and shook her head. "No, haven't seen Triple B today. Maybe she is walking the perimeter?" she said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Kicking a chair out to her friend she finally unloaded what was going through her mind. Astrid wasn't one to talk a lot but when she finally did really voice herself, she voiced it in detail and quickly. Sighing she rubbed the bridge of her nose. "To take a page from your book. Fuck that cunt."



Tatiana Korvo


Location:The Mess Hall



Tatiana stayed next to Jack, following his lead and sitting down next to him in silence as her eyes darted about. Her fingers folding over Jack's as the food was brought over to them and sat down by the older woman. She forced a bit of a thin lipped smile to her and nodded. "Dank you," she squeaked out. She felt the butterflies in her stomach flittering around and sighed. She hated being this nervous around people but after everything she was just glad she hadn't passed out.

Seeing Ash come over and introduce himself she stayed seated, just holding onto Jack's hand as he stood and went to shake the man's hand. She was happy at least one of them could function as a normal adult. "I Tatiana," she said in that same squeaky nervous voice as she looked up at Ash and then her eyes darted back down.

Figuring she would let the others just talk until she was directly addressed she sat there, touching the edge of her tray a bit but not eating yet. Then Zoie suddenly got word in from the front gate and excused herself. She wondered what that was about but as it came into through the radio Tatiana went white. Worried something bad was going to happen, worried they would be blamed since they arrived just before whoever this Ryan guy was. Letting out a shaky breath she tightened her hand in Jack's, squeezing it.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Nallore
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Nallore RPG's Grope Master & Taco Hunter. :P

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Kristina Smith


Location: The Southern Gate





Kristina nodded towards James and smiled at him. "Dibs on the first cut then once that thing is fully cooked!" Kris yelled out towards James as he skipped and jogged off like a giddy school girl. She would sigh softly and ran a hand through her hair and started to tie it up into a pony tail. Kristina turned around and walked over towards the hog pen seeing that there was quiet a lot of pig shit in their pen causing her to groan slightly, she hated cleaning their pens but it had to be done anyway. Kristina remembered having to do that when she was growing up in her family's farm, and Maria didn't like doing that either when they were younger.

Kristina headed over towards a supply shed and grabbed a bucket, as well as a shovel she climbed into the hog pen she grabbed the bucket and brought it in. She looked towards Guy as he walked over and grabbed a shovel and started to shovel some of the shit into the bucket as well. Kris watched as some of the hogs walked by them. They moved over towards their trough to eat the remaining feed that they had, she watched Guy continue to shovel it into the bucket.

She climbed out of their pen for a moment to grab their dry feed as well as to grab another bucket to give the animals some fresh water, Kris started to pour the feed into their troughs as they all went to eat it. Kris then turned to grab the bucket that she just got and went to fill it up with water nearby, once it had been filled up enough Kristina made her way towards the trough and poured it into the second one filling it with some fresh water. Kristina took a moment to stretch out and leaned herself over the pen to gently pat one of the hogs that were close, she did enjoy taking care of the animals. Once Guy had finished up shoveling it all up Kristina grabbed the bucket, she knew that it would make for good fertilizer for the plants and walked over towards the crops section to hand it over to one of her fellow agriculture worker to use for the plants.




Sophia Harris


location: Sophia and Niesha's Apartment.





Sophia smiled softly when she felt Niesha hugging her, she felt relaxed in her arms letting out a soft sigh she didn't want the moment to end. Sophia noticed that Niesha didn't say anything to Astrid after she had dropped her off, she knew all what happened since a month ago and how she was treated. Sophia was grateful for everything that Astrid had done for her for the past month, she looked around the room and shrugged slightly she wasn't one for decorating a place in a world that she knew that she could die at any moment. "Hey it's a home and a place with a roof over our heads, I could careless for looks. Beats being cooped up in an infirmary for the past month that's for sure."

Sophia bit her lower lip for a moment and rubbed the back of her neck for a moment, and met Niesha's eyes, she rubbed her left arm for a moment and knew that Niesha had been blaming herself for being bit. "Hey Niesha losing my hand wasn't your fault at all, so please stop blaming yourself. It was my fault for not paying attention." Sophia said and gently reached for Niesha's hand. "And I know what went on while I was out, I know you meant well and everything. Froggy and Astrid aren't bad people, maybe we should try and talk to them at some point?"
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by Charnobylisk
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Charnobylisk

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One Month Forward



It had been a long yet quick month. That first day in Newnan was one that no one would ever forget as long as they lived and some were more affected than others. Victor had a lot to deal with his first month within these walls. From the moment he left the truck that brought him here, Victor had been shifting from patient to patient and dilemma to dilemma. He had scarcely had any time to himself until Captain Ashton had brought him into the distillery work group. It was oddly relaxing working on something that's life was not depending on his skills.

Victor stretched out on his bed and rested his head in the palms of his hands, his fingers interlaced to make the most comfortable of cradles that cupped the crown of his head. His eyelids were heavy but that was always the case when he didn't wake at 5am for the infirmary shift. He only did the odd day when he was needed in the distillery but it was always nice when it was slightly pre-scheduled because he could manage to sleep in past sunrise. He felt himself humming slightly, a melody that he used to sing to his daughter when she was unable to rouse from her sleepy state in the mornings. He felt his chest tighten some and he let out a weary sigh as he thought about his baby girl and wondered if she were still alive like he was. He was sure she was, she was always strong and brave. His mind then wandered to thoughts of his son and he closed his eyes before they began to water.

He knew as soon as he thought about his son he would begin to think about his grandchildren and he couldn't bear the thought. Sitting upright on the edge of his cot, Victor rubbed his face between his hands and lightly slapped his cheeks. He switched his radio on and decided it was time to move. Shaking his head and standing upright, Victor jumped slightly at the sound of the radio sounding on his nightstand so soon. Ash's voice brought a sombre smile to Victor's face and he let out a sigh for an entirely different reason. He was definitely going to have his work cut out for him with that one. He'd yet to be able to pin Ashton down to sit and talk about what he had experienced the day that Victor and Zoie had arrived in Newnan but Victor couldn't exactly blame him.

Gathering his things together and splashing his face, Victor dried himself off and got dressed in his distillery garb; khaki cargo pants and a loose blue linen shirt. He slipped his boots on and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows before grabbing his satchel pack of first aid kit and left his quarters, locking the door behind him. He glanced around the courthouse and bid good morning and smiles to all those that he passed. He made his way towards the infirmary and peered inside to see Astrid and Bridgette inside. He was glad to see the now vacant bed that had been occupied by Sophia for the past month. He was glad she had pulled through and he hoped her rehabilitation worked well for her. He'd need to work on finding a replacement appendage type for her and see if he could make it work with the help from the textbooks they had managed to salvage.

Not wanting to disturb the sister Vikings, Froggy simply smiled and slipped his head back out of the room before heading outside to make his way towards the mess hall. The sun was beating down today and Victor lapped up the warmth on his face as he stood at the doorway of the Courthouse building. He took a deep breath and turned to make his way to the Mess hall before he noticed Zoie running at a full pelt towards the front gates. He raised an eyebrow and looked down at his radio and tuned it for Zoie's walkie then thought better of it. She would radio him if she needed him. Placing it back on the hip of his belt, Victor walked over to the mess hall and made his way inside. He spotted Ashton and then noticed two new faces.

"Bienvenue à Newnan! Welcome welcome, my name is Victor. I am the resident doctor. I do 'ope you are both comfortable 'ere?" He beamed at the young man and woman, his face lighting up as if he had never met anyone new in his entire life. His attention quickly turned towards Ashton as he gave a very light salute before chuckling to himself as he spoke. "Capitaine, I am reporting for duty."

Taking the vacant seat that Zoie had just left, Victor sat himself down and looked at the young couple before him again, their hands interlaced together. "That is cute." He nodded to their hands and gave them both a warm smile before his attention turned to the tray of food that Miss Sally had brought over for him.

"Merci beaucoup, Mademoiselle Sally. 'Ow is your 'ip treating you? Is that ointment 'elping with the pain?"

"Yes, thank you dear for asking. I may need some every week! These hips aren't what they used to be, doctor."

Victor chuckled and shooked his head before taking Miss Sally's hand in his own, patting the top of her hand lightly with his. "Mademoiselle, you wound this man's 'eart saying such things of yourself! You are as supple as the ash tree! Do not let anyone tell you any different." He then kissed the back of Miss Sally's hand and gave her a pleasant smile before turning his attention to his food. "Aaah, the morning feast looks almost as amazing as you do! Amazing as usual, Miss Sally. Let me know if you need anything. I will be working distillery today with Monsieur Ash."


Earlier that morning...



The sun had barely risen when Bryn made her way over the walls of Newnan. She was all too aware that she should be leaving through the gates but rather than bothering people to open them up for her, she just climbed up and over and let the guards know she was heading out and when she'd be back roughly. She knew better than to not tell someone where she was going for fear of Zoie chastising her for breaking rules. She had her crossbow and her whacker and that was all she needed right now, sure it would be nice to be able to use Grace for hunting but her girl was too loud for such subtle requirements.

Walking through the wooded area to the Eastern side of Newnan, Bryn made her way through the trees and found a good one to climb up near a clearing that she found was always pretty busy with woodland critters just ripe for the hunting. Bryn bit into the fresh peach she'd grabbed from the kitchen counter and bit into it, the juices dribbled down her chin and she smacked her lips together as she enjoyed the sweet nectar that filled her mouth. Damn she had missed fresh fruit so badly and she didn't even realise it. There were so many things that she missed from the world before...

But she missed nothing more than she missed Bobby. She rested her head against the trunk of the tree she had climbed and swung her legs over the edge of the tree branch. Her bat was strapped to her back and her crossbow was resting in her lap as she watched the clearing below. A few twangs of her crossbow later and Bryn had a good collection of squirrels all strung up and hanging from her branch. She wanted to try get some more so a nice big fresh stew could get made but she knew she might be pushing her luck as she had duties to attend to with Bridgette today. Her mind drifted between Bree, Astrid, Zoie, Dick, James, Harold and then circled back to Bobby. She was usually so good at knocking her attention back to the now rather than the then but something this morning made her mind stick.

Her eyes glazed over as she lost herself in the moment after she realised she didn't have Bobby in her arms anymore. She strained and struggled to recall anything of that moment when her life ended. She could feel her eyes crossing as she rested against the tree trunk and her chin began to droop down towards her chest before she caught herself with a small yelp of surprise and gripped onto the edge of the branch before she tumbled forward towards the ground. Shaking herself back to the present, the redness receded from her vision and she took a few deep, calming breaths.

That's when she heard the growling and shuffling of leaves from somewhere within the tree line. Bryn grabbed the squirrels and tied them up to her belt as she hiked her legs up and crouched on the tree branch, her crossbow in hand and ready to shoot. She figured it was just one but you could never be too careful, especially when you were alone. The noises grew louder and within a few minutes, she could see the beast shambling its way through the undergrowth. The thing was grey skin clinging to protuding bones with patches of decaying flesh stripping off at areas that had clearly rubbed against the bark of the trees along its route.

Bryn lowered her crossbow and considered the walking dead before her and let out a sigh before getting herself comfortable and whistling to grab the Snarlers attention. His head rose as he glanced up in the direction of the sound and Bryn stared down silently at him. His tattered jeans were held up by a dark brown belt that were barely keeping them in place. His torso was bare and exposed, something or someone had stolen the shirt from his back. Or maybe the poor sod had died topless? Anything could have happened, especially in this world. His arms rose and gripped and grabbed trying to get hold of Bryn's dangling legs that were just out of his reach.

A deep breath later and Bryn pursed her lips at him, her face thoughtful for a while before she finally spoke out. "Must be lonely, walkin' 'round with no where to really go. At least when we wander, we can sometimes bring 'long a friend to keep us company. Well, I know you guys walk 'round with each other in herds or whatever, but it ain't the same though. Ya ain't peas in pods, more like lentils thrown in a pot. Sad really." Her fingers ran over the hard and smooth edges of her crossbow as she considered the monster below her.

"I get lonely though, even if I have people 'round me. Ain't the same when they ain't the ones ya want there most. Like, I love me some Zee, Bree and Tree but they ain't needin' me none more than a finger needs a ring. Might be nice t'have and look at but it ain't no essential bit o' life." Her shoulders rose and fell as she admitted her feelings. She had done well making friends in her time here in this settlement but a part of her still didn't feel right here. She had nothing truly holding her down and, for whatever reason, her heart was flitting in her chest looking for reasons to stray away despite what she had managed to help build here.

Her eyes found the empty windows of the Snarler beneath her and she gave him a small smile. "I'll help ya, don't worry. Ya ain't gotta fret from lil' ol' me." Bryn got her crossbow ready and aimed her bolt at the poor man's head. She took a breath and fired the bolt right through his eye socket. "Sorry pal." She climbed down the tree and crouched down beside the now lifeless body before her. She patted down his pockets and found his wallet. She opened it up and her hand rose up to cover her mouth. Robert Devon. Robert. Bobby. Her eyes welled up and she buried her face into the crook of her right arm as she held the wallet in her left hand.

A grunt from somewhere behind her caused her to drop the wallet and spin around, her eyes still stinging slightly from fighting back the tears. She said nothing, her eyes focusing on the location of where the sound came from and she opted to creep forward as quietly as she could. She prepped C-Whacker for quick withdrawal if the need arose. Her path took her through the trees and brought her out into another small clearing where she saw a hell of a sight and smelt a hell of a stench when the wind picked up. She had to cover her mouth to stop from gagging. Didn't matter how often you saw or smelt it, watching a body being torn into by one of the dead was never something you got used to.

A body was hunched over another, the blood and entrails of the fallen body strewn around it as the hunched one tore into the innards of the poor soul that had become nothing more than a meal for the undead. Setting another bolt into her crossbow, Bryn moved forward little by little and trained the sight on the hunched figure and waiting for it to rise its head. Her foot caught a particularly dry twig and she took in a sharp breath as she awaited the monster to turn around. Oh well, that was one way to get a clear shot at the head...

"Whoa! Watch where you're pointin' that thing!"

Bryn blinked rapidly as she looked at the sight before her. Richard was covered from head to toe in entrails, blood and gore. You couldn't even see an inch of his skin and he was wearing medical scrubs rather than his usual clothing. She didn't know why she didn't realise it sooner but Bryn just shrugged it off and crinkled her nose at him.

"You smell like absolute shit."

"Well thanks pal, ya don't exactly smell like fuckin' rainbows and sunshine yourself." He crossed his arms with a squelch.

"The fuck are ya doin'?"

"I got bored and wanted to go out lookin' for somethin'..."

"Were ya lookin' for another way to make people want t'kill ya?"

"Maybe..."

"What are ya doin' out here Richie?"

"I told ya. Lookin' for somethin'."

"That ain't a fuckin' answer and ya know it. Spill, Dick."

"I swear to fuckin' god I'm gonna stab Froggy for tha'..." Richard dropped his arms to his sides and they slapped with a wet splash as they hit his sides. "Come with me."

The two walked further into the forest area, Bryn making sure to stay upwind from Richard's stench. They made their way further West until they happened upon a dilapidated building that looked rather queer to Bryn.

"This is what you're lookin' for? Some rundown heap of shit building?" She raised an eyebrow and glanced at Richard.

He just shook his head and beckoned her forward some before pointing upwards at a particularly sturdy tree. Wrinkling her brow at Richard, Bryn did as he bid her after a few more seconds of his stench burning her nostrils and she climbed up and watched him from her new perch. Richard walked towards the building and opened the door with a loud screech of metal on concrete. A small group of about five Snarlers fell out of the door and surrounded Richard. Bryn knew this trick, she'd told him about it after all, and she watched him enter the building with no bother. However, the sudden noise had caused those still inside to begin banging around and snarling within the walls. She could just hear it and wondered what he was doing in this weird building in the middle of Georgia.

About ten minutes later, Richard came out carrying a large rucksack that looked really full and had weird lumps pointing out of it. He made his way past the meandering mini-herd and walked towards the tree he had left Bryn at. "Alright, got it, lets go." Bryn stared after him with and incredulous look on her face as she began to follow him. "Got what? Ya still ain't answered my question!" He simply waved her comment off with his hand as they made their way back to Newnan.

When they made their way back towards the gates, Bryn had to walk up first and wave the guards down before pointing to Richard who was waving happily at them while dripping with rotten blood and innards. Bryn just shook her head and walked inside the gates as they opened just enough to let them both through. Once they were inside and safe, Bryn dropped her weapons and aimed a well placed boot to Dick's backside. "Spill." She didn't want to talk much more in front of the others.

Chuckling away happily to himself, Richard led Bryn away from the others and stood down the back of the empty house by the distillery storage. He dug inside the backpack and showed Bryn the crosses, menorah, virgin marys, goblets and roasry beads he had acquired from the theological college he had just plundered. "Tryin' to get in good with the bosses. Figure they'll like 'em?" Bryn knew all too well just which boss he was trying to impress. No doubt he'd just make her more mad than she already was but hey, Bryn wasn't getting any more involved than she already was.

"Maybe." She shrugged her shoulders and wandered off, her bat swinging up to rest across the back of her shoulders as she made her way further into Newnan. Richard stood there, his face fallen as he looked into his bag and sighed to himself as the memories flooded back of that night.

Zoick



Location: Newnan



Zoie yawned slightly in the back of the truck as it wheeled into Newnan's Inner Wall and the gate closed behind her. The last couple of days had been a long, a supply run with some people to replenish a lot of what they had lost during the Tornado and Eden invasion. It went off well enough though, no one died and they found a huge chunk of things they needed out in Whitesburg. She was glad about that, she could report it to Ash now to let him know what all had happened and then go curl up against Honky Tonk for the evening and get some sleep.

She had to admit, she was growing really fond of the man. He was rough around the edges that was for sure but underneath it all he seemed to have this softness to him. He was sweet around her, sometimes down right endearing. He'd been crashing with her while he was healing, so they got to actually spend some time together at night when she was done with her work. She had missed him over the last couple of days on the run and couldn't wait for a shower and maybe even a little rodeo time.

Richard stretched out as he yawned, his arms rising above his head as he eased the kinks in his back and muscles out. He'd been missing his Daisy Duke so badly that this was the first minute he could remember in about 24 hours. He'd been drinking the strong stuff that Captain Ash was prolific in Newnan for making, courtesy of Froggy since he'd been working in the distillery and was given permission for the stuff. His mouth was parched and his tongue felt like sandpaper as he took a few ragged breaths.

His eyes could barely focus, it was dimly lit where he was laying but darkness was heavy on his surroundings outside. He rolled his head to the right, looking for his usual bottle of water that he kept by the bedside in Daisy's quarters and then realised that the space he was in was much, much smaller than he was used to. That's when he heard the truck, clear as day, rolling up just a short distance away from where he was laying.

The truck pulled up near the court house and Zoie jumped out, about to tell Jim to wheel it around to supply while she checked in with Ash but all that went out the window real fast when she turned and spotted Dick and her face dropped.

Richard sat upright, the blanket falling off of his bare chest as he began to realise where he was laying. He looked down at his chest and frowned, his hands feeling across his skin as he realised there were scratch marks and... was that a fucking lovebite?! Shit. He looked up, the noise of a truck door opening and boots hitting the ground. His eyes met hers and he knew that he was fucking doomed. Zoie's eyes narrowed as she stood there frozen, her chest rising and falling as she took several long breaths as she felt her teeth clenching.

"Daisy... It's not what it looks like, I swear!" He scrambled forward, the blanket causing him to stumble some as he tried to stand upright before he realised he was in a fucking tent and thenfelt the breeze around his nethers as the blanket slipped down. He was stark bloody naked. He dropped to the floor, his tailbone smacking against the ground as he rushed to grab the blanket to wrap around himself. Where the fuck were his clothes?!

"Oh Hell Naw! Don't cha even try playin' this shit off like it ain't be nothin'!" the southern belle growled through her locked jaw. Her voice was not raised in the slightest, which made it that much worse. If looks could kill, Richard would have pushing up daisys right then.

He winced from the look and the tone to her words. ShitshitshitshitshitshitshiiiiiitSHIT! He grabbed the blanket and tied it right around his waist before ducking down and looking for his clothing. He quickly shoved his legs into his jeans and rammed his feet into his boots as he fumbled over his words to his Daisy. "Honest to fuckin' god, Daisy! I ain't got not fuckin' clue how I got to be here or how the fuck my clothes came off! I ain't even messin' none! Last I 'member was downing a bottle of the paint stripper that Cap'n Ash makes! Froggy gave me it since I was missin' ya! Just ask 'im!"

"Don't you be givin' me non of that horseshit! You gonna tell me that yer clothes just jumped off ya and some coon done bit yer chest?" she said in a flat but very angry voice as she pointed to his chest. Astrid peeked her head out from behind the tent and cocked a silent brow for a moment as she watched the scene unfold before her. Zoie's eyes darted from Richards to Astrid's and back again. "Tell me, what happen be what I knowin' what happened?" Astrid just nodded silently before un-leaning and ducking behind the tent. She wasn't about to be in the cross fire for this one.

Richard glanced down at Astrid and practically fucking growled at her. He didn't remember shit! How the fuck was he to know what had happened?! His balls still felt fucking tight so how was he to know he's just tunnelled for gold down another woman's mine the instant he woke up? He grabbed his t-shirt and pulled it over his head before firing his arms through his shirt. The blanket was unceremoniously whipped off and thrown in the direction of Astrid in the tent as Richard stumbled out and practically sprinted towards Zoie even if she was only ten feet in front of him.

"I swears I didn't know what was happenin'! I was out of my face fuckin' drunk. I've been drinkin' since sundown yesterday at least! I was missin' ya and wanted the time to go by faster. Honest to fuckin' God almighty, baby Jesus and the wannabe virgin Mary and that there holy ghostin' too, I didn't plan this!" He was practically begging now and it was, honestly, pretty fucking pathetic to watch.

Zoie lifted her hands up, palms in the air as she took a step back and looked away from him for a minute. He stopped when he saw the raised hands, he knew that sign already. She didn't want him getting close enough to touch her right then and sure as hell didn't want him within arms reach because the only urge she had right now was to drive her fist right into his jaw and go all Marine on his ass. "I don'ts give a good gosh damn if you didn't plan it. You went plowin' the wrong field Honky Tonk. If yous can't be keepin' from yer dick falling into another belle's flower patch when yousa be drinkin' then don't fuckin' drink," she growled towards him as she crossed her arms over her chest. Jim just stood there slack jawed before turning on his heels and darting off into the court house.

His face looked like she'd spat in it, the disgust in his eyes as she suggested he actually not fucking drink made him mad. Madder than it rightfully should have, but he was pissed off right now. And don't all us boys and girls know that Richard can't handle his temper very well. "Yer fuckin' jokin' right? Stop drinkin'? Fuck that shit for a carry on, Daisy. Ya know it ain't the fuckin' way to deal with this shit. I know I dun goofed but fuck me, darlin', yer talkin' fuckin' crazy speak if ya think I won't drink another drop o' the throat burner." He stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest and squared his jaw, awaiting the inevitable blow back. His plan was dumb as horse shit but maybe if he could divert the conversation she'd get mad at his stubbornness rather than his wandering lil Dick.

Zoie stood there unable to move from her spot but her fists balled up as she stood there, knuckles going white as she started to tremble a bit. How dare he. After the shit he just pulled he was going to try to move the blame from himself to the drink, and then getting mad with her? That shit wasn't going to fly with her. "I thoughts there be somethin' in ya, underneath all that shit, that you know be worth my time; maybes even worth lovin'. Seems don't matter how olds I get, my taste in men ain't be improving none," she said in a voice that was far to calm for what was going on but the look in her eyes showed that she was beyond angry. Daisy Duke was actually hurting right then and bad. "Get yer shit and get outs of my bunk."

Shit. It didn't work. He'd made shit worse. Fuck.

What was the next best move? Should he grovel and apologise for what he done did or, an even better idea, act like a fucking child and get angrier? Of course he should grovel and apologise, but no, the testosterone kicked in and he felt his nostrils flaring as he stood there with his hands on his hips. His eyes looked away from her as he glanced in the direction of Zoie's digs and he dropped his hands to his sides, his fingers curling up into fists as he did so.

"Fuckin' fine." He wandered over and made his way into her accommodations. He had no fucking clue where he'd be going, but he wasn't going to take her shit or let her throw his shit out the window or some other dumb ass, cosmo reading bullhonkey like it. Zoie closed her eyes and sighed deeply, her hand coming to her chest as she felt the sharp pain of heart ache setting in.

As he entered inside, he slammed the door open and began to grab his pack, shoving his shit inside as fast as he could. Zoie opened her eyes and just watched him go before turning her head away from the direction he was headed and placed her palm against her forehead as she tried to breath. She started pacing a bit, initially she had been angry, now she was just hurt. She knew she cared about Richard, but it didn't exactly hit her how much until right then as she heard the door slam.

Squatting down there on the curb she bit her bottom lip as she felt her hands shaking. Swallowing the dry lump in her throat Zoie felt the well of emotions climbing in her as her eyes watered a bit. A few more deep breaths to try to calm herself did nothing, and she broke. Her hands coming up to cover her face as she fell back onto the side walk on her rear, pulling her knees to her chest and sobbing.

After grabbing all his crap from her place, he yanked the door open and slammed it shut closed behind him again. He didn't go near Zoie, he just yelled towards her, not giving two craps who heard or listened in from around. "My shit is gone. Let me know when ya stop actin' like I fuckin' murdered someone. I'll be in an alleyway some-fuckin'-place probably." He stormed off then and kicked a steel barrel that was being used as a firepit as he walked by. The cinders and ash rose up faster and swirled in the movement and wind swirling around it. Richard's jaw was set in such a straight line it was amazing that someone wasn't trying to fucking tight rope walk across it while it was this taut.

Zoie turned her back to Dick as he yelled and pitched a temper tantrum fitting of a two year old going through menopause. She didn't want him to see her cry or give him the satisfaction of knowing he had hurt her as much as he did; that each word that seethed out of his mouth made her feel like she meant that much less to him.

As the noise levels grew with the shouting on Richard's part, Victor glanced up from his book and saw Richard walking down the street with his bags in his hands. Perking a brow, he snapped his book shut and placed it in his satchel before walking in the direction from where Richard had come. He saw the steel drum that had caused the bang and then saw that trucks had returned and he wondered if Zoie and Richard had had a falling out. He made his way down towards where the people had gathered to watch the spectacle and couldn't see immediately where Zoie was.

"'as Miss Zoie returned with you all?" Victor asked someone that was standing at the back of the truck.

Only thing the man could do was point over to Zoie sitting with her back to everyone; hunched over as she wrapped her arms around herself and rested her forehead on her knees. Victor started towards her, uncertain why she was hunched over. She closed her eyes tight and let the tears roll of her cheeks; she wasn't a crier, she never cried, she barely flinched no matter how much pain she was in. Shaking her head slightly she looked over as she heard Froggy's voice, she looked broken.

Stopping in his tracks, Victor stared at Zoie, his mouth agape with shock. Quickly catching himself, Victor shook it off. Within a few long strides of his large frame, Victor was crouched down beside Zoie with his arms wrapped around her shoulders as he just held her. No words were needed. Zoie curled up in Victor's arms and broke down again in full force. "Seems... any hole... will do in a storm... for Dick..." she said, stuttering over her words between the sobs.

"Non." A single, simple word was all he said as his hands stroked her hair and he moved to scoop her up. He walked them over towards the Courthouse and had someone hold the door open for him as he took Zoie into the building and moved her into his personal area that was used as an office of sorts nearby to the infirmary. "I know you do not care, but I do not like people staring at you. You will 'ave peace 'ere." He moved away to the corner cabinet where he withdrew a blanket, one of many he had for his late nights, and placed it around Zoie's shoulders.

Zoie looked over to him as he wrapped the blanket over her shoulders and nodded a bit. Reaching over she grabbed the box of tissues by the chair and tried to clean up her face. Crumpling up the damp Kleenex in her fist she lowered her head and just stared at the floor blankly. "Froggy... whys I gotta bes so bad at pickin' mens that be bad fer mes? Hubby who be thinkin' I a punchin' bag. Then Honky Tonk whos can't keep it in his pants fer two days when I be outs on a run."

Victor considered her question before answering a calm, steady voice. "I cannot answer about the first as I did not know the man. 'owever, Dick is just a rebellious child. One that 'as no self control nor ideas of boundries. 'e is testing the water and I do not think 'e even realises 'e is doing it." He leaned against the edge of the desk, beside Zoie and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder as he folded his other arm across his chest.

"'e will soon realise 'ow much of a connasse 'e is." Zoie would know that word, it was one Victor only used for her. "Let him stew in 'is own filth. I know you are 'urting but you are strong. You will be okay. You 'ave me and Bryn to keep you afloat." He ducked down and pressed a light kiss to the crown of her head.

Zoie swallowed hard and sighed as she flopped back in the chair, looking up at Victor as she wiped her nose with the tissue in her hand. Clearing her throat she nodded, she knew she would be okay in time. It just hurt, a lot. "I knows Froggy, Isa thank ya fer that. Just painful, real damn painful. Ain't cared about no one likes I do Ol' Honky Tonk in a long time. Hurt to be knowin' I wasn't nothin' to him." Shaking her hear she stood up and kissed Froggy on the cheek before grabbing the box of tissues.

"Gonna be needin' these," she said as she tightened the blanket around herself and headed out of the court house, her feet dragging across the ground as she made her way towards her little quarters.

Victor let out a light sigh and moved over towards the window and looked out into the night as Zoie left his office. A faint glimmer could be seen on top of one of the roofs of the building beside the Courthouse, Ash's place to be specific. A small dark form was sitting and the glimmer was then seen flying over the back of the building as a glass container was thrown by it. The telltale light from the end of a cigarette told Victor exactly who it was. He shook his head and drew the curtains over, hoping that those two would work out their issues sooner rather than later.

Richard took a long draw from his cigarette and sighed, grunted and complained under his breath. Not at Zoie, at himself. He was so mad at himself and he had no idea why. This fact just made him even angrier and the rage kept piling up on top of him until he had exploded and now, was sitting on Ashton's roof in hopes the man would find him, kick his ass and send him packing from Newnan. He could only be so lucky and unlucky. He leant back on the heel of one hand and held his smoke in the other. His mind wandered to Zoie and his eyes scanned the streets of Newnan below him. He froze when he saw her.

Zoie could barely find it in herself to lift her head to look where she was going. She drug her feet over the pavement, holding the blanket that Froggy had given her tightly around herself, the box of tissues in her hand as she walked. Fumbling with the box she dropped it and sighed as she sunk to her knees to pick it up. She just stayed there for a minute as her vision caught sight of the tent and it caused her to break down again, tilting her head back and staring blankly at the stars above as she cried. The tears rolling down her cheeks and onto the blanket, she felt like a fool. Crying over a man that didn't give two shits about her. She wished right then Newnan didn't have electricity, the street lights illuminating each tear and sob.

Hearing some one walking down the street she gathered the tissue box and stood up before trying to make a beeline for her house. As she rounded the corner to go up the sidewalk she caught the light from the cigarette and froze. She knew exactly who was sitting in the shadows up there. Biting her bottom lip she ran, tucking her head down, not wanting him to see her cry as she darted into her house and slammed the door. Looking around the empty place she collapsed to her knees and doubled over as she just let every last tear fall that was in her.

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Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by MarshiestMallow
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MarshiestMallow The Marshiest of Mallows

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Niesha



location: apartment





Niesha sighed, how could she explain just how she felt, when she didn't understand it herself? "I am fine with Astrid but that doesn't mean I have to talk to her, does it?

I went to apologize to the doctor, but whats the point when I get told I can't go in because he's there?

I know inwas a fool, but how can I try and make amends when that's impossible?"


Frustrated now, Niesha ran a hand through her hair, causing it to stick up in all directions. "I didn't like being tied up. It's been 19 years since my brother was kidnapped, and I still have nightmares about it. Why hasn't he been found? Was he tied up?" she gave a weary sigh, she had learned long ago that there was no point keeping things hidden from those she cared about. They'd just get it out of her anyway. "I know chances are that he's dead, whether walking or dead dead, I know chances are he's been that way for a long time, but...it haunts me." she suddenly couldn't be still, and found herself pacing.

"you can tell me it wasn't my fault. I'll still feel guilty, because I should have been watching, I should have seen that the walker was close. I should have, but I thought you'd be safe in the cart, I thought you'd be okay. I couldn't do anything, I couldn't help. And then it was too late, and then it looked like they wouldn't let us in, and it just kept on building up, and up, and then I wasn't allowed to help when we got you to the infirmary. I wasn't able to do anything. It is my fault, it's always been my fault"

Again, in frustration, she ran a hand through her hair, messing it up even more. "I'm sorry" whether it was for everything, or simply for losing control even slightly, Niesha didn't know. She just knew she was sorry, just knew that she was a complete mess and probably always would be. Yet she knew she was better when she had someone. She looked over to Sophie, stopping her pacing.
Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by Morose
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Morose ✨Krakoan Princess✨

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Jack Hudson

Location: The Mess Hall


Jack's eyes, and mouth, widened at the sight of the peach. Fresh fruit had become a rarity, and glancing up almost like a little kid deciding whether or not it was okay, Jack took a bite. The juice that trickled out of it covered his mouth, and his eyes closed. This was heaven. Years of eating bags of chips and roasted squirrels made this into a delicacy, and Jack was almost sad that eventually, the peach would be gone. There was no use in saving it -- it would go bad eventually. Glancing up at the hissing of the radio, Jack blinked, and in a moment, found himself lost in a memory.

Jack and his partner, Darren, were on a sting operation. The two of them sat inside their car, eating some Chick Fil'A they had scrounged up, as their other partner, Serenity, waited in the hotel room. The perp they expected had been known to frequent the area, soliciting prostitutes and butchering them in kind. Their walkies hissed, and Jack picked up, hearing the precinct come in.

The perp had been spotted near the area, and all police were expected to go on alert. The memory blurred, flashing by far too quickly. Little snatches popped out to him. The sound of gun fire. The chill of screams. The blood, as Jack and Darren rushed into the room, finding Serenity against the wall, gun in hand. The perp across from her, his eyes glazed over.

"You're late," Serenity sighed, closing her own eyes.


Jack shook his head, snapping back to the present. "Hope you ahen't in any trouble," Jack said, watching as Zoie stood up, and walked briskly out of the mess hall. He bit his lip. It would be just his luck, for Tatiana and him to have found somewhere safe, only for complications to arise. He squeezed Tatiana's hand back, and took a bite of his peach. "Solovey, you got to eat," Jack chided, kissing her cheek softly. While he did recognize that Tatiana might have been embarrassed about the peck on the cheek in front of the stranger, it didn't stop him in the slightest.

"Uh, veahy," Jack answered with a goofy grin. "Haven't had a fruit that wasn't a fruit snack in ages," he admitted, still holding Tatiana's hand. His eyes lit up at the doctor's comment about their hands, potentially looking like the dorkiest boyfriend in existence.

Édouard Riviere

Location: Sign Man Graphics, Arnco Mills, Georgia ---> Heading Down Fourth Street


Édouard gazed down at his 3 in 1 Survival Whistle with Compass and Thermometer, frowning. As far as he could tell, the heat should have killed him and all living life on the planet. It was over 90 degrees, yet it only felt around 32 degrees. "Allez, coco!" Édouard whined, but the thermometer didn't change. The compass was functioning, and giving a very soft blow on the whistle, a small noise emitted from it. Édouard sighed a bit, throwing the whistle in his pack, and picking up his rapier. He had failed, of course, to notice his thermometer did not read in Celsius. "Mais je suis en bonne santé, alors, il ne marche pas...Merde."

The dilapidated building had provided him shelter the night before. From what Édouard could gather, it was some sort of business, or the home of someone who loved advertisements. The gravel road seemed to be off of the main, beaten track, and he hoped that it would serve as shelter. Despite popular opinion, Édouard wasn't entirely stupid.

"Adieu, mon amie!" Édouard said to the small house, waving with his hand. His pack over his shoulder and wielding his rapier, Édouard headed on the road, going nowhere in particular. Keeping track of where he had been before had become a complicated process, especially without the help of his guide book. He lamented allowing Félix to use it for a fire. All he had to navigate the vast and confusing country was the remaining pieces of his French-English dictionary, and of course, his dashing good looks.

By some stroke of luck, Édouard headed away from Main Street, going towards Flower Importers of Georgia. Despite having some food, he didn't want to have to eat the tins of baby food. The French and English words for infants were close enough that he figured out what it meant. And Édouard was certainly not a baby. He mused to himself of the croque monsieur he would consume as soon as he found one readily made, uncertain himself as to how to put it together. Or perhaps, he would upgrade to a croque madame!

Of course, every so often, Édouard would glance around, looking to see if des morts-vivants were about. They did terrify him to the extent that his cowardice became evident, but in small numbers, he could handle them. It wasn't everyday that he was legally able to drive the point of his rapier through someone's head. It was the best part of the apocalypse to him.

2x Laugh Laugh
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Kristina Smith


Location: The Southern Gate





After handing the bucket to the people working out on the crops, she headed towards where they kept Newnan's cow, and grabbed another bucket seeing it grazing in the field she smiled softly as she approached her and gently ran her hand up and down the cow's back gently. As she set the bucket down under the cow she had gotten down onto her knees, she brought her hand up to the cow's udder and slowly started to milk the cow. Kristina watched quietly as the cow just continued to eat away at the grass, she had done it before back at home as she learned how to take care of her family's livestock. Once Kristina had finished filling the bucket about halfway Kristina gently gave the cow another gentle pat on the back and started to walk away.

As she made her way over she handed the bucket of milk to a young man who worked in domestic who was handing out some water for everyone working out in the fields. "Here you go." Kristina said with a soft smile so that they could bottle it up for use for the rest of the community. He smiled back towards Kristina and gave her a quick nod as he made his way back towards the gate and towards the Mess Hall. Kristina would let out a soft sigh as she ran a hand through her hair. Kristina walked over towards the shed and leaned up against it and opened up the water bottle and started to take a drink from it, she looked up at the sky as she started to think about Maria and Lorna and how they were wherever they were.




Sophia Harris


location: Sophia and Niesha's Apartment.





"Well you would have to talk to her at some point, I mean you and her could be assigned to a run or something and you'd have to work together at some point." Sophia said as she looked at Niesha and sighed quietly as she thought about a way to try and get Victor and Niesha to at least talking and fix things. "Maybe I could help spent the last month in the infirmary he really isn't a bad guy." Sophia said biting her lip for a moment. "I mean the day we came here everyone had a real shit day. Everyone lost something that day I just lost part of myself literally. So tensions were pretty high. And i'm sorry for the way you were treated that day, I can try and get him and you to try and work things out maybe the mess hall?"

Sophia ran a hand through her hair, she didn't know that Niesha had her brother taken away from her before things hit the fan she had lost someone herself before things hit the fan. "I know how to feels to lose someone I lost my husband a few months ago before the outbreak, whether he is gone or out there somewhere i'm sure that he is thinking of you." Sophia said as she gently held Niesha's hand once more. "And nothing that day wasn't your fault and i'll keep saying that, but i'm still here so that's all that matters right?




Raymond Mendoza


Location: Arnco Mills, 3rd Street, Arnco Baptist Church


Raymond walked along 3rd Street making his way slightly north, he had been running out of food for the last few days and he was getting desperate for food. As Ray walked further up 3rd Street he could see a walker nearby just a single one wearing a backpack, as he silently drew his machete out from its sheath he snuck up behind the mindless dead walking human and thrusted the machete into the back of the walker's head ending its suffering. Ray knelt down and rolled the body over to check at this point in time he didn't care after digging through the backpack Raymond groaned loudly as he didn't find anything of use other then a pack of cigarettes and nothing else he stuffed them into his pocket.

Raymond had been walking alone for the last month trying to scavenge enough food as much as possible, he ran out of his food about three days ago and the little game he could get weren't really much. That or a walker had managed to get to his kill which wouldn't be good to eat, Raymond then continued walking further up 3rd Street until he found a church. He wasn't sure what was actually in there as Ray made his way further up to the church, Raymond took out his machete and knocked on the door to see if a walker would hear and approach the door. He also kept looking over his shoulder making sure that there weren't any walkers that would sneak up behind him.
Hidden 8 yrs ago 8 yrs ago Post by Sigil
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Ashton Holloway



Location: Mess Hall




Zoie's name was mentioned directly on the walkie. Apparently, someone she knew. Someone who may be potentially dangerous. Ash's instinct was to take up arms, especially after the word Eden was mentioned. Such a tangle in the day was not to be taken lightly. His desire to rain death upon the enemies of Newnan was strong, no doubt about it. But now, he had someone to assess the situation for him, someone to mount an initial defense, if necessary. Zoie got the nod from the former Security Lead, Caesar. Now dead, Miss Zoie had taken over his spot. Instead of rising to handle the situation directly, Ash merely turned down his walkie and addressed the two strangers before him.

Ash didn't particularly try to put up a false front of cheerfulness. Not his style. But he did keep his words polite and his manner neutral. Introductions were exchanged, in a manner of speaking. Jack and Tatiana. And speaking of speaking, Newnan was certainly gathering a motley group of accents. Now they could add Massachusetts and Russian to the buffet table of odd ways to alter the English language.

The traditional New Englander Bostonesque accent was easy to pick out, even for a man like Ash who'd never been there. It was certainly distinctive, perhaps even as distinctive as Tatiana's. The entrance interview would have to be taken slowly. If all three of them got worked up, the vast majority of the conversation would consist of "Excuse me?", "Come again?", and "Damnit, just once more, please?" All the same, he had to try.

The moment that he opened his mouth to begin his standard Meet & Greet, Doc Froggy made his appearance. Today was starting of to be an interesting day: Doc was happy. At least he seemed it. Happy and talkative. Ash was glad to see it, even if it didn't show. Moments of levity were fleeting these days. He nodded to Victor, then addressed the two new arrivals.

"We've worked hard to build a relatively safe place. It wasn't easy, and I'm going to come right out and say it: People have given their lives for this town." His face darkened momentarily. "Loved ones. People want what we have, and that's not going to change. Folk like you two, come in the front gate, ask to be one of us? You can have what we've built here. Lot of people aren't like that. We took a hit, one month back. Just letting you know what you're getting into. Everyone contributes who's able, everyone fights who's able."

Ash paused for a second. Maybe he was being too much of a fatalist. "Look, if I'm scaring you off, my apologies. Take a couple of days to relax, before we make promises to each other. You're free to leave at any time, and if you need we can spare a few supplies. If you decide to stay, we need to know each other better."

"This settlement was originally built with military conduct in mind. It has relaxed from direct martial law since that time, but there is a clear chain of command here with myself at the lead. If you decide to stay, you'll be given jobs commensurate to your experience and proficiency. If you would prefer, we can teach a variety of useful skills. With this in mind, take a day or two to think it over. But first: Tell me about yourselves. What did you do, Before?"





Black James!



Location: Newnan, Inner Wall - Smoker




A little herb, a little alcohol, a little time and fire - a little message on his walkie saying something might be going down this very instant, a touch of Zoie hauling ass past him, and just the tiniest bit of Black James chambering a round into his pistol and keeping his axe close at hand. Zoie knew her stuff. James knew his. No matter how wary he might be at this moment (and he was), but he had his own job to do. If they needed him to vent some aggression on more invaders, they'd sound the alarm proper.

James drove Jack and Tati's truck forward toward the Courthouse, turning into the parking lot nearby. He was near the Medical Garden, under the shade of a few trees they left standing, consequently also the present location of his beloved smoker. It did get around, that lovely piece of outdoor cooking appliance. He and that hunk of metal had been through a lot together. To his momentary happiness, they were about to go through a little bit more, just today.

The veteran of Redneck Cookery saw to the deer first. No point lighting a fire if the animal wasn't properly prepped beforehand. In short order, knives were produced and the poor dead beast was laying on a frame. Its entrails became its extrails, bucketed and ready to be turned into pig feed. With care, James removed the skin. There were a lot of uses for deer leather, this day and age, and now there was a lady in town that could turn this greasy skin into a sheet of tough, flexible material.


Meantime, the slow smoky goodness of venison was being prepared, as the infamous Blackneck started humming. He eventually broke into a quiet song as he worked, though it grew a little louder as time went on. "Mama's little baby loves short'nin' short'nin'... Mama's little baby love short'nin' bread..."



Bridgette Vinters


Location: Newnan Inner Wall, Infirmary




Astrid. Venting. Wow, who would have thunk it? Hell, Bridgette had said enough crap to her over the past couple of years. Some horrible, nasty things born of frustration and a distinct lack of important supplies like whiskey and Kit-Kats. Perhaps such things were more forgivable, as candy and booze were vital to human survival. Emotions can run high, even with someone as sophisticated and stable as Miss Bridgette Vinters. Still, the words coming out of Astrid's mouth weren't usual for the stoic anachronism.

"Attagirl, Astrid. You let all that shit out. Later on, we can get some sparring practice in, really vent some angry, huh?" Bridgette thought for a moment, "Ya know, I am checking in on Sophia later today. Maybe I can see what's up?"

"Hey, I've got to get that work done, east side of the wall. Fuckin' funny, most of those buildings aren't being used for shit. Quiet that way. I'd prefer to go with someone, but if Bryn's not around... Hope the bitch is ok. ANYWAY, I'm going to take a quick ride around the inner wall, see if anyone's willing to hold my tools, at least. I'm out."


Bridgette started back to the exit, but suddenly stopped, remembering something. With lowered voice, she spoke to her Battle-Sister, "Don't tell anyone, but I've been showing Walldi ...fuck. ASH, some of my moves. Boxing! I've been showing him how to mix it up, lot better than that crap they showed him in the Army. He's been paying me with decent quality hooch. You wanna crack open a mason jar of The Good Shit around our firepit tonight? Talk stuff out? ...Alrght, I gotta go."

"Ya know, he handles getting his ass kicked by a girl a lot better than I thought he would."


With that, Bridgette found her way back to Cadence and mounted the noble beast. She nudged her horse to a trot, and began a circular route about the Inner Wall. Maybe she could spot someone to give her a hand before starting her day's labors.



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Tatiana Korvo


Location:The Mess Hall



Tatiana looked over towards the Frenchman as he came in and introduced himself. A doctor? An actual doctor? That was bigger to her than having an air conditioning, maybe she could have him look at her feet and see if everything was still okay. Years of ballet had taken its toll on her and she still practiced as much as she could. She wanted to make sure that she could continue to for as long as she drew breath. She would have to make sure to see if she could stop by and see him sooner or later.

Blushing softly as she felt Jack kiss her cheek she nodded a bit and started picking at her food some, taking small bits and chewing slowly. She listened to Ash explain what they town was about and everything, when he mentioned jobs she gulped a little bit. She didn't think she had any skills that would really be useful to a place like this. Sure she knew how to survive out there, it had been something she was going long before the outbreak had even occurred, but surviving and being useful were two different things. Then he asked the question she had been dreading, what had she been doing before. It wasn't exactly something that people thought was useful.

Reaching over to her bag, she pulled out her ballet shoes and fished out the article she had shown Jack when they had first met. Unfolding the worn paper carefully and sliding it over to Ash timidly her hands shaking a bit as she did so before pulling her hand back as she left the paper there and biting on her nail nervously. "After var I come America... Ballet, taught a little but mostly just dance," she said quietly in her thick Russian accent.

Looking over towards Jack she gave him all that to well known thin lipped smile. It was obvious she was nervous. Sure she had other skills. She knew how to survive, she knew how to purify water, how read a map and find her way even without one, she could read people, basic first aide skills and more but to her those were skills that everyone must know at this time. Shouldn't they? Squeezing his hand gently she went back to picking at her food.



Astrid Hansen


Location: The Infirmary



"Be nice," Astrid said with a bit of a grin on her lips, pulling up at the corner of her lips. She knew exactly what Bridgette was getting at and while she was pissed and insulted by Neisha's attitude over the last month she didn't want to make things any worse for Sophia than they were. The girl had enough to deal with right then without Bridgette going Bridgette on red.

"But yes, some sparring would be good," she added as she leaned back in her seat. The venting had done her well, granted she was still terse but she felt better getting it off her chest at least. Then Bridgette went into one of her rambles talking about this and that. Astrid just sat there, nodding a bit, her brows raising from time to time and giving her a bit of a wave as her sister headed out.

Shaking her head a bit she went back to her studies. She wanted to make sure that she was ready for anything that Froggy threw at her when he came around. She had so much to learn but she was enjoying it, nearly as much as she did fighting and riding her horse. It was odd giving her mind a different type of work out but it was refreshing and kept things interesting. It wasn't boring or tedious to her. Little things like this were wonderful to her. No job wasn't of use in a place like this and to ever find yourself feeling safe enough to be bored from time to time was a blessing.
Hidden 8 yrs ago Post by MarshiestMallow
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Niesha



location: apartment





"somehow I don't think they'll be sending me on a run anytime soon" Niesha said softly, while she was glad for a respite, to not have to be running every day, to not fear a walker or, it seemed, another human killing her. There were days when Niesha missed the weight of her bow over her back. It had been her constant companion for months,

She didn't want to spend this time, the most she had had the chance to be with Sophie, arguing about what happened a month ago. So all she said was, "you can try, and I'll do my best"

At the mention of her husband, Niesha felt a cold weight sink into her stomach, not that she would try anything with Sophie despite the fact she wanted to, it was crushing to realize that wouldn't happen. crushing on a
Straight girl. Just my luck
she thought to herself, the realization that what she felt wasn't just some brief infatuation [i]she probably just sees me as a friend. If we're even that. Now what?/i].

"I know, and I'm glad you are. I wouldn't be here without you, anyway" she tried to manage a smile, straightening her shoulders and composing herself as well as she could. She hadn't truly been herself these last few weeks, and perhaps that should change. She gave a soft sigh, and figuring she wasn't about to get in trouble for skipping work, or if she was, well too late to do anything about it now? She said "well, is there anything you want to do? I maybe small, but I can still push a wheelchair around if you want to explore the town"

There weren't many pleasures you could take in this world anymore, so even if hurt her, Niesha knew she would do it because being with Sophie was better then being alone. And she wouldn't leave Sophie, in anycase. Sophie could say it wasn't her fault, but Niesha knew there was nothing she could do to replace her hand. So she would do all she could to make that lack negligible.
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Kristina Smith


Location: The Southern Gate





After Kristina finished drinking some of her water, she started to make her way towards the horse stables where they were being kept as she made her way over there she stared at the four horses. She wondered how they got their names after the name of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Kris approached them as she went over to gently pet one of them and ran a hand through its main and then moved over towards their feed seeing that it was still fairly full. She spotted a nearby brush and went over and grabbed it, Kris started to slowly run a hand through its fur while brushing it gently. Kristina always enjoyed taking care of horses but she was always to scared to get a ride, mainly afraid of it getting spooked and then being knocked down and being injured by it.

Kristina continued to brush away the fur picking some of it up as the winter coat was brushed away and Kris would drop the dead fur onto the ground and went towards brushing the main pulling out the tangles and knots that were in there. Kristina would watch some of the others and would casually wave and say hi to them. Kristina then stopped for a moment as she started to take another drink from her water bottle and went over to run a hand over the horses nose and smiled at the animal.




Sophia Harris


location: Sophia and Niesha's Apartment.





"You never know, it could happen regardless of what happens you could be assigned on a run somewhere with Astrid or Froggy, its just better to just try and amend things as best as possible." Sophia said softly as she looked outside for a moment, she did like the thought of getting out and exploring Newnan now that she was discharged from the infirmary. "I wouldn't mind a tour, I mean I need to find my way around town eventually if I am to start working around here." Sophia would look down to her stump slightly, and wondered for a moment how she would actually do things with just one hand.

Sophia then looked back up at Niesha and smiled towards her friend she was glad to be with her and be shown around town by her. "Though I remember dating a girl back in high school, we were friends even after the breakup and high school. I'm not sure where she is or if she is even still alive now." Sophia said with a slight shrug. "Anyway mind being my lovely chauffeur around Newnan?"
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Ryan & Zoie


Location: Newnan Front Gate -> Mess Hall


Zoie wasn't sure what to think about Ryan showing up like he was but she knew the man well enough not to take anything he said without a heavy grain of salt. The thing about him was that he could be brutally honest but even if he was, he had a reason to be and it was all about survival. Holstering her pistols she pulled out a zip tie from her back pocket and held it up in front of him, rotating it slowly between the tips of her fingers.

"Kinky," he said with a smug look flashing in his eyes and a crooked smirk creeping across his lips as he held his wrists out to her. He didn't want to be put in restraints but he knew better than to argue this point. Whatever got him within the walls was what he would do right then. His brow arched as Zoie shook her head a bit and then rolled his eyes as he placed his hands behind his back. "Fine.." he mumbled, dejected.

Zoie was a tad rougher than she had to be and made sure they were tight as she restrained him. Patting him down, she removed the machete from his hip and sighed as she held up the bag of joints and the lighter. "Oh come on Zoie," he protested but she didn't listen as she pocketed them. Unholstering one of her pistols again she grabbed him by the arm and gave the signal for them to open the gate for her.

"Boys, he be tryin' to make a break, make a bullet kiss his brain," she said as she lead him through the gate and down the streets of Newnan; the gate closing heavily behind them. Zoie kept a firm grip on his arm, her nails digging in but Ryan just smirked; he was in. Now just to stay alive.

"Nice place you got here," he said trying to make small talk. "Kids playing, people walking around without a care in the world. Almost like it used to be. So what do you do here Zoie? Find a nice little house and bake cookies all day? Find yourself another husband?"

Ryan hit the ground as Zoie's fist connected with his cheek out of no where. Grunting he didn't even had time to roll around before Zoie had a hold of him and was yanking him back to his feet. His cheek felt like it had just exploded and blood trickled down the side of his lip. "Fucking A, just like prison. What, are you going to toss me in the hole?" he said as he tongue slipped out to lick away the blood as Zoie continued to move him further down the street towards the Mess Hall.

"Ain't bein' a hole deep enough fer ya' Irish."

"Then what are you going to do with me?"

"Ya be findin' out soon enough."

"Hey, I got you out of Eden. You owe me."

"Naw, I don't," Zoie said as she pushed the door open to the Mess Hall. Ryan nearly fainted when he felt the Air Conditioning and let out a deep breath.
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Gregory Stone




Location: No 62 Arnco Mills, GA


It had been a long month. Ok. Just over a month. More like a month and a half. Where he was now was significantly different to what life was like back at Robins. While life there sucked, they had power, defences and a whole load of other things. While things were looking bad there, Gregory was starting to regret leaving. Sure, it would have eventually descended into chaos and mutiny, but at least walkers couldn’t get you there.

Greg couldn’t truly complain, though; he had gotten fairly lucky in his time outside Robins walls. Well as lucky as luck could be in this new harsh reality. He had found some food, not a lot, but enough. His search for new supplies had taken him northbound furthermore, to the sleepy little area of Arnco Mills. The place had seemed quiet and it did appear as if no one was around. He had spotted the odd walker, but it seemed that they were more bothered with other things. And that was good. Greg was not in the best position to deal with those sort of things currently. He had run out of distraction devices and he really didn’t want to have to use his gun. He had loathed using it before, and he continued to loathe it now. Currently, he had made his way onto 4th street, looking around at the varying degree of empty homes. He needed batteries. He needed anything electronic and these houses seemed like a good place to start.

The heat had done a number on the road, causing it crack and crack more and more, the place had turned into a wasteland of sorts. It appeared as if Arnco Mills was a leafy green place when it was maintained, but the foliage and shrubs had now gotten out of control, overgrowing everything it seemed. This was good, though. It meant you could hide from Walkers a lot easier, but it also meant that they could hide from you too. Greg would approach a nearby house, No 62. It was a nice little-detached house, white and wooden and despite the apocalypse seemed to look whiter than ever. Almost pristine. It seemed like it would be the perfect place to find some supplies. Slowly walking over to the door, Greg placed his ear on the wood, waiting to see if he could hear anything on the other side, any sort of giveaway that he was in trouble, or that someone could be waiting for him on the other side.
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Jack Hudson

Location: The Mess Hall


While Jack tried not to judge too much, Ashton couldn't have sounded more like a depressed mob boss to him. The beginning of his speech, about Tatiana and him just walking up to the gate and wanting in...it set Jack on edge. Waiting for the other shoe to drop, he attempted to look as calm as could be, for Tatiana's sake. If he started to panic, she'd start to panic.

Jack let out some sort of mixture between a chuckle and a relieved sigh, relaxing a bit more. "No problem, captain," Jack reassured him, nodding. He bit his tongue, tempted to ask about whether or not promise rings would be exchanged. Emeralds would compliment his eyes the best.

Unable to help himself, he grinned widely, seeing the photos of Tatiana doing what she loved. As much as he made a fool of himself when dancing with her, he loved watching her. She never looked happier than when she was dancing, to him. "She's bein' modest," Jack added. "She's the best damn dancah there evah was."

He squeezed her hand back, still beaming at her as she went back to her food. Returning his attention to Ashton, Jack answered his question for himself. "I was a cop with Chicago PD," he explained. "Wohked vice mostly--sex crimes and such."
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Ashton Holloway



Location: Mess Hall




It was touching, really. Times before, these two would have made for a really out-of-place couple. But these days, all shapes and sizes was the norm. Grabbing a slice of happiness and companionship, bonding over the little things that were (just sometimes) more important than mere survival. The inconsequential was removed from life, revealing the pure, clear truth: We are all we really have, anymore.

Ash's visage softened. A small, quiet smile displayed itself, quickly corrected to a neutral facial rest. He leaned back a bit in his seat. "A ballerina, and a cop. I'll be the first to admit, we have no positions for Prima available here in Newnan. Maybe we should. An artist such as yourself is a rare thing. We'll do whatever we can to support that. If you choose to stay, there will have to be a further contribution of effort. I'm willing to concede that your warmup sets quality as hard calisthenics. Talk with Meghna Kumar or Miss Sally in Domestic about setting something up, maybe get others involved."

A Police Officer gives more tangible experience. Obvious jobs come to mind, in the walls and out. But for right now, you two settle in. Rest. Eat. When you're up for it, feel free to grab a shower. Someone will be along to assign you temporary quarters. Spend a couple of days here, decide if you want to stay. If you do, we'll talk more then."


He rose, intending to get back to his duties for the day. After a short laugh, he turned back to the two at the table he had just left, "Most everyone here are decent folk. A couple may come off as caustic, but they mean well. When you feel like looking around, I'll leave someone outside to escort you. Except into the showers. That'd be silly." Ash's mood seemed more elevated than when he entered the room. Maybe it was seeing a young couple, still not completely hardened by the world. Whatever the case, the wearied Captain felt something he hadn't in a long while: Honest hope.

Ashton started for the main doors, eager to get to the Distillery and see to his work. He was stopped by an unfamiliar presence coming in toward him, followed by his new second, Zoie. Instinctively, Ash drew his sidearm with practiced speed, chambering a round as it raised to confront the man before him. His leg dropped behind him in a bracing stance, and the calm level of his voice returned to a default, no-nonsense vocalization.

"Something to report, Zoie?"



Black James!



Location: Newnan, Inner Wall - Smoker




"..mama's little baby luvs short'nin' bread... Oops. Shit, we just pick that up, blow it off, ain't no one to know but Me an' God. Where was I? Oh yeah - Mama's little baby loves short'nin' short'nin'..."

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Niesha



location:Initially Sophie and Nieshas apartment, then moving towards the mess hall





niesha have a sigh, and decided to argue anymore about trying to make amends. That involved them actually wanting to make amends with her. She could go and talk herself hoarse, it wouldn't do any good unless they actually listened to her. And Froggy didn't seem to be one to listen. She saw Sophie sigh, looking to her missing hand.

"it will take a while, but you'll soon be able to do lots of things you could before..." she said softly, trailing off. She couldn't keep the guilt out of her voice, and if she could hear it, Sophie could to, and there was no point starting that discussion again.

As she went on to say she had dated a girl, Niesha found herself almost whiplashed by emotions, glancing away as she moved to grab the wheelchairs handles. She didn't really know what to say, and gave a heavy sigh "I guess...that it doesn't really matter where they are. We can't do anything but worry and wonder. Maybe we find some hint, and maybe we can find them. But maybe doesn't help with survival. My brother...if I couldn't find him in 19 years...is probably long gone. My college room mate...well, she was strong, so if anyone could make it through it would be her. She was...well, she was just about my first everything" first kiss, first love, first true friend...Niesha shook her head, "but hope is all we have, and perhaps that is what makes humanity so...able to survive, even with something like this"

She pushed the chair, putting most of her weight behind it to start the initial push, and started out their apartment. She decided to start at the essentials, and then work their way around, heading towards the mess hall.
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Lady Absinthia ⚘ Blossoming ⚘

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Oh Randomizations, how I love you.... Though some people might not. ~giggles~ Shall we get on with it? Anyone without tags for the post, just means continue on as per normal with the other characters.

@jakeb1993 Gregs luck isn't starting out the best. As he steps towards the door and leans his ear against it a couple of things happen. The deck boards squeak beneath his feat for a split moment and then his right foot goes right through the board down to his knee and causes him to land on his rear; foot still stuck. This noise alerts a walker that was under the deck; probably some poor soul that took refuge there and it didn't work out. He can feel the Walker grabbing at his ankle.

@Nallore Ray gets no response at the door knock and once he opens it things look pretty clear. The place has obviously been ran sacked and there are no Walkers or people for that matter from what he can see, but what he can see is a red fox tail flickering slightly from one of the pews. Suddenly a head pops up and stares at Ray, here's your chance for food!

@Morose As Edward is walking down the street and headed towards the flower shop he catches the shadow of something moving one the roof of the house next to the florist. Then suddenly a man falls forward and then you hear the strain of a rope and the crack of what you could only assume was a neck snapping as he swings there in front of the porch of the home. If he is looked at, it will be clear to see there is a Walker bite on his shoulder that had ripped away a lot of the flesh. Careful though, neck breaks don't mean he won't be trying to take a bite out of you in three...two...one...

@Jotunn Draugr @FantasyChic - You two have an option. You can still chose anywhere on the map provided on pg 61 of the OOC to come in at, or you can respond to the noises caused by the scenes in Jake's or Morose's info above.

@Caits @Nallore You two are headed for the mess hall when you hear a bit of a screech suddenly out from behind you and one of the children of Newnan running full tilt at you, not even looking where they are going. The girl runs smack into Neisha and looked up terrified, babbling something about a monster. When you look back down the road you will see a racoon with can stuck on its head running rampant through the streets.

@Sigil @Charnobylisk Bridgette is going to just miss seeing Bryn but as she is making her way around the wall, eventually she is going to catch one hell of a stink in the air. If she follows it she will see what looks like a Walker at first, but it turns out to be Richard. (Thing is, just how long does Bridgette want to wait before admitting she knows it was Richard? Oh choices, choices.)



Zoie, Tatiana, & Ryan


Location: Mess Hall



Tatiana looked up from her food a bit, just her eyes coming up to Ashes as he mentioned that she could perhaps do something relating to her ballet here for the town. Her face lit up at the thought and she nodded, looking over to Jack fully before letting out a nervous giggle. She hadn't been expecting that but she wasn't going to complain. Granted from looking at the place she wouldn't have complained if she had been assigned to shovel manure or dig in the fields with her bare hands. The place had walls, food, and the mention of a shower nearly drove her to a full diva swoon if only she hadn't been so nervous. Leaning her cheek against Jack's shoulder a bit she glanced back over towards Ash. " 'Dank you, 'dank you," she repeated a few times.

"Aww Zoie, be reasonable," Ryan said as he looked over to her, being pushed into the room wasn't exactly his first choice in ways to make an entrance and then seeing yet another weapon being drawn only made it that much worse. "Whoa man, I'm not here to do any fucking harm. Tell him Zoie," he added as he stopped in his tracks. If Zoie wanted to move him another inch she would have to drag him.

Tatiana's eyes widen at the scene unfolding and gripped to Jack a bit more tightly as Zoie narrowed her eyes, feeling Ryan dig his heels into the tiled floor. Sighing she kicked the back of his legs, Ryan dropping to his knees. "Boss, this be Ryan O'Reily, a little manipulative piece of shat from that wonderful vacation resort north of us, Eden," she said as she holstered her side arm and kept her other hand firmly gripped at the back of his neck.

"Hey I got you the fuck out of there," Ryan snapped as he turned his head to looked over to her and then back over to Ash. "So you're the boss. Mind lowering that gun? I'm not here to hurt anyone, I just came here to warn Zoie was all.""
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Morose ✨Krakoan Princess✨

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Jack Hudson

Location: The Mess Hall


Jack chuckled a bit at the mention of an escort into the shower. He wouldn't mind providing Tatiana that type of escort. Rubbing Tatiana's shoulder with his arm, he couldn't help but feel a bit of bliss. For a few days, they wouldn't have to worry about surviving, about where their next meal would come from. They could have a normal life, something he had always longed for over these three hellish years.

"Thank you, sih," Jack said, as Ash rose and began to depart. The woman from before, Zoie, with the thick accent barged inside, pointing a gun at someone. Jack's eyes widened and he tightened his grip on Tatiana, instinctively reaching down to draw his weapon with his other hand.

Until, of course, he remembered that the only weapon Tatiana and he had with them was the ability to put hotels on Park Place and Boardwalk. He gulped a bit, his eyes wide, as he scanned around the Mess Hall, already looking for a way to escape should things get messy. It had been too good to be true, a place like this...

He let out a deep breath as the newcomer dropped to his knees. As far as he could tell, it looked like tensions that went unresolved far too long. The danger seemed to have passed. And being a former cop, he couldn't help but instinctively trust Ash, the military officer. Ash and Zoie seemed to have things under control, but he didn't loosen his protective grip on Tatiana. He couldn't stand the thought of letting go, and in some gun fight between Ash, Zoie, and the newcomer, a stray bullet hitting her...

He couldn't let her die--not after what happened to Sutton.

Édouard Riviere

Location: Flower Importers of Georgia Arnco Mills, Georgia


Édouard's face lit up, spotting movement. It had been ages since he saw another person, and to Édouard, there could only be one possible explanation. His family must have learned about how horrible his previous bodyguard had been and made arrangements to send him a new one. Running up towards the front of the shop, Édouard stood just a foot away as the body fell from the rope, its neck popping.

"Alors, ce n'est pas grave," Édouard murmured, looking with pity at the person in front of him. People broke bones all of the time-- surely, a neck would be able to heal as well. The pop he heard could have been his spine cracking as well, just releasing some healthy tension. His eyes traveled up the shoulder, and Édouard grimaced. There was no good help these days. "Ta blessure...Elle été causée par un mort-vivant?"

The corpse began to move, feebly trying to move forward to bite Édouard. Deciding that the answer must have been yes, Édouard took a step back, figuring that the rope would work as some sort of leash. "Je t'épargnerai, mon ami...Eh, finir de rigoler!" With his rapier, Édouard did perhaps the only thing he was competent at: stabbing things in the head.

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