[hr][hr][center][h1][color=firebrick]Black James(!)[/color][/h1] [img]https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/avatars/6AE78329E91063505631975227392_pic-r-1396533712688c4afde8ecf.jpg.jpg?versionId=ZnGOSit0zozlhxpJk0w6QVx4cSozVRdq[/img][/center] [hr][center][b]Location:[/b] Parking Lot between [b]10[/b] and Gilbert Street (present location of his smoker) -> Building [b]A[/b] (Ash's House, exterior front) [/center][hr][hr] The indomitable James Grady kept at his work in silence for a long while, keeping his hands busy while all sorts of scenarios related to the appearance of this woman, Thana, ran through his mind. He tried to think of something else, the upcoming wedding that day, plans for Agriculture in the upcoming planting season (which was coming up in a couple of weeks, if they expanded their greenhouse) but it was the mental equivalent of The Elephant In The Room. Jack and Tati's wedding was the big event of the day, but this was news. Thana's presence in Newnan was going to ruffle some feathers, no doubt about it. He still had his job to do, though. The hunting parties had done good work, the hogs had produced good numbers (James even managed to increase their breeding stock over last autumn), and the rationing of some staple products had allowed for a very decent feast for the blessed event. At least on his end of it. James wasn't in charge of the whole of the meal, though he had a big part of it to prepare. And he was certain that Meghna and Sally were either doing or delegating amazing work, themselves. Oh, the possibility of cake - actual, fluffy, rich [i]cake[/i] slathered in buttercream icing. They had the stuff to make it, Sally said she could do it. James could almost taste it. The moment he thought it was feasible, James was going to petition to expand the Wall and/or set up an outpost somewhere so thst they could grow a few acres of winter wheat, [i]purely[/i] for the purposes of providing flour for the Almighty Newnan Cake Initiative. Which reminded him: Petition for the creation of the Almighty Newnan Cake Initiative. The good news was, his thoughts of glorious, glorious Cake had effectively distracted him from the previously mentioned Room Elephant well enough that he was just the slightest bit surprised when Ash made his announcement over the radio. [color=firebrick]"Oooh baby, let the fun begin..."[/color] James worked his grill as best he could, shuffling about small cuts of meat and whole sausages, setting the heat incrementally lower, and providing more chips of wet wood to his heat. He wasn't sure how long this whole thing was going to take, and he would be damned if he ruined good meat. After his not-so-elaborate setup, a rather pleased look spread across his features as his favorite female stoic was witnessed approaching his location. (Funny, he seemed to surround himself with stoic people. Maybe they needed him most.) [color=firebrick]"Hey hey, Miss Aggie! Now don't you go showin' those teeth around to everybody, huh? Might give folk ideas 'bout ya. But why you comin' outta your way to visit with me? Ash is tellin' everyone to meet, front of his place."[/color] He accepted the quick praise of his Meatly Arts and the question to accompany her around the corner to Ash's. [color=firebrick]"Well hells yeah! I got stuff pretty much on lockdown for a while here."[/color] He offered Bryn an arm and began walking up to their ordered meeting point, around the corner to the growing crowd on the street in front of Ash's place. He knew what was about to go down, but wasn't about to ruin the surprise. [hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=ff8c00]Schrödinger[/color][/i][/b][/h1] [img]https://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/20051320.jpg[/img][/center] [hr][center][b]Location:[/b] Parking Lot between [b]10[/b] and Gilbert Street (present location of the smoker) -> Building [b]A[/b] (Ash's House) [/center][hr][hr] It was unknown precisely when the fuzzy orange tabby removed himself from the oddities of human event planning. It wasn't for him, really, although he was content to nose around peoples' private spaces and make them feel cozy and content for his efforts. This place seemed to be a great spot to live for a while. Even if it wasn't with his treasured friend, Bazhooli. Cats could mourn. It's true. Granted, they don't go around, weeping about it for months at a time generally. The time he spent with the strange human who constantly smelled of oil and wet metal was precious to him, and he would be missed. Probably the closest thing to a family he had for a long, long time. Well, that and he could always be relied upon to share his food whenever he got any. Humans always did have the best food. But for the life of him, he didn't understand why they had to put Bazhooli into a hole and push dirt over him. I mean, he was loved, but he was also perfectly good meat now that he wasn't alive. Humans made no sense sometimes. But back to food. The large, darker hued Human was moving away from his huge, hot foodmaker. And there was a bucket nearby that smelled [i]wonderful[/i]. Oh yes, score. Schrodinger crept up on the bucket from one side, careful not to be immediately noticed. The magic, tasty-smelling bucket was up on a smallish table, practically a stool, next to the foodmaker. Clear and easy jump for a master of the most worthy art of Catrobatics. The goal was to leap up, grab a sizeable bit of meaty deliciousness, and run away before anyone even noticed he was around. And if they did, he would just give them [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/aa/fe/c4/aafec41ad3e2da00eeaa03657383bbd0.jpg]The Face[/url]. No one could resist The Face. The leap was well timed and properly executed, netting him a lovely chunk of sausage end that got a little too crispy for James's liking. While it would have seasoned some particularly lovely grits, Schrodinger had other ideas. Ideas that involved his belly. He scurried away to a bushy area to devour his prize. Curiously, all of the Humans were going somewhere together. Once he was done eating, he would have to see what the big attraction was all about. [color=darkorange]"Meow."[/color][sub]1[/sub] [hider=Translations] 1 = "But first, before I delve into the petty shenanigans of the two-leggers, I shall commence to eating my justly purloined forcemeat, and that hat wearing fellow will never even miss it. Yes, I am awesome. I am Cat. Fear my sneakiness, and provide me with yummy things." [/hider] [hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=ed1c24]Secretive Shenanigans, Part IV[/color][/i][/b][/h1][/center][hr] A tightly forced straight face was hardly concealing the smile that was threatening to spread on Thana's features at the mention of a hot shower. That was a luxury she hadn't been able to enjoy since she left the submarine slash military base she had called home over a year ago. [color=0072bc]"Yes sir, I won't use more than I am rationed,"[/color] she said as she grabbed her bag and headed down the hallway. Her eyes fixated on the door to what would be considered the gate to dreamland right then. Stepping in she shut the door behind her and locked it. Looking around she shook her head in disbelief at the shower there. Setting her bag down on the counter she pulled out a carefully wrapped bundle and set it on the vanity, pulling back the worn fabric to reveal a full set of [url=http://cdn.uniforms-4u.com/pd/3876/big-u-us-navy-female-service-dress-blue-coat-36591.png]Service Dress Blues[/url]. Other than her dog tags, it was really the only thing she had left of her life before the outbreak and she guarded it with her life. It was something that reminded her of what she had survived, what she had been before the outbreak, what she could get through, and at the end of the day it was where she returned so that she hung on to her humanity and soul no matter what she had to do to survive. She never thought she would wear it again but it seemed the time was right. She was about to be clean, introduced to a community, first impressions were everything. Lifting it up she draped it carefully over the towel rod before turning her attention back to the shower. She needed to get cleaned up now and quickly but quick bathing was something everyone that had served in the military was used to. Disrobing she turned on the water and took a few seconds to just stand beneath the hot water as it beat down on her skin. No more than thirty seconds of pure bliss but it was needed after the information she had just been given. After that brief break from reality she got to work and was scrubbed from head to toe and everything in between twice in under five minutes. Water off, towel wrapped around her, out of the shower. It was a short amount of time later and she was opening the door to the bathroom; the state of the bathroom looking as if she had never been there except for a light level of steam on the bathroom mirror. The familiar sound of the clicking of heels could be heard walking down the hallway. It was even and sure as Thana made her way back towards the main room and set her pack down. She looked everything the officer she had once been. Her [url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/US_Navy_O4_insignia.svg/170px-US_Navy_O4_insignia.svg.png]Lt. Commander[/url] Ranking on her sleeves and shoulders; a golden oak leaf on her collar. A simple name tag read Martin. Ribbons on her chest, her coat and skirt looked as pressed as the day they came back from the cleaners so long ago. The only thing out of place was her dark hair peaking out from underneath her cover but her hair was short enough to make it regulation. [color=0072bc]"Lt. Commander Martin, reporting for duty sir,"[/color] she said as she gave the commanding officer of Newnan a sharp salute. It was a formality that perhaps was not needed right then but he was military, she hoped he would understand the significance. It was a simple way for military people to accept their place in the food chain, to accept their duties while on [i]base[/i], and that signature on the bottom line to put their life ahead of those around them. Suffice it to say, Ash was impressed. It was the first time in a good long while that he had seen a woman, or anyone else for that matter, in crisp dress uniform. Just for a second, it made him forget certain realities he lived in, and gave momentary curiosity as to why this very official looking lady was inside of his home. Then the facts of their existence came flooding back in. A sense of mourning, brief though it was, snapped him back into mental clarity. It really was an impressive uniform. [color=steelblue][i]"Even if she was Navy..."[/i][/color] came his unbidden internal voice. He quickly shoved it back down. The childish ribbing that went on between the branches of armed service died off when most of the world did, and they either succeeded or failed together. Ash did understand the significance of her unnecessary salute. It was a measure of respect and deference to his authority, so long as that respect was returned. It was of no consequence that, were they in the same branch, she would outrank him by a full grade. Regardless, Ash snapped to attention and returned the salute. [color=steelblue]"Just a few more minutes, Lieutenant Commander. I want a full crowd before the big reveal."[/color] He gave Thana a good once over, admiring her uniform. He had lost his Class A's years ago. They were probably still in a closet in Dobbins AFB. In contrast to her press and polish, Ash was attired in a somewhat modified field uniform; flat grey Class B's with a patrol cap and (as of recently) an old Army Air Corps flight jacket. [color=steelblue]"I'm actually a little jealous of you, ma'am."[/color] To Thana, that was a funny thing to say. Why would he be jealous of her? He had safety within walls. Well at least as safe as one could be at this moment in time. He had electricity, hot running water, and from what she could gather a soft bed to lay down in at night. He looked fed, taken care of, thriving in this world. He had a home. It was more than most could ever hope to have in this world. Cocking a brow she looked at him quizzically. [color=0072bc]"Dare I ask why you would be bein' jealous of me? Other than Navy been whoppin' Army ass since 2002?[/color] she asked with a slight smirk to her features, referring the last records of the Army Navy Football games. Ash's feeling of wonderment passed, replaced by the sudden urge to, in a fit of sarcasm, extend his middle finger in Thana's general direction. His hand was just beginning it's journey into Bird Flipping position before he caught himself, instead pointing at the uniform upon her. [color=steelblue]"Your dress blues, ma'am. I miss mine. Not sure where they got off to."[/color] Thana glanced down at her uniform, running her hands along it before her eyes came back up to his and she nodded in understanding but she had sworn that wasn't the first thing he had wanted to say. Yet she wasn't going to poke the bear as it were right then. [color=0072bc]"I see,"[/color] was all she said. The Captain gave the barest of peeks out of a window and into the street in front of his house. [color=steelblue]"They're gathering now. Remember what I told you; some of these people may react emotionally. One or two for certain will, even if it's not right now. Keep the door cracked, duck back inside if you need to. [i]Let me handle it.[/i] Not long now."[/color] Nodding, she took a parade rest stance and waited. From what she had been told this was not how they usually introduced new people but under the circumstances she understood the change. She hoped that things would go smoothly but if they didn't she had no intention of tucking tail and running. Thana would let Ash handle things but she would stand her ground, retreat was not in her nature. [color=0072bc]"Yes sir. If any issues arise, I default to your judgement. You know yer people, I do not."[/color] [hr] Captain Holloway stood on his porch, looking over the people assembled in front of him. Too few people, considering how many they built up Newnan with. Few enough to stand on a sidewalk and street in front of a single house without crowding, allowing everyone in attendance clear view of Ash. He barely had to speak up to be heard. [color=steelblue]"Thank you for your promptness. I will come right to the point. We have a guest in Newnan for the evening. Possibly an addition to our community, though that is her decision to make. Ordinarily this is handled differently, we all know. There are extenuating factors at play here, which will be made apparent presently."[/color] [color=steelblue]"[i]I cannot stress this enough...[/i] Remain calm. Remain quiet. Allow yourself a moment of time. Questions after."[/color] He scanned the crowd again, looking for specific faces. Though he hoped it would not be an issue, Ash had already loosened his sidearm and combat knife in their resting places on his utility belt before exiting his home. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. [color=steelblue]I would like to introduce to you to Dr. Thana Martin, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy."[/color] He turned to his door for a second, [color=steelblue]"Commander Martin?"[/color] Thana took a deep breath, as she used to when being presented to a crowd but this was different. This wasn't a military gathering for a promotion or to toast the latest achievement. This was an introduction and for some reason, in the pit of her stomach she felt it may be her most important one to date. She just prayed that who she was would not be over shadowed by those that walked these streets before her. Stepping out the door slowly, she kept her head down and the door left open behind her as she had been instructed. Her face covered by her cover as her eyes shot over towards Ash for a brief second. She stood around 5'7" without the heels she was currently wearing, lean build and looked every ounce the military woman she was. Her shoulders square and her back straight. Lifting her head she looked out over the crowd that had gathered. [color=0072bc]"Ahoy y'all,"[/color] she said in a familiar voice. An all too familiar voice. It was haunting to hear words come out of a mouth that they all knew so well. Those same blue eyes that used to dance with life, the soft curve of lips, that Georgia twang in the speech. Staring out at the crowd was the face of Zoie Crawford but it wasn't. It was the face of Thana Martin. There were subtle differences but hardly enough. Identical was the best term that could be used to describe the person standing before Newnan right then. [color=0072bc]"As Captain Holloway has told ya, I am Lt. Commander Martin. You may call me Thana."[/color] The Captain's manner was observant and vigilant. He kept his arms at his sides, but hands were tensed, ready to move at the first sign of provocation. [color=steelblue]"I realize that this is an emotional time, but do not approach. Give yourselves a moment. Absorb what has happened here. But most importantly, give Thana her space. I have already interviewed her. She has gotten our "Welcome Speech". And she has full run of the Inner Wall."[/color] [color=steelblue]"If you have any questions, now is the time. If you do not, please return to your duties. Thank you for your attendance."[/color]