[center][img]http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/25/article-0-18E87DF4000005DC-679_634x354.jpg[/img][/center]


The trek up the mountain path was made with ease, as Kenjen had a jeep parked close by the shore.  The group took in one last look at the destroyed city on the other side of the bay, the flames still burning bright.  The ranger station sat halfway up Mt. Charleston, it was a large log cabin with a small parking lot in the front of it.  There were a few outhouses by it, as well as a larger cabin just behind it down the dirt path.  The larger cabin was an old motel, three stories high, and it held the majority of the people here.   

Most of the group were soaking wet and missing some clothes, so the first thing they all did was dry off.  There were fresh clothes and warm towels waiting for them in the bathrooms of the station.  Dallen and Briggs were the only to want to keep their clothing after they dried, as the rest happily changed into the random employee outfits of the lodge, sage green color shirts that read: Ash Tavern.  

"Welcome to the ranger station," Kenjen said as they all came back out.  "Let me show you around."  The station itself was self explanatory, as there wasn't much inside the cabin but a bathroom, loft area, and a small arsenal that was locked behind a desk.  

"We could use those guns," Briggs said upon seeing it, and after they all had lost their weapons to the sea.  

"We will, but your safe for now," Kenjen replied. 

He led the way back outside, down the short dirt path and through the tall trees, to the motel tavern.  There were a few covered hot tubs and outside dining areas, but it was currently too cold out for their use.  "There's a small town a few miles down the path," kenjen informed.  "Everyone came up here, but we still have some supplies down there we need to get."

"How many people are here?"  Lucy added in.

"Let me show you," Kenjen said and opened the doors to the tavern.  The place was bursting with life, as people were all around on the inside doing various activities.  Some drank at a bar, others ate or sat and talked in the dining area, where there were sets of large, long tables.  A fireplace was going strong in a corner, where others were drinking tea.  Everyone paused to notice the newcomers, but then quickly went back to their activities.

"We have enough supplies to last awhile," Kenjen said.  "Give us a good head start, anyway.  This mountain is full of game, too, so there's that.  Plenty of space for all of you.  All we ask, is that you pitch in.  Give back, but we'll get more into that stuff tomorrow.  Feel free to rest, take any room that doesn't have a marker on the doorknob.  We have at least 30 open rooms.  We can all hold out here together, until the military finds a solution to this."

"The military tried to kill us," Dallen said.  

"It was chaos," Briggs added.  "We were at the bridge.  The infected got through, then they started shooting everybody."

"...we've been here for the past couple weeks or so, watched the whole thing from here," kenjen said.  "We have guardposts, if those things get to us we have an evacuation plan.  Basically, if you hear bells, it's time to go."

"You have power, so what about the news?" Lucy asked.  "Anything?"

"The grid shut down yesterday," he answered.  "Before it was just a lot of confusion, but this thing wasn't worldwide.  It affected Mecha city and those around it, but things moved so fast.  As far as we can tell, though, the disease isn't on this mountain.  Please, make yourselves at home, I have word that more people need my help in getting here, so I might be out for a few days.  If you need anything, talk to Gwen over there."  He pointed her out through the people, then made his leave with others in his group.

Dallen went to the bar, grabbing a bottle of whiskey and a pack of smokes from the machine that was busted open.  "Hell yeah, lets get wasted!" Ethan said, joining him.  They all eventually joined, realizing that they all needed a drink.

"Booze won't last with us around," Steven added as they all downed a shot together.

"It's okay, we've earned it," Briggs said, smiling for the first time since leaving the court house building.  

"I'll go find us a room," Lucy said to Dallen, she tried to kiss him but he wasn't in the mood.  She left, asking one of the many people for directions.  

"These people are lucky," Ethan said.  "Very lucky."

"Yeah, I don't think they realize how bad things are," Steven said.  "I mean, everyone knows what's going on...but, to actually see the dead.  To actually have to run for your life...I still don't feel very safe here."

"That's because you're not," Dallen added in, pouring the guys another round.  "Just be ready."

The rest of the night was peaceful.  The people here were nice, feeding them and engaging in conversations.  Eventually, they all grew tired and went to their rooms.  Dallen was the last of his group to stay up, still drinking casually.  He opened a new bottle up, not planning to stop until he passed out.