[h1][b][i][color=CornflowerBlue][center]Jack Landry[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/XvlJ2Vm.jpeg[/img]

[i]Location: West Caldwell Streets
Skills: N/A[/i][hr][hr][/center]

Relief flooded Jack’s mind as Kaitlyn introduced herself and her companions, AJ and Shin-ae. At least he hadn’t made another mistake by stumbling across a group of hostiles. They seemed innocent enough… but perhaps [i]that[/i] was the problem. Two women, one of whom appeared injured, and a teenager, wandering around in this dangerous environment by themselves, was an inherent risk. They were more susceptible to attacks, particularly from the ruffians and thugs who were undoubtedly eager to capitalize on the chaos.

Or was that an antiquated concept that would likely offend them? 

Despite the annoyance, he wished he still had his PR team at his disposal to analyze these awkward social interactions and ensure that he didn’t say the wrong thing. However, there were also times when being true to himself was the best course of action. It was a lesson he had gained over decades of public service.

And in this case, he felt compelled to assist and protect them…

… if they would have him.

It wasn’t at all surprising when Shin-ae regarded him warily and asked whether he had been injured while fleeing the city. Jack couldn’t blame her, not really. Not after the things he had witnessed: the ambush on the public services building, his companions succumbing to the creatures one by one, Ben’s sacrifice—

The destruction of the bridges and tunnels was new information to him, though his expression remained unchanged. Deep down, he surmised something terrible had happened. He recalled how he had felt the distant rumblings, like thunder rolling through the streets. He now had context for the strange occurrence. It had been the detonations.

[color=CornflowerBlue]“No, no injuries,”[/color] Jack finally replied, his tone somber. “At least, not the type you’re referring to. I’ve… [i]seen[/i] things. The group I was with before leaving the city… they all succumbed to those creatures, and… let's just say I have a pretty good idea of what to look for.”

He pursed his lips and diverted his gaze, no doubt recollecting himself after the harrowing experience. After a moment, he turned back and extended a hand, all too eager to change the subject.

[color=CornflowerBlue]“I’m Jack, by the way.”[/color] He nodded to Kaitlyn and Shin-ae. [color=CornflowerBlue]“It looks like you could use some help. I’m heading north, but I’m more than willing to take you as far as you need.”[/color]