ONL

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Mess Hall (C) Skills: N/A

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Alexander felt his shoulders rise up towards his ears, his body tense up as he stood in the serving line behind the General. There were many things that ol' Mugsy had yet to grown accustomed to in the civilised society of Camp Mexico Beach, one being the attention of fellow living, breathing human beings. He turned his head towards those who greeted the General, wondering if they were looking at him as well. It didn't frighten him really, just felt uncomfortable being so close to the center of attention. Like people expected something of him as well, like being on trial.

A court martial, one that never came.

The calming sound of Aeron's voice brought Alexander's shoulder down once again though, as both of them were served the fine Tuna Casserole he anticepated great things of. He thanked those serving him, giving a polite smile to those around him and following Aeron to the table. It felt again odd not to sit over with Manny after so many months on the line, and now both were making new friends. Would Manny ditch him for someone more like him? A doctor? Nah, Manny was a dentist. One hell of a dentist, but still a dentist. Alexander chuckled at the thought, knowing they needed each other even on the inside.

Alexander listened intently to Aeron's explaination of their comms-situation, quietly taking spoonfuls of the Tuna Casserole in-between his nodding in agreement, both on a purely technical level and the broader strategic one. "Can't argue with your reasoning, General Aeron. It's like we were taught back during boot camp and training; clear and well-used means of communication can make a real difference in any situation, war or not. What did they use to say, the flag-boys? Pro Patria Vigilans, Watchful for the Country? I guess that Roman teacher fella would know." Alexander replied to Aeron, reminicing back to the days he marched down dusty country paths with a too heavy, too fragile and too weak radio strapped to his back. Hopefully those days were over. "Like I said earlier in the basement, before I slipped and fell, I'll do what I can, same with Thalia. She's a good one, can't be replaced. Just like the old radios in my store, old is gold. What type of equipment are we dealing with? And can we get hold of more, spare-parts and the like?"

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Nigel Cooper Location: Education Center -> Outside of Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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Class was dismissed. Now that was a phrase he had not heard being used in seriousness for many years. Nigel looked back over to the Professor, now having begun the task of filing paperwork like the world had never ended in the first place. And yet it had, though within the safety of the walls they had just began a long bueraucratic process of attending classes and signing up for combat training. And to top it all off, the thing at the top of the agenda was such a trivial thing of the past that he for the longest time hadn't lived by the very concept.

Dinner.

Nigel followed Thana and Thalia out to the corridor and down towards the entrance, passing the group 'studying' or as Nigel himself knew it from his days teaching, slacking. The one snoring sounded like the war cries of a hundred, no thousand Celtic warriors shouting and beating their shields. Probably worse, because Nigel wasn't frightened by the sound at all, more a mixture of annoyed and amused. Nigel shot the one kid rolling up the papers, giving her a brief nod of approval. He would have to sharpen up his teaching competence, but for now he approved of waking the disturbing Celtic army, saw-mill, snoring kid, call him whatever you liked.

While Thalia began conversing with Thana about a certain Major, Nigel let them talk amongst themselves as he made his way further out. He was looking for the board with the list of classes, the others he could talk with later, however of an mediocre small-talker he was. The heat still poured down on him like boiling oil from the defenders of a castle wall, but it was getting better. Things were quiet in the sense of calm, not alarmed, people wandering the streets and taking it as easy as they could. Nigel took in a deep breath of air as he witnessed the wills of men once again was dictated by more higher ideals, not just the brutal truth of survival. While he had had his doubts when he first got bussed into CMB alongside Erica and the others, he felt as if he was slowly getting into the rythm of it.

When in Rome, do as Romans do. The question was who was the Roman, and was this Rome?

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Outside Administration -> Mess Hall (C) Skills: N/A

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Happiness. Yes, that was someting to get you through ones day, especially the shitty ones. For the longest time in his life Alexander hadn't really known how it felt to be happy. He sure as hell thought he did, all with his pranskering friends, days of drinking and smoking and what not he did in his Army days. It was only with his wife he had felt truly happy with life. Now it was gone, dead, buried in the ground on a not too distant shore. Months ago it had dared to peak its grey head out from cover, and just recently it had taken to stand in the sun, only to flee with the rain clouds.

He could be happy, and thought he was. Just not as much as before.

Rolodex was from the sound of it certainly one taking the joys by force, if it could be taken for happiness. Alexander gave Aeron an awkward laugh in return, having walked with him down the street, passing kids enjoying their spare time like kids should, before reaching the Mess Hall. "A cougar…so that's what they were called. I'll be careful from now on then, I do not look good blushing, especially not in this heat." Alexander said back to Aeron, deep in thought as the front door was opened for him by his older friend. Having women who almost crawled over you like he realized she had, wasn't something he could remember having experienced before. In honest, the old veteran had a habit of being a fool around the fairer sex for most of his life, just ask Thalia.

But dinner called, and he would answer.

"Don't mind if I do, Aeron. I have a date with the tuna casserole, if I'm not mistaken." And with that, Alexander reentered the lively Mess Hall. Ah yes, a habit in the making. With the scorching heat leaving them in favour of the cool air of the interour, Alexander recongised at least Manny out of the bunch on their way to a seat. Had he not had a planned dinner with the General, Alexander probably would have followed after his fellow Baby Boomer. But perhaps another day. For now Alexander gave Manny a wave. "So tell me about these bigger plans of yours and your boys, Aeron. The bigger operations, what Thalia and I are helping with in the basement. How much further out can old sparky reach? I suppose hosting a radio channel isn't one of those plans?"

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Nigel Cooper Location: Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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Nigel felt a sense of pride actually with the Professor's confession of preferring him to prove himself academically, glad that his professional side was something of use, not just his sword arm. Like a true Roman, he would show the virtues of the Roman people with both sword and scroll in hand, the reinvention of Alexander and Socrates. Though his response was more humble, he couldn't help but turn and smile at the Professor like a school boy for a moment, before recomposing himself. For Thana asked him a prudent question.

Turning back around to face her, he continued his smile now with a knowing look. He was not sure, but he had a pretty good guess, one that would perhaps come to bite him in the butt later on. Or rather bite his thumb. Nigel turned to Thalia as she stated they were officially the first ones on route to begin their training, giving her a nod of approval. "So it would seem, Thalia the Spearlady. And I believe, or fear your brother will be there to sharpen his own blade against ours." Nigel retorted back, seeing the realisation flow over Thalia as she probably thought the same as him. How much poetry and theatrics would take place during their sparing. Let slip the dogs of war indeed.

Nigel took a step back as the proceedings came to a close, signalled by Thalia's venomous tounge at Thana. Sensing the rivalry, a friendly one he hoped, Nigel took yet another step away from the ladies and out the door whence he came from. "If that is all however, I'd like to take my leave. I must read the lists over classes and…you know what. If you'll have me excused, Professor. Thalia and Athena?" Nigel bid his farwell to the group, the professor's slip of paper in hand and making his escape from the soon-to-be war room. He had a plan, a simple plan but a plan still - list of classes, mess hall and dinner.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Outside Administration Skills: N/A

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The big C, the sickness that had taken some of his own friends to God prematurely, the slow grasp of death as one grew thin and weak. Alexander looked blankly at Aeron for a moment, processing what he had just been told, as if it was hard to believe. Those days in a world filled with so many things out to kill you, terminal illnesses wasn't something Alexander had thought of. Then he thought back to the first informal meeting he'd had with Aeron and what he had told him back then. All with the same comforting smile then as ever, as now.

They'd saved more lives than they had lost, most to old age. What would be Aeron's fate then, and what about himself? How would God welcome his lost lamb back home?

Alexander sat quietly as Aeron told him to not mention the secret curse he bore, feeling himself holding his breath as if even a small breeze would take his new-old friend away from him. Though when Aeron once again smiled at him, Alexander took in a fresh breath of air and nodded. "Your secret is safe with me, Aeron. Maybe one day you'll carry one for me as well." Alexander answered, standing up as well and returning the smile. Yes, he could keep their conversation in the dark for the others, something he was good at already. Some secrets he carried out of convinience, others out of shame and fear.

"Now that's an order I can follow without question! What's on the meny for today, more sea food? I promised a certain Roman fella earlier I would try the tuna casserole. Caught him with Rolodex in the reception just before I came to see your son…wait…feisty?" Alexander muttered under his breath those last words, walking alongside Aeron down the path. Something finally ticked off on a checklist somewhere far back in the old veteran's brain. Something about the way Sandra had treated him…

"Oh…ooooh…She's something…"

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Nigel Cooper Location: Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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While the office of the Professor was starting to get crowded, it wasn't dampening the mood of Nigel who had just been told that he would be in fact allowed to sign up for the combat training. Both he and Thalia had been evaluated to be able to sign the neccecary paperwork to be on the now infamous D Roster. Nigel, standing beside Thalia and hearing Thana just behind them in the door, was relieved it would be this 'easy'. "Read and sign, that I can do, Professor." Nigel said back to her, giving Thalia a look back as he accepted the papers and starting to read.

It was the more suo of how he'd done paperwork back in his old life. Contracts of professional confidentiality at highschool, excursions and responsibility for injuries due to meetings with sharpened steel swords. Reading over the papers he would sign, he saw it all there, but more importantly he saw the opportunity to show himself as useful. And with that look from Thalia as he himself began signing it, he would get the chance to sparr with the one-armed Amazon. Perhaps she was more accessable while fighting than drinking, probably.

"Agreed, I intend to prove I'm worth my salt. Cum gladio et sale." Nigel quiped back in good faith, signing in a rusty cursive that honestly wasn't much better than Thalia's hampered writing. The world of Hades didn't require a lot of writing, unsuprisingly. But now writing meant more than all the promises made verbally in a thousand years of troubles. Verba volant, scripta manent. Two classes he would attend and prove his worth: Teaching and fighting. Wisdom and war. The world was becoming more like the old one day by day.

Nigel, having signed most of the papers at this point, followed Thalia's suit and looked up at Thana's words of caution. A look of grinding cogs and mechanical gears, then one of comprehension. "If you mean who I think you mean…"

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Outside Administration Skills: N/A

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Alexander sighed in agreement, knowing all too well how such absurd concepts as entitlement had gotten people into deep trouble over the years, or worse killed. He'd seen it himself in so many around him, not the least in himself. "It's a shame really, so many good folks out there that didn't see past their noses until it was too late." Alexander said back to Aeron, letting out a deep breath before going on. "Keep going forward, no matter what. A hard thing to do for some of us, but we must. Stick to the plan, but know it never survives first contact with the enemy."

The old veteran of a lower rank finished his musings of military theory and battle-hardened memories to himself, turning his eyes away from the watery canal and back towards the interiour of CMB. Inside those protective walls, behind the buildings and around the crossing streets, Alexander imagined the people he'd gotten to know briefly, the few he knew by name and ever fewer he cared deeply for. Hope, that's what they stood for. Thankfully Aeron had felt the same, Alexander thought. A smile returned to his face while the issue of callsigns was explained to him. "Ah, makes sense. I hope I don't have to do the same, but callsigns did help back in the war too. I guess some things don't change, you certainly haven't Aeron. Always seeing the individual in the ranks, I remember…"

Alexander let the words ebb out for a moment, accepting the pipe and chuckling back at Aeron. "Oh I could give you a long list of the guys who called you either Scottish or Irish! Was always an interesting topic to discuss, where you came from and why." Alexander elaborated, holding up the pipe to his mouth and taking a pat of it. He had never really smoked a pipe, cigarettes were simpler and better by default, but the smokey sensation hadn't changed. Alexander of course gave a cough, giving his chest a good beat before settling in with the sense of relief down in his amputated leg. It felt good, the sort of good…Alexander couldn't explain it, just a wave of memories that got reawakened.

"Sounds like a plan then. I think Gunny, your son yes, anticipated seeing me there. But Aeron, may I ask why you're in pain?" Alexander asked, taking out the pipe from his mouth and holding it to Aeron, giving him a concerned look.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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They were always in need of a fellow educator. That was good news, good news indeed. Nigel nodded affirmatively to the Professor's statement, hoping that his competence as a teacher would be appriciated by the school and the community as a whole. He wanted to help, or more wanted to prove to them that he was of use in more than one way. Don't get him wrong, he had enjoyed helping Thana out at in the Second Hanging Gardens of Babylon, being the strongman and all. But the suggestion that he could be useful there sounded good to him, and he smiled, if awkwardly.

Taking the piece of signed paper from her and giving it a quick read, Nigel mentally memorized what she had told him to do; check the class list outside, show up at a class he wanted to teach and hand in the piece of paper. Yes, he could do that. Without verbally confirming what the Professor had just told him, he did not except her answer about fight training. "Eh…excuse me Professor, but what?" Nigel said back to the fellow educator, trying to process what she had just told him as someone else seemingly entered the room, though he took a moment to register that as well.

Nigel hadn't been denied the privilige of exercising his feats with a blade, not directly at least. They had classes, and he needed to sign up for a so-called D roster? Should he sign up there by himself, was she pulling out the neccecary paperwork from the cabinet, or had Thalia come to knock him over the head with a great Amazon club for asking such frivelous questions?

Thalia?

Nigel looked up at Thalia entering the room with a slight look of confusion, though attempting to mask it in the presence of his fellow social class and occupation. To Thalia he gave a similar quick tilt or a nod, telling her he saw her and wouldn't cause any trouble. It would seem he was not the only newcomer to the Florida walled city that wished to train their sword arm. Nigel remembered the night before and their brief exchange of words at the bar, how Thalia was good with a spear out of all things pointy and deadly. Turning back to the Professor, Nigel gave a respectful look at her over at the filing cabinets, folding the piece of paper and putting it somewhere safe on his person. "What she, Miss Thalia said…" Nigel followed up after Thalia, slowly getting up from the chair and standing beside Thalia and giving a quick glance out the door after Thana. "Miss Martin sent me here, so seems we are two then, Professor."

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Outside Administration Skills: N/A

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Alexander returned the nods of agreement to Aeron, watching him pull out a knife and a pipe, making the General look just like of his own namesakes way back in the day in true MacArthur-style. Yes, Aeron the General was a good man, perhaps even a great man. That much even Alexander could attest to, even amidst everything horrible engulfing him both then and now. Try, try. "Try, we all try our best these days. Everyone's told me to try and try again, what a wonderful phrase. I suppose it's only the Army that told me to do, not try. Right, Aeron?"

The solemn words of Aeron made Alexander fold his hands and look out onto the water too, deep in thought. Aeron was right, this both so much like the wars of old and so different. Alexander nodded in silence, looking back and forth between Aeron and the water, trying not to extinguish the candle of light that had been lit ever since he met two girls on a TANK. As Aeron though gave him a smile along the shift of wind, Alexander pulled the side of his mouth into a smile himself, looking up at the blue sky with dotted clouds. "The new normal…normal is having hope, even if it's foolish. Call me a fool or a Catholic, but I still find hope in the small things, if that means something. Seeing Thana again for example…"

Alexander fought the urge to tear up, blinking a few times to catch the tears before they escaped and looking back on Aeron with his pipe. "Oh no no, please do. Michael, that is the doctor, isn't it? I've not gotten the hang of all these names yet, I'm afraid." Alexander said, gesturing for Aeron to continue with the pipe. He had to laugh at the mention of tea-and-crumpets-cravings, giving a good chuckle and a slap on his good knee. "Makes you look like an English Lord then, or a butler in the least." The old veteran quiped on, finishing the chuckle as Aeron offered him the pipe. Alexander sat quiet for a moment, taking in the offer, before nodding. "Like two tribes offering peace and burying the hatches of war, yes I'd like to partake. Might help with my sore ass, so wouldn't mind. Haven't smoked since Judith made my quit in '81, so go easy on me, Aeron."

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Nigel Cooper Location: Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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Whatever the conversation was going on about in the corridor behind him, Nigel wasn't hearing anything. His entire world right then and there revolved around the office he sat in with the Professor and their own verbal exchanges. As he had given his first answer on quilting, Nigel wasn't thinking about the other activities he had actually discussed throughout that day. Something tugged in the back of his mind to relieve his lapse of judgement, to bring forth the true reason he had been taken here by Thana. Curse be to the imprisoned thought that could not escape his foolishnes!

Nigel nodded silently to the Professors further comments, her opinion and suggestion for what the neo-Roman teacher himself would have meaning there. The more the word "quilting" reverbiated in his conscious, like the battering ram against a Hispanian wooden gate, the more two of the Professor's certain phrases came pummeling down at his shielded mind. Nigel sat silently listening to her speak further on, until her last stare at him with narrowed eyes finally broke barrier. He could not explain why he had suggested quilting as his first choice, though at a later time and place he might blame the Floridian sun for his less than preferable mental state.

Perhaps the simple answer was that the many months, years of social isolation still hadn't completely washed off a man with interests most people wouldn't see as fit those more…normal.

Nigel finally breathed out for what felt like a month-long siege, blinking his eyes as if to catch his composure as the Professor waited for his answer. Himself feeling awkward, Nigel scratched the back of his head as he finally answered her. "Yes…yes, auditioning for a class sounds like something I'd be more fitting for, rather than quilting…If that could be arranged, I'd be more than happy to oblige and serve the school." Nigel replied with what felt like a hoarse throat, clearing his throat in-between the puzzle of words he had cooked up together. After a moment of silence though, the neo-Roman teacher fought the urge to look down at the desk, instead re-focusing his gaze at the Professor.

Strength, courage and the support of Thana still standing behind him. Or so he hoped.

"Actually, there is one reason. Id quod plerumque accidit, or it may not come as a surprise of what I am asking about. I know I am but a newcomer to Camp Mexico Beach and what restrictions are lain upon us. However, may I ask of what I can and must do in order to sign up for, how should I put it, combat training? Sparring, fencing, et cetera. I hope I am not to bold in asking, but the art of the melee is important to me, as it must be for others here at the camp."

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Administration (A) -> Outside Administration Skills: N/A

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The sight of Aeron smiling at Alexander, hand extended out to him as he approached, softened the smile on Alexander's own face. Like a good friend not seen for many years, meeting Aeron had over the week become a pleasent occasion rather than the fear of recognisition had been at first. What he had not expected however, was for the General to use a callsign reserved for a special few. "That…that is correct, just not used to anyone else using it outside of…you know, 'our' group. Much better than what I was called back in 'Nam though." Alexander answered Aeron, accepting his hand and shaking it firmly like the General deserved.

The General was stepping outside for a moment, inviting Alexander to follow after him. "I would like that, yes. Lead the way, General." Alexander followed Aeron outside into the once again scorching heat, regretting leaving the comforts of an air-conditioned building in the time it took for his body to slowly tolerate it. If Aeron could cane his way over to the picnic tables, then so could Alexander on his peg leg. All things considered, sitting under the shade of the umbrellas and looking out over the canals wasn't so bad. Especially in the company of the General himself.

"Aside from both Thalia and I having the luck of a three-legged hare? Yes, it's been a good one. It feels good to do something productive, to give something back to you all. Also thanks for letting us visit the graves, I…we needed to bid farewell to those we lost." Alexander told Aeron, leaning on his crossed arms into the picnic table, looking emptily out over the canals. It had been a good day indeed, all things considered, though overwhelming perhaps. Ups and downs, the start of a new life. Alexander shook himself out of those clouded thoughts, turning back to Aeron with a brief smile. "Just many things to think about, but it has been good. Had the pleasure of meeting some fine people, Rolodex and Medic amongst a few. It's been better than for some other newcomers though, I fear…"

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Nigel Cooper Location: Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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There was something in the air of the office that told Nigel he wasn't welcomed with open arms, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it as he stood in the doorway. It was the same feeling he'd gotten during the Professor's interview with him a week ago, not neccecarily hostile however as if she had somehing much more important to do. Nigel, the former teacher himself, could understand as he saw the red pen she used to mark those papers on her desk. Grading, not one of the occupation's finest tasks. Nigel could attest to that.

Nigel gave the Professor a polite smile as she however invited him in to sit down, explaining to him why some of the lists had been taken down. So far so good, no need for Thana to storm in to his rescue like a well-placed cavalry charge or a deus ex machina on stage to push to plot forward. Sitting down in the turned seat, Nigel turned the chair facing the Professor, folding his hands onto the desk as he prepared his answer.

"Well Professor, I was thinking of signing on for quilting as for classes, assuming the game activities don't fall under those sign ups. I hope I've understood correctly?" Nigel stated his case for the Grammaticus in front of him, though after a moment of soundless breath continued in a careful manner. "Though if I may, what other classes will be added to the lists, seen as they're being updated? Would there be anyhing appropriate for me to attend in your opinion, Professor, having read my curriculum vitae?" Nigel's question was an honest one, him wanting to know if an educated person such as herself saw something else in him, something he couldn't see. Not to mention quilting, as practical as it was, wasn't the most exciting trade to learn.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Administration (A) Skills: N/A

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There used to be a time when Alexander was the one to enter the fray head first, either verbally with some witty remarks of his youth or into actual combat. Hell, he could vividely remember the exact moment Thana had thrown all caution to the wind and charged headlong into the entry of Eden while Thalia and himself watched with dumbfounded looks. The exact phrasing just before he had done the same went something like this: "So much for the element of surprise, Blue. Time to go fuck ourselves." before he himself charged the building. Yes, he'd had his moments where he was the one making the breach.

Today it was Thalia who breached the silence, the secrecy, the question Alexander had not dared ask himself. Thalia was good to have like that, amongst everything else she meant to ol' Mugsy. But she wasn't afraid of asking questions.

Alexander stood silently, though focused as Gunny spoke back to Thalia about revisiting the Graveyard, knowing fully well he'd want to take another journey back there. If he worked hard and prayed ever harder, perhaps…just perhaps he could get her a funeral as well? He'd have to ask. Then it was his own turn to be answered, looking at Gunny as he was told the General was in. Probably, maybe, he'd have to check himself. Something never changed then. "Thank you, Gunny. If I get lost, I can always ask Sandra, I mean Rolodex for directions."

It was then that the bombshell was dropped - the accused SOB who was getting the court martial. Upon hearing the name, Alexander's heart sank just a little bit, though he wasn't surprised much to to his sorrow. Hunter, the young soldier with more problems than he probably had. Last night's actions had been pretty rough on the kid, but a court martial? From experience you didn't get sent down that route for usual drunken behaviour, so something must have happened. But what?

Then was not the time to ask, as Gunny briefed them that their work for the day was done and ready to be continued tomorrow. Alexander nodded in accknowledgement that he understood the orders, then caught off guard Gunny's remark about his fall. Pulling the side of his mouth into a sheepish smile, he rubbed the sore parts of his lower back, literay a pain in the ass. "Oh, I appriciate it. Been through worse, so I just hope I wasn't too much of a nuisance for Medic. Now if we're excused, Alexander signing off." He bid Gunny farewell, giving Thalia a friendly look as he made his way out to the hallway. "Got some stuff to sort out, but catch you at dinner? If not, see you around."

All the walking around was slowly but surely paying off, as Alexander's prostethic leg was feeling more and more like an extension of himself, like the leg he used to have. Walking, or somewhat waddling down the corridor at a quickened pace he was, searching for the General for their little plans. He caught the fellow old man as he was locking his door, prompting Alexander to get his attention. "Aeron, glad I caught you before you left. Been a long day, but I'm here as you requested yesterday. Hope I'm not too late to be of help."

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Nigel Cooper Location: Streets of CMB (I4) -> Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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Nigel had seemingly caught Thana, the wise Athenian keeper of the Hanging Gardens of Mexico Beach, in a moment of mental conundrum. So much he could see from the look in her face as he'd asked her what he thought was a simple and rather regular question. That was perhaps why he watched her fight that inner tug-of-war, reaching for an answer to the most mundande of questions, while they all were in a time most certainly anything but mundane. For a moment felt as if he'd over-stepped his limits of questioning, rethinking the question as if to ask himself that and coming to the conclusion that he wouldn't have been able to answer it either! Had he been wrong in asking her, and had she been offended by his viperous tounge?

The chuckle that emminated from Thana's lips, however, told him otherwise, allowing him to lower his previously raised shoulders as she conceded defeat like a true champion. When she got moving, Nigel followed dillegently like the good assistent he'd been that day. A steward or a servant? He couldn't fault the answer Thana finally gave him, nodding along as she explained what she had actually been doing the past time, or rather the battles she'd fought. "Then your earlier look speaks true the fault in my questions, though I can't blame you really. I'm surprised you managed to pull through getting back on the road, from what you've told me. But, if this is your first night off, better spend it well then?"

Nigel didn't know what she would have liked to do during a night off, seen as tending to the plants was a day-time job. Perhaps he could suggest something, though from what little he'd gathered so far, she'd probably want to spend that time with someone special. No, Nigel would probably meet some new faces if and when he'd attend his activeties…which weren't on the board. Odd. A simple trick of entertainment by the powers that be, or…well, something else logical?

He didn't have much to say, simply following her into the Education Center's interiour after the two elders had passed safely discussing the Plauge of the 1340's, not one of Nigel's favourite subjects but something he'd read his fair share about. Personally the Justinian Plauge was of more interest. The cool air hit him like the projectile of a Roman siege weapon, just as it had done so every single time he'd entered a building the past week. Another thing hitting him was the wall of sound blasting from down the hall, accompanied by Maddoc storming off like a storm past the Pillars of Hercules. Nigel gave a confused look to Thana, slightly concerned at his outburst. Thana seemed collected though, and so he was motioned forward to approach the Professor. "Thanks, might need it. Last time we spoke, she asked some complicated questions about Rome and myself." Nigel said quietly to Thana, before taking a final breath and entering her domain.

Nigel knocked on the wall as he approached, signalling his approach like he knew his own professors preferred it. "Professor, may I have a moment of your time?" he asked carefully, feeling like a school boy again and not the sweaty man he'd become that day. "I was just wondering about the sign up papers, some of which were missing from the board? I'd like to sign up, but I am ill-prepared for how the procedures work here, filing paperwork included…"

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Administration (A) Skills: N/A

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Whatever had just transpired within the walls of Administration, Alexander wasn't picking up on any of it. Not everything in its entirerity at least, neither how Nigel the teacher had made a tactical retreat out the front door nor Thalia making a beeline for Gunny's office. To the amputated retiree still going strong, all things considered, he was more than happy to have Sandra be as friendly towards him as she was. Alexander gave a chuckled smile to her, placing his hands at his hips and giving the escaping Nigel a final nod. "Likewise, Sandra. These final days here with you have been most pleasent for an old fella like myself. Now if you would excuse me, got to follow Thalia quickly. See you for dinner then, doll." He told her, giving her another smile and a wave, following Thalia's trail.

Alexander began making his way after Thalia deeper into the Admin building, feeling a sense of joy filling up inside him. The sorrow from the graveyard visit hadn't left him just yet, neither the pain his his nose that refused to give up, however things looked like they were turning out better than expected. As he finally reached Gunny's office, at least what he guessed was, seeing him and Thalia there, he joined the two and stood beside his amputee in crime. They were asked if they had been given enough time. Alexander initially nodded briefly to Gunny, gesturing that they had been given enough time indeed. It hadn't been a funeral after all, just a brief visit. It had been good for him, and probably for the whole group. Closure was in short supply those days.

That's when he saw what Gunny was working with, or rather read the title of it. Court martial? A lump formed in Alexander's throat, reminding him of the many times he'd heard that sentence during way-back-when. Even he had been felt it dangle over him like a noose, but only almost. Instinctively he feared of what he'd done, but realized it probably wasn't for him. But if not him, then who? It was best not to ask, for they'd surely know sooner rather than later either way. Attempting to shake off the feeling of dread, Alexander turned to another subject. "Is the General in now? I've got an appointment with him now after work."

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Nigel Cooper Location: Streets of CMB (I4) Skills: N/A

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Nigel's attempt at stealthily escaping the cluthes of Rolodex had somewhat been less than successful, seen as the elderly queen of a Greek play had spotted him and foretold her intentions with him in an equally poetic phrasing. Leaning up against the wall of the Administration, regretting it quickly as he felt the heat trapped within the building spread through his body. He cared little about it for the moment, needing a deep breath after the escaping the clutches of the lioness. What in the name of Zeus had he gotten himself into?

With the breathing done and the immiediate fear dissapated, Nigel heard Thana recognize his existance once again, warning him of whatever Rolodex was going to do to him. Nigel tried ot laugh it off, the laugh coming out awkwardly, befitting a comedy more than a tragedy. "Is that so…It would seem I need to seek shelter with whoever may protect me then." Nigel responded to Thana's warning, wiping off the sweat as he walked up to her as Ash left. The two of them were close, they looked well for each other. Kinship like that was a rareity those days, and ten-fold something to take care of. Who knew if Nigel would find something like there, finally in a haven of civilisation.

As long as it wasn't Rolodex, he would contend to be a happy man.

Thankfully Thana couldn't read thoughts and ridecule his fears - or could she - and instead suggested showing him the sign-ups for activieties now that they had some time off. "Yeah sure, I'm in for that. No plans for now. Thought this morning something to do would do me good. Either some gaming, quilting or even that Dungeons and Dragon's thingy. I suppose fencing is off the table for now. For the record, what do you usually do after work?"

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Assembly (P) -> Administration (A) Skills: N/A

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The coast was clear so to speak, seen as their re-entry into the comforting walls of Camp Mexico Beach went as well as anyone could have hoped for. Ol' Mugsy knew well to enjoy the relative safety of a serious protective barrier between you and the outside world, be it a series of sandbags and fortified foxholes, or the vast ocean surrounding an island. Yes, letting his shoulder slowly down and leaning a little more calm in his seat, Alexander tried to let go the nagging feeling that their luck was soon to run out.

He had been about to turn and say something to Manny in due to the silence that had shrouded them, when the world went to shits. A loud honk of sound blared out front, then the bus stopped entirely. A younger Alexander might have had the ability to react to his instincts and brace for impact, but the impact came in full force. Nose first, Alexander flew into the seat in front, then just as quickly bounced back into his seat. The world was a noisy mess around him with cursing all around and a painful nose plastered on his face. Manny somehow had managed to catch himself, or so he thought, and came with one of his usual quips. "Ouch…you and me both, baby-boomer…didn't these bucket of bolts use to have seatbelts?"

No one appeared to be wounded though, and the bus kept on trucking forwards to the Assembly in due course. Told that dinner would be served in 30 and to report back to their superiors, Alexander shook his senses back and got back out to the scorching steam-heat of the Florida sun. Alexander bid his fellow baby-boomer farewell and "see you at dinner, okay?", and followed after Thalia bee-lining it to first Thana and second Admin.

"I think we're all fine, just a headache. See you at dinner, like she said." Alexander told Thana in passing while she chatted some with Ashton, then made his way into Administration pondering on what the hell had happened with the bus, catching Thalia talking to Rolodex, Sandra, while Nigel the Roman stood still. Too still, stiff, awkward? Alexander gave him a polite wave, before turning to the two ladies. Giving her a smile he took a step beside Thalia. "Good evening, Sandra. Quite the stir out there, isn't it? Gunny's in there?"

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Nigel Cooper Location: Administration (A) (Inside -> Outside) Skills: N/A

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In the coming centures and millenia, perhaps with the proper passage of time and the rediscoveries of the long lost "Camp Mexico Beach Annals: A comedy-tragedy about the life and death of Nigel Sportacus Cooper", then Nigel would have the insight to finally see what had been going on before his very eyes. It was perhaps this reason that he had spent less time socializing with the opposite sex, or he was just thicker than an Egyptian corner stone of a pyramid at the moment. Whatever the cause of this spell was, Nigel didn't register what Rolodex, or Sandra as she called herself, was doing with him.

Nigel, polite yet awkward as he was around most people, was ready to pull back his hand from Rolodex and wait for whatever normal answer she'd given him about the paperwork. The more he attempted to withdraw his hand from her though, the more it felt like a melee more than a greeting. For some reason Rolodex didn't let go of his hand just like that. And what she was telling him about staying late to help him, it took a moment too long for it to clik in his mind. Before he realised the ambush he'd put himself into, Thana had already left him behind after telling him to follow, and he hadn't listened.

Rolodex was wooing him.

Nigel's cheeks suddenly turned a shade of Roman red at this realisation, his eyes shifting between Rolodex standing in front of him and the spot Thana had been just a moment ago. He was trapped. Swallowing hard, Nigel stood perplexed as Rolodex came closer, and closer, and closer to his face, unsure of what to do. "Ehm…I…I don't think this is what paperwork involves…" Nigel said frightened.

Saved by the proverbial bell it would seem, Thalia entered the room and announced her presence just in time. With Rolodex apparently preoccupied by Thalia and her request for the moment, Nigel weighed his options as Alexander the veteran entered. Should he send a warning to the old man, or save his own skin from the shame? He was given a polite nod, to which he slowly returned as Alexander too started talking to Rolodex. That was it, time to make his retreat!

Nigel inched his way back the way he and Thana had come from, hoping to leave the room as unnoticable as possible, using Thalia and Alexander as a ruse. Slowly, surely, Nigel made his way to the door to make his escape, calling out to the trio before leaving quickly. "Seems I must make haste, don't let me keep you occupied! Pax vobiscum!" he bid his farewell, quickly getting back out onto the ever burning streets of CMB, looking as if something big had happened moments earlier. What it had been, Nigel couldn't say, but it was enough for Thana to have left him. He took a deep breath and felt the newly won freedom, much rather having the scorching sun rather than Rolodex's frightening stare. "That…that was not how I expected paperwork to work…"

One good thing about today.

Went on a date today. Not sure if it will lead to anything, but I had fun.