ONL

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) -> Mess Hall (C) Skills: N/A

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Time rolled on with its inevitable tides, and more questions were asked of the following things that happened that first day. Alexander sat in deep silence as two of the medical staff of CMB, Doc and Mary were called up, the latter who Alexander remembered he needed to ask where in Chicago she worked way back. That reminder fell in line once Panama was called up to testify, speaking off Hunter's unusual way of talking once again. Unusual was an understatement, even for a man who fought through a war where every soldier had a dry, dark comment about everything.

Alexander didn't raise his hand when it was called for, instead crossing his arms and giving the young soldier, Hunter, a wondering look. What was going on through his mind, both back on the first day of a meeting of fate, and now? He couldn't help but wonder if they were the same - traumatized. Maybe, a shiver shooting through his entire frame at the thought resonating with him. It kept his mind occupied whilst barber spoke. Well perhaps spewed or bantered about the young soldier who acted…well, stupid. Brash, like the type of recruit trying to 'cool' his way through bootcamp. It didn't end to well…none of these testimonies ended well.

When Thana was mentioned, Alexander's posture changed significantly. His back straightened up and his face brightened up with his peaked attention as he listened to what Aeron had to say. The memory of it, the sharp sense of the hope being severed from his heart and him fighting back his tears, was a bad memory. One being escaped from by a cup of coffee, and not healed until Thana returned. From MIA, to KIA and finally returned. Perhaps there was some justice in the world after all.

Then dinner was called. Thank God.

Alexander felt a sudden rumble in his belly, sending shockwaves like an distant bombing run somewhere beyond the line of sight. For more than one reason, he was glad it was time to eat. Alexander got back up on his foot and metal leg, slowly shuffling his way past chairs and a tightly packed corridor as he slowly made his way over to the Mess Hall. He was in no rush to get there, the rain having stopped and leaving the air muggy…like himself. Mugsy chuckled to himself as he found his way to get some much-needed dinner.

Sometimes the world was indeed a funny place.

For today's first dish the choice became seafood chowder, reminding Alexander of the fish meals he'd cook himself back in the day of Bahamas-trips and fishing. It tasted just as good as he imagined, only leaving him sitting alone in a much-enjoyed peace and quiet. Not that he sought solitude, but he enjoyed it.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) -> Mess Hall (C) Skills: N/A

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Nigel couldn't remember Hunter's comments during their needed appointment under Shear's shears, keeping his hand firmly placed in his lap as the testimony Panama, Shears, Doc and Mary went on. At this point of the quarantine, Nigel had been preoccupied with being sheared like a Napolitanian sheep and talking with Erica about how he looked. Still he had not gotten his hair wholly back, though in the Roman Army he would have been told his hair was long enough as it was. Running his fingers through, or rather across his stubby hairs, his attention was slowly drifting away from the testimonies. Except for a reaffirmed sense of Hunter's diplomatic blunders, nothing new was added.

Not that it was needed, as deep a hole as Hunter had dug himself into already.

Though he was dragged back into it at the mention of Thana being sought after by Ash. Back then Nigel hadn't been invested in the fate of a lost survivor, though with his new friendship with her, he was setting this tale in a new light. It was an enveloping story of searches for truth and lost love, but more importantly, a return of long lost companions. Like the epics of Homer, they were all finally reunited, but at what cost?

The proceedings were put on hold for a break and a highlight of the day; a meal. Nigel's belly rustled like a Carthegean war elephant at this point, a reminder that he and Volt hadn't had time to eat after their sparring and a good show by Thalia. Nigel stood up and started looking after her, only to see her sneaking rather unsuccessfully towards Shears for some reason. He decided to put his conversations with her for a later time, following the crowd and making his way to the Mess Hall for some delicious food.

Today's meal become a lighter vegetable soup, his battered body still feeling the slight aftershocks from the one-handed vulcano. Perhaps Thalia could recieve more than one name from him; Amazon and Vesuvius? Nigel grabbed a bowl of soup and looked for a seat to take. One person he avoided like the Justinian Plauge was Hank and Wayne, leaving him with a surprising choice left as he wandered calmly over to Thalia's isolated table and politely taking a seat. "Taken? If conversation is not what you're seeking, Thalia, I'll shut my mouth and eat. But do tell me, for I am curiously intriuged, how you have such proficiency with your weapons."

Idle conversation, but still something he wanted to know about.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Back and forth they were called. Back to their seats to sit idly and wait patiently for their names to be called up like a boring, military excercise of breaking you down and rebuilding you with nothing but your name, rank and God's given clothes on your sorry ass body. Forth to the stand where they were asked more and more questions. Alexander still felt that black hole inside his chest, though their answers were so far all directed at Hunter, not themselves.

Not himself. He dreaded what they would have asked him.

Alexander stood up and wobbled his way over to the stand once called, this time about their shower-time just after having been evac'ed from that abandoned Florida town in the middle of nowhere. It had involved everything he remembered, except for substantially less enemy fire. The evac, not the showers, that was. The one-legged Veteran took his place silently and absorded the questions he was given. Other shower-goers had already been questioned, those most important to him his good Baby-Boomer friend and the other soldier, while the rest were to this day rather unknown to him. Them, and Hunter.

The one thing that brewed the black hole again was what Ash had answered. He had confirmed his brief confirmation of service, as innocent as it had been. His hands gripping tightly around whatever his old-man hands could hold onto, Alexander suddenly found a voice of peace ringing through his mind. Freedman. The next time he smelled the napalm, think back to a happy moment and place. As Alexander breathed in deeply and exhaled, his thoughts meandered through brief images of hot plastic coffee with two strong women on a TANK, his friends in the Eden-team and a certain General. Then he arrived at the showers, and answered.

"As mentioned by the others before me, nothing noteworthy took place in the showers. Was allowed to keep my previous peg-leg for the showering, and answered Mr. Ashton's question about service…which I was. Mr. Monroe was quiet for the most part, answering briefly but in the positive. A young man he was, I thought. Nothing else happened."

And so Alexander returned to his seat, somehow feeling relieved to have survived another assault on the stand, yet knowing well he would have to return soon enough. He dreaded the coming event they'd surely talk about…when he'd gone into a state of shock and…he wasn't looking forward to it, unlike the black hole within him.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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And so the tale of Hunter the Tragic dwelled onwards, the next scene in this great Greek story of a soldier's fall from grace now set upon the stage of the CMB thermea - The Shower episode. Nigel sighed as he listened to the other male members of the trial recounted the events of them showering, mostly out of a lack of substance. Nothing of interest had happened in those relatively short moments, certainly not in regards to Hunter and what this hearing was about. To Nigel the most interesting things of note were to learn that certain members of the newcomers were members of the military.

That, and how much attention he was getting for his accursed nickname of Sportacus/Sporticus, involving a children's tv-show he'd never seen.

Nigel did nod along to what was already stated though, finding little more to add into their oral statements as he himself was called forward. He walked past the old veteran, Alexander on the way up, recalling his brief answer to Ash; "Not in a very, very long time. Not that it matters anyway." Why did it not matter? Nigel couldn't get the question out of his head, well at least not until he had a question to answer himself.

"My information probably can't shed more light on the matters at hand, as they were mere recounts of what has already been said; we were taken to the showers, made conversation about our possible military pasts - of which I answered I did not have - and we were then taken onwards to Quarantine. Hunter answered that he had been part of the National Guard, no indication of hostilty towards. A warm shower probably was good for us all. Nothing to add further, Professor."

All throughout this part of the trial, Nigel did his outmost to ignore Hank and Wayne…however a Herculean Feat it had to be.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Social skills like a cactus in a balloon factory. Alexander nodded in silence to Manny's description of Hunter, finding it oddly befitting the young soldier who didn't know when to keep his mouth shut and do as one was told. Again, part of him couldn't not fault him for it, for Alexander had been there in his shoes once as a youngster himself. Age really did put things into perspective, didn't it. He could only imagine how he'd react to being put in a figurative box for all to gaze upon with scrutinizing questions wonder if his rash temper would get the better of him like it did towards his father, or he'd retreat into his mental shell as he'd done for so many years. Thankfully he wasn't in that box. Not then, and not now.

The old veteran himself didn't utter another word after his brief conversation with Manny, his eyes going back and forth across the room when the session continued. More witnesses, more questions, more answers, and they had only just started with the charge of Gross Insubordination after the whole wafting of picking up dog shit. Even Alexander raised a brow at this, but he understood it as the military just being thourough. The AAR Maddoc gave under questioning sure was a thourough one.

Once it was Alexander's turn to be called up, he felt the same black hole open up in his chest like so many times before. A hole of black force, throwing itself against his defences. They held, and the one-legged Mugsy walked up to take the stand and answer the same questions asked before. To most he would have looked calm and collected, but he gripped whatever he could hold onto tightly as he spoke. "In all honesty, I have very little to say about my first meeting with Hunter…Mr. Monroe. I was not close enough to overhear the conversation we're talking about, limping behind the others in my group towards the huey, with the help of Mr. Newman. Frankly, I gave the young man very little thought at that time…The only thing I can comment on is Mr. Monroe's attachment to his dog,. Thinking back on it, presumed it was one of those things that happened when meeting living people again after so long…"

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Nigel too was finding the amount of detail the court proceedings went into to be unexpected, but found sound reasoning behind it in true Roman fashion. Logic had to be put into use, and a logical turn of events had to be established in order to weigh Hunter's true nature. From the questioning about his apparent disdain from cleaning up after his beloved canine companion with used bags, which to Nigel gave a curious look but nothing more, they soon dvelved into what he belived to be more serious charge. The one Nigel thought would stick more than a mere accusation - a most certainly real one, of course - of disordly conduct.

Gross Insubordination. An Uocatur, one starting with their very first meeting of chance out in the Florida country.

When it was Nigel's turn to be called, he returned to the stand he'd taken when he had answered before. The second time he walked up to it, he felt more worried. Not for himself, but for Hunter, even if he knew Justice had to run her due course. From what had been said about the young, troubled soldier by the others, his unfavoured toungue showed itself from the very moment they all met around that helicopter. Threats, talks of cannibalism and disregard for the others survivors…all for his dog? Taking the stand, Nigel pretty much confirming what already had been said.

"I entered the audible range of Hunter about the same time as Wayne, coming up behind him alongside Erica and Hank. Hunter spoke about other people using kittens as a trick to…Well, seem friendly, I assumed. I thought someone, that being Hunter, was talking either hyperbolically or with an unsound mind. To me, it seems we all responded quite differently to seeing a helicopter filled with survivors land right before our eyes. I hoped, as we were handing over our belongings before being taken to CMB, that Hunter wouldn't do anything stupid and get himself killed. Afterwards we all went to the newly arrived bus and took our seats, Hunter in the far back with Izibell. To me he didn't seem like a threat to me personally, though I did wonder how he would fare, even with a 95 % acceptence rate."

World of Light

The Heavy

Level: 2 (19/20)
Location: Sandswept Sky - Crown of Sand
Word count: 664 (1 EXP - Level up next round)

The battle had been glorious, and even more importantly they had won! A fanfare and rock-styled victory song would have been playing at this point, signalling the great success which the trio of Heavy, Medic and Midna had accomplished against the enemy team of DRAGONS. But honestly, even Heavy appriciated the simple fact that they had all survived the slaughter. A slaughter they had commenced, but such details went over his head more times than not. Instead Heavy took a moment to catch his breath, finally done with punching the now not-so-flying dragon and taking stock of the situation.

A bunch of loot had spawned on the sandy ground, having replaced the dead bodies of all the sorry baby enemies they had slain moments earlier. Heavy found it odd at first, accustomed to seeing miscellaneous stuff and bodyparts littering the ground, but this was a pleasent surprise. Just as much as Medic was alive and well after having been flicked away! Before Heavy could embrace his tiny Medic friend though, they got more company in the form of Queen Sectonia and Poppi.

"Very good fun indeed, Tzarinna Sectonia! It is good day to be giant man and friends..." Heavy exclaimed, unprepared for what followed. The queen tossed…a heart at him? Not a normal, regular sized gorilla heart that Heavy had beating in his chest, but a cartoon heart. At first Heavy was as puzzled as ever, but as soon as its magical powers released him of what had been an unseen iron grip of Galeem, Heavy felt ten times lighter! In the amazement, Heavy pressed his big palm against his heart, feeling it beat…like normal. "What was that? Was that…Am Heavy free now?" Heavy was confused, but happy. The same was done to Medic, so this had to be a good thing. Hadn't it?

Time passed with Heavy finding himself flying through the air, carried away by Poppi and being reunited with Team Yellow. Before he knew it, which was after a long and dreadful trek through the most difficulty and dusty obstacle course he'd ever seen, they stood before a giant temple with a funny lion perched on top. No wait, that was a 'Spinxh'? In the least it was a statue, and what statues were Heavy know. Also, he was dying of thirst! Having searched his pockets for his beloved Sandvich, he found nothing but crumbs, pocketsand and lint, nothing which quench his thirst. Not a thirst for blood, but for water. Like Tora, Heavy wiped his sweaty, bald head and was ready to stoop over. "Water…Why Heavy leave cool and nice Siberia for scorching desert…"

And water they were lead to. Not just water, but an amazing secret room with pools of it! And best of all, there didn't seem to be any hostile BLUs in there, meaning Heavy didn't have to fight for the water. Not to mention there was FOOD! Heavy let out a relieved laugh, echoing through the chamber with delight as he slapped his massive belly. "Oh hohohohoho! Very good! Heavy thought we were done for, but this be happy surprise! Save some ham and bread for me, first I bath!"

Heavy didn't bother to undress even, only leaving his minigun of metal on the floor as he stubbed his way over to the pool and jumping into it. SPLASH! His massive frame caused a small tsunami in the same pool Tora had jumped in. For a moment one might wonder if Heavy could even swim, seen as how long he stayed underwater. The broad-shouldered Russian did float back up to the surface, a satisfied sight leaving his lips as he floated happily in the cool water and enjoying the moment. For once not a moment with fighting, but a moment of peace and quiet. "I could get used to living like this. A king! So comrades, why we here and where we get to after fine feast? Heavy understand more after Poppi toss floaty heart at me!"

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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The testemony from Nigel the Roman actor-teacher had refreshed Mugsy's memory of that night. Yes, now he did remember the short tidbits of what he'd seen and heard of Hunter, mostly heard. A drunk, young soldier on leave for the first time in ages after a long and difficult patrol…no wait, that was himself. Alexander shook his head in the confusion, getting a hold of himself and continuing to listen to how young Hunter had…well, been a drunk fool that night. Nothing terribly bad so far, but quite embarrasing, especially when the military was in charge.

He didn't envy the young boy, not in the least.

A break was called and people started to shuffle around, clearly prepared to stretch their legs. Speaking of which, Alexander stood up and got a good stretch of his old back, letting out a good yawn as he did. Not a second later Manny had already begun to talk to him, like the chatterbox he was. But he was Alexander's chatterbox, and he appriciated the question. "So far? We're talking disorderly conduct and drunken behaviour, but that happens in the army all the time. So far he's got a chance…it's the other charges I'm more worried about, if you're asking me…poor kid." Alexander answered in an equally hushed tone, feeling his gaze drift over to Hunter being taken to the side, probably for a trip to Mother Nature. Did he himself need to take a leak? Not really, the old grumpy man as he was. "What about you? What are your thoughts?"

It didn't take long for the break to end and the proceedings to commence once again. At this point Alexander had walked a bit back and forth, getting his body up and running again after sitting down, anxious and tense like a spring about to break. As soon as they started again, Alexander was seated firmly in his seat, halfway paying attention to the questions and halfway unable to drift down into his own thoughts…only catching brief answers of what Ash gave up front in a very military-styled speech.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Nigel couldn't help but overhear the old-fashioned banter between his two previous companions, Wayne and Hank, clearly finding the proceedings either gruellingly boring or amusing to the point of needed a piss. He shook his head in annoyance, unable to escape their everlasting presence, one way or another. Would he ever be really free from their cruel mockery, or would they forever stand by his side in what was quickly becoming a comedy which was his life?

Either way, Nigel attempted to push their words out of his head and get a overview of the Auditorium, now that a break had been called. Most importantly, watching Hunter being taken away and wondering what was going on with Thalia over in the distance, doing…something. It was a mystery to him, clearly a mystery not meant to be solved in the near future. Nigel valued his life still too much for that. Back to Hunter, the neo-Roman teacher hoped he did not find his testimony an insult to his character, for what else was he meant to say? That Hunter had done nothing wrong that night? No, Nigel told the truth the best he could…perhaps this was even a lesson for Hunter, a sense of catharsis even, something he needed to get through in order to come out the hero of this story.

Nigel didn't leave the Auditorium during the break, having sweated out most during the fight with Thalia earlier. So when the proceedings started up again, Nigel was already seated and awaiting the next witness on the stand, which turned out to be Ash. A brief and concise witness, speaking of details Nigel had not heard about. How should he? He hadn't been working with Hunter the following day, having been Ash's lady friend's assistant in the Gardens of Babylon. Honestly, to Nigel it sounded like nothing exceptional, even for his late arrival. Something in his gut told him that they had yet to hear the big, deciding battle for Hunter's fate.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Forehead wrinkled up with his well-worn frown and sweaty hands firmly placed underneath his bum, Alexander did his best to not attract any attention towards himself. Not that he liked being the center of attention anymore since before the joyous days of the late 60's and early 70's, said attention back then either existing in the form of either NVA/VC ambushes and AK47 gunfire, or war protesters looking upon their fellow countrymen as baby killers and war criminals. God, he was barely in his 20's - how the fuck was he supposed to know it would be that bad? No, Alexander preferred the leave the spotlight for those who revelled in it.

Well, not that Hunter and the others enjoyed it much themselves. This was not a day of celebrating their survival, after all. Most days Alexander had found a sense of purpose, especially sorting through the military archive Aeron had set up. Now with ol Mugsy's help, it was getting sorted out - even his own thoughts, so to speak. The contrast to what Alexander then felt sitting there, feeling uncomfortable attending the trial, was tangiable.

No, keep breathing. Like Tatiana had told him, like Judith had told him…keep breathing, and you'll get through this you son of a bitch…Yes Sergeant Jackson, Sir!

Alexander's attention snapped to the Roman actor, teacher…toothpick fellow who'd taken the stand and begun to answer the questions like the dutiful schoolboy he was.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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If a look could kill, Nigel would have sent a volley of pilas through Wayne's fake cough, clearly not out of reach of the dynamic duo's verbal tormenting even in a court of law. Nigel sighed quietly, taking a deep breath as he had to stay focused on the matters of law, justice and truth to the best of his abilities. The neo-Roman looked at the Professor as she read up the charges once again pressed against Hunter, directing the line of questioning towards his involvement on that night's events. Nigel took another breath as he tried to formulate his testimony as best he could, knowing the oath he was under.

"Yes, I was present for said actions that night." He answered, refraining from bringing up his usual Latin jargon, even for how much he would have liked to speak precisely about the events. It felt like an entire year had passed since that night, and yet it was a mere week ago. Funny how the wheels of time spun in such mysterious ways. "Well, I was by his side for some parts of that night. I remember him speaking with Nikki after getting said drinks, though I cannot tell what words were spoken. At this point I approached Hunter and suggested he eat something instead of drinking more, though said drink was spilled over him at this point." Nigel answered, closing his eyes for a moment and thinking hard about their conversation that had.

"Hunter was…concerned about her, Nikki that is. About her lying to him, though his was in a drunken state at this point - Feeling that, in his own words, 'Society is eff-ing harder than I thought it wold be.' While Cook and Moralez brought us something for Hunter to, as they put it 'Soak up the booze', I attempted to talk him down, suggest he apologize for his behaviour in the morning. To this Hunter agreed, and for me to get him to bed after eating aforementioned oatmeal and toast from Moralez…" Nigel stopped for a moment, pursing his lips as he recalled part of the episode that had brought them all this far - the moment Hunter dropped his food, like a stubborn toddler, only bigger and drunk.

"…which he held out for me to hold, I presume, though not long enough for me to catch it, before Hunter stumbled off towards the stage, falling to the side and giving up on whatever he had intended to do over there. Hunter had only eaten half of it, the rest smeared across his palm, face and the sand. It was at this point he agreed my assistance in getting him to bed. I supported Hunter back to his dwellings at the Condo, watching him enter after locking himself in and thanking me. That was the last time I saw Hunter that night, before I went back to my room myself."

Nigel was glad when he was finally asked to return to his seat, giving the Professor a respectful nod as he got up and walked back to Ash. It was done, his part of this play had been testamented and he would be called up again later. For the same charges, or for the other one? Whatever it was, Nigel had done his best to elaborate and be truthful, knowing Justice could only live under those circumstances. The Truth was meant to set you free, but would that ring true for Hunter as well?

World of Light

The Heavy

Level: 2 (7/20)
Location: Before the Great Barrier
Word count: 321 (1 EXP)

Heavy had never been a man of the planning mind, not like the great Zhukov and his brilliant Deep Battle Plan that which drive back the fascist invaders from his frozen homeland, back to the country his best friend Medic himself came from. The strong-armed suggestion to use his brilliant strength to toss his new teammates across the gulge was not met by the same enthusiasm Heavy himself had showed many times before that day. Even his beloved Doktor came with his own suggestion, followed by the majority of the team calling into question its possibility. Instead Midna came up with her own creative idea.

Animals. Amazing animals.

Taming the wild creatures of the desert valley and using them to descend like snowflakes up to their destination? Heavy had to admit that he'd always wanted to fly, and not in the sense of being blown away by Demoman's bombs or Soldier's rockets. Though that idea was also sidelined once the girl with a Arabian name transformed herself into something strange, uncomprehensible and quite possibly brain-wrecking - Like Spy turning himself into ANOTHER Spy! - a flying saucer! Heavy shielded his eyes at the Necronomicon, a terrible sight, just like the LIVING BREAD! THE HORROR…then again, Heavy wasn't too bright and didn't understand how terribly the sight truly was, only giving him a look of confusion until people suggested they fly on her…it.

"Strange…does it hurt to turn into Saucer?"

More importantly, someone mentioned a hunt for dragons. A hunt? Heavy snapped to attention, feeling a Siberan eagerness rising within him for the prospect of a hunt! So was his Medic friend, which was enough for Heavy. "Heavy join hunting dragons! Will be great time for us all! Me and Sasha have never fought real dragons before, only Scout in spooky costume and undead teleported Bread…though that is still big fight for big man. Dragons be of no challenge to us then!"

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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"The War Drags On" so to speak, that tug-of-war taking place inside the Auditorium. A war between those holding the reigns of Camp Mexico Beach and the power of truth, and the young soldier who'd seriously fucked up his chances at gently integrating into their military society. Again Alexander would have had little sympathy for Hunter, him and his wasteful ways that most youths were known for, had it not been for himself seeing himself in his combat boots. He dreaded the thought of being there, sitting in a chair reserved for the Guilty and having yourself spoken about like that, unable to defend yourself or simply walk away.

Walk away, something Ol' Mugsy had done many times before. If he'd taken Hunter's place, if he'd fucked up like that, would he have taken that offer and simply walked away? Run away from his problems, now that he was without anyone to support him? Maybe.

Alexander's forehead grew tense, a few beads of sweat forming and wiped away by his hand as the first witnesses were called up. First, the young lady who'd taken a special interest in Hunter it seemed. Alexander hadn't payed much attention to it, though now he could not help but listen to her side of the story. Seeing the other side had rarely been one of his strong suits…probably why he and his father rarely got along. If only…Clearly Hunter had spoken harshly to Nikki while drunk, claiming she lied. At this moment Alexander didn't see himself, but his own father, drunk as a skunk and making no sense except for hurt. The Devil's Drink did that to you…It was a shame, a real shame. As the next person, Nigel the Roman actor was called up, Alexander's tensed frown eased a little. What would Nigel be asked, and how would he answer? He, unlike others of the present company, had seemed more inclined to treat the boy fairer. Would that remain the same here?

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Nigel spent the first part of the hearing listening closely to every word uttered. Be it the General laying out the proceedings and charges, Hunter accepting the trial taking place and Nikki being the first to testify, Nigel felt it was his due duty to do his best. The Law was important to follow, for if not, how much better were any of them than bandits and raiders roaming the outside world, or the very Undead themself? Rome was built upon laws after all. Well, war and subjegation, but laws were just as important! So he payed attention to what everyone said, the consequences for lying under oath and et cetera. Like he'd said earlier, Give me the fact, and I will give you the law.

Listening to Nikki's statements about the condition and conduct of Hunter the Drunkard, Nigel found his face slowly fall deeper and deeper into the palm of his hand. It was all coming back to him, the night meant for celebrations, but ending up with him playing babysitter for Hunter. The prospect of transporting Hunter home in a wheelbarrow resurfaced, which in a less serious situation would have brought a chuckle to Nigel's lips. Right then and there it only reinforced what Nikki confessed up front; Hunter was drunk, let his tounge speak like a fool and ensure those around him found him a lesser man by the drink. It was a sad thing to admit that he too felt like this, a true folly of the young soldier.

Nigel's head rose up quickly as his name was called up. His turn? Well that was rather early…then again, besides Nikki it was probably Nigel who'd spent most time with Hunter that night. Nigel quietly sighed as he rose to his feet, mentally steeling himself as he walked with determination up to the witness stand, where the Professor asked him to tell the truth. A brief moment where Hunter rose to his feet broke his stride, unsure of how to proceed. In the end Nigel finished his march. It was too late, the die was cast.

This was the Rubicon.

Without hesitation, Nigel the ever-dutiful citizen of Rome held up his right hand, answering the oath he was about to take with a simple sentence. A sentence that might very well seal the fallen soldier's fate. "Yes, I understand the consequences and swear to tell the truth."

The Roman sent a brief look over to Hunter, a look of conflicted feelings in his eyes. Sorrow perhaps? More than anything, to Nigel it felt more akin to dissapointment, though not entirely for Hunter. The whole world, maybe.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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The young Hunter was indeed a sorry sight to behold to the old veteran, with his thin frame and unfocused, almost confused look on his face as he was taken into the Auditorium. To Alexander, it seemed like the young boy didn't stand much of a chance at today's proceedings, though he didn't have anything to back up that except for bad memories he himself carried. As the charges were read aloud, Alexander eyed Aeron intensely for some reason, as if it was him who those charges were aimed at. "Keep yourself together, Al, hold it!" He demanded of himself mentally, his calm composure forced upon him as his found their way under his bum, as if their freedom would doom him for an eternity.

Perhaps they would.

Alexander's eyes finally broke free from their stare at his former top brass upon hearing the council's offer; leave and don't look back. It was an surprising offer for sure, one Alexander hadn't thought a military society would have given to the young Hunter. Then again, his worn out eyes did not forget who he'd looked at for a long moment. Aeron, the General, the Dragon had always been a good man like that. Would it prove kind enough that day? Alexander relaxed his tensed-up arms and he shuffled back into a comfortable position in the chair, still captivated by the scene unfolding.

Hunter decided to continue, to push through and keep the trial going, foregoing his chance of freedom. Alexander gave Manny a brief look, his face silently asking him for his opinion. On what? Alexander did not know. He simply wondered what the hell was going on inside of Hunter's head at that moment, while being frighteningly aware of whatever shit was storming inside of the kid. Was there hope, defiance or…nothing at all?

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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To Nigel the judicial proceedings were taking place as well as one might have expected, all things considered. The world as they knew it had ended, effectively laying an ever-lasting siege upon their fortified settlement, and yet civilisation continued to run its due course. Man lived, and Man followed the rule of law. It just so happened that those enforcing the law were military men, not those of the politican or civilian nature. Like Nigel had thought to himself many a times since he joined the Camp, "When in Rome, do as Romans do."

If only the young Hunter had followed that proverb, perhaps this very trial had not been neccecary.

The neo-Roman noted the way Hunter looked out onto the audience attending the trial, like onlookers watching intently on the gladiators fighting for their enjoyment and the glory of Rome down in the arena. Something stuck out to him however, as Nigel's eyes met his. Their look was briefer, though it was only a gut-feeling of his. Why? Nigel couldn't help but think of what time he'd spent with Hunter, more specifically when he'd have to take care of the drunk fool of a soldier. Wine could make a fool out of any man, no matter his merits or honour, but Nigel had yet to meet anyone who's fate was so precurious as Hunter's was at that moment. He didn't feel guilty for the young boy's conduct, not at all. He'd done what he could, but he did feel sorry for him as the charges were read up. From minor faults to the greater misconducts of disobedience, Nigel started to place his money on the chariot which ran for freedom. No further consequences, only a new fresh trail ahead of him…

Which made his mouth open in disbelief once Hunter declined the offer for safe passage out of the Camp. Nigel looked briefly at Ash for answers, then to Thalia in his periphery, and finally back on the defiant Hunter up front. This Greek tragedy was taking an unexpected turn. Would it remain a tragedy, or would fortunes favour the misguided warrior and grant him a comedy?

Current Mood in One Gif

@FilthyWeeb