Jesse clings tightly to his bow; watching Mason & Helen hug.
"They... together?" Jesse mutters to Buck.
"No; that's her brother... By the way; I saw you lookin at her earlier." Buck responds on an off note.
"Yeah; quite stunning." Jesse says with a faint laugh.
"Listen; she's mine." Buck says with a faint growl.
"You two..." Jesse responds.
"Yes." Buck responds.
"Alright." Jesse says.
Helen approaches us.
"Buck; this is my brother Mason." Helen says with a smile..
"Wait; your Buck!" Mason say's; readying his crossbow.
"Woah! Mason what're you doing?!" Helen yells; pushing his crossbow down.
"This guy's the leader of the Raiders!" Mason yells angrily.
Buck approaches Mason; his hand clutching his gun.
"Raiders? Mason; what're you talking about?"
"Helen; this man is the leader of a group of murderers!" Mason says angrily.
Jesse approaches Mason.
"In Buck's defense-
"Enough!" Buck yells to the group.
"Enough. Mason; yes, I'm Buck; & yes, we are the Raiders. But we're not murderers, never have we murdered anyone."
"Then why'd you try to hide that from us, huh? If your not ashamed of your group; then why didn't you just come out & say it?" Mason says angrily.
"Because; I know that we have a rather shady reputation, most of the people we have in our group were taken from other groups. But other than that; we're not really bad people. We just didn't want to scare you." Buck says deceptively.
Aaron arrives down the fire escape & approaches Mason. The men in the group turn to him.
"Then why'd your men attack us?" Aaron yells.
"What? Where?" Buck bluffs like he's genuinely concerned.
"In Tennessee." Aaron says.
Buck pauses.
"We don't have men stationed in Tennessee." Buck lies.
"Then why'd they say you were in charge?" Mason asks.
"Must've name dropped me to scare you." Buck says slowly.
Helen nods to Mason.
"Buck's a good guy Mason." Helen says grabbing his arm.
Jesse looks over to Buck; then back to Aaron.
"Trust me Mason; Aaron, we're the good guys." Buck says with a distinct smile.
"How does Raychelle know you?" Aaron asks.
Buck pauses; he remembers her. That pain in his a*s.
"Raychelle?" He bluffs; pretending not to know.
Aaron turns to Mason; who shrugs.
"Listen... If there's nothing more to ask; why don't you come with us. We'll help you get your supplies in the truck & we'll be off."
"Why should we come with you?" Aaron asks.
"Because; your not gonna survive on that roof forever."
"What makes you say that?" Mason responds.
"Let's figure that a horde stumbles over here; say a thousand. Your food supply must be running low; the best you can do for what? six or seven people? Is at least a week. Since it barely rains; you've got about three days. Without food; you've got at least two & a half weeks to live. Without water; you've got three days. You'll die within the week if you don't come with us." Buck responds.
Mason looks over to Aaron; a grim expression showed clearly on his face.
((Well; his mind's messed up from killing his wife; he has two undead daughters; all because he believes he was too soft. So in response; he stepped up his approach to things. He still has remorse; he's just ruthless to certain things.))
(( Sounds a lot like the governor. ))
(( My little application: ))
Name:
Rhett Stevenson
Age:
31
Gender:
Male
Ethnicity:
German (White Skin)
Physical Appearance:
Relatively short crew-cut blond hair, large scar across his left cheek, deep-set dark blue eyes, some stubble, tall-medium build, well-muscled.
Clothing:
Two green T-Shirts and two pairs of blue jeans, all somewhat ragged at this point. Heavier coat in backpack as well. Also wears a pair of worn hiking boots.
Personality:
A Daryl of sorts. He is a survivor at heart and has a strong will, but still has compassion for people and won't kill needlessly. He is cautious by nature, and never lets himself get into situations that he can't back out of. He doesn't trust anyone, but is nice if people are kind to him. He is also intelligent, and tries to think through things before acting.
Biography:
When the so-called apocalypse started, Rhett decided not to evacuate, in favor of waiting out the initial stages of the pandemic. By either an amazing stroke of luck or genius, he survived two months alone in his small house, unnoticed by the walkers. By that time, he came to the conclusion that it was necessary to leave. Packing up things that he believed were central to survival against anarchy and the wilderness, he escaped his small town via bicycle without too much trouble. He then lived in forests for a long time, periodically raiding nearby towns and salvaging what he could. One day, he was found by two people who invited him to join up with them. Being too untrusting, he refused, and seeing Rhett as a plausible enemy, the two men attacked him. Rhett killed both, but was injured with a gash across his face in the process. Ever since, he has borne the mark as a symbol of him being the kind of person not to mess with.
City/Location:
Salvaging things from the Chicago outskirts.
Inventory:
Camping backpack
Titanium crowbar
Small hatchet
Small machete
High-quality bicycle with extra tires and pump
Large canteen with water
Painkillers and basic medicine, including water purification tablets
Canned food
Small food preparation kit (including flint+steel)
Bedroll
Other:
Hasta la Vista, walker. Also, I don't know if the weapons/medicine would be too overpowered or not, especially just starting out. I'd assume they wouldn't be since there aren't any ranged weapons or anything at all, but I thought I'd check.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
My current avatar is: Raistlin Majere from the Dragonlance novels.
Peering over the rooftop; I watch as the men talk to Robert.
"What do you think they want?" I ask Megan. "More people; maybe." She responds with a shrug.
Raychelle approaches us with a snort.
"More people; dead." Raychelle says; rolling her eyes. "How do you know?" Jon replies. "Because; those are Raiders; & that's Buck." She responds. "How can you be sure." Megan responds. "Look at them; a big group; more supplies than possible; tons of people. Compare them to us; we've got a weeks worth of supplies." "Maybe they just got lucky." Jon says in defense. "In this world; no one just get's lucky." Raychelle says; walking off. "Well..." Jon says; smiling at Megan.
She blushes.
"Alright guys; help bring the supplies down; we're joining them." Aaron announces.
I slowly walk through the underbrush, half-crouched. My machete is in my hands, not raised, but readied. I know that this probably isn't necessary, but it's better to be safe than sorry- the last time I was negligent, I nearly died. I step out of the woods and onto cracked pavement. The city of Chicago looms in the distance, presenting two messages to me simultaneously. The chance to get eaten alive by the walkers, and the chance to find much needed supplies. Despite my tendency to stick to suburban areas, my food supplies are dangerously low. I have to take the risk.
Jogging down the road, I spot a few abandoned vehicles here and there. I disregard them; they have probably already been looted and time is of the essence. My targets are the massive skyscrapers, the most dangerous but potentially rewarding places. I spot a few walkers behind the cars. Just as they begin shuffling towards me, the first one collapses with its head nearly sliced in two. My machete flies toward the other just as fast and makes quick work of it as well. Wiping the contaminated blood off my weapon, I don't take pride in my mediocre victory. I will have plenty more opportunities to die soon enough.
About a half hour later, I reach the first of the towers, surprisingly without much trouble. I look behind me, and not seeing any pursuing walkers, enter the dark building. It is at this point that I wish I would have brought my flashlight. This tower in particular has few windows, giving off just enough light to see by. I take a moment to let my eyes adjust, then clamber up the stairwell, dispatching a lone zombie in the way.
The first room I enter houses a desk, a few chairs, and sparse little other furniture. A computer rests on top of the desk, confirming my speculation that this was an office building. I open and search through the drawers, although there isn't anything of use in them. Hardly dissuaded, I proceed to the next room. This one is more full, per se, but not exactly with desirable items. Two walkers, one missing a limb, turn towards me. I don't waste any time in killing them. Taking a look around, I see a third corpse lying in a corner, presumably already dead. I stab it in the head to be sure, then take a look at what this desk holds. This is more bountiful to be sure, with a few cans of food stashed inside. Depositing them in my pack, I then continue my search.
Tom took a few deep breaths as he read out of the manual. Glancing at the dashboard, he began to flip the switches labeled in the booklet. Tom smiled, good so far. He took the kay and placed it in the ignition. He didn't want to start it too soon, for exaggerated fear that it might explode. After flipping a few more things up and down, Tom could finally start the engine. He prayed that the few lessons his dad had given him were still in his mind. He slowly worked the plane out of the hanger, maneuvering around debris and such, he made it into the landing zone. He looked at the manual again, slowly speeding up to the required speed. Twenty, forty, fifty, he counted off in his head before he finally pulled the steering stick down, and up he went. He shouted out of joy as he reached cruising altitude and flew away from his town. He was going to Chicago, the place where he had once lived.
(( I might join Buck's group. So much more fun being the bad guys. Also, I don't wish to get flamed about how easy my post seemed to make flying planes. Just a writing guys.))
"Hawke; well nice to meet you; I'm Buck." Buck says; shaking the man's hand.
Buck's men look at the man; then to the rooftop. Buck had sent a few men up there to help bring down the stockpile. Five people came down the fire escape; carrying crates.
"We haven't met the rest of your group. I'm assuming Hawke is with you." "No; we don't know this man at all." Mason says.
Buck nods.
"What about them?" Buck asks; motioning to the five people with wooden crates.
"Jon; Megan; Jeff; Adam; & Raychelle." Aaron responds; motioning to the five.
"Nice to meet y'all." Buck says with a smile as he shakes each of their hands.
He pauses at Raychelle; looking aggressively at her.
"Long time no see; Ray." Buck mutters under his breath so no one can hear him.
"Same; Buck." Raychelle mutter back.
Buck smiles to the group as the last of the stockpile is brought down. Turning his gaze to Hawke.
"I'm assuming that your coming with us." Buck asks.
Hawke nods.
"Good; always need more people." Buck responds.
A large amount of walkers appear from the corner.
"If that's all of the supplies; I recommend that we leave now." Buck says; waving his men in the truck.
Mason, Jon, Megan, Jeff, & Adam get in the truck. Aaron stands; looking at Raychelle. He nods; she nods back. The two get in the truck; and off they go.
Flashback: The Outbreak, Captain Robert 'Buck' Lawson, Idaho,
"You are going to get you & your men killed." Yells the man over Roberts headset. "Sir; I'm saving the civilians." Robert responds. "Not anymore; your to get your men out of there; there's nothing more we can do." "There's still room for more civilians on those planes!" Roberts yells over the headset. "No Robert; get your men the hell out of there!" He yells back. "Sir; go f*ck yourself." Buck says; removing his headset & throwing it.
"Get the civilians to safety!" Robert yells to the soldiers.
"We were told to fall back!" One of the soldiers responds.
"Your taking orders from me now!" Robert yells back.
Buck listens to Hawke's question; everyone remains quiet.
"Tennessee." Buck say's. "Tennessee?" Helen responds; surprised. "Yep." "Any reason?" Jon speaks up. "Heard there was a government plane that crashed; figured we'd go check it out." Buck says.
Aaron looks over at Mason. Mason looks back; nods.
The truck speeds on through the city; past the looming skyscrapers. Jesse sits across from Helen towards the front of the truck; where Buck can't hear him over the chatter of the group.
"So... You & Buck." Jesse says. "What about us?" Helen responds. "Your together?" "Yeah; why?" "Just askin." Jesse responds.
Helen nods slowly.
"Normally I wouldn't object; but why him?" Jesse says. "Because; he saved my life." She responds. "So?" Jesse responded. "My contact saved my a*s once; I didn't start f*cking him." Jesse says laughing.
Helen frowns then shares a short laugh.
"It's complicated."
Raychelle glances over at Buck; who in turn glances back. Raychelle grips her holster & Buck shakes his head.
"Don't try it Ray." Buck mutters so that she can hear.
The truck runs over several walkers who get in the way; rattling the truck violently.
It has been... a while. I haven't really kept track of the time, of the days that have passed since it all started. Maybe I should have. I don't know, it doesn't really matter. It's not like it would change anything. Anyhow, I have been raiding the city for the first time. My food was running out, and I needed to resupply quickly. So far I've gotten useful enough supplies, but this place isn't exactly where I'd want to stay for a long time. Once I browse the rest of the buildings on this block, I think I'll leave. Don't want a pack or something to come through while I'm still here.
I pause, lifting the pencil off the paper for a moment. This old school had a lot of paper and pencils, so I thought I might as well write down what I'm thinking; a sort of journal. It isn't necessary at all, but hey, it is probably a good idea to organize my thoughts. I've watched enough documentaries to know that isolation can drive people insane. I consider writing more, but decide to just shove a few papers and a pencil into one of my jeans' pockets. There will be enough time for writing when I'm in my comfy old forest again.
I pop open a can of beans, and pile them into my mouth. Might as well have a snack before hitting the road, and I'm hungry anyways. My pack, now full with all sorts of canned food I've scavenged in the past while, will last me at least a week or two, or so I've estimated. I was lucky that I found so much in these buildings alone, else I would have been searching the buildings for another day even. I don't want to take any chances against walkers, and the less time here the better. Finishing off the can, I pack my meager belongings and prepare to head out.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
My current avatar is: Raistlin Majere from the Dragonlance novels.
The caravan of trucks & a singular pickup coarse through the mostly abandoned streets of Chicago. The skyscrapers loom behind them, putting off the 'abandoned city' look. The sky is a deep blue; a clouds surround the tops of several buildings. Now apartments line each side of the caravan. Walkers roam around the street; some follow the caravan.
Buck sits in silence; remembering his unit, his wife, his daughters. So much has happened in so little time, it was hard to keep track of everything. Bucks fingers slowly caress his goatee, he is in deep thought. Jesse still talks to Helen in the front; secluded from the group.
"He's what, forty years old, your- "It only matters if both parties love each other." Helen interrupts Jesse. "You know how those blondes back before the Apocalypse married that ninety year old man; that's basically what it's like."
Helen laugh; shaking her head.
"It's not like that." "Well; your f*cking a wrinkly old man, it's kind of like that." Jesse laughs.
Helen laughs & blushes.
"Right."
Buck turns to Stephen who quietly writes in his journal.
"Whatcha writing?" Buck asks. "Oh... Just writing about our progression." Stephen says nervously.
Buck nods.
"Cool." Buck responds.
((A look into the near future.))
"Do it! Pull the f*cking trigger; end his pathetic life!" "N- No!" "Do it or I blow your brains out!" "No ((Not saying name at the moment)) you don't have to; he's bluffing!" "Is that so."
The trigger of the gun in his hand is pulled; the bullet is launched from the chamber. It enters ((Not saying name at the moment)) chest; blood erupts from him. He releases cry's of pain. She cries for him.
"No! ((Not named)) No!" She cries out to him.
"Now; pull the trigger; spare you & your groups life!"
"I-
"We can fix him; your boyfriend, just pull the trigger." He interrupts.
"Go to hell." ((Not naming)) bursts out.
"I already have."
Francis shivered, his flannel shirt and jean jacket providing no respite from the Canadian winter. At least all the zombies were frozen, and he could get back to normal life.
((Though I understand that TWD canon states that zombie movies never existed, I do not recall them stating that Voodoo never existed. If voodoo exists, or really if any west african religion exists in general, then the term zombie would be floating around somewhere. It would just be much more obscure))
Chicago,
Jesse clings tightly to his bow; watching Mason & Helen hug.
"They... together?" Jesse mutters to Buck.
"No; that's her brother... By the way; I saw you lookin at her earlier." Buck responds on an off note.
"Yeah; quite stunning." Jesse says with a faint laugh.
"Listen; she's mine." Buck says with a faint growl.
"You two..." Jesse responds.
"Yes." Buck responds.
"Alright." Jesse says.
Helen approaches us.
"Buck; this is my brother Mason." Helen says with a smile..
"Wait; your Buck!" Mason say's; readying his crossbow.
"Woah! Mason what're you doing?!" Helen yells; pushing his crossbow down.
"This guy's the leader of the Raiders!" Mason yells angrily.
Buck approaches Mason; his hand clutching his gun.
"Raiders? Mason; what're you talking about?"
"Helen; this man is the leader of a group of murderers!" Mason says angrily.
Jesse approaches Mason.
"In Buck's defense-
"Enough!" Buck yells to the group.
"Enough. Mason; yes, I'm Buck; & yes, we are the Raiders. But we're not murderers, never have we murdered anyone."
"Then why'd you try to hide that from us, huh? If your not ashamed of your group; then why didn't you just come out & say it?" Mason says angrily.
"Because; I know that we have a rather shady reputation, most of the people we have in our group were taken from other groups. But other than that; we're not really bad people. We just didn't want to scare you." Buck says deceptively.
Aaron arrives down the fire escape & approaches Mason. The men in the group turn to him.
"Then why'd your men attack us?" Aaron yells.
"What? Where?" Buck bluffs like he's genuinely concerned.
"In Tennessee." Aaron says.
Buck pauses.
"We don't have men stationed in Tennessee." Buck lies.
"Then why'd they say you were in charge?" Mason asks.
"Must've name dropped me to scare you." Buck says slowly.
Helen nods to Mason.
"Buck's a good guy Mason." Helen says grabbing his arm.
Jesse looks over to Buck; then back to Aaron.
"Trust me Mason; Aaron, we're the good guys." Buck says with a distinct smile.
"How does Raychelle know you?" Aaron asks.
Buck pauses; he remembers her. That pain in his a*s.
"Raychelle?" He bluffs; pretending not to know.
Aaron turns to Mason; who shrugs.
"Listen... If there's nothing more to ask; why don't you come with us. We'll help you get your supplies in the truck & we'll be off."
"Why should we come with you?" Aaron asks.
"Because; your not gonna survive on that roof forever."
"What makes you say that?" Mason responds.
"Let's figure that a horde stumbles over here; say a thousand. Your food supply must be running low; the best you can do for what? six or seven people? Is at least a week. Since it barely rains; you've got about three days. Without food; you've got at least two & a half weeks to live. Without water; you've got three days. You'll die within the week if you don't come with us." Buck responds.
Mason looks over to Aaron; a grim expression showed clearly on his face.
"It's probably our only hope." Mason says.
Aaron nods.
"Alright; we'll come with you."
(( Sounds a lot like the governor.
(( My little application: ))
Name:
Rhett Stevenson
Age:
31
Gender:
Male
Ethnicity:
German (White Skin)
Physical Appearance:
Relatively short crew-cut blond hair, large scar across his left cheek, deep-set dark blue eyes, some stubble, tall-medium build, well-muscled.
Clothing:
Two green T-Shirts and two pairs of blue jeans, all somewhat ragged at this point. Heavier coat in backpack as well. Also wears a pair of worn hiking boots.
Personality:
A Daryl of sorts. He is a survivor at heart and has a strong will, but still has compassion for people and won't kill needlessly. He is cautious by nature, and never lets himself get into situations that he can't back out of. He doesn't trust anyone, but is nice if people are kind to him. He is also intelligent, and tries to think through things before acting.
Biography:
When the so-called apocalypse started, Rhett decided not to evacuate, in favor of waiting out the initial stages of the pandemic. By either an amazing stroke of luck or genius, he survived two months alone in his small house, unnoticed by the walkers. By that time, he came to the conclusion that it was necessary to leave. Packing up things that he believed were central to survival against anarchy and the wilderness, he escaped his small town via bicycle without too much trouble. He then lived in forests for a long time, periodically raiding nearby towns and salvaging what he could. One day, he was found by two people who invited him to join up with them. Being too untrusting, he refused, and seeing Rhett as a plausible enemy, the two men attacked him. Rhett killed both, but was injured with a gash across his face in the process. Ever since, he has borne the mark as a symbol of him being the kind of person not to mess with.
City/Location:
Salvaging things from the Chicago outskirts.
Inventory:
- Camping backpack
- Titanium crowbar
- Small hatchet
- Small machete
- High-quality bicycle with extra tires and pump
- Large canteen with water
- Painkillers and basic medicine, including water purification tablets
- Canned food
- Small food preparation kit (including flint+steel)
- Bedroll
Other:Hasta la Vista, walker. Also, I don't know if the weapons/medicine would be too overpowered or not, especially just starting out. I'd assume they wouldn't be since there aren't any ranged weapons or anything at all, but I thought I'd check.
Chicago,
Peering over the rooftop; I watch as the men talk to Robert.
"What do you think they want?" I ask Megan.
"More people; maybe." She responds with a shrug.
Raychelle approaches us with a snort.
"More people; dead." Raychelle says; rolling her eyes.
"How do you know?" Jon replies.
"Because; those are Raiders; & that's Buck." She responds.
"How can you be sure." Megan responds.
"Look at them; a big group; more supplies than possible; tons of people. Compare them to us; we've got a weeks worth of supplies."
"Maybe they just got lucky." Jon says in defense.
"In this world; no one just get's lucky." Raychelle says; walking off.
"Well..." Jon says; smiling at Megan.
She blushes.
"Alright guys; help bring the supplies down; we're joining them." Aaron announces.
In the distance; I hear another man's voice.
"Oi; you down there."
Chicago
I slowly walk through the underbrush, half-crouched. My machete is in my hands, not raised, but readied. I know that this probably isn't necessary, but it's better to be safe than sorry- the last time I was negligent, I nearly died. I step out of the woods and onto cracked pavement. The city of Chicago looms in the distance, presenting two messages to me simultaneously. The chance to get eaten alive by the walkers, and the chance to find much needed supplies. Despite my tendency to stick to suburban areas, my food supplies are dangerously low. I have to take the risk.
Jogging down the road, I spot a few abandoned vehicles here and there. I disregard them; they have probably already been looted and time is of the essence. My targets are the massive skyscrapers, the most dangerous but potentially rewarding places. I spot a few walkers behind the cars. Just as they begin shuffling towards me, the first one collapses with its head nearly sliced in two. My machete flies toward the other just as fast and makes quick work of it as well. Wiping the contaminated blood off my weapon, I don't take pride in my mediocre victory. I will have plenty more opportunities to die soon enough.
About a half hour later, I reach the first of the towers, surprisingly without much trouble. I look behind me, and not seeing any pursuing walkers, enter the dark building. It is at this point that I wish I would have brought my flashlight. This tower in particular has few windows, giving off just enough light to see by. I take a moment to let my eyes adjust, then clamber up the stairwell, dispatching a lone zombie in the way.
The first room I enter houses a desk, a few chairs, and sparse little other furniture. A computer rests on top of the desk, confirming my speculation that this was an office building. I open and search through the drawers, although there isn't anything of use in them. Hardly dissuaded, I proceed to the next room. This one is more full, per se, but not exactly with desirable items. Two walkers, one missing a limb, turn towards me. I don't waste any time in killing them. Taking a look around, I see a third corpse lying in a corner, presumably already dead. I stab it in the head to be sure, then take a look at what this desk holds. This is more bountiful to be sure, with a few cans of food stashed inside. Depositing them in my pack, I then continue my search.
Chicago,
"& just who are you?" Buck asks the man now approaching the group.
((This is because you haven't aloud me to control your character with minor dialog & actions.))
Tom took a few deep breaths as he read out of the manual. Glancing at the dashboard, he began to flip the switches labeled in the booklet. Tom smiled, good so far. He took the kay and placed it in the ignition. He didn't want to start it too soon, for exaggerated fear that it might explode. After flipping a few more things up and down, Tom could finally start the engine. He prayed that the few lessons his dad had given him were still in his mind. He slowly worked the plane out of the hanger, maneuvering around debris and such, he made it into the landing zone. He looked at the manual again, slowly speeding up to the required speed. Twenty, forty, fifty, he counted off in his head before he finally pulled the steering stick down, and up he went. He shouted out of joy as he reached cruising altitude and flew away from his town. He was going to Chicago, the place where he had once lived.
(( I might join Buck's group. So much more fun being the bad guys. Also, I don't wish to get flamed about how easy my post seemed to make flying planes. Just a writing guys.))
Chicago,
"Hawke; well nice to meet you; I'm Buck." Buck says; shaking the man's hand.
Buck's men look at the man; then to the rooftop. Buck had sent a few men up there to help bring down the stockpile. Five people came down the fire escape; carrying crates.
"We haven't met the rest of your group. I'm assuming Hawke is with you."
"No; we don't know this man at all." Mason says.
Buck nods.
"What about them?" Buck asks; motioning to the five people with wooden crates.
"Jon; Megan; Jeff; Adam; & Raychelle." Aaron responds; motioning to the five.
"Nice to meet y'all." Buck says with a smile as he shakes each of their hands.
He pauses at Raychelle; looking aggressively at her.
"Long time no see; Ray." Buck mutters under his breath so no one can hear him.
"Same; Buck." Raychelle mutter back.
Buck smiles to the group as the last of the stockpile is brought down. Turning his gaze to Hawke.
"I'm assuming that your coming with us." Buck asks.
Hawke nods.
"Good; always need more people." Buck responds.
A large amount of walkers appear from the corner.
"If that's all of the supplies; I recommend that we leave now." Buck says; waving his men in the truck.
Mason, Jon, Megan, Jeff, & Adam get in the truck. Aaron stands; looking at Raychelle. He nods; she nods back. The two get in the truck; and off they go.
Captain Robert 'Buck' Lawson,
Idaho,
"You are going to get you & your men killed." Yells the man over Roberts headset.
"Sir; I'm saving the civilians." Robert responds.
"Not anymore; your to get your men out of there; there's nothing more we can do."
"There's still room for more civilians on those planes!" Roberts yells over the headset.
"No Robert; get your men the hell out of there!" He yells back.
"Sir; go f*ck yourself." Buck says; removing his headset & throwing it.
"Get the civilians to safety!" Robert yells to the soldiers.
"We were told to fall back!" One of the soldiers responds.
"Your taking orders from me now!" Robert yells back.
Outskirts of Chicago,
Buck listens to Hawke's question; everyone remains quiet.
"Tennessee." Buck say's.
"Tennessee?" Helen responds; surprised.
"Yep."
"Any reason?" Jon speaks up.
"Heard there was a government plane that crashed; figured we'd go check it out." Buck says.
Aaron looks over at Mason. Mason looks back; nods.
The truck speeds on through the city; past the looming skyscrapers. Jesse sits across from Helen towards the front of the truck; where Buck can't hear him over the chatter of the group.
"So... You & Buck." Jesse says.
"What about us?" Helen responds.
"Your together?"
"Yeah; why?"
"Just askin." Jesse responds.
Helen nods slowly.
"Normally I wouldn't object; but why him?" Jesse says.
"Because; he saved my life." She responds.
"So?" Jesse responded.
"My contact saved my a*s once; I didn't start f*cking him." Jesse says laughing.
Helen frowns then shares a short laugh.
"It's complicated."
Raychelle glances over at Buck; who in turn glances back. Raychelle grips her holster & Buck shakes his head.
"Don't try it Ray." Buck mutters so that she can hear.
The truck runs over several walkers who get in the way; rattling the truck violently.
Chicago
It has been... a while. I haven't really kept track of the time, of the days that have passed since it all started. Maybe I should have. I don't know, it doesn't really matter. It's not like it would change anything. Anyhow, I have been raiding the city for the first time. My food was running out, and I needed to resupply quickly. So far I've gotten useful enough supplies, but this place isn't exactly where I'd want to stay for a long time. Once I browse the rest of the buildings on this block, I think I'll leave. Don't want a pack or something to come through while I'm still here.
I pause, lifting the pencil off the paper for a moment. This old school had a lot of paper and pencils, so I thought I might as well write down what I'm thinking; a sort of journal. It isn't necessary at all, but hey, it is probably a good idea to organize my thoughts. I've watched enough documentaries to know that isolation can drive people insane. I consider writing more, but decide to just shove a few papers and a pencil into one of my jeans' pockets. There will be enough time for writing when I'm in my comfy old forest again.
I pop open a can of beans, and pile them into my mouth. Might as well have a snack before hitting the road, and I'm hungry anyways. My pack, now full with all sorts of canned food I've scavenged in the past while, will last me at least a week or two, or so I've estimated. I was lucky that I found so much in these buildings alone, else I would have been searching the buildings for another day even. I don't want to take any chances against walkers, and the less time here the better. Finishing off the can, I pack my meager belongings and prepare to head out.
Outskirts of Chicago,
The caravan of trucks & a singular pickup coarse through the mostly abandoned streets of Chicago. The skyscrapers loom behind them, putting off the 'abandoned city' look. The sky is a deep blue; a clouds surround the tops of several buildings. Now apartments line each side of the caravan. Walkers roam around the street; some follow the caravan.
Buck sits in silence; remembering his unit, his wife, his daughters. So much has happened in so little time, it was hard to keep track of everything. Bucks fingers slowly caress his goatee, he is in deep thought. Jesse still talks to Helen in the front; secluded from the group.
"He's what, forty years old, your-
"It only matters if both parties love each other." Helen interrupts Jesse.
"You know how those blondes back before the Apocalypse married that ninety year old man; that's basically what it's like."
Helen laugh; shaking her head.
"It's not like that."
"Well; your f*cking a wrinkly old man, it's kind of like that." Jesse laughs.
Helen laughs & blushes.
"Right."
Buck turns to Stephen who quietly writes in his journal.
"Whatcha writing?" Buck asks.
"Oh... Just writing about our progression." Stephen says nervously.
Buck nods.
"Cool." Buck responds.
((A look into the near future.))
"Do it! Pull the f*cking trigger; end his pathetic life!"
"N- No!"
"Do it or I blow your brains out!"
"No ((Not saying name at the moment)) you don't have to; he's bluffing!"
"Is that so."
The trigger of the gun in his hand is pulled; the bullet is launched from the chamber. It enters ((Not saying name at the moment)) chest; blood erupts from him. He releases cry's of pain. She cries for him.
"No! ((Not named)) No!" She cries out to him.
"Now; pull the trigger; spare you & your groups life!"
"I-
"We can fix him; your boyfriend, just pull the trigger." He interrupts.
"Go to hell." ((Not naming)) bursts out.
"I already have."
That whooshing noise is the sound of a joke flying over your head.