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Post by Winters on May 6, 2017 13:12:02 GMT -5
She's dead. You told me that. She died when she was six, you told me that too. So stop feeling sorry for yourself, and just move on. In not even your daughter, so what the hell do you care about me anyways? The only sound that could be heard was the faint cracking of the firewood stoking around a pile of rocks, echoing through the ravine. Lee sat quietly, by himself, holding an empty can. Several others lay around the area, but majority of them were set up as tripwire so that he could sleep, like it even mattered.. Even if he wanted to, couldnt, not tonight. Not when all he could think was where she was laying right now. Whether or not she was even alive. Lee couldn't decide which would be better, being alive or dead, given her situation.
The scruffy haired man scratched his beard, throwing the last can of stale beer to the side. It flanged only once before resting on its base. He started blankly at it for what seemed like an eternity, but was about a minute longer than he should have, before reaching into his bag and grabbing his pistol. Checking to see it had a full magazine, Lee pulled the hammer back, and pressed the gun to his head. Before he had the chance to go through with a trigger pull, a string of voices echoed from above him.e. His reaction was immediately to put out what little remained of the fire using a can filled with dirty water, grab his bag, and rest himself up against the wall of the ravine, listening carefully.
"...if he is still out here, he's probably looking for her, I told you we should've just killed him, but no, you had to go and have a f***ing conscience. Now come on, s*** for brains and let's keep looking. Boys in the Watchtower said the smoke was coming from the ravine." By the time the two men were done fighting like an old married couple, Lee had already climbed to the top of the ravine using the rope he tied to a tree prior to getting down earlier that night. It didn't help that he was buzzed from the beer he drank earlier, but I'd didn't stop him from hoisting himself up on leveled ground.
His gun didn't have a suppressor, so the smartest choice would be to go in with a knife, as he's done plenty of times both before and during the outbreak, Walking ever so slowly, Lee came up behind the one walking slower, and drove the knife into his side three times in rapid succession, covering his mouth. It was enough to not draw any unwanted attention, but enough for his buddy to hear. As the guy raised his gun, Lee through a right hook, hitting him in the face. Then with a shove, he was sent backwards. Unfortunetely for him, the ravine cut off, and he was sent plummeting to the bottom.
Lee knew that even though the man wasn't able to get off a gunshot, the noise from the fall would have made it clear somebody was around. That mixed with the smoke from his fire, he quickly walked back to the rope, and pulled it up, stuffing it into his bag for future use. This didn't change anything, even though he knew there was a change that she was still alive, he couldn't get into their camp alone. Getting down into the quarry would be manageable, but getting her out wouldn't be possible without killing everyone inside. One man wasnt enough.
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Post by Dark Nomad on May 9, 2017 10:18:44 GMT -5
The older couple walked through the woods, almost at a walker's pace. They looked exhausted and the male was covered in blood. The blood wasn't his, mostly. His hand held his stomach, compressing the wound he had received. The woman seemed in better shape but they were both obviously tired. They couldn't have been out of their 50s yet by the looks of them, but people's age could always surprise you.
"Kev, sweetheart, we need to find a somewhere safe to stop. I don't know about you, but I need to sleep before I fall face first in the mud." The blonde woman said. She was visibly exhausted and wasn't sure how Kev kept going, especially with the blood loss and having spent a lot of energy on the fight.
"Just a bit longer, Kate. There's still daylight left." He grunted a reply. He'd probably end up sleeping a full 12 hours just from the sheer exhaustion. He stood 6'0" even and had graying shaggy hair. His face was covered in a thick graying beard, but you could tell he normally kept it trimmed. He was built like he spent a large portion of his life in the military or doing a lot of manual labor. He has some tattoos visible on his arms, but the quality had diminished over time.
Kate sighed as she knew it was better not to argue. He obviously wanted to put space between them and where they had come from. She stood just a few inches past five feet and had a fairly fine build while taking into account for her age. Her hair was so blonde that it actually looked like a shade of gray from a distance. Together, they weren't carrying much which was odd for anyone who didn't have a static home since the outbreak.
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Post by Winters on May 9, 2017 14:15:26 GMT -5
If only the wind hadn't picked up. the smoke from the flames wouldn't have traveled high as it did. Even though it was a fairly clear night, the wind blew from the west, rustling against the trees, which made it a lot harder if not impossible hear any footsteps that weren't close by. Lee didn't even realize how windy it was until he was out of the ravine and sobered up a bit, but his longer hair blew in his face every now and again, forcing him to tie it back into a pony tail. It was the first time since his service that he never shaved his head short, it took a little getting used to, even after all this time.
But knowing the search party had only been two men, at this hour, it meant there wouldn't be anymore until sunrise, which gave Lee about three or four hours to find somewhere secure and make a plan. He didn't want to have to go at it alone, but if it came down to it, there wasn't any other option. The thought of finding another group bothered him a lot, because he was beyond asking others for help. If the people that took her were seen as a threat to anyone else, then it would mean a dispute, and that he could get behind. Or at the very least, use to his advantage. Despite his past, Lee didn't come from a very good place himself.
A backpack would have been more comfortable, but Lee wasn't going to leave her rifle behind, nor was it in good enough shape to take apart, and wouldn't have been of any use with only a handful of ammunition left, which he planned on using for the assault on the camp if it came down to it. Besides that, he starved, or are whatever he came across, since there was no going back to his old crew now.
With the large knife at the ready, and simply lot flashlight at his feet, Lee prepared for an encounter with another one of the infected. But what crossed his path instead forced out his pistol, and the flick of his flashlight up towards the movement. What was in the beam were two other survivors, definitely not from the camp, but too close to have not been aware the woods around here were littered with traps. "Might wanna watch your step..." Lee spoke, sure that that they had been aware the flashlight pointed at them and his gun down were good indications that he wasn't going to shoot. "Landmines, beartraps... Not the place to be, you coming from somewhere? He finished.
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Post by Dark Nomad on May 12, 2017 8:27:08 GMT -5
"I got f*ckin' eyes." Kev responded bluntly about the traps to the man shinning a light in their eyes. "We come from somewhere with manners. Now get that damn light out of our eyes." Kev wasn't looking for a fight so didn't approach most situations with a quick draw, and sometimes when outnumbered that would just spook them and get someone hurt.
He had his gun in a holster that made it easy to draw if he needed to. Kate tried to speak up but he held out his hand to stop her. They couldn't see who was on the other side of the light and it might get dangerous. He didn't want her giving away too much info. She also knew the usual plan and had moved into position.
He always kept a spare pistol at the small of his back. She was to move in, like she was afraid or concerned for her husband's well-being. Then she would ready herself to draw the weapon if she needed to. It had actually worked plenty of times in the past, especially around men who thought Kate was weak. Kev kept where he was with one hand trying to block the light and the other on his side.
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Post by Winters on May 12, 2017 23:29:17 GMT -5
The LED battery in the flashlight had been too weak to check around them, but Lee could tell there were only two people, and either of them drew, so he put the light off and let the moon cover them. It was obvious that the two survivors weren't the enemy, but they definitely weren't from the camp he came from, that was for certain. Maybe a neighboring community, but it really didn't matter now. The older man seemed to know what was going on with the traps, but whether or not he knew about the hostiles in the area remained to be seen.
Apologies, sir. Just not too too often I run into any friendlies out in these parts, especially not around this time of night... Lee paused, bolstering his swiftly, allowing the two to see that he wasn't planning on shooting. Wherever they came from, it would've had to have been a few miles, but only one or two more to the next town, safely away from the next town that wasn't controlled by anyone. See he figured it was a good place to be right now, instead of exposed in the woods. ...Hey, listen. Trenton isn't too far north. In not gonna lie, there are people from Lincoln Armory looking for me here. Real shoot on sight type of people, hence the gun. If you're looking for a place to set up for the night, it'll be there. Was heading up that way myself, wouldn't mind the company. Already cleared the town myself, twice.
Lee knew the two survivors weren't in dangerous territory, and if they ended up getting gunned down by a group looking for him, it would be blood on his hands. The ravine was burned now, they would be checking it out, so camping there wasn't a possibility anymore. But he was running on no sleep, and had been hair of the dog for going on a week now. There was whiskey back at his safehouse, too, so whether the pair came with him or not, Lee began making tracks North. He couldn't stay here talking any longer than he already did. "Do what you want, but I've been in the open too long, see ya round maybe." And with that, Lee stepped past them, clicking back on the flashlight to make sure he didn't misstep.
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Post by Dark Nomad on May 14, 2017 10:32:38 GMT -5
Kev motioned for Kate to release the gun and follow the man. He hadn't introduced himself but it wasn't really a time of sharing. He also didn't ask for names. Kev continued to hold his side as he followed the man. Keeping pressure kept the pain manageable. Though he didn't like walking in silence so decided to break it quickly.
"So what's your name man? What noise do I make to get your attention?" He asked before introducing himself. "I'm Kevin and this is my wife Kate." He said before leaving it to the other man. If the man didn't want to talk that was on him, but Kev didn't mind it. It helped pass the time.
Kate went to say something again and Kev waited for her to say too much but it didn't happen. "So are there any medical supplies where we are going? Kev was hit in a fight earlier and needs to be stitched up. It's just a graze but it's enough to cause him to bleed." she asked, calling attention to Kev's wound.
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Post by Winters on May 14, 2017 15:14:25 GMT -5
Whether it was blind luck or some sort of sixth sense that the trio didn't cross paths with any traps yet, Lee was starting to question how well the group even set things up. At this rate, it really didn't seem like anything to worry about. The other man spoke out, almost catching him off guard with a greeting, but Lee didn't reply. From the looks of things, these werent the kinds of people that would willing to help.
But once the man's seemingly wife spoke, addressing that they were involved in some kind of a shootout, a question instantly popped into Less mind. "Some random junkies, or some civilized folk just thinking they can rip off a couple of strangers? He stopped walking, wanting to make sure was heard their answer clearly. Along side this, Lee reached around to his belt, sliding around a white Fanny pack that held some basic first aid supplies. A small half missing roll of bandages were handed out to whoever took them first, as an apology for being forward with his question. Bets I can do for now. Change it, we got about another half an hour to go. Tell me more about the shooter."
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Post by Dark Nomad on May 18, 2017 9:08:12 GMT -5
Kate started speaking about the guys who attacked her and Kev. Her voice was a stark contrast to the two men's voices. She spoke softly as she worked on her husband's side. Cleaned it with water, then applied the bandages on it. She explained everything while busying her hands with something that looked like she had done often at some point.
The men she described were from a few hours away. They had walked nonstop since the attack so it might not have been from the nearby town that the man had mentioned. They seemed like the type who were part of something bigger, and definitely seemed more like roaming psychopaths. The apocalypse had created quite a few of them. These weren't good people and deserved what Kev gave them.
Once she was done, Kev spoke up again. "Let's get a move on. We spent too much time bull sh*ttin' already. If you don't wanna be found by the people looking for you, better double time it." He said to their new guide.
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Post by Winters on May 20, 2017 21:04:14 GMT -5
The way that the woman described the assailants seem to Lee like they they definitely something else completely. It didnt sound like a group that took much without leaving anything left alive, but clearly dumb and reckless. Savages would be his guess, and they didn't belong anywhere but six feet in the ground. Still, but not his problem in the long run. Knowing they were active around these parts at least have him an idea of how to go about land and assault. Needed some thinking, and he's keep it to himself. It wasn't the new survivors to worry about anyways.
Half an hour had passed almost immediately, Lee and the other two kept their distance while he himself checked ahead, but they all seemed to work decent together. They knew what they were doing, and it showed. Upon arrival of the town, Lee didn't put them inside, just to a post office on the outskirts. The back warehouse had an open door, the rest all blocked off by large overturned Vans. Once they were inside, he closed it over, knowing nobody would have thought twice about searching somewhere in this condition.
Lee had garbage bags on the main window at the top of the storage unit, making the only light what they had on them, at least until he lot and oil lantern on a barrels in the middle of the room. A handful of matress' were scattered about, seemingly used by a handful of people at a one time or another. A set of lockers were all opened, housing some canned food, medicine, ammunition, and even some electronics that were functional. Everyone who used to come here are either dead, or taken, so help yourselves to anything. This is gonna be the last timeim coming back... He spoke, sitting down and opening up the bag that held a large Fifty caliber rifle. The engraving on the side was faint, and illegible. Names Lee, 'case your wondering. In serious, by the way, take it all. Won't do anybody else any good just sitting here.
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Post by Dark Nomad on May 24, 2017 15:05:58 GMT -5
Kev motioned for Kate to take what she needed as he started packing a back for himself. She was relieved when she saw the feminine hygiene products that she didn't have to bother with that anymore. Older age was on her side with this one. She had seen a documentary about homeless women and they always said it was hardest when they got their periods. She was more thankful than ever that she didn't have to deal with that.
Kev took simple supplies but nothing really stood out as too useful. His most useful things were the guns, his wife, and himself. Half of the stuff he grabbed were luxuries at this point. He then turned to Lee and decided to ask questions. "Where's are you headed after this Lee?" He spoke but before anyone could say anything, Kate let out a sound of excitement. Turning to Kev, she held up a thread and needle, ready to stitch his wound.
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Post by Winters on May 26, 2017 0:30:24 GMT -5
It was actually good seeing somebody make use of everything here at the small abandoned outpost. Who knew what kind of survivors would come across it next, at least the couple would most definitely make use of it. All of it would be put to good use, even the stuff Lee just thought would be used as fuel for a fire at some point or another. Even he himself was thinking about it before, thankfully he didn't.
They asked what he was going to do once the daylight came, but Lee didn't really know what to say. He was beyond moving on at this point in his life, finding suitable people for a rescue mission would be next to impossible in these parts, and taking on the entire family alone would be suicide. Maybe so long as it was worth it in the end, the latter seemed like where his path was taking him. "The people that used to live here, they were taken to a facility back where I found you two. I was asking the surrounding area, looking for a way in, and then they seen me... I killed them, almost killed you until I realized you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Lee watched as the woman, Kate, stitched up her husband's wound. They certainly knew what they were doing, most people alive did, but these two just seemed right for it all, strangely enough as it was. Finding a bottle of whiskey only a fifth of the way full, Lee untwisted the cap off, not caring that it landed on the ground and rolled out of sight. Hair of the dog kept him from feeling the hangover, if he did decide to even sleep, so he lay it on the floor beside him, where he lay back as well. "Gonna try for a few hours of sleep. then head back before the sun hits. You two head north, keep going, and you won't have to concern yourselves with any of this sh*t going on here."
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