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Post by Caliber on Jun 17, 2011 23:58:49 GMT -5
Before Masters could ask what he was doing here, where he came from, and why he never introduced himself, the man had already trotted off on the horse.
Turning to Chase and tapping him on his arm with the back of her hand, Masters spoke before heading back to the center of camp.
"If he comes back, let me know. Let's try to keep this low-profile and not alert any of the civilians."
Masters walked back to the bus, weaving through the vehicles in her path. The camp had been almost completely settled, now that everyone was done setting up their tents and the rain tarp. Pushing her sniper rifle sling further over her back, Masters leaned against the side of the school bus, looking out at the small community of people that formed the camp.
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Post by NotAvailable on Jun 18, 2011 0:15:03 GMT -5
Chase squinted an eye, obviously confused and slightly irritated. Some how he felt like he was duped by the harmless kid. When he went on ahead with his horse to scout, Masters had informed him to let her know if he came back, to keep it between them for the sake of the others. "Will do, Chief," he told her before holstering his weapon and wandering back to the bus, glancing up at Barry.
"You ever gettin' off the bus or are you gonna keep your yee-haw ass in there all night?" Chase joked, lightly knocking his knuckles on the window that was barely in reach. The man always did remind him of some sort of western hero. Something his partner would appreciate provided she were there with them, sadly, she wasn't.
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Post by Winters on Jun 18, 2011 0:51:03 GMT -5
"Watch yourself, Chase, before I knock the teeth outta ya... Haha, but nah, I think I might just sleep in here tonight. While its quiet, ya know? But not until that kid comes back, I wanna make sure that horse is alright." Barry spoke out, actually putting his attention into the horse rather than the rider, a common trait of his. He knew the man as fast, but he wasnt sure about the horse. Whether or not that they had a connection or not decided the whole thing. Barry had been watching this about him since the guy showed just ten minutes earlier.
~|~
This was actually the first that the people started to notice the horse and rider in the first place, he did have any other previous relationship with anybody in the convoy. Kidd slowed down his pace once he reached a turnoff, and then pranced back down the road at a slower pace, scanning the treeline with the light.
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Post by Caliber on Jun 19, 2011 14:30:48 GMT -5
Sitting by one of the campfires, Lisa stared, blankly, at the dirt beneath her feet. Inhaling deeply beforehand, she let out a lengthy sigh. The other civilians around her, whom she did not know well, talked about small, unimportant things-- nothing particularly interesting. When the young BSAA agent passing out the food came around, Lisa prepared to catch what was about to be tossed to her. Holding her hands up, Agent Michaels tossed a label-less, generic can her way.
Lisa caught it, cupping it in both hands. It was surprisingly heavy, for being so small. The contents must be dense. She shook it; it didn't slosh around, so it wasn't any sort of soup. It was relieving that she wasn't going to have to eat another can of tomato or chicken-noodle soup. Now intrigued, Lisa eagerly awaited her turn with the can opener that was being passed around.
Once the woman next to her was finished opening her can, Lisa was given her turn. Gripping the can opener in one hand, she plunged the teeth of the device through the alluminum top and twisted the handle until the cap popped off, neatly. A sweet aroma instantly filled the air. Looking down into her can, she immediately recognized the contents: Pork and Beans-- a welcome change. Though she wouldn't mind eating cold, Lisa decided that she'd wait for a turn with one of the few frying pans being passed around the fire, to heat the food.
~~
Chell walked around to the front of the school bus. Using the bumper as a crutch, she hopped onto the hood of the car, then climbed up the windshield and pulled herself onto the roof of the bus. Dropping her rifle and sling off of her shoulder, she sat down on the edge of the roof, letting her legs dangle over the edge, where she had a full view of the camp. She watched as everyone went about their business, as usual. Everything was in order, people were with their family and friends; it was comforting. They all trusted her, and she intended to keep them safe-- keep things as they are, whatever the cost.
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Post by NotAvailable on Jun 19, 2011 20:53:09 GMT -5
Chase had chuckled at Barry's expense when he'd decided to eat later and check things out down the road. The Lieutenant yawned, stretching widely as his lazy gaze swept along the dirt road. It was quiet and the rain began to ease up into a drizzle. It was about now when Chase began to wonder whether or not he was gonna stick around. The Convoy was just a group he joined up with to get a free ride to Stoneville to meet up with his partner but at the same time, he knew he'd felt bad if he just got up and left.
Flip flopping about his decisions, the B.S.A.A. operative returned to camp soon after to discuss matters with Masters when he'd noticed one of the civilians sitting around, almost as bored as he felt. Seating himself next to her, he'd realized it was Lisa.
"Helloooo Nurse," he told her with a smirk.
======================
Meanwhile somewhere down the road a large 18-wheeler had been chugging it's way toward the Convoy. Inside it was a Spanish man and his daughter. The road was slippery and bumpy, forcing the freght in the back to rock side to side. The young woman grimaced.
"You know, that th-- uh mom is probably very uncomfortabl rocking back and fourth like that in the back, papa," the brunette told her as she looked through their maps.
"Ay, mija...she'll be fine. She can't feel anything. She's dead," Ace told her bluntly. Inez rolled her eyes a little when her father had squinted a little, his lights shining on what looked like a bus.
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Post by Winters on Jun 20, 2011 0:50:53 GMT -5
Quickly halting the horse, Kidd stay in the middle of the road about a half a mile up. He heard a sound coming from inside the woods, and easily readied his bow. Pointing it in the direction of the sound, an arrow was set in place, and the aim slowed down, beading onto a target that only he seemed to sense. Taking a deep breath, Kidd released the arrow, but as it flew through the trees, a large figure leaped up into the trees. Before he could ready another arrow, a medium sized creature sprung forward, scaring the horse into the woods and out of danger.
Hitting the pavement, Kidd rolled backwards onto his feet, pulling out his bow and aiming it toward the creature. But as he set eyes in its direction, it vanished, nowhere to be seen. For the next minute or two, he scanned the trees. Finding nothing, Kidd retracted the arrow, accepting that the monster had flee for now. Holding his fingers up to his lips for a whistle, he paused for a second, hearing a light rumble in the pavement. Just some distance away, a large vehicle coming their way from the turnoff. Bolting into the woods, to stay out of its way and to make sure his horse did the same, Kidd jumped back on and waited silently. Finally, the truck zoomed by, and when he felt the time was right, he moved back up onto the road. Kidd was contemplating whether or not he should go back to the convoy, or charge the monster he had seen.
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Post by Caliber on Jun 20, 2011 15:49:02 GMT -5
After a frying pan had been passed her way, Lisa emptied the contents of the can out onto the pan and set it against the coals of the fire. After the pan began to get hot, which was almost immediately, Lisa shook it back and forth, shifting the contents around to fully heat everything. Once the pork and beans were well heated, she dumped everything back into the can and began eating with a plastic fork that she'd be given.
Just after she'd begun to dig in, a man sat next to her, saying hello and making reference to the fact that she was a nurse-- which was quite obvious, due to her attire. She'd seen him working with the other soldiers before, and had met him once. She remembered his name, but she doubted that he remembered her's, as there were a ton of survivors here that he must have met-- and she was just one of them. Looking up from the pork and beans, she responded to him.
"Oh... hi, Lieutenant Chase," she said to him, flashing a quick smile.
~~~
Sitting on the school bus, Masters noticed small glimmers of reflected light that were coming off of the rain that was dripping down. Glancing to the right, she saw the large jackknife truck immerge from the darkness. It slowed down as it drove past the convoy vehicles and came to a complete stop, the cab of it just a few meters infront of the north-most vehicles. Before she even had to speak into her radio, several people looked toward the large, loud truck that was now lighting up the area even further with it's headlights. Several soldiers walked around front to get a look at it while Masters climbed off of the bus. Once on the ground, she looked toward the cab as the passenger door swung open.
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Post by NotAvailable on Jun 20, 2011 18:39:28 GMT -5
Chase smiled at the nurse. "Evenin' Nurse Lisa," he said and upon seeing the suprise in her eyes, he smiled. "Oh come on now, didn't think I'd forget anyone's name, huh? I've got a pretty good memory, ya know,"
There was the sound of an active engine growing nearer and before long, he'd noticed bright headlights flashing on the Convoy. He'd looked up from where he sat and over at the other agents whom started moving toward the vehicle.
===============
Inez frowned when she'd noticed the armored trucks and all the decked out military types. They probably thought they were looking for trouble. She'd put both arms out, sticking her head out of the window.
"Uhh, we come in peace! My dad and I, that is...can you...um....not shoot us? Please?" she asked, nicely.
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Post by Winters on Jun 20, 2011 20:50:35 GMT -5
Staring into the distance of the night, rainfall coming down onto the leather tarp, Kidd focused on the fork quite a distance down. He seen a short, red glow, and curiousity kicked in. However, his instinct took over shortly after, and before running toward the red, he turned around and sprinted off back toward camp.
~~
"Woahhhhh... That was too close..." Barry spoke out, peering through the window as the semi-truck stopped. It wouldnt have taken much more momentum for it to plow into the convoy, easily putting a large number of them in danger. By this time, the whole camp was up, but it was only Barry and the two others in the bus. He felt like going outside to make sure everything was fine, but figured there was already enough people keeping watch. He didnt really care if they got anymore people aboard or not, so long as they did get some sleep tonight.
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Post by Caliber on Jun 20, 2011 21:04:19 GMT -5
Masters approached the vehicle, unarmed, though kept her hand on her holster. Several other soldiers kept their distance. Suddenly, the young woman inside peered out the window and spoke, looking directly at Michelle. Chuckling at what the girl said, she took her hand off of her holster and responded humorously.
"Of course not, we won't shoot you," she laughed.
Walking up to the cab of the truck, Masters peered in through the window, which was quite high off of the ground. She saw the woman's father, who looked harmless enough.
"I'm Colonel Michelle Masters of the B.S.A.A.," she said, holding up her badge. She continued, "This is my convoy, we save civilians-- not shoot them," she laughed again.
"Quite a big truck for just the two of you," Masters said, playfully. "What'cha got back there?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.
~~~
Lisa looked up from her food again when Chase called her by her name, surprised he remembered. He flashed her a bright smile, a contagious one at that. Grinning rather stupidly, Lisa dodged eye contact and laughed with flattery. Before she had to say anything, he immediately began speaking again.
Grinning, she spoke back. "Do you remember the names of all five-billion people around here?" she questioned, exaggerating.
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Post by NotAvailable on Jun 20, 2011 21:16:21 GMT -5
Inez smiled at the woman and pointed a thumb back a bit.
" We're scavengers and we've got some ties with Vegas. We travel about and trade with survivors. I do the trading and my dad does the shootin'. Only if they're trying to hold us up, that is," she'd explained before opening the door and hopping out. Her father did the same, turning the engine off and taking the keys with him.
She'd walked around back as her father tossed the ring of keys at her and a large flashlight. They'd moved around back before she'd picked out a single key and unlocked the hatch door. With the help of her father, they'd pulled it up, exposing a truckload of shelves and built in counters. Among them were various firearms, ammunition, food, water, medical supplies and even things like batteries, toys for children, tents ect...
Smiling proudly, Inez waved an arm. You name it, we've got it. Don't worry about taking too much from us. We've got our own things upfront. Ace here," she began, gesturing toward her father, "---likes to do what he does best. We're not mavericks but we've got entrepreneur in our blood. It's all we're good at," she explained.
She knew she was beginning to rant and as such, she'd felt her face blush with embarassment at the crowd gathering around. "Um, so, interested in trading anything? Or anything need repair? I'm pretty good with my hands,".
=============
Chase chuckled a bit at Lisa and looked around at the others whom were getting up to wander over to the newcomers.
"Uhh no, not really. I remembered your name because you're a nurse. Everyone with an important role, I ensure to remember thoroughly. I'm suprised you knew me, though, actually," he told the woman.
((I'm not finished with my character's Item List, so, bear with me, please. ))
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Post by Winters on Jun 21, 2011 3:31:41 GMT -5
The more he ran, the more the rain seemed to die down little by little. It was only a drizzle anyways, but the wind had been halted, making it less wet then previously. Still keeping the leather over him and his horse, Kidd bolted at fast speed back toward the convoy, but than heard another noise behind him. The horse came to a halt, and he aimed around his with bow, making sure the coast was clear. It was quite possible that the infected could be out here, and more worrying, something larger or more deadly.
Kidd hiyad the horse to move, but it remained in place, only snorting out several times. Slapping her in the rear twice in rapid succession, he hiyad again, only getting the same resulted. A little bothered, and more worried, he got down onto the ground with the bow aimed down the road again. Something was wrong, he could sense it in the horses eyes as she peered down the road as well. Than suddenly, a quick movement in front of him, and Kidd fired an arrow at the larger creature. But as it stood in place, nothing but blood red eyes, the arrow had been stuck in its shoulder. However, no audible sound had been emit from it. Loading another arrow, Kidd took quick aim again, this time shooting for the head. But as quickly as the arrow flew from the bow, it was caught in the hand of the creature.
As it was snapped in half, Kidd twisted around twice, dropping his bow into its place and pulling out his sword. But as he turned to face the creature, only the broken arrow remained on the ground. Not even a bloody trail leading to the woods. Kidd turned to face Nina, only to have her sprinting off in the direction for camp.
~~~
Laying back in the seat, Barry had been trying to get a little bit of shuteye, but he wanted to make sure the new strangers outside werent going to try and steal anything. As he moved out into the light rain, he could hear most of the drops bounce off of his hat, and then his leather shoulder pads. Walking hard as hell toward the semi, hand on his revolver, Barry overheard them talking about trading. At the word 'trading', his eye flickered a little, knowing that this could either work out to their advantage, or be the death of them. As of now, and only now, he didnt like them for that soul reason. Traders were clever, and wouldnt ever think twice about killing somebody for the food in their inventory. But as to be friendly, just maybe not too friendly, Barry spoke out with a small hint of sarcasm in his voice. Only he was serious as serious gets. "Got an mercury?"
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Post by Caliber on Jun 21, 2011 14:30:06 GMT -5
Listening to the girl speak, Masters began to get a bit annoyed with the sudden gathering of civilians. As soon as the girl finished speaking, Masters turned around to address the crowd.
"Alright, people, nothing to worry about," she said, raising her voice and lifting her hands, to be heard by everyone. "They're friendly, go back to business."
Once the crowd began to disperse, Masters turned to the girl and her father again, extending her arm for a handshake.
"Well," she began, looking into the truck full of goods. "We can always use more food, water, and medical supplies. Gasoline is another thing that's always good to have. I'm sure some of the civilians that don't have tents and lanterns would be willing to trade; feel free to trade with whomever you like. We've got plenty of guns and ammunition in the humvees and vans, as well as clothing-- thick leather jackets, waterproof boots, even tactical gear. I'm sure we'd be able to offer some of those up for trade if we see something that catches out eye."
A man from camp, Barry, walked up behind Masters and interrupted, asking if the traders had any mercury.
Turning to him, Masters spoke again. "I doubt they lug around highly hazardous chemicals in jars. What could you possibly need that for? Mercury-tipped rounds?"
~~~
Lisa blushed a bit, listening to Chase.
"Well, I haven't learned the names of many people around here. I've helped a few people with little cuts and bruises, and even then I haven't met many who've given me their names. You're the only soldier who's actually introduced himself formally, though. I've heard the Colonel refer to some of youguys by your last names, but we shook hands when we first met."
Looking down at her food, Lisa took another bite with the plastic fork in her hands.
"You want any?" she asked, holding the can out to Chase.
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Post by NotAvailable on Jun 24, 2011 14:30:37 GMT -5
Ace seemd irritated with the cowboy's voice. He knew a condescending pr*ck when he saw one. He's dealt with plenty over time, runnin' shops. Asking for Mercury was pretty sarcastic. When he went to respond with equal sarcasm, Inez put her arm out infront of her father, squinting an eye at him before smiling warily at the western man.
"Yeah, 'fraid not. Like your Colonel here said, we don't go around lugging chemicals in jars. That's too risky for our cargo here and it's bad for business," the young Latin woman explained.
"The tactical gear sounds nice though. We don't have much of that. Just a few holsters and spare ammo puches. We'd be willing to find something to trade for some vests, if ya have any. We come across alot of Checkpoint camps that need new equipment like that. It's actually pretty hard finding any now-a-days. Anyway, I'm Inez Rios," she told them with a smile.
===============
Chase put his hand out and smiled, gesturing toward the can next to him. "No thanks, I've got my own food. You should finish up your own, it's good to work on a full stomach. Help ya concentrate," he explained. Somehow, he felt like he may have had that wrong.
Looking up, momentarily, he thought about that for a moment. Before long, he shrugged and chuckled.
"Anyway, my first name's Isaac, most people just prefer to call me Lieutenant, Chase, or both together, obviously," he mentioned, not meaning to ramble but did anyway.
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Post by Winters on Jun 24, 2011 20:30:04 GMT -5
The truth wasnt, Barry wasnt exactly being sarcastic or anything, and knew they werent going to have any in jars, or anything like that. But the colonel was right, thats exactly what he was using it for. However, before he went away, he was a little more anxious, dipping an eyeball at the cargo for a quick second before speaking again. "Florecent bulbs, old thermometers, select fuses, batteries, anything like that? I can extract the mercury myself, make some ammunition for the entire convoy with the right materials. Been doing it for years now. Not just mercury, neither, but a wide variety of acids found in seemingly useless things that anybody might be carrying around in the back of a truck."
Without seeing if anybody had their eye of curiousity on him, Barry took out his small leather pouch, and showed the .44 bullets that had obviously been reworked by hand. "Sixteen of these left, does a great dead in my pistol and my rifle. Saves you tons of ammunition in the long, going up against those crawlers. All it takes is on shot..." By this time, however, he figured that maybe he was bothering the traders now. It always excited him talking about creating ammunition. He kept various casings and tools in his bag just for it, and if he could get his hands on some chemicals of any kind, even if it meant extracting them himself, it would do the convoy a great deal of good when it came down to it.
Looking at the colonel, Barry raised his arm, saluting peacefully without a smile or a grin. After that, he went back in the bus to fiddle around with his ammunition. His mental count had all washed away from the time being with the convoy, he never needed to shoot in awhile. The small container of glycerine was just waiting to be made into some more explosive rounds, but the mercury really packed in the punch.
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