"Rebuild 2024" ("Take 2" of an earlier RP)

RobbieRand

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This has been replaced by a new thread as we have learned how to better play the game.
 
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19 November 2024 -- Monday: 0900
  • Location: Google Maps link.
  • Alice Palmer, the owner/operator/manager of the Wheelhouse Building, is sitting in her building's coffee shop, Millie's Mocha, when phones, tablets, and laptops go crazy with an Emergency Broadcast Service message.
  • A biological weapon has been released in multiple cities, including this one, Albany, Oregon.
  • Although the Authorities have advised that all persons remain indoors, most of those in the Wheelhouse flee to their cars and, presumably, onward to their homes.
  • Alice and 12 others who know of the building's bomb shelter gather up as much food, water, and other resources as they can carry and head for the basement.
 
Alice Palmer's POV:

It is Monday morning, which means that I am having coffee in Millie's Mocha with my Better Neighborhoods Council. We meet here nearly every Monday morning to talk about how we can make our neighborhood a better place for all.

When the EBS text comes in and the mayhem erupts, we all maintain our cool and remain where we are. By we I mean:
  • Roger Kent, Owner of Kent Contractor Services President of the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter.
  • Denny Paulson, a US Army veteran of Iraq and Syria and advocate for homeless veterans.
  • Gretchen Lehman, who is a Sergeant in the City Police and an advocate for the homeless and poor.
  • Sharon Hooper, who works for the City's Public Works Department and is one of the most informed people I know when it comes to this city.
  • Marilyn Ingram, the owner of Parr Lumber -- just across the railroad track and Water Avenue from the Wheelhouse -- who is an advocate for the homeless and a major contributor to Habitat for Humanity.
  • Lucas Sampson, who is a full time High School Teacher, part time College Professor, tutor for low income students, and probably the hardest working man I've ever met.
  • And Olivia Hanson, who was homeless most of the past 10 years, knows this city well, and -- because of the assistance of the Better Neighborhoods Council -- recently moved into a group home just down the road.

We decide the best place for us to be is right here. We have food, water, relative security, and more. Denny Paulson says, "We need bedding,"

He and 2 others hop into the former's pickup and head for the homeless veterans' help center. They will gather blankets, mattress pads, and more, with that more including 2 more people.

"And we need to seal this building," says Gretchen Lehman. "The windows should be fine, but the doors and ventilation need to be taped over."

"We have cases of tape across the street, and plastic sheeting," says Marilyn Ingram. She and two others leave for her business, Parr Lumber. They return in less than 10 minutes, and all of us begin taping all of the doors except the side entrance, through which Dennis, his two helpers, and 3 from the help center unload the nearly overflowing pickup.

"This is going to sound harsh, but we can't let anyone else in the building if they come a'callin'," I tell the others as we are standing in the lobby, getting our assignments for sealing up the building. "Once we begin taping up the doors, we can't be opening them, even for our friends and family, otherwise we here now … we all could die."

There are looks of concern, and I fear that the current survivors won't be able to resist opening the doors. I find myself surprised when no one comes to the building, seeking shelter. In fact, I'm surprised to find that there is no one on the streets at all. At one point, a pickup truck drives by (Map link) and a little gray SUV turns into the driveway (Map link), as if coming to the building. But it stops just short of the railroad track. (We will learn later that the vehicle actually crashed into the crossing arm device and that the driver died there behind the wheel.)

Water Avenue, on which the Wheelhouse sits, is not at all any sort of through way. Nor does it have the sorts of resource providers -- grocery stores in particular -- which would draw looters in such situations. So, I should not be surprised that we escape the mayhem.

In less than half an hour, we are sealed up.

We are also armed, thanks to weapons from various sources. The greatest single contributor to our arsenal is SureSafe Security Services, which supplies us with 9mm pistols, 12 gauge shotguns, .30-06 scoped rifles, and a butt load of ammunition; but some of the rest of us have personal weapons as well. In the end, we have:
  • 12 pistols; 500 rounds.
  • 4 shotguns; 200 rounds.
  • 2 rifles; 200 rounds.
  • 8 Tasers.

(OOC: In the real world, we would have a variety of weapons in a variety of calibers. But to make things easy, we will have only 3 weapons, each in a single caliber.)

We agree that Denny Paulson, a Sergeant in the US Army, should be in charge of security. With radios from SureSafe Security Services, he and two others set Watch Stations: Walton Graham, a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy's Military Police, stands a roving watch on the first floor, while Gretchen Lehman, a Sergeant in the City Police takes the 4th floor, from which she can see most of the surrounding neighborhood.

The rest of us set about gauging our available resources. Fearing that we might lose electrical power at some point, which would mean the inability to charge electronic devices, we perform the inventory on paper. We gather for accumulation in Millie's or simply inventory in place all of the food, water, and more from all over the building: vending machines, business's kitchens, desk drawers, etc.

When we get done, we are relatively happy with what we have. We have no idea how long we will be here, so we can not know whether our food reserve is sufficient. We have lots of grains thanks to Millie, which is also where we get most of our other food groups, but we are lacking in fruits and vegetables. We have lots of water since we are still getting city water; we are filling any container we can for both drinking and washing in case we lose city pressure.

So, now all we can do is wait.

As we do, I ask everyone to fill out two forms as part of a census:
  • The first is an employment application form. I tell them, "I'm just looking for your name, your work, volunteer, and life experiences, and anything else you think you can or would like to do."
  • The second is a medical form. Again I explain, "I'm just looking for two things, what you can and can't do physically, and whether you have medical needs, specifically medications that you do not have here with you now, and if you do have medication needs, I need to know how long it will be before you run out."

We spend the day doing a number of other things, too:
  • We use clear plastic from Parr Lumber to cover the first floor windows. We want the diffused sunlight to get inside, but we don't want anyone to be able to see that we are in here.
  • We make sleeping arrangements in the suites on the fourth floor. I feel it is better for us all to be together and as high in the building as we can get, just in case the building is in fact invaded.
  • We assemble Bio-Hazard suits available from Marcum Medical on both the 1st floor and near the roof access on the 4th, in case we need to send people outside.
  • And more. (OOC: I want to get this posted, so I'll leave the other stuff that I can't think of right now until later posts.)
 
Alice Palmer -- Mayor
  • Owner: Wheelhouse Building.
  • 36 years old; widowed.
  • Appearance: think Reba McIntyre

History:
  • 1988: born here in Albany.
  • 2006: Age 18; Married Stanley Palmer, a wealthy local man who was nearly 3 times her age.
  • 2014: Age 26; after a decade of social and political activities, became the youngest member of the City Council.
  • 2018: Age 30; husband died of a stroke, leaving her the Wheelhouse Building (and other properties).
  • 2020: established the Better Neighborhoods Council.
 
Gretchen Lehman -- Militia
  • Sergeant, City Police.
  • 28 years old; single.
  • Appearance: think a blonde Emma Stone with a more muscular body.

Pre-RP History:
  • 1996: born in Los Angeles.
  • 2016: Age 20; graduated Police Academy.
  • 2019: Age 23; Moved to Albany to take a job with the Albany Police Department.
  • 2020: Age 24; became active in advocacy for the homeless and the poor.
  • 2022: Age 26: promoted to Sergeant joined the
  • 2023: Age 27; joined the Better Neighborhoods Council.

RP History:

November 2024
  • 19th: The RP begins.
  • 21st: She becomes part of the Militia.
  • 22nd: She seduces Craig Ullman, a member of the Builder Crew.
 
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Sharon Hooper -- Scout/Scavenger
  • Supervisor, Albany Public Works.
  • 35 years old; divorced.
  • Appearance: think Sara Gilbert.

History:
  • 1989: born in Portland, Oregon.
  • 2001: Age 12; moved to Albany with her mother after her parents' divorce.
  • 2010: Age 21; Dropped out of OSU and went to work for Albany Public Works.
  • 2016: Age 27; became a Roaming Supervisor, which would result in her getting an extensive knowledge of the city.
  • 2018: Age 29: joined the Better Neighborhoods Council.
 
Marilyn Ingram -- Builder
  • Owner, Parr Lumber.
  • 55 years old; lesbian; single.
  • Appearance: think Maggie Gyllenhaal, only 20 pounds heavier but still looking good.

History:
  • 1969: born in Albany.
  • 1985: Age 16; joined Albany's first Habitat For Humanity chapter.
  • 1999: Age 30; inherited Parr Lumber upon her father's death.
  • 2020: Age 51: co-established the Better Neighborhoods Council with Alice Palmer.
 
Olivia Hanson -- Other
  • Formerly homeless heroine addict.
  • 26 years old; bisexual; single.
  • Appearance: think Brielle Barbusca with a bit of wild in her hair.

History:
  • 1998: born in Albany, Oregon.
  • 2012: Age 14; began using drugs, which would result in stints in prison and in rehabilitation.
  • 2022: Age 24; after yet another stint in rehab' and successful placement in a group home for addicts, she began working with the Better Neighborhood Council.
 
Constance McCallister -- Other
  • Formerly homeless veteran.
  • 29 years old; single.
  • Appearance: think Chloë Grace Moretz

History:
  • 1995: born outside NewYork City.
  • 2013: Age 18; joined the US Army, becoming an MP.
  • 2017: Age 22; her HumVee hit a roadside bomb in Syria. She was seriously injured and would spend 4 years undergoing surgeries and undertaking rehabilitation.
  • 2022: Age 27; she moved to Albany with a boyfriend who subsequently dumped her, resulting in her ending up on the streets.
  • 2024: Age 29; she had only recently begun getting help from the homeless veterans service when our story began.

During the RP:
  • With military experience, it is obvious that she be carrying a weapon.
  • But with her mobility issues -- bum leg -- she can't be on Alpha Squad.
  • She joins the Watch Standers/Scouts.
  • On the 3rd day, she shot her first zombie. It was easier than she'd thought it would be, and right away she knew she wanted to do more than just watch out for them.
  • The 4th day 21 November 2024 (Thursday), while covering for the reclaiming of the 300 Block Apartments next to Parr, she shot more zombies. (See #38.)
 
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(OOC: Oops, we forgot to add Millie to the list of Characters. I gave her the surname, Rogers. Is that okay?)

Roger Kent POV:

6pm:

I can see that the people are exhausted, both mentally and physically. Throughout the day, Millie has been keeping us fed, watered, and pumped up with caffeine. Around 4pm I suggested to her that she lay off the latter so that people could begin winding down.

On the intercom, we call for everyone to come to the kitchen on the 4th floor previously shared by my and Alice's businesses, where Millie and an assistant have prepared a hot meal. As we dig into our food, I speak about how hard everyone has worked today. I thank everyone, then speak to them about the need for leadership.

"Alice Palmer has been a leader in our community for decades," I tell them. "Each one of us, to the man -- and to the woman, too -- has benefited from her tireless efforts. I think it would benefit us all if we were to select Alice as our leader."

"Mayor Alice!" someone calls out. It might have been meant to be playful, but the conversation that follows results in a unanimous vote of confidence in Alice Palmer becoming Mayor of the Wheelhouse Community.

I speak about the rather lacking sleeping arrangements and promise that as soon as possible we will find a way to both make people more comfortable and give them a little more privacy. I admit, "I snore, so, I'll be sleeping in my own office down the hall."

We make arrangements for Watch Stations, too:
  • Although we haven't begun using the term "Militia" yet, it is decided that 24/7 until further notice, there will be at least one of the people designated Militia on Watch Duty at all times, with 2 more people on Duty as well.
  • I put together a list of people who are familiar with firearms and/or have some form of "service" in the past, whether it be military, police, or otherwise.

"Let's get some sleep everyone," I say once I, Alice, and anyone else who has the need to speak up is finished. We divide up the majority of the Community between the two suites, kill the lights, station the Watch, and call it a night.

###########​

20 November 2024 -- Tuesday: 0600

I am awoken from a deep, restful sleep that is the result of a previous hard day of labor by a hand gently jostling my foot. I jerk in surprise, then find Frank Bloom holding an extended finger to his lips. He whispers, "Don't wake the others."

I follow his gesture to discover that during the night, two of the others has moved their "beds" to my office. I will learn later that they were escaping both a snorer in one of the suites and a sober in the other. Frank whispers, "We have a situation."

I dress, meet him in the hallway, and follow him to the southside windows that look down upon the parking lot, railroad tracks, Water Avenue, and Parr Lumber. (Map Link.) A dozen people are surrounding an blue, economy sedan, clawing at it, apparently trying to get inside. (Map link.)

Frank explains: "We continued monitoring the news through the night and we learned some things about this biological weapon from both official sources -- the National Government, the CDC -- and from other sources, you know, regular folk sending out Tweets or posting videos:"
  • Albany might not have been the intended target. The missile may have been targeting Corvallis -- to the west -- which is the home of Oregon State University, several Federal Facilities, an Army Reserve Base, and several hospitals. (Map link.)
  • More than 100 US cities were targeted, 3 here in Oregon, including Portland 69 miles to the north and Bend 100 miles to the east.
  • The CDC thinks the biological weapon is a form of rabies virus because it's causing people to go mad and attack other people.
  • Frank points to the sedan and explains that those madmen chased a woman down the street and into the car, which is either hers or was simply and conveniently unlocked.
  • The crazies aren't particularly fast; jogging speed, and with awkward, unsteady movement.
  • They just claw at the car, never trying a door handle. Maybe they're stupid? Could the virus cause that?
  • There is evidence that they don't negotiate seriously uneven ground. Frank takes me to the back (northern) windows that look down on the bank of the Willamette River. There is one of those crazies with a foot stuck between two large rocks that were part of the refortification of the bank after the 2018 flood waters. It's just standing there flailing its arms for balance while making no effort to pull its foot free.
  • They don't swim, either, Frank says. Three of them ran out into the water in an attempt to get to a buy rowing down the river. They all drowned and sank to the bottom.
  • They are seriously attracted to sound, but they have limited vision, possibly with a field of vision of about 45 degrees, half that of a normal person.
  • They hunt in packs. Frank saw singles and pairs of them join together as they moved about the streets.
  • They don't climb, they don't open things, they don't do much more than just run around looking for someone to attack.
  • "One last thing," Frank says. "The CDC is saying that the virus has already dissipated. So, it's supposed to be safe for us to go outside now."

"What do we do about that woman down there?" Frank asks.

"We wake Mayor Palmer and ask her," I say without hesitation. I go to the Wheelhouse Management office where she is sleeping, knock, hear a response, and open the door. I tell Alice what's going on outside and ask, "Do you want us to save her?"
 
POV: Mayor Alice Palmer:

I awake to the sound of Marilyn Ingram -- who slept in my office on the couch last night -- talking to someone at the door. I am up and dressed and being updated by Roger Kent less than a minute later.

At the southerly facing windows, my stomach turns over at the sight. I do not know what to do: let this person possibly die or risk the lives of some of our people to save her.

Then, Marilyn says with a tone of horror, "That's Ducky's car. My employee, Pham Van Duc. We call her Ducky. Is she in there? Is that her?"

There is no way for us to know, of course. But there is no way I'm going to let this woman get mauled and ripped apart and eaten, if the stories of what's happening out there are true.

I ask Roger if we can safe this person? By this point, we have been joined by CPO Walton Graham and Officer Gretchen Lehman; Sergeant Denny Paulson was on the midwatch and is currently getting some badly needed sleep I leave it to them to decide, but I do add, "I don't trust this report about the virus being dead and gone. If you decide to help this woman, I demand that you use the biohazard suits."

OOC:
  • If they go out, I think we should create a double door system with plastic film, tape, and an exhaust fan. You know what I mean?
  • And I don't have a problem with them killing those people, so long as they are sure that those people are more animal than human.
  • And I think the survivor should be left in the decon' room for a time.
 
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CPO Walton Graham, US Navy SEALS

We discuss how to proceed, but I have doubts. "We don't have time for all that, in my opinion, Mayor."

I list off how long I think it will take to create a Decon Room and suit up a team, then talk of the dangers to that team. Roger Kent asks what my option is. I lift the rifle in my hands and tell them bluntly and confidently, "I can get them all from the roof, sir. Put me in a suit."

Roger studies me for a moment, then looks to the Mayor. "I think we should consider a compromise. Three Chief does what he does best- -"

Roger is very aware of my service history as a SEAL sniper. He continues, "--and provides cover fire for me as I go get Ducky, also in a suit."
 
POV: Mayor Alice Palmer

Roger said to me, "I think we should consider a compromise. The Chief does what he does best--"

I know without him saying that he means shoot those crazed people from afar. One day after our Monday meeting, Chief Graham had stuck around to talk to me about a recent incident that reminded him of his service abroad. He didn't tell me details, but he did tell me that he'd killed people in the service of his country using a high powered rifle and a scope.

Roger continues, "--and provides cover fire for me as I go get Ducky, also in a suit."

I look down upon the people and the car again; the former appear to be multiplying and they truly do act like mad animals. I ask, "Are we sure that this virus is causing this?"

I'm told more about what each of these men have seen and heard either here around the building or on the television and internet. They are certain; these people have gone mad because of infection. Someone tells me the internet is beginning to call them zombies because apparently the virus kills them before it causes them to rise again.

"Yes," I say simply. I look to Roger. "Get it done, and get it done quickly. I will gather some others and we will build a decon' station at the west emergency entrance. I want this woman, or whoever it is, to be kept isolated until we know that she is not contagious."

With that, we all head off to get our jobs done. I gather 5 people, and between us we gather plastic film, tape, food, water, bedding, a pee bucket, and a desk chair. We set forth building a station inside the emergency entrance where the woman can be comfortable until we know she can't infect the rest of us.

I keep a radio with me, listening to the reports of what's happening on the roof and outside on the ground...
 
Roger Kent:

By lights out last night, I was very impressed and similarly happy with how well the members of our new Community functioned together. But that was nothing compared to what I see unfolding now: within minutes all 13 members of the group -- including Sergeant Paulson who only 2 hours ago laid down for his first sleep in 24 hours -- are working hard to prepare for the rescue of whoever is in that car.

In less than 10 minutes, I am taped into a Bio Suit with an Oxygen tank on my back, a 9mm with extra clips around my waist, and a shotgun in my hands; CPO Walton Graham -- similarly dressed but carrying both of the rifles with full magazines and spare magazines to boot -- is already on the roof; and everyone else is either stationed at distant windows with binoculars or are helping the Mayor build a Decon Station.

"Stage one, execute, execute, execute," I hear Sergeant Paulson say with a very official tone over the radio. I have a radio strapped to my waist inside the Bio Suit with an headset on my head, duh. A moment later, I hear the 3 cracks of Graham's rifle over the open mike of his radio as he fires slowly and deliberately downward at the Zombies.

1d100 rolls 64-38-21
plus 40 each shot for Graham's SL=4
minus 40 for the unfamiliar situation from a height.
75 is a kill.

"Too high, you're overshooting 'cause of the height," I hear Paulson over the radio, acting as spotter. He doesn't realize that Graham's first shot actually hit the Zombie beyond the targeted one as he compliments, "First shot was a hit, but it didn't go down, but the other two were high, hitting the fence."

Graham -- who is a skilled sniper and already understood his error -- acknowledges anyway, "Copy, I see the damage. Adjusting."

"If this is anything like The Walking Dead," Paulson says with a chuckle that sort of disturbs me, seeing how we are shooting things that used to be our neighbors, possibly even friends. He finishes, "you need to make'em head shots."

"Open it," I tell the people with me at the inner door of the Decon Station.

I hear more cracks of Graham's rifle:
90-77-28-9-76.
plus 40 each shot for Graham's SL=4.
minus 10 for the unfamiliar situation from a height.

"After I am inside," I tell those with me, "tape it up behind me and get out of this room, just in case we have a high pressure situation outside and the Decon Station fills with outside air."

As I am talking, I can hear Paulson reporting to Graham, "Hit! Hit!" with a slight gap and, "Hit! Roger Kent, you are go for Stage Two, execute, execute, execute. We'll have those Zombies clear before you get close."

"Thank you," I tell them watching Alice gesture good luck to me before they leave the room. "Exiting Wheelhouse now."

I step outside as I hear the gunfire continuing:
32-52-26-14-82-53-31-32 plus 40.

"They're not going down," Paulson reports. "Take your time, Chief."

There are more shots as I search the woods and parking lot for more dangerous folk. (Map Link. OOC: the blue car in the Street level image isn't in the satellite image; deal with it! :)) All alone, I think to myself with relief. I was in the Navy and was trained to use a rifle and pistol for guard duty, but I've never in my life pointed a firearm at someone except for once when a burglar tried to get into my neighbor's home.

61-95-5-94-21-74-67-52 plus 40

"Last one down," I thankfully hear Paulson report as I am crossing the railroad track. "Hold tight a moment Roger. West Scout, report."

29-88-91-29-56-50-53-88

My stomach rolls as I hear, "3 zombies coming from the west, down Water Avenue. They'll be here in, maybe, one minute."

"East Scout, report."

68-73-71-89-78-65-53-2

A very panicked voice sounds out, "There's a lot of them coming, oh my god! Five, six … maybe more."

I am hiding between two cars with bushes before me (ML) as I peek out. I can see the Zombies as they do a slow jog my direction. I ready my rifle.

"Stand down, Roger! Stand down!" I hear Graham's voice in my ear. I look up and back and find the white-garbed figure of the Chief over the edge of the building. "Don't draw their attention. Complete your mission, and I'll take care of the Zombies."

As I hurry down the parking lot, leap the fence, and rush across Water Avenue, I can hear:

55-78-72-5-65-48-25-53, then a pause, then 48-66-85-71-70-69-8-11

...and Paulson reporting the results to both Graham and me. I have my shotgun slung and my pistol out as I step up closer to the car. The sight before me is gruesome: the Zombies were already covered in drying, darkening blood from people they'd attacked before getting here, and now their blood and brains are splattered all over themselves, the ground, and the car.

I find a spot where I can look in the car without getting too close to one of the dead undead, but I don't see anyone. I knock on the car with my gun and call out through my suit, "Is there anyone in there...? Hello...? If you're in there, it's safe. Sit up."

Suddenly, there she is, Pham Van Duc. I call out, "Are you Ducky?"

She nods, bursting out in sobs. "Help me!"

I check the zombies on the ground for any signs of life...

Living zombie? 1d10=1; no.

I gesture for her to open the door, she does, and I help her out as I hear more cracks of Graham's rifle: 58-28-14-66-88-71-22-50. Paulson reports, "Roger, you gotta go. The Chief's taking care of them, but their still coming."

"Come with me, you'll be safe," I say, grasping Ducky by the hand. We hurry across the road and over the fence, heading quickly for the exit on the western backside of the building.

Zombies there? 45-1-50-28-86-60-77-36 (minus 20 as I feel they would have been out front). Suddenly, stepping out from around the building's corner are 2 zombies. I freeze for a moment, shocked; we are so close and I was so sure we were going to make it. I raise the shotgun to fire … 1d10=1 … but I forgot to take the gun off safety.

When I realize my error, I only have enough time to empty the weapon; there will be no second chances with the 9mm on my hip. I flick off the safety, aim, and -- remembering Graham and Paulson talking about head shots -- aim right for their skulls: 73-57-99-70-83-32. The last of the 2 Zombies to fall is so close that it actually falls against my feet.

"Go, go!" I tell Ducky, hurrying her toward the door. We get inside and slam the door, and I can't help but laugh long and loud in relief. I realize that my hands are shaking as I look to the gun with which I just killed two people. I look to Ducky. "You're safe now."

She bursts into sobs, and -- to be honest -- behind the plastic face shield my eyes are glazed over as well. We both sit, and for a moment I listen to Graham and Paulson talking about whether or not to continue shooting Zombies.

"Cease fire, cease fire," I order. "We're only drawing more Zombies to us. You did good, guys. Mission accomplished."

Over the next hour or so, Ducky eats and drinks and is finally relaxed and relieved enough -- or simply so exhausted -- that she wraps up in the blanket and falls asleep on the provided pad. I connect to the hose that leads out to a bank of larger oxygen tanks, sit, and relax, too. It is agreed that I should remain here with Ducky until we learn more about this virus that is causing our world to go mad.

I fall asleep as well, and just after noon I jerk awake with a start at the sound of Alice telling me, "Wake up sleepy head."

I learn that they've spent the last 6 hours monitoring multiple news outlets on the internet, television, and radio, and they've learned that the virus is thought to be null and void. The CDC reported that the engineered bug was susceptible to exposure to oxygen and after just 4 hours -- which was almost 24 hours ago -- it dies.

(What we don't know and won't know for a while is that it survives and thrives in above zero, stagnant, surface water, such as still ponds, puddles, buckets, and more.)

A Decon Shower was set up and Ducky, then I, get in showers and don clean clothes. We all gather in the 4th floor kitchen again and discuss what happened today. I tell them, "I'm so grateful for you, each and everyone of you."
 
(OOC: I love your profile sheets, so I'm going to copy the format.)

Roger Kent -- Infrastructure Supervisor
  • Owner, Kent Contractor Services (a construction contracting company).
  • 55 years old; married, but wife was in New York when the Zombie thing started; he hasn't heard from her since she left and her phone goes directly to voice mail.
  • Appearance: think Jeffrey Dean Morgan (infamous from "The Walking Dead").

History:
  • 1969: born in San Diego, California.
  • 1987: Age 18; got a football scholarship from Oregon State University.
  • 1992: Age 23; Graduated OSU with an engineering degree.
  • 2001: Age 32; days after the World Trade Center attacks, joined the US Navy, becoming a Military Policeman. Deployed but never saw combat.
  • 2005: Age 36; met and quickly married a fellow "Squid" MP.
  • 2007: Age 38; his wife -- originally from Albany, coincidentally -- was discharged and returned home to begin setting up house for them.
  • 2009: Age 40; was discharged, and within weeks had established a commercial office building firm.
  • 2020: Age 51; co-established the Better Neighborhoods Council.
 
My side of the update of the 1st post as you PMd. I updated the people, ammo usage, happiness (as we discussed), and more:

THE COMMUNITY:

Leadership: 2
  1. SL=5 -- Alice Palmer
    • Currently: Mayor of the Wheelhouse Community.
    • Formerly: Owner of the Wheelhouse Building; Albany City Council Member; Co-founder of the Better Neighborhoods Council.
  2. SL=3 -- Roger Kent
    • Currently: Infrastructure Manager of the Wheelhouse Community.
    • Formerly: Owner, Kent Contractor Services; Co-founder of the Better Neighborhoods Council.
Militia/Watch Stations -- Alpha Squad: 3
  1. SL=4 -- Sergeant Denny Paulson, US Army
  2. SL=4 -- CPO Walton Graham, US Navy
  3. SL=3 -- Officer Gretchen Lehman:
    • Currently: Militia Member.
    • Formerly: Sergeant, Albany Police Department; member of the Better Neighborhoods Council.
Scouts/Watch Stations: 3
  1. SL=3 -- Sharon Hooper:
    • Currently: Scout and Watch Member.
    • Formerly: Albany Public Works Supervisor.
  2. SL=3 -- Frank Bloom
  3. SL=1 -- Constance McCallister:
    • Currently: Watch Station Member (injury prevent rapid movement; see profile).
    • Formerly: homeless veteran (US Army MP)
Builders: 2
  1. SL=3 -- Marilyn Ingram:
    • Currently: Supply Chief.
    • Formerly: Owner, Parr Lumber.
  2. SL=2 -- Phillip Nelson
Teachers: 1
  1. SL=3 -- Lucas Sampson
Others: 4
  1. SL=3 -- Millie Rogers:
    • Currently: Kitchen/Nutrition Chief (Head Cook and so much more)
    • Formerly: Owner/Operator, Millie's Mocha.
  2. SL=3 -- Olivia Hanson:
    • Currently: Kitchen Assistant to Millie Rogers and General Wheelhouse Laborer.
    • Formerly: long time homeless heroine addict, recently gone clean and housed by BNC.
  3. SL=2 -- Craig Ullman
  4. SL=1 -- Pham Van Duc (aka "Ducky"):
    • Currently: General Wheelhouse Labor.
    • Formerly: Front Desk Employee, Parr Lumber.
TOTAL NUMBER OF SURVIVORS=15


EXPENDABLE RESOURCES:

Food and Usage=500/15
  • Explanation:
    • First number is current pantry quantity.
    • Second number is % of daily requirement
    • 50% or less meaning a reduction in the Food Quality, explained below.
  • Food Groups:
    • Fruits: 200/100%
    • Vegetables: 40/100%
    • Grains: 400/100%
    • Dairy: 150/100%
    • Protein: 100/100%
  • Current Production=0
    • Fruits: 0
    • Vegetables: 0
    • Grains: 0
    • Dairy: 0
    • Protein: 0
  • Food Quality (aka balanced diet), FQ: 5
    • A low FQ leads to a reduction in Happiness and potential illness which could ultimately lead to serious illness and death.
Water and Usage=NA (due to City water availability):
  • City Source: currently available.
  • Bottled Water: 2,100 daily servings
  • Each person needs a minimum of 1/2 gallon of water per day.
  • There were many 5 gallon bottles in the offices and cases of small bottles in the offices and Millie's
  • Anticipating a loss of water pressure at some point, any available clean container was filled with city water.

Other Resources Worthy of Note:
  • First Aid: 50 kits (Marcum Medical Supply).
  • Non-prescription meds (various): 100 doses.
  • Prescription pain killers: 400 doses.
  • Other vital, life saving prescriptions (such as insulin, high blood pressure medicines, etc.) are listed in red with the associated survivor.


OTHER DETAILS

Happiness: 50% (15 out of 30): Up after rescue of Ducky.
  • Current Security: 3 out of 10
    • All that glass on the first floor is vulnerable.
    • Access to the property is vulnerable.
  • Current Comfort: 4 out 10
    • We have mats and bedding for all.
    • Privacy is not an issue, as the building is large.
    • And while many of the office suites have couches, chairs, desks, TVs, etc., other luxuries are lacking.
  • Contentment with Leadership: 8 out of 10
    • Most of the Community know and trust their current leaders.
    • But those leaders are in new roles, saviors of civilization.
    • Trust increased with the successful rescue of Ducky.
  • Other measurements coming.


WEAPONS
  • 12 pistols; 500 rounds.
  • 4 shotguns; 194 rounds.
  • 2 rifles; 138 rounds.
  • 8 Tasers.


DEFENSIVE SITUATION
  • Wheelhouse: Poor
    • Windows and doors taped to keep biological weapon's payload out.
    • Semi-transparent plastic sheeting taped over 1st floor windows (to conceal movement inside).
    • Watch Stations: 1st and 4th floor.
    • Bio-Hazard suits on 1st and 4th floors, just in case.
    • Decon station at west side back door.
  • Defense of the Community: None as of yet.


BUSINESSES and CURRENT USE OF SPACE IN WHEELHOUSE
  • 4 story building with 1 basement level:
  • Basement B1:
    • Storage Space
    • Utilities
  • 1st Floor:
    • Lobby and restrooms
    • Millie's Mocha
    • Marcum Medical Supply
    • Conference Room
    • 1 empty suite
  • 2nd Floor:
    • SureSafe Security Services
    • Employment Professionals (Employment Agency)
    • Billie Jo's Indie Books.
    • 1 empty suite
  • 3rd Floor:
    • Tax Services.
    • Surgical Professionals (outpatient surgery provider).
    • 2 empty suites.
  • 4th Floor:
    • Wheelhouse Management.
    • Kent Contractor Services.
    • NEW -- 2 suites now being used as sleeping quarters.
      • Beds made of pads and bedding from the Homeless Advocacy Center.
      • There is no privacy, yet, but there are ideas in the works.
  • Rooftop: solar panels can supply heat/AC and lighting but little more.
 
POV -- Alice Palmer, Mayor:

After we discuss the events of the morning, we enjoy a hot meal in the 4th floor kitchen. We focus on the fresh food that could possibly perish if we lose power to the refrigerators and freezers in Millie's and the offices.

As we are eating and afterward, I meet with a string of people to discuss our immediate needs:
  • I talk to Roger Kent and Marilyn Ingram about the possibilities of rerouting the electricity coming off the rooftop solar panels specifically to the refers and freezers and a minimal amount of lighting and heat. (OOC: Your call.)
  • I talk to Roger, Marilyn, and our Builders about what it would take to secure the first floor from intrusion. Marilyn says we can have anything and everything we need from Parr but points out that we have to be able to get there and back without getting eaten. (OOC: Again, your call.)
  • I talk to Millie and others about creating a plan for our Pantry's inventory: consumption of perishables first, preservation if possible of as many perishables as possible, and creation of a meal plan that is both conservative and balanced.
  • I talk to several of the others who aren't the Militia or Builder type about being Domestics. I laugh when I say the word, telling them, "Makes you sound like a housewife or a nanny, I know, but you have no idea how important this work will be. Killing zombies and building castle walls isn't the only vital labor that needs to be done." They seem to agree with me for the most part.
  • By lights out at 9pm, I've talked myself almost hoarse with each and every Community Member. I am very happy with how things are falling together.

(OOC: I'm good to go to tomorrow and start Reclaiming blocks, starting with securing the Wheelhouse and Parr Lumber.)
 
21 November 2024 -- Wednesday: 0600

Maps link


The day begins with a big breakfast, followed by an All Member Meeting.

There CDC and other authorities have convinced us that the virus is dead and gone, enough so that we are confident we can work outside without Bio Suits.

Assignments are given to all members of the Community:
  • Leadership:
    • SL=5 -- Alice Palmer -- Supervision of the whole.
    • SL=3 -- Roger Kent -- Supervision of the planning for the Wheelhouse's renovation (security and infrastructure).
  • Alpha Squad (Protection of the Resource Collection Crew):
  • Roof top Watch Duty (Protection of the Wheelhouse's exterior)
  • Resource Collection (at Parr Lumber):
    • SL=3 -- Marilyn Ingram -- Supervisor.
    • SL=2 -- Phillip Nelson -- Collection labor.
    • SL=2 -- Craig Ullman -- Collection labor.
  • Learning:
    • SL=3 -- Lucas Sampson.
  • Food Services/Domestics
  • Recovery
    • SL=1 -- Pham Van Duc (aka "Ducky") -- 3 days mandated rest and recuperation.

TOTAL NUMBER OF SURVIVORS=15
 
21 November 2024, Wednesday -- 0900

Maps link

We know that we must secure the Wheelhouse. We make a plan:
  • Stage One: Suppressed Fire:
    • Paulson and Graham, supported by Lehman and the Watch Standers, will sneak across to Parr Lumber.
    • Once inside, they will use pipes, washers, and other parts to create sound suppressors for the rifles and pistols.
    • Once done, they will take positions to support Stage Two.
  • Stage Two: Barrier Creation:
    • Alice Palmer, Roger Kent, and Marilyn Ingram have devised a plan to use fencing at Parr lumber to put up a barrier from the adjacent corners of the lumber yard to the Wheelhouse.
    • Using the forklifts and an attachment made specifically for this, we can lay out the fencing, pull it tight, then lift it from its horizontal position to its vertical one.
    • With the forklifts, the job is easy but noisy, which will attract zombies.
    • But it's the best option we feel. The zombies have shown no ability to negotiate fencing, so we think that once it's up, we'll be relatively safe.
    • If we run into serious danger, we'll abandon the mission and find shelter.
 
21 November 2024, Wednesday -- 0920

Maps link

Lucas Sampson, our resident Big Brain, comes up with an idea for distracting the Zombies that are now roaming around the neighborhood because of our rescue mission the day before. Using surgical tubing from Marcum Medical, he puts together a rather innovative sling shot that was very popular during the Hong Kong riots of 2019-2020. Using it from the roof, he launches now empty juice bottles to the east and west on Water Avenue, away from the crossing path between the Wheelhouse and Parr.

It works; the Zombies head toward the noise, and our Squad crosses to Parr without being sighted. Once inside the main building, Paulson checks the neighborhood for Zombies. Across the street to the south, he sees 2 zombies surrounding a car and is immediately reminded of yesterday's rescue of Ducky.

"We have to try it," he says into the radio. He is convinced to wait, though. Then he looks kitty-corner from Parr and see a police cruiser. "It might have weapons in it."

"After you have the sound suppressors," he is told, to which he agrees.

It takes just 45 minutes to create working silencers for six 9mm's. They test them, putting rounds into bags of cement mix; they work well. With the suppressors mounted, they cross the street toward the 2 zombies, which are fully engrossed in getting into the car.

Are they seen? (Roll=6) Not until they are within easy range for their pistols.

They fire: 56-87 +40, 45-42 +40, 17-85 +30

The Zombies drop. After checking them, the Squad checks the car and finds 1d10/3=1 woman with a SL value of 1d10/5=1 in which area 1d10/2=4 (Builder).

"Come with us," Paulson urges. She gets out, and while Gretchen escorts her back to the safety of Parr, Paulson and Graham check out the police car. (4) It's devoid of humans or zombies, and while there is no shotgun in a rack, they pop the trunk and find a box of shotgun rounds and clips for a 9mm totally 45 more rounds.

Returning to Parr, they radio for the Resource Collection Teams to cross. Is the RCT sighted? 1d10+5 (for Lucas's distraction)= 8; no, they get across without detection.

As they are gathering the supplies and placing them as quietly as possible, there is a possibility that more Zombies might hear. (9) Nope; all clear. Instead of using the forklift, they use a rolling cart. They roll out fencing across the road at both ends of Parr's yard.

Out here, it's a little more likely they'll be seen. (8) Nope, still no Zombies. They use the carts to move rolls all the way to the Wheelhouse parking lot and lay them out, too. They assemble some temporary posts like are used at construction sites.

Again, Zombies? (7) Wow, they're lucky. Finally it's time to lift the fence, which requires the forklifts. Luckily, they are electric, not gas or even propane, so they are relatively quiet. The fencing is ready, the teams are ready, the forklifts are fired up, and the fencing is lifted.

Zombies? (6) Unbelievable; you should go to Vegas! The first fence is raised and supported with the posts that have supports perpendicular to the fence line. The forklifts are moved to the second fence; Zombies? Nope. The second fence goes up.

Mission accomplished: the fences run from the southwest and south east corners of the Wheel house to the west side of the Parr gate and the east end of the fence along Water Avenue. Everyone returns to the Wheelhouse, where spirits are high as congratulations are made.

We all get in a late lunch before going out to make the fences more secure. Being late November, it's already dark by the time we are finished. We head back inside to call it a day.

(OOC: Ammo adjusted.)
 
22 November 2024 -- Thursday: 0600

Maps link

POV: Alice Palmer

We begin our day with a big breakfast, just like yesterday. The difference is that today the Community feels so much safer. Spirits are higher. There's still a lot of sorrow for what has been lost.

I am approached by a trio of people who want to know if it's safe to return to their homes. After I learn how far away their homes are, I reluctantly tell them no.

We all gather again for a morning meeting. I talk to the whole group about the risk of leaving, before telling them, "If you want to leave, you may. But I beg you, please stay. We can't supply you with a weapon, and without one, your chances..."

I let the thought fade, then move on. "We need to spend the day increasing our security. But I also think we owe ourselves a bit of comfort."

I look to Marilyn, telling her, "It's your business."

The owner of the business we secured the day before stands. "We have safe access to the lumber yard. But Parr Lumber is more than 2x4s and chain link fencing."

Marilyn begins naming of a multitude of products we can use to turn a multi-use retail/commercial building into a home for one and all.

"And we can just have it?" someone asks, adding with a tone of surprise, "For free?"

"For free," Marilyn confirms. "I have spoken in depth with Alice, who as you know owns the Wheelhouse..."

When she looks to me, I continue the thought, speaking of how there are 7 members of the Better Neighborhoods Council currently living in the Wheelhouse.

"For the moment, the BNC will serve as the equivalent of a government for our Community," I inform them. "If any one of you disagrees with this, please do not hesitate to come to me or Roger or Marilyn or any of the BNC members. If you don't get satisfaction, go to another one, then another."

Marilyn picked up the line, "If we find out that a significant number of people disapprove of this form of pseudo- government, we will hold elections. We -- the BNC -- have already discussed this."

A conversation about government, law and order, laws and punishment for violating them in particular, and more erupts into nearly an argument before I tamp it down.

"We can discuss all of this later, tonight even, after dinner," I tell them. "But right now we're taking about turning the Wheelhouse into a home."

I begin distributing 4x6 inch, ruled index cards and ball point pens, telling them, "I would like for each of you to tell me your thought on what you think would make the Wheelhouse a home. It can be anything. Just whatever you find important to your comfort. Try to be concise, but add as much detail as- -"

Suddenly, the lights go out. It is unclear whether it is just our building or the whole neighborhood, but then that doesn't really matter much so long as we are in the dark.

"Okay, let's call this meeting over," I tell them. Let's move out into the hall where we have sunlight at least, then we can talk about assignments for the day."

With the exception of a crew of 4 to work on directing the solar panels to vital needs -- such as Millie's fridge and freezer -- the others pretty much return to what they were doing yesterday.

We spend the day light hours transporting goods from Parr to the Wheelhouse. The power is out at Parr, too, and when sunset arrives, we see that the whole of the town is deenergized.

The electrical crew does in fact get power back to Millies, but the solar system has no batteries as it was meant to work in concert with the power grid. So when the sun goes down, Millie's is again without power.

We have battery lighting and propane heat courtesy of Parr so we're are alright. We are still alright.
 
POV -- Gretchen Lehman
Militia Member
Former Albany Police Sergeant:

9pm (lights out in the 4th floor sleeping quarters)


I should be heading for my bed; I am part of the Midwatch tonight, standing guard from 0100 to 0600. Instead, I find Craig Ullman -- who is part of the Builder Crew as we are calling it -- as he is leaving the men's room and heading toward his own bed.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" I ask, gesturing him to follow me. "I have a renovation idea for the 3rd floor that I want to pass by you while it's fresh in my mind."

We descend to the third floor and enter the Tax Services Office. No sooner does the door close behind us, than I turn to Craig, press up to him, and kiss him full on the mouth. He is startled at first, then matches my kiss before I back up and rip my top up over my head.

"I really need to be with you," I say as I begin to unbuckle my pants. "I've been watching you watching me, and … I hope … I'm hoping you have a need to be with me, too … yes?"

By the time I finish, I've stepped out of my shoes and am pushing my pants off my hips, revealing lacy blue boy shorts. I shed my pants and am reaching for my bra's fastener when he finally reacts.
 
Craig Ullman
Member, The Build Guild
Former Construction Worker


I have just come out of the men's room, now illuminated by a hand crank lantern from the lumber yard, when I am surprised by an invitation from Gretchen Lehman.

"Sure, lead the way," I respond, believing she is honestly leading me down one floor to talk about making our new home safer or more comfortable our both.

To be honest, I've been ogling Gretchen quite a bit since this whole adventure began. She reminds me of Emma Stone, only very blonde and very buff.

Of course, I truly realize just how buff when she suddenly pulls her top off and lands a passionate, wet kiss on my mouth without warning.

"I really need to be with you," she says, beginning to undress.

I just stare in disbelief; beautiful women don't do this to me! I mean, I'm not ugly or anything; I've been told often I'm good looking, and I keep in better than average shape. But still, women don't just take me to an isolated place, tell me they want to be with me, and then strip!

Suddenly, Gretchen's bra springs fourth, revealing the most perfect, firm tits I've seen in a long while. I am, of course, getting hard as a rock, but I'm frozen, and all I can manage to do is mumble in response to her statement of wanting to be with me, "Yeah, me, too. "
 
Pham Van Duc (aka "Ducky)

3rd Floor
Marcum Medical Supplies

9pm -- lights out
(not that there are any with the electricity out)


I can't help but feel both relieved and silly. I was totally unaware of the whole missile of death thing until 3 hours after it happened. I don't typically listen to the news, and I don't carry a cell phone as I can't afford it.

I got to work at Parr as usual at 7am Monday morning and helped several customers, mostly professions stocking up for the week's work. The delivery guy, who opened the warehouse at 5am, left for his deliveries at 8.

The store just happened to be devoid of customers when the alert was issued at 9am, so I didn't know about it. I thought it was unusual that for the next 3 hours, not a single customer came in. At the same time, the streets exploded with traffic.

I should have turned on the radio, I realize now. It was obvious that something was wrong. When I finally did, I was scared to death; there had been a missile attack to the west, toward Corvallis.

I ran for my car, and as I did, 3 guys chased after me. I unlocked my car with the fob, but as I got in I dropped my keys outside. I locked the car from the inside, and then spent almost an entire day trapped inside. My radio will turn on without the key and run for 10 minutes before turning off, to save the battery. So I just kept listening to the news reports. They said to keep your home's doors and windows shut, and I figured that included cars so I did. Somehow, I got enough fresh air to breath yet didn't get exposed to the virus.

The battery died in the night. I was so cold, even with my coat and blanket. Iwas sure I was going to be killed, and yet the next morning I was rescued. I cried in the arms of Alice Palmer, with whom I was familiar. And I cried again in the arms of my boss, Marilyn, when I learned she, too, had survived.

They fed me, bathed me, gave me fresh clothes (which are too big for my 5 foot, 101 pound frame), and took me to Marcum Medical where they checked my health. I was seriously dehydrated and hungry, but otherwise I was fine.

I slept on a hospital bed for hours, again visited with people I knew or had only just met, and sat in on the meetings. Marilyn refused to let me do any work as I still was a bit frail.

Now, at what they are all calling lights out, Marilyn comes down the 3rd with me. Together, we make the hospital bed a bit more comfortable and set up a 2nd one for her, as she says she will stay here with me to make me feel safe.

I thank her again and give her a hug. It feels good to have her in my arms; Marilyn is unaware that my preference of sexual partners runs the same direction as hers. I always had a romantic interest in her, but I never acted on it; she is my boss, she is twice my age, and she is so important a person while I am no more than a part time immigrant minimum wage clerk on an expired work visa, hoping not to be sent back to Viet Nam.

And yet, my past feelings and the recent activities get the best of my emotions. While still hugging Marilyn, I stand on the tippy toes of my stocking feet and press my lips to hers...
 
OOC: There's no reason why we can't continue the "game" portion while the two romantic interactions above play out, removed from the advancing time line.


22 November 2024 -- Friday: 0600
  • Note: I think I messed up the dates above. I'm not going to worry about it.

Maps link


Yet another beautiful -- in not scary -- day in the neighborhood begins with a big breakfast and All Member Meeting.

During the night, the Watch Standers had been monitoring the news reports on the internet, using a laptop powered from a power unit brought over from Parr. But around 4am, the internet went down and just before dawn the last broadcasting radio station went off the air.

They didn't learn much we didn't already know:
  • The virus seems to have dissipated, though, there were still sporadic reports of new infections. (We still aren't aware of the whole stagnant water threat.)
  • The virus most definitely kills, then revives: alive, dead, undead.
  • The word Zombie is being used appropriately it is decided.
  • They are not exactly the most capable of creatures: slower, dumber, less coordinated; they don't seem to know how to open doors or gates or climb over fences or seriously uneven ground; they have a limited field of vision -- now confirmed by the CDC to be less than 50 degrees and limited to less than 100 yards.
  • They can be killed with head shots, we have already discovered; body shots can disable them but won't kill them.
  • They eat people but are particular about who they eat; anecdotal stories claim that at times the Zombies attack a person, then leave them barely harmed, but no one knows why.
  • Oh, and the missile attacks were most definitely targeted, but the motive is unclear as the targets were medium to large cities in the US, China, Russia, the European Union, and of all places North Korea. It is estimated that more than 1,100 short range rockets -- not long range missiles as previously reported -- were fired from ground based launchers that more likely had been moved into place over weeks if not months.
  • There is speculation that the motive was to reduce the population of the Earth and send it back in time generations if not centuries by striking at heavily populate, modernized countries.

After breakfast, the Community resumes its work from the day before:
  • Leadership:
    • SL=5 -- Alice Palmer -- Supervision of the whole.
    • SL=3 -- Roger Kent -- Supervision of the planning for the Wheelhouse's renovation (security and infrastructure).
  • Alpha Squad (Protection of the Resource Collection Crew):
  • Roof top Watch Duty (Protection of the Wheelhouse and Parr path)
  • Resource Collection (at Parr Lumber):
    • SL=3 -- Marilyn Ingram -- Supervisor.
    • SL=2 -- Phillip Nelson -- Collection labor.
    • SL=2 -- Craig Ullman -- Collection labor.
  • Learning:
    • SL=3 -- Lucas Sampson -- New: studying electrical distribution books from Parr.
  • Food Services/Domestics
  • Recovery
    • SL=1 -- Pham Van Duc (aka "Ducky") -- 2 more days of mandated rest and recuperation.

TOTAL NUMBER OF SURVIVORS=15

OOC: I have adjusted the food for 2 days. (I forgot to do it the first day)
 
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