"Rebuild": A Zombie Survival RP

[Iscaa]

Max

As Max listened to the young folks talk and get angry, he sat back trying to figure out the best way to contain what looked like could quickly become a shouting match. That would get everyone nowhere fast, being the oldest, he thought maybe...he better intervene soon. He really didn't like the way Peter was handling things...he wasn't acting in the best interests of the people...he was more or less trying to establish his leadership. This wasn't going well at all, he quietly shook his head as the talking continued.

Finally Max had enough, he jumped up speaking in a much louder tone then anyone had ever heard him use before,

Quote;

“It was a pretty wild situation; Cassandra you have to admit that … things were happening fast … Peter needed to make a quick decision … There was not that much time to discuss stuff.” Max said and added “I can tell you this … Peter has your back. He even told me afterwards … he was worried about all the teams out there. Now how about the planning committee write up a few options on the zombie following rule and we have a library wide vote. Does that sound fair?” Max proposed.

But when Peter said,

"Good ... now everyone not on the planning committee please leave the room."

Max held his hand up....shaking his head,

"No Peter, I am sorry but I can't go along with that...not at all. This meeting needs anyone that is has something important to say...to contribute to our well being. We need to come up with some rules that the majority of us can live with...I am now talking about...safety with our away teams..without them we are doomed. So we have to be willing and able to help them when needed and that means we need their input."

Max paused and looked at everyone in the room adding,

"I am just an old man...but I have experience with combat conditions, and that is exactly what we are in now....so we have to get ourselves organized...and stop the ego escalation that I see happening right in front of us now. Looking at Peter he continued, Sorry Peter, but I have to say this. I think we need several groups of leaders with their own responsibilities which in turn are answerable to the top group."

He paused again....getting red in the face now, he banged the table shouting,

"DAMN IT PEOPLE.....LET'S GET ORGANIZED....It's the only way we have a chance to survive...don't you see that?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Peter

Peter looked over to Max. “I agree Max!” Peter said “Let’s get organized.” Then he looked at the rest of the people in the room. “However, since I have been accused here … I would like to say one thing in my defense. This meeting started with an emotional issue about a decision I made regard letting Cassandra back into the library … while a horde of zombies followed her.

I thought we, this group, came to a pretty good decision on how to handle that situation. Then Ria attacked me. Why wasn’t this done and that done? Did she thank Max and I for the cleaning we got done? The finding of the missing food? The search for Lex? The children becoming more integrated in with the chores? The care we provided for our newest and youngest member? And there are many more things we got done … but I think I have made my point.”

Peter put both his hands up “Ok … I will no longer defend myself. I was wrong … and I deeply apologize for the errors I have made today. I truly and honestly mean this. Tomorrow is a new day and the team here in the library led by Max and I will work extra hard to accomplish the tasks Ria wants us to work on.

I stand ready to comply with the board’s will. Ria or Max what is the first thing you wish to talk about?” Peter said sitting back in his chair.

 

[dutchrain]

Ria
At the meeting

I was seething. Peter still tried to put me in the baddies corner and himself in the goodies one. To finally get on with the discussion I decided to keep quite. One remark I couldn't swallow down though.

"Peter, is a critical question an attack? Or is it what it is, a question for information? Maybe about something that got neglected, and maybe that question by that triggers a guilty feeling in the one it was asked at. But it isn't an attack. Especially not, if a question wasn't asked at one person, but at a lot of people, as my question was. You took it personally and attacked me. You attacked me in a bad way, Peter. You accused me of being a selfish dictator wanting only her own advantage.

Why should I thank you, Peter, for the search for Lex? Had happened what we decided upon this morning I doubt a search for Lex would have been necessary. And no, I didn't thank you or Max for the cleaning you got done. I did thank Max for the cleaning he has done with some others. I did thank Norah and Lola when Norah texted me Fredirique was doing fine again. I did thank the children for the things they have done. By talking to two and telling them to tell the others what I had said.

I don't need such exalting things as the speech you did after dinner. The 'wows' and smiles I saw when we came back with what we had found was very pleasing and enough appreciation. Maybe we should plan these meetings before dinner in the future, or before breakfast, then one of us can tell all after breakfast or dinner what has been accomplished so far. I think that would be good. Thank gets scale if it is overdone. I am glad you too think we should get on with the discussion. I am glad you will look too it more guards will be armed with long distant weapons. We need them. They need to exercise with them too. I would be pleased if they became half as good as Cassandra and Derry.

Why don't we start with the information Kurt sent us? I already have sent his paper to all the addresses in my email address book. I didn't have the addresses of anyone here. That is something else we need to do: exchange our email addresses. As long as the internet is up we need to get Kurt's message spread out to as much people as we can."

Some were still standing. The door was still open. I decided not to mention that.

"People, do sit down, it is much easier to discuss that way."

 

[Wolfias]

As Peter was speaking I was not going to stand there all night, uncrossing my arms dropping my defensive stance behind Norah. ''What I said was for everyone's sake Peter...You only heard the part that questioned your leadership...and little else it seems.''

I respected Max, because he was a Vet that had served his country with pride. After he'd got a bellyful of the bitching as I had, the tough old bird got his hackles up letting everyone know it. I gave a respectful nod Max's direction ''Well said Sir...agree with ye one hundred percent.''

Pulling out a chair for Norah to be seated, I pulled out one for myself to take a seat after her. ''After you Norah''... I was only going to seat myself after she had, that is if she even chose to.Like the southern gentlemen I was raised to be, I patiently awaited whether she'd sit or not.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Cassandra

I took notes and wrote down everything that Ria was asking for/requested.
- more weapons and arrows
- more guards
- more weapons with longer range.
- conduct practice and exercise them
- send e-mail out about virus information
- etc.

I was think as i did this ... that there was something creepy about Peter’s actions. Almost like he had some deeper plan and somehow Ria had unknowingly done what he wanted. It seemed like secretly he wanted to lose this argument.

Or maybe I was losing it … and saw ghosts where there were none!

“Hey, I was talking to Lee Garner and he said the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the US was still up and operating on the web.” I added trying to be as positive as possible.

“Make sense … that place has more bio filters than any in the country.” Thomas added.

“Anyhow he told me they too had reported a virus on the skin of the zombies. So that agrees with your German friend. Derry is the expert in “bugs” I know she really BUGS me!” I joked … there were one or two giggles … but the room was very quiet after my joke. “Just trying to lighten the mood” I said smiling.

“I think I’d rather listen to the argument again … that joke was awful” Thomas grumbled. He was joking but it was so dead pan the whole room took a second and then burst into laughter.

As everyone quieted down. i saw smiles on faces and people relaxing a bit more. I continued “Anyhow … Derry" I said looking at her "maybe we can investigate this virus with some of the equipment here on campus. I know how to use most of it … I’m a Pharmacy major”

“Also, Daniel" I turn to him "tell everyone about your super soaker idea.” I encouraged him. He was normally pretty shy … so I thought a direct question would get him to talk.

 

[dutchrain]

Ria
At the meeting

As everyone was laughing at the exchange between Thomas and Cassandra I checked the addresses in Kurt's mail and noted the CDC was on it.

Cassandra asked Daniel to tell us about a super soaker. I was curious what he had thought of, but thought we couldn't jump to an other topic yet.

"Cassandra, everyone, just a moment longer on the virus please: the CDC has got Kurt's mail. They are listed amongst the addresses, four times, once the institution itself and three personal names with the addition 'CDC' in the address as well. About you and Derry starting on research, I really would prefer if you two could wait with that until we somehow had time to secure the building you need to enter to do that. Just to make sure you are safe you would need to take a team of zombie-experienced guards with you otherwise. And those people and you two wouldn't be available here or for scavenging. We have enough food for around forty people for about four to six to maybe eight weeks, I think, according to how heavy we ration the food. An other point we need to discuss tonight, so that the cooks ... Who will be responsible for cooking now that Thea has run away? We should make a list ..." I sighed. Why hadn't I taken my note block with me? Cassandra was the only one taking notes!

"And just now I realize we haven't talked about a scribe! I mean someone who takes notes at meetings! We need one! Cassandra, since you are making some notes, would you do so more extensively? For today at least?" Almost pleadingly I looked at her.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Cassandra

“No problem Ria … I’ll talk to the folks and see who wants to be cooks. I can make a list. We can set up shifts, cooks, dishwashers, etc. By the way … there was lots of food still at Taylor’s Bar and Grille. We only moved some of it over here. Also there was LOTS of beer, wine, and spirits. I mean it is/was a bar … There are additional restaurant on that street; we have not even been to yet. As far as we could tell … none have been looted.” I explained.

“So I think for short term … food will not be a problem. Hopefully, it will last until the Army shows up … and rescues us.” I concluded. I could tell I said something wrong as a few faces looked funny at me. It was like a farted in church or something.

 

[Wolfias]

Cramer ''Homer'' Grimes

I didn't groan or laugh out loud at the jokes I'd heard from those two, but the big possum grin it brought to my face was quite obvious. I can go on tha garden center mission when it's set...ye know synchronize watches an all at kinda thang.

My heavy southern drawl was just bound to get more laughs, besides lord knows we all need more humor to cope. Oh lordy mercy now I just got ta hear bout ye super soaker idea, sho nuff had fun with them thangs in Franklin High back in the day. The memory of cheerleaders in wet uniforms running all over the place came to mind, along with what might have happened to everyone back in my home town.

My maroon chevy dual cab 1 ton trucks sitting 5 blocks from the garden center. It's really loaded up generator, compressor, tanks and welding gear, pneumatic tools, 5 gallon gas cans, bundle of 12' x 1 1/2'' lengths of galvanized pipe, 12 x 1' lengths of rebar and 12' x 4'' lengths of PVC pipe.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Deacon

After a long time of staring out of the window he turned to the room he had locked himself in with enough food to last him for way longer than he cared to work out. Weapons, he needed weapons, of course the best defense is a good offense and that meant only on thing...good weapons. He started a thorough search, he found a slingshot (of course), a pocket knife (of course), but he knew that he struck gold when he found a little hidden panel, usually when you found something like this in a child's room, you just knew they hid something they shouldn't have...but unfortunately for Deacon it was a skin mag and a box of condoms...he took the box, you never knew when that could come in handy at some stage. Water-tight storage was one of the things people never associated with condoms, well unless they have been taught from childhood to look for anything that could help you survive.

He continued with his search and hidden in the back of the clothing cupboard, beneath old clothes and dvd boxes he found what seemed like something no kid should have. A crossbow. Not just any crossbow, a 150lbs draw monster, Deacon started to understand why the room was so littered, basically to discourage somebody finding this baby in a neatly stacked room. He set about finding the bolts and sure enough all over the room there was bolts stashed, he found six, that was enough for now. It was much more than what he had started with, in fact it was better than anything he could have ever hoped to find. He stood at the window and looked down as a zombie slowly ambled passed, most probably drawn by something, Deacon turned his attention into the direction the zombie was ambling to and found a huge ball of smoke rising into the air. Where there was smoke, there had to be fire, where there was fire, the had to be life...that meant that he was not alone and that gave him some sense of security. At least he was not alone.

 

[dutchrain]

Ria
At the meeting

Just when Cassandra said she would take notes and find out who would cook, told that she would make a list and set up shifts for other kitchen duties; followed by a somewhat hopeful/bad joke about the army rescuing us, Cramer suddenly told us his big truck stood not far from the garden center, loaded up with all kind of stuff he probably had just bought for the farm at a hardware store. My mouth dropped open.

I still was trying to close when I turned to Cassandra, who also was staring at Cramer.

"Cassandra did you write that down? Marvelous, Cramer!" I had no idea what we could use all that stuff for, but after a second ideas sprang to my mind. A generator, that would mean power for freezers! All kind of pipes, for water? Welding gear, special tools ... All things we would badly need if the army wouldn't show up soon. Like Cassandra obviously did, I too was hoping someone would come to rescue us deep in my heart.

So deep in my heart, I had to press it consciously down, constant. Still musing the possibilities Cramer's treasure would bring us, I looked at the people gathered at the meeting. Something was off. One person seemed not to be pleased by what Cramer had told us. Peter. His face was changing from a stoney, slightly disapproving expression into an exaggerated grateful one when he burst out in one of his thank-you-sermons.

"People, please," I said when the applause Peter had wanted us to give Cramer died away. "Anyone any surprises like Cramer just shared with us? No? Then lets get on. Lets bring some system in this meeting. Points of order: Virus. Food. New Food. We didn't empty the Pancake house either. So we have supplies stacked at several places we really should try to get at as soon as possible." I shook my head.

"Sorry folks, now I am doing it. Talking about something else without keeping to the order I was just proposing. 1 Virus. 2 Head of the kitchen team. Maybe Carol? 3 Food we already have. 4 Food we could easily get. 5 Medical supplies. 6 Weapons. Daniel's super soaker would belong under this heading?" When he nodded, I smiled at him. "Wonderful. 7 Tomorrow's raids, goals -getting Cramer's truck would be one- and teams. 8 Backup plans for when the power fails etc. Everyone all right with that?Anything else that needs added? Otherwise I would say we continue with number 5. Any objections?" I had shot some glances at Peter, and found him oddly pleased ...

 

[typacritt]

I felt the heat of the fire burning my face. I put my head in my hands and closed my eyes. I saw the scene again and again in slow motion. Freeze-frame as the zombie went to bite his neck. The others ripping at his torso. The snarling mouth the black gums, dirty yellow teeth ready to feast on human flesh. Then the red cloud as his head disintegrated. The zombies covered in a red, grey cloud. At least for him it was quick. It was all I could do. I couldn't save him. I couldn't save them! I was meant to save them! I'd tried to save them, tried in vain.

I don't know how long I stayed there. My head spun. I could feel the fire. Hear the fire, smell the rotting roasting flesh. The street was quiet, was safe for now. Zombies still walked towzrds the fire but the doors were closed. The people were safe behind the doors. I climbed back in the cab of the truck, pressed the accelerator and moved slowly off. It was time to go home. As the truck moved away the scene was left in the rear view mirror.

I drove for maybe an hour. Not thinking, in a daze. Eventually I found myself outside my place. I virtually fell inside. Safe at last. Safe from those outside at least.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Peter

Peter looked over to Cassandra when she had said “it will last until the Army shows up” Peter did not react. But he knew that was a fairy tale. The Army was not coming. The world had changed and some people just had not realized it yet.

Ria was directing the meeting again … Now we all needed to talk about medical supplies. Peter thought he should jump in here.

“Ria … both team 1 and team 2 brought back a lot of medical supplies. But it is mainly the small stuff. We don’t have things for bullet wounds or broken bones. Perhaps Lee Garner can be taken to the student medical clinic in the PLC. There he can collect the bigger stuff we are going to need” He suggested.

“Bullet wounds?” Cassandra asked “Why do we need medical supplies for that?”

Peter looked over to the sexy stripper “The next thing we are going to see on the internet are gangs of humans attacking other humans to get food and other supplies. Society is going to break down and people will be shooting other people … we need to be prepared for that.”

“I always thought people came together in a crises … helping each other out.” Cassandra said.

Peter shook his head “Some do … some don’t. We need to be ready for the don’ts. What else, Ria on Number 5?” Peter asked.

 

[dutchrain]

Ria

Bullet wounds, Gangs ... I sighed, I knew Peter was right.

"Cassandra, when we were at the Pancake House, a car drove by, about four people inside, shooting like mad. Carla got hit. Luckily it was only a graze, I believe Lee stitched it up, but it could have been much worse, more people hit or deeper wounds, maybe bullets inside of them. Peter is right here, we made a kind of alliance with Frank's group, but there there are more groups and individuals out there. Not all of them will want to help everyone else. We need more medical supplies. If the student medical clinic is equipped for more than just first aid we should get Lee over there. This week. Before others raid it." I looked around and saw most faces were overcast.

"We can do it. We'll plan it later. Maybe we should head number 5 Medical with subs for supplies, casualties and sick? That way all on the planning team are orientated about who is well, who is only allowed light duty or bed bound? Maybe we should ask Lee to take the authority to decide on that? So no-one can play ill to get out of duties? That okay with all of you? Does someone know how the man we found is doing? We need a number 9: Fortification and Defense, I think. Move to number 6 now? Weapons? Daniel, your idea for a super soaker?"

 

[removed110513]

Daniel

I had been waiting patiently while everyone was speaking, but then they began to ask about my idea for the homemade flame thrower. It had been a back and forth, with people asking but then the conversation was diverted. Finally, Ria put a hold on it and directly asked me to share it with everyone. I quickly thought about what to do. I should still retain my shy, former self personality, so that none would be suspicious. Peter already was, no doubt, but if he said nothing, people would just accuse him of trying to get rid of me.

I slowly stood up, and I cleared my throat to prepare speaking. I did, of course, delay, just to seem shy, but I did eventually speak when I saw people becoming impatient. I cleared my throat once more, and slowly began to speak.

"Well, my idea is that we could fill up water guns with gasoline or some other flammable liquid, and then, using a fire that we hold up to the nozzle, we could use the gun as a flamethrower," I told everyone, being quiet so as to seem modest but not so quiet that no one could hear me. Once I had finished, I quickly sat down, as if being the center of attention was frightening me.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Cassandra

I listened to shy Daniel and was worried he had not “sold” his idea strong enough. I could see a bunch of questioning looks on people’s faces when he was explaining his idea. So I added to his comment at the meeting.

“Daniel has a great idea here … Just check out the videos of these flame throwing squirt guns on youtube. You will be amazed at how far they shoot.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJXM7j3OKII

“I can see them being used from a cracked car window or we can rig it in the defense to the main fire doors of the library. Those uglies will never see it coming and the more we kill of them the better.”

I was not sure I should talk about my next idea. Because I was not comfortable with the way the meeting had started. Peter and the big argument and everything. But I decided to tell everyone, I guess they would find out soon enough.

“I would like to add … that one block from Taylor’s Bar and Grille there is a police station. I suggest that Team 2, Derry, Daniel, and I plus Dan, our new arrival from the Party van, go over there tomorrow and pick up what we can. Some weapons for sure … but also police cars with radios, and hand held radios. They should work in case the power goes down.” I looked at everyone “Oh … and I just thought this up … if you all agree with the team make up … Derry, Daniel, Dan and me … we can rename team 2 to “The triple D’s and Me!” I said joking. That joke also did not work either… and there were a lot of groans in the room.

“We really need to find a surviving comedian!” Someone said in the back of the conference room.

 

[Iscaa]

The Assessment

Derry sat quietly throughout the meeting, just watching and assessing people and their reactions. She thought, (I think there might just be a power play soon, and I need to know who or how many will be involved.)

Peter;

She carefully watched Peter's face and body language, realizing that he had changed...really changed from the man she had met a few days ago. Back then, he had only wanted to help, was your typical handsome girl magnet. Now all that seemed to have been replaced by a drive to be leader....at any cost. Derry saw how his face became calculating when Ria talked, it was easy to see he wanted to take her down a peg or two.

He made a little speech about agreeing with Max on getting organized, then quickly went onto whining about who was to be thanked for doing this or that, Derry silently shook her head. Derry had still not gotten over the way he had handled Cassandra when she needed help.

It was at that moment that she decided, Peter could not be trusted.....if he didn't have Cassandra's back this time....he could possibly would do it again...and the next time that person just might not make it back. If people thought they didn't have backup...there would soon be no volunteers for away teams.

Ria;

Derry then turned her attention onto Ria....she seemed to be the same woman she had met a few days ago...oh yes she was clearly under more stress, but seemed to keep it under control. Ria did have her say about the way Peter had verbally attached her. Then went on to tell Peter how she felt about his "Political posturing". Having said what she needed to Peter, Ria then got back to the business of the meeting. All in all Ria had the group's long term survival firmly in her mind set. Derry decided she was the one to back up if the need came about.

Cramer;

Cramer put his two cents in, leaving Derry with the notion that he was just wanting help and support the team of players at the table. But she could tell he had no liking or respect for the way Peter had been conducting himself. She liked the way he just was a good ol boy from the south, no hidden agenda from him...she smiled when he finished talking. He was going to be a very good asset...what with his knowledge and especially when they got his truck back to the Knights.

Cassandra;

As usual Cassie was trying to do all she could, she just was that kind of person. Jumping in with both hands and feet, she started taking notes even before Ria realized that they needed someone to officially do that job. Everyone liked her enthusiasm and Derry realized she was a very smart woman, trying to lighten the mood of everyone with that awful joke.

When they started to talk about the research into the Zombie virus Derry nodded her head in total agreement finding herself really looking forward to working with Cassandra on what she thought of as the "Zombie project". The talk carried on...going from one important subject to the next. By the end of the meeting, Peter sat with a calculating look on his face that left Derry wondering what he was up to now. On top of that Daniel was not acting his usual as well....Derry wondered, (Those two are really not behaving like they did when I first met them....I wonder if there is some connection somewhere....the only thing I can come up with at this time is they both have been injured ...scratched as a matter of fact. I think I'd better keep my eye on the both of them...maybe get some blood samples when I have access to a lab again.)

Derry continued to stay in the background of the meeting, absorbing information, and assessing people. She put in the occasional agreement or advise, but mostly she just wanted to keep a low profile for now. Things were happening amongst the people...that is the group was changing and that could be for the good or not so good, only time would tell.

With Cassandra's idea of an away team of going to the police station the next day...Derry was all for it...except for the awful name she had come up with. It lightened everyone's mood as well as produced many groans and moans. Derry thought this might be a good place to end the meeting giving her time to start thinking about the new mission with Cassandra, Dan, and Daniel.

 

[dutchrain]

Ria

I smiled as Cassandra started to sell Daniel's idea harder than the young man had done himself.

"Cans with hairspray and such," I said after she was done, "that would work too, as a flamethrower." Her joke about the name for team two made me cringe. Derry too, I saw. I had to work hard on my face muscles not to grin when I noted that.

"However you call yourself, contact officer Bart before you make a plan for raiding the police station. It is his, kind of. At least invite him on the raid. There might be people locked in cels there. He would know which ones are dangerous and which ones you could safely invite to join us, I think.

Now tomorrow's raid plan. I would like to leave very early in the morning for the garden center, with all of team one, Cramer, Vince maybe and two or three more. We would have to do a lot of hauling around with heavy, unhandy stuff. I really would like if you two, Cassandra and Derry, would wait until we are back. I think we all would be safer that way until some guards have mastered archery. Then you could leave for a raid, and we would wait to cover your return. Then I would want to leave again, empty some houses of fridges, freezers, drapes, food, bedding and mattresses. I want to bring back as many cars from both raids as we can, to start a protecting circle around the front of the Knight. Wednesday morning I would need all hands available to work at the fortification of the backside and to protect those who are felling trees and digging holes. So please don't plan anything else until we had lunch then. Are you okay with that?"

Peter looked a bit sour, I noted that. But he didn't say much. Max nodded, said we really needed more protection, and with some real weapons that would be a lot easier. All blood drawn from my face suddenly, I shot upright. Before I could open my mouth, Thomas jumped to his feet and opened his.

"No, Max, forget that. No one should get the impression we are safer with guns, because if we would use them to shoot zombies from the roof, we would attract all zombies from miles around. I have seen the immense number attracted by that car this afternoon. I wouldn't want a quarter of that around the Knight. Please people, forget guns as a means of everyday defense against zombies. Now, if we would be attacked by a hostile group, then I would use guns and let them deal with the zombies attacking them as a result of some shots and wait until only the zombies were left. With some firebombs we could finish those off." He sat down again, with a pleading expression on his face.

Finding back my composure, well aware of Peter's sneering face I nodded at Thomas' words.

"Like he said. Those who have been outside will know this is true. For the others it might be difficult to understand, but ... If someone would start to shoot when I was around I would start to run and hide myself. I really would. We were so lucky those idiots kept shooting and drew the quicker zombies with them, otherwise we wouldn't have made it. Well ... Breakfast at 6 AM tomorrow, at least for those who will join my team and those guarding our departure at 6.30?"

 

[Iscaa]

As the meeting was coming to an end, Derry came to a decision, Peter was really pissing her off, with all his sneering and just plain outrageous behavior. In her simmering anger she though, ( I will give him a piece of my mind...let him know that he is only making himself look bad not the other way around. Well at least I'll try to talk some sense into that thick head of his.)

As People started leaving the meeting, Derry quickly went over to Cassandra and told her she was going to speak with Peter, hopefully make him see that he was making a total ass of himself. Cassie nodded her head wished her luck. Derry smiled as replied,

"Thanks....I think I am going to need all the luck I can get...Oh...he is now leaving, I'd better go catch up with him before he disappears on me. I'll let you know what happens later on...meet me at under the big clock in about an hour?"

Cassandra agreed to the meeting time as Derry moved towards the door and Peter. He had just finished having a few words with is guards when she came up behind him. Waiting until they moved off, Derry touched Peter on the arm as she asked,

"Peter, do you have a few minutes? I would like a word with you ...privately."

He looked down at Derry, with a slight frown, but nodded his head anyways,

"OK ...Derry...do you want to wait here? It looks like it will be empty in a few minutes."

Derry looked around nodded her agreement and went back inside, taking the same seat she had earlier. Peter followed her back inside...went around the table and sat down across from her. He didn't smile...just sighed and waited. Now that Derry had a chance to have a good look at him, she noted that he was looking tired, and flushed. When she had touched his arm, he had felt quite warm through his t-shirt. She leaned forward and asked,

"Peter ...are you feeling alright? You look tired and when I touched your arm just a few minutes ago, you felt hot....do you have a fever?"

He tried to say..no there was nothing wrong with him at all...just the stress of the last few days...nothing more. As he talked he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. Derry quickly came around the table, touching his face. It was hot.....he did have a fever ...and he looked worse then he did only five minutes ago. His eyes were glassy and he started to shiver and shake. Derry told him to relax...she would get him some help, as she took her cell phone out to dial it, Peter tried to brush her concern off by trying to stand up.

As he stood up he grabbed at his head, moaning in pain....as he collapsed Derry dropped the phone and tried to catch him as he hit the floor. She was able to at least prevent him from getting a nasty bump on his head. Trying to not panic, she called his name a few times, but she could see that he was now unconscious.

Derry grabbed the phone and dialed Ria's number...when she came on Derry tried to keep the panic out of her voice as she said,

"Quickly...can you locate Lee?....Peter has collapsed and is unconscious....yes.....we are still in the meeting room....hurry."

Once she was done with the phone, Derry looked around the room to see if there was anything she could use to make Peter more comfortable. There was nothing...so she moved over to his side...lifted his head up and put it on her lap. Then she waited for help to arrive.

 

[Wolfias]

Cramer ''Homer'' Grimes

After telling my little bit of helpful news Peter began his usual phony cheerleader act, being it was so damned annoying I waved it of and everyone down. Don't git too excited bout my ole truck ye hear? With all the ruckus goin on it coulda been looted or took. That should settle the folks down over the possibility the truck, or the load might not be found intact.

Hearing talk about firearms would be a priority I balked at this, my suppressed Remington 308 hunting rifle with a night scope would be necessary. Ya'll that don't like the idea bout guns, it's a easy thang to make sound suppressors I've done it before. Trust me...you do not want a lot of gun tottin crazies on our doorstep.

Raising my hand to hold off a gun control debate that might flair up. Yeah I know several here hate the idea of guns...BUT...lets face reality here ya'll the Calvary ain't a comin to the rescue. Reaching into the pocket of my jeans to pull out a 308 hollow point round, holding it up for emphasis looking everyone straight in the eye. I fer one would rather have plenty of these here babies...preferably going toward the human bad guys instead of toward us.

Obviously I wanted more than enough Bows, arrows, spears, machetes, axes among other stealthily weaponry. Now I really don't like being the one to dash some of ya'lls hopes for a rescue. Knowing my eyes had welled up with tears thinking of my Kaitlin calling my name in hope I'd save her. I failed my Kaitlyn when she and my unborn son needed me the most ...I'll be damned if I'm going to let anybody down again if I can help it ya'll.

I visibly struggled mightily not to break down once again, feeling Norah's hand in mine, her other on my shoulder. I squeezed her soft delicate yet strong hand gently, with her concern for me I managed to hold it together. Sorry bout that ya'll. I'd muttered this apologetically to nobody in particular.

(Pre collapse of Peter post)

 

[dutchrain]

Ria

I was tired as a log when I left the meeting room, but too wound up to go to bed. I wondered if I would find more sleep than the last night. I wanted to be as fit as possible for the upcoming raids. At least we would get a decent breakfast with lots of milk, cornflakes and cereals. I headed for the stairs -I wanted to see if Bart was still around, I had missed him at dinner- and was interrupted by TD.

He just stood in front of me a moment. Broad and almost threatening. He reached into his pocket and came out with a creased slip of paper.

"The officer gave this too Tersa, asked her to give it to you. She threw it away after she had read it. I don't like that, reading someone else's post. And throwing it away isn't right either. Here," he said, holding his hand out to me. Baffled I thanked him.

"Very kind of you, TD, " I added and felt my phone buzzing. "Excuse me please, my phone ..." I listened to Derry, laid my hand on TD's arm -he had turned away as I answered the call- "Okay, we will look for Lee, don't worry."

TD looked somewhat surprised down at my hand, now clenched hard around his arm.

"Oh dear! TD, get some towels and cold water, Peter has kind of collapsed in the meeting room, he is burning with fever, says Derry. I am so sorry what I said, I should have noticed he wasn't well and talking in fever ... Please, TD, go. Run, get some wet, cold towels. A shirt if you can't find a towel, bring it to Derry, help her cool Peter down. Open his clothes, take them off, I'll get Lee. I don't know if I will be back, maybe I need to stay with the sick man we brought in." TD turned and ran to the nearest toilet, pulling his shirt off on the way. A broad, muscular back he had, I noticed on my way to the stairs.

Almost running down, Bart's note pushed deep in my pocket, I met Andrea and told her to find Daniel. He had been looking hot too ...

"Don't tell I want Lee to look at him as well, just get him there. He was acting different than the last days too. Maybe ... She nodded, told me she would find him and tell him Cassandra and Derry would want to talk with him.

"Lee?" I called softly at the door of the first aid station. "Are you here?" It was quite dark in there ... A door opened and some light shone out of the first office.

"I am here," he whispered, "Come over, I don't want light shining out. This room has no window."

Quickly I went over. Told him what happened.

"He was scratched, wasn't he? Did he clean the wounds, do you know that?" I shrugged my shoulders.

"I suppose so. Who wouldn't?" Lee nodded.

"Exactly. The CDC advises not to do that with zombie-inflicted wounds. They reckon since the virus attacks all bacteria, it is best to keep the wounds dirty, the virus will take care of any extra bacteria in it first and the body's immune system gets a bit more time to kick in full gear to battle it. I will see what I can do. Get the fever down."

"Should someone watch over this man while you are away?" I pointed at the man, nude and washed, on a blanket in a corner.

"Yep, give him a few spoonfuls of this every few minutes. He is doing quite well, drifting in and out of consciousness." 'This ' was a bottle of orange juice, diluted it seemed. "His name is Martin. Martin Martins."

"Some parents ..." I murmured while Lee turned. He chuckled.

"Yeah," he said while walking away. I entered the room, closed the door behind me, and looked the man over. He seemed to have a fever as well. Quickly I ran out, caught Lee just outside.

"Daniel, I told Andrea to find him, he looked flushed too. And Derry injected him the strongest antibiotics they had found!"

"Dammed!

Okay. It will be okay. Hey, you!" he called out to Carol, who was heading towards the main stairs with some children, "Get me a dirty diaper from the baby, ASAP! In the meeting room on the third floor!" Puzzled Carol looked at Lee, at me.

"Do it, Carol, please. He'll explain later. Or we will explain all at breakfast."

Back in the room with Martin Martins I sat myself beside him on the floor. I spooned some juice in his mouth, rubbed his chest and face with a wet cloth and leaned my head against the wall. My eyes wandered over the man lying beside me. He seemed to be in a good shape. Middle or late thirties I thought. A slight belly, but otherwise quite muscular. Light chocolate colored skin. Well build all over. Really well build all over I decided, my eyes lingering on his groin a moment. A clean towel was lying on a desk. I got up, and spread it over his lower stomach. Sat down again.

I closed my eyes for a little while. When I opened them, I got my phone out. Send a message to John. And one to Bart, telling both to check their wounds and to get some dirt in them because of the zombie virus. Briefly I wondered if it had a name yet. I spooned some more fluid into Martin. Leaned my head against the wall ...

 

[removed110513]

Daniel

Near the end of the meeting, I began to feel uncomfortable. I felt hotter, and I began to sweat. I tried not to show it, but I had, without a doubt, a rising fever. Once the meeting was over, I quickly began to walk out. I ended to get away, to breath fresh air. Once I was out of sight, I began to run the way up to the roof. I wasn't feeling any better. In fact, it was only getting worse. Soon,mi was practically soaked in sweat. I would have loved to collapse, to stop, to slip into unconsciousness, right then and there, but I didn't.

Once I made it to the top, I breathed in the outside air by the lungful, taking deep breaths. I soon began to calm, and, although my fever didn't go down, I felt better. What I needed was some water. But then, I would have to go inside, which I most definitely did not want to do. I sat down on the roof, trying to calm down, hoping that this fever would go away.

After a long while, I heard someone coming up onto the roof, and turned to see a woman climbing up. She looked at me, recognizing me, but I didn't recognize here. I might have known her, and forgotten, or maybe the fever was preventing my memory from working. Either way, she was unfamiliar.

"Daniel, Ria wants you. Please follow me," she told me. I shook my head nk, and she sighed. She began to walk toward me,mans right then I panicked. I took out my knife from my pocket, which I apparently remembered I had. I pressed the button,and the blade spring out. I held it menacingly, a crazy look on my face. She immediately stopped in her tracks.

"Back away! Don't come near me! I want you to go back into the building, and leave me alone!" I commanded. She slowly began to back up, obviously knowing I was dead serious. She lifted the trapdoor, and climbed down, closing the door once she was low. I waited to be sure she had left, and sighed. I kept the blade in my hand, however, and simply sat down where I was. I was so tired, but I knew that if I didn't keep my guard up, I would nod off to sleep, despite my fever, and if I was asleep, then if anyone came for me,mi would be easy prey. No, it would be best if I stayed awake.

And so I sat there, waiting.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Lee Garner

(Note to reader … Lee swears when under stress. I will switch to “bleeps” after a while … but to start I think I need to write the words. Sorry)

Today was just another day in the office for Lee Garner. Except Lee never worked in an office. That was wayyyyy to fucking boring. No, Lee lived on the edge … and wanted it that way. This whole Zombie thing … FUCKING AWESOME!! Sure he felt really bad for all the people that had died. But that was in the past. Lee did not live in the past. NOPE. He lived for NOW.

When Team 1 arrived with two wounded. He was most STOKED! He had served in the army for 3 years, and in the chaos of battle, he had been taught to use a system of triage to determine whom to treat first. He divided the wounded into three categories: Whiners, Dead Dudes or DDs, and Pay Check. Whiners … are those who will survive without treatment, DDs, those who will likely die despite treatment, and Pay Checks are those for whom treatment will make the difference between life and death. Pay check … as in this is how I earn my “pay check.”

Lee loved dealing with such life-and-death decisions! So when the two came in he applied the system.

“Over here,” Lee pointed to the library offices. “I set up a first aid station here. We have supplies enough for some casualties now.”

As Clara came in with Vince. Vince said. “A graze, clean it, stich it, bandage it. Nothing serious.”

Lee nodded. “Put the whiner over there” he said about Clara … who gave him an awful looks. As she was put on a table nearby and then he turned his attention to the man from the car.

As the man from the car came in Lee said “PAY CHECK … FUCKING AWESOME!” No one around knew what he was talking about. But Lee did not care, because he was moving like he had 4 triple espressos. The guy was amazing. The man was really dehydrated. And he had him on fluids in a minute. Lee was actually squeezing the fluid bag to get it in the man faster. When that bag was empty he rigged another one … and did it again. Then he set the third for a drip and he patched up the man’s wounds and gave him a shot to keep his fever down ... as the man was running a high fever.

After 45 mins he was getting close to finishing up with him. Lee thought he was going to make it. They had saved him just in time.

“Hey I’m still bleeding over here …” Clara complained.

“Be right fucking there in one fucking minute” Lee answered. He turned to check on her. “Lay the fuck down” he said and pushed on her tits to make her lie flat on the table. “HEYYYY” Clara shouted.

“Lie fucking still … Or I’m going to cut your fucking leg off!” he told her. He took his scalpel and cut open her skirt. Clara was fuming! Then he removed the bandages Team 1 had wrapped her leg in. “You need to thank the fuckers that wrapped your leg … they did a fucking good job!!” Lee told Clara.

Lee clean it, stich it, bandage it and then he look back at Clara.

“You’ll live” He said to her.

Clara sat up and then stood up … She was limping … but she could move. She had to say something, so before she left she looked at Lee and said “YOU HAVE THE WORST BED SIDE MANNER OF ANY DOCTOR I HAVE EVER MET!”

Lee smiled “I’m not a fucking doctor… but I did sleep in a holiday inn express last night!”

Clara just said “UGH!!” and stormed out.

Later that evening after dinner Lee was checking on the man … when Ria showed up. she told him ... Peter was down … and Daniel might have it too. He told Ria to keep feeding the man (Martin was his name) some orange juice.

Lee headed for the 3rd floor conference room …

He raced up the stairs … he burst into the conference room and saw Peter on the floor.

“Ok … give me some room” He said as he picked up one end of the conference table and throw it aside. Then he was on the floor with Peter.

“He has got the virus too!” He said to Derry. The dirty diapers showed up. But Peter’s scatched arm had healed some already. Never the less he smeared it on.

“Let’s get him downstairs to the first aid station” Lee said as he grabbed Peter shoulders and direct Derry to grab his legs. Cassandra showed up not sure how to help … “Grab his other fucking thing" He directed her point at his leg with his head. “WHAT?” Cassandra said misunderstanding … thinking Lee was asking her to grab his cock.

“His leg … grab his leg!” Lee corrected and they took Peter to the aid station.

Lee hooked him up to an IV and gave him a shot to keep the fever down. He turned to see a crowd of people gathered around the door to the aid station. Ria, Cassandra, Derry, and several others.

“I have seen this before … Ivory Coast 2013 disease outbreak… These zombies have a virus on them. It makes people sick. We all need to practice good disease protocol. Wash hands, check the food, water supply, it enters through cuts i know that for sure … but I would not eat anything with zombie virus on it for now as well. Someone should sanitize everything people touch in the library! Sorry no sleep tonight … get busy!” He ordered.

 

[Wolfias]

Cramer ''Homer'' Grimes

Cramer had calmed completely after his showing of his emotions, real men are secure enough to cry son that's what his father taught him. Norah's presence had certainly helped him a lot, she's just a kid he told himself this anyway. Cracking a smile as headed to one of the sleep areas, finding the bedroll of his unfurled it to spread out on the carpeted floor.

Lowering his tall frame to the makeshift pallet, removing his flannel shirt and pulled out his last candy bar. Unties his heavy steel toed boots setting them aside, laying back with a very tired sigh puts an arm behind head. Tearing open the wrapper of the Baby Ruth with his teeth, biting off a piece chewing slowly as he gazed up at the ceiling.

A thousand thoughts ran rough shod through his weary mind, killing more zombie mother fuckers, supplies for agriculture, compost as fertilizer, felling trees, his truck, tomorrows mission, his wife Kaitlyn and unborn son, and Norah. You're too old for the girl Cramer ole boy...hell man she's only seventeen for Christsakes!

Peering around the room at the men seeing if they'd overheard him, startled by a thought what if Norah were just outside the door checking on him. You're crazy he thought silently to himself this time, the whole fucking world is crazy, Kaitlyn what am I going to do with myself? Biting off another piece of the candy bar with a quiet growl, suddenly the memory of Kaitlyn giggling as she said be happy you fool...no matter what.

I could not help but chuckle at myself with the realization, that my wife could still straighten my ass out, and real damned quick too. ''I know Baby...I know.'' A shoe had come out of nowhere hitting the wall inches from my head, from the darkness the familiar voice of someone hissed ''Shut the fuck up and go to sleep asshole!''

I threw the shoe back to where it had come from, hearing a satisfying sleepy grunt from my target I grinned and said ''Goodnight..sleep tight..don't let the zombies bite.'' And with that said I pushed my half eaten Baby Ruth back into it's wrapper, drifting off and was soon snoring quietly sound asleep.

 

[typacritt]

I headed to the kitchen. I didn't feel like eating but I knew I needed to get some thing inside me. I'd missed dinner at the Knight. Corn flakes, milk; the easiest option. I sat and ate at the small table. An autromitron no emotion, no taste, no thought. It was probably a blessing given the events of tonight. Leaving a half eaten bowl I fell into the bed and into a dead dreamless sleep.

I had no idea of how long I'd slept when I woke. The phone buzzing at my hip. I thought it was a dream. Franks call for help from earlier swam into my mind. I slowly came towards wakefulness. The phone still buzzing

The phone stopped buzzing. So did my head. My stomach churned. Not another emergency. I looked to see what was happening. It was Ria. What? An outbreak of the virus inside the knight? I read the rest of the message. Panic rose like a tide. If my encounters had left any scratches I might contract the virus! I quickly checked my legs where the zombies had grabbed me. No wait. "Wake up Bart." I said aloud. That was just a nightmare, just a dream.

I checked my head. No that was where I banged it on the tarmac when the car left without me. The panic subsided. I was ok. No wounds. My heart was still racing. A cold sweat broke out over my body. Relief. I gathered myself. Took a long breath and texted Ria.

'thing aren't good here either - four dead, not mine though. Zombies everywhere. We are safe at least for now. Do you need the doc? . I will bring him if you do.'

I slumped back on the bed and waited for a response.

 

[dutchrain]

Ria

"No sleep tonight," Lee said. "Someone should sanitize everything people touch in the library!" I gasped. Shook my head.

"Lee, that is nearly impossible! We don't have enough disinfectants and not enough manpower to do that. We could try ... Call together all who have been outside and touched zombies. Oh my ... I helped to prepare dinner! After I showered. My clothes are laundered. As are those of the others on team one. But ... I don't remember where I have been exactly, where I have sat, what I have touched! I don't know which plate I ate from, which glass I had ... Lola! I hugged her just before she stabbed her finger to check the sugar level in her blood! That was after I showered though ..."

I was panicking. I knew it, but I couldn't calm myself. The room was spinning around me for a second. My hand on the door-post steadied me. I took a deep breath, listened to the voices around me. All were kind of panicking and I didn't believe they had listened to my stammerings all that well. Before I had been sitting against the wall, nearly asleep until my phone had buzzed. Sleepily I had told Bart not to panic, just to be careful, to read the paper Kurt had sent me, and to tell the others. I had told him we wouldn't need the doctor yet, Lee was handling things okay. Now I was high with adrenalin.

"Okay! Okay! Calm down. Lets look who is still awake and see what we can do. It will be impossible to sanitize the whole building in one night. I also don't know if that is really necessary. Until now only those with open wounds -inflicted directly by zombies- got the fever. No-one else. So don't panic. Carla has no fever. And she had quite a big wound. But from a bullet, not from an attacking zombie. Lee, what do you think? Should we contact doctor Peyers?

Let me send a message to Kurt, lets wait a moment before we wake up everyone until we know what he thinks? Didn't the CDC have an advise, Lee?" I already was typing as fast as I could, to ask Kurt how contagious he thought the virus was.