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Manny decided he could enjoy this place, both Mae and Moralez seemed like friendly people. And the fact that this community has been around since day 1 is pretty impressive! So this place must have gone through revision after revision to make things the way they are now! Or again, military dictatorship. But he liked the first thought more. Hearing that Mae has been here since the town had been jump started was impressive! With Moralez arriving only a couple years ago meant that adjusting to life couldn't be too hard. He seemed a younger then some people he's met today so far, so that gave Manny hope too for integration. "Thank you both for your time, and this amazing food. I'm glad to hear you both think so fondly of this place." Manny was offered the full story about how Moralez arrived later, seemed they both had places to go. Manny wished them a farewell and was on his way.

Manny figured it had something to do with Doc coming in only moments later to explain how they should be eating lighter foods then what they were offered. Manny almost spoke up, but decided against it. He didn't get too much food to begin with, so he finished his plate and set it down so he could keep his hands free again. Didn't seem to matter much, seems the good doctor lost the debate, and the survivors got to keep their feast. He felt bad for him, but he also hasn't had a real meal in a long time. Letting the situation pass he decided to find somewhere to sit, he was getting old and he would rather not push his standing limit again.

Manny noticed Thalia sitting with a few people from one of the other groups. Seemed as good a place as any to sit and rest. Plus, the young girl despite being one of the stronger people he has known in life, could probably use some backup. And who better then a tall, lean, dentist figure who will scold people for lack of proper dental hygiene. He let Thalia finish her introduction before eventually making his way to sit, though he was clearly stiff. A lack of a proper bed in recent time as well as just general old age has been harsh. "God, don't grow old. Nothing works right after you pass 60." He said as a little introductory joke. Though Manny got the idea that Thalia would have preferred others from their group as support, he also figured that there were a lot of people, and until further notice, they had only a few they could trust for sure. They seemed nice enough though. "I'm Emanuel, but most people call me Manny. Has a ring people seem to like." Thalia had already covered the before the shit storm question, but he didn't catch any names yet. "Mind if I ask you names?" He spoke in a calm friendly voice, stopping to smile and give the little baby wave.

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As with most situations, Hunter had trouble deciding how he felt about the situation. Did he find the fact that everyone else needed to get shaved and he didn't funny? Yes. Yes indeed. Did he feel bad when Amelia the redhead isolated herself on the verge of tears. It reminded Hunter of when he left his base for the last time. He was alone, everything he had known was false, and he had nothing to hold onto to keep calm, and be reminded that things were okay. It was nice to see she wasn't alone though, another girl who Hunter still didn't know walked up to her and seemed like she was trying to make her feel better. He wondered what their relation was, family? Friends? Granted, these days that could mean the same thing. Hunter did decide he wasn't a fan of Shears reaction to Amelia's feelings, what he would classify as a severe dick move. Out of habit when any conflict seemed present he reached for his hatchet slowly and calmly, only to realize he had been disarmed and had nothing on him. Once that was apparent to him, he put his arm back to his side keeping his face as expressionless the whole time.

The man called Shears offered to cut his hair down to a trim though which was nice. Hunter decided to hold off on his feelings of the man for now and get a gauge when they were alone. When everyone else left and the hair was cleared Hunter made his way over to the barber chair. "Have you always been a barber? Even before shit went to hell? Or did you do something else before?" He asked Shears, wondering about the person that would have a potentially sharp thing by his head for several moments. Though he tried to hide it, he would be noticeably anxious with Shears around his head and Hunter not being in a position to react if things went south. "Hey this thought just came to me, this community must be pretty big to support those walls and to have people in positions none combat based. How many people are fighter or soldiers here if you don't mind me asking Shears? IT has to be a lot by my guess." He didn't have a guess, he just wanted to see what he could find out. So Hunter tried to sound friendly, though he was poor with words, but he still had a boyish tone from time to time which could sound friendly. He wanted to know as much about these people as possible. "What's this General character like? Is he pretty strict? Because I think I am on poor terms with Maddog as of right now. So I want to know what I am getting into." He questioned saying that last part, but it was too late now to retreat that question.

A thought did come to his mind, if Hunter wanted to make a break for it, now would probably be the best time. But without weapons or knowledge of the area, he didn't think he could last too long. Plus, he had no idea what to expect from shears here. For all he knew he could be some badass ninja master with a heavy weight belt to back it up. Not a fight Hunter wanted to be in. "Hey, between you and me, do you know what the helicopter was doing outside today? Seems weird to use something so... That, for a simple patrol. It just seems odd to me." Hunter stopping to think, he was pushing these questions. He had no idea how these people may react to someone like him who is already on bad terms asking too many questions. He'd stop asking for now, and let things play out. If things went south, he could figure out an escape plan.

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Alexander tried to cut his meal into small pieces and eating it slowly, though it was hard to contain his enjoyment of the food they'd been so graciously given by Moralez and Mae. He was brought up a Catholic, though it was his post-war years and time with Judith that brought manners to a rowdy young man. This was a small piece of Heaven right there, and the God-fearing (if still unsure) man in Alexander didn't want to be disrespectful to either their cooks or God. But oh man was it hard to not down swallow the shrimps whole without chewing them.

When Beatrice silently joined the table to eat, Alexander gave but a brief look up at her as she sat down. It was clear to him that she wasn't there to talk, but not in a manner of ignoring him. This was their thing, part of why they got along so well. If there was one thing that Alexander missed from the ol' days, it was silence around friends. Not the awkward one that always followed around strangers, nor the dead silence you enforced in order to survive 'Nam or the end of the world. He missed the special silence around people you could enjoy it with. With Manny being the always talkative person he was, and him and Thalia talking over electronics, Beatrice was the one he could count on to just be with him. No small-talk, no digging in either one's past, just the company of a silent friend.

Alexander gave Beatrice a brief smile then, before turning back to his blessed meal. The old grunt was happy to fill his stomach with anything other than cat-food or whatever scraps they found. So when the quarantined group returned with Doc, only for him to begin acting up around the food, Alexander only gave the ensuing converstation a look over his shoulder, catching Ash giving him a nod and the raise of a cup to which Alexander returned it, before returning to his meal. When you were hungry, you listened to the cook before the doctor.

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It was easy to see that the red-head now gone bald, Amelia, wasn't taking it lightly, even when she was rejoined by the other girl who Nigel assumed was close to her. How close, he didn't know, but it didn't really matter, like it didn't really matter how Riley was apparently a celebrity of some sorts way before The Gods threw caution to the wind and brought upon the end of the world. Nigel, when giving her a second look, thought that he might have recognized her from one of his students stickers on their books, not that any name came up. And it mattered little to him, especially then. Even if he was going to ask her about her past, doing it around Amelia was not the right time. So he gave Shears a look as well, but let Doc do the talking.

Then it was time to return to the others and eat. Nigel "Hadrian" walk with the group back to the conference room, staying a few people away from Hank as not to having to talk to him. He'd had enough of that for a week, though there were sure to be darker days filled with "Sportacus" to come. But alas, some respite! As they entered the conference room, Nigel did hear the welcome from another unknown man, and especially the one to Hank. Nigel forced down a laugh, ending up coughing it down at Hank's reaction. Thankfully he wasn't the only punching bag in the room.

Nigel too was more than ready for a hot meal, but wasn't as eager to join seats with Wayne as Hank was. Not if he could help it. A Roman legionaire might want to ride alongside a Gaulish cavarlyman into hostile territory, but not in his own house. Wait, perhaps that's what Hank looked like? A Gaul? As Nigel "Hadrian" thought of the possibilites, he almost absentmindledy filled a plate of various fishes and sides with little regards to his pre-apocalypse tastes. Perhaps it was the hunger that kicked in for real now that they had food. Bread and Circus, but with less Circus. Then again like he had said in the sauna, he wasn't that pickish those days.

With a plate full of things he thought he wouldn't eat before the Outbreak, Nigel "Hadrian" went over Erica as she spoke with Doc sitting in a chair. He didn't say anything as he began eating the first real meal he'd had in ages, but tried to restrain himself from eating too fast. The Doc was probably right, from what he had gathered and from Erica's words, that this could go bad. "Seems like fair punishment to me." Nigel eventually said, giving a look at Wayne and Hank, then back at Erica. "How do I look?"

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Alright there were many things Amelia had experienced since the nightmare of a life started, but this was second time her anger spiked at a person like this in years. If it wasn't for the fact they were unarmed and the man hadn't actually proven to have intentions to harm them, she might have been at his throat already. Still the huminilation she felt and the way he acted made her anger rise at a near vertical scale. She bit down on her lip and her fists clentched so hard that the her nails dug into her skin so hard it was painful. She was quiet though, she held her tongue because of Riley. Truth was even Riley's attempt to reassure her and calm her down were barely working.

When they were finally told to leave, she followed, keeping her head down in humiliation and anger. She wanted to punch him so bad, but held it in. She hadn't lost her mind quiet yet, she was just paranoid and distrusting. Anyways, happy that hateful man was finally out of her sight, she took a deep breath and cursed nine generations of his in her mind. If people could hear her thoughts, there would be phrases like: Hopes it withers, never get it up, lose his teeth and a whole slew of other wonderous things that are better left unspoken.

Finally they were at the Conference room and frankly with the first thing being a guy telling the now shaved head women look hot, Amelia's shoulders trembled. She took it as a clear sign of humiliation and as the Goat fellow making fun of them. She bit onto her lip again and this time her nails dug into her hands strong enough to scratch the skin, but not draw blood... yet. She didn't look at the person who spoke those words, in fact she looked at no one present. She couldn't bring herself to raise her head up, looking like this. Silently she just followed Riley with trembling shoulders." Thank you..." Were the only words she spoke and those were to the Hank guy who let them pick food first. She didn't look up though, just quietly went to pick up a plate and put some food on it. Barely any actually. She had lost all appetite right now between the stress, the anger and change they were going with at this new place. After that she went to find an empty seat somewhere as out of the way as possible. People were talking and having fun, she just couldn't. She wished that she could just dig a hole and bury herself there, so she cannot see anyone and no one can see her.

Temperature: 94F (34C)
Humidity: Fucking High (Around 98%) - Raining off and on all day
Wind Speed: 7 MPH (11 KPH)
Cloud Coverage: About 62% covered with thick dark clouds

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The Major left the group with Panama and turned on her heels. Heading back over to the room that was formerly the sauna and standing point there as she watched over the two that remained. She didn't say anything, just giving a nod to Shears when she came back into the room. Shears waited for Hunter to sit down before he got to work. Giving the man a hair cut as the questions came. He nodded a bit. "Shit, ain't no one ever been what they are their whole life but I've been cutting longer than you been breathing," he said as he worked.

Then more questions came and the man chuckled. "Oh ain't you be thinking you're a smart one. Get the old man alone and try to pry information out of him. Boy you must be thinking I was born yesterday. Do I look dumb? Do I look like a bitch? Shit man, someone knock some blocks loose in that head of yours? You're people ain't exactly making a good impression. Taken in, given food, shelter, and we got one having a break down over some damn hair and now you trying to pry in our logistics," he said as he finished up the hair cut and took the barber cloth off from Hunter and shook the hair out on the floor. "I'll tell ya what, if yer on Maddogs bad side... oooo doggie." Looking over to Major he motioned towards the kid. "Take him back would ya," he said and Major nodded.

Doc looked up towards Ash and leaned back in his chair. "You need to eat, time will be up soon and we will need to clear this out," he said as he gave a glance towards the food table. Thing was, it really didn't matter how mad or upset people were right then. They needed to eat. No one had had a decent meal in ages. Hunger would override fear and anger. Doc didn't like that fact but it was a fact. It was just how the human body worked. Survival override other emotions. If it didn't people died. He was trying to keep that from happening. Doc glanced towards Beatrice and then Hadrian and chuckled. "Oh, it'll be on you to clean up your own messes here, so let's hope you all have as strong a stomachs as that one claims he has," he said motioning towards Wayne who had proclaimed he could eat anything. "Looking good. Think of it this way, less to keep up with now," Doc said before taking a sip of his coffee.

"Come on son," Major said motioning towards the door. It was time to get back to the group. She would lead him back to the others in the conference room and then stand post with Panama. She didn't say anything towards him at first. Just standing next to him as she watched the group.

"Everything alright?" Panama asked, noting a look on her face. The major didn't seem to have a look but then again Panama had known her a lot longer than the rest of this group had. How long he had known her was anyone's in this groups guess but hell a day would be a lot longer than the few minutes she had been around. "Call in Sparrow and Frankenstein?" he asked. She gave a single shake of her head. Leaning close she spoke under her breath and Panama nodded. "Righto Major," he said before turning and heading out of the room.

Outside there was a discussion going on between several people before they broke off from the main group that had gathered and three pressed their way into the quarantine building, making their way down the hallway to the conference room. Major turned her head as he caught a sight of them out of the corner of her eye and pulled the door open more for them to enter. "Boss," Major said as she held the door open. Doc slid his chair over some and out of the way but stayed seated and went back to drinking his coffee.

In front was an older man with a strong presence and a stoic look on his face. Anyone that had served more than three minutes in any military would know his walk. This man carried himself like a Marine. That fact was added to by the close crew cut of his gray hair. His startling blue eyes looked the group over and landed on Ash, staring the man over hard as he walked towards the other side of the room with a binder in one hand and firearm holstered on his hip. Behind him was an even older woman, she wore a straw hat and overalls and had a sour look on her face. Next to her there was a younger man, wearing dirty and oil covered jeans and a black t-shirt. He grinned at the group as he took a bite of the large burger looking piece of food in one hand. Behind them filed in several more pushing carts. On the carts were rows of clothing, small packs, and shoes. On one cart were two large buckets. Once the carts were set up behind the man leading the group all but the main three left the room.

Opening the binder, the man looked over a stack of papers there, flipping through them before snapping it shut. Looking at the group for a moment before he spoke. "I am Macsen Martin, the Executive Office of Camp Mexico Beach. You may call me Gunny. This is your debriefing for your time in Quarantine. I will go over what you can expect during your time in Quarantine as well as what will be expected of you. Rule 1: Don't screw us over." His voice was even as he spoke and he projected it as to be heard. The man carried himself as a Marine, that much was obvious, most likely a drill sergeant at once point or another.

*Okay, here we go. Remember to check your character sheets as well as making sure if your character does or says something, they are reacting accordingly and not just out of a guttural reaction from you. Our characters are smarter than we are.

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Tatiana looked up as she heard footsteps coming over to them. It was one of the women that was with one of the other groups, one that Ash seemed to know in one way or another. How she wasn't sure but she knew it wasn't from Newnan. He had to have met her afterwards but before she ran across him again. He seemed alright with her for the most part. She swallowed her food nervously as the woman spoke. She sounded a lot like her husband when she did. Maybe she was from around the same part of the U.S. Looking over to Jamie she spooned another bit of food into the boys mouth with a trembling hand. "I vas Ballerina," she said to the woman's question. It was true. She had been a ballerina before the world turned into what it was today.

Then another came over. The older man from the woman's group. It was getting crowded around her and her son and Tatiana slipped an arm around Jamie, putting him into her lap as she gripped the spoon. Keeping her eyes down she muttered slightly. "Tatiana." She didn't give her sons name. She looked really uncomfortable with others coming and sitting down around her and her family. Looking around she eyed Ash for a moment before her eyes wandered some and she took note of where the rest of the people from her group were. Seemed Amelia was sitting herself as far away from everyone as possible and looked rather distraught. No one else did. She spoke in a hushed voice towards her husband. "₁В чем ее проблема?" Looking back to Jamie she fed him another spoonful. "₂Она слабая, она гонг, чтобы вызывать проблемы." Her voice stayed quiet as she spoke before taking a bite of food for herself.

Tatiana glanced towards the door when the group came in, watching them nervously as she held Jamie a little tighter. Her eyes following them as they moved to the front of the room. Seemed they had supplies for the group, or at least she assumed. It wouldn't make much sense to bring in all those clothes if it weren't for them. She sat there, listening to what the man had to say and cast a glance towards Jack. Whatever she had going through her mind she kept to herself right then. Turning her attention back to Jamie she gave him another bite of food but was paying attention to everything going around her even as her knee bounced nervously.

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It seemed that the former New York Cop couldn't care less to what was transpiring around him. He was enjoying his food and he wasn't letting anything get in the way of that. It wasn't until Hank actually called out to him that he looked up from his plate. The man nearly snorted his mashed potatoes out of his nose as he spotted the jelly to his peanut butter sandwich. He managed to choke it down before he burst out laughing. "Well don't you look like a walking penis," he laughed before giving a nod and patting the chair next to him. "Oh she's waiting on you, ready for that sagging ass," he chuckled before going back to utterly destroying his plate and actually licking it clear.

"Fucking christ, that guy, the one flying the chopper? God damn, he was right. That fucking gravy should be declared a damn miracle! I could eat that shit on anything!" he exclaimed as he lowered his plate and swatted in front of his face. He eyed the table, debating if he was going to try for seconds. His belly might have been happier and fuller than it had been in a long time but he could still eat. He wasn't going to turn his nose up to food that was for damn sure. If they got the boot, god only knew if they would ever have food like this again.

Wayne barely noticed the kid come back into the room as he took his plate up to the front and dropped it off in the dish bucket. He had decided against getting seconds right then but he did grab another couple of rolls and had already scarfed one down by the time his bum was resting back in his recliner. It was about at that time the new crew came in. Wayne got comfortable as he took a bite of a roll, listening to what the man was saying. Granted Wayne had never been in the military but he had been debriefed before, it was a standard thing when you were a cop and were on cases, especially if you were working larger ones. So he just took it in, ever so often swatting around him. "Shit, there isn't much I wouldn't do for that gravy," Wayne said to himself before taking another bite of his roll. He was as happy as a pig in shit right then.

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Beatrice spotted a crowd forming around the young couple with the baby out of the corner of her eye, making her glad that she had decided to go and eat with Alex. She appreciated silence and didn't especially want to talk right then. All of the talkative, extroverted types could go flock to each other - and she and Alex could have a perfectly enjoyable meal without exchanging a word. She missed that type of company as well. She had had a few friends in Juvi that had been like that - they were able to just sit by each other without speaking a single word. It always made her feel calm and centered.

As for the debate over the food, Beatrice was eating her own food slowly and methodically. If her stomach ended up not able to handle the richness of it all, then she would deal with that when it came around. But for the moment, she felt fine. In fact, she felt warm - the type of warmth that came from consuming a hot home cooked meal. She maintained her silence as Gunny came into the room, giving the first rule of this new life. She wondered if they would find out she had lied partially on the intake form, but she kept her face neutral. Beatrice still didn't know if she would end up staying here - if she would just leave once Thalia, Manny, and Alex were taken care of. They all needed the type of security a large group could afford, but Beatrice felt she would be better on her own most likely, outside of the military lifestyle.

Still though, Beatrice wasn't sure, so she watched and listened - eating small bites of food as she did so.

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Jack would have preferred to hear Tatiana go on about how Wayne gave her the creeps and that she would never talk to him again - and once more, he didn't examine where all of that jealousy was coming from. Maybe later that night he would dedicate the mental headspace for it, but they had just gotten to a safe zone. Their son was going to get the medical attention that he needed. Soul searching was going to have to wait until he felt a little less on edge - the safety of the surroundings somehow made it paradoxically hard to relax completely, most likely since they didn't know the people who took them in. This wasn't Newnan - this wasn't their people - these were strangers.

Strangers who had AMAZING food, he had to admit. Hopefully no one evil could make food this good, but from what Jack knew about baking and cooking (admittedly, not as much as he should have), morality wasn't one of the ingredients that gave something killer taste. Though if it did, that would have explained a lot about Miss Sally's cooking. He smiled a bit sadly at the memory of the amazing woman they had lost. "₁Если они это сделают, я не думаю, что в этом есть что-то хорошее. Хорошие новости были бы подняты сейчас, скорее всего ..." Jack told his wife softly. It wasn't a conclusion he was happy to come to, but he didn't see why they would withhold information that Thana was alive to Ash if they had it.

Jack was solidly on Mae's side with the food - largely because his stomach was in heaven. It was hard to see Doc's point when his mouth was full with the straight out BEST food of his life. His mind was then further distracted as he heard the accent of his home. When was the last time he had met someone else from Boston? "Boston? Ya gottah be kiddin' me," Jack started to laugh, but it was a happy laugh. "I grew up in the theatah district - Boylston. I was a cop," he then finished. As Manny came over and introduced himself, Jack shifted a bit. There were a lot of strangers around their baby son now. He didn't like that.

"Jack - good to meet ya."

As Gunny came into the room and started to speak, Jack fell silent. He hadn't been in the military, but he was a cop. He was used to getting debriefed and he knew that the wisest course of action here was to shut up and listen. The carts of clothing seemed like they were intended for them, which was nice. Most of them had been wearing the same outfit for a while. Cartoon characters never had an issue with it, but in the real world, it sucked.

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Riley moved over with Amelia and sat down next to her, as she gently tried to comfort her girlfriend resting an arm over Amelia's shoulder seeing her girlfriend trembling. She just wished that she would calm down, hair was just hair it would grow back in a few weeks sure it would take awhile. But at least it would grow back, some people weren't really lucky and had hair loss at some point in their life as Riley looked to those around the room. Some seemed to be talking with Tatiana and knowing that her friend was a bit nervous and protective over Jamie it wasn't a good idea to swarm around her and Jack.

"Anything I can do to make you feel better?" Riley asked Amelia as she set her plate of food down and turned to face her girlfriend and gave her a concerned look. She was just as bald as she was now, as well so it should at least cheer Amelia up somewhat as well and she didn't take the second option and being secluded from the others. As Riley rubbed her head slightly, it did feel really weird feeling the smooth skin just under it. "At least we are a matching pair now." Riley said jokingly trying to cheer her up some more.

Then the door opened as Riley turned her attention towards the door, seeing three people coming into the room she stared at the man as he introduced himself as Macsen Martin. The last name did sound really familiar, as she watched the man walk he certainly was a military type but she wasn't sure really but Riley always did have a hard time with authority figures as well. It took such a long time to even become friends with Ashton, she certainly came to respect him as a friend and leader as well.

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Erica turned her attention when Nigel came into the room, and noticed that he was noticeably bald like Hank was and the two other girls as well. "The bald look certainly suits you." Erica said with a slight smile, as she looked over towards Doc, and nodded slightly she was of course joking. She would of course clean her own vomit if she got sick, but she certainly wasn't going to be cleaning any of the other peoples if they ended up getting sick. "Knowing Wayne it would take a lot to make the guy vomit." Erica said as she looked around before finding a spot to sit down.

Erica then looked over towards the door seeing three people coming into the room, as well as a cart of some clothes to which was good then they wouldn't have to worry about wearing robes anymore for the rest of their time in the building. Erica looked at the man who went by Macsen Martin. Erica was used to debriefings as well, and leaned forward, she didn't want to be rude or interrupt him either since she looked towards the others who came in and wondered what they did exactly as well.

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The words of the doctor were taken with altruistic intent. To paraphrase the scripture on the matter, "Man shall not live on coffee alone." No matter how much he may try sometimes, as was habit from time to time when coffee was available. Ash nodded a quiet affirmation in Doc's direction. It was kind of him, but unnecessary. He had full intention of taking a meal with everyone else, he merely wished to make sure that the rest of his group got something before he did; a tiny and possibly ceremonial action designed to ensure that those for whom he took responsibility had what they needed, even if he had to go without. The moment that Riley and Amelia acquired plates and began to fill them (and then actually Hank, not that he owed the man anything but he did let them go before him and there was still plenty), Ash did the same.

The erstwhile Captain had been involved in multiple relief efforts during his time overseas; various assignments to places that most Americans hadn't heard of across three continents where the unifying factor among many of the indigenous peoples was hardship. He had seen what was given to these people to eat at first, and he was fully aware of why. He and his group were better off than many of the people he had met in his career. Better - not exactly at their best. Nor was he. His repast consisted of mashed potatoes, gravy, and a fair amount of that chowder that he saw the older gentleman ponder over the pronunciation thereof. Soft, readily digestible, filling. And as it turned out, really goddamned tasty. He would have preferred to supplement the meal with liquid nutrients or a multivitamin (as was standard for possible malnutrition), but that was simply a matter of habit and military protocol. He was immensely grateful for the meal. And if all he was lacking in a apocalypse was a bottle of One-A-Days, he was still living a blessed existence.

Unfortunately, he was only a few bites into it when he heard the telltale rustlings of a commander on the approach. As the trio entered, Ash immediately recognized the gait and posture of a seasoned military man. He rose, stepping out from behind the space of table he had chosen to dine upon so as to see and be seen by these people. He kept his own posture level and stance straight, not quite snapping to attention but assuming a ready position, as if waiting to be called upon. So much as his stomach raged against the interruption of its filling, Ash's rational mind and military training held a plentiful reserve of personal resolve. That resolve was rewarded, if one can call it that, by the older man noting his presence and seeming to bore a hole through him with his eyes, followed by an introduction. Macsen Martin. As in Master Gunnery Sergeant Macsen Martin, United States Marine Corps. The man who he was here to see, and the man mentioned first and foremost when he met with the welcoming committee north of there just that morning. And it seemed like the man knew who he was. The Captain returned his gaze respectfully, letting the man see him without adopting defensive thought nor action.

Until he was given the nod to return to his space at the table or take other action, Ash was going to abide by stoic protocol concerning a commanding officer entering the room.

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Thalia didn't want a kid of her own. That was a pretty cut and dry standard for her. Maybe one day she might - there were a number of years left for that - but another little Carmichael/Gonzalez running around? No ma'am. Still, the sight of that baby brought something almost positive to her face. A sort of glow, really. Ever since she was ten or so, Thalia was raised in an environment where family was the most important thing in her life. La Familia looked out for each other, because in the end that's all they could really count on. It made her clannish and ever-so-slightly distrustful of outsiders for a while, until circumstances forced her to reevaluate what she considered "family". Habits died hard when picked up that young. Seeing a baby, though? One that survived the world out there? It threatened to bring out warm and fuzzy instincts to accompany her newfound glow. Such a thing might be detrimental to her reputation.

The glow dimmed just a little as Manny approached. Thalia had not meant for this to be a group meeting, rather just a quick and informal "hello". Tatiana seemed like she could break down at any moment, and after seeing the scarring on her skin while in the shower room, she thought the young Russian mother could use a friend. She was about to attempt light conversation or offer to feed the little one for her when she began to exhibit signs of further stress and spoke to her husband (?) in Russian, a sign to Thalia that they were making her nervous. It was the opposite of what she was going for. But she did hear something that unexpectedly made her a little more upbeat. "Ballerina?" she repeated quietly. That... gave her an idea.

The response from the man with her also gave Thalia a sort of lifting feeling. She extended her hand to Jack and said in direct notes, "Hey, it's killah to meet a fellow Masshole. From ahh... Downtown/Beacon Hill area, I guess. Just outside of wheah they had money." It was true, mostly. That's where her mother was from, that's where she was raised until she was in double digits, and that's where she returned to go to school, then later work. "That and Monterrey. It's complicated."

She was obviously making Tatiana nervous. Her bring nervous put Thalia on guard. Her face got a little more serious, and she stood straighter. Maybe it was time to back off. Maybe it was time to back off two minutes before she decided to walk over there. The last thing she wanted to do was break into a fistfight with a couple carrying a baby because she unintentionally spooked them. New people getting too close, and all that. Baby aside, she still hadn't regained her full sense of balance yet and only had one fist to scrap with. Of course, her mind would go there first. "Hey, Manny? We should find someplace else to be right now." She looked back to Tatiana, "Can you teach me? Ballet, I mean. Could you... Um, we can talk lateh, I guess." Thalia began to back away from the couple and their shared tiny human, looking for a seat elsewhere. "Good to meet ya." she managed to say, just prior to the doors opening and admitting a very clean cut looking older man, claiming to be the Executive Officer of Camp Mexico Beach.

Thalia clammed up and tried to take in as much detail about the people who had just entered and the stuff they brought along with them. Nope, nothing to do but find a spot to sit and listen to the man speak. Who knows? She might even learn something.

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It would almost be accurate to describe Hank's action as a "saunter", as if it were possible for the man to move in any manner that appeared slow or relaxed. Especially carrying a plate of food. It had become a sort of curiosity in years recent; eating food from a plate. A rarity, really. At least since he and Wayne were politely asked to leave Amish country at the end of a shotgun. It was amazing how easily one fell back into the habits of civilized society. Just about as amazing as how quickly one could fall out of them. Nevertheless, Hank was moving at mid-saunter, carrying an actual plate of very yummy things over in Wayne's direction.

He did note a certain lack of solidarity among the other people that he came into this latest chapter of the epic adventure that was his life. Maybe it was something he said. Hank pondered the implications of it all for a second or two before realizing he was wasting moderate brainpower on something for which he gave nary a shit. Besides, food. Hello? Remember food? Yeah, he was being silly. The others were fine, he was fine, everything was fine, food. They could use a break from the general (but well-meaning) assholery of he and Wayne, anyway.

But the comment about his appearance simply would not stand. Oh it could, but he just wasn't going to let it. "This is gonna grow out, Maldonado. I'm afraid, ah, that your fugly is permanent. Sorry, pal." A little jab back, but he did take a moment to judge his buddy's assessment of the gravy. It was the crude method of poking his pinky into the stuff on his plate while still sauntering over to the chair that Wayne had pointed out for him, and then jamming it into his mouth. Hank stopped for a second, nodded approvingly, and agreed, "Well holy shit - this gravy." It invoked a sense of gnawing hunger in the man, whose pace quickened until he found himself in a comfortable chair, horking back the first truly good meal he'd had in ages. "Hmm. Forget the beer I said earlier. Bottle the gravy. They'll make a fortune."

Then of course, the capitalist in him wondered in the back of his head, "How might someone get ahead financially in the apocalypse?" It was a head scratcher. Leaning over to his steely cohort, he murmured, "Mental note, Maldonado: Reinvent toilet paper. It's a good idea." He flashed a quick thumbs-up and made a clicking sound with his tongue, then resumed his meal.

Hank slowed his intake of yummy things when Gunny arrived, but did not stop. Just because someone was in charge, that was no reason to abbreviate meal time for refugees. Thinking about it, that was pretty much what they were. No shame, just a statement to their situation. He did note the actions of the younger military man from the other group tbat they vame in with, though. There was something else going on there. Lucky for Hank, it didn't involve him. He kept to eating quietly and listened respectfully to what the man had to say. Don't screw them over? Awesome. He could do that. Next?

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Alexander continued to sit in silence as he and Beatrice ate their much-needed and hopefully well-deserved meal for the first time in ages. It was odd how much the post-apocalyptic world reminded him of his army days, besides the shooting and fighting for your life of course. Military food was never 'good' per-say, even on the occational 4th of July or Thanksgiving when they got 'decent' food. But when you'd been out on patrol or a mission for severals days and nights in Charlie-territory, you'd be damned if you didn't look forward to the sorry mess of a meal you got back on base. Alexander, even for the talking going around him, just continued to sit in silence and eat with Beatrice who also kept silent. This was nice.

It was almost normal.

It was this sense of normality that made the ol' veteran contemplate whether or not he should stand in attention when they got more visitors. Visitors and more carts. Three new people from Camp Mexico, two of which Alexander couldn't gather much from but the leading one? Yeah, that was the telltale sign of a US Marine. A good old Jarhead officer of The Crotch as they said back in 'Nam. Not that Alexander was going to say that out loud, he was a grunt after all. Speaking up to an NCO was a bad move in the Army. Talking to a Marine NCO was suicide. So Alexander stopped eating and turned around to listen to him. Gunny gave them one very simple rule; Don't screw them over.

Sounded reasonable enough to the old veteran, and kept his silence. But he did give Beatrice a brief look, then over to where Manny and Thalia were seated, just to make sure they were okay.

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Nigel "Hadrian" didn't know what to take from Erica. Was she being ironic in a funny way, or was she serious? He had never seriously considered the 'bald roman statue' look before, and in the less-than friendly enviroment they had been in the past weeks and years, he might have taken her words as the first. But Nigel shot Erica a slight smile back, hoping that she was being sincere. Of everyone in the quarantine-room, Nigel though she would be the honest one. "I'll take that as a compliment, so thanks. You should try it." Nigel "Hadrian" said to her, slowly a slight chuckle escaping his lips from the surreal situation. That, and them being able to eat as much as Wayne. "Now that I wouldn't take as a compliment. I'll try to hold my stomach, Doc." Nigel said as well to the Doc, continuing to eat from his plate as he decided to follow Eric to an empty seat. "Have you gotten anything to eat yet?"

That's when the man calling himself Gunny entered the room like a victories Roman Legion marching down the Via Aurelia, followed by an old lady and a hamburger-eating Asian guy. More strangers to remember and deal with, and more people who Hank and Wayne could spread their 'fun' little game. But more important issues flew through Nigel's head as he got a closer look on Gunny as he briefed them about what was expected of them.

Nigel had seen him before.

Back in the fishing camp in the Georgia swamp way back, the day their merry little band of survivors had first met and taken up position for the night, Nigel had found something. A small tin box, hid underneath the floor boards. Inside he found pictures, plenty of them, all of various people but three standing out. A girl and two older men. Gunny had been one of them. And once his real name had been revealed, he remembered the single word written behind the photograph as well. "Martin". Nigel didn't freak out or anything, because what was there to be afraid of? Nigel "Hadrian" sat in his seat alongside Erica and continued to eat, silently observing Gunny. Would he get thrown out if and when they found the pictures? Or would they simply interrogate him...

Yes, he had brough the pictures along with him. Now time would show if it would come back to bite him in the ass.

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Manny could tell pretty fast his presence was unwelcome. Sometimes he forgot that compared to many other survivors he had it pretty good in recent years. He was almost always behind walls of some sort, with many sealed doors between him and the outside. There were for sure exceptions, the last few months being the most recent one. But many people were tense now when approached by strangers. Worried for what they might do. And these people had a kid, a baby at that. Had Manny been what the young couple had been through he isn't sure he would be as open to interaction with so many new people all at once either. He was hesitant with the people he was with now when they first met. Granted, he was a prisoner of Eden at the time. Now, they were in a well armed, and fortified camp, with more new people they a single person might be able to count. No, this was probably too much for them. Though both of them were willing to give their names, so he figured that was something at least. Tatiana, and Jack. He did take note how they avoided introducing their child. Again, didn't blame them. He just thought it was sad that so many people felt they needed to be so distrustful. He wasn't innocent himself though.

Thalia had a brief conversation with both of them, Manny figured being new to the party he probably couldn't add much without making things more tense. Thalia ended the conversation and Manny agreed with her that it was probably time to get up. "It was nice meeting you both. Sorry for the disturbance." Manny made his way out of his chair and debating giving the child a small wave just to see if he would smile or not. Thinking about it, he decided it probably wasn't best to push things with them. Not until they were more comfortable with the situation. After stepping away from the couple Manny sighed. "Hey Thalia, I think I am out of touch with too many people nowadays. It's showing now too." Manny grabbed himself a cup of coffee and sat down in the first empty seat he could find. He would get better as time went on here, but for now, he had to be smart about these things. Approaching the young couple with the baby wasn't the best idea now that he thought about it.

Before Manny had a chance to butcher another potential friendship a group of three people walked in with papers and a series of carts. Carrying clothes and shoes? That would be a nice change to things. Robes were comfy and all, but they only did so much practically. The man leading this new group of people seemed serious, someone to not mess with. Good posture too. Manny wondered what the man did before the old world fell apart. The first rule he listed seemed pretty strait forward. Do not stab them in the back. Manny didn't have the means to do that effectively, and no reason to do so. He had no reason to give these people to not trust him, and he had no reason to not trust them.

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It would appear that Hunter wasn't helping his issue with causing people to not trust him. Granted, he didn't trust any of them either. Sure they didn't shoot him in the back. Yet. But his old unit didn't yet either. At least to him. Same with his last group. They would have eventually. And he would be damned if he let his guard down now, after getting this far into this shit show. Hunter noticed one of the guards came back to watch over their hair cutting. Shame, meant if something went down it would be two against him. And one had firepower. Though he was impressed to see that the old man, Shears, had been a barber for so long. It's rare that someone can stick with their passion, especially after everyone is dead. And then some. "Is it safe to say you like to cut hair then? Since you've been doing it so long?" Hunter did figure he pushed the questions a bit much as Shears got the idea pretty fast.

Hunter did a little chuckle in response to Shears observation. "We're not alone? Also, I am just a curious little boy who likes to know things." He said in his most innocent voice. "Though you're not likely to go for that gag. Truth be told, I do like knowing things. But that Helicopter thing is mostly just bugging me now." He wondered if they were looking for something. And if so, what. Shears was not impressed with his questioning though. "All my blocks are well accounted for. And they aren't my people. I just happened to be near them when we were spotted. I came alone with my dog. People are too... Untrustworthy if you know what I mean. Dogs, they're loyal to the very end." Though, shears commenting on how bad things might be with Maddog didn't help. It only meant that his first impressions were really starting to struggle. When they finished Hunter stood up and thanked the man with a polite "Thank you." and a wave. And he followed the major back to the conference room.

Once back at the conference room Hunter walked in quietly, not speaking a word. Just observing, and listening. He had drawn a lot of attention to himself. And he didn't want to give another indirect impression of himself to all the new people just because he was in the same room as one person he might piss off. So he would stay quiet. Soon after a few people came in with carts, buckets, and clothes. Hunter debated getting some food, but something about the head honcho of the new arrivals reminded him of something. Was he military too? He almost wanted to stand in attention rather then get food. But he had lacked a meal since... longer then he could recount. It had mostly been scraps he has been getting by on just to stay alive. Didn't help he was carrying enough gear for a fully equipped soldier, and then some. He grabbed a plate and threw on food, not caring what food it was, just something, and ate it down like it was the last meal he was ever going to have. As if someone was going to take it away from him. He did notice the words coming from the man named Gunny. He was some kind of officer, made sense. He had that presence. But Hunter took note of the first rule. Don't stab them in the back. Seemed like a weird one to start with. Hunter wondered if they were talking to him directly. But subtly.

He slowed down on the food now. He was listening. Was this a warning? A threat? God he wished he wasn't unarmed. All he could do now was wait, listen, and be ready to act if things did go south. He wanted to tell himself that they wouldn't because if they would it would have happened already, but he still couldn't convince himself that without thinking he was foolish.

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Amelia kept to her solitude where she had taken to seat, away from everyone, but sure enough Riley joined her, which both made her feel better and tugged on her anger about the situation a little. For whatever reason, Amelia couldn't help, but consider the situation that she probably was the one responsible for both of them ending like this. She carefully and slowly was taking her bites of the food as she heard her love speak. She gulped the bit and weakly shook her head." No... just... stay with me." She managed to mumble out. Nothing Riley could say or do would make her feel better, not at the situation they were in. Her presence was enough of a calming factor and that was enough. It was less the loss of hair and more the humiliation she felt that was the issue here and havig Riley also bald now didn't make her mood better. Granted with or without hair, she was still her love, but Amelia couldn't help, but blame herself for not being careful enough.

Maybe Amelia was going to be better disposed to this whole thing if she didn't feel treated like a prisoner right now, despite the seeminly best intentions from their 'hosts'. So far their promises at least were holding true for the moment, they got a bath, got food and a medical check up. Staying in a quarantine should have been the normal procedure, but she just couldn't stand it easily. Beng unarmed here at a location filled with people she didn't know, whom might be harboring evil intents despite the nice way they were presenting themselves, was putting her nerves on the strain. Trust was not a commodity she had much of from the very start, now it was worse. She was repeating in her mind that she had to be calm and stand it for Riley. There was a chance this place could be a new safe hom... location. She just had to keep her eyes open and be ready for hte first signs of trouble. If this was an elaborate ruse, she was not going to get caught unaware, everyone was an enemy until proven otherwise.

Soon enough more people arrived, followed by even more people, but those ones were bringing over things such as clothing and the like. She had almost forgotten they were still in the robe things. Amelia subconciously reached to play with her hair, only to realize there was no more hair to play with. She bit lightly her lip, throwing a few looks around, studying the new arrivals, before her eyes locked onto the leader looking person. He was armed and speaking about a debriefing. She wasn't sure she'd remember his name right away, but the Gunny nickname was easy enough. Overall she didn't speak or made any sound as he started speaking and was explaing what was happening right now. She wasn't going ot be screwing anyone over unless provoked by something. Though for yet another time she lothed the fact she had no weapon of any kind with her. She wanted her bat frankly, wanted it more than she wanted clothes right now. Then as she looked at him, she wondred, if they threw her out, would they really return her things? Mind you she didn't want to be thrown out and wanted to stay with Riley, but she had doubts about these hypothetical questions.

Temperature: 94F (34C)
Humidity: Fucking High (Around 98%) - Raining off and on all day
Wind Speed: 7 MPH (11 KPH)
Cloud Coverage: About 62% covered with thick dark clouds

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There was a look from Shears before Hunter left and he shook his head. "Even a dog will turn on ya, if ya can't trust then you ain't ever gonna survive," he muttered as they left. Turning he looked at the room and sighed as he moved over to the chair, running his hand over the back of it and thinking back to when he had been a young dumb kid. Mixed up in the Black Panthers during the riots. Hell's Kitchen was just that back then, it was hell. He had wandered into a barber shop to avoid the cops. The owner had no reason to trust him, much less cover for him when the cops came looking but he did anyways. Once they left the man looked at Shears and shook his head. "You gotta choice boy. Stop running and make something of yourself or run until you're dead," he said before offering Shears a job. Shears had thought the man was crazy but he took the job. And he never broke the mans trust in him. It was trust given freely and it had changed his life, it was probably why he was still alive now. Simply because people had trusted him even when there was no reason too.

As Shears got to cleaning up the mess over in the conference room things seemed quiet. People were listening and not interrupting. Well save one, as the younger kid standing next to gunny piped in. "Hey boss on a timer here," he said before he shoved the last of his burger in his mouth and have a snaggle toothed grin. Gunny looked over to him and nodded. "Oh, sweet, okay. Um, you and you," he said pointing towards Thalia and Alexander. "Got something for you," he said as he rolled his cart over to Alexander first. "Oh you can call me Tesla," he said as he reached for one of the buckets. Grunting slightly as he picked up one of the buckets from the cart he let it drop hard on the ground. It was filled with a slimy purple liquid. "I gotta get a mold of your stumps. Better the mold the better the prosthetic fit," he said as he dusted off his hands. "Shove your leg in there and don't move, at all. For like, half an hour. Give or take. I'll check it." Looking at Thalia he set the other bucket down on a low stool by a chair and motioned towards her. "Yeah, if you could put your arm in there that would be great and yeah, hold still. Careful, it's kind of cold," he warned. "Don't worry, I'll get ya hooked up nice. Just need a good mold."

Gunny watched as he stood there, turning his head slightly and eying Ash and noting he was still standing. "Have a seat soldier," he said, figuring the man was waiting on either permission or notice. Looking back at the group he continued. "Over the next week while we wait on your blood work to be done there will be a lot of getting to know each other. Both in the different groups that came in and with us. You will go through physical, skills, and mental testing. The Padre will be in to give emotional support and services. You will receive three squares a day and clothing will be laundered daily. Medical treatment is being given as needed and whether or not you decide to stay at the end of the week we will take care of your needs while you are within our walls. Miss Carmichael and Mr. Polawski, whatever the final decision is, we will provide you with a durable prosthetic and lessons in how to maintain them by the end of the week." It seemed that the group would be taken care even if they decided not to stay. Gunny looked down and flipped open his files.

"We will treat you as fairly and respectfully as you treat us. Do remember you are currently our guests here, here by our leave. As I said, don't screw us over. We are open to new faces and helping you out but do not mistake our kindness as weakness. And whatever entitlement or anger you are harboring I suggest you leave it where it is," he said as he looked up. "While you are within quarantine you will be expected to clean up after yourselves, to clean this facility as if it was your own. This is your home for the week, you should treat it as such and take care of it. This is your world for the week," he said before pulling up a chair and taking a seat. "Those that came in with animals, they are in their own quarantine. They are being washed, fed, vaccinated, de-wormed if need be, and so forth. They will be returned to you at the end of quarantine," he added before closing his file and looking over towards the older woman.

"I'm Claire but these folks call me Auntie," she said as she was handed a sheet of paper from Gunny. "Alright, as I call your name come on up and get your clothes and pack. These things are yours for the week. One set of clothing to wear today," she said as she rested a hand on the cart next to her. "In your pack you will find a toothbrush and comb. We will add an additional set of clothing for you to change into tomorrow as well as something to sleep in tonight. Extra socks and underwear as well. Tomorrow when you get up before breakfast, go shower and change," she said before picking up a mesh bag. "You will put your laundry in here and leave it by the door back there. It will be laundered and returned to you by the end of the day. We don't do dirty under my watch," she said with a strong southern accent. Not a Georgia one by any stretch of the imagination though, it didn't seem to be one that was common in the area.

"Don't worry about her, she's just crazy," Tesla said with a chuckle, to which he was met with a scowl from the old woman.

"I'm not crazy, I've just been in a very bad mood for forty years," she snapped before she started going down the list and calling out names. Each name that was read out meant you were to come to the table and get something to wear. Once you were done she dismissed you and called the next person up. First up. "Tatiana Newnan," she yelled out. Gunny sat there quietly. He sat straight, not leaning back in his seat, with his arms resting at his side and his hands in his lap.

*Alright, head up, assume your name is called, and get your stuff. Girls will be slipped a box of sanitary napkins into their packs as well without mention.

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Tatiana sat there, her knee bouncing as she fed Jamie and listened. Every so often taking a bite for herself. A week here? That wasn't bad, not in her book. She had been locked down in far worse for far longer. They had food, they had clothing, they were clean. Sure they didn't have their weapons but one didn't need weapons, everyone had a fist and a foot. There really wasn't anything to complain about in her mind. Sure she had questions and would like to be armed but all things considered she wasn't going to push it.

She remembered something Miss Sally had told her when she was unsure of Newnan. "Don't expect anything from anyone at first little one. Trust is earned and right now you haven't earned it. Be grateful for the things you have and show it, quiet anger will only push you away from your goal." The woman had been right, even though she was a scared little bird when she got to Newnan she wanted to be trusted with so much so quickly. It was a bad case of entitlement but Miss Sally had set her on the right path and by the time Newnan fell she was trusted as a therapist. She missed that woman, so much. Miss Sally had been like a grandmother, and was tough as nails. Life goals. She would get through this as well, like everything else. And eventually she would earn this new groups trust. There was an end goal.

That didn't mean she wasn't nervous. The little bird looking over surprised and nervously as her name was called first. Gulping she pulled the spoon from her mouth and slowly slipped Jamie over to Jack for him to hold. She stood up slowly, shaking a bit as she picked at the spoon as she walked over to the woman known as Auntie. "Da, is me," she said in a shaky voice. She waited for the clothing to be handed over to her and her pack to be loaded. She was handed a second set as well, and informed it was for the baby. "Oh da, I mean... Yes. Dank you, very much," she said as her body trembled. Glancing over at Gunny and trying to give him a smile. "Good place, dank you," she added. Auntie also informed her to get together anything dirty of the babies so it could be washed. And that there were clean cloth diapers in the second pack and pins to hold it in place.

Turning around Tatiana made her way back to her seat with Jack and Jamie. Yet she stopped and went over to Thalia first, she hadn't answered her at first, just looked at her oddly when she asked about being taught Ballet. Taking a deep breath, it looked like she was trying to muster up some courage. "Da, yes, I teach you. Be nice to dance again," she said in an nervous but kind voice before going back to her family finally. Sitting down she set the clothing and packs down before taking Jamie from him so he could go up. "У него такие же глаза, как у Таны," she said to her husband in a slightly sad voice.

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Wayne chuckled a bit as he swatted in front of his face. "Shit man you wish you had my good looks," he laughed as he struck a pose or two. He nodded to Hank, the man was right about the gravy and the toilet paper. Turning he shoved another roll into his mouth and listened to what the three were saying. Every so often another swat in front of his face. Seemed their shit was being taken care of. They'd stay there, decide if they wanted to stay after a week, if they were allowed to, don't fuck them over, stay clean - that was new but he could handle a shower regularly. It drowned out things in his mind and in his vision. Wayne didn't give a fuck about tests coming up or being without a weapon. As far as he was concerned they were as safe as they had been in forever and the people guarding them had guns if shit broke out. Wayne might have been an ass but he wasn't stupid.

He watched as Tatiana went up to get her things. "Thing looks like she would break if you blew on her too hard," he said towards Hank. He was going to make another comment but then his name was called. "Here!" he called out like he had been in class, raising his hand for attendance. Climbing out of his recliner he stood up and walked over to the table. Grinning brightly, the man looked as happy as a tornado in a trailer park. "Fucking nice, thanks Ma'am. You too, damn nice place," he said to Auntie and then to Gunny. Sticking his hand out to shake Gunny's.

Gunny reached forward and shook the man's hand. "What are you swatting at?" Gunny asked bluntly.

"Flying blue buck-toothed unicorn that won't shut the fuck up," Wayne answered as if he had just been asked what the weather was like. He shook Gunny's hand and then strolled back over towards his seat. Flopping down in the recliner and just smiling to himself as he dropped his shit in his lap before kicking back and getting comfortable. He could have lied about it but Wayne was a zero fucks given man right then.

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Riley looked towards Amelia and nodded to her girlfriend and gave her a friendly smile. "Of course love." She said reassuringly as she went back and continued to eat her meal, before finishing it up and went to set her plate back down. Her eyes scanned those within the room a little bit more, before her attention went towards the guy named Tesla. Who spoke to Thalia and Alexander who both had lost limbs due to them most likely getting bitten by walkers. Then she turned her full attention over towards Gunny as he started to give them some ground rules as well as what was expected of them.

Keeping their areas clean wouldn't be much of an issue for her, yes when she was younger Riley always left her room a big huge mess when her parents forced her to clean up her room then. But it was mostly just her being a little rebel back then, when she got older Riley always kept her room and apartments clean as much as she possibly could. And staying in the building for the next week wasn't all that bad either as well. Riley would occasionally look over at Amelia as well, wondering if her girlfriend was still alright and she would be okay with dealing with the rules. And then Gunny mentioned some testing, as well which she wondered what they would have them do they of course wouldn't have any weapons most likely so she wasn't sure how that would work, but she would prove herself regardless.

Then the woman spoke up, who went by the name Auntie, she wasn't sure what was up with the names that everyone was given but she would probably end up finding out soon. She obviously wouldn't have to deal with a comb right now with her obviously newly shaven head, as Auntie explained what the contents were inside. First Tatiana, and Wayne were called up first, it was then Riley's turn to be called up. "Coming." Riley said, as she stood up and made her way over towards Auntie and accepted the pack and clothes as well. Riley looked at both Auntie and Gunny and gave the two of them a friendly smile. "Thank you, for everything." Riley said, as she walked over and sat back down next to Amelia.

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Erica took a moment and glanced at the two girls who were bald, and then back over towards Nigel and shook her head slightly. "Nah, I don't think I would rock the bald look well enough, those two there through look good with that look." Erica said softly, as she tried to say it so that neither of the two girls would hear her say it. Erica gave Nigel a friendly smile and nodded towards him, she didn't eat to much, but it was enough so that she wouldn't get sick. "I did, just didn't want to go crazy, unlike someone that we both know." Erica said gesturing towards Wayne.

Then Gunny started to speak up, and go over the house rules as she nodded slightly treating the place like it was their own, and pick up after themselves. Erica then looked over as the Tesla guy went to get the amputees set up with the molds, as her attention turned back towards Gunny. Some training would be required of them while they were here for the week, and they were responsible as well for maintaining their next home for the week which she could easily understand.

Then Auntie spoke up, and gestured towards the packs and clothing that would be for her and the others for the time being, the shy mother went first. And then of course Wayne, and then Riley, it was then her name was called up and stood up making her way over towards her and gave the woman a nod. "Thank you." Erica said, to both Auntie as well as Gunny before taking her seat back down next to Nigel.

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As soon as the man indicated that he should have a seat, Ash complied. He would be lying to say that there wasn't a hint of calculation involved with the move. Part of it was a ploy designed to show that he was a military man who did not forget who he was, and that his background marked him as a person who could be trusted by these people, ergo also serveing to show that he was not too proud to understand and accept the authority of those present. He had at least demonstrated, or tried to, that he might become a beta male in the grander pack of Mexico Beach. So long as his group deferred to him and didn't do anything patently stupid, it might work in their favor. Chain of command, and all that. He didn't actually think that there would be an issue that required such deferment. Still, a respectable step in the right direction nonetheless.

If there was any piece of irregularity that could be applied to this situation, it was that Ash, formerly a Captain in the United States Army and once the leader of his own settlement in recent years, would now have to refer to a noncommissioned officer as "Sir". If he were an overly prideful man, he might be inclined to refer to him as a "lowercase s sir", owing to the fact that Gunny was a senior man and commander who deserved respect purely on those points, and the spoken inflection was identical. As it turned out, Ash wasn't a particularly prideful man. Just enough briefly to have the thought, but not enough to act upon it. It was a silly distinction in these times anyway.

Mentally shifting gears, Ash listened intently to this community's version of the Welcome Speech. He remembered Newnan's; it was very similar to Mexico Beach. It was a variation of the same one that he had heard Leann give when they were first getting established. Upon her passing, it (and everything else) fell to Ash to continue. It had changed a bit over the years following, though the intent behind it remained the same: We will help you. Even if we don't want you here, we will still help you. If you fuck with us, we will kill you. Don't make us regret letting you in. The biggest difference, so far as he could tell, was that they were willing to provide more to their newest visitors. The must have decent and renewable resources to allow for it, Ash reasoned.

All of this came through and during the next couple of minutes, during which time Ash was highly content to (now that he was given permission to be seated) quietly but quickly demolish contents of the plate before him. Another interesting holdover from is days in the service of his country, he could throw back food like a frontline soldier when given proper motivation. It was not a skill that he utilized very often anymore, but he was already a step behind everyone else with lunch and there was apparently a time limit involved. He continued to savor the coffee, however. He wasn't a savage.

When Ash's name was called, he stood dutifully and approached the cart full of temporary goods. He grabbed a pack, opened it instinctively to look for just a second, and spoke a soft but clear, "Thank you, ma'am." He was ever so slightly inflecting his Virginian accent, having recognized it in "Auntie" Claire as well. "It's a pleasure to hear a lady from the Old Dominion. Appreciate." He kept it simple. While he did appreciate what the lady was distributing she was not the person that he most eagerly wished to speak with. It was an attempt at camaraderie. Familiarity. Nothing more than manners, which tended to be more important now than they used to, sometimes.

It was possibly a risk, attempting conversation with the guy in charge without permission. Potentially unprofessional, whatever that really meant. Ash had been waiting patiently for word on a particular topic for a little while now. They knew why he was there, specifically, why he led his people toward Mexico Beach and what, aside for safety for his people, he was searching for on a personal level. They had polished and returned her dog tags, for Christ's sake. At this point in time he didn't even expect her to be alive. Too many small indicators were pinging on his internal alarms. Her own group arrived without her. It was confusing as all hell and he wanted some sort of an answer, even if it was to confirm what he suspected in the first place. Ash stepped in the direction of the Master Gunnery Sergeant. He did not approach fully as he did not with to push the boundaries of their trust in strangers. Moreover, he wished to remain respectful. "Sir? Ashton Holloway." He cleared his throat, "Thank you for the hospitality of Mexico Beach. I would like you to know, sir, that I take responsibility for the actions of my group, should issue or miscommunication arise. These are good people. I've trusted them with my life for years now. They're family, sir." Ash hesitated for a second, unsure of how to proceed. At the end of that second, blunt and straight seemed the only way to go. "If you'll pardon me, sir? Better to ask forgiveness than permission." It was a sentiment shared with him over a year ago by this man's daughter, and he hoped that he wasn't screwing himself over just now. "The only reason that we knew to come here is because of Lieutenant Commander Thana Martin. I care... She is important to us. We got separated. Thana made me promise to return her tags to her personally. Do you have any news, sir? Is Thana here?" Emotion threatened to color his voice. He kept it in check.

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Retreat wasn't in Thalia's vocabulary. Withdrawal was. As was the phrase "advance to the rear". Whatever you wanted to call it, she removed herself from the situation with Tatiana and Jack, and their baby boy. Recent years had made her a little awkward socially anyway. Even back in the day, she was a highly independent, somewhat cynical young woman who gave very little thought toward the feelings of others, so long as her job got done and whatever contract her uncle's company had her on was fulfilled. She was considered striking as far as physical looks were concerned, though the drawing effect of that was largely blunted when she began to speak, or act, or parts of her history were made known. Or if anyone saw her work. Or when people understood the extent to which she would go when armed and motivated. Her experience in Eden was a prime example of the ruthless efficiency she could pour into a task without raising a moral qualm. These were not exactly friend-making qualities, however.

In ways, the apocalypse actually mellowed her out and forced her to be more of a team player. Score there, she supposed. Though her life out in the wilderness away from people didn't do a whole lot for her already strained ability to socialize effectively as of late. Especially as the strongest social influences in her life since this all began were Bridgette, Astrid, Lola, Thana, and Beatrice. These were the people who taught her to survive and function in a group. When that realization struck her, Thalia began to question how anyone around her was still alive. Anyone.

While that uncomfortable thought danced in her mind, Manny made a similar but much more tranquil comment about himself. Thalia let out a single breathy laugh, quietly commenting, "You're talking to the wrong girl for advice, Manny. I'm about two steps away from being raised by wolves at this point." Her actions did support the claim, instinctively looking to shield her back as she ate while squatting on the floor, after recoiling from air conditioning and starting to feel tense behind the safety of walls. "Anymorah, every day takes figuring out all over again how to fucking live. Gotta keep moving forward."

At about that time, Thalia became very popular. Maybe it was all that wishful thinking. She smiled at Tatiana when the petite Russian mom walked up to her and agreed to teach her ballet. It was possible that she didn't know that Thalia had a slightly ulterior motive for wanting to learn it, or maybe she suspected something and didn't care. Whatever worked, the young Mestiza was going to get expert instruction in coordination, balance, and a different kind of movement based dexterity than she had been previously exposed. Thalia had certain limitations now. It was time to work around them and get back to kicking wholesale ass. This was a step toward that. "Thank you. Talk tomorrow?"

From the corner of her eye, Thalia saw movement that she came to notice was the army guy, Ash, shoveling back food in such a manner as to make her cease coherent thought and stare for a moment. She didn't know much about the man, just what little she observed of him and any errant details that Thana may have dropped, but that one ability of his was impressive enough to want to start up a conversation. He was almost as good as she was at that. Even had this fork technique that she might be able to emulate for her own uses. Before she could start that conversation, one of the locals requested that she stick her stump in a bucket of some slimy purple substance. This raised an eyebrow on the woman, until the explanation was fully together in her brain what it was for. "Yeah! Yeah... sorry, gaht no idea where my head was. Okay." Thalia quickly switched chairs and delicately pushed what remained of her forearm into the strange stuff, down to a depth indicated by the "Tesla" guy. No sense in half-assing this. Not if this meant getting some of her ability back. "Hey, um, stupid question? Am I going to be able to hold a blade again? Or a shield, katar, something? I was righthanded, and that was... well, how I contributed. Ya know what, nevermind. Thank you." Beggars and choosers, she supposed. Thalia would work with what she had and figure it out. She would survive as best she could.

Then her name was called. Damnit. "Right here! Um, hold on. Heya Bea?" she called, "Can you grab my gift bag theah, girly girl? I've got a half hour stuck in Barney Jizz ovah heah. Pretty please?"

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Oh, Hank was coming to the end of the best damn meal that he had consumed in a long, long time. It was a bittersweet ending, as many relationships can be, wiping the last chunk of roll across a plate to get whatever remaining gravy he could from off the thing. He might even have attempted to eat the plate, so long as that blessed gravy was involved. Oh yes, this was the life. The the promise of actual clothing, laundered daily, and regular meals? Well holy shit, shinola, and whatever else he could pair with either shit and/or shinola. His mood darkened momentarily as he wondered exactly what the catch was. Were they going to fatten the lot of them up and shove them in an oven for a potential food source? A little Hansel and Gretel action? Hank shook that thought away from his forethoughts. It sounded a little too much like something you tipped a prostitute for; Hansel and Gretel action.

Hank kept this to himself, instead responding to Wayne with his nigh trademarkable sarcastic crankiness, "Yeah, ya got me there, Wayne. I wish I looked like you. Good pose though, gotta admit. When Madonna shambles her dead ass up to the gate, we can ask her to put you in the next Vogue video." He noted the first of them to be called, Tatiana, and while he didn't respond verbally to his comment, he did give him a slow nod. A nervous, frail woman with a baby out in the world? Something didn't seem right. That must have been a very lucky girl. Well, he'd do the Getting To Know You bit later on. Right now he had good food, good company, and...

"Hank Wright."

And his name was called. With a sigh, Hank stood. "Yeah, on the way." he stopped to set his plate where it needed to go. "Oh, that's one heck of a Southern there, lady. Thanks." It was commentary on her accent and an expression of gratitude for the pack of clothes and sundries. He turned to express a similar piece of gratitude to Gunny, only to see that the younger Army officer had initiated a conversation with him. Or was trying like hell to. Deciding that this was painfully awkward, or rather would be if he put his two cents in, Hank backed away slowly with his newly gotten stuff. He considered himself lucky that he hadn't accidentally stuck his nose into their business without realizing, and poured himself a big, refreshing glass of NOPE to go cap off his meal and parting gifts.

Returning to his seat, Hank looked to his buddy Wayne and asked him a pointed question. "You told him about the unicorn, didn't you?" There was no trace of sarcasm. "Eh, fuck it. All good." Still none. Things were as they were, and there was no hiding nor being ashamed, no matter who thought otherwise. He had his own demons to fight and wasn't in a position to judge anybody. Hank set his hands behind his head and prepared himself for a truly epic sit. He was a fan of a good sitting.

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Beatrice watched as Tesla brought over buckets to two of her people - Thalia and Alexander. It was a good sign to her that they even had the resources to make a mold. That was just further indication of how well this place was set up. Not only did they have the capabilities, they clearly had the experience with this sort of thing before and she relaxed slightly. She could leave the others in this place and go on her own with a clear conscience - that was good to know. Of course, she still hadn't made any sort of decision yet as to whether or not to stay or go, but she valued having the option. These people, although rigorous and definitely a military operation, were kind.

The speech about keeping the facility clean registered in Beatrice's mind, causing her to go back to juvi. She had gotten a similar speech whenever she would be sent to the facility - about keeping the areas clean and tidy, about how the facility was going to be their world. Good behavior would be rewarded and whatnot. The supplies in the back were lacking a bit from the list she read out - namely in terms of pads. However, she imagined that since they were in the south, they might be included anyways and just not mentioned. She was content to sit there quietly, more or less people watching. The man who went up after Tatiana seemed a bit unhinged.

For a moment, she considered telling Thalia no to getting her supplies for her, but Beatrice then nodded her head and she got up. Heading up to the table, she paused for a moment. "I'm not Thalia," she said quietly. "She's got her stub full," she then finished, before retrieving the supplies for Thalia and setting them down next to the woman. And in the height of irritation, it wasn't too long after that that Beatrice's name was called and she had to go back up to the table. "I am Beatrice," she then said, grabbing her own supplies and retreating back to the table Alex was at.

Her eyes quietly dared him to ask her to go and get his things, too.

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Jack was getting more and more uncomfortable with all of the attention that Tatiana was getting. He liked the strong woman from Boston - but admittedly, that opinion was purely colored by nostalgia. However, as he took Jamie from Tatiana as she went up to the front to retrieve her supplies, he felt paranoid again. Tatiana had been singled out in front of everyone. His mind was convincing him that everyone was staring at her, making snap judgments about his wife - people he didn't even know. From what he could tell, Tatiana had already gotten mixed up with a group of assholes, basically forced to stay with them no matter what for months. He didn't like the idea of anyone else incoming into this group deciding to take a shot at the trembling young mother.

As Tatiana returned, he relaxed again slightly. He was trying to convince himself that Tatiana was entirely safe - that he didn't need to essentially create a bubble of protection and safety around her at all times. This operation was good at weeding out the bad eggs, from what he could tell. They seemed to be good at just about everything after all, so he figured that rejecting anyone dangerous to Tatiana would be child's play for this group. He then nodded a bit bleakly at what his wife had said about Thana. "₁Da, on delayet..." he replied softly, not really knowing what else to say.

His name was called and Jack gave Tatiana a gentle pat on the knee, before he went up to the front of the room and accepted his pack. "Thank ya," he said, giving Auntie a nod before he went and quickly returned to his wife. He had to resist the urge to run back on over to her, as if he was a little kid again and they were about to play the floor is lava.

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Alexander couldn't help but give a most questionable look at the Asian guy, introducing himself as "Tesla" when he rolled up one of the carts in front of him. In his mind he was wondering what just exactly he was going to do with him, a subconscious fear whirling through his mind with the military aspect ever present around them. But Alexander's questionable look turned only into more of a confused one as Tesla placed a bucket in front of him, filled with some kind of purple...liquid, jelly, stuff? Alexander looked up at him, then over to Beatrice and back to Tesla just as he explained himself. A mold, for his stump? Were they really going to make him a workable prostethic leg to replace his redneck-pegleg?

"I..eh...Thank you." Alexander managed to stumble out his words, his gaze once again moving back and forth. He should have been overjoyed that he could go back to some sense of normality with his leg, especially after the hap-hazardly pegleg he'd managed to put together. But as Gunny continued to brief them in a most fitting manner of a proper jarhead, even referring to Thalia and him by name as they were told they could keep their prosthetics if they didn't stay, he wasn't as eager as Thalia to stick his leg-stump down into the purple liquid.

Alexander was slow, very slow to start fiddling with the redneck contraption strapped to his leg. For the lack of care he'd shown when in the showers to his naked body, there was something different with his un-peglegged stump. It was a sign of weakness, of the burden he'd been to the group, and most to Thana. But perhaps it was a struck of luck, as he had been slow enough to hear the rest of Gunny's briefing and the subsequent calling of their names. Thalia had already stuck her hand in the liqud mess, and gotten Beatrice to get her kit. Alexander contemplated asking either her or Manny to do the same, but even the ol'timer knew from Bea's look to leave it. "I got this." he told Beatrice, though it could just as easily been to himself as he limped over on his old pegleg to Auntie once his full name was called out, grabbed his kit and gave a most polite "Thank you, ma'am. I'll try not to ruin the clothes with this old plank.", nodding to his old pegleg and limping back to his old seat. He would have thanked Gunny as well, but Ash was already talking to him. That would give him time to figure out whether to salute him or not.

Then came the almost shameful process of detaching the pegleg from his stump, but eventually the old veteran got it off with a loud thud as it hit the ground. Alexander brushed off whatever dust or dirt was still stuck to his stump, trying to avoid any looks given to him and finally sticking his stump in the purple stuff. "Oh...ouch, you weren't kidding."

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Nigel "Hadrian"'s eyes followed Erica's gaze as she looked at the two young women with their hair newly cut. He had to agree, she wouldn't look as good as she did without her hair. Seeing those two together like that made Nigel sigh quietly, the image of the one called Amelia after Shears fresh in his mind. "Must have been through a lot, those two..." Nigel said quietly, turning back to Erica as she said she had indeed eaten. "Good. It's far better than the chips we ate back in the swamp, remember?" Nigel gave a friendly smile back to Erica, and had to stiffle another chuckle as she gestured to Wayne. "You mean before or after we got here?"

Nigels' conversation with Erica was cut short by the continued briefing by Gunny, telling them what would be expected of them and what they could expect of the others. He had to give it to them, they were as thourough as anyone could have hoped to be in a world like that. Thinking back on how Nigel "Hadrian" and the others at Novo Invictus had handled newcomers, they were more humane yet systematic. Even if he didn't like having his freedom taken from him, he fully understood it. What Gunny said about leaving whatever entitlement or anger they brought with them rang true, even if he didn't like it.

Having finished his reasonable filling meal for now, Nigel walked over to where he'd taken the plate and put it down, unsure of where to clean it. As he was about to walk back to Erica, his name was called up as well. It was a de-tour, but not a too long one. Call it changing formation. Nigel quickly turned his walk to Auntie and grabbed the clothes and pack, giving the older woman a thankful nod, though still not certain what to think of these people. "Thank you, Auntie?" With the clothes and pack taken, the Neo-Roman gave a quick look around the room as he walked back to where Erica was sitting. He took note of the two amputees getting casts made for them stumps, watching as the older one put his leg in the bucket. As Nigel sat down with Erica again and put down his stuff, he couldn't help but tell her something on his mind. "They've got to have been through some serious things to have survived like that. Almost makes us seem lucky, doesn't it?"

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Amelia's emotions and had no way of changing this fast, nor was she going to develop an instant trust towards anyone. The best she could do and would allow herself to do was to keep quiet and just play along for the time being. Should there truly be no danger to them, things could change in the future. Or maybe they won't... She wasn't sure she'd ever belong with these new people at this location. As long as Riley was here, she was happy enough and was going to try to contribute as to keep their place here. That's if it truly was as they were explaining here.

She was a little bit concerned about all the incoming examinations that were mentioned. Frankly as far as she knew herself aside the lice problem she was fine, but who knew down on biological level. The human body had a weird way of adapting and getting used to certain conditions so she might have had something she didn't even realize. That was one benefit of being here, at least they were going to learn their physical condition soon enough in detail.

As the speech went on and on, more information was given. Amelia was truly surprised they were going to be making prostetics for the people who had lost limbs. That was surely not an easy thing to make and probably required specilized resources and tools. Her inner doubts and presented facts were conflicting hard here. Then there was the fact they were going to be given actual clothing now. Well... at least they weren't going to be walking around like some slaves in basic clothing anymore. She was glad about that as she watched people being called one by one to grab their bag of clothing. Eventually Riley went on too and returned. Amelia couldn't help but throw questioning look at her love, but it didn't last for too long cause before long her own name was too called and she moved forward, keeping her head slightly down and avoiding eye contact with anyone present.

As she took her clothing and pack, she finally looked up and at the Auntie woman's face and at the Gunny person. Amelia didn't feel too great right now and she was never a talkative person to begin with, but she still gave a really tiny smile and managed to utter in a mosquitto voice." Thank you..." Before she just looked down again and hurriedly escaped away back to her seat, returning to Riley's calming presence. At least normal clothing was a good thing to wear not like these robe things. She quickly gave the things in the back a quick look, before closing it again. She now only hoped they were going to be dismissed or whatever they were going to call it soon, so she can hide away in a bed or something after confirming there were no opened ways for a walker to slip inside of course.

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Manny had a few factors against him socially. Part of it, he tried to be social in a world where social norms died many years prior. His past groups have let him get away with that, a doctor without a friendly face was a doctor people wanted to avoid. Or replace. Most of the people he had been with before were about as isolated as he was, though they got a chance to see the world. He didn't have large windows outside the safety of nice strong walls, the longest being the most recent few months. Almost a year now that he thought about it. Him trying to be friendly, gave the impression that he was building trust only to take advantage of people. Or worse. He didn't blame anyone for that, there were a lot of fucked up people out there, and it only took one mistake to end it all.

Manny was reassured a little bit in the social department when Thalia responded to his short comment with a light laugh. "Wolves sound like a much better excuse compared to my only social reactions of people being nice because the fate of their lives are in my hands. Plus, wolves are kind of cute." He said with his own smile. He struggled with Thalia for some of the same issues, but they both could trust each other at a moments notice. If one of them was at risk of harm, they could trust that the other and the rest of their little group would back them up to the best of their ability. With the exception of a few missing limbs. Trust like that was valuable beyond anything else, even the ability to be social in the new world.

The new rules explained to the group of new people were pretty strait forward. Commodities in exchange for cooperation and taking care of themselves and their housing area. They would be given a series of exams and test and checkups through the week, seemed like more fun to Manny then anything else. This place almost made him giddy thinking about it! This reminded him of days before things fell apart, and he was excited. He almost wondered why the military group that was guarding the stadium he was evacuated to didn't do anything they were doing here? They just took names, asked for conditions, then moved on. Were they that overwhelmed or did they not know what they were doing? He thought it was weird thinking back. But things seemed like it would be impossible for something like that to happen here. The new arrivals soon started calling out names one by one for the bags of personal goods. Combs, clothes, and most importantly, TOOTHBRUSHES! Dental care, something that most people neglect in the post apocalyptic world.

When Manny's turn came he stood up, still a little slow but he made his way up to retrieve his bag. "I don't think you all understand how much this means to me. Some aspects of life have been almost forgotten about since the old world fell apart. I am glad to see that someone is taking note of the importance of dental hygiene." he spoke with a huge smile on his face. "Thank you Auntie for this." He said, taking the bag and returning to his seat.

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The officer person kept talking. Hunter took notes, but he held little interest. He wasn't a fan of officers much, he also didn't like the officer to everyone else ratio here. Seemed a little drastic for his liking, even by pre apocalypse standards. That was a concern for another day. Hunter finished his coffee, and got another cup. The officer still kept talking, but then a new woman started, explaining about basic hygiene and stuff like that. It wasn't a strong suit of his by any standard but he still would do the best he could. He was mostly out of practice anyways. Plus his old professions were not practical to be 100% clean all the time. The woman's name was Auntie, or so he got. He found it weird when people had family nick names in with their names. But eh shrugged it off for now.

He saw many people go up before him. One of the guys that called him stupid went, the lady that had the baby on and off, the guy that had the baby in the off time, there was the other Monroe, the girl that didn't want to talk to him. Like most girls. A couple people in auditions to be pirates, a few people walking all high and mighty, probably former military or kiss ups. a really really REALLY fucking old guy, then Hunter's name was called. As far as he could tell he was last. Why was he last? So he could see everyone else as an example of how to act? So that he could be dragged away with a false sense of hope? But that would be easier when he was alone with Shears... Or maybe it was a luck factor? But what decided the luck? The more that he thought about it, the more he decided he was over thinking it. Chances are it was just he was just last because it was easiest, or someone forgot about him and added him last minute.

No matter the reason, he stood up and walked up to the woman called Auntie and accepted his bag and clothes. "Thank you for these." He didn't care what was in the bags. But he is sure they would be useful in some way shape or form. Then he returned to his spot to drink coffee. He still didn't have a strong plan for if things went wrong. Nor allies to help him.... if things went wrong and everyone scattered, he was alone. But again, if they wanted to, the best chance had passed. Unless they were waiting for them to sleep. That might make sense.

Temperature: 94F (34C)
Humidity: Fucking High (Around 98%) - Raining off and on all day
Wind Speed: 7 MPH (11 KPH)
Cloud Coverage: About 62% covered with thick dark clouds

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Gunny didn't say anything but gave a slight nod and smile towards the thanks that Riley gave. Auntie huffed a bit. "Of course girl, wouldn't be right to take you folks in and no make sure you gots clean," she said towards Riley and then gave the girl a wink before she left. Then came Erica, another nod from Gunny at the thanks and Auntie gave a "yer welcome," to her. Turning she looked over at Gunny. "Wouldn't hurt if you actually spoke. you do got a tongue you know," she said poking a bit of a fun at the man. He just smiled a bit and crossed his arms over his chest. Auntie rolled her eyes and turned her attention towards Ash as he came up. When he spoke she chuckled. "Well I'll be damned, didn't think any hill folk were left. Should've guessed some of you were around, though yours is only one of a couple I've heard since the outbreak," she said as she handed over his things. When he spoke to Gunny, Auntie took in a breath and bit the back of her knuckles for a second before clearing her throat and turning her attention back to those that were coming up to get their things.

Gunny's eyes went over to Ash, his head turning in the mans direction but that was tall the movement he made at first. That was until Ash mentioned Thana and Gunny's eyes dropped. He listened and nodded once before looking back at Ash. He drew a breath in, but it wasn't obvious if he was contemplating how to answer the man or if he was just not going to answer him at all. His eyes were a blank sheet, like how Thana's got when she was in thought. Not revealing what she was thinking about. It seemed it was a family trait, one she had inherited from her father who was sitting there. If only Ash knew what was going on through his mind right then, then maybe it would have been easier to deliver the news....

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The sun had not yet fully risen but its morning light cast hues of red and orange and gold against the horizon. Golden beams cascaded through the trees lining the less traveled road. A haze hung in the air. One that clung to the skin and whispered of heat coming later that day. All was quiet, save the gentle hum of an engine rumbling as tires turned on the asphalt. Despite the humidity the driver had a smile on her lips. The night had been long but well worth the near sixty mile trek. A stash of medical supplies that was her reward for the journey could mean a much easier recovery for a friend whom had just lost part of herself. It was worth it and she would be back to them soon. Or so she thought.

There was a slow squeak to the brakes as the truck rolled to a stop. Hands tensing on the wheel for a moment before the gear shift was thrown into park. Pulling off the sunglasses, she reached out the window and pulled herself up and out of the window halfway to get a better look. This wasn't what anyone wanted to see and yet there it was. Hundreds of them, shuffling slowly down the highway in the distance. Far enough ahead not to be a direct threat, close enough to make ones blood run cold. Their backs to the truck, they kept walking,they hadn't noticed her. Every step would bring them closer to the house. Sliding back into the seat she pondered her options. Maybe she could find another way around. Maybe she could get back in time to get them out. Maybe. Maybe's weren't good enough. Like a carrot on a stick, it was time to play bait.

Throwing the truck into drive, one foot on the break and one on the gas. The tires smoked as the engine revved. RPM's shot up before the boot left the horizontal peddle and the machine tore towards the horde. The horn blared and she shouted. It got their attention. Closer and closer they got until it was close enough and the wheel cut hard. The truck spinning around until the bed flung around 180 degrees. Then she waited. Seconds ticked by so slowly until she let up on the break once again and gradually gave the machine gas. It would be a slow trek but she had to get them to follow her. Away from her destination. As far away as possible until it was safe enough to get back to them. Minutes would tick by like hours and hours would tick by like days. Gas was running low, and eventually, it was time to break off. It was the best she could do but at least now the house and those she was with would be safe. Hit the gas and get out of there. The distance between them grew rapidly. After the bridge, she would find a place to turn around and another route back. What was that sound? Something beating like a humming bird.



Crossing a bridge was never fun in this day and age, no matter how well constructed it was. This one probably wasn't safe before the world collapsed. Now, it was surprising that it even still stood. It creaked and cried out as she drove slowly over it. The horde still in the rear view mirror. Just get across, just get across. If it collapsed under the weight of the horde, so be it. They would be washed away with the splintered wood and things would be better off for the group in general. If it didn't at least they would still be moving away from the house. In the end, that was all that mattered. Just a few more yards and she would be in the clear.

Something ripped through the truck, or at least it felt like it had. How it happened she didn't know. Maybe there was something in the road unseen. Maybe it was wear and tear. Maybe it was just age. Did it really matter? No, not really. All this time afraid that the bridge would give out from under her and it ended up being the truck itself that turned against her and flipped her world upside down. Careening as knuckles went white and breaks were pressed, the truck spun out of control and collided with the side of the bridge. Age makes all things brittle. Even concrete. If only the bridge had been made of concrete, then maybe she would have stood a chance of recovering. Worn wood and rusted beams were hardly as durable.

There was little time to brace, arms locking against the steering wheel, back pressed against the seat. It didn't matter. Once the grill hit the water, it was like slamming against a brick wall. It was like getting hit in the chest with a sledge hammer. No airbag deployed. Her elbows and wrists buckled under the force, her shoulders screamed. The wind rushing out of her as her chest collided against the steering wheel and her face went into the windshield. Everything burned white hot with pain. It was cold and wet and rushing around her as the water poured in and the trunk began to sink. The cabin filled quickly and she was not even able to grab one last breath.

We like to think in situations like this we would know what to do. Maybe we have played it out time and time again in our heads. We might have even been taught what to do, instructed, or run drills. Perhaps all of the above and then some. The thing is, we never know how we are going to react to a situation until we are actually living in it. There is no preparing when one is face to face with Lady Luck and the dice have been tossed. Panic sets in and you struggle, wasting precious moments doing everything you swore you would never do as you watched some idiot on the screen. Turns out we're all idiots in the end.



"Did you see that shit?" The sun hit the glass and cast a moving shadow along the ground. It cut over the land far slower than it was truly moving. High above the land below it glided through the air coming south from a far out trek the day before. They had had to land and stay grounded the night before, taking refuge on the rooftop of an old Wal-Mart. Overnight trips were not uncommon for them. Each year that passed they had to go further and further out from home. It just was how things were now. Supplies weren't replenished by deliveries made by semi's crossing the country from point A to point B anymore. If you wanted something you had to search for it and pray you struck gold. Last night they had struck out. It was time to go home.

"Bring it back around." His eyes swam with the colors of the sky and sea, worn lids hung heavy. They had seen and experienced far too much over the years. Seeing that truck careen over the bridge was one more in a long line of tragedies. The steady whump whump of the helicopters blades matched the thump thump of his heart as he moved to the edge between steel and nothingness. Ripples in the water turning to small breaks and waves as it got closer and closer to the surface. "Steady." All he had to do was step now and he would be weightless for a brief moment of time, a moment that would both hang forever and was gone in a nanosecond.

"Dude, no one could survive that. Hey! Seriously!" His eyes were focused on the waters surface, it was torn and bubbling as air from below escaped to the surface. The voices grew around him but he didn't hear them. Each one trying to get him to listen to reason. To not bother. It was a waste of time. Especially when the water started to turn pale pink and then trails of bright crimson. "It ain't worth it!" The crew was screaming at this point but he only heard the thumping of the blades cutting through the air above. Taking a leap of faith, a simple step from cold hard steel to oblivion, he fell from the flying machine and plummeted towards the blood stained waters below.

Like a bullet he broke the surface and blazed towards the darkness below. Coming around and pushing deeper he swam, the suns light could only break so far through the murkiness of the water, a single headlight flickered near the river bed. It was his only guiding light at this point. It was so hard to move in the chilled waters, an icy shock to any system but even more so to aged joints. He kept going, following the trail of blood that grew thicker and darker the further he went, flowing out from the side window. A pale limp wrist just floating there and a crushed face as he finally caught a glimpse of the true tragedy to this wreckage. Maybe they were right? What was the point?

"Where is he?"

"I don't know. You see anything?"

"No, do you?"

"He's been down there too long!"

Gasping for air as he broke the surface, a limp body held close as he waved above him. It wasn't long but still too long before they were on their way, flying south over a hoard that was still trying to follow. "Why the fuck did you do that? For a corpse!?"

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Gunny blinked and finally spoke after a long silence. "She was found and brought here. She isn't here now," he said as he looked straight ahead. Auntie cleared her throat and handed over a pack to Hank.

"Yer welcome," she said to him before looking back over at Ash. Gunny was simply sitting there, looking at nothing. "Why don't you go sit down son, ain't really a good time ya know," she said before turning her attention back forward and called out another name. Beatrice made two trips, one for her and one for the one armed girl. "I'm gatherin' that girl. Clothing's good and all but ain't like this is a trip to Belks on Clearance day," she said with a smirk before moving on to the next one. "Happy to, that boy is the spittin' image of ya," she said to Jack. Gunny was still just sitting there, he hadn't moved an inch since he spoke.

Aunite looked at Alexander and smirked. "Oh don't be worryin', ain't a stain I can't get out," she said as she stood there and handed him over his pack. "Yeah, that's what they call me. Ain't be knowin' why, I am not exactly the cuddly type," she said to Nigel before moving on to the next. When Amelia came over she put the things in the girls pack. "Yer welcome," she said. She was almost done handing things out. There were only a few others left. When Manny came up, her brow quirked. "Shit, ain't no one wanting to have a rotting tooth right now. Ain't like getting an appointment for the dentist is a cake walk anymore," she said before the last one was called for and came up. "Sure thing," she told Hunter. As he returned to his seat she went over the list. "Alright, that's it," she said as she started to gather her things.

Tesla checked the molds and his watch. Glancing over towards Thalia. "Well I won't be able to get you to be able to thread a needle with it but yeah, I got ya. Good place for the cut, higher up would have been a problem but I've done more with worse," he said as he looked satisfied with the setting of the goop. "Okay, just gonna get you out of there now, sorry if I gotta be a bit handsy but easier if I do it," he said before getting closer to her and bracing the bucket against his hip. Using his hands on her arm just above where it solidified he moved it around. It was like a large suction cup against her and made a popping sound as he finally got the her stump pulled out. Peaking in to the bucket he grinned. "Oh yeah, that's a good one. So, what do you prefer? Silvers or bronze look?" he asked. It was then Alexanders turn and he went through the same process. "Yeah, ain't exactly fun but hey could be worse. We used to have to use plaster. That shit took hours to dry and was such a mess," he said before pulling out Alexanders leg and checking the mold. "Okay, looks good. Give me a few days, should have the basics done then," he said before putting the buckets back on the cart and pushing it towards the door. "Heading to the shop to get started," he called back to Gunny and Auntie.

"Looks like he's ready to go, figures. Man prefers making shit than anything else, other than food," Auntie said before glancing over towards Gunny. He still hadn't moved. "Hey, Macsen?" she said quietly as she knelt down next to him and rested her hand on his shoulder. "You okay?" she asked. Gunny slowly turned his head and looked at her. He didn't say anything, just standing up and gathering his folder. Auntie sighed as she stood back up and grabbed her cart, pushing it out of the room as Major held the door open for her.

Clearing his throat Gunny addressed the group again. "The Padre will be in shortly to follow up and assign you to your rooms," he said before making his way out of the room. He cast a glance towards Ash before he exited. The Major holding the door open for him and it swinging shut as he left. The Major gave Panama a look and Panama blew out what felt like a long held in breath. The air was thick right then.

*Okay, have a round to let all that sink in. Rooms will be taken care of next round. The food is still laid out, what remains of it that is.

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Tatiana sat there. Jamie seemed to be done eating. She wasn't going to wait any longer to get him out of that small dressing gown. Pulling his pack over to her she pulled out some clothing and laid him down on the couch. She seemed to focus on the child as Jack came back over from getting his things. She looked over to him and forced a slight smile. That smile faded as her attention looked over towards Gunny after his long silence. She caught what he said and she bit her bottom lip. Her eyes sharply going over to Jack. She hadn't known the woman really at all. Only spoken to her slightly during the reception to her and Jack's wedding. Thana had been Ash's guest that evening. It was a surprise to the entire safezone known as Newnan.

Ash hadn't been really close to anyone since Alicia, even in passing. Yet some how Thana had managed to get through to him in a way others hadn't. Last she had seen of the woman was the day James was kicked out for murdering Richard. It had been a hard day for everyone. It was also the day Newnan fell. After that, she didn't know what happened. She hadn't seen any of them until that fateful night, in the rain, when she had spotted the Hordebuster on the road. Since then they had been pressing for this very location, Thana telling Ash to come here. Now they were there, and she wasn't.

Getting Jamie dressed quickly she handed him over to Jack and spoke quietly. "Я должен проверить Эша, это то, к чему меня готовил Виктор." She gave her husband a knowing look before kissing him lightly on the lips. Straightening up, she bit her bottom lip as she picked at hew nail bed. Walking over to Ash, the man that was like a brother to her after all these years and probably her husbands best friend. Not to mention he was Jamies god father. She gave him a look of understanding and sympathy. She was there to give him some comfort, but the look on her face was that she needed it to for some reason. "Ve talk?" It was a question but the look she gave him with her back to the rest of the group spoke volumes more.

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Wayne leaned back in his recliner and smirked towards Hank. Resting his hands behind his head he whistled to himself a bit as he waited for his bud to get back and then nodded. "Fuck yeah I did. No reason not to. I mean sure I could try to hide it but fuck man, you really think I could cover his ass up?" he asked as he pointed to nothing in the air before swatting again. "Stand a better fucking chance of keeping this chair and a full belly by just laying it all out on the table," he said as he motioned his hand across the air. Wayne was nuts, there was no denying that. He knew he was nuts. He had been told for years that the little blue fluffy unicorn he spoke to and saw constantly wasn't there. Part of him wanted to believe that but then again it was so real he didn't know what to believe. Maybe he was seeing things or maybe they just couldn't see enough.

Looking over as the three started to leave Wayne sat up slowly. Seemed something had gone down that he hadn't been paying attention to but the look on Gunny's face, or lack thereof really, made things in the room seem a lot heavier than they had been a few moments before. He watched as the red head with the baby kissed her man and walked over another guy. Her back was him and he couldn't hear what they were saying but hey the room was theirs now. At least as much as it could be with two armed guards standing post. "Fuck, I'm getting some coffee," he said as he slipped out of his recliner and wandered over to the remains of the food table. Pouring a cup of coffee he went over what was left. Not much and he had already grabbed some extra rolls earlier but it didn't seem that anyone else was rushing over so he grabbed some fritters and started walking around slowly as he sipped on his coffee. Popping one into his mouth and chewing some as he looked at Erica. Grinning at her and then Hadrian. "Hey there Sport," he said with a chuckle.

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The words of the elder Martin were a bucket of frigid water on his skin. He said nothing outright. Nothing at all that could be taken as a direct, meaningful answer. He had said enough. Ash braced for the high possibility of never seeing Thana again. It was a almost a mantra, every day reminding himself that life promised nothing, he was not due anything from it, and bad things happen everyday. They all knew that by now. It never hurt to remind one's self of that horrifying fact. The only promises that meant a damn thing were the ones that he made, himself. In the case of Thana, that meant Zebulon, then Mexico Beach. Return the woman's tags. Whatever happened after that, happened. Even if it meant that she was with that tall Texan with whom she had history. Ash could deal with that if it mean that she was safe. And after a year and a half? No blame. None. It was his problem, not hers. But even that was the best case scenario.

It wasn't so much what Macsen said, as what he did. Ash recognized much of the older man's daughter in him. The reaching stare, and lack of elaboration. The sudden quiet. There was a lot that he wasn't saying. That gaping hole in the conversation was reinforced by Claire, who suggested that he have a seat, claiming that it "ain't really a good time". Ash agreed. No, it was clearly not a good time. In the pit of his mind, Ashton understood the truth; not all of it, but enough. He felt his eyes cloud with moisture which he immediately blinked away, subtly reaching up with his free hand to dot the corner of his eyes. Not now. Sudden emotion might be counterproductive. He had people to think about - living ones. "Ma'am. Sir." he intoned to Claire and Macsen, shifting away from his brush with emotion and settling into his nigh trademark stoicism. The Martins weren't the only ones good at that.

Ash took his "welcome bag" and turned sharply. His only thoughts lay around keeping himself together and waiting it out until he could speak with Gunny more privately. For the meantime, if his inquiry hadn't ruffled the scene too much, he was perfectly content to walk back, sit quietly, and look out for his people, however he could accomplish that. He made promises to them, too. Just because they made it into the quarantine of a supposedly safe zone, he still had his responsibilities. As he traversed the space from GUnny back to his seat from earlier, Ash was stopped by the abrupt presence of Tatiana. English was her second language and Ash was a little distracted right then, so the full motivation behind her words was lost. Was she asking if he wanted to talk because she heard the conversation between himself and Gunny, or did she have another unrelated reason?

"I'm good." he responded flatly. His eyes still betrayed a conflict (if barely), though the rest of him remained solid. "Wait." His voice dropped in volume significantly, "Something I should know?" Better safe than sorry, even now.

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"Thanks, girl." said the one armed mestiza as Beatrice set the bag down next to her. She still couldn't move at all, but did risk the mildest of brow raises at her presence. Something seemed to be off about the woman; she was a little more withdrawn since coming to this place. From what she knew of Bea, it kind of made sense. These were new people that they were around, they were all still sorting this place out, and they were virtually defenseless. This was exactly the kind of time that her friend would keep things close. If she needed a some space, Thalia would give her some space. They weren't attached at the hip, and Thalia's feelings aside, she wasn't about to push herself into her bubble. Neither of them were really big on talking about their feelings while braiding each other's hair while eating bonbons. Except for the bonbons part. Thalia could seriously go for some ice cream bites covered in dark chocolate right now, even with a prodigious and wonderful lunch under her belt. Ooh! Or a beer battered, deep fried banana drizzled in yummy, slightly burnt caramel. Or cake. Cake? Remember cake? A bigass slice of double-decker chocolate cake covered in rich, chocolate buttercream and with bacon oh my god bacon fuck yes chocolate cake with bacon dear sweet jesus baco...

Someone was talking to her. Thalia snapped back to reality with a serious expression and narrow, intelligent eyes that took in her surroundings. What did they call that guy? Tesla. Yeah, he was just answering her question about the new prosthetic. It wasn't like her to zone out like that, but given a second, she was able to recall what the guy had said. Awfully friendly, to hear him. But she was going to reserve her opinion of these people and this place for a little longer yet. "No problem. Thanks." She had been saying that a lot lately; thanks. Like it was a symptom of something infectious. Thalia wasn't accustomed to this at all. She provided for herself - now assisted in providing for a small group using her fairly specialized skills. But as long as she was getting The Royal Treatment, she might as well go with it.

She smiled and leaned in a little, regarding the helpful man for a second. The choice was silver or bronze. "Tesla, yah?" she said with as charming a voice as she could muster, considering the fact that she was her. "You look like you know what you'ah doing. I mean, imagine that you'ah a ninja, and you need to get back in the game. I think your priest might know what I'm talking about. As it pertains to me, I mean." Okay, she was starting to sound like a crazy person. Maybe that wasn't too far off. "I trust you, Tesla. Talk to Padre, do what you do. 'kay?"

The quiet otherwise in the place, aside from the snatches of conversation behind her, allowed the exchange in front of her to be heard. Thalia was trying to keep an eye on the army guy, Ash, anyway. She had questions, and she understood that he had his own questions for her. So she listened. Ash and Gunny's talk didn't last very long, but the impact was massive. She grew expressionless at first, and her mouth slowly started to go agape. The way the talk was hushed by all parties around Ash, she figured it out, too. Thana was her friend. They shared a year together out in the world. They killed a lot of people who deserved it, together, the first day that they met. One in particular. The rest of the year was spent surviving, following her plan to meet up with her Captain. The two were friends, and now her friend was gone.

That Captain was right there, though. He was the mission as much as this place was. They needed to have a dialogue. Thalia stood up and took a step in the man's direction. She stopped when she saw that the little Russian ballerina had beat her over to him. Fine, now was not good. Instead, she retreated back to the chair and picked up the bag, then tried to be small and unassuming, making her way over to the coffee.

Thalia looked down at where her right hand used to be. She was staying here. She had to. Otherwise, what was the point of the last sixteen months? She was at least staying here for as long as it took to get back to her fighting best. Yes, she had her own mission, and it had been five years in the making. She needed to get stronger, like she did in Fairburn. She was carried in half dead and walked out a bigger badass than ever before. This needed to happen here, too. She needed to get started, otherwise it would throw dirt on Thana's memory.

But first - Coffee.

Then the Newnan Team. She was making this work, damnit. One way or another. Only the hand Death herself would stop her.

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Any fool could see a ton of drama unfolding in the room all at once. That kid - well he wasn't really a kid but he was younger than Hank - that kid had to say something disturbing to the man in charge at the front of the room. He didn't quite get exactly what was being said, having NOPED away just as it began, but it brought the overall mood of the room to a crashing new low. Hank could see the effects of whatever it was ripple across the room, subtly and not-so-subtly changing the expressions of the Mexico Beach residents. Oh, that uptight military man knew how to kill a buzz, that's for damn sure. However, as Hank didn't know exactly what the score was, he was definitely keeping the hell out of it until he did.

While the wait for the air in the room continued, he made a quick decision about the contents of his bag. There were clothes in there and he was in a frigging hospital gown and robe. The usually grumpy, presently bald, almost zero-fucks-given former Sheriff realized that he didn't have to strip down to his unmentionables to get into a decent pair of pants. Aloud, he voiced his sudden revelation with a good natured, "Aw, hell yeah. Score!" He then stood directly in front of the chair that Wayne had claimed for him and kicked off his hospital slippers, all the while digging through that bag of goodies he got from Auntie Claire. Hank then proceeded to shimmy into a pair of clean blue jeans, hiking up his robe as he went along. It might have looked a little awkward, but it was still within the boundaries of a PG movie (starring Hank, Middle-Aged Man of Action!) and damnit, he wanted to wear pants. To hell with what everyone else was thinking right then.

He continued to dress in full view of everyone. It was tasteful, and by tasteful, he did so with the minimum of exposed anything. "Hey, Wayne!" he called, "These pants are damn near almost my size, too! Whaddayou got in yours?"