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Though the novelty and wonder of the occasion was heavily coloring Ash's thoughts, he couldn't help but continue to keep a mental checklist on what was going on around him. Maybe that was just how people had to live, anymore, and every so often he thanked whichever incarnation of God was still looking down on them that he hadn't become a truly paranoid individual because of it. All the same, when the ruling authorities of the settlement began to have earnest conversation and point in his direction, Ash took notice. The fact that they were all blood relatives of Thana was just a detail.

In time, Thana's song came to an end and Ash began a spirited round of applause, but that came to an end as her uncle and the guy he had met just earlier in the dance area came to hoist her away. Ash took a balanced step forward, unsure as to what he might do when he got over to her but still of the mindful of her request to stay close, no matter what. As she was carried back, he relented, taking his spot behind the wings again. Something seemed like it was up. Thana looked just fine. Happy, even. He caught her gaze, and her wordless message. Thana meant to sing another song.

It was good-natured ribbing when Thana vented what he said to her privately about singing some Rolling Stones. He knew that. To say that it might sound like a Virginian cat's final screeches after he got himself drunk was colorful, if not entirely accurate. Oh, he couldn't sing a bit, that wasn't the issue. The truth was, for him to get up and sing now, the amount of alcohol he'd have to imbibe would render him partly comatose. He might not even make it to "dying cat" level. He smiled back at Thana, returned the wink. He was about to be treated to "Paint It, Black". That counted for a lot. Likewise, it was nice of her to call out the other Rolling Stones fan from her group out on the road. She was thoughtful that way.

The song queued up, and the first words of it began to roll out from her lips. This was good. This was something he might have gone to see, even back Before.

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It seemed that the party was following Thalia, whether she liked it or not. Of course if was a coincidence; she was at the bar with a group of people getting a drink, then they all decided to grab some food at more or less the same time. Even though she was logically aware of this, it still felt like she alone was driving the Party Bus, and everyone else was annoying the hell out of her. Thalia figured that she'd better get used to it. This was life now. She couldn't be a hermit. People had risked their lives, even died, for her to get here, and she had risked her life for the same. Hell, her little group literally paid an arm and a leg to get here. She could try to handle being around people for a while.

Thalia took her plate and ...envelope(?), bidding Cook a wary "Thanks," before wandering a few paces back to the exact spot she was in before, as hopefully those asshats saved that exact spot like they said they would very loudly and very sarcastically. Mostly, it was because it was near a piece of fire, and she wanted to read whatever this was. "Sparrow, sparrow... oh, Navy? Shit, okay," she muttered. Thalia had heard Sparrow before, but her brain just didn't make the connection for a second or two. Without two fully dexterous hands, Thalia had to sit down on the sand, cross-legged, and put her plate in her lap to open and read the letter. "Good thing I brought my letter opener," she said with no small amount of snark, manually extending the middle finger of her prosthetic hand with her left and utilizing it to tear into the envelope. She removed the note inside and stared at it for a while, the most puzzled expression on her face. Absently, Thalia picked up a whole boiled shrimp and ripped it in half with her teeth, chewing it shell and all. She shot a dirty look at whoever even looked like they might say something about it.

While struggling over what she was reading with pure incredulity reading on her, Thalia happened to hear something massively disturbing going on nearby. This was the first example of creepy drunk talk she'd seen in a good long while, and part of her started to run scenarios in her head of what she might do to intervene, if the blonde girl couldn't handle herself properly. The thought did cross her mind that restrain was going to be a lot more difficult than incapacitate or neutralize, owing to certain factors that were difficult to miss with her. Maybe it was the training at her uncle's hands kicking back in after so long. Or maybe she was truly beginning to look at this place as her new home. She didn't even give a decent shit that she was missing some really awesome music nearby, courtesy of Navy herself. She could come back to that.

Tossing a couple more shrimp into her face, she chewed noisily and stared, debating which course was the best option, if any, though the course of walking up and pretending to proposition the girl to give her an out, came roaring back as the option from college. Thalia swallowed hard, and decided that instead of making a scene or rabbit-punching the obviously inebriated and disturbing fellow in the base of his brain, she'd give something else to draw focus.

"Seriously?" she started, a definitive note of annoyance as she rustled the paper in her hands. "First piece of mail I get in almost six fucking years, and it's some Christmas Story decoder ring bullshit?" Thalia rose, plate hooked into her prosthetic's thumb and note in hand. "...mierda de toro fucking bullshit..." If that diverted attention or gave an out, great. Yay tactic. But whether it did or not, she had food to hork back and a mystery to solve. Preferably painfully. Thalia had someone to speak with.

Temperature: 70F
Humidity: High (Around 72%) - No Rain
Wind Speed: 18 MPH
Cloud Coverage: Clear

Note: Things are continuing and going smooth right now, ^^

Drinks are as follows:

• Heavy: Moonshine (Clear)
• Moderate: Whiskey (Brown)
• Light: Beer (Pale Ales)
• Sweet Tea (Brown)
• Water (Clear)

Seriously, if you want to get drinks mixed up, go for it LOL

"Eat up and enjoy," Cook said brightly towards Manny as he got himself some food. She liked seeing people enjoying the food, nearly as much as she enjoyed just seeing people eat in general. Too many days had gone by in days past where there wasn't enough food, and far too many where was there was none at all. Turning her attention to Nigel she smiled. "Ain't that the truth, you are very welcome," she added with a slight chuckle.

Adelaide looked over at Hunter and nodded slightly. "Sure thing," she said as she watched him. She was listening to what Lisa had to say but her eyes were on Hunter. "Huh?" she finally said as her eyes went over to Lisa. "Oh yeah, food, please! Sorry, watching the show," she said before pointing not over to the stage but the now Drunken Confessions of Dog Boy. (Available in print next spring, talk has been made of the community theater turning it into a musical.)

Tesla gave a nod with a bit of a wave towards Amelia and Riley as he darted back over to the kids, making sure to keep a close eye on them. Doc was strolling up about that time and heading over to Tesla to check and make sure no one had been burned or needed medical attention right now. Doc had his bag on him just in case something happened. S.B. was just making it to the beach party as well. She wasn't drinking or eating or even there in a medical capacity. She had an older film style camera on her with a large lens. She was moving around slowly and taking pictures of what was going on.

Riley smiled over at Amelia as she held the sparkler. "That sounds like a good idea. Maybe we will find some stuff in the seaweed that is washed up along the shore," Riley said before holding out her own sparkler and waving it about a bit. "After Newnan, never thought we would have a night like tonight," Riley said in a wistful voice. They had all thought they were safe enough in Newnan. Sure they had been attacked but they recovered from each attack. The day Newnan fell was different. It wasn't an attack, it was just mother nature, that was something you couldn't defend again. Sliding an arm around Amelia she pulled her a little closer, feeling a bit more protective of her right then.

As the song drew to a close, Thana was helped off the stage and the band went back to playing, doing a cover of Have You Ever Seen The Rain with Panama taking the lead vocals as the others played along. Seemed 70's and 80's music was the general standard fare for them to play but perhaps that was to be expected considering most of the area was older folks and they probably had records or tapes of the songs to listen to or practice against.

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Thana kept singing. It was nice to sing again. It wasn't something she had done in years, not since the start of the outbreak. She had always enjoyed it. Sure she was no rockstar but dive bars here and there had been more than enough for her. She had never wanted to be a singer, she just enjoyed it. As the song drew to a close, she didn't stick around on stage for long. Just fast enough to limp over to the edge of the stage. Bass and Maddoc gave her a hand to help her get started down. They would help her all the way down if needed. If Ash took over from the dance floor, then they would relinquish their hold under her arms. Either way, Thana was back at the stage end of the dance floor now and the band was back to playing and providing background music for those further down the beach and something to dance to for those on the floor.

Catching sight of Alexander and Manny eating she gave Mugsy a bit of a wave, her eyes drifting about and spotting Thalia, that brought a smirk to her lips. Then she opted to turn her attention to Ash, both to mess with Thalia and any questions she might have about the little note and to well pay attention to Ash. "Hope ya enjoyed the show," she commented with a little wiggle of her nose.

Thana found that her leg was starting to ache. That was to be expected. She had had two steel pins removed in the Quarantine's locker room the day before. The bone was healed but the muscles and tissue still had a way to go: like her face, which still itched from time to time. It would take time to get used to standing and walking on it for extended periods of time without the pins. Leaning into him she slipped an arm around to his back and rested her hand there. "Think we can find a seat somewhere?" she asked as she leaned against him. "Tomorrow mornin's run is gonna suck," she chuckled thinking out loud before looking up at Ash and shrugging. "Alright, come on, get my ass seated." She tugged on his shirt a bit. She was open to leaning against him, him carrying her, or even a piggy back ride. She didn't care.

Then Thana stopped as she heard Nikki exclaim something about fuck and sugar free. Her brows shooting up as her head turned in the direction of the sound and spotting Nikki with Hunter between the kettles and the other side of the dance floor.

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Slowly Nikki's caught movement that wasn't exactly steady out of the corner of her eye. Stopping her intended trek to the dance floor she tilted her head to the side as Hunter started to slur his words to her. Okay, he was drunk but he was being sweet it seemed. "Oh, thanks, you're pretty cute yerself," she said to his ramble about her being nice and pretty. Maybe that was going to be it. The way he was walking the guy might face plant in the sand and take a nap. Okay, maybe he wasn't done. "Oh... sorry to hear it..." she said about this Lucy person being dead. That sucked, but everyone did have someone they had lost so far she figured. She lost her dad, granted it wasn't to walkers, it was just to life was all.

Then things started getting weird. Maybe she should have figured it would. The guy was weird and he was drunk, those two things probably were going to clash at one point. She hadn't expected them to clash in such a way that she was told about a girl he was close to loving, how she reminded him of her, and how the whole thing had been a set up, and then him asking her, accusing her of being deceitful towards him for Maddoc or The General. "What in the sugar free fuck?!?" she said as she stood there, her fists opening and closing in anger. Nikki disliked liars, to be accused of being one really pissed her off.

Now, this is about the time a woman of age and experience would realize that talking to a drunk was pointless. The man wouldn't remember it in the morning and it wouldn't sink in fully if she said anything tonight. Thing was, Nikki was hardly a woman or age and what experience she had in life was not dealing with drunk guys who she wasn't sure if he was hitting on her or accusing her, it felt like both. So Nikki did what she did... Nikki unloaded.... Truthfully, bluntly, without sugar, no cherry on top.

"Like you? I don't even fucking know you," she started flatly. "I said I thought you were cute. That I fucking meant, even if you are a bean pole but fuck looks. I ain't ever pretended to like anyone. And fuck you thinking I would pretend anything, much less them putting me up to anything. You really think I'm gonna waltz around throwing my tits at every young fuck that comes in this place just to what? For what fucking purpose? Sorry if yer life ain't been full of nothing but liars and twats that used you but that ain't any reason to drink up and vomit your bullshit all over the place," she hissed with a guttural growl. "You ain't no psychopath, your just a man child who sounds like he is lying about shit so he projects his issues on girls. Boo-fucking-hoo. Tell you this much, I don't know you enough to like you or not but accuse me of lying in the future and I'll hit ya like a bitch fer acting like a bitch!"

Oh Nikki was fuming, turning on heel she stormed over to the bar and huffed down on a stool. "Fucker..." she grumbled under her breath. "Beer...." she added as she tapped the bar top towards Adelaide, she needed a drink.

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It had truly been a pretty sight to see Thana up on that stage. Not specifically Alexander enjoy watching a good looking woman sing one of his favourite songs, though he surely didn't mind. No, it was something else about it that had put that smile on Alexander's face and kept it there throughout her whole performance. For a moment he couldn't put a word to it, but as he stood there and finished his plate of seafood, it came to him.

Wholesome. That was it, that word he hadn't heard nor used for many years.

Alexander did his best to give Thana a well-deserved round of applause once she had finished that excellent performance, shuffling the plate under his arm somehow awkwardly. He didn't need to say anything, his face spoke for him if anyone would take the time to look at an old veteran. Alexander kept his eyes on Thana, catching her giving him and Manny a wave and waving back at her. He could tell her how much he had enjoyed the show later, tonight Navy Blue was busy with her Army man. Now that was something he wouldn't have thought possible if he hadn't seen it with his own two eyes, the Army and Navy together. Oh how the world changed when, well, the world ended.

With his plate empty and the stage free of Thana, Alexander's attention was no longer drawn to the two highlights of tonight's festivities. There weren't a lot that Alexander needed to that night, in fact there wasn't any pressing matters to attend to. Looking over at Manny for a moment he felt on that familiar, yet strange feeling. There wasn't anything he had to do, only things he wanted to. What that was, however, he didn't know. "We've been so caught up in surviving, and now I don't know what I want do with all that time. You know, Manny?" Alexander asked Manny, turning around over towards where he thought he saw another familiar face.

Okay, perhaps there was something he wanted to do. "Just a minute, old friend. I'll be right back." Alexander told Manny, excusing himself and making his way over towards where the General was sitting. On the way he had no way of ignoring the verbal assualt coming from Nikki. Oh it wasn't any of his business to mind, but whatever it was, it didnt sound good. What had the young soldier, Hunter, gone and done to himself this time? Alexander eventually made it over to the General, giving him a smile and nearly saluting him out of habit. "Maj…Aeron, sorry." Alexander began, reverting back to an old title from a war long ago, before correcting himself. "I have to say, and thank you again, this place really is something. The food, the people, the show…I don't know what to say, really, except…I guess I look forward to giving my service back for this."

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Nigel's plate of food was slowly and carefully eaten up over the course of the song, the neo-Roman soldier aiming for restraint knowing what could and probably would happen if he ate too fast. Being malnourished out on the road for as long as he and the others had, his body was still adapting slowly to this new and relatively luxurious civilisation. He no longer suffered as badly as he had done the first couple of days in Quarantine, but with the beer now going to his head instead of his stomach, he attempted to remain somewhat temperate.

It was difficult not to notice the brewing storm between Hunter and Nikki, however much Nigel wanted not to take part in it. Details were blurry, but it was enough for Nigel to raise his brows in suspense at the exchange of dagger, eating his food ever slower as his curiosity grew more powerful the more he wanted to avoid it. "Awkward" couldn't begin to describe what the Ancient Greeks would have written a long and elaborate play on, including a moment of catharsis where our hero would learn the error of his ways. If it would have been a comedy or a tragedy, Nigel couldn't tell, but he was sure he would have felt awkward throughout the whole play.

Nigel finished his plate eventually, watching Nikki storm off to the bar absolutely fuming like a burning pig of war. Standing for a moment, unsure of what to do, Nigel swallowed down a growing lump in his throat and made his way over to Hunter. Nigel approached him slowly and passively, giving Hunter an awkward look as he returned the plate to Cook as an excuse to get to him. "Thank you for the supper, ma'am." Nigel thanked her, before turning to Hunter for real. "Hey kid, so…" Nigel began only to find himself short of words. Really, he had witnessed his fair share of teenager drama in highschool, but they were never any easier. It looked like the end of the world certainly didn't change that. "Perhaps you should lay off the booze for now, get something to eat instead? Cook?" Nigel asked Hunter, slowly reaching for his glass of whiskey which really had been a bad idea. No seriously, that had been a worse idea than making your horse a Consul.

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Somehow Amelia found herself not caring anymore where they were tonight. As she was close to Riley, enjoying the tiny freedom and safety she felt tonight, the sense of normality they were experiencing, the surroundings were melting away, leaving just the two of them, a set of sparklers in their hands, a nice softy beach and the sound of the water. The rest was just background setting for a brief moment.” Yeah.” Amelia briefly replied as she was pulled closer by the musician by her side.

The thoughts of Newnan briefly entered her thoughts, in a melancholy way as she just stood there, close to Riley, playing with the sparkler.” Who would have thought, we'd end up in a place like this.” She added, half musing, half in disbelief, but never the less still emotional. Doing circles with the sparklers again she had a small smile.” It will be fine... probably.” She corrected herself halfway, darkening her expression for a moment.” Nah it will be fine. If they've been around so long, then it must mean things are stable enough.” She reassured both herself and Riley.' Might need to learn how we can get a emergency life raft or something just in case though.'. She also thought, but didn't quite voice it, not wanting to allow negative thoughts to linger too much.

She watched as the sparkler was eventually starting to run out.” Hmm... I suppose we should of to drop those and start shell hunting.” She smiled, a bit shyly. They were some distance away from the fire pits so she couldn't quite get what was happening there and more importantly, she was enjoying the sparkler show looking in the direction of the waterline with her love! Like this she sadly missed the Drunken Confessions of Dog Boy. The much anticipated sequel to Awkward Socializing of a Dog Boy. Well he was the last thing in her mind right now anyways.

She stood up, taking hold of Riley's hand that was holding her close while they were sitting earlier, to help her up and well... walk hand in hand! It was important to her!

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Lisa was already grinning and chuckling at the Drunken Confessions of a Dog Boy! This was priceless, it's been ages since she had such good material to enjoy!” Not that I blame ya, it's quite amusing.” She nodded, looking mischieviously at Ada.” Quality show right there, I call good skill on giving him the right amount. Any more and he might have been out cold instead by the looks of it.” Lisa grinned, she was always up f or amusement of people making the fool out of themselves. It was the human nature after all.” Well I'm sure they will be fine after sobering it up some by tomorrow.” She smiled.

“Alright, food's incoming, ohh beware a storm's arriving.” She nodded with a grin and walked away, passing by the Hurricane Nikki that was on collision course with the bar. The girl seemed quite furious right now, so Lisa only smiled at her in her usual friendly way in passing as she headed for the foodstuffs! Well maybe she didn't end up finding herself a prey for tonight, but ohh well. She had fun, she had booze and she was not hungry. It was perfectly decent night so far with the possibilities of even more improvement in what time remained till they would start heading back to their homes.

Walking onwards, she noted that the Rome guy was trying to settle Hunter down before he did even more of a fool of himself. She casually made a slightly detour as to not collide into them and arrived at the place where Cook was giving out the munchies.” Hey, Cook.” Lisa greeted with a smile.” Get me two portions, please. Promised Ada I will drop some munchies to her at the bar since she's busy there tonight and stuff.” She grinned and tossed a look at Nigel and Hunter, wondering how doggo boy would react to people trying to get him to stop drinking after already being drunk. This usually ended up in comedic gold.

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That did not go how Hunter thought it would go. Granted, he wasn't sure how he wanted things to go, but this was not one of the few ways he did think out then immediately forgot. It also appears that Drunk Hunter was not able to convey the message he wanted to in the way he wanted. Or he did and he still fucked up. Though Hunter did try his best to listen to Nikki as she explained how much of an ass he probably came across as. "I'm... I'm not sure how throwing tits would work in this case..." Trying to picture it only confused him more. And overall missing the point. Though he did register the man child comment, nodding in agreement with that. Though more of a head wobble. Though he wasn't sure about the psychopath part of it, but that probably wouldn't add to the conversation if he challenged it. He wasn't sure about what parts she thought he was lying about, but another question he avoided asking not sure if he could ask it without making things worse. But he did stop himself from tailing off when he registered the comment about accusing her of lying, and how she was clearly pissed about it. Then... she left.

Hunter unsure what else to do took another sip of his whiskey, collapsed on his back in the sand, and just laid there. "Fuck Nuggets." He muttered with his hair in the sand. Yet again, he has driven someone away because of his over reaction. Nigel made his way over soon after, that was nice. He was nice. Also pretty. He tried to take his whiskey from him, which was less nice, but Hunter only responded with "No mine..." As he hugged it to his chest, not realizing he had spilled what couple sips were left on his uniform. Then promptly taking a sip, only to seem confused. "Huh..." He said, now convinced he already finished his drink. "Okay..." He said passing the empty cup to Nigel.

Hunter laid down in the sand, not sure what to think or do in the moment, maybe Nigel would know something, he was a teacher or something like one? "I... I don't think... I did that right." There were a lot of flaws in his plan to be fair. "I... I think she thought... I was accusing her of lying... was only trying to help." What Hunter failed to mention to Nikki was that Lucy lacked a choice in the matter, or a choice is most any matter. "I was... actually concerned... I thought she... I don't know... and I think I fucked it up. Again... They may take me to the town center and shoot me for that..." Though it hadn't been brought up for some time, the thought of him being shot or executed was still on his mind. The first impression, and off hand comments about command made him keep that in his mind for way too long at this point. "...if they do that can you make sure they don't kill Izibell? Maddoc said he wouldn't, and I believe him on that part... But anything can happen." He felt as if he could just sleep on the sand here. And was half tempted to. It wouldn't be the worst place he slept. "God... society is fucking harder then I thought it would be... it sucks." Still keeping his hair in the sand.

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Manny smiled when Paint it Black showed it's head, promptly lead by Thana. Alexander was also enjoying it as well. "It seems like a good memory to keep if you ask me." That was why times like these were important. For creating memories, and showing the best of their old memories. "She sings beautifully. Even better in person." He also managed a wave back when she gave the two old men a bit of attention. It was sweet, and helped to make things even more relaxing. She eventually left the stage to relax, though he wondered if she was sore and in pain still. The injuries she received were far from minor.

Alexander talking about how their needs have changed now that they arrived here amused Manny. "Oh, there is plenty of things to do. We were told if we can make enough credit here we can get our own place? Well imagine this, I set up a house here, and in the basement is where I set up a new dentistry. So then I get to go to all the poor people scared to see a dentist and be like "That's right, just follow me into my dark creepy basement" and then it turns out to be just fine and they realize that I am not that scary. Though the looks on their faces will be a bit funny." Manny still loved his jokes from time to time. Alexander did end up leaving for a bit, saying he would be back. Manny gave him a brief wave as he left, taking note of Nikki and Hunter having a falling out. He wasn't sure what happened, but his money was on the boy for doing something stupid.

Manny, noticing that Nigel had gone over to the Hunter to figure out his side of things, Manny saw it appropriate to also see what he could do to help. Walking over to the bar, he found himself a seat a few spots over from Nikki. "Boys. They can be total idiots sometimes. Even at their best, they find some way to be stupid about it." That in Manny's mind was very true. Even when he was a boy he managed to make some rather stupid choices. Many almost landing him in jail. "My name's Manny. Not sure we've had the chance to meet yet." Now, where Manny did know a decent amount about guys, he had a very limited understanding of woman. So he decided that if she wasn't open to him being present, he could leave. If she didn't mind, maybe he could help? Who knew.

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The approximate time it took to have Thana down from the stage was just long enough for Ash to get over to her. It struck him as very odd at first that, even though Ash had been acting as her personal transportation since they had arrived, and indeed helped her up to the stage in the first place, they felt it necessary to assume the same role without prompting. But that was just at first. Thana had been hurt for a while, and he assumed that even after (and during) a lengthy session of healing, she wasn't going to stop doing what she wanted to do. In truth, she was still healing. Continuing on this train of thought, it was probably second nature for those close to her in the community to move in prearranged ways to help her. Whether or not there was any truth to his assumptions, he was there with her now, and he took over the personally gratifying task of helping Thana get around.

"Well hell yes, I enjoyed the show," he responded to her comment, landing a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. He gave a warm smile, though it faded a little to confusion as he saw the one-armed girl making a rude gesture at them with her prosthetic. "That's something you don't see everyday..." he mumbled, shaking it off as being hopefully inconsequential. Not that anything with her family ever was without consequence, in his experience. But his attention wasn't for her, it was for Thana. "Yeah," he agreed. "Let's go find a seat."

He hoisted Thana up in a bridal carry and began walking back in the direction of the bar and kettles, then stopped, looked back toward the gulf, and asked, "Would you want to sit for a while on the beach? I can get us a couple of plates, drink or two, and we can look a the stars for a time." There was no telling when someone else, friend or family of hers, might need to call upon her. But a few moments with her on the beach, the sound of pounding surf and music in the background, and a plate of southern shrimp boil was heaven enough. If not now; if she had other wishes or plans for the evening, then he could content himself that it could be reserved for another time.

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Plate balanced in her prosthetic hand and letter in the other, Thalia was walking in search of her dear, long-lost brother. It was a fair bet that as long as she kept her senses tuned for he only Latino who spoke in iambic pentameter for several hundred miles around, and probably the only one left in existence who used the word 'thee', she'd be in the clear. Thalia took a mental pause to consider what her life might have been like if she didn't lose her mother all those years ago. She wouldn't have known about this whole other part of her family. She wouldn't have known that she shared a father with one of the most annoying men on the planet. Oh, she loved him. They were family after all, even if the exact meaning of that had changed in recent years. The thought of it made her hungry. Or mindful of the fact that she had food in her heavy, metal hand. Pausing in her search, she leaned her head down to delicately sink her teeth into a tiny, red skinned potato, then tilt her head back to let gravity deposit it into her mouth.

Chewing thoughtfully, she shook out the paper to better unfold it, and went over the words again. Thalia began to mumble, "Mason, shipwright, carpenter... who wrote about.. ?" Even if she didn't look like it anymore, Thalia received a contemporary education in both Mexico and the United States, not to mention college in Boston. Fat lot of good any of it did her now, but at least student loans weren't an issue anymore. But she did seem to remember something from classical literature, and if anyone knew anything about classical literature, it was Joaquin. Hell, the people here called him Shakespeare, and... "Sostenga el puto teléfono₁," she uttered, looking at the exact wording of the riddle again:

"A clue to find a clue, here is a riddle for you: The question is not _'what is he that builds stronger than either the mason, the shipwright, or the carpenter?'_ but who did write of he?"

They were in it together. Thana and Joaquin both; considering that her brother's nom de guerre was Shakespeare in this place, and the passage in the riddle was from Hamlet... the very person she was looking for to help figure this out was the actual answer the entire time. That bastard. Unfortunately, she didn't see him anywhere. He was hiding, or not in attendance. This was not a thing which would be solved today. Thalia stuffed the paper into her back pocket and started toward where she saw Thana last, shifting her plate to her good hand in the process.

What she saw there from Thana? Intentionally ignoring her, like this was all some game. But of course it was. Something to divert, maybe. She didn't know. Oh, that smirk. Thalia would come back to that smirk later. Maybe she just imagined it coming off of Thana, but she responded by raising her metal hand toward the pair of them. Having not messed with it since opening the letter, its middle finger was still quite extended. Fine with her. Thalia returned to the kettles and sat down heavily in her spot, and set to devouring her food in earnest. She'd see about her brother later.

Temperature: 70F
Humidity: High (Around 72%) - No Rain
Wind Speed: 18 MPH
Cloud Coverage: Clear

Note: Evening is starting to wrap up, a few people are starting to head in for the evening.

Adelaide has stopped serving Moonshine and Whiskey at this point. Drinks are as follows:

• Light: Beer (Pale Ales)
• Sweet Tea (Brown)
• Water (Clear)

Looking over from where he sat, the General turned his attention to Alexander. He had mostly been watching his grand daughter but still tried to keep an eye out on other things. Gunny just kept watching his daughter intently as his father and one of the newer members of the community conversed. "Oh yes, well you are most welcome, and thank you for enjoying it." The man motioned towards the seat next to him as Macsen got up and went to check on the yelling that was happening from a rather loud Nikki. "It's not a nightly thing but yes, very enjoyable," he said as he watched his son go to check on other matters. His eyes trailed back to Alexander. "Oh yes, work and service. Most important. It gives a chance for life outside of survival if done right. More mouths only make things tougher if those hands don't contribute but looking at yourself and the group, overall, I hope I am correct in thinking this community will be stronger for having you all here."

"Oh yer welcome, enjoy it," Cook said before watching the scene go down between Nikki and Hunter. Her brows shot up. "Haven't seen her react like that since Ray cracked a wheel on her skateboard two years ago," Cook said and Morales nodded in agreement before whistling out a breath. Looking back towards Nigel, Cook inhaled and shook her head. "He's already drunk, this stuff is just gonna make him throw up faster." Looking over towards the Goat he already seemed to know what was going through her head.

"On it, just keep him still until I get back," he said before he started to head up the beach and back to the road that lead into the main part of the town.

"Oatmeal or crackers, something bland to soak up the booze," Cook said as she looked back at Nigel.

While Dog Boy was being tended to on one part of the beach, Riley was paying far more attention to her girl Amelia. Riley heard the yelling but as it wasn't followed by gun shots she figured it was alright. Tatiana had blown up far louder than that and no one was shot over it. The sparkler was starting to burn out, it was nice while it lasted. That was how things were now, enjoy them while, they last. Maybe that was how it always was but because things were easier people didn't think about it much. "It will be wonderful and when it's not anymore we'll do what we did when Newnan ended, we will survive, keep moving, and live," Riley said giving Amelia squeeze as she wrapped an arm around her.

Nodding as her own sparkler finally died out. "Yeah, sounds good," she said as she slipped her arm from around Amelia and laced her fingers with hers. Heading down the beach she smiled lightly towards Tesla as he waved before getting back to the kids. He and Shears were now setting off some roman candles. Nothing loud but pretty and bright over the waters. Riley dropped her sparkler remains in the bucket of water like Tesla had asked them to before glancing around. "Pick a direction and we can search," she said motioning down both ends of the beach in turn.

Adelaide wasn't so sure about giving the boy the right amount to drink. "Maybe I should have made him pass out," she breathed out with a huff. "What the hell was that?" she pondered more to herself than actually looking for an answer. "Oh he's gonna wish he was still drunk in the morning considering the hangover he is gearing up for," Adelaide added with a chuckle. Turning her head she nodded. "Yeah, food for me sounds good. Thanks."

Cook looked over at Lisa as she came over. "That's nice of you," Cook said as she fixed up two plates. "Granted I shouldn't be surprised she refuses to step away from the bar. Not after Nikki's last attempt on the spirits," she giggled lightly. "That girl likes being a hand full," she added as she handed over the two plates and wiped her hands off on the apron she wore. Cook looked oddly at Hunter during his next vocal vomiting. "If we shot everyone for a drunken rant everyone but maybe Gunny would be dead," she said with a laugh.

As Nikki came over to sit, Adelaide popped open a beer and slid it over to her. "You know, normally I'd say you were writing checks your ass couldn't cash again but think you got this one covered," Adelaide said with a smirk before glancing towards Manny as he came over. "Exactly, boys are idiots," she said agreeing with the man. "Want something to drink?" she asked. "Got beer, tea, and water still available tonight."

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Thana was glad that Ash had enjoyed her small part of the show. It had only been two songs but it was fun. As fun as it was she was glad it was over. She was more wanting to just spend some time with Ash. She still needed to catch up Thalia but that could wait. No one was dying right now, there was no raid to plan. Things could take a bit of time. Right now things could wait and the only thing Thana refused to wait on was time with Ash. As he kissed her nose she quirked a brow before letting out a little laugh. It was hard to tell if the laugh was because of the kiss or the metal one fingered salute from who was essentially her best female friend.

Looking over at Thalia she gave a too wide grin before turning her attention back to Ash and shrugging a bit. "I have a feelin' we're gonna be seein' that pretty often knowin' Angel," Thana said with a small chuckle. The woman wasn't exactly knowing for holding her tongue or her gestures for anyone. And from the sounds of it, Nikki was like that. Thana's eyes going back to the girl during the outburst and cocked a brow. Seemed Hunter had royally pissed Nikki off. From the reports she had read, Hunter hadn't exactly been doing well on the dealing with people front. Hopefully the therapist could help the kid.

Yet that wasn't something for Thana to deal with. She had a job in the camp already. She wasn't a leader anymore, which was fine with her. And for the same reason she was glad Ash wasn't a leader here. Not leading gave them time to live together, not just being two ships passing in the night once again. Maybe Ash was thinking on the same matter when he lifted her into his arms. Sliding her arms over his shoulders she nodded. "Sounds perfect," she said to the suggestion. Beach, food, stars. Yes, perfect. She gave a quick whisper in his ear, she wanted to go further down the beach, away from the others, closer to the pier, back side of the stage. She just wanted some quiet.

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Nikki grumbled to herself. Had she been older, wiser, more experienced she would have realized that Hunter wasn't trying to be an ass, he was drunk, and his natural default was just as it was. Okay, she was probably sure of such things and she didn't need to be older, wiser, or more experienced to realize these things. Yet, being her age did keep that little switch in her brain from triggering. The one that kept people from saying or doing things they might wish they hadn't the next day. Then again maybe with Nikki she wouldn't ever calm down, maybe she would always be hot headed and pop off when someone pissed her off. At least it was with words and not a fist or a bullet though going back what she had said before if he pulled that again she was going to slap the shit out of him: pimp hand final attack!

Taking the beer, she turned it up and downed half of it as Adelaide spoke. Lowering the bottled she belched, long and loud. "I can handle Scarecrow," she snarked, then she grinned. "Scarecrow... Oh I'm gonna make that one stick," she mused. Rarely were call signs picked by the person, they were usually something the person got stuck with because of how they looked or acted. Scarecrow sounded just right to her for Hunter.

It seemed like Adelaide wasn't the only one that had advice for Nikki. Her eyes going over towards the older man. "Yeah, well can't fix stupid," she said before downing another quarter of the bottle. "Yeah, saw yer name on work sheets before I went in for guard duty." Spinning around on her stool she looked as Ash was carrying Thana towards the Beach, then looked over to Hunter in the sand, then to Thalia taking a seat and eating like it was her last meal. "I'm Nikki, that Adelaide, and I need to find a fuck for the evening," she said rather bluntly as she started scanning the people that were still about.

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There were few things that were as reassuring as Riley's words to Amelia. She smiled at it, thought the thought of having to continue to venture out in the wildness was a lil bit scary, considering the dangers that they could face and Riley's well-being. In any case she nodded to her love, ignoring ALL of the nonsense happening at and around Hunter. She was right now a woman with her priorities in order! Said priorities were: Riley first and everything else depending on the situation.

She smiled at the additional fireworks on display. It was a magical scene to her eyes right now. Carefully she dropped the burnt out sparkler in the bucket and looked at the fancy lights for a bit. She wondered if those were homemade or they had scavenged them. Didn't matter really, Amelia quickly looked at Riley again with a smile. This was a magical night for her, but there was still more of it to enjoy. A few more things that could make it even better memory.

Making a really pondering face, looking down the both ways of the beach she finally pointed in roughly west direction.” That way!” Proclaiming with a smile, still holding hands with Riley.” We can get all the way down this direction and then sweep back towards here... and it's quieter there with less people...” She added with a shy voice and really bright cheeks. Maybe having something in mind... something like a kiss? She couldn't quite bring herself to say it aloud here with others around, but further away she was going to go for it dammit! The night was magical and she was just a bit of a romantic... like in the books. They had fireworks, now there was a need for a kiss.

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„Nothing that can be done about it.” Lisa grinned as Cook was preparing her the food.” She's just my cup of personality to get along with. Besides, if she's hungry enough to snatch food from people at the bar, it's obvious she's in the need of some munchies. As a good buddy Imma happy to accommodate.” The chuckled as she took the two plates.” No one's going to let Nikki forget this one now, isn't it? You know Ada reminded her of it just earlier, the reaction was fun as expected.”

“Kids will be kids, nothing about it. Let her have this small thing, not like she's caused any major problems. She's going to probably settle down somewhat in a year or two. Might end up resembling a mini Thana by that point though.” She shrugged and followed Cook's line of sight to Hunter who started rambling again. Boy sure liked to talk it seemed, probably because he looked dead drunk. She sneaked a glance at Ada at the bar, wondering if they should just give him one or two more drinks and make him fall asleep before he could embarrass himself any further. He ended up angering Nikki who seemed to get along with him so far. Well that was a lesson learned about drinking wisely~ She very briefly considered the possibilities in making a funny public service announcement poster about it.” Well maybe the aftereffects will keep him from fucking up with drinking quite as much in the future. Anyways, thanks for the food, better bring it back to Ada now.”

With that sorted out she started skipping over to the bar again. She burst out in laughter as she neared and heard the last part of what Nikki said.” What's this about fucks I hear? You joining the hunt? What did I miss anyways? Who's Scarecrow? Dog Boy?” She asked, tossing a look at the still very drunk hunter, who was likely to stay drunk for a while and then the FUN part would start in the morning.” Annnnnnnd here's the food.” Lisa stated as she handed over the plate of food to the bartender.” As promised a plate of munchables."

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Alexander looked down at the seated Martins, focusing on Aeron of course as he was the one speaking back to him, giving the military family a smile. He hadn't had any intention of intruding upon their territory tonight as they clearly had been focused on Thana displaying some fine vocal skills, and Alexander showed an initial reluctance once Aeron gestured for him to sit. "Oh thanks, but I was only…" The old veteran attempted to explain, but as he turned around to nod in the direction of his fellow Baby Boomer he decided to stay. Manny had gone off to sit with the younger folks at the bar, probably getting to know them better.

"On second thought, I'll stay for a little while." Alexander finally answered Aeron's invitation, sitting down in the chair Macsen had occupied earlier. Manny had gone on without him, and while it could have been sad feeling left out this was for the best really. It was the very same reasoning Alexander had when he looked for Shears earlier. Sitting down beside Aeron - The General of many names - Mugsy looked over to him and Gunny at his side. "I can't really speak for the two other groups, but Thalia and Manny would have gotten a several medals if they were way back in our days. I have no doubt we all will do our part, but I guess you've already heard that before?"

Leaning back in his chair and looking forward for a moment, he took his time to enjoy the life around him. So much life around him after so long in a world devoid of the touch of humanity around. Except for the little scene with the young soldier and Nikki, tonight was lively but calm. Alexander took in a deep breath of fresh, sea air, lowering his shoulders and dropping the smile for a moment. Though he was still happy, happier than he had been for years. "Don't mind an old dog barking at closed doors, but that photo…the one with Shawn Mason and I, do you have more? Some of those guys I have trouble remembering their faces and…I guess they're not the ones I want to forget, if you know what I mean?" Alexander asked Aeron, his face calm and collected as his mind was racing through memories of his friends, their faces smudged like old photographs worn and torn over the years. Like he said they were the ones he wanted to remember, everything else not so much.

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Worst case scenario of the anticipated confrontation between Nigel and Hunter, the sword-fighting teacher would have to get in a fistfight with the drunk soldier who looked more and more like the lonely kid in the back of the classroom. Best case scenario, Nigel would have an easy time getting Hunter in bed and perhaps a good talk in the morning. From what Nigel had experienced from Hunter so far, either of those two looked viable. Still with his arm stretched out towards the Drunk Dog Boy, Nigel noted the grin from the Lisa-girl from the bar. Yeah, someone was more fun with this than others. Nigel wasn't one of them.

When Hunter started talking about throwing tits - a brand new phrase Nigel had never heard in his time around teenagers, alongside "fuck nuggets"- Nigel took it as a sign that his presence was at least partially noted. At first the possiblity that Nigel would have to give him a good Greek wrestle in order to get the glass, but clearly the boy forfeited the battle and handed over the glass. "Yeah yeah, good kid." Nigel thanked Hunter after getting hold of the glass, giving it a smell and feeling his nose tickle after the first smell of booze in many years. His mind was settled, no booze for him tonight.

Nigel crouched down beside the prone and still (somehow) conscious Hunter, listening to most of what he was saying. Who he was trying to tell this specifically would become one of the great questions philosophers throughout time would spend their lives contemplating, but Nigel listened and nodded along. Poor kid. Nigel looked up for a moment at Cook and Goat, nodding to the pair. "You've have to deal with this more than me, so I let you the experts decide. But thanks, Hunter too in the morning." He told them, looking back down at Hunter and sitting down fully with him.

"What, no! They won't do that, neither to you or Izibell, don't be so dramatic. Look Hunter, it's not that bad…" he began, trying to think back to his teaching-days of comforting kids who acted just like this. How could he put this the least awkwardly? "They won't kill you or anything like that, but her…Nikki right? I don't know what you said, but if she thinks you think she's lying you really should apologize to her. No, not now, Hunter. When you're awake and sober tomorrow, she deserves on hell of an apology from you. I'm sure you didn't mean that, but alcohol is bad for clarity, I know that myself…" Did he mean to say that? Not really, but the saying was true; In vino veritas. "Things will get better, or they will blow over."

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"Angel?" The word sounded strange in Ash's ears. Or rather, he didn't remember that word being used to describe the young woman. "I was close with some of her family. We're lucky if that's the worst of it." Indeed, getting a rude gesture from her cousin Alicia or her uncle Caesar was like getting bid a fond "Good Morning" from anyone else. But as much as the stroll down memory lane might have been a bittersweet and rewarding process for him, Ash was far more interested in building new memories, and it showed. "Well, whatever's irking your friend'll have to keep for a while longer." It could be deduced that he was still quite eager to spend quality time with his lady.

Ash listened to the whisper from Thana with a supportive grin, like the idea of privacy was just the thing for them at the moment. He could meet and greet the greater of Camp Mexico Beach's population when he started to whatever job they assigned him tomorrow. Tonight was his and Thana's. He completed his turn back in the direction indicated by her, behind the stage and nearer to the pier. One might still hear music from whomever was getting up to play next, but as it was broadcast in the opposite direction it truly was background music. When he found a suitable spot (accepting every piece of input Thana might have on the subject), Ash carefully set Thana down and gave her a quick kiss, promising, "Drinks, plates, and I'll be back as soon as I can be. Okay?" He started back toward the party at a jog, then halted, turned around, and came back for another kiss. "Sorry, needed one more. I'm good now. Be back soon." He grinned like a schoolboy, or just a man in love, and took back off in the direction of the party, proper.

At the bar, Ash saw a couple familiar faces and a couple not-so-familiar ones. Walking up, he could have sworn that he heard the younger woman, Nikki, about to embark on an epic quest to troll for easy and temporary nocturnal companionship, and the less familiar woman agreeing with her, saying something about a hunt. Very much not his business. Extremely not his business. Mustering as much courtesy as he was capable, Ash instead tried to spark up a quick professional dialogue with the bartender. "Ah, Miss Adelaide? 'pologies for interrupting you soon as you get a plate." His Virginian accent was starting to flare again, though he was remembering his manners. "I'm carryin' back drinks and plates for two, if you've got anything that travels well, or has a lid? I 'preciate you, thanks." Ash gave a courteous nod to those who were present at the bar, extending a series of monosyllabic greetings, "Ma'am. Ma'am. Sir," as necessary. Drinks, food, Thana. It was good to have goals.

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The ongoing conversations around Thalia might have made for interesting conversation had she not been mildly annoyed right then. It occurred to her that she was being toyed with by both her brother and Thana, with a tiny mark of betrayal inking its way in there. Then it occurred to her that there might be a difference between "being toyed with" and "playing a game with". One was a potential cause for stabbing. The other was meant to be fun for all parties. It had been a while since she had done anything purely for fun, with the upright arcade game back in Quarantine being an exception. Even then, Thalia could have said that it was to train her left hand to take over more duties. This thing might be fun. Still, it didn't do her any good to let anyone else know that just yet. Fun. It seemed a foreign concept.

Still, the area around the kettles seemed like a breeding ground for conversations she's rather not be a party to. Most especially the alcohol inspired ramblings of immense incoherence from the other person present with social issues. Well, we all had our bad nights, and she was certainly no exception. Just right then, she didn't feel like being too near to someone who might spew at any moment, nor the attempts to coddle him. Not the most compassionate thought she'd ever had, granted, but it was honest and she was keeping it to herself. Small miracle, that.

Thalia redoubled her efforts to finish the food on her plate. It was all simple enough, though admittedly the corn posed a little it of a challenge to someone with one fully working hand. That was a sobering thought, if ever there was one. She had been described as a "dexterity monster" at one point in time, and much of her training played off of this. Thalia was going to have to learn different ways to do things she'd been doing instinctively all of her life. It sucked and it didn't seem fair, though at least she had been getting pretty good at using her "off hand". Thalia hated feeling weak like this. Her food, at least, fell mercilessly and quickly under her onslaught; she then rose, moving to the spot for plates and compost bin. Her little act of sustainability handled, it was time to move elsewhere. The bar was good enough. Mental note was made to find Maddoc and ask about training. That could wait a little, though.

Having missed the conversation concerning The Great Fuck Hunt, Thalia couldn't contribute in any meaningful way. She did make it a point to not give any one person a sustained length of eye contact. Maybe it was a piece of survival instinct, or maybe it was just born of a cynical weariness that was starting to creep into her bones. She couldn't quite tell. It did look like she was a little less nervous about being around people than she was a hour ago. An unspoken mental list was made as she approached, "Nikki, Lisa, Adelaide, Manny, Ash. Wait, the fuck?" Knight-Errant Captain America was here, by himself? Oh, he must be doing bitch work for Thana. Whatever. Thalia raised her metal hand as she leaned on the bar. She had forgotten to un-extend the middle finger still. Something to keep in mind. Staring at Ash, Thalia undid the locking mechanism and folded the finger back down with a sound reminiscent of metallic knuckles popping. Yes, she was starting to like this hand a little more. When a moment presented itself, she asked the bartender, "Ada, you had, um... Tea? Back there? I haven't had tea in years." She mulled over, "Yah, years. The biggest damn glass you can spare, please."

Looking around to everyone else, "What are we talking about?" Large crowds bothered Thalia. Smaller ones, she was getting better with. The bar crowd seemed okay.

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Well it seemed Manny wasn't being turned away. Small victories! Even being offered a drink. "Tea would be lovely." As Thalia put it, it had been years since he had enjoyed a good cup of tea. "If you have it sweet tea would be great." Sure, the amount of sugar in sweet tea was terrible for one's health, but Southern Sweet Tea. Manny couldn't help but laugh at Nikki's follow up comment. "No, no you can't." Trying to be more serious again though, "That is up to him to figure out. And from the looks of things, seems like he is trying, even if failing on every step of the way." He wasn't saying it as an excuse for Hunter, but was more trying to help explain the logic of the situation as best he could. "Hopefully he figured it out before he does something stupid enough he can't come back from it." That was more a fact of life then anything else. Everyone had the stupid age of their lives. Manny had his years, and they were not pretty. He was the lucky one, the one who saw what things could be if he didn't correct himself. Others that choice took them to their graves.

People started coming and going from the bar now that food had been served and the earliest to get food had finished. Made sense, get food, have a drink, enjoy the night from there. Ash came over, ordered some drinks, and gave a simple acknowledgement. Manny replied with a simple wave before he left. Thalia came over, ordered tea as well, and seemed interested in what was going on. "All sorts of crazy stuff." He gestured to the Soldier Boy who was laying with his back in the sand staring into the sky intently. "Someone had a few too many drinks." He wondered what else was going on in the young boy's head. Even though Manny had good experience with other guys, he had next to no experience with kids.

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Hunter decided in that moment, that booze may not be his friend. He felt sick, he felt annoyed, he felt upset, and he wasn't still completely able to understand what had just happened. What he did register, food. food sounded awesome right now. "Crackers would be nice..." He spoke, though not to anyone or anything directly. As if he was thinking to himself, and the words spilled out on accident. Though, he couldn't help but chuckling at Cook's comment about Gunny's drunken situations. He smiled for a moment, then as if he remembered he fucked up, went back to being distracted by his own thoughts. The reassurance from Nigel reminded him that getting shot wasn't as likely as his mind put it up to be. He wasn't sure he could get that thought out, but maybe he could contain it better so he would stop drawing attention to himself. He felt wet, not sure why, not realizing his last couple sips of whiskey had spilled all over him when he laid down.

Hunter liked Nigel. He was nice, didn't seem to want anything from him in return, and put up with all of his bullshit. Which Hunter guessed was a lot based on how others kept getting pissed with him. The reassurances against his fears were also more comforting from him. He seemed like someone who he could trust even with his trust issues. "I thinks.... you are rights..." HE added plurals to a few of his words, mostly out of a mix of slurring and to show how serious he was right now. Even if it didn't show that thought at all. "I should go and apologize for being an ass butt." He tried to sit up, unfortunately for the soldier boy that didn't last as he felt light headed and fell back down on his back. "Fuck.... Nuggets..." He did like what was said about things getting better, or at the very least blowing over so things could be figured out. He liked that... They had to get better eventually.

Temperature: 70F
Humidity: High (Around 72%) - No Rain
Wind Speed: 18 MPH
Cloud Coverage: Clear

Note: The night is getting closer to wrapping up. More are starting to turn in, some are starting to clean up bit and pieces here and there. The fireworks are wrapping up and Tesla is starting to get the kids together to head back to find their parents or their guardians.

Adelaide has stopped serving Moonshine and Whiskey at this point. Drinks are as follows:

• Light: Beer (Pale Ales)
• Sweet Tea (Brown)
• Water (Clear)

Riley looked over to where the fireworks were being set off. It was pretty. Not something they had had in Newnan, or if they had had fireworks they never used them. Closest thing she could remember to them having to fireworks was the day Newnan fell and the way things were blowing up. That wasn't a good memory. None of that day was. She was separated from Amelia, didn't know if she was alive or not. More than even that was watching her sister break, seeing things like others of them had been that day, and watching her sister pull the trigger when the ground shifted..... No, she wasn't going to think on that right then. She had a full stomach, a place to live, she had some friends left in this world, and she had Amelia.

Turning her head she smiled and nodded. "Where ever you want to go," she said as she slipped her arm around Amelia's shoulders and started walking in the direction. Tesla seemed to be wrapping up with the kids and the fireworks were going to be ending if that was any indication. After getting a ways down the beach, Riley stopped. The music was still playing, further off but clear. Roman candles were still being shot off, the waves were crashing along the beach. "Perfect... well nearly," Riley said as she looked around before looking at Amelia, taking her into her arms and began to dance with her there in the sand, music in the distance, lights above them. Resting her brow against Amelia's as she held her close, protective even within the walls of CMB, gazing into her girls eyes. Leaning in slowly, Riley went to kiss her softly and thought to herself, "perfect."

Cook looked over to Lisa and chuckled a bit. "Down to food theft are we? Well, it isn't like Dusty couldn't miss a meal or two," she said with a bit of a laugh. Then there was a head shake. "Lord no, it won't ever go away most likely. Small community and no soap operas most of us haven't watched a thousand times, so tales or each other to poke with are what we have," she laughed. "Next time Padre has slipped into the whiskey, ask him about Shakespeare, you'll hear some funny stories," she added with a little twinkle in her eye. Seemed Cook could be just as mischievous as the rest of them. Glancing over at Hunter she sighed. "Yeah, he won't live this down, night one?" Resting her hands on her hips she shook her head before looking back at Lisa and nodding. "Of course sweetie, let me know if y'all need anything else, will be packin' it up soon," she said before Lisa went back over to the bar.

Adelaide nearly shot beer through her nose at Nikki's mention of finding a fuck. "Find a fuck?" That set a whole line of thoughts spinning through Adelaide's mind, which were only made worse when Lisa came over and added to it by mentioning the word hunt. The beer was gone that time as Adelaide doubled over behind the bar and had to wipe her nose. "Oh my god, find a fuck? Hunt?" she stuttered from behind the bar as she righted herself. She was laughing so hard her face was turning red and tears were rolling down her eyes. "Wait, hold on... So do fucks like grow wild? I mean, they gotta be an animal and not a vegetable though, if there is a hunt. Or is this like huntin' truffles and you gotta get something to sniff out a wild fuck? Was there a pokemon I missed when I was younger? A Wild Fuck has appeared! How does one take down a Wild Fuck? Is there a special pokeball for this? And does it evolve?" Adelaide was rambling but laughing her ass off at the thought of a wild fuck.

She could barely stop herself long enough to say, "thank you," to Lisa about the food. And as Ash came over her laughter got more vigorous as she nodded. "Yeah... hold on," she said between her snorting and snickering. Pulling out two bottles of beer and setting them on the bar top. "Bottles, bring back, here, or, Cook," she said between laughs. Why this was tickling her funny bone so much she didn't know but it was damn hilarious to her. "Oh we are just talking about the Great Fuck Hunt," she said towards Thalia as she started to pour a glass of sweet tea for Thalia. She had to stop as a new thought came to mind. Then she started speaking, in the worst fake Australian accent possible. "Now what we have here is a Wild Fuck! Wooo-weee, ain't she a beaut! A bit feisty, oh girl, don't ya worry, I ain't gonna hurt you. Yer a beauty." Finally filling a glass for Thalia and for Manny she pushed each glass towards the two and lost her legs, falling to the ground behind the bar and kept laughing. "Ah! The Wild Fuck! It's got me!" she giggled as she sat up slowly and rested her back against the shelves, still giggling.

Looking towards Alexander the General nodded and there was an understanding smile playing on his lips as he sat there. He would sway a little bit against his cane from time to time in time with the music but other than that he just kept the main of his attention towards the man sitting with him. "Yes, I would suspect they would. My granddaughter is not one to speak highly of people but considering what I have heard from her about her time with you, and how adamant she was to bring several fallen back here to have a proper burial, I believe I can paint the picture well enough." There was a long breath from the man. "In a way we are all soldiers now, fighting an unending army and just trying to hold our ground." It was a sobering thought. He though did like the idea of them being soldiers now instead of what the Major had told him that Tatiana referred to all of them as: refugees. Refugees sounded like there was no hope and no connection. Soldiers fought, found ways to live, forged families in battle. Yes, soldiers was better than refugees. Neither was particularly energizing.

Now the question was a good one and it was one that made a small smile grow on the Generals lips. "Ah, yes, well I have many things. I haven't had a chance to go through them all. Perhaps we could get together and start sorting. See what we could find. One such as you, a new set of eyes that have seen the world some might be able to help me organize better than others have. There are boxes and boxes from many, even runs that were successful in bringing back from houses or libraries." Nodding he leaned back a bit. "Yes, find me after your work tomorrow, I have an idea, should be very enlightening."

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Nodding knowingly, Thana agreed with Ash. A flip of the finger, be it flesh or metal, from Thalia was getting off easy. Thana remembered the first day her and Thalia had met, what they did together, what they went through. The bird was most definitely getting off easy. The fact no one died was getting off easy. Then again, Thalia might say the same about Thana if she was thinking back to only that first day. Thana knew there was more to Thalia than a lot of people got to see. The two had bonded over taking down Eden, they had a friendship grew traveling together. Then she remembered the hug Thalia gave her when she showed up in Quarantine. For as much anger and fire Thana had seen come out of Thalia, the woman was capable of very deep feelings and she expressed them, from time to time.

Taking herself from memory lane, Thana glanced over towards Ash. "It'll keep, she's on a quest," Thana said and smirked a little as she looked off into the distance. Keeping her arms around his neck, Thana let Ash carry her. This was something new to her and while she knew she wasn't going to be able to tolerate being carried around for long she was sure going to take advantage of it right now. Perhaps it was a bit selfish to want to be held close to Ash, carried off, ignoring the others. She had people she needed to catch up with, family. After so much time searching though, Thana was hard pressed to actually feel guilty as Ash carried her off to a more secluded spot on the beach.

Thana's hands slipped from around his neck and cupped his cheek as she returned his kiss, holding it just a bit longer. Thana had learned first hand that any kiss could be the last one and every one of them should be treated as such. As her lips peeled from his she nodded. "Alright." Yes, drinks, some food, then back to enjoying each others company. Thana sat there, watching him walk away and quirked a brow as he stopped jogging back towards the party and came directly back. She nearly asked what was wrong but was stopped as Ash's lips found hers again. Shaking her head she giggled as he spoke and watched him run off again. He was being adorable right then, she hadn't seen that side of him since that morning when he was following her around moving tomato plants, he acted like a schoolboy then. He was acting like one now. It was sweet.

Turning her attention towards the water, Thana watched the waves break and push up onto the sand. How many nights had she sat on this beach growing up? Watching the waves, being alone while the rest of her family was up at the rental house or hotel, or even Papi's once he bought a place down here? It was an odd way of feeling right then, like relief streaked through her. Glad it was now instead of then. Then would have been ruined by one person. Tonight wouldn't be. Even if it was ruined it wouldn't ever be ruined by one person in particular again. That brought Thana a sense of peace she hadn't felt before, especially not expected that evening but she would take it. In this world, one took peace when they could find it and savored it, because it never lasted long. Casting a glance over her shoulder, Thana looked back towards where the party was going on and waited for Ash to return.

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Taking the beer, Nikki took a long drink and nodded. "Yeah, well he's out for the night. Dog boy can go play with his own bone," she said as she swallowed. Glancing around, she eyed the stage a bit and smirked. "Bass could be fun, he did ask to save him a dance," she added before taking another drink. It wouldn't be the first time they had hooked up. Nikki hadn't ever been serious about anyone in camp. She was young and didn't see a point considering how the world was. Bass was fun and hot. No reason no to in her mind.

Glancing over at Thalia she looked at the womans arm, not hiding the fact she was staring. "Finding fucks for the evening," she said bluntly towards Thalia but she was still looking at the arm. "That's fucking badass. Didn't think it was going to turn out that sweet," she said as tilted her head to the other side and taking a long pull from her drink.

Looking over at Manny, Nikki was about to say something when Adelaide went into her entire thing about wild fucks. Her eyes widening as the woman went on and on and on. "Someone spike the 'shine?" she asked as she looked over towards Lisa. She couldn't ever remember seeing Adelaide laugh before, maybe a smirk. Maybe, just maybe a chuckle. This? Was like watching someone on laughing gas. Though she had to admit the idea of fucks being an actual thing that grew in the wild was pretty damn funny. Shaking her head she slipped off her barstool, giving a quick glance towards Ash. "You found one didn't ya?" she said flatly before laughing as she glance back to where he had come from down the beach. Snorting she took her beer and started to head towards the stage. She had a wild fuck in her sights.

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Alexander kept his gaze forward, bobbing back and forth to the music like the General did. The atmosphere around the two old soldiers, one with more bars on his shoulder than the other, was ever growing around Alexander as the two of them spoke. For having not spoken with the man for many years - and even then only briefly and mostly about military issues that Alexander could remember - he felt his shoulders remain down even as the memories passed before him. Faces of people he'd buried: his father William, his wife Judith, many good friends on foriegn soil. People he'd never see again.

"Burial? You mean that Lola…" Alexander turned quickly to face the General, looking at him in suspense as he attempted to understand his words. He began to ask for their beloved and dearly missed Kiwi, stopping himself as the first name might not ring a bell for Aeron. "I mean Miss Holler, from the hellhole Eden; she's buried here at Camp Mexico Beach? Could we see her grave and the others? We left them in haste, never thought they would get the burial they deserved…"

After the General continued to describe their place in the world now, the comparison to soldiers making Alexander nod his head in agreement, the old veteran got his answer for what he had seeked out Aeron for - The photographs. Not only did he have such memories printed onto polaroids, but boxes upon boxes of boxes of material from houses and libraries. From the sound of it Alexander could be of assistance in Aeron's efforts to organise all the photographs and other documents he had gathered throughout the years. Since the General had managed to find a photograph of Alexander, who knew what else he had managed to dig up. Alexander gave Aeron a growing smile equal to Aeron's, feeling a sense of purpose grow inside him. Him, useful? It had been a long time since he felt that.

"You need not ask me twice, Aeron. Been a while since I've sorted out papers, photos and bills, but I'll do my best. Where can I find you normally?" Alexander asked the General, moving his gaze from him and over to the party going on around them. It was getting late. People were turning in, and as Alexander felt himself yawn like an old man at a Florida-resort, it was probably time for him to head for bed too. "I should probably get some sleep. It's been a long day. Good night, Aeron. It's been good speaking with you."

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Nigel kept his attention split between the poor, dog boy of Hunter still lying on the ground and the party still going on around them. Clearly Hunter was somewhat able to take notice of people around him too, adding that crackers would be good. Something dry and salt, that would help, just like Cook had said. While the much needed sustinance was nowhere to be seen, Nigel could see that the bar was getting crowded again. Were the others trying to talk to Nikki like he was talking to Hunter? Some might have found amusement in their quarrel, but not Nigel. Perhaps later in the week or month he would find it a funny memory.

The teacher looked back down at Hunter as he agreed to Nigel's words. Nigel himself would have corrected Hunter's terrible drunk-grammar, but it was just that; drunk. It would be of no use. Nigel only shook his head in a resigned manner, wondering how Nikki would take such an apology Hunter wanted to make. But as Hunter tried to stand up, Nigel looked at him with wide eyes and tried to hold him back with a "No no no no, you're not going anywhere just yet." Nigel didn't have to stop him though, the alcohol was clearly doing its job. "You can keep cursing nuggets all you want, Hunter, but right now isn't a good time to apologize. Later."

Nigel turned back to Cook as he was done talking with Hunter, shaking his head and crossing his arms at the whole affair. "I should get him back to his bed after he's gotten something less boozey in his stomach, don't think anyone else want to take care of him right now. But thanks for everything, Cook." Nigel thanked Cook in passing his eyes across the beach, watching it slowly draining of people like an audience leaving the arena. It was probably time to get some rest for everytone either way, both mostly sober Romans and stupidly drunk dog-boys. "And you? I'm getting you too bed, whether you want to or not. Understood?"

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Away from the crowd Amelia certainly felt a lot more confident. What's more with the relative darkness, it was was just a bit better for someone as shy as her. It's not like she could simply stop feeling that emotion out of nowhere. She was better nowdays, but it wasn't gone. She observed the sand, listened to the waves, admired the fireworks and enjoyed the presence of her love. Maybe she too would have been laughing at the chaos of the bar, but she didn't hear it, so she missed it. Maybe she'd get the rerun or in other words someone recounting it tomorrow?

With Riley's arm around her shoulder they got good distance away and then Riley spoke out.” Hmmm?” She wanted to ask what was nearly perfect, because Amelia's own opinion was about the same. Were they thinking of the same thing? Well Riley got her into a dance out here, in the edge of the light, clear of the others.” Well yeah... “ Amelia said quietly with a blush as they danced.” Very few things can make this 'perf...” She was about to get around to saying a kiss, when a kiss basically landed on her lips, stopping her midway. She blinked and closed her eyes. Yeah now it was perfect, like in a nice fairy tale. That was it the night was PERFECT.

“You... read my mind.” Amelia finally said in a whisper when the kiss ended and she was really glad they weren't close to the others in the beach. She locked fingers with Riley, smiling.” This was way better than finding a seashell...” The night was now perfect, everything that she wanted to happen happened! What was left was to return home, together! What's more Amelia had another thought, was it possible to get photos in the camp? She was going to have to ask about that too. Still with hands interlocked with Riley, she smiled and looked down with a blush, looking at the sand. There were bound to be a few seashells around. She wanted one as a memory of tonight. She'd put it on a string and all.

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Lisa was rather curious as she observed the partner of Thana who arrived at the bar. She vaguely thought his name might be Ash if she recalled correctly. What was even more curious the way he greeted them. She started laughing at them all being called sirs or ma'ams. It was honestly hilarious, especially after the bit of alcohol she had to get a more merry mood without getting dead drunk.” Well not called Ma'am often, sounds weird.” She laughed, leaning on the bar.

Then Thalia joined up with them again and just in time to be present for Ada's little episode about wild fucks. Admittedly Lisa probably found it just as amusing as Ada was right at this moment as she was laughing aloud, leaning on the bar.” Don't look at me, I'm not the one who spiked it if that's the case.” She replied to Nikki with a grin.” Maybe it was the wild fucks who did it, to make things more interesting.!” Lisa laughed even more as the woman vanished under the bar. This was the stuff she wanted to see out of life. She leaned forward a bit as Ada was sitting up.” Ya okey there? Need any help?”

Weirdly enough though Lisa herself had initially been on the look out for a partner for the night, having this kind of fun happen, kinda made her mostly not care about it as much.” You haven't been sampling the good stuff in secret without inviting me, have you?” She asked, chuckling and looking Ada in detail.” Did you get injured?” Lisa was a bit concerned. She was well ready to help the barkeep at a moment's notice.

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It had been a good, long while since Ash had sauntered up to a bar. Even more so since he had come upon a boatload of spontaneous, conversational laughter. He was still an outsider, and this was reinforced heavily by the conversation at hand and the various reactions of the people present. The one-armed woman's general and continuing snark notwithstanding, he was going to refrain from addressing directly at this time. For a lady who wanted to have an in depth conversation with him, she sure as hell wasn't scoring any brownie points. Ash did have an interesting if very mild moment of detachment as his more formal recognition (sir and ma'am) of the others present was laughed at. "It's considered polite where I'm from," was all he would comment to Lisa, directing his attention back to the bar immediately thereafter.

Objectively, it was nearly impossible in the circumstances not to direct one's attention to the bar, as the bartender went into a rant about the capture and evolution of the Wild Fuck. Not one to interrupt the progression of a conversation that he had just wandered into and had no desire to join for any length as he had someone to get back to, Ash merely stifled a chuckle and accepted his drinks with another polite intonation of, "Ma'am," and nodding when she gave instructions about the bottles. His eyebrow quirked a bit as Adelaide busted out with the absolute worst Croc Hunter impression that he'd heard in his life, culminating in her collapse behind the bar. At least everyone was having fun. For himself, Ash was a little rusty at it.

Ash took a second to try to work out the best way to carry two capped bottles and plates besides when he received a bit of commentary from the younger woman, Nikki. It took him a second, context being what it was, to puzzle out that she has meant that Ash had found a Fuck in the Wild. But by the time that realization came in full, she was already on her way off to do her own hunting. Overall, Ash wasn't sure what to make of the most recent series of interactions. Were people of Mexico Beach razzing him for being the new guy? Or were they acting in a more familiar manner to make him feel welcome? Since arriving, it seemed like even the people he'd known for the better part of this particular Apocalypse were distancing themselves. But that might be the easy explanation that they were giving he and Thana time to devote to each other. Yeah, Ash was definitely rusty at having fun.

Effecting a smile, Ash looked back to the bar and gave a somewhat warmer, "Thank ya much," before strolling off toward the kettles. Be it that things were winding down overall, Ash had little difficulty moving the distance from A to B and locating two of the plates on the more sparsely appointed table nearby. He looked over to the sovereign authority of all matters foodish, intoning, "Taking for two, ma'am," Maybe he did speak with social formalities too much. Well, best to err on the side of courtesy until he knew how things worked here. Ash no longer set policy. He slipped each of the beer bottles into his front pockets and picked up one plate in each hand, nodding his thanks with a polite smile and issuing a direct, "Thank you." He might assume that Cook knew for whom he was taking the extra plate. It was apparent that he and Thana were joined at the hip since she arrived.

Direct steps removed him from the area of the Kettles and brought him around the stage. He kept is pace moderate and even, tempering a desire to get back to Thana quickly with the practicalities of carrying plates of food. As he came closer, the smile shifted from the polite and sociable to the more genuine. Though deep down (deep, deep down), Ash was a social animal, he really only wanted to be around one person right then, and might feel that way for a long time yet. "Sorry if I took too long," he started, handing over a plate. "They were screaming about hunting feral Fucks at the bar. Hell of a thing. Got away as soon as I could." One of the bottles in his pocket followed the plate.

Settling in next to Thana, Ash looked into her eyes. "The view here is amazing," he commented simply. One might note that he hadn't looked at either the sea or stars since returning.

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Too many drinks. Yeah, Manny looked like he was dead-on right about that. Well, it happened. Thalia wasn't exactly a bastion of moderation herself, being just as prone to excesses. Food, obviously. Though that was, in recent years, a survival strategy based upon the idea that she had no idea when her next reliable meal was going to come from. Taking out whatever crossed her path with a pointed stick or a pistol shot (if she was desperate), she kneejerked toward cooking and consuming as much as possible in one sitting. Likewise the element of pushing herself in training. When she was strong enough to, she pushed herself physically like her life depended on it. Simply put, it did. A tiny amount of consideration put this time heavily in the latter. She was strong enough to train now, and being relieved of her dominant hand from the forearm down had decimated a lot of her key survival skills. Thalia always was her skillset, period. She needed people now, and it sucked. Well, adapt or die. Thalia had business to finish first.

But back to the point of this train of thought. Hunter's excesses had eliminated one social avenue but it seemed to open others, in the form of someone checking up on him. Strengthening community, and in his case, hopefully instilling an element of trust because someone was going out of their way to make sure he was alright. Maybe getting shitfaced early in the night was going to be to his favor in the long run. If she cared enough about the situation, she might have crossed her fingers. Sometimes apathy was a blessing.

Of course, someone did answer the question she had posed. Couple of them. Adelaide's mention of The Great Fuck Hunt drew a smile from her, and the almost simultaneous "Finding fucks for the evening" from Nikki fully backed up the claim, informing her that it was not just something she had made up. Though her face spoke to the slightly amused, Thalia's voice was a little more even as she responded to Nikki, about the arm being badass. "Thanks. Still getting a feel for it." She gave it a little more consideration, twisting it with the more limited range of motion that her stump allowed.

Perhaps the reason for the even voice but lingering smile was the Australian accent, imitated poorly by Ada. It seemed a lifetime ago that she heard a similar, neighboring accent. Memories of Lola came back to her, the Kiwi tank commander that kept her from spending a winter stuck in one place, huddled for warmth. She might have saved her life that winter, as the season was notorious for claiming the alone, unlucky, or unprepared. Lola definitely saved her life on that last day, or rather, her last day, before being gunned down. She had grabbed Thalia and heaved her back just before the ground swallowed her up, like it had done to others standing close to her. Lola had occasionally flirted with her, making comment or suggestions but never pushing a physical agenda with her. She expressed interest, and while relations of that type were still pretty new to her, Thalia had never taken her up on it. It just wasn't how she viewed her. Lola was a steadfast and honest friend; her best friend in a very long while. After saving her life, Thalia had decided to throw her a bone by, well, throwing her a bone, metaphorically speaking. But later that day, before any bone throwing was possible, Lola's life was taken from her by Edenite bullets. It killed Thalia to leave her body there. It just wasn't fair.

The first sip of her sweet tea was magnificent. It was a moment that she might remember for a good, long while, but none of it showed on her face. Instead, her eyes welled up with tears and a single line of moisture spilled down from them. Everybody had lost people. Everybody still would. Beatrice, the only woman since Lola that she allowed close in that way (only person, period, thinking about it) left of her own accord. Just left her, and the flowery promises about looking into her family meant nothing then. Was that why Thalia's mood was toward the irritable that evening? Was that why she was coming close to ignoring Thana, arguably her best friend in the world now? There was the guise of giving her time with Ash, but how true was that in her thoughts? She had only tried to approach when she wanted something explained to her, and left abruptly after giving them both The Finger. Or Ash, a guy she didn't really know - she was being rude as hell to him. Yet here she stood, weeping slightly with a stone face. Tio Caesar might be proud, except that she was laid low by a shitty Aussie accent.

Well, fuck feeling sorry for herself. People left. Either they died or they moved on, and Thalia just had to get used to the part about people moving on. She had family here and this was a place where she could get stronger. That was enough. Thalia raised her arm to wipe her face on the back of her sleeve, completely forgetting that it was made of steel and, of course, there was no sleeve there. Thalia succeeded in bashing herself in the face. It wasn't enough to cause damage, but it sure as hell got her attention.

Quite independent of the discussion around her, Thalia set her tea down an exclaimed a very surprised, "Well, fuck!" as it seemed to be thematic of the conversation. She dried her face with the proper arm this time, and sighed. Turning back to the bar, she began to chuckle at herself. Indeed, this would take some more getting used to. Nikki had left, going fuck hunting. Ash had left, probably back to Thana. The guy might be an asshole but he was a straight shooter. Looking to Adelaide, she mused over what she remembered hearing from her last. "Fuck Hunt? Like that video game from back in the day? ...hate that dog..." Another sip, "Assuming I'm ahn the hunt," which she really wasn't, but it would do her good to converse with people outside of her own, tiny circle, "who ahll's open?" The question was phrased openly to whomever was still around the bar rather than just the bartender.

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The bar was full of activity. Between the wild fucks, teenage hormones, and all sorts of crazy things, it reminded Manny of being young again. Manny thanked Ada for his tea just before he watched the rather impressive improve act about wild fucks. It seemed Nikki was trying to hook up with the erratic soldier boy. He found that interesting, but it made sense in a way. New people, new faces, no experiences. "Are you alright Ada?" He leaned over the bar to try and see if she was alright. But based on the monologue, she was probably fine. He did notice Nikki trying to speak, but it seemed that the events that transpired cut her short, and she eventually left. "Best of luck to you." He said, though it wasn't a concern if she heard it. Overall, she seemed determined despite her set backs. Manny sipped his tea mentally recapping the last few days. "Damn I am getting too old for this." It seemed everyone was starting to slow down for the night.

Manny finished his sweet tea thinking to himself, Damn there is nothing quite as good as Southern Sweet Tea. "Hey uh..." He was about to ask about another glass before he left, but seeing as Ada was so tied up about wild fucks, he figured it was best to let her be. "Nevermind." He set his glass down and stood up walking back to the beach itself for one last minute for his night, giving Thalia a nod of Acknowledgement before he left. He saw Alexander and walked over to him on the way across the beach. "I think I am going to turn it in for the night. There is apparently something about wild fucks. It was...." He paused, not sure of the best word to describe it. "Interesting." He said ready to leave for his room.

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Hunter decided he hated Gravity. Granted he hated a lot of things, though most (Gravity included) were formed from his own misdoings. Struggling to get up to fix things tonight had failed with him landing back in the sand. "I will curse all the nuggets I want... This is America, and in America we can say Fuck It to whatever we want. Including Nuggets." He paused for a moment, realizing something. "Not taxes... You can't say fuck it to taxes... The government said so. Fucking lairs..." He stopped again at another realization. "But the government is gone! So no more taxes!" He held his arms up briefly in a cheer. Then thought about CMB. "Wait... these people probably have taxes too... fuck nuggets." Hunter laid down, still cursing nuggets. "Fuck all the nuggets."

When Nigel suggested Hunter was going to have to go to bed, Hunter prepared to protest. "No I'm not even tired yet..." He leaned up to continue his protest, then fell again. He lay there, eyes wide, as if something pushed him back down and he was surprised. "...okay... you win... I'll go to bed..." He accepted defeat, the only way he could accept it. Intoxicated to the point where telling up from down felt impossible. If he could get some crackers, cool, if he couldn't.... it would suck but whatever. A real bed sounded like a good idea, even though he wouldn't admit it. "Tomorrow... I need to go fix all of this..." He didn't like losing. But... He had lost here, and tomorrow, he would need to fix everything be broke."So... why... Like... What can I do to fix this now... God... why are people so fucking hard to figure out." Shoot it, blow it up, burn it, hide it, find it, Hunter could do it. Talk to people? Interact with people? Be sociable? All skills Hunter lacked.

Temperature: 70F
Humidity: High (Around 72%) - No Rain
Wind Speed: 18 MPH
Cloud Coverage: Clear

Note: The way things are going we will probably wrap up the next in the next few rounds. That is unless you all wish to continue with it. (This is more and more looking line up with the finishing of the new Cs's - which would be awesome.)

Adelaide has stopped serving Moonshine and Whiskey at this point. Drinks are as follows:

• Light: Beer (Pale Ales)
• Sweet Tea (Brown)
• Water (Clear)

The General looked towards Alexander and nods. "Oh yes, of course. Tomorrow after morning duties are complete Alpha Team has it on their schedule to take which of you wishes to go to the Graveyard to pay your respects. Sparrow put it on the request list and filled out the paper work on it already," he said as he sat there. "Terrible place I am told, this Eden in which you all raided." Aeron shook his head. Thana had told him of what she saw, what she was told. When they went back, one could see more and those reports came in as well. Aeron wasn't one for killing for the sake of killing but he agreed with the plan his granddaughter and others took part in to rid the world of people like this Addam fella.

Tesla and kids worked at picking up the fireworks remains and such, getting them put in the pails. Nodding towards Nigel, Cook smiled to him as she finished serving people. "You're welcome and good of you to take care of the kid. Seems he needs some teaching of how to be a person again," she said sympathetically. "Don't we all after so long out there."

Morales came back with a bowl of plain oatmeal and some dry toast, to which he handed over to Nigel. "Here ya are, should be just right. Might want to make sure he has a garbage can near where ever he rests his head tonight, unless you want his first job in town cleaning up his own regrets," Morales chuckled before heading back to Cook and helping her and Mizrahi start to get the kettles cooled down. They had a lot of work to do to wrap up before they could turn in for the evening and then Cook had to be back in the kitchen long before dawn to start breakfast for the camp.

Riley held Amelia close as they kissed. It was a rather perfect setting. There on the beach, the stars in the sky, the sounds of people laughing and music off in the distance, the sounds of waves rolling onto the shore right by them, a few smaller fireworks lighting up the sky near enough to them. Yes, it was perfect. Leaning back she grinned. "Much better than seashells," she agreed as she gazed into Amelia's eyes. "But maybe we can find one to remember tonight by?" she asked. Sliding an arm around her she started looking around. Sure they had lost their hair but they had each other, the hair would grow back. Anyways with this heat, it wasn't all bad.

Adelaide laughed and shook her head. "I'm good, I'm good," she giggled before she started up laughing again. She had no idea why this whole thing was tickling her the way it was but it just was the funniest thing she had thought about for a while. Adelaide was usually dry, harsh, brash, like a shot of whiskey but everyone had something that just made them laugh from time to time. Other far more stoic people had busted a gut laughing, granted probably not over the Wild Fuck (Available on Pokemon: NSFW Edition this spring) but cracked up nonetheless. Everyone needed a good laugh and Adelaide found hers.

Waving Ash's thanks off, she tried to get up but at Thalia's comments she snorted and started cracking up again. "I'm good Manny," she said giggling before taking a sip of her drink. Taking a deep calming breath she looked at Thalia she grinned. "Depends on your tastes. Younger, older, girl, guy," she said before taking another sip. "Though I think Nikki has her eyes on a target already," she said motioning towards Bass on stage. Looking around she narrowed her eyes. "Roy, maybe. Chase, if she gets off the dock and stops checking the tides," she said as she kept looking around.

"I am usually within the administration building. Um yes but as you come in, just ask the front desk. If I not there they will direct you to me," The General finally added as he came out of his thoughts about Eden. Rising he held his hand out to Alexander and shook it. "Of course, rather long day indeed but a long day above ground is far better than a short day below it," he said with a grin. Seeing Manny walked over he nodded towards the man as he addressed Alexander. "It does sound like you both have the same idea. Yes, get some rest. Tomorrow is the first real day in your new home."

The General stopped for a moment as his eyes went to the kettles. Sighing, the kid wasn't exactly being quiet. "Hopefully he will turn into bed, will have to give him a talk about drunkenness and loud cursing around the younger children later..." Aeron sighed. Usually Adelaide was rather good at gauging how much someone could handle but it seemed she was a bit off on this one. He have to talk to her about better assessing the drinks. But that was for tomorrow.

Up on stage, Bass spotted Nikki starting to head that way and handed off so he could go cash in on that dance, at least he hoped. Panama nodded and the band went into their cover of Keith Whitley's When You Say Nothing At All

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It hadn't exactly taken Ash too terribly long to get them food and drinks all things considered. This was a beach party going on, people were milling around. Even if some had cleared out because they were turning in there was still over a hundred people on the beach right now. Though, every second that ticked by seemed much longer than it actually was. She wanted Ash back over to her. Okay she was being a bit impatient but logically she knew it was simply because they had spent so long apart and looking for each other that now any time apart was going to seem far more than it really was. Maybe that would change in time, it surely would wouldn't it? Or maybe it would forever leave this little bit gnawing at the back of her mind that when he was out of sight he might never come back into sight again. Depressing thought... It had to go.

Thankfully it was about that time that Ash started coming back over to her. It brought a small smile to her lips. Reaching out she took the plate that was hers and one of the drinks. Her brow quirking a bit at his words. "Must have run into Nikki," she mused out as she popped the top to the drink that Ash had brought her. Seemed this wasn't the first time Nikki had mentioned Wild Fuck, though it was the first time she had heard it put in such a way that it sounded like one of the teams was about to get rounded up and they would go on an actual hunt like they did for deer or pig or turkey every so often to try to get more meat in the place that wasn't from the sea. "Sounds like you got away just in time," Thana chuckled before a smirk came to her lips. "Cause I already did my hunt, caught yer ass fair and square."

Looking out over the ocean, Thana nodded. "Yeah it is," she said looking up at the stars. She felt something, someone, staring at her. Turning her head slowly she noted that Ash was looking right at her and had been this whole time. Well, it seemed like he wasn't talking about the same thing she was. "Keep starin' at me like that and people are gonna think you have a thing fer me," she said, poking a bit of fun as she leaned in. Stealing a quick kiss she scooted over closer to him and let out a content breath. "Torn between sitting here and enjoyin' the moment and tellin' ya to carry me back to our place," she admitted as she started picking at her food a bit.

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Nikki took a long drink from her beer as she started towards the dance floor. She had her Wild Fuck in sight for the evening. Bass would do just fine. He looked good enough, was sweet, didn't talk too much. Which was more than she could say about another guy at the party. One that got her attention as she heard something about Nuggets and Fuck. Lifting a brow she looked over to where it was coming from and spotted the guy laying down in the sand. Seemed the guy people called Sportacus was dealing with him, as well as Cook. Or at least Cook was close by, she couldn't hear what the others were saying but Hunter, that was clear as day. Drunk whisper was about as quiet as a toddle pitching a tantrum with a microphone hooked up to a stadium speaker. In other words if the Walkers hadn't heard the music from the party they would hear Hunter, most likely in Leavenworth.

Shaking her head, Nikki downed the rest of her beer. Yeah, she wasn't drunk enough to even touch that one. Dropping her bottle off on one of the bins she kept walking and headed around the edge of the dance floor to get closer to the stage. Seemed Bass had caught sight of her and was already heading down to meet her. "Tag, yer it tonight," she said rather matter of factly as she took his hands and put them around her waist. Bass tilted his head to the side. "Not repeating myself," she said as she started dancing.

Bass wasn't one to argue, at least not with Nikki. No one was, Nikki, well she didn't listen once she had her mind made up. You either went along or got ready for a fight. Bass wanted to dance but not a bloody one. Pulling her close, he swayed with her. Nikki leaned into his arms as they danced and enjoyed the moment. Glad they were closer to the speakers now, less chances of her listening to things about Nuggets Fucking, and Fucks Wild, or was it Fuck Nuggets and Wild Fucks? Either way, didn't matter. A dance or two, and then hit the bed and not alone, hopefully.

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Alexander wanted to say something to the General, knowing that he would be able to give a final goodbye to Lola. He had only briefly known both her and Gavin, but it was in part thanks to her that he was there now. If not for her and her TANK way back then, who knew where the old veteran would have ended up? Alexander opened his mouth to tell the fellow old-timer something, though his words failed to materialize at the mention of Eden. Terrible? It wasn't even close of a worthy description. Alexander was pulled back to one certain room he had entered, and the vengeful act of God he himself had performed on that Eden son-of-a-bitch.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

And yet Alexander had shot a dying man in cold blood, not in defence but in despise. For a moment Alexander had become someone he feared.

Alexander only nodded at the General's words, catching where to find him after his work was over tomorrow. It took him a moment to realise the hand held out for him to shake, but Alexander also rose up and shook his hand. The same hand he'd shaken when both were young and lively. Manny showed up on cue to head to bed as well, which was more than fine for Alexander. He gave Manny a wave and a smile, giving the General one last grateful look. "And so say the Lord. Thank you, good night. Come on Manny…wait what?"

He had began to make his way away from the dance floor when he understood what Manny and the General had been talking about. Wild fucks, the boy who drank too much. "Oh…right, right…I'm going to feel sorry for that kid in the morning." Alexander stated quietly to Manny, not elaborating on it more as he walked off the beach. It was right that the boy was too rowdy and needed to be talked to, but Alexander couldn't judge him too harsly. It just felt too familiar, too much like himself. "I wonder how it feels to have a room for ourselves now. Will you miss my snoring, Manny?"

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Hadn't it been for Nigel somewhat voluntarily taking care of Hunter - that one was very much up for debate in whether he had chosen so himself or been forced to take the choice because nobody else cared - he would have been tempted to simply leave Hunter right where he was lying at the moment. The guy's incoherent ramblings about nuggets, America, taxes and more fuck nuggets only reciprocated shrugs of disbelief from the Neo-Roman. Some part of him was glad he himself hadn't been the one to drink his sorrows away in Erica's absence, though the teacher in him made him feel responsible for Hunter's well-being.

Nigel wasn't about to play by Hunter's rules however, leaning over the drunkard and giving him a stern look as he was getting sick and tired of this Greek tragedy. "Forget about the cursed nuggets already, and get up on your feet." Nigel told him sternly, though Cook's words made him regret giving off such a hard tone. As Morales returned with the promised bowl of oatmeal, Nigel sighed and hung his head forwards, thinking about what Cook had just said. "I guess you are right…we've all become something less out there. Thanks you two."

Kneeling down beside Hunter again, Nigel held out his hand for Hunter to take it and sit up straight for once. It was probably best to get some food down while they were still outside, and later Nigel could get Hunter back wherever he was sleeping. "People are like that, errare humanum est. Our fault as human beings. That is not for you to think about at this moment, young Venandi. Now get up from the ground and eat this, and I'll get you to your bed. And yes that is an order."

While waiting to see if Hunter would actually do as told or not, Nigel noticed the second person in this whole maelstrom pass down towards the dance floor. Nikki, who ended up dancing with someone else as the party winded down ever more with the enveloping darkness. Nigel sighed - he had sighed a lot that night come to think of it, he probably sounded like a fed-up philosopher with students asking too many stupid questions. While sure didn't want Hunter to watch Nikki dance away with someone else, he still wanted to have some fun himself. After Erica had called it an early night that had been difficult. Hopefully she was feeling better tomorrow.

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„Alright then, let's find a souvenir before we call it a night!” Amelia nodded with a bright smile as she looked down at the sand at their feet. It wasn't the best light to search the beach, but it would and closer they got to the campfires the brighter it would be, but for now even here it was fine. Seashells stood out because they were big in comparison to the sand itself. In any case, finding a few small seashells shouldn't be a problem for them. Most beaches were littered with the things after all. Question was if they'd find a big pretty one.

Then again it was a beach as certainly as the sun rising in the morning, it didn't take much searching for her to crouch by this tangled mess of seaweed. In it there was this basically round thing. She tilted her head for a moment, fiddling a bit to pull it out of the seaweed. This was a seashell probably.” Is this the sand dollars you mentioned earlier?” Amelia asked, tossing a look at Riley. Honestly Amelia had mostly seen regular the more cliché sea shells. Then again she hadn't went to beaches much even before the apocalypse so her knowledge of marine life was rather limited to what science and nature tv channels would play.

“I think this will make a fine memento for this night.” Amelia smiled and looked at Riley. All in all it was starting to get late and she was starting to consider if they should be heading back to their home now. To rest so they are fresh tomorrow when they wake up.” Riley, should we consider heading back to our... place?” She asked, realizing how different it felt to have a place to call their own even if only temporary.” It's late and they will have us start our jobs tomorrow right? We should get some sleep.”

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„I know, don't worry.” She grinned a reply to Ash with a gentle wave of her left hand and didn't press the issue any longer. Soldiers, they all acted alike. Not surprising though apparently how stuff was done in the army and habits were a hard thing to break and it might be beyond habit and more of a culture thing. In any case she had mostly stopped caring what she was being called. There were bigger issues at hand like zombies outside. She also didn't have to do taxes because well.. there were zombies outside. Truly a curious thing how much the world had changed by the simple fact that... there were zombies outside.

“Mm good to hear.” She smiled at Ada, well she looked well enough to not require medical assistance so that was good at the very least. It was going to be a bad night if someone had properly gotten hurt.” Tell me if you need help though.” Lisa informed the bartender with a smile and started to munch on her own food. At least for a brief moment, before she nearly choked when she burst into chuckle at Thalia's joining the Great Wild Fuck hunt apparently.” This is so turning into a thing for good.” She couldn't stop herself from laughing.

“Well decent variety to choose from indeed.” Lisa agreed with Ada and put another mouthful of food into her mouth.” Initially I was planning on 'hunting', but... honestly I was just checking out the new prey.” She grinned and looked at Ada.” Well anything as long as she's happy. Doggo boy fucked his chances up hard, though admittedly it was hilarious to watch.” On that note, she spotted Nikki dancing it off with Bass.

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The fact that Thana was able to guess who had called together the Great Fuck Hunt of Mexico Beach was telling of both the place and the people in it. Ash had to stifle a laugh from getting a touch out of hand. He wasn't accustomed to laughter quite so much anymore, as least when it came from him. It would have to be something he got used to again, and he felt that in this place, he just might. CMB had a cast of characters, all right, and they seemed to know each other well enough. It had all the earmarks of a community, and not just a gaggle of refugees. "I'm sure she knew I was spoken for. Even said as much, more or less," commented Ash, remembering the sarcastic quip that came from Nikki just earlier. Ash remembered feeling slightly insulted, if temporary, as the woman referring to Thana as a fuck that he had found. All in good fun, he supposed, but it didn't sit well with him. But this wasn't a moment to think about her. Too young, too flighty, too not Thana. That last distinction was the most important.

The moment after she finagled that kiss from him, Ash followed with, "If everybody doesn't already know I've got a 'thing for ya', then I'm doing something really, really wrong here, Thawna." He wore a lovestruck smile on his face; something he would likely have, off and on, for a very long time yet to come. Ash nodded knowingly as she confessed her duality of want at that moment. He understood the feelings there, as he was having them himself. Was it better to keep this moment alive for the time being or go back someplace truly private to make up for lost time? It seemed a pity that they couldn't do both. He laid a hand on top of hers and spoke with a clear, soft voice. "I lost you a long time ago, Thana. Lived for a year and a half, just about, not knowing when or even if I'd ever see you again. Now here we are, sitting under the stars, the sea breaking in front of us, and a warm wind blowing through our hair. All this miracle around us, and I still can't stop looking at you. So, as long as I'm with you, no matter what you want tonight, I'm truly satisfied." Ash leaned forward and stole a kiss of his own, letting it linger as he heard yet another crash of sea against sand in front of them.

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"Depends on my tastes? Yeah..." responded Thalia, followed by a nonchalant shrug. "I've got no fucking idea what my 'tastes' are anymoreh." It was a strange thing, as she thought about it. Her sexuality and proclivities therein weren't a thing up for debate prior to this whole "Apocalypse Thing". Thalia was what she was and, so long as things were discreet and convenient, she was good. Invariably her partners were male, around her age and had marginal variety - as much variety as one can expect from central Boston, anyway. But since then, it was something she had to think about. But as any good survivalist would tell you, one has to adapt to their environment to succeed. Whether the stark reality of just staying alive stripped away the conventions of her environment or social programming, or whether she independently realized this of herself because she spent so much time traveling and surviving with primarily other women, Thalia could not say. What she could say, because it was as true as anything else, was, "My 'tastes' are pretty goddamn fluid. And considering I just got dumped, I don't think it'd be fair to grudge-fuck one of the locals." Not without knowing what the mood was like for casual pairings in Camp Mexico Beach. What someone might take as a connection she likely would not.

Thalia took a sip of her tea. It was good. Of course it was, though. It was tea, and it had sugar in it. Both were things that she remembered liking, and both were things that went beyond the concept of luxury items now. She motioned with her glass, swallowing before speaking again, "I met Roy, I think. No clue who Chase is." So many new people to observe and figure out. And the people of CMB were no doubt doing the same to her. Lisa even said something similar, just then; checking out the new prey. Thalia was no one's "prey", if she could help it. She narrowed her eyes briefly, choosing to continue conversation (such as it was) while taking mental notes. "Turning into a thing," she began guardedly, "Wild Fuckhunters' Guild? We get t-shirts or matching cutie marks?" A little sarcasm, maybe, but it served to lead her into another thought. "Anyone in this town a tattoo ahtist? Meant to get some ink a while back, but, friggin' Zeds..."