[b]Shannon, Daniel & Amelia - Back to the Garage - Polyester & James[/b] ~Collab Post~ 

“You should have said yes, Daniel.”

Shannon opened the passenger side door and hopped into the truck. She put her arm over the back of the seat and looked across at Daniel. “But I’m glad you decided to go back. I’m way too exhausted.” She looked toward Polyester who hopped into the back seat and smiled. “Soon, you’ll meet the other two.”

“Yeah well I think he’s eighteen and possibly too optimistic.” Daniel climbed into the driver’s side of the cab and turned on the ignition. He pulled around and turned away from the kid, heading back up the street towards the crossroads. He turned back left and continued towards the autogarage. “Glove compartment; in the back. There’s a map of the city. Get it out and find where the street and the railroad meet.”

Shannon nodded and opened the glove compartment. She frowned as she fished through and found the map a few moments later. “Okay, so, uh…” Her eyes scanned the map, reminding Shannon that she really didn’t know New Orleans much at all. “Could you pass me a light?” she asked, her frown deepening. Daniel took one hand off the wheel to pass Shannon a flashlight. She mumbled a thanks and resumed looking at the map. After a few minutes of silence, she said, “Mmhm, I think I got it. Do you want me to show you now or later?” 

Daniel searched for a minute, checking his pockets. He then reached down to the door compartment and placed his hand and a black pen, offering it to Shannon. “Circle it.”

“Will do.” She took the pen and circled the location on the map. She continued looking at the map for a few more moments before she found the auto garage. Or at least, until she [i]thought[/i] she found it. “Man, James won’t like what we have to tell him.”

“Pardon?” Daniel asked briefly. “What would James have to dislike?”

“Well… Your sister-”

“Emma.”

Shannon paused, unsure if she should even continue. “Yes, Emma. I guess I really did shoot at her. I’m sorry, again. And well, now … she’s been taken apparently.” She looked down at her hands which she was wringing in her lap. “I’ll help you, no matter what.”

“Shannon, you don’t owe me anything. I would have the same thing had it been she and I. You feared for yours and James’ lives, and you took measures to protect yourself.” He said plainly as he pulled up to the garage.

“No, you wouldn’t have.” She balled her hands into fists, the knuckles whitening. “You don’t know me. We just met.” She looked over at him now, tears forming in her eyes. “I’m all irrational and honestly so stupid sometimes. I’m trying so hard to change because of all this bullshit but I can’t help being emotional. I fired on an innocent girl and I don’t care what you say, Daniel, I can’t forgive myself right now.” After a moment of silence, Shannon wiped at her eyes with her sleeve. “I’m sorry. Come meet James and Amy, Poly’.” With that, Shannon exited the vehicle.

Amelia was never very good with children, she hadn’t any of her own and she had no siblings which had any children. However, she’d managed to pass the time by letting James take a closer look at her M4 which she’d taken the clip from so he could look it over safely. At times the conversation would run a little stale, but with the topic of how they’d both survived they both managed to keep a light conversation going. Amelia looked up as she heard a car pull up outside the garage, motioning for James to return the M4 which she loaded before making her way towards the door. “Stay inside James, I’m going to take a look and make sure it’s people we know” she said before opening the door, peering around the corner. Shannon popped into Amelia’s view, followed by Polyester and Daniel. Shannon gave the other woman a small wave before motioning for her to head back inside.

Amelia gave a small nod as a greeting towards Shannon, offering a small smile as she walked towards her. She looked back inside and gave James an ‘all clear’ gesture with her free hand before slinging her M4 onto her back. When Amelia saw the new guy, she started to worry about the amount of resources they had to spare. At this rate they’d need to go looking for more. Without a word she followed in behind Daniel, moving over to the table where her armour lay before leaning against it, folding her arms across her chest as she looked towards Shannon and then Daniel. She was about to ask a question when Shannon spoke up. 

Once everyone was inside, Shannon started up introductions. She told Amelia and James that Polyester would be with them from now on. When everyone at least knew everyone else’s name, Shannon turned to Daniel. “So, about Daniel’s sister Emma...”

“I did not find Emma… We found a kid on the tracks but I think he’s too confident. He said he could find Emma for me and lead me to her. I said no, and now we’re here…” He then added, “and so is Polyester.”

“The kid said that she’d been taken by a group of armed men,” Shannon added. She let that information soak in for a moment. “I want to help Daniel rescue her.” She looked at everyone else in turn. “I want us all to help.”

Amelia listened intently to the information that the two gave. She didn’t know these people very well, nor did she know the new arrivals. But she had partnered herself with these people and so she knew she would invest herself into this as best she could. “I’m in” she said simply, “But I assume there will be a plan that doesn’t involve us assaulting where she is held and likely being shot” she said before correcting her posture to sit a little more comfortable, leaning against the table. “We’ll need a map, and as much details as we can get our hands on” 

“Of course,” Shannon said. “I’m glad you’re already thinking ahead.” She gave a smile toward Daniel. “But I think we should probably rest for the night. I think we’re all pretty exhausted.”

“I’ll take first watch, you guys sleep.” Daniel removed his Keffiyeh and vest and set them on the table.