Riley looked towards Beatrice for a moment then towards her sister, giving a slight shrug towards her. "I am helping out with the music, I just tried asking Dick if I could borrow that CD player over at your place for music. But he said nope, wanting his music to drown out the wedding." Riley said with a slight sigh, she looked over at Beatrice as she asked if anyone else used an instrument as far as she knew there wasn't another person that could play an instrument. "Other than me, none that I know of might have to ask around." Riley told her. Riley looked at Ryan and shrugged slightly she could make do without a CD player, if there were any instruments around in the Rec Center.
She watched Ryan going over towards Chloe and then kissing her hair, which made her visibly cringe she knew Ryan liked her sister Riley didn't trust Ryan that much around her. Then he started to head off to somewhere else, then he quickly came back asking if any of them saw Meghna around. "I believe shes with the bride to be, most likely at her place discussing more wedding stuff." Riley answered, then she heard her radio going off, and heard Ashton's voice going over the radio ordering some of the newer people to relieve people on guard duty.
"I guess we should head over and relieve some people." Riley said as she gave her sister a pat on the shoulder and started making her way towards the outer wall, she headed for the main gate looking over at Jim once she was there. "Guess you are needed over at Ashton's place." Riley said to him as she relived him of his duty for now wondering what was going on taking the rifle into her hand.
Kristina Smith
Location: Building E2 (Ms. Sally's Apartment) -> Building A (Outside of Ash's House)
Kristina nodded towards Ms. Sally and smiled at her. "No problem." She didn't know anything about cooking or baking, so it was probably for the best and she was always bad at math back in school. Kris then heard a nearby radio going off, Ashton's voice going off on the radio she had been in Newnan for a very long time now as she was handed her tea Kristina quickly drank it down, feeling the warm tea going down her throat. "I'll see you guys later." Kris said with a smile as she got up and started to make her way out of the apartment building and started making her way over towards Ashton's place. Kristina then started to wonder what this was all about really, she then remembered seeing someone she couldn't really recognize that was walking alongside Ashton and Black James.
Kristina spotted Froggy nearby and started to approach him and gently gave his side a quick tap and looked up at him. "Do you know whats going on?" Kristina decided to ask, she thought it would be best for now to keep quiet about it for now until she either saw Ashton or Black James. She saw the two of them walking a new person in but didn't know anything else other than that as she adjusted her hat bringing it over her ears a bit to keep them warm.
Meghna Kumar
Location: Building F (Jack & Tatiana's Home) -> Building A (Outside of Ash's House)
"I can certainly do that for you, it's not much use whatever you'd like." Meg said with a smile, she didn't use it that much just on occasion to make herself look somewhat presentable but she never used a whole lot even before the world ended. Meg then looked down at her radio as she heard it going off, Ashton's voice on the other end asking for people who were in Newnan the longest to meet him outside of his place. Meg looked at Tati for a moment and smiled slightly. "I'll get it and come right back with the makeup for you, once Ashton is done seeing us for whatever reason this is."
Meg turned to look over at Ciel for a moment. "You should probably go and report to Lyon or Beni see where they need you." Meg suggested as she quickly gave Tatiana a friendly hug and grabbed her jacket then started out of Tatiana's house. She started down the street it wasn't that far from their house to Ashton's she started to see a group starting to form in front of Ashton's house. Something did feel a little weird about this meeting. Meghna said Kristina and Froggy nearby as she made her way over towards them she saw her brother nearby as well and stood next to him.
Raymond Mendoza
Location: Building E2 (Ms. Sally's Apartment) -> Outer Wall
Ray laughed slightly when Tiffany elbowed his side and gently returned the gesture. "Someone would have to keep me out of trouble." Ray said jokingly as Ms. Sally handed Tiffany the frozen corsage. He saw his tux nearby and started to make his way over to it, that's when the nearby radio went off. Ray wondered what this meeting was about, but since he was a more newer edition he would have to wait and find out what it is from someone else. Ray watched as Kristina started to head out of Ms. Sally's apartment to report to Ashton's place, he looked at Tiffany.
"Might as well help me move around." Ray said with a slight smile looking over at Ms. Sally. "I'll come by later for it then I guess." Ray said as he started to leave as well and started making his way towards the outer wall. He saw Riley making her way there as well, it took a little longer for him to get there, with one leg and all but he had gotten used to walking around with crutches now. Once he finally got there Ray stood close by looking outside of the wall then he turned to look out towards Newnan itself.
For a brief moment, as Miss Sally pinned the boutonniere on him, a memory of his mother floated to the surface. When he graduated from the police academy and was issued his very first badge with the Boston Police, it wasn't his captain or lieutenant or partner who pinned it on him. His mother, beaming with pride and exhausted from a long day of work in the sun, had pinned the badge on his chest with care. A tear threatened to drop from his eye, but he brushed it away, and nodded at Miss Sally in thanks.
"It's amazin'," he replied, smiling widely. "Thank you, Miss Sally, for evahthing." Had he not been terrified of crushing the delicate flower bud, he would have wrapped Miss Sally into an enormous hug. Yet his thoughts were distracted by the crackling of the radio, and instinctively, Jack reached for his on his belt, only to grab air. Force of habit.
However, Ash's message itself was confusing, to say the least. He couldn't think of any other time where Ash had changed up all the jobs, but he figured that something must have happened that impacted only the Newnan core, and not those from Franklin. He glanced over at Miss Sally for a moment. "Must be nehves, but I'm blanking on what needs to be done next," he chuckled. He could always go and fetch Tatiana's gift, but he couldn't help but want to make sure he'd done everything he needed to so far. He had the tux and the boutonniere. Was anything else missing?
Beatrice Decker
Location: Lagrange Street ---> Outer Wall
The social nature of the conversations didn't interest Beatrice all too much. No, she found the announcement from Ash, broadcast conveniently from Riley's radio, to be much more engaging. Making mental notes and questions almost instantaneously, Beatrice was ever so slightly disappointed at the lack of explanation for those of Franklin. The day she arrived in Newnan, the security system had appeared to be somewhat of a disaster. Was this simply going to be another repeat?
"Let me know if you need more help later," Beatrice said to Riley, before nodding at the others, and heading for the wall. She glimpsed one of Newnan's redheads not too far away down the street, recognizing Amelia within a few moments. Her distaste didn't come across her composure, but Beatrice quickly grew aware of how annoying the optimist's presence would be on the walls.
However, Lyon had been put in charge of security temporarily, from what Beatrice had understood of the message. She worked with him as a trainer and found that he was confident and capable. It was a bit of a mystery to her as to why Lyon was not chosen as the lead trainer over Riley.
Her thoughts continued to entertain her as she made her way to the wall, but she refocused her mental energy as best as she could on the task at hand. Beatrice didn't really care for the idea that this settlement would fall apart from poor security, with good settlements being so hard to find in the fourth year. She doubted that there were any others left beyond Newnan--certainly not ones worth fighting for.
Chloe Ridgeway
Location: Outside Building 1, Legrange Street ---> Outer Wall
Chloe rolled her eyes playfully at Ryan's boasting. She knew that he wasn't kidding, and there were nights when she wanted nothing more than to walk over to his room, and ask him to get her whatever drug she was craving at that particular moment. It took a lot of self control to keep herself from doing that, mostly because Chloe wouldn't be surprised if Ryan had spice bottles filled with various drugs just waiting for such an occasion.
However, as he snubbed Riley ever so slightly, Chloe frowned a bit. If Ryan wasn't practically her best friend, she likely would have slapped him for that. No one was allowed to be an asshole to her sister--well, except for her. But they were twins. They had the right to be assholes to each other. Of course, it also helped that Chloe figured Ryan didn't mean any malice to Riley. It was just his personality.
She faked a gasp as Riley told Beatrice she didn't know anyone else who played an instrument. Putting her hand on her forehead, mocking Southern belles from corny movies, Chloe said, "My heavens! Did you forget your own sister can play the violin?" She stuck out her tongue ever so slightly. Their parents had insisted on Chloe taking violin lessons for years, and while she wasn't friends with the bride or the groom, playing the violin would be far better than just standing around.
With Ryan headed back over, in search of Meg, Chloe couldn't help but continue on in her teasing mood. "Weren't you the one just boasting about being able to find anything?" Though it was lucky that Riley knew where Meg was--Chloe wasn't quite sure where Meg would've been today. The woman seemed to be running all over Newnan on a regular basis.
The announcement coming in over Riley's radio caused Chloe to raise an eyebrow. She kept waiting for some sort of footnote to it, along the lines of Rejects-R-Us Housing residents, get your asses in lock-up. For a moment, she even wondered if Ashton was staging some sort of intervention for Dick, and that was why only core Newnan people were being called.
"Tell me whatever's going on later, yeah?" she asked Ryan. "Maybe I'll tell you whether or not I'm Irish in exchange," she joked, before waving as she headed off with Riley to the wall, with Beatrice a few paces ahead of them. It was going to be an interesting day.
Ciel nodded quickly, hastily standing up and darting back out the door, throwing Ryan's coat back on as he went. He wasn't sure who else would be there when he arrived at the wall, but on the off chance that Ryan was there, he wanted to return the coat before he lost or damaged it. Just having the thing with him was kind of nerve-wracking.
Running full-pelt down Jefferson street heading towards the outer wall, Ciel couldn't help but notice that his fatigue had not worn off in the slightest. He could stay on his feet easily enough, but everything seemed slower somehow, and his vision had blurred a little. Running probably wasn't helping that, nor was it particularly smart considering his asthma, but he didn't know how urgently he was needed at the wall and thought that getting there as early as possible would be best.
Ciel arrived at the wall quickly, pausing a few minutes to catch his breath. Clearly, running wasn't a good idea, but he seemed to recover fairly quickly. Looking around, he noticed a few people had already gathered there: Amelia, the Ridgeway sisters, Beatrice, Ray. Ryan was absent from the scene, so Ciel supposed he'd have to hang onto the coat for a while longer. He sighed quietly at this realization, his gaze falling to the ground as he returned to anxiously biting his knuckles.
He instinctively stayed a few paces away from the others, not wanting to stand too close to any particular person in case that was weird. He was just waiting to see what Beni and Lyon needed from the lot of them. Whatever it was, they seemed to have called a lot of people to do it. Hopefully it wasn't going to be anything easy to screw up.
Location: Building 1: Infirmary --> Building A: Ashâs Home
âits better for me to be doing something, then just wandering aroundâ Niesha said, although she knew that she could go check on Ceil as well, make sure the young boy was alright in this cool weather. There was always something to do, and yet Niesha knew that Victor spent a lot of his time in the infirmary. She wanted to let him have some time out of it, especially today. [color=yellow[âReally, I can make a note of things that I can make and suchâ[/color] Yet it seemed a moot point as Ash sought their presence, wondering what it could possible be able, Niesha waited for Medic, and then for Victor to inform him of what was going on, before taking his offered arm, she looked back to Medic.
âWhen she wakes, if her throat is still troubling her, send for me. Miss Sally would kill me if I let the honey out of my sight asides from when its locked up. Its too valuableâ She said, not distrusting Medic. It was merely that...Niesha didnât want to disappoint Miss Sally, yet more to the point, sheâd promised to keep the valuable asset safe. She matched her pace to Victors, following him out, a little troubled. Without meaning to, Niesha shifted closer to Victorâs warmth, her mind had, as always, been otherwise occupied this morning, and she had went out in cooler clothing, although she did have the presence of mind to wear her jacket. She was a little worried about time now, having planned to finish getting herself ready in between watching Anna, and she just had to hope that things would work out.
Watching everyone, well, a majority of people making their way to the meeting point, Niesha reflected on the last several months.So much had changed...that she no longer thought of the community as two separate compounds, Newman and Franklin, that it was odd to be separated like this. She had to wondered what they were going to be told and why those from Franklin had to be excluded for the time being. If it was about the day's festivities, she didnât see why the groups had to be separated for that. Although the alternative wasnât pleasant. Was there something about Franklin they hadnât known? âI wonder why we are being called together like thisâŚâ She said, as Kristina approached, asking virtually the same question. She gave her friend a smile, yet she was still worried about why they were being called like this.
Location: Building E (South Apartments:E2) -> Building 1 (Tower) Interacting With: Lyon
Lyon caught Sana as she was heading towards her home and relayed the message, instructing her to relieve Tower guard as he handed her the sniper rifle that James had trained her on over the last 8 months. She didn't feel like arguing, flinging her dressed bag over her shoulder and the rifle over the other she headed into the main building of Newnan and started to ascend the stairs. By the time she was in place Medic had relieved Niesha and Froggy and people were moving into place. At least here she could playing peeping Tom on what the hell was causing all the commotion. Why in the hell was Franklin being left out of this?
Miss Sally heard the radios going off and looked as puzzled as everyone else. "Jack, you need to shave, take off the tux while you do. The main thing you need to do today is avoid Tatiana until the wedding and then marry her. Things are taken care of," Miss Sally said before leaving her apartment and heading down to Ash's house.
"Move out of the way will ya buggers, I'm an old lady," she snipped and gave a smirk. Didn't matter that Miss Sally was older than most by a few decades at least, she was more than capable but she had no problem using her seniority to get a front row seat.
Lyon headed up to the front gate, relieving Jim and taking over as Gate Lead for the time being. Quickly the ranks were switched out and Beni leaned against the wall as he looked out over Newnan. Maybe this was a drill? He just hoped it wasn't something worse. Seeing Ciel he waved the little man over and handed him Peaches. "Tuck her in your jacket with ya will ya? I forgot her sweater."
Tatiana Korvo
Location: Building F - Living Room -> Bedroom getting ready Interacting With: Meg, Ceil
Tatiana nodded and closed the door as the two left. She wondered just what on earth could be going on but it was her and Jack's wedding day so she figured it might have something to do with that. Newnan folks first, then switch out to tell Franklin the same. Easiest way to divide up the groups in her mind.
Turning her headed back to the bedroom and sat down in front of the vanity mirror. She took a deep breath before getting started on her hair. Thankfully years as a performer made it a simple enough task for her, they wasn't always hair and make-up people standing around so you had to learn how to do it on your own.
Granted this one wasn't hard, she was mostly just drying it out and actually trying to make it look messy. It was perhaps not the traditional wedding look but hey, this was a wedding during the end of the world. There was not a lot of normal to go around. As long as it ended up with her married to Jack, she didn't care.
Ryan O'Reliy
Location: Building 4 -> Building A (Outside of Ash's House) Interacting With: Riley, Chloe
"Fucking Christ, I have enough to do. Ribbons take time," Ryan muttered as he took another long puff of his cigarette and then smirked over towards Chloe and her sister. "Don't worry, Irish will come up with something and bring back the word," he said before bowing like an idiot and skipping off towards the bosses house.
Getting there he looked around and found Richard, who looked as gruff as always. "Here Dick," he said as he handed the man a smoke and a half used book of matches. He didn't mean to get their later than Dick but he had been busy talking to Chloe and ended up taking the long way around to get to Ashes, coming up on the opposite side than one would normally take to get there.
"What the fuck is all this about..." he said to himself before spotting Meg and making note to get to her once this little meeting was dismissed so he could talk to her about the ribbon he needed.
Location: Parking Lot between 10 and Gilbert Street (present location of his smoker) -> Building A (Ash's House, exterior front)
The indomitable James Grady kept at his work in silence for a long while, keeping his hands busy while all sorts of scenarios related to the appearance of this woman, Thana, ran through his mind. He tried to think of something else, the upcoming wedding that day, plans for Agriculture in the upcoming planting season (which was coming up in a couple of weeks, if they expanded their greenhouse) but it was the mental equivalent of The Elephant In The Room. Jack and Tati's wedding was the big event of the day, but this was news. Thana's presence in Newnan was going to ruffle some feathers, no doubt about it.
He still had his job to do, though. The hunting parties had done good work, the hogs had produced good numbers (James even managed to increase their breeding stock over last autumn), and the rationing of some staple products had allowed for a very decent feast for the blessed event. At least on his end of it. James wasn't in charge of the whole of the meal, though he had a big part of it to prepare. And he was certain that Meghna and Sally were either doing or delegating amazing work, themselves. Oh, the possibility of cake - actual, fluffy, rich cake slathered in buttercream icing. They had the stuff to make it, Sally said she could do it. James could almost taste it.
The moment he thought it was feasible, James was going to petition to expand the Wall and/or set up an outpost somewhere so thst they could grow a few acres of winter wheat, purely for the purposes of providing flour for the Almighty Newnan Cake Initiative. Which reminded him: Petition for the creation of the Almighty Newnan Cake Initiative. The good news was, his thoughts of glorious, glorious Cake had effectively distracted him from the previously mentioned Room Elephant well enough that he was just the slightest bit surprised when Ash made his announcement over the radio.
"Oooh baby, let the fun begin..."
James worked his grill as best he could, shuffling about small cuts of meat and whole sausages, setting the heat incrementally lower, and providing more chips of wet wood to his heat. He wasn't sure how long this whole thing was going to take, and he would be damned if he ruined good meat. After his not-so-elaborate setup, a rather pleased look spread across his features as his favorite female stoic was witnessed approaching his location. (Funny, he seemed to surround himself with stoic people. Maybe they needed him most.)
"Hey hey, Miss Aggie! Now don't you go showin' those teeth around to everybody, huh? Might give folk ideas 'bout ya. But why you comin' outta your way to visit with me? Ash is tellin' everyone to meet, front of his place."
He accepted the quick praise of his Meatly Arts and the question to accompany her around the corner to Ash's. "Well hells yeah! I got stuff pretty much on lockdown for a while here." He offered Bryn an arm and began walking up to their ordered meeting point, around the corner to the growing crowd on the street in front of Ash's place. He knew what was about to go down, but wasn't about to ruin the surprise.
SchrĂśdinger
Location: Parking Lot between 10 and Gilbert Street (present location of the smoker) -> Building A (Ash's House)
It was unknown precisely when the fuzzy orange tabby removed himself from the oddities of human event planning. It wasn't for him, really, although he was content to nose around peoples' private spaces and make them feel cozy and content for his efforts. This place seemed to be a great spot to live for a while. Even if it wasn't with his treasured friend, Bazhooli.
Cats could mourn. It's true. Granted, they don't go around, weeping about it for months at a time generally. The time he spent with the strange human who constantly smelled of oil and wet metal was precious to him, and he would be missed. Probably the closest thing to a family he had for a long, long time. Well, that and he could always be relied upon to share his food whenever he got any. Humans always did have the best food. But for the life of him, he didn't understand why they had to put Bazhooli into a hole and push dirt over him. I mean, he was loved, but he was also perfectly good meat now that he wasn't alive.
Humans made no sense sometimes.
But back to food. The large, darker hued Human was moving away from his huge, hot foodmaker. And there was a bucket nearby that smelled wonderful. Oh yes, score. Schrodinger crept up on the bucket from one side, careful not to be immediately noticed. The magic, tasty-smelling bucket was up on a smallish table, practically a stool, next to the foodmaker. Clear and easy jump for a master of the most worthy art of Catrobatics. The goal was to leap up, grab a sizeable bit of meaty deliciousness, and run away before anyone even noticed he was around. And if they did, he would just give them The Face. No one could resist The Face.
The leap was well timed and properly executed, netting him a lovely chunk of sausage end that got a little too crispy for James's liking. While it would have seasoned some particularly lovely grits, Schrodinger had other ideas. Ideas that involved his belly. He scurried away to a bushy area to devour his prize.
Curiously, all of the Humans were going somewhere together. Once he was done eating, he would have to see what the big attraction was all about.
"Meow."1
1 = "But first, before I delve into the petty shenanigans of the two-leggers, I shall commence to eating my justly purloined forcemeat, and that hat wearing fellow will never even miss it. Yes, I am awesome. I am Cat. Fear my sneakiness, and provide me with yummy things."
Secretive Shenanigans, Part IV
A tightly forced straight face was hardly concealing the smile that was threatening to spread on Thana's features at the mention of a hot shower. That was a luxury she hadn't been able to enjoy since she left the submarine slash military base she had called home over a year ago. "Yes sir, I won't use more than I am rationed," she said as she grabbed her bag and headed down the hallway. Her eyes fixated on the door to what would be considered the gate to dreamland right then.
Stepping in she shut the door behind her and locked it. Looking around she shook her head in disbelief at the shower there. Setting her bag down on the counter she pulled out a carefully wrapped bundle and set it on the vanity, pulling back the worn fabric to reveal a full set of Service Dress Blues. Other than her dog tags, it was really the only thing she had left of her life before the outbreak and she guarded it with her life. It was something that reminded her of what she had survived, what she had been before the outbreak, what she could get through, and at the end of the day it was where she returned so that she hung on to her humanity and soul no matter what she had to do to survive. She never thought she would wear it again but it seemed the time was right. She was about to be clean, introduced to a community, first impressions were everything.
Lifting it up she draped it carefully over the towel rod before turning her attention back to the shower. She needed to get cleaned up now and quickly but quick bathing was something everyone that had served in the military was used to. Disrobing she turned on the water and took a few seconds to just stand beneath the hot water as it beat down on her skin. No more than thirty seconds of pure bliss but it was needed after the information she had just been given. After that brief break from reality she got to work and was scrubbed from head to toe and everything in between twice in under five minutes. Water off, towel wrapped around her, out of the shower. It was a short amount of time later and she was opening the door to the bathroom; the state of the bathroom looking as if she had never been there except for a light level of steam on the bathroom mirror.
The familiar sound of the clicking of heels could be heard walking down the hallway. It was even and sure as Thana made her way back towards the main room and set her pack down. She looked everything the officer she had once been. Her Lt. Commander Ranking on her sleeves and shoulders; a golden oak leaf on her collar. A simple name tag read Martin. Ribbons on her chest, her coat and skirt looked as pressed as the day they came back from the cleaners so long ago. The only thing out of place was her dark hair peaking out from underneath her cover but her hair was short enough to make it regulation.
"Lt. Commander Martin, reporting for duty sir," she said as she gave the commanding officer of Newnan a sharp salute. It was a formality that perhaps was not needed right then but he was military, she hoped he would understand the significance. It was a simple way for military people to accept their place in the food chain, to accept their duties while on base, and that signature on the bottom line to put their life ahead of those around them.
Suffice it to say, Ash was impressed. It was the first time in a good long while that he had seen a woman, or anyone else for that matter, in crisp dress uniform. Just for a second, it made him forget certain realities he lived in, and gave momentary curiosity as to why this very official looking lady was inside of his home. Then the facts of their existence came flooding back in. A sense of mourning, brief though it was, snapped him back into mental clarity. It really was an impressive uniform. "Even if she was Navy..." came his unbidden internal voice. He quickly shoved it back down. The childish ribbing that went on between the branches of armed service died off when most of the world did, and they either succeeded or failed together.
Ash did understand the significance of her unnecessary salute. It was a measure of respect and deference to his authority, so long as that respect was returned. It was of no consequence that, were they in the same branch, she would outrank him by a full grade. Regardless, Ash snapped to attention and returned the salute. "Just a few more minutes, Lieutenant Commander. I want a full crowd before the big reveal." He gave Thana a good once over, admiring her uniform. He had lost his Class A's years ago. They were probably still in a closet in Dobbins AFB. In contrast to her press and polish, Ash was attired in a somewhat modified field uniform; flat grey Class B's with a patrol cap and (as of recently) an old Army Air Corps flight jacket. "I'm actually a little jealous of you, ma'am."
To Thana, that was a funny thing to say. Why would he be jealous of her? He had safety within walls. Well at least as safe as one could be at this moment in time. He had electricity, hot running water, and from what she could gather a soft bed to lay down in at night. He looked fed, taken care of, thriving in this world. He had a home. It was more than most could ever hope to have in this world. Cocking a brow she looked at him quizzically. "Dare I ask why you would be bein' jealous of me? Other than Navy been whoppin' Army ass since 2002? she asked with a slight smirk to her features, referring the last records of the Army Navy Football games.
Ash's feeling of wonderment passed, replaced by the sudden urge to, in a fit of sarcasm, extend his middle finger in Thana's general direction. His hand was just beginning it's journey into Bird Flipping position before he caught himself, instead pointing at the uniform upon her. "Your dress blues, ma'am. I miss mine. Not sure where they got off to."
Thana glanced down at her uniform, running her hands along it before her eyes came back up to his and she nodded in understanding but she had sworn that wasn't the first thing he had wanted to say. Yet she wasn't going to poke the bear as it were right then. "I see," was all she said.
The Captain gave the barest of peeks out of a window and into the street in front of his house. "They're gathering now. Remember what I told you; some of these people may react emotionally. One or two for certain will, even if it's not right now. Keep the door cracked, duck back inside if you need to. Let me handle it. Not long now."
Nodding, she took a parade rest stance and waited. From what she had been told this was not how they usually introduced new people but under the circumstances she understood the change. She hoped that things would go smoothly but if they didn't she had no intention of tucking tail and running. Thana would let Ash handle things but she would stand her ground, retreat was not in her nature.
"Yes sir. If any issues arise, I default to your judgement. You know yer people, I do not."
Captain Holloway stood on his porch, looking over the people assembled in front of him. Too few people, considering how many they built up Newnan with. Few enough to stand on a sidewalk and street in front of a single house without crowding, allowing everyone in attendance clear view of Ash. He barely had to speak up to be heard. "Thank you for your promptness. I will come right to the point. We have a guest in Newnan for the evening. Possibly an addition to our community, though that is her decision to make. Ordinarily this is handled differently, we all know. There are extenuating factors at play here, which will be made apparent presently."
"I cannot stress this enough... Remain calm. Remain quiet. Allow yourself a moment of time. Questions after." He scanned the crowd again, looking for specific faces. Though he hoped it would not be an issue, Ash had already loosened his sidearm and combat knife in their resting places on his utility belt before exiting his home. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
I would like to introduce to you to Dr. Thana Martin, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy." He turned to his door for a second, "Commander Martin?"
Thana took a deep breath, as she used to when being presented to a crowd but this was different. This wasn't a military gathering for a promotion or to toast the latest achievement. This was an introduction and for some reason, in the pit of her stomach she felt it may be her most important one to date. She just prayed that who she was would not be over shadowed by those that walked these streets before her.
Stepping out the door slowly, she kept her head down and the door left open behind her as she had been instructed. Her face covered by her cover as her eyes shot over towards Ash for a brief second. She stood around 5'7" without the heels she was currently wearing, lean build and looked every ounce the military woman she was. Her shoulders square and her back straight. Lifting her head she looked out over the crowd that had gathered.
"Ahoy y'all," she said in a familiar voice. An all too familiar voice. It was haunting to hear words come out of a mouth that they all knew so well. Those same blue eyes that used to dance with life, the soft curve of lips, that Georgia twang in the speech. Staring out at the crowd was the face of Zoie Crawford but it wasn't. It was the face of Thana Martin. There were subtle differences but hardly enough. Identical was the best term that could be used to describe the person standing before Newnan right then.
"As Captain Holloway has told ya, I am Lt. Commander Martin. You may call me Thana."
The Captain's manner was observant and vigilant. He kept his arms at his sides, but hands were tensed, ready to move at the first sign of provocation. "I realize that this is an emotional time, but do not approach. Give yourselves a moment. Absorb what has happened here. But most importantly, give Thana her space. I have already interviewed her. She has gotten our "Welcome Speech". And she has full run of the Inner Wall."
"If you have any questions, now is the time. If you do not, please return to your duties. Thank you for your attendance."
Ciel nodded, taking the small dog into his arms and tucking her into Ryan's coat. He really hoped Ryan wouldn't mind a little dog hair. Ciel actually really liked dogs. They were such earnest, loving creatures. He never had one back when things were normal, but he'd kind of always wanted one. He didn't get to see Peaches much, since he usually had work to do elsewhere, but he genuinely liked the little dog. For the first time in weeks, a genuine smile appeared on his face just for a split second as he gently stroked the top of Peaches' head.
However, he was pretty sure that he hadn't just been summoned to dogsit. He had a feeling that something was going on, especially since Newnan's more veteran members had been called elsewhere. It almost felt like having the newer residents here was to keep them out of the way; to keep them from knowing something. As much as Ciel was curious and a bit suspicious, he kept quiet, as he always did. It was better that he just pretend not to care.
Having the dog with him kept him a bit more alert than he otherwise would have been, but he was still fatigued and noticeably on-edge. His posture was somewhat slumped over, his head low and his knees weak. He hadn't even noticed that he'd dug his teeth so hard into his lower lip that some blood was drawn. But, he was holding it together alright for now. He kept his eyes on Beni and Lyon, wondering if he'd be asked to do anything else other than hold on to the dog.
Tiffany was about to speak up when the radio went off with Ash's command. It seemed like something important has happened. Something more important than the wedding. She wondered what it was. It had to be something involving the original members of Newnan since it was all of them called for while they had to report to the wall or wherever else they were needed. She stood by Ray as he walked, making sure he was doing ok, giving one last glance back at Miss Sally and Jack "See you later, I suppose."
She followed to the wall, seeing the rest of them gathered. Would they all be guarding the wall? She wasn't opposed to the idea, but she was sure there were other things needed to be done. She couldn't stop herself thinking about what Ash would call everyone over for and why the new members of Newnan weren't allowed to see. Surely they could be trusted.
She stood with Ray, glancing at the others around her, wondering what to do now. They were all here while the rest talked to Ash and Tatiana and Jack got ready for their wedding. What the hell was going on?
Location: Building 1 (Tower) Interacting With: No one
Sana stood up at the tower, looking out over Newnan and the walls that encased it. Seeing the crowd gather below she had to wonder just what in the world was going on. It wasn't that she wasn't used to being in the tower and keeping an eye out on things. It was her main duty in the town, she spent numerous shifts up in this tower and the other one in the Franklin District, but this was different. She was not scheduled to take over for tower guard until after the reception later that evening.
Lifting up her rifle she peered through the scope and took a closer look. She couldn't get a good look at what was going on Ash's porch from the angle she was dealing with but she could see the faces of those in Newnan below her that were looking dead ahead. A wave of shock seemed to go through them, several standing with their jaws agape and Miss Sally's hand came flying up to cover her mouth. Just what in the hell was going on and if it was such a shocking thing, why in the hell was Franklin being left out?
Tatiana Korvo
Location: Building F - Bedroom getting ready Interacting With: No one
Tatiana smiled as she looked in the mirror. She had teased and fluffed her hair a bit and it looked how she wanted it to right then. It was a bit wilder than she usually wore it, actually much wilder but she didn't care. This felt freer, this felt right. It was a drastic change from the usual tight braids and buns she wore to keep her hair up and out of the way but today was special.
Standing up she went to the front window in the living room and peered out. There really wasn't anyone in the streets now and she could only imagine they were all at Ash's house right then. Granted she couldn't see to his place from her front window. He was a couple of streets over and there was the Mess Hall straight between any chance of her getting a glimpse.
Shaking her head she wandered back into her bedroom and partially shut the door behind her, figuring whatever was going on she would find out soon enough. either way she wasn't going to worry about it. Her and Jack were getting married today, there hadn't be any change in those plans from what she had known. Sitting back down in front of the vanity she took a deep breath and waited to see if Meg would be able to get back soon with the make-up. She wasn't going to put on her dress until her face was done.
Ryan O'Reliy
Location: Building A (Outside of Ash's House) Interacting With: Dick
Ryan stood there next to Dick, taking a puff from his cigarette from time to time as he waited to see what all the commotion was about. When Ash came out and spoke, Ryan couldn't help but roll his eyes. "The way he's talking, we are about to get a bomb dropped on us," he said sarcastically under his breath. Sure he kept his voice down but the seething remark was easily heard by those close to him.
Then the woman stepped out. He couldn't see her face at first since she had her head lowered so her hat could cover it. Ryan tilted his head to the side some. "Great, another military ass..." he added as he flicked his cigarette to the ground and stomped it out under his heel.
He was about to say something else when she lifted her head and started speaking. Ryan slightly froze mid stomping, like a deer in headlights. Ryan, for once in his life was speechless. Standing in front of them was the G.I. Jayne version of Zoie Crawford... Ash had dropped a bomb on them and one hell of a one at that.
After a few minutes of just being speechless, speech finally found Ryan. Only two words left his lips and he yelled them in surprise... "Holy fuck!"
"Oh yeah I totally forgot our shitty 'god fearing parents' were practically forcing you to play the violin while we were growing up." Riley said jokingly she of course did remember that Chloe did play the violin back when they were growing up, though Riley knew that Chloe did actually love playing the violin. And having to go to almost ever single practice and performance that their parents forced her to go and watch. Of course Riley was supportive of Chloe back then, and when Riley started picking up the guitar their parents frowned upon it she of course was the reject of the family back then. Riley started to wonder if they were even alive now, or if they were dead or now one of the many shambling corpses walking the world now.
"If ya know you are willing, and we manage to find a violin lying around Newnan somewhere would you be interested in helping?" Riley asked her sister hoping that she would say yes, she turned to watch Beatrice walking past them and heading towards the wall. "Will do." Riley called out as she made her way to the wall seeing Lyon there, as well as Amelia once they got there seeing Amelia complaining about not having enough warm clothes. Riley took off her jacket and tossed it towards her friend to keep her warm giving Amelia a quick smile as Riley watched Beni handing Peaches over to Ciel asking to keep the pup warm with Ryan's jacket.
Riley still shuddered slightly at the dog and rubbed her arm slightly from the dog attack when she was younger and stood next to Chloe looking over the wall. She turned around seeing Tiffany and Ray coming up close by as well to relive the remaining two people at the wall, Riley wasn't sure why they were all being left out in the cold. Riley nudged Chloe for a moment looking at her twin for a moment she wasn't sure what was going on. "So what do you think they are chatting about back there?" Riley asked gesturing towards the town.
Kristina Smith
Location: Building A (Outside of Ash's House)
Kristina stood outside of Ashton's house that is until finally Ashton came out of his house standing in front of the original group of Newnan that have either been here the longest or before the people of Franklin came to town. Then another person coming out of Ashton's house wearing what looked like formal military clothes came out. Kris then started to put two and two together that person she had caught a glimpse of earlier was most likely this woman. Though Kristina didn't know why Ashton had called everyone over to his house, it was weird.
Kristina listened in on Ashton's speech, then Ashton announced the woman's name Thana Martin after he introduced her and Thana spoke lifting her head to look at the crowd in front of her. It took her several seconds to realize that this woman looked and sounded almost exactly like Zoie, but she wasn't Kris was there the day Zoie had died. Kris looked around seeing about the same reaction just like everyone else, then she heard Ryan's voice in the crowd looking over in his direction. Kristina had to ask, she didn't think that Zoie had family but it was the spitting image of Zoie. "Where are you from?" Kristina finally ask, she wasn't sure what else to ask if it was true or not.
Meghna Kumar
Location: Building A (Outside of Ash's House)
Meghna listened to Ashton's speech and looked around at the rest of the group just as the newest guest emerged from behind Ashton's front door, she noticed the formal military clothes that reminded her of some military types during formal events and things like that. Then finally the woman spoke to her surprise to sounded exactly like Zoie's voice, then the woman looked up and revealed almost a striking resemblance towards Zoie. Like her and pretty much everyone else Meghna gasped, she looked around the group trying to see where Dick was Meg wasn't sure how exactly he would take it.
Meg heard Ryan's voice yelling what the fuck, then her eyes wondered around as she could hear Kristina's voice speaking up where the woman had come from. Meg didn't know if the woman was actually blood related to Zoie or just happens to be a person with a voice and face that sounded almost exactly like Zoie's.
Raymond Mendoza
Location: Outer Wall
Raymond remained pretty close to Tiffany and Ciel, he wasn't sure how effective he would be doing wall duty, he ran a hand through his hair as he leaned slightly against the wall watching Ciel holding onto Peaches as he looked over at Tiffany and gave her a smile once more. He was listening in on the Ridgeway Twin's speaking to one another he was friends with the two of them, though Ray knew that Tiffany disliked Chloe for some reason but didn't want to ask either of them. "So did you sleep well?" Ray asked looking over at Tiffany and then looked at Ciel.
"How are you doing by the way buddy?" Ray asked seeing him holding Peaches under his coat trying to keep the dog warm, Ray then looked up hearing Riley asking her sister her thoughts were on what was going on he was curious as well to what was going on over back in the city with the rest of Newnan.
"...I'm okay, thanks. Ciel said, with a bit of hesitation. This wasn't entirely a lie; he'd definitely been worse. But at the same time, it was kind of a lie. His unwillingness to sleep had given him a splitting headache, and he had to make a conscious effort to stay focused on anything for more than half a second, but at least he was conscious. That was a start, if not a particularly impressive one.
"What about you? How's everything going?" He finished, trying to get the subject off of himself as quickly as possible. He didn't really want to give Ray any time to question the truthfulness of his last statement. Besides, he actually was kind of curious as to how Ray had been faring. They didn't often get a chance to talk, as there was always a lot to be done around Newnan.
He shifted his position slightly, trying to make sure the dog was comfortable. Was Peaches always this heavy? He thought to himself, frowning slightly. He had to give Peaches some props for staying relatively still. She was a good dog, though Ciel supposed she had to be, otherwise someone probably would've eaten her by now. Anyway, her presence at Newnan was far from unappreciated.
Jack almost slapped himself for forgetting. The stress of the wedding day was making him foolish almost, and he blushed a bit in embarrassment. Nodding at everyone as they left the apartment, Jack returned to Miss Sally's bathroom, and carefully disrobed himself.
"Thank god for heatahs," Jack muttered, as he put back on his normal clothes. For a moment, he almost left the apartment to head home and shave--but his most important duty was to avoid Tatiana. Superstitions were subscribed to even more fiercely in the apocalypse. With Miss Sally gone, he figured she wouldn't mind if he shaved in her bathroom. He pulled out his disposable razor from his pocket, and lathered up his face, looking at himself in the mirror for a moment.
Ho don't do it, his expression seemed to say, as he started to shave. The last thing he needed would be shaving cuts on his wedding day. And what the hell was going on that Ash needed everyone in Newnan for?
Beatrice Decker
Location: Outer Wall
Having taken her position on the wall, Beatrice quietly observed the various interactions around her. The kid, stronger than he looked, had tucked Peaches into his jacket. It took her a moment to realize it was Ryan's, and she couldn't help but muse as to how he'd react to dog fur in his jacket. She couldn't quite remember if he loved dogs or hated them--but she figured it'd be one extreme or the other.
However, the idle chitchat was only so interesting to listen to. Most people were speculating about why Franklin and Newnan were divided, after months of living as a mostly cohesive unit. Wedding business seemed to be the most likely cause to her, with certain exceptions. The best man belonged to Franklin, but the groom and bride-to-be were Newnanites. She almost snorted at the thought of a wedding, with Franklin sitting on one side of the aisle, and Newnan sitting on the other.
But she didn't buy into that explanation. Security shifts had been rotated because of whatever news Ashton had for Newnan. There seemed to be no indication that Franklin would receive the same news as well. Otherwise, why not just broadcast the news? Why the secrecy? Whatever it was, Beatrice doubted it was anything particularly pleasant.
"Maybe someone died," Beatrice suggested with a bit of a shrug, before abandoning her train of thought entirely.
Chloe Ridgeway
Location: Outer Wall
Although she was still mentally snickering at Ryan's antics, Chloe nodded at Riley's request. The violin was fairly calming to play, and it had been years since she'd gotten her hands on one. She figured she might even be able to play something with a bit of a beat to it, something in line with Riley's usual style of music. "Yeah, find me a violin and I'll help," Chloe replied.
She mimicked a little bit of an air violin, stopping once they made their way to the wall. Continuing to enjoy the simple bliss of her cigarette, she tried her best to stand so that way the smoke wouldn't blow in Ciel's face. The kid didn't need secondhand smoke and asthma--and Froggy'd never trust her at all, she expected, if she made a medical condition worsen. Sometimes she was surprised he hadn't convinced Tatiana to put her through drug counseling.
Chloe noticed the way Riley trembled at the dog, as well. It probably didn't help that Riley had given Amelia her jacket, her symbolic barrier from the ever so ferocious canine. Shrugging off her flannel, Chloe handed it to Riley. "Can't have you getting sick on me," Chloe teased, a twinkle in her eye. She could deal with the cold--she'd dealt with worse before.
But unlike Beatrice, Chloe didn't have such a negative outlook on the news. It almost surprised herself, but Chloe figured it was just something to do with the wedding. Just a ruse to get something done without the bride and groom noticing, make it look like some security concern. Rules and norms had already been bent and eased up on for the wedding anyways. "Probably just wedding shit. Group gift maybe."
It was already an unusual day considering that there was to be a wedding but the calling of the âoriginalâ â for lack of a better term â Newnanites to the front of their leaderâs home made it even more standout. Hearing Nieshaâs words, the resident doctor pursed his lips together as his mind went into deep thought. He didnât recall anything Ashton had told him that was overly important that would account for such a gathering of people. While he was lost in thought, Victor started slightly as Kris made her way to his non-Niesha covered side and tapped him. He blinked rapidly before realising what and who it was. âAh my little Kristina, I havenât the foggiest. This must be something very importantâŚâ His thick accent rolled over the words as he spoke, a small sigh showing his breath clearly in the slight chill of the air.
Uncertain what was going on, he glanced around and spotted Bryn walking up the street arm in arm with James. Victor gave them both a wave and a curious look. Bryn nodded towards Ashâs house to which Victor replied with a simple shrug. Bryn responded with a quirk of the corner of her lips, her equivalent of a half-smile before turning his attention back to those around him. Victor wrapped his arm around Kris as they stood around in the chill and gave her some of his body heat on his non-Niesha hugging side. He gave Meghna a warm smile as she and her brother stood close by too. He continued his glance around the crowd and thatâs when he spotted the ever-brooding Richard walking towards the growing crowd. So long as the young man behaved then there wouldnât be a problem.
Finding a comfortable enough spot that wasnât too close to anyone, Richard remained his glowering, unfriendly self and folded his arms across his chest as if warning everyone to steer clear â as if they didnât know already. He groaned audibly when he heard Ryanâs voice again. The man just didnât know when to fucking steer clear. Richard scowled at him until he saw the offered cigarette. Not one to pass up free anything, he grabbed the cig and offered matchbook. âGod-fucking-send.â Obviously he was talking to the cigarette as he placed it to his lips and struck a match, lighting the end of the gloriously, deadly piece of heaven. He inhaled and let it work its way through his tensions as he savoured the taste.
It lasted all of twenty seconds before Ash-hole came out of his cave and began addressing his people. Richard rolled his eyes and actually nodded in agreement with Ryan before he realised what he was doing. This was clearly going to be something big but Richard couldnât give less of a flying fuck. He looked away and spotted Froggy who was enraptured by what Ash-hole was saying. Victor felt a pair of eyes on him and turned to stare at Richard for a moment before moving his full attention back on Ashton and this important new arrival to the town. Snorting to himself, Richard kicked the ground and continued to enjoy, what he considered to be, his smoke break.
Ryanâs comment about another military person made Richard even more angry and he spat on the ground as he turned away from the house, not wanting to have anything to do with the dumb shit that went on in this damn town. Then he heard her voice. He froze in place, his cigarette dangling from his lips and his hands clenching and unclenching into fists. This wasnât real. She wasnât here. She was gone. For good.
Victor and Bryn locked eyes as the woman spoke in the voice of their long-passed friend. They both snapped back their sights as the woman rose her head and her hat stopped covering her face. Bryn was so shocked that she spoke, out loud and very audibly that a few people that had never heard her speak that were nearby glanced in her direction in confusion. âOh. My. God.â She gripped onto Jamesâs arm with her left hand while her right hand turned into a fist and punched him before pointing at the whole new breed of walking dead that was this new arrival. Victor could do nothing but stare at this woman that called herself Doctor Thana Martin. She sounded like her, she looked like her, but Victor was all too aware that this was not his Zoie. He had pronounced her death himself and knew that the only way back was not via the land of the truly living. What were the chances that a near identical version of one of their former residents would just happen to waltz into town? It was mind boggling.
The sheer confusion, shock and surprise was felt in waves among the crowd of Newnanites that had gathered and anyone watching nearby would clearly know something was amiss. Everyone was out of sorts, which was exactly why Victor didnât see Richard until he had already passed him as he was making his way towards Ashtonâs front porch. Victor quickly let go of Niesha and Kris and pushed his way forward in the crowd. âAshton! Richard!â He called out for Ash, knowing that the man would already be prepared for this but feeling the need to warn him anyway. Bryn was still staring in shock at Zoieâs doppelganger, she was completely blown away by this news and didnât notice what was happening as quickly as Victor did.
Richard was on a mission. He shoved people out of the way, moved around others (mostly the elderly and the very young), and made his way to the front of the crowd. He saw Ash-hole and knew he wouldnât get close enough but he stopped at the foot of the stairs of the porch and just stared at this womanâs face⌠his Zoieâs face. It couldnât be real⌠Heâd seen Zoie and heard her in the first few months after heâd lost her but that had stopped so long ago. His hands were still clenched in fists, his face was as wrinkled as a damn bloodhound with how hard he was frowning. Hell only knows what this woman thought of him just then but he just stood there, staring in silence for a solid minute before he finally opened his mouth. âDaisy?â His voice cracked and his eyes began to water, not to the point of tears but definitely on the brink â whether it was from sadness or rage it wasnât very clear at this point.
Guarding the walls now here was something she didn't really want to be doing. Not that she didn't want to help, just that she wasn't really helpful up here. She barely could fire a gun even if her hands weren't shaking from the cold. All good she could do was be a spotter and notice things that may be trying to sneak to Newnan which was admittedly a good thing to do, but still. She would have felt a lot safer having more better shooters around. Also probably some of the original Newnan guards that just went to Ash's place. The whole calling every last one of them away and leaving the new arrivals on the walls was just... strange.
Suddenly she felt something as a jacket came flying! Well it was tossed by she just now noticed it. Catching it, she saw it was Riley who gave it to her. Amelie blinked and nodded with a small smile.â Thank you, Riley.â She replied quietly putting it on. She didn't feel quite right knowing Riley was the one without jacket now, but Amelia didn't actually have clothing to put on and what's more she didn't expect to need more. She usually wouldn't be on the walls.â I'm sorry... I didn't expect us to end on the walls... should have prepared better.â Amelia said with sad voice to her friend. She noted that Chloe gave Riley her jacket. She didn't seem as fazed by the weather. Amelia wondered why that was.
âI don't think it's something with the wedding... they wouldn't stay quiet about the reason or demand this so suddenly if it was... right?â She stated, throwing looks outside the walls, trying to spot if there was anything there.
She stood near Ray as Ciel walked towards them. Cute, he was making small talk. "I slept fine. You?" As the boy drew near, she saw that he had a new friend with him. Peaches. Lovable Peaches. "Hey Ciel, I see you have a friend with you." She petted the pooch that was with Ciel. It gave him something to do while the Newnan folks talked about..whatever it is they were talking about.
[D9E0F9]"What do you think they are meeting about? It can't be the wedding, because I imagine they'd at least like Tatiana and Jack's input."[/color] Her thoughts raced while they stood there in the cold, waiting for further orders.
Ash could see the difficulty shaping up. He was expecting a reaction from a very small number of the group assembled, prepared for it, if it turned into something violent. Everything considered, it was better to have this done now, out in the open. Likewise, if an example had to be set, he wanted that as public as possible. He had intended to shut down any insubordinate behavior with swift and deliberate action. If it was necessary, Ash had few problems with hasty, impromptu capital punishment. Any reservations in this regard hovered around the fact that he didn't want the new lady to assume that Newnan was ruled through tyrannical violence. Then again, these little misunderstandings could be reevaluated at a later time.
He saw Richard making his move. Probably the first time that he had ever taken the initiative to be up at the front, and in the most ass way possible. Just before Victor called out to him, Ash had surreptitiously drawn his service pistol and turned to the side. The action did not hide the fact that he had pulled a gun in the least. It merely shielded the firearm from the direct view of onlookers in front of his house and demonstrated hesitation to point it directly at someone. Yet.
Then something surprising happened inside of the grim Captain. Surprising to himself, anyway. Ash was never one for empathy. This is probably why it smacked him like a wet sack of flour. Like most of his emotions, however, he kept the lion's share of it tucked away. He looked down upon Richard and, for just a moment, understood. Ash made no move to put away his gun, but he did address the man.
"No, Richard." His voice was assertive but soft. "Looks like her, but no. Give her some space."
Niesha watched and listened as Ashton spoke, a little unnerved about it all, silent, as she watched the woman appear. At once, she began to understand. Asthon was trying to lesson the shock, for those that had known Zoie, but for Niesha it hurt two fold. She hadn't been able to save Zoie, the woman dying from something that Niesha just couldn't predict, or do anything about in this wasted world, just across from her. And she wondered if it was just possible that Zoie had had siblings, that she hadn't known about, or that had been torn away from her, like Michael had been from Niesh herself. She bit her lip. standing, and wondering at fate, even as she tried to understand just how this woman had appeared here, had come to Newman, so many months after Zoies death, where New Comers wouldn't understand the pain and heartache this situation brought.
Victors shout to Ashton was enough to have Niesha spinning about, watching Richards path to Ashton, and the Zoio look-a-like. And she winced, her heart aching, wondering what she would do if someone that looked like Sophia suddenly appeared in Newman. Or anywhere for that matter. She flinched, and took a few steps to follow Richard, following Victor as he pushed his way through the crowd, her heart just about breaking as she heard Richard's cracked voice. Despite not having much to do with Richard, and given how things had started off, Niesha nevertheless....could understand what he was feeling. In some way, they all good.
It sucked not being able to do anything, and she stood helpless, watching the scene play out. She stepped back, knowing she couldn't do anything, and wrapping her arms around herself in a hug. Why could nothing be easy, nothing be fair? why, on a day that should be joyful, especilly now adays, did something like this have to happen? She watched, waiting for something bad to happen, anything, as Ash Addressed Richard.
"Lyon handed her off to me. To keep her out of the cold and all." Ciel explained, with a curt nod. As Tiffany continued, it became apparent she also had questions about the orders they'd been given. That was a bit comforting, to know that he wasn't the only one who was out of the loop. "...I guess you're right, it can't really be the wedding. I mean, I just hope they're not planning to pack up and hit the road, leaving us here to rot...or eat us, or something..." He said after a while, in a low voice as if he were afraid someone would overhear.
After a short pause, it was pretty clear that he wasn't joking. And as much as it sounded like the sort of thing only a paranoid kid would say, it was pretty understandable. All he knew was that a select group of people had been told to report to the leader's house, and everyone else was ushered as far away from the town as possible. And besides that, he hadn't been sleeping and was probably already predisposed to coming to strange conclusions. He remained silent, holding the dog a bit closer.
Location: Building A (Outside of Ash's House) Interacting With: No One
Ryan was floored, speechless. Nothing was uttered out of his mouth once Thana revealed her face after the whole "holy fuck". The cigarette he was smoking falling from his fingers and into the wet snow at his feet, sizzling for a brief second before being extinguished. It wasn't like Ryan to just waste a little nicotine stick like that but it also wasn't like him to be silent.
Could this really be happening? A doppelganger just waltzing into Newnan like this? It wasn't until Richard had broke through the crowd and spoke that he finally blinked. He understood the confusion that was sweeping the crowd, hell he was confused. He hadn't remembered Zoie ever speaking about a sibling but then again, thinking back on things, Zoie really didn't talk about her life before the out break. Sure, everyone knew her and James had known each other since she was young and that she was from Leesburg originally but beyond that she really didn't talk about it.
For Zoie talking about it had been like talking about Eden, it was part of her life she didn't want to relive. Ryan had always chalked it up to her marriage before the outbreak and what she had went through with that. Who would want to talk about that shit? No one. It was the same reason that Ryan didn't talk about his prison days except in passing. Sure he talked about Eden but that was because the town needed to know to better their defenses.
Miss Sally stood there, glancing over at Richard and resting a hand on his shoulder as he stopped in front of the porch to Ash's home. She could see the pain in his eyes and it made her feel pity for the towns resident dick. Everyone had liked Zoie, she was full of life, but Richard had loved her and he hadn't been the same since she passed. Her eyes moved over towards Ash and she gave him a slight head shake, as if to reinforce his decision not to shoot Richard out right.
Those on the Wall had no idea what was happening. Even Sana couldn't see at this point through her scope anymore than she had before. The girl just stood there wondering why so many seemed to be freaking out and why Richard was now looking like he was broken. Lyon glanced towards Ciel and chuckled, the way one does when they can't believe the words that come out of someone's mouth. "Oh don't worry little one. If they were going to kill us we wouldn't be armed for the wall and Sana wouldn't be in the tower with the sniper rifle," he assured the child.
Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a bit of dried meat James had given him, it had been cooked too long for human but was fine for dogs. "Here give Peaches this," he said handing it over. Looking at the others. "Whatever it is, I am sure it is fine. We'll fine out in a bit. No use getting our worries up," he said trying to put worries to rest. He knew it wasn't going to work but hey he had to say something as the defacto leader of the Franklin section since Beni had stepped down. Beni just nodded in agreement.
Thana Martin
Location: Building A (Outside of Ash's House) Interacting With: The Gathered Crowd
Thana stood there stoic as she saw the reality of the situation sink in for some of those in the crowd. She had been briefed on what could happen and right then it seemed like Ash hadn't been far off the mark. Everyone looked to be in some sort of shock, not really understanding or perhaps just not accepting that she was standing there. It looked like Thana's thoughts had been confirmed, no one had any clue she had ever existed. That little piece of knowledge bit hard even though it hadn't been unexpected.
It was a dark haired girl that finally broke the initial shock and silence, asking a question. Thana turned her attention to her to address her directly. "Leesburg, Georgia," Thana said in a clear voice. She was going to explain more but there was a slight ruckus in the crowd and a man came pushing his way to the front. Thana looked him over. He was rough and scraggly, though handsome. Seemed the very type that Zoie would have been attracted to. He seemed rather hurt and his voice wavered as he said a single word. Daisy? She didn't understand why he was saying this word to her but figured he wasn't asking her about daisy's. As Ash answered, Thana came to a little bit of an understanding. This man must have called Zoie by the nickname of Daisy.
Reaching out, Thana rested her hand over Ash's shoulder. "It be a'right Captain," she said before taking a step forward, and then another; her heels clicking on the porch as she stepped up to Richard and looked up at him as she took her cover off. Her brown hair falling to frame her face. That was what was different, the hair. Zoie's had been sunkissed sandy blonde but Thana's was dark, like chocolate. Yet there was a peeking of roots that were much lighter. Her hair was dyed to be darker than it's true shade. That was what was making her look more different than she should. Tucking her cover beneath her arm she tilted her head, observing the man for a moment before speaking.
"Ya must be Richard. I'm sorry but I'm not who you think I am." Her voice was so like Zoie's. Not as colorful in her speech nor as heavily accented but it still sounded like her.
Taking a breath she looked back over the crowd, it seemed it was time for a little bit of explaining. Clearing her throat she tried to give them a bit of understanding. "I know this must come as a shock to y'all. I was just as shocked as you are when I came within the walls. It seems that y'all knew Zoie Martin, or as you knew her Zoie Crawford. Let me see if I am clarify a few things right quick like. I am Zoie's younger sister, by all of eight minutes. If y'all are in doubt of my identity, please turn to Mr. James Graham. He can vouch for me. I moved away from Albany back when I was eighteen and joined the U.S. Navy. I ain't been back to the Albany area since and have not spoken to any of me family since I left. I was unaware that Zoie had been living here until her death, or even that she had married in my absence." Thana's words were to the point, not flowered with the usual Georgia Backwoods phrases her sister used but there was the same kindness in their inflection.
"A twin?" Miss Sally asked as she stood there looking over Thana.
"Yes ma'am, identical. Well genetically. We are two very different people. We weren't ever close," Thana said before looking back to Richard. "I'm sorry for the shock and yer loss," she said sympathetically. Taking a couple of deliberate steps back from him she looked back over at Ash as she placed her cap back on before looking at the crowd again. "I was a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy. I am not a medical doctor. I'm a botanist. I have been extended an invitation to stay here and help with the crops. Fer personal reasons not sure I'll stay here with y'all. We'll see but hope that clears up some thangs."
"Captain, maybe we should let them go fer now and let everything sink in. I can answer more questions later if they have them," she added at the end as she looked back over to Ash.
Location: Building A (Ash's House, exterior front)
The repeated poundings on James's arm started to add up. Bryn was stronger than she looked, especially when she was slamming knuckles into one while in a state of mild shock. He sighed wearily, totally understanding her reaction to the whole, messy situation. But by hit number four, he was starting to flinch in her vise-like grasp. Reflexively he put a hand in the way, but by then she had stopped hammering his poor arm and began pointing at Thana. "Yuh huh." he said quietly. "Ain't that somethin'?"
James remained quiet otherwise during the Big Reveal and the emotional fallout that got kicked up as a result, hoping his contribution to the covert operation to get her inside would just blow away in the wind and he could get back to his duties for the wedding. But subtle things like "Logic" like to get in the way of one's hopes, in this instance the irrefutable logic that he was a friend of Zoie's family from WAY back before the Outbreak. He'd chowed down on fried chicken her mother had made on more than a few occasions. Trained hunting dogs for them. Handled hog problems in their neighborhood. Logic dictated that he knew all about little Miss Thana. This train of logic was made irredeemably bare when Thana referenced James for proof of identity. He felt several eyes on him just then.
Instead of beginning some grand speech on the matter, the ordinarily jovial blackneck gave a simple but repeated nod of his head. Yeah, he knew her once. Not so sure if he really knew her anymore, but it sure was good to see her alive still.
SchrĂśdinger
Location: Across the street from Building A (Ash's House)
Schrody could smell the adrenaline on the cold wind and sense a palpable shock coming from the Humans. He couldn't exactly tell why tensions were so high. Maybe it had something to do with the alpha guy who tells the other Humans to do things? They were mostly all staring up at him. No, not him, so much. The other one next to him. Well both, but mostly the other one, by far. Something was up. Very possibly something important to the people of Newnan.
Unfortunately, it didn't have anything to do with him. As a matter of fact, whatever this thing was, it meant that less attention would be paid to him, so Schrodinger couldn't care less if their hair spontaneously caught on fire. Wait... no, that would be worth the watch. Ok, stick around and see if anything like that was going to happen, then locate a nice, warm spot to catch his morning nap. Maybe one of these people could assist with that particular endeavor.
Sit quietly, wait and see. Maybe bat his paws at something playfully. The Humans loved that.
