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🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Nigel Cooper Location: Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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Iustitia fundamentum regni. Justice is the foundation of a reign. That and other phrases so well uttered in the foundational language of Latin rang through Nigel's mind as the trial recommenced. Throughout the week or so they'd stayed at Camp Mexico Beach, Nigel had gone through the opposing extremes of his attitude towards the military settlement. At the one hand he'd been cautious following Erica, Hank and Wayne into that bus and through Quarantine, not certain that the militaristic nature of a modern citadel would suit him and his morals. On the other hand, his time spent inside the protective walls of a Bastion of civilisation had given him reason to stay, integrate and even assimilate into the larger population.

Now as the trial continued its due course, he just hoped their conduct towards Hunter would be founded in justice. Right makes might, or Might makes right.

The following lines of questioning aimed at the row of witnesses made him reconsider that hope, more specifically the insistance on what Tatiana the Scarred had actually told Ash. Again and again people were asked what the Russian woman had spoken, and none elaborated. Nigel was no different, well mostly. "Ibidem. As stated by those testifying before me, I do not speak Russian. I assumed it was an internal matter between Tatiana and Ashton, and with the absence of intervention of our guards, I'm not certain that single event alone can explain Hunter's following outburst…"

The image of Tatiana's scars running down her back gave him reason enough to not push on what he thought about the case. Like he said, he didn't speak Russian, so his subjective opinions weren't solid enough considering this was about Hunter. Looking seriously at the Professor as she continued her questioning, Nigel the neo-Roman took a deep breath as he tried to construct a mental timeline of the events that followed. "How much time passed? Not long, only a few moments between the aforementioned scolding and Tatiana tending to Mr. Polawski's broken cup of coffee, then Hunter iniating his dramatic monologe of a Greek nature. I found it…should I say, ironic in the greatest truth of the word? Worst of all I found it being all bark, no bite, but threatening to worsen the already tense situation the Quarantine room found itself in. And then…the fight between him and Beatrice. From what I understand and could see, she incapacitated him, warning him to…well, behave I suppose. He took it to heart, in the end at the very least. As mentioned by my fellow witnesses, it de-escalated after that. In my opinion, it sounded as if she was protective."

Nigel returned in the end to his seat, his eyes rising up as the old veteran rose from his own seat. Alexander Polawski, the same person Tatiana had gone over to clean up his cup, sure looked shaken as he took the stand. And like that, Nigel once again found his whole presence intriguing.

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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To say Alexander was shaken, was an understatement. His demeanour had been calm, collected and quite cooperative back in the Mess Hall when he spoke with his fellow Baby Boomer. With Manny, Alexander allowed himself to smile, laugh and sigh in understanding sadness as the two old men exchanged tales of their past lives. Boats, spouses, what made them happy. Alexander would nod in agreement, sad agreement to everything Manny told him. It had been then he realised how much he didn't know about his friend, perhaps as much as he didn't know about himself. And yet Alexander couldn't help but chuckle at what Manny had said first; that he looked forward to being dragged onboard a nice, comfortable boat. Yes, even through all the pain both of them had experienced, they could share some good times together. Alexander looked forward to that.

Back in the Auditorium and the trial of the young soldier, Hunter, Alexander sat silently but squiemishly on his seat as questions were asked, witnesses called and more people brought forth to answer an never-ending barrage of questions. The worst part of it wasn't how much shit was being brought out of the woodwork on Hunter's character, or how the Professor seemingly decided to focus in on what the Russian lady had or hadn't said. Perhaps Alexander time growing up during the Cold War should have prepositioned him against Tatiana by default, being a "dirty commie" like in the good old days?

No, the worst part of it was how little Alexander could actually say.

Limping up to the stand and clearing his throat longer than he had done so far, Alexander struggled to find the words he wanted to say, any way of answering the questions asked to him. He'd collected enough information from the others answering to possibly give a bullshit account…but he couldn't.

"I…your honour, I…don't speak Russian, so I…I don't know. I just, I just wanted it to stop. The screaming…I didn't see, couldn't see anyhing of what was happening at that time. Like Thalia…Mrs. Carmichael said before me, I…" Alexander felt his heart beating like a racing car engine inside his chest, his pulse increasing and breath growing short as the images of that day returned to him. With great strength Alexander attempted to remember what Freedman had taught him, finding happy memories to keep him going.

"Sorry, let me rephrase. I…what Hunter said, I thought something…something bad was gonna happen to him, you know? Charlie gonna get him…" Alexander reached for his head, an intense pulsating pain shooting through his body taking hold of him as he slowly remembered what he had seen…thought he'd seen. It had been a memory, just a vision, right? He struggled to catch his breath, his old and worn fingers grasping tightly around whatever he could find to stable himself as he forced himself to continue. "I don't know, I cannot recall. Thalia helped me find a chair…long day…very, very long day…Exhausted." At this point, Alexander's face was pale as a sheet, sweat running down his face as he struggled to stand upright. His past was catching up to him, like it had been waiting nearly fourty years.

Everyone looked at him, and for good reason. He was giving his testimony, but to Alexander it was quickly becoming too much for him to handle. Everyone looked at him, judged him, his words and actions, everything. This was the trial he'd never had, though one he deserved to have had since he fired those shots…Mugsy's old lips quivered, struggling to hold back the tears swelling in his eyes. "I don't know anything, I cannot recall…May I be dismissed…please?" His voice trembling, his entire frame trembling, the old veteran wasn't taking being on the stand as easily as before. Something was wrong, very wrong and troubling him. It was moments away before he revealed what he knew, what he'd done and what crimes he himself had committed...what he should have been court-martialed for himself. If he hadn't already taken a piss, he would have pissed himself right then and there.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Mess Hall (C) -> Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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The low-rumbling ambience of chatter, feet stepping on the concrete floor and cutlery scraping against plates and tables, felt all to familiar to the old veteran again. Only Manny's voice managed to hold Alexander back onto their plane of existence or whatever the hippies back in the 60's used to og and on about, holding the mental line against a barrage of small-arms fire from a very known enemy, yet unseen and unnoticed to the naked eye. Only Manny managed to keep him in his old, yet sane shape, not the broken down soldier who served for too fucking long.

He was still broken, but Old Mugsy had one thing Young Polawski did not. Hope.

Alexander lifted his gaze up from his platter of fish, chewing quietly with his mouth closed, unlike some miserable idiots he'd eaten with before. He couldn't remember name, only faces and the sound of teeth chewing violently on a beef jerky too much like rubber. Thankfully Manny continued where Alexander had left off, answering him about fish filets, boating, fishing and…husband?

Then you'll be glad to have an old Illinois seaman by your side, peg-leg and all! I'll teach you the ropes, whether you like it or not." Alexander joked initially, scooping in another spoonful of fish grub into his mouth as he continued to listen to Manny's answers. He listened closely, friendly to what little experience Manny had with the ocean, not failing to see the parallels between his father's relationship and that of his fellow Baby Boomer. He was ready to get some experience under his belt, now that the world had ended and it seemed like a good opportunity to get a good sea-leg, so to speak. Then again, Alexander found a question he felt an urge to ask, as innocently as he possibly could. "Wait, husband? You had a husband, Manny?"

It wasn't meant in the way it must have come out as; gays and homosexuals, he'd spent his fair share of time around those through his life. Honestly he didn't care about whoever you loved, Catholic or not. He'd spent so much of his life pushing away those who loved him and vice versa, that he'd reconsidered that part of life by now. He just…hadn't expected Manny to have had a husband. Then again, he probably missed him as much as Alexander missed Judith…

Alexander cleared his throat after that awkward question, turning to what Manny had actually asked about. "Outside of the Army? My father and I spent many summers out on Lake Michigan back in my youth. We used to fight like Hell back in those days, neither understanding the. But when we were out fishing? Was the only place we could get along…before I went off to 'Nam back in '70. Afterwards I didn't sail until I met Judith. We'd spend many a summer outside of the Coast of Florida actually, those were the Good days…I miss it, you know?"

Time was up though as dinner was over, and Alexander followed Manny's suit to clean up and head back to the trial. Fish shoveled into his mouth and chewed on like Hell as he limped over to deposit his tray, Alexander wobbled after Manny out of Mess Hall, following by his side until they got back to the Auditorium and found their seats. "And for the sake of argument, I was in the Army, not the Navy. Never spent any time on boats over there, neither blue nor brown. Not sure if they had it worse than us or the other way around. At least we could take cover, but they could only duck down in their river boat and pray to God they'd get back alive. Probably something you could ask Thana about though."

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Nigel Cooper Location: Mess Hall (C) -> Education Center (M) Skills: N/A

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It was a most interesting conversation to have, even for the lack of verbal elaboration which Thalia decided to give to either Nigel or Shears about the origins of her armed prowess. The settlements designated Tender of Hair had a fair assessment of Thalia's origins, connecting her fairly well to the man Nigel had unexpectedly become aquainted with earlier; The Shakespearean Joaquin who now was destinied to cross blades with the Neo-Roman scholar. Now that was still an event which the chronicles had yet to put to paper. After his little skirmish with Thalia, Nigel wondered how fighting her kin would fare him.

He didn't comment on it though, fairly certain that the spectacle they'd made in the Mess Hall a week earlier had been far enough. Quoting Shakespear and promising to dual with a CMB native, that was sure to stick to your memory. No, Nigel was far more interested in Thalia and her legacy, only giving Shears a brief look of acknowledgement and a "Now that is what I call an Athenian Sacerdos Dente. I hope I never end up at his arm's opposing side."

Again Nigel focused on Thalia and their brief conversation, still curious as to her background and what little historical documentation she gave him to work with. Catholic? Checked out, her name sounded befitting one of Peter's Flock from Rome, though her mention of him being another Horseman intriuged Nigel. What else would he be? The only one he thought fit, was Conquest. He didn't voice his mental musings however, simply giving Thalia a silent nod of approval and continuing to eat his meal. Perhaps Thalia's demenour was rubbing onto him as well, or he was getting back at reading people. He thought it best not get on the One-handed Amazon's bad side either way, or better yet get on her good side before they met for an armed duel. He looked forward to having her as a proud sparring-match, and to fight by her side.

It was at this point Thalia decided to show him the card, giving him the briefest of time to deciphere it's coded content before he could give an answer. "…many hands make for easy work, yet this one…Forgive me for asking bluntly, but have you asked Cook about this? It sounds like a phrase connected most fittingly with those inhabiting the Cantine. Too many cooks, you know? If not, I'd like to help if I can, Thalia."

Before he knew it, dinner was over and their presence was required back at the Trial. Nigel hurried to finish his long-sought after meal, clearing away the tray and making his way back to the Education Center and Auditorium. It seemed like most others arrived around the same time, and Nigel did his best to find his previous seat besides Ashton, giving him a polite nod as he scootched past others to take his seat. There wasn't much to say between Nigel and Ash, so an eire silence commenced as he waited for the Trial to recommence.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Mess Hall (C) Skills: N/A

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The old and worn-out veteran knew Manny had taken his seat across from before he even looked up from his fishy bits. It was the telltale signs of some shuffling up to the table, the sight of someone in his peripheral vision and the sound of eating. More than anything though was how quiet the person was in his actions, no gaining Alexander's attention and asking for permission, nor the idle chatter that accompanied all military mess halls throughout Mankind's long history. So when he looked up from his bowl of fish chowder and saw the familiar face of Manny, Mugsy didn't seem surprised. On the contrary, the one-legged Baby Boomer smiled at his dental Baby Boomer and gave him a brief aknowledging nod, before returning to his fish.

While he liked Manny when his mouth ran like a monsoon, he found the silent company enjoyable as well. He was no Thalia nor Beatrice, but Manny was just as good.

Alexander ate a few bits of what had to be a meal cooked with not just fish, but a lot of love too reminding him of his wife's late cooking, a saddened smile flashing across his face. Good memories, bad memories, but at least in the safe enviroment of Camp Mexico Beach, Alexander felt it easier to find back to both of those. Freedman's words echoed in the back of his mind once again, eyes looking up at Manny as he saviored the moment just like he'd been told to. "If you're lucky and remain on my good side, Manny, I'll dish you up of my special Polawksi fish filets! Who knows how many varations on fish they can have, especially since this is some of the better Army food I've had. And believe me, I've eaten decade-old MRS' that tasted…well, like shit. Anyway, ever spent any time fishing on a boat? You always seemed like a landcrab to me, don't know many naval dentists."

His conversation with Manny was annoyingly sidelined by a certain voice calling from the stage, harking back to the events Alexander didn't want to think about as he ate. He shook his head, annoyed that he couldn't get five-fucking-minutes without his thoughts being dragged through some pile of shit, one way or another. He sighed, returning to the act of eating in relative silence, though waiting for Manny to respond. Perhaps he could never escape those dark thoughts, but at least he could get distracted from them.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Mess Hall (C) Skills: N/A

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Nigel had been privilged to socialise with Thalia the one-armed Amazon a handful of times before, so her brief and stone-walled response didn't come as a surprise to him. She'd been a woman of few words the first week of quarantine as far as he could remember, and the brief conversation they'd had at the bar during the beach party had given him a lesson of her way with words. That was to say, her narrow and precise usage of words, like a Cretan archer firing his arrows sparingly during battle. He'd known this when he gave her an option of silence as he sat down to eat with her, so he had perhaps learned some social skills after all.

Which was more the reason he found her answer as intruiging as he did. First of all she answered him, and secondly it had not been what he'd expected. Then again, what did he expect? He'd learned the way of the sword through self-practice and reenactment, while others out of the neccecaty the world ending brought with it. Her dad insisting, now that was a tale worth penning to a Roman legend!

Nigel slowly ate his fish chowder as he listened intently to Thalia's words, giving a half-surprised response back to Shears as he took a seat as well. "Hmmpf…greetings." he mumbled through eaten fish, swallowing hard as he gave Thalia his mostly undivided attention again. "A priest of War, a war-priest? Seems Fortuna was partly kind to you then, and your father taught you well, Thalia." Nigel answered in brief terms, trying not to push his luck any further. At least she had answered, and their relationship was already established as dueling-partners, so he was happy with what he got. Still was interested in the card Shears handed to Thalia and what it read, more so the look on her face. He couldn't read it though, and continued to eat in silence. Like the Romans before him, prod the defences and know when and where to strike. Not before, nor after.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) -> Mess Hall (C) Skills: N/A

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Time rolled on with its inevitable tides, and more questions were asked of the following things that happened that first day. Alexander sat in deep silence as two of the medical staff of CMB, Doc and Mary were called up, the latter who Alexander remembered he needed to ask where in Chicago she worked way back. That reminder fell in line once Panama was called up to testify, speaking off Hunter's unusual way of talking once again. Unusual was an understatement, even for a man who fought through a war where every soldier had a dry, dark comment about everything.

Alexander didn't raise his hand when it was called for, instead crossing his arms and giving the young soldier, Hunter, a wondering look. What was going on through his mind, both back on the first day of a meeting of fate, and now? He couldn't help but wonder if they were the same - traumatized. Maybe, a shiver shooting through his entire frame at the thought resonating with him. It kept his mind occupied whilst barber spoke. Well perhaps spewed or bantered about the young soldier who acted…well, stupid. Brash, like the type of recruit trying to 'cool' his way through bootcamp. It didn't end to well…none of these testimonies ended well.

When Thana was mentioned, Alexander's posture changed significantly. His back straightened up and his face brightened up with his peaked attention as he listened to what Aeron had to say. The memory of it, the sharp sense of the hope being severed from his heart and him fighting back his tears, was a bad memory. One being escaped from by a cup of coffee, and not healed until Thana returned. From MIA, to KIA and finally returned. Perhaps there was some justice in the world after all.

Then dinner was called. Thank God.

Alexander felt a sudden rumble in his belly, sending shockwaves like an distant bombing run somewhere beyond the line of sight. For more than one reason, he was glad it was time to eat. Alexander got back up on his foot and metal leg, slowly shuffling his way past chairs and a tightly packed corridor as he slowly made his way over to the Mess Hall. He was in no rush to get there, the rain having stopped and leaving the air muggy…like himself. Mugsy chuckled to himself as he found his way to get some much-needed dinner.

Sometimes the world was indeed a funny place.

For today's first dish the choice became seafood chowder, reminding Alexander of the fish meals he'd cook himself back in the day of Bahamas-trips and fishing. It tasted just as good as he imagined, only leaving him sitting alone in a much-enjoyed peace and quiet. Not that he sought solitude, but he enjoyed it.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) -> Mess Hall (C) Skills: N/A

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Nigel couldn't remember Hunter's comments during their needed appointment under Shear's shears, keeping his hand firmly placed in his lap as the testimony Panama, Shears, Doc and Mary went on. At this point of the quarantine, Nigel had been preoccupied with being sheared like a Napolitanian sheep and talking with Erica about how he looked. Still he had not gotten his hair wholly back, though in the Roman Army he would have been told his hair was long enough as it was. Running his fingers through, or rather across his stubby hairs, his attention was slowly drifting away from the testimonies. Except for a reaffirmed sense of Hunter's diplomatic blunders, nothing new was added.

Not that it was needed, as deep a hole as Hunter had dug himself into already.

Though he was dragged back into it at the mention of Thana being sought after by Ash. Back then Nigel hadn't been invested in the fate of a lost survivor, though with his new friendship with her, he was setting this tale in a new light. It was an enveloping story of searches for truth and lost love, but more importantly, a return of long lost companions. Like the epics of Homer, they were all finally reunited, but at what cost?

The proceedings were put on hold for a break and a highlight of the day; a meal. Nigel's belly rustled like a Carthegean war elephant at this point, a reminder that he and Volt hadn't had time to eat after their sparring and a good show by Thalia. Nigel stood up and started looking after her, only to see her sneaking rather unsuccessfully towards Shears for some reason. He decided to put his conversations with her for a later time, following the crowd and making his way to the Mess Hall for some delicious food.

Today's meal become a lighter vegetable soup, his battered body still feeling the slight aftershocks from the one-handed vulcano. Perhaps Thalia could recieve more than one name from him; Amazon and Vesuvius? Nigel grabbed a bowl of soup and looked for a seat to take. One person he avoided like the Justinian Plauge was Hank and Wayne, leaving him with a surprising choice left as he wandered calmly over to Thalia's isolated table and politely taking a seat. "Taken? If conversation is not what you're seeking, Thalia, I'll shut my mouth and eat. But do tell me, for I am curiously intriuged, how you have such proficiency with your weapons."

Idle conversation, but still something he wanted to know about.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Back and forth they were called. Back to their seats to sit idly and wait patiently for their names to be called up like a boring, military excercise of breaking you down and rebuilding you with nothing but your name, rank and God's given clothes on your sorry ass body. Forth to the stand where they were asked more and more questions. Alexander still felt that black hole inside his chest, though their answers were so far all directed at Hunter, not themselves.

Not himself. He dreaded what they would have asked him.

Alexander stood up and wobbled his way over to the stand once called, this time about their shower-time just after having been evac'ed from that abandoned Florida town in the middle of nowhere. It had involved everything he remembered, except for substantially less enemy fire. The evac, not the showers, that was. The one-legged Veteran took his place silently and absorded the questions he was given. Other shower-goers had already been questioned, those most important to him his good Baby-Boomer friend and the other soldier, while the rest were to this day rather unknown to him. Them, and Hunter.

The one thing that brewed the black hole again was what Ash had answered. He had confirmed his brief confirmation of service, as innocent as it had been. His hands gripping tightly around whatever his old-man hands could hold onto, Alexander suddenly found a voice of peace ringing through his mind. Freedman. The next time he smelled the napalm, think back to a happy moment and place. As Alexander breathed in deeply and exhaled, his thoughts meandered through brief images of hot plastic coffee with two strong women on a TANK, his friends in the Eden-team and a certain General. Then he arrived at the showers, and answered.

"As mentioned by the others before me, nothing noteworthy took place in the showers. Was allowed to keep my previous peg-leg for the showering, and answered Mr. Ashton's question about service…which I was. Mr. Monroe was quiet for the most part, answering briefly but in the positive. A young man he was, I thought. Nothing else happened."

And so Alexander returned to his seat, somehow feeling relieved to have survived another assault on the stand, yet knowing well he would have to return soon enough. He dreaded the coming event they'd surely talk about…when he'd gone into a state of shock and…he wasn't looking forward to it, unlike the black hole within him.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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And so the tale of Hunter the Tragic dwelled onwards, the next scene in this great Greek story of a soldier's fall from grace now set upon the stage of the CMB thermea - The Shower episode. Nigel sighed as he listened to the other male members of the trial recounted the events of them showering, mostly out of a lack of substance. Nothing of interest had happened in those relatively short moments, certainly not in regards to Hunter and what this hearing was about. To Nigel the most interesting things of note were to learn that certain members of the newcomers were members of the military.

That, and how much attention he was getting for his accursed nickname of Sportacus/Sporticus, involving a children's tv-show he'd never seen.

Nigel did nod along to what was already stated though, finding little more to add into their oral statements as he himself was called forward. He walked past the old veteran, Alexander on the way up, recalling his brief answer to Ash; "Not in a very, very long time. Not that it matters anyway." Why did it not matter? Nigel couldn't get the question out of his head, well at least not until he had a question to answer himself.

"My information probably can't shed more light on the matters at hand, as they were mere recounts of what has already been said; we were taken to the showers, made conversation about our possible military pasts - of which I answered I did not have - and we were then taken onwards to Quarantine. Hunter answered that he had been part of the National Guard, no indication of hostilty towards. A warm shower probably was good for us all. Nothing to add further, Professor."

All throughout this part of the trial, Nigel did his outmost to ignore Hank and Wayne…however a Herculean Feat it had to be.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Social skills like a cactus in a balloon factory. Alexander nodded in silence to Manny's description of Hunter, finding it oddly befitting the young soldier who didn't know when to keep his mouth shut and do as one was told. Again, part of him couldn't not fault him for it, for Alexander had been there in his shoes once as a youngster himself. Age really did put things into perspective, didn't it. He could only imagine how he'd react to being put in a figurative box for all to gaze upon with scrutinizing questions wonder if his rash temper would get the better of him like it did towards his father, or he'd retreat into his mental shell as he'd done for so many years. Thankfully he wasn't in that box. Not then, and not now.

The old veteran himself didn't utter another word after his brief conversation with Manny, his eyes going back and forth across the room when the session continued. More witnesses, more questions, more answers, and they had only just started with the charge of Gross Insubordination after the whole wafting of picking up dog shit. Even Alexander raised a brow at this, but he understood it as the military just being thourough. The AAR Maddoc gave under questioning sure was a thourough one.

Once it was Alexander's turn to be called up, he felt the same black hole open up in his chest like so many times before. A hole of black force, throwing itself against his defences. They held, and the one-legged Mugsy walked up to take the stand and answer the same questions asked before. To most he would have looked calm and collected, but he gripped whatever he could hold onto tightly as he spoke. "In all honesty, I have very little to say about my first meeting with Hunter…Mr. Monroe. I was not close enough to overhear the conversation we're talking about, limping behind the others in my group towards the huey, with the help of Mr. Newman. Frankly, I gave the young man very little thought at that time…The only thing I can comment on is Mr. Monroe's attachment to his dog,. Thinking back on it, presumed it was one of those things that happened when meeting living people again after so long…"

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Nigel too was finding the amount of detail the court proceedings went into to be unexpected, but found sound reasoning behind it in true Roman fashion. Logic had to be put into use, and a logical turn of events had to be established in order to weigh Hunter's true nature. From the questioning about his apparent disdain from cleaning up after his beloved canine companion with used bags, which to Nigel gave a curious look but nothing more, they soon dvelved into what he belived to be more serious charge. The one Nigel thought would stick more than a mere accusation - a most certainly real one, of course - of disordly conduct.

Gross Insubordination. An Uocatur, one starting with their very first meeting of chance out in the Florida country.

When it was Nigel's turn to be called, he returned to the stand he'd taken when he had answered before. The second time he walked up to it, he felt more worried. Not for himself, but for Hunter, even if he knew Justice had to run her due course. From what had been said about the young, troubled soldier by the others, his unfavoured toungue showed itself from the very moment they all met around that helicopter. Threats, talks of cannibalism and disregard for the others survivors…all for his dog? Taking the stand, Nigel pretty much confirming what already had been said.

"I entered the audible range of Hunter about the same time as Wayne, coming up behind him alongside Erica and Hank. Hunter spoke about other people using kittens as a trick to…Well, seem friendly, I assumed. I thought someone, that being Hunter, was talking either hyperbolically or with an unsound mind. To me, it seems we all responded quite differently to seeing a helicopter filled with survivors land right before our eyes. I hoped, as we were handing over our belongings before being taken to CMB, that Hunter wouldn't do anything stupid and get himself killed. Afterwards we all went to the newly arrived bus and took our seats, Hunter in the far back with Izibell. To me he didn't seem like a threat to me personally, though I did wonder how he would fare, even with a 95 % acceptence rate."

World of Light

The Heavy

Level: 2 (19/20)
Location: Sandswept Sky - Crown of Sand
Word count: 664 (1 EXP - Level up next round)

The battle had been glorious, and even more importantly they had won! A fanfare and rock-styled victory song would have been playing at this point, signalling the great success which the trio of Heavy, Medic and Midna had accomplished against the enemy team of DRAGONS. But honestly, even Heavy appriciated the simple fact that they had all survived the slaughter. A slaughter they had commenced, but such details went over his head more times than not. Instead Heavy took a moment to catch his breath, finally done with punching the now not-so-flying dragon and taking stock of the situation.

A bunch of loot had spawned on the sandy ground, having replaced the dead bodies of all the sorry baby enemies they had slain moments earlier. Heavy found it odd at first, accustomed to seeing miscellaneous stuff and bodyparts littering the ground, but this was a pleasent surprise. Just as much as Medic was alive and well after having been flicked away! Before Heavy could embrace his tiny Medic friend though, they got more company in the form of Queen Sectonia and Poppi.

"Very good fun indeed, Tzarinna Sectonia! It is good day to be giant man and friends..." Heavy exclaimed, unprepared for what followed. The queen tossed…a heart at him? Not a normal, regular sized gorilla heart that Heavy had beating in his chest, but a cartoon heart. At first Heavy was as puzzled as ever, but as soon as its magical powers released him of what had been an unseen iron grip of Galeem, Heavy felt ten times lighter! In the amazement, Heavy pressed his big palm against his heart, feeling it beat…like normal. "What was that? Was that…Am Heavy free now?" Heavy was confused, but happy. The same was done to Medic, so this had to be a good thing. Hadn't it?

Time passed with Heavy finding himself flying through the air, carried away by Poppi and being reunited with Team Yellow. Before he knew it, which was after a long and dreadful trek through the most difficulty and dusty obstacle course he'd ever seen, they stood before a giant temple with a funny lion perched on top. No wait, that was a 'Spinxh'? In the least it was a statue, and what statues were Heavy know. Also, he was dying of thirst! Having searched his pockets for his beloved Sandvich, he found nothing but crumbs, pocketsand and lint, nothing which quench his thirst. Not a thirst for blood, but for water. Like Tora, Heavy wiped his sweaty, bald head and was ready to stoop over. "Water…Why Heavy leave cool and nice Siberia for scorching desert…"

And water they were lead to. Not just water, but an amazing secret room with pools of it! And best of all, there didn't seem to be any hostile BLUs in there, meaning Heavy didn't have to fight for the water. Not to mention there was FOOD! Heavy let out a relieved laugh, echoing through the chamber with delight as he slapped his massive belly. "Oh hohohohoho! Very good! Heavy thought we were done for, but this be happy surprise! Save some ham and bread for me, first I bath!"

Heavy didn't bother to undress even, only leaving his minigun of metal on the floor as he stubbed his way over to the pool and jumping into it. SPLASH! His massive frame caused a small tsunami in the same pool Tora had jumped in. For a moment one might wonder if Heavy could even swim, seen as how long he stayed underwater. The broad-shouldered Russian did float back up to the surface, a satisfied sight leaving his lips as he floated happily in the cool water and enjoying the moment. For once not a moment with fighting, but a moment of peace and quiet. "I could get used to living like this. A king! So comrades, why we here and where we get to after fine feast? Heavy understand more after Poppi toss floaty heart at me!"

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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The testemony from Nigel the Roman actor-teacher had refreshed Mugsy's memory of that night. Yes, now he did remember the short tidbits of what he'd seen and heard of Hunter, mostly heard. A drunk, young soldier on leave for the first time in ages after a long and difficult patrol…no wait, that was himself. Alexander shook his head in the confusion, getting a hold of himself and continuing to listen to how young Hunter had…well, been a drunk fool that night. Nothing terribly bad so far, but quite embarrasing, especially when the military was in charge.

He didn't envy the young boy, not in the least.

A break was called and people started to shuffle around, clearly prepared to stretch their legs. Speaking of which, Alexander stood up and got a good stretch of his old back, letting out a good yawn as he did. Not a second later Manny had already begun to talk to him, like the chatterbox he was. But he was Alexander's chatterbox, and he appriciated the question. "So far? We're talking disorderly conduct and drunken behaviour, but that happens in the army all the time. So far he's got a chance…it's the other charges I'm more worried about, if you're asking me…poor kid." Alexander answered in an equally hushed tone, feeling his gaze drift over to Hunter being taken to the side, probably for a trip to Mother Nature. Did he himself need to take a leak? Not really, the old grumpy man as he was. "What about you? What are your thoughts?"

It didn't take long for the break to end and the proceedings to commence once again. At this point Alexander had walked a bit back and forth, getting his body up and running again after sitting down, anxious and tense like a spring about to break. As soon as they started again, Alexander was seated firmly in his seat, halfway paying attention to the questions and halfway unable to drift down into his own thoughts…only catching brief answers of what Ash gave up front in a very military-styled speech.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Nigel couldn't help but overhear the old-fashioned banter between his two previous companions, Wayne and Hank, clearly finding the proceedings either gruellingly boring or amusing to the point of needed a piss. He shook his head in annoyance, unable to escape their everlasting presence, one way or another. Would he ever be really free from their cruel mockery, or would they forever stand by his side in what was quickly becoming a comedy which was his life?

Either way, Nigel attempted to push their words out of his head and get a overview of the Auditorium, now that a break had been called. Most importantly, watching Hunter being taken away and wondering what was going on with Thalia over in the distance, doing…something. It was a mystery to him, clearly a mystery not meant to be solved in the near future. Nigel valued his life still too much for that. Back to Hunter, the neo-Roman teacher hoped he did not find his testimony an insult to his character, for what else was he meant to say? That Hunter had done nothing wrong that night? No, Nigel told the truth the best he could…perhaps this was even a lesson for Hunter, a sense of catharsis even, something he needed to get through in order to come out the hero of this story.

Nigel didn't leave the Auditorium during the break, having sweated out most during the fight with Thalia earlier. So when the proceedings started up again, Nigel was already seated and awaiting the next witness on the stand, which turned out to be Ash. A brief and concise witness, speaking of details Nigel had not heard about. How should he? He hadn't been working with Hunter the following day, having been Ash's lady friend's assistant in the Gardens of Babylon. Honestly, to Nigel it sounded like nothing exceptional, even for his late arrival. Something in his gut told him that they had yet to hear the big, deciding battle for Hunter's fate.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Alexander Polawski Location: Education Center: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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Forehead wrinkled up with his well-worn frown and sweaty hands firmly placed underneath his bum, Alexander did his best to not attract any attention towards himself. Not that he liked being the center of attention anymore since before the joyous days of the late 60's and early 70's, said attention back then either existing in the form of either NVA/VC ambushes and AK47 gunfire, or war protesters looking upon their fellow countrymen as baby killers and war criminals. God, he was barely in his 20's - how the fuck was he supposed to know it would be that bad? No, Alexander preferred the leave the spotlight for those who revelled in it.

Well, not that Hunter and the others enjoyed it much themselves. This was not a day of celebrating their survival, after all. Most days Alexander had found a sense of purpose, especially sorting through the military archive Aeron had set up. Now with ol Mugsy's help, it was getting sorted out - even his own thoughts, so to speak. The contrast to what Alexander then felt sitting there, feeling uncomfortable attending the trial, was tangiable.

No, keep breathing. Like Tatiana had told him, like Judith had told him…keep breathing, and you'll get through this you son of a bitch…Yes Sergeant Jackson, Sir!

Alexander's attention snapped to the Roman actor, teacher…toothpick fellow who'd taken the stand and begun to answer the questions like the dutiful schoolboy he was.

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Nigel Cooper Location: Auditorium (M) Skills: N/A

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If a look could kill, Nigel would have sent a volley of pilas through Wayne's fake cough, clearly not out of reach of the dynamic duo's verbal tormenting even in a court of law. Nigel sighed quietly, taking a deep breath as he had to stay focused on the matters of law, justice and truth to the best of his abilities. The neo-Roman looked at the Professor as she read up the charges once again pressed against Hunter, directing the line of questioning towards his involvement on that night's events. Nigel took another breath as he tried to formulate his testimony as best he could, knowing the oath he was under.

"Yes, I was present for said actions that night." He answered, refraining from bringing up his usual Latin jargon, even for how much he would have liked to speak precisely about the events. It felt like an entire year had passed since that night, and yet it was a mere week ago. Funny how the wheels of time spun in such mysterious ways. "Well, I was by his side for some parts of that night. I remember him speaking with Nikki after getting said drinks, though I cannot tell what words were spoken. At this point I approached Hunter and suggested he eat something instead of drinking more, though said drink was spilled over him at this point." Nigel answered, closing his eyes for a moment and thinking hard about their conversation that had.

"Hunter was…concerned about her, Nikki that is. About her lying to him, though his was in a drunken state at this point - Feeling that, in his own words, 'Society is eff-ing harder than I thought it wold be.' While Cook and Moralez brought us something for Hunter to, as they put it 'Soak up the booze', I attempted to talk him down, suggest he apologize for his behaviour in the morning. To this Hunter agreed, and for me to get him to bed after eating aforementioned oatmeal and toast from Moralez…" Nigel stopped for a moment, pursing his lips as he recalled part of the episode that had brought them all this far - the moment Hunter dropped his food, like a stubborn toddler, only bigger and drunk.

"…which he held out for me to hold, I presume, though not long enough for me to catch it, before Hunter stumbled off towards the stage, falling to the side and giving up on whatever he had intended to do over there. Hunter had only eaten half of it, the rest smeared across his palm, face and the sand. It was at this point he agreed my assistance in getting him to bed. I supported Hunter back to his dwellings at the Condo, watching him enter after locking himself in and thanking me. That was the last time I saw Hunter that night, before I went back to my room myself."

Nigel was glad when he was finally asked to return to his seat, giving the Professor a respectful nod as he got up and walked back to Ash. It was done, his part of this play had been testamented and he would be called up again later. For the same charges, or for the other one? Whatever it was, Nigel had done his best to elaborate and be truthful, knowing Justice could only live under those circumstances. The Truth was meant to set you free, but would that ring true for Hunter as well?

World of Light

The Heavy

Level: 2 (7/20)
Location: Before the Great Barrier
Word count: 321 (1 EXP)

Heavy had never been a man of the planning mind, not like the great Zhukov and his brilliant Deep Battle Plan that which drive back the fascist invaders from his frozen homeland, back to the country his best friend Medic himself came from. The strong-armed suggestion to use his brilliant strength to toss his new teammates across the gulge was not met by the same enthusiasm Heavy himself had showed many times before that day. Even his beloved Doktor came with his own suggestion, followed by the majority of the team calling into question its possibility. Instead Midna came up with her own creative idea.

Animals. Amazing animals.

Taming the wild creatures of the desert valley and using them to descend like snowflakes up to their destination? Heavy had to admit that he'd always wanted to fly, and not in the sense of being blown away by Demoman's bombs or Soldier's rockets. Though that idea was also sidelined once the girl with a Arabian name transformed herself into something strange, uncomprehensible and quite possibly brain-wrecking - Like Spy turning himself into ANOTHER Spy! - a flying saucer! Heavy shielded his eyes at the Necronomicon, a terrible sight, just like the LIVING BREAD! THE HORROR…then again, Heavy wasn't too bright and didn't understand how terribly the sight truly was, only giving him a look of confusion until people suggested they fly on her…it.

"Strange…does it hurt to turn into Saucer?"

More importantly, someone mentioned a hunt for dragons. A hunt? Heavy snapped to attention, feeling a Siberan eagerness rising within him for the prospect of a hunt! So was his Medic friend, which was enough for Heavy. "Heavy join hunting dragons! Will be great time for us all! Me and Sasha have never fought real dragons before, only Scout in spooky costume and undead teleported Bread…though that is still big fight for big man. Dragons be of no challenge to us then!"