Shoe Thief

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: Apartment 1D --> Education Center Skills: N/A

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Manny chuckled at Alexander's joke. He tried to hold it back but when Alexander laughed as well Manny found himself enjoying the moment with as much expression as he could bring to bare. "We've made it this far, further then most. I don't think we would have made it this point if we weren't meant to do greater things." He thought about some of the things he had to do to get to this point. Those he had lost along the ways, those he chose to let die to save others, and those he held at gun point and pulled the trigger on. That last one hurt the most. Not because it was hard, but because each time he had done it he found it easy. But here? It seemed he was finally able to serve a purpose greater then just self preservation. And he had a good friend doing his part to do the same. And there was not a much better feeling then that.

Alexander needed to get into something a bit more dry before moving onto the trial. "Don't take too long. They may have questions for us. Or... want us to ask questions. I am honestly not sure but we'll see when we get there." Though some details have been shared, Manny was still wondering how things would end up working. He had been to his fair share of trials before the end of the world, and he wondered what they were like now. Seeing it today he'd know and he was both excited to see the differences, and scared about how things were likely adapted to fit the current needs of the post apocalypse. When Alexander returned he looked rather well cleaned up despite the lack of supplies for it and lack of time. "You clean up well." Little compliment, but the little ones tended to mean the most. "Sadly no umbrellas. Tried to see about them earlier, but seems it's in rather high demand and not enough supply as is. So let's make this quick." He said with a smile that showed he wasn't looking forward to being soaked, but was ready for it none the less.

The rain sucked to say the less. Manny was still a bit wet from before so not like he could get much worse? He noticed much of the town's foot traffic was heading to the education center too. It made sense for a few reasons. A lot of people had the day off, and for whatever today was, it was probably the most interesting thing going on today. Add that to the people who had to be there, and remove essential staff, that left much of the camp rather empty. Inside the education center was different as people made their way inside. Though many of the required people hadn't arrived yet, many others had started to arrive filling out the up stairs. Manny would find a seat near the middle close to the front so he could pay close attention to everything going on during the trial. It wasn't until he sat down he noticed Freeman a few rows in front of him. He debated getting up and moving to a new seat, but decided against it.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B --> CMB Streets Skills:N/A

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Hunter was taken back by Cage's reaction to Hunter's joke. He looked like Cage had just taken a shit on the floor and was still trying to understand what was happening. Hunter getting over his initial shock of the man that he had met on rather hostile terms also soon joined in the laughter. "If it makes ya feel better, not sure I could overpower you in my current state. Four, five years ago, sure. But now? hate to say it you're safe from me in that regard." He continued this fun little joke. But it was a truth, he couldn't strait up over power Cage. The thought had crossed his mind a few times in the week on how he would deal with Cage should it ever come to that. And he came more or less to the conclusion it would end with a rather bloody fight. Seeing the man now, the thought made him feel a bit about that. So for all intents and purposes, no realistic way to take on the man without taking rather extreme measures. "ooh yay, another locked room. Cool." His tone had energy to it, but it was hard to tell if it was overly sarcastic or just strait up disappointment. But he ended it with a shrug and would go with it.

He listened to what Cage had to said, and he thought about it for a few moments. "You ever watch those documentaries about lie detectors? They're not perfect, and are flawed. Coincidentally, just like people. Heard they're not even allowed to be used for evidence, though I heard that from Zeke... And Zeke was... Hmm. A questionable source." He paused with that thought on his mind as he followed Cage. "I get your point though. I'll keep it in mind." It was easy to be honest about most things. But there were areas he struggled with. Some of it was shame of the things he did to survive to this point, some of it was lapse in memory. In other cases it was he would look back at a situation, and the same situation would play out different ways each time he thought about it. Though he could normally tell which one was the real one.

His rather short attention span jumped back to an earlier comment of much less importance. "Do you people grow your own coffee? Or have you just been good at finding the grinds?" He had noticed it a few times, and knew coffee beans couldn't grow up north where he was from. And he had been offered a few cups since he had arrived. Though he knew of a few places to find coffee that were commonly overlooked, this was a rather large settlement. And the amounts of coffee he could find even between all of those likely places wouldn't be enough for the usage here. Though if they had gotten control of the local supply of it really early on and or traded for the rest that might make sense.

Outside Roy was waiting with the golf cart. Hunter climbed into the back with Cage and held his hand on the frame for just that bit more personal security. "Sup." Was all he responded to Roy when he was addressed. He was outside again, and should he choose this was probably his best chance to escape with Izibel. His armed guards were sitting in a moving vehicle with no doors, and if he got one of their guns, he'd stand a fighting chance no matter how slim. Cage even had the keys. He had a few ideas on how he could get past the walls should that point come. But it would be a fight none the less. He let out a deep sigh. Though the thought crossed his mind to try and escape, he wouldn't go for it. He just had to get through today, and figure that out. Then he had to figure out tomorrow.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: Apartment 1D Skills: N/A

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To say Manny was surprised by what happened would be an understatement. Manny froze for a moment as Alexander hugged and embraced Manny. Manny found himself at a complete loss of words as he processed what was happening. After what seemed like an eternity, Alexander spoke up. Manny gave a slight chuckle when Alex mentioned he talked too much. Almost making a comment about it, he stopped himself seeing the irony in that. And simply replied "No problem." When Alexander thanked him. Manny returned the hug and embraced his fellow Baby Boomer and friend. He had trouble remembering the last time he hugged someone other then to say... Good bye. He thought it funny in a way how far their relationship had gone. Not too long ago, Manny was being held at gun point by the same man who he embraced now. Then soon after the two would act as the rear guard for the raiding party as everyone else pushed forward. Manny would later save the man's life, and Alexander being the man he was took his injury and made the most of it still being an experienced protector of the group. They had relied on each other, helped each other in areas they were weakest in, and emphasis their strong points. Despite the short time knowing each other, it felt like decades. And they had finally made it.

Manny held the man for what seemed like forever before finally letting go. "You're a good man Alexander Polawski. I don't know where I would be without you." He let out a relaxed sigh and smiled. He found himself very fortunate to have a friend like Alexander in his life. Despite the many complications Manny faced on his own he now had someone he could lean on in times of need. He hoped he could do the same thing for Alexander whenever he needed it. "The trial will be soon. I think we're both required to go, so we should probably get on that before it gets too late." He wasn't sure how much use he would be there. He barely knew the boy, and he didn't know how he would be relevant beyond maybe some of his own experiences around the boy's age. Even then, they didn't compare too well. Manny for all intents and purposes at his age wasn't much more then some street thug. The boy despite how he comes across, and his outbursts. He didn't come across as someone like that.

If Alexander decided now was a good time to leave, Manny would go with him. Or if he wanted to go somewhere else first, he would stay with him and help him however he could. Hell, at this point if Alexander didn't want to go at all, Manny would go with him and do everything in his power to get him out of trouble later. Though there was apart of him hoping he wouldn't. Manny wasn't the biggest fan of getting in trouble.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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Despite how pointless some of Hunter's worried banter was, Cage still went along with it. It was a small thing, but Hunter seemed to relax a little. At the very least, it showed that there wasn't a total disregard for his concerns. He felt acknowledged. He did find the Halloween comment pretty funny none the less. He wasn't sure if it was meant as a joke or not, but he found it funny none the less. Cage also before leaving with the trays explained to Hunter the situation. His smile more or less died at that point. After Cage left, he simply moved tot he floor and would find a nice spot to lay down. Izibell came over like old habits and would find lay down right next to him. "Good girl." He rubbed her gently as she rested. She rested a lot, even before they arrived at camp. Yes, she still could run for hours and would go hunting, playing, and overall be active. But she rested a lot even on days she didn't do as much. Granted, it could just be she was easily satisfied with life and was ready to relax and enjoy the good life now that the two of them weren't fighting for their lives.

Cage returned soon enough with both trays and their leftovers. Offering them to his best friend, Izibell would have herself a rather great lunch. She soon lost interest in chill time with Hunter as she went after and devoured the food. Hunter chuckled with a lite smile at Cage's comment. "That would be a pretty funny report." He chuckled at the thought again. ""Well after the 100 pound dweeb over powered me..."" He spoke with a mock tone before standing up. "Though I haven't figured out how to get over my allergies to bullets inside of me... So we'll save that report for later." He had a thinking face on, as if he was debating the seriousness of the idea to himself. On the plus side though, no cuffs.

Hunter walked out of the cell without any additional fuss. On his way out giving Izibell a friendly rub trying to avoid showing any more sign of worry towards her. "Good girl." Letting her go he left the cell and waited for Cage to lock the it behind him. He was ready to get this and everything it entailed over.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: Apartment 1D Skills: N/A

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Manny now refreshed as he could be stood up, posture straitened, and figured it was time to set the day back on track. On his to do list now, the court martial for sure, a proper apology to Alexander, and if time allowed, lunch would be decent. If not, he would see what he could grab after the trial. He may just have to wait for dinner, which wouldn't be the end of the world. He then paused, realizing the irony of that thought.

He froze for a moment, hearing the sound of the door unlocking and opening. At first he was confused, had Alexander or one of his other roommates already returned? He supposed it wasn't too far out of the question, stopping by before the trial was to take place. Or maybe returning to avoid it all together. He turned to face those entering, only to be stunned seeing Alexander and Freeman. Giving it a moment's thought, he realized it wasn't too far out. Though Freeman seemed like his heart was in the right place, so it made sense he helped Alexander get back to his housing. Manny said nothing at first, letting them finish up what they were saying this time. And he waited for Freeman to exit before turning to Alexander.

It took a moment for Manny to gather his thoughts, but eventually he composed himself enough to speak. "I wanted to apologize for earlier. I don't know what happened, a lapse in judgement or... god forbid old age catching up to me. But, I messed up earlier. And I wanted to say sorry. If... you want to keep talking with Freeman, I can leave? And maybe you guys can talk here where it may be more comfortable? The recliners do seem pretty comfortable." It was a serious offer. Manny messed up earlier, and wanted to help however he could. "If it would be easier, I could run after him and you could take a moment to sit down? Or... Just sitting works. If quiet would be better right now." Even though Manny still struggled with it, he understood that sometimes a quiet moment helped more then talking it out. Sometimes a quiet moment alone did better.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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Hunter ate his food in silence as he contemplated his situation some more. He found himself stuck with the same thoughts. What he would do if he lost Izibell. What he would do if he stayed, or how he could even hope to recover from the damage that had been done. Stuck with the same thoughts of how he could even hope to function as a member of society if there was even a place for him in it. He thought about his first day working, and wondered if a day like that was what he had to look forward to for the rest of his life. With Izibell, he could pull it off. How long would that be though? She was getting older now, though she didn't show it as obviously as many other older dogs there were signs here and there. The first being, she had been rather well trained long before she arrived to Hunter. She didn't have that same energy you get with young dogs either. The constant playing, the constant chewing. Her definition of play consisted of the occasional run, the even more rare tug of war, and playful chewing from time to time.

He looked at her and rubbed her head a bit. After downing her food she had made her way onto the bed again and started to rest. Though she was still rather active, she was still very much for her naps and rest. Rubbing her, it wasn't too hard to notice the few hairs starting to grey. Not a lot, and barely noticeable unless you're looking for it. He wondered what age that put her at? He had dogs growing up who were well over 10 years old with much more noticeable greying fur, and some on his family property that even at six years old didn't show any greying fur. So seven? Maybe eight? He wondered how much time that gave her if that was the case. It didn't help his problem solving that he didn't know if Izibell was pure breed or if one of her parents were. Realistically, he had seen dogs live up to 15 years if not a little older if they were well taken care of. He thought about that. Cleaning toilets and other public buildings until then. He figured that is something he could do. Then he'd figure out his next step when that time came, assuming he made it that far.

Cage returned at some point, but Hunter deep in his thoughts didn't notice the man at first. It wasn't until he spoke that Hunter nearly jumped off the bed in surprise fork in hand. Stopping himself part way up he sat back down looking at his warden. "Uhh... About yeah." Hunter took his fork and instead of using it as a potential weapon, used it to finish off his food. Once done, he put his items back on the tray and slide it out to Cage. Then. froze for a moment with more thoughts on his mind. "Anything else I gotta know before we go? Like... uh..." He froze. He knew little about trials, laws, or anything in those regards other then what high school history classes showed him. And most of that just focused on the constitution itself as well as specific laws. Here? He had little hope that would help. "Should I wear a suit or something?" He spoke it like it was a joke, but there was a look in his face where he was clearly wondering if that was the case if he should be wearing one. His expression died for a moment thought as he thought about that. "wait... I don't own a suit. Fuck." He thought about his uniform, the closest to a suit he owned. One of the few things he still owned actually. He figured it wouldn't work like that. But he was stressed and clinging to what little threads of control he thought he had left to try and keep himself calm. It was little help, but a huge choice was about to be made about his life, and he felt powerless to effect it.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: Apartment 1D Skills: N/A

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Manny found himself in his room alone with his thoughts. He had had the chance to calm down, and was thankful for not lashing out. Years ago, even now at times, he found he had issues showing restraint in many cases. He wondered if apart of it was built of anger, or had something to do with how he used to let out Anger. How in his teenage years, and in his early twenties he would take his anger out physically on people who would cross his path. But there were other moments, little blips here and there of his slip ups of when he had started to lose his temper. Or worse, had lost it. He had snapped on the way to the funeral, but thankfully not to an extreme degree. Then there were those extreme moments, ones where he had enough and was willing to go rather far. The people that had wiped out his old settlement. The Edenites who had locked him in a cage. The men who jumped him while he was in medical school. The drunk who threatened his home.

Though there was justification in every case, he always wondered if he had gone too far. He looked at his reflection against the rain strewn window, and looking at his face he came to a bit of a realization. He was not the man he was all of those years ago. He had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way, and many still to learn. Sure, he could handle a medical unit rather well, but his temper still flared up from time to time. Socially, he had adjusted poorly to what most people had gotten used to nowadays. And even by many standards of the old world he was starting to struggle with, likely due to lack of social exposure beyond his small group of survivors. A mini tribe almost. Sure, he wasn't perfect at it, but he had his place then. He was getting the idea of how his people needed their attention, and when to give a break. But he had a lot to get used too again. Sure, he would have easier times adjusting then others, but he still had adjustment to do anyways. He continued to look at himself in the reflected window. He had fucked up, but he was ready to move on with the day and fix it up. When he had more time later, he would need to give Alexander a better apology. He stepped back into the main room of the apartment and straitened his collar, ready to take on the day yet again.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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Hunter opened his fingers independently, and closed them all independently as he listened to Cage. His warden had explained a lot and Hunter was slow to process a lot of it. Worried he missed some as he spoke, he tried to pace his thoughts, but it seemed to do little to help. But he listened to Cage and thought about his situation. It was hard for Hunter despite the last two weeks to not compare this place to the shambled remains of the army in those last days, it was hard to not compare this place to how friendly Don and his crew was at first too. Things were rough, but they seemed so... Nice. Even when they weren't. When the National Guard tore itself apart, Lieutenant Anderson did his best to make a final difference. And the men who took his place wasted it. When Hunter felt alone and abandoned, he was taken in by a band of raiders who would later show their true colors to him. And later face all of their punishments. Though a lot of what Cage made sense, they had been good to him and Izibell. Even if rather strict and strange. But it was hard not to see every single suspicious thing as a red flag. Every off comment, every subtle armed guard, everyone he didn't know eyeing him, every threat, every friendly face.

Mostly. He turned his attention over to Izibell who had made herself comfortable ass end on his pillow. He wondered what it said about him when the person he trusted most was the dog who was currently using the place he put his head at night as an ass pillow. He let out a deep sigh. These people were far from perfect, and far from ideal of what he would call a utopia. But they had little reason to be seen as a threat. Despite it all, he was taken care of. And given time to adjust to things again, maybe he could leave on good terms and find a place he fits in better. Or maybe he'd learn to adjust? It was all a weird thought. He wasn't even sure what he thought an ideal settlement or home would be. He had seen countless settlements, but nothing of their lifestyles. Just... their empty husks. Outside of Don's crew, and the settlements he had gotten into conflict with, Hunter hadn't experienced much of any settlements outside what the ones that had fallen left behind. He wondered if that was something to add to his to do list, figure out what kind of home he actually wants. Would help if he remembered much of the list, but trying to memorize things by thinking it over and over had helped little.

Cage returned with the food, and Hunter did his best to hide the mixed feelings of stress and deep thought. He dropped off food for both himself, and Izibell. He took the moment to utter a simple "thank you" Before Cage left. He had about 20 minutes to decide what he might need before the trial. He found himself unsure. The most complicated thing he needed before he entered camp was decent lighting while attempting to read a first aid book to treat nearly ruined fingers, while passing out from the pain nearly every time he tried something. But after that? He found bullets were enough to solve his problems for the most part. Then he thought of how he must have looked coming in. How underweight he was wouldn't show through the layers he was wearing despite the heat, but he was armed to the teeth ready or any kind of fight. Over a hundred rounds of mixed ammunition, an M4 carbine that even though it needed some attention, did the job well enough. The visible grip of the sawed off shotgun for easy reach "Just in case". A sidearm to add to it, and a decent quality axe if somehow all that failed. But not one bit of food, no more spare water. Surviving off gutter scraps, little raw meat Izibell could sometimes bring, and the ever so rare looted food that wasn't picked clean. He was ready for any fight, but was losing none the less. He had no idea what he needed then, and he was worried he didn't now.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: F10, Chapel --> Apartment 1D Skills: N/A

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Manny had realized his mistake too late. Freeman rather aggressively pointed out to Manny how he had fucked up, and Manny found himself attempting to process the situation. "My bad, I'll leave." Despite Freeman's orders, He turned to face Alexander. His relationships with those closest to him were still more important then any orders. "My Apologies Alexander." He didn't know what else to say past that, so he just left without another word.

The walk back to his apartment was uneventful. He went out of his way to avoid people, and avoided eye contact for the most part. He spent some time fumbling the keys he had to get first into the apartment, then quickly moving to his room fumbled again. Once inside his room he locked it behind him cursing himself for not paying enough attention to the situation at hand. So much for the nice relaxing morning he had been dreaming of for years.

He found himself unsure of what he would do until the trial, maybe get some rest and clear his head a bit. Not sleep no, he wasn't tired. But a chance to lay down and clear his head a bit as he tried to figure things out again, that could work. He may even go out again before he was needed for the trial and see who else was out and about.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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Hunter sat there in shock, watching the conversation at hand taking a complete 180 degree turn for the worse. It seemed the conversation had ended, and Cage was planning on leaving and Hunter with his dog were going back into lock up. "I'll take that as a no then... I..." He froze, not really sure what to say. He thought things were going well, he was at least starting to get some of the mentality of what was going on behind the scenes for the camp, and he thought he did a half decent job trying to explain what was going on in his mind. But it seemed he was wrong. "Okay then I guess. Thanks for the coffee and sweets." It was an honest thanks, but his mind was in the clouds as he tried to process what went wrong. For the first time since he was in lock up he thought things could still turn out okay, the end of the conversation implied otherwise.

Hunter tried to gently push Izibell off his lap, she was having none of it. "Izibell, down girl."
His tone was firm, but dogs generally only understood a few words, but understood tones well. She needed to understand this wasn't a playful moment but that they needed to be moving along. She would still take her time getting off his lap though, and would be just as resistant going back into the cell. Once inside he turned to face Cage. "See ya at the trial then." He sat on the bed rubbing Izibell's back, waiting for the cell to be locked up so he could wait alone until lunch arrived. He had low expectations for the trial overall, and it made him think of alternate options he would have to consider should things start going south. He thought of how that went in the last settlement, and he started rubbing the back of his shoulder.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: F10, Chapel Skills: N/A

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Manny drank his water, unsure of how to handle the rest of his day. There was the trial later, but he couldn't think of his last real day off. He figured it must have been years ago, before the dead had started to walk. Thinking about it though, he realized he did remember it. Not too well, but the basics of it. It was a few days before his city started to actually get bad, back when he thought this whole thing was going to blow over, go back to normal, and that it was all blown out of proportion. He was complaining at the clerk due to the lack of ammo they were able to sell him due to everyone and their mother having the same idea, though for completely different reasons. Manny was stocking up for a local target shooting tournament while others were preparing for the end of the world. He found it funny, had he picked up any other hobby to keep in his old age he probably wouldn't have made it as far as he did. But that was over five years ago, and now target shooting casually blasting off shotgun shells wasn't an option for a day off.

He turned to face Alexander when he spoke up. "Didn't expect to be here today. Seems better then last time I went to a church. So good overall." Alexander was always a good sight. The two have gone through hell and high water together. The man had been apart of the team that had saved his life from Eden, and even though Manny likes to think he is a good shot with a shotgun, he still has little combat skill when it comes to guns and survival. He had little reason to think he could make it out on his own with his skill as a doctor and ability to look down the sight of a gun meant to use spread shot.

Manny had a moment to his own thoughts though, and figured now was as good a time as any to strike up a conversation with those nearby. Manny made his way up towards Freeman and Alexander and let them finish their conversation. Many of it seemed personal, and others seemed about the Trial itself. He wondered if Alexander saw himself in the boy. Manny remembered how a few of his friends had come back after they were deployed. Struggling, messed up, many shunned away from their friends and family. Made him wonder if that was something the boy had gone through as well, or at least having a similar reaction to it. Or maybe Alexander felt sympathetic towards the boy just because of his situation left him as scared and alone as maybe he felt coming back from war. "What will happen to him if he is found guilty, or needs to be... Punished?"

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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Hunter sat there listening to Cage with the bulk majority of his attention. The rest was glancing over to Izibell from time to time. As he focused on Cage he found himself nodding his head after every statement as if nodding helped him process the information like a computer hitting the save button on a document. He did seem relieved hearing that what was on the table, was all that was on the table for now. So for now, no more unexpected problems. "I did pick up after her. I forgot, I was reminded. I said thanks, and I did pick up after her after the reminder." He felt it better to bring it up here rather in the trail. He spoke in a more of a matter of fact tone, no frustration in his voice this time. Though he was annoyed that went down. As Cage listed off the rest of it though, Hunter wasn't liking his odds. "Morals and ethics huh. Fuck me..." Though Hunter had good moments in the past about what was right and wrong, he had less then pleasant moments too.

Cage moved into the trust topic, an area where Hunter was rather weak in under nearly every definition. Even brought up the comments about bring shot. He paused at that, listening to Cage's reasoning behind it. "Sound's like a double edged sword. Think most people get nowadays that it's implied. Sure, saying it makes intentions clear, feels honest, but some things are better left unsaid. Sure it wouldn't seem good if I decided to tell everyone if I don't get my dog back I'd be back in a few years to torch and destroy this place? I mean, yeah, I get the sentiment. But the armed guards imply the message rather directly no?" He stopped, realizing the example he used. "To... to clarify. I wouldn't. Just the first example that came to mind. But like... Do you see what I am trying to say about that? Like how everyone thinks it, everyone else knows everyone is thinking it. Saying it just makes you seem like more of a threat. Someone to worry about. And not in the "Don't mess with me" kind of way. Like the "Oh my god these people rule by the barrel of a fucking gun" kind of way. Some things are better left, unsaid."

He leaned back in his chair a bit contemplating the charges on the table before him. "Sure, I've spent some time here, and got a chance to see more of the place and people. But those words, those actions, are a first impression. First impressions last. You think after what I did here, no matter what I do from this point anyone will see me for anything other then some annoying shit who can't keep his mouth shut and keeps getting into trouble?" Hunter chuckled at that thought. How he had put himself in a situation where even if things did improve, this would be something he would be remembered for the rest of his days for. However long they lasted.

Izibell would look over to see her human leaning back in his chair clearly attempting to make room for the both of them. She sat up from her new spot on the floor, and would walk over to him as he spoke. She had little understanding of what he spoke but she understood enough words. She would accept his instinctive head rubs once she was in arms reach, and accept his invitation to sit up on his lap.

Hunter winced as the dog that weighed almost as much as himself stood her front paws on his lap very narrowly missing some more sensitive bits and shifted the entirety of her body weight on her front legs to crawl herself up. "Fuck shit ow...!" He was more surprised then anything, and annoyed that his fluffy dog had trouble understanding that a chair meant for a single person was not big enough for the both of them. The would be lap dog forced her situation to work despite the odds and would attempt to make herself comfortable as she could. she quickly recognized that this would not be as easy or as comfortable as she thought, but for her human, she was determined to lay on his lap while he sat. "Izibell. You're not a lap dog." He spoke with a smile, attempting to sound serious, but couldn't hold a face. "Ugh, fine. You win." Despite the discomfort the nearly 90lbs dog caused, she was still an emotional crutch for Hunter. "I figured that by now. But like I said..." He froze for a moment, thinking about how the last few years had gone. "Some things, are better left unsaid. Somethings are best left to die and never be spoken of again. Some things are best to only exist in memory." He paused again, looking down at the would be lap dog. He gave her a rub across her back as she struggled to stay on his lap. "But... if you think that opening myself up for questions is better... I'll... I'll do it." Despite Hunter's instinct to not trust those in a position of power over him, he was running out of options. And he was about to lose what he cared for most.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: F10, Chapel Skills: N/A

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Manny had found himself at a loss of words and thoughts after sitting in the church for a bit. He did find it was not as stressful as he remembered, but he found himself at a blank for how he should feel about this place. Part of him wondered if he should be glad things were not like they were years ago, or that this place wasn't run by those that had ruined his taste for religion. Maybe he should he be upset that it took so long for things to be as safe as they were now? That was an Ironic thought. The end of the world helped make it easier for those who had survived to get along in many ways that seemed like such a challenge not even 30 years ago. Though most of the worst groups had been removed long before then, there was still just that little bit left to remind him that they were never truly gone. But this place? For now it wasn't one of those places. That was a comforting thought in it's own regards.

Manny did turn his attention towards Freeman when he spoke to him. "Hm? Oh. Maybe. I..." He stopped himself. What does he say here? "Thank you. In a bit maybe. But thank you." It was nice to hear that Alexander was taking time to talk to someone. Manny's friend had been with him through several months of hardships, and then a war that took him across the world around the time Manny found himself stuck with his own issues at home. "Ill take you up on that water though." Manny stood up and made his way into the other room where the glasses were set up and grabbed himself a cup. Though he had enjoyed the morning, he'd be lying if he said the trial today didn't bug him. He thought about where he was at the boy's age, and how it was only a little younger that Manny had made the biggest choice in his life and left his old life behind him. How before that choice the likelihood he would be up for trail for the things he had done prior to it, the things he got away with.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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It had been an interesting conversation so far, but Hunter still found himself tense for the day. "Thanks..." He spoke after Cage had clarified about the treat and coffee. He would continue to enjoy bits of it as the conversation went on. Hunter almost made a comment about being able to talk to dogs, but he figured this wasn't the best time for a joke, and held it for now. He thought about the cross examination. Some of the people knew just the right questions to ask to get some less then good truths out of him. Where he would be forced to lie, or refuse. Or worse, tell. He thought about the events that led him to this point. Getting called up for deployment mere days after finishing basic, rounding up refugees during the pull towards the refugee center, the things that went down there, leaving the refugee center, the last stand they attempted to make and the consequences of it, his attempts to settle all of that once it had settled. Then there were the more recent ones, Don and his.... assholes. June and Lucy, the only good things to come out of it. Dealing with the consequences of his actions while with Don...

He rubbed his shoulder and back a bit thinking about what might come up. "No it's... probably best not too." They stopped hurting a long time ago, but in the moment of thinking about them, they felt like they were starting to burn again. Those long, thin, slashes. The less of that stuff that came to light the better. "....are you telling me there's more? Or that... this is all.. unless more happens? Like... What charges are... here. Now. Today." He had a decent idea, but knowing specifically what the charges were would probably help him a lot. Even if he didn't plan on speaking much during the time, he figured knowing the specifics could help none the less.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: F10, street --> Chapel Skills: N/A

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Manny had gotten his jog in, had enjoyed the southern rains, and had gotten to see a bunch of the community without a harsh time table on his back. So far, good day. Now the rain was starting to get to him though, especially with the humidity. He figured now was a good time to call it quits for his jog before the weather made him hate being outside. He took a few steps and looked at the chapel and debated going in. Manny had poor memories involving local religious groups both growing up and once he had tried to settle down for his life. Though those days were over, and the people here seemed better then those he had the misfortune living near, it was still something that he found himself being slow to accept.

Finally working past those thoughts, he decided to enter hoping to see how things have changed since he used to go himself. The first thing he noticed when entering compared to the last time he was in one, was how quiet it was. There was no yelling, there was no cursing, there was no one being threatening. It was quiet shy of a couple conversations going on here and there. He grabbed one of the towels and dried himself off, returning it to let it dry off.

He caught the tail end of a conversation, but not enough to make out what it was. Not until the conversation shifted to a more familiar voice did Manny start understanding what was going on. He found Alexander and Freeman in conversation, and deciding not to interrupt he found himself a seat out of the way a bit giving Alexander and Freeman their own separate waves and sat down in a pew up front and held his hands together thinking something along the lines of "I have no idea what I am doing..." He found himself unsure if he was here because he was just curious, or if he felt the need to pray.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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The basement door opened to Hunter's surprise and Izibell's excitement. Hunter stood up half expecting a pair of guards armed with shotguns ready to escort him towards wherever his trial would take place. Instead, it was Cage with a rather large mix of things in his hands. And... Was that Coffee? Hunter watched in silence as Cage set himself up. Then, Cage did the unexpected, unlocked the cell. Sure, it had happened when he walked Izibell, but not for long. And never seemed as.... Casual. Izibell took the chance to leave the cell the moment it came. Even if it wasn't much more room it was still more space she wasn't usually allowed in. Hunter took his steps a bit more cautiously as he stood out a bit, then sat in the offered chair. Hunter eyed the waxed paper with suspicion mostly out of habit then even suspicion of Cage himself. At this point in time Hunter held little reason to believe Cage to be a threat. At least physically. But Hunter in his untrusting ways continued carefully none the less. When he saw the treat inside he found himself confused for probably the hundredth time in the last two weeks. "I... uh..." He froze for a moment, trying to think to the last time he had found sweets like this. Best guess, the movie theater he raided just as winter started to kick off. Those questionably safe M&Ms were nowhere near as good condition as the twinkies before him. "Thank you...." He spoke unable to make eye contact with Cage as he said so. "But uh..." He stumbled for the question he wanted to ask here. It could be summed up simply as "Why? aren't I in trouble?" It seemed like a weird thing to get while in jail, and it made no sense to Hunter. But he would accept it none the less.

The coffee, the treat, even the newish environment had thrown Hunter off so much he was barely able to process what the purpose of this meeting was. The Trial. He thanked for the coffee too, and attempted to follow Cage along with what he was sharing with him. Cage did a pretty decent job explaining how this would go, Hunter had his own list of concerns but if it all worked like Cage was explaining he figured he had a chance at least. "You'd be surprised. Izibell is quite expressive when she wants to be." It was an attempt at some simple humor, but at this point Hunter's stress about the situation hid any tone that would have implied that. He did give the list a glance and had a sinking gut feeling. The bulk majority of the people in this list were people he had either 1) hadn't taken the time to get to know past maybe a name. And some not even that. 2) Had been an ass towards. 3) had pushed them away through his actions.

Hunter thinking the list over, realized most of the people would have less then great things to say about him, would have next to nothing to say about him other then brief, but most likely poor interactions, then there were the few exceptions. Nigel maybe, but he had pushed him off more then he meant too as well. Would Ashton be a help in his case or would his fuck ups in quarantine come back to bite him in the ass? Sure, their last interaction seemed to end on a more positive note. But what had to happen to get up to that point? Hunter mouthed a simple "fuck me" giving it only a little more breath then his normal breathing, but still not quite speaking. Cage got to the point involving Hunter's personal option in the trial. Hunter had to think about it for a while, there was apart of him that felt like if he didn't speak he'd be fucked, and there was apart of him that knew just how that had gone so far being here. "Do I have to decide now? or is that a... like... in the moment thing?" He realized after speaking it may not have even been a question. But as Cage put it, Hunter speaking up was a toss up more then anything else.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: F10, street Skills: N/A

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Manny spent his morning rather simply. Saying good morning to each of his roommates as they arose from their slumber with a smile on his face as if he had just finished his first cup of coffee and was ready to take on the day. As many of the people he was now sharing space would come to find out, Manny was a very much an early to rise person. He could function on rather few hours of sleep which he figured was one of the few benefits of getting older and having to survive as a light sleeper on the road. Taking the extra time to say good morning to Alexander though. Even though Manny had really gotten to like his new roommates he still held a strong personal connection to Alexander. They have been cornered back to back for months on end, and had helped each other countless times to get through past.

Over the week Manny had conformed to many of his old habits. He got up early, walked to breakfast, Though this time she was able to spot Thana and give her a friendly good morning, did a jog for as long as time would allow, and then went to work. With having the day off, he decided to extend his jog to last longer then it usually would. He figured, fuck it, age is just as much a mentality as it is a physical condition. He spent his whole time from breakfast on wards jogging the perimeter of the camp taking care to try his best to avoid areas he wasn't allowed in. Though would find himself poking in a little more then he probably should of, but never more then street view. He found himself getting a bit soaked from his long jog in the rain, but it wasn't something he couldn't handle. When supply was better staffed he would have to make time to get himself a rain jacket and better jogging equipment. sweat pants, or athletic shorts, a good rain jacket maybe? He could kill for a half decent water bottle too but he had little idea what was in good supply and what was high demand.

He made sure to give a nice friendly wave to those he passed, stopped with those who wanted to chat, and felt relaxed. Today he had all the time in the world to stop chat, jog, and explore what he could. Many people could easily find themselves struggling with boredom, but Manny as long as he had space to run would hold a good pace and be able to enjoy a comfortable afternoon once he wore himself out a little. He wondered if that was yet another one of the benefits to aging, it did not take much to be satisfied with his time. In his teens or twenties a morning jogging and exploring with an afternoon of reading would have driven him mad with insanity. What made it better now as well, he didn't have to do his relaxing job with a shotgun and a box of shells on his person which was the bare minimum he needed a few weeks ago if he wanted to try something like this. As he jogged though he found himself stopping a few times to catch his breath, sometimes struggling more then he would willingly admit. He hoped that was something he could work out over time, get his body more used to this relaxing jog.

He found himself ending this segment of jogging where the road met the beach. Behind him, the chapel with some foot traffic going in and out. The beach with some locals attempting to enjoy the view despite the rain. A few kids running around enjoying the rain many likely at their parents protests. He smiled at these thoughts, this was a life he could get used too again. If he wanted to get nit picky there would always be things he would not enjoy, but as a whole, this was a place he figured he could call home. "God I missed this." He spoke as if he had finally relaxed after a crazy week of emergency operations, and someone had just told him that it was all over. We did it, and the big problems we worried about are over. It was back to facing the little problems again.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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Hunter found himself laying on the cement floor face first with Izibell licking his face repetitively. "I'm up, I'm up." He spoke as he continued to lay down on the floor. Izibell calling his bullshit continued to lick his face until he stirred awake. "Urg... Okay fine you win." He sat up Izibell still hounding him for attention. He had woken up earlier in the morning for breakfast, and then attempted to try some exercise. How that he had Izibell, he had to start sorting out his next few steps. And right now? That included getting himself into shape to either head out on his own again, or to have the strength to get more then the minimum done here. Both of which would be a challenge, and his time to work on that was almost up. This morning after breakfast he attempted some simple stretches and pushups, and at some point he fell back asleep face first into the floor. His body despite it's current condition was at least used to carrying around his gear however excessive it was. But much past that his body was struggling.

Izibell continued her relentless attacks of licks and playful chewing attempting to get her human's attention. "Oh my god you fucking attention whore." He spoke with a playful expression on his face and a smile as he turned to rub and push his dog around a bit in their playful banter. Their space was limited though, and the two of them could only play around so much. During walks he had more room to goof off with her, but today that had to get canceled. Hunter attempted to protest it, but he didn't push it far. He let her go eventually without fuss, and when she returned he gave her a hug which she replied a simple series of licks implying she was done with the hug.

His main concern today, was his court martial. This was the day where everything would be decided and he would have to start sorting out his life yet again. He found himself struggling with that thought. If he was kicked out, Maddoc made it clear he would lose Izibell. She had been his companion for nearly a year now, and he couldn't imagine a world where she wasn't apart of his life anymore. Then came the issues of if he stayed. He had little hope that even if he stayed, today would be the last of it. He pictured what things would be like after this. How guards might eye him as a potential threat, how his supervisors would likely perceive him as a problem before he arrived after reading his reports.

Not to mention, he had concerns about the court martial itself. Some fears were more valid then others though. Hunter was not looking forward to a potential audience he would have to be in front of. He figured it was something along the lines of stage fright, but that didn't even seem right. He also had no idea what to expect from how laws and punishments were carried out here. He had no idea if the system was geared in favor of the accused, in favor off the prosecution, something with an partial deciding factor, or what he feared the worst of it to be. A "Just Us" system. He feared that one the most. Many settlements have turned towards that one as one, it was easier, and two, it was the people's homes where they could do what they wanted. It made sense many settlements would turn to that one now. But he knew how little he was liked, and how a system like that would very much not be in his favor right now.

All and all, he wasn't a fan of where his situation had landed. And he had little hope of where it was going as well. He held nothing to offer these people either that they didn't already have, or that they would never let him handle. "Let the Show begin." He said in a low voice as he sat down on his bed.

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Walking Dead - Year 6 Part 1

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Emanuel "Manny" Newman Location: General housing (X)/Apartment 1D Skills: N/A

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It was nice to talk to another person around his age, as well as someone who had experience in what he was going through. "So do you mainly do hair stuff or do you do you get jobs done in other areas?" Thinking about it, Manny did wonder if his hair could use some work on it. He had done some basic cutting jobs while on the road, but nothing that great. Mostly cut jobs to keep his hair short enough so he wouldn't have to braid it, or so it wouldn't block his eyes. "I do hope you're right on the getting easier part. I was kind of hoping my time on the road would have kept me in shape to handle something like this still but... I seem to have been wrong." Who knows, maybe Manny had longer then he thought for himself before his age put him in a hard place? He really did hope shears was correct in those regards. He had seen was age had done to his older friends, those who had found themselves in nursing homes or those who had to be taken care of by spouses and children. That wasn't a life he wanted. He didn't want himself to fall so low.

It did make him think of what things could be like if he were allowed to set up shop. How many people would he see in a day? What other tasks would he end up with on top of his general tasks as a dentist? At his age would he need to take on an apprentice? It left him with many questions. Part of him wondered if it would be like one of those old street shops where his place of work would be on the first floor and his home would be on the floor above or if he would be grouped in with the medical team as well. Those would all have to be things figured out in time. Manny would continue some banter with shears for a while more before getting up to grab a book from the book shelf. "It's getting late. Let's find a better time to chat some more, the conversation was nice." The day had clearly worn out the old dentist. Even though he made it to his room fine, he had set himself up to read the random book he selected, and found himself crashing rather fast barely getting a couple pages into his new book.

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Hunter Monroe Location: Jail (AA) Cell B Skills:N/A

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Hunter found himself unsure of how to take the following series of events. He still felt cornered in his cell, but he didn't feel as threatened as he had before. "Sorry... wasn't my intention." Hunter was actually curious if he had messed up somewhere else, half expecting it to be the fork in his hand. He noticed Roy taking a look at his fork every now and again. And he debated what he would do if Ray had asked Hunter give it up. On one hand, it made him a target and a potential threat. On the other hand, it was his last line of defense if everything went to shit. Thankfully, Roy didn't ask and Hunter didn't have to make that choice yet. What really got him, was Roy asking him to open up. This clear hit Hunter in a way he wasn't ready to face. Clearly confused he sat back on his bed a little messing with his fork like an anxious kid with a pencil. "I..." Hunter found himself surprisingly at a loss for words. He hesitated for what seemed like forever to think of the words. He considered what was worth saying, if this was someone he could trust opening up too, and what kind of person he was, and how he would react to some of it. "I'm... tired." His posture shifted from a hesitant and anxious towards defeated and on his last legs. "I'm just... tired man. I'm tired, of being scared of the people around me." His breathing shifted now too, it went from quiet short bursts, and had moved onto more audible deeper breaths.

Hunter stayed sitting on the bed, but shifted enough to gently set the fork down by his side and bring his hands back to his lap. "I am tired of being used for someone else's gains. I am tired of having a gun to the back of my head, and every time I finally get one off there's another one to take its place! And each time it's from people who are supposed to be on my fucking side and it just keeps happening! It happened when the army tore itself apart as we fucking butchered each other, it happened with Don and his band of shitholes, and it happened with..." He stopped. He found himself locking the fingers of his hands together as he calmed himself down a bit. He felt like he started getting into territory he wasn't ready to share yet. And information that others likely would never want to hear. "So... so many of those red flags the army started showing in those final days are visible here. And I can't tell if that is my mistrust, or the mistrust of those in charge. And that is fucking terrifying." He slowed his breathing to a quieter tone breaking eye contact with Roy. "And it's tiring. And I am just ready for it to stop. I just want it... to stop. I want to be able to relax, and not have to suspect that every person is trying to do something shitty or horrible but that feeling never fucking stops and I don't know how to fucking stop it." He wasn't sure what had gotten to him. He didn't know Roy, not really. And here? Shy of the details, he had just caved the list of things going on in his mind that had been pressuring him to keep going step by step. Maybe it was because Roy was strait forward, or maybe it was because he had already found himself worn down and looking for an out. Or maybe that chat with Ashton, someone who actually had an idea what he went through in those early days had done more for Hunter then he realized. But even now, even though he felt defeated, he felt some of those walls wearing away inside his mind.

He felt weak for a bit there, and felt like he was burnt out now. Cage had made his way down the stairs, and seeing with him.. Izibell? Hunter's heart started racing. His first thought raced towards some kind of trick, but what trick could be up here? His mind went to worst case scenario, but he blocked that out when Cage asked Roy to leave. Hunter turned towards Roy to say something, but he couldn't think of what to say beyond a simple "bye.". He choked a little, then Cage opened the cell to let Izibell in. He got off his bed and to his knees to hug the big furry ball of muscle and fur as she found herself happy to see her friend. She even found herself patient with his rather aggressive hugging and put up with it even though she wasn't a clear fan. He let go to find her licking his face. "I know I know I'm sorry I'm sorry." He smiled as he playfully pushed her head away and she kept turning back to lick and play chew his face. "God you're so gross." He said it with a laugh as he looked up to Cage, clearly confused by the man. Part of Hunter wanted to stop what he was doing and thank the man. Cage listed off how things would work with Izibell until further noticed, and Hunter found himself shy on words again. When he finished, Hunter was only able to bring up a couple words. "Thank you..." His tone was quiet, almost as if he feared being too loud.

He'd rough up his dogs fur a little more after Cage left, and before going to bed. He grabbed the fork before laying down, and would set it off to the side and out of the way so that he nor Izibell would accidentally land on it in their sleep. he also attempted to have Izibell sleep at his feet during the night, but she decided to shift herself during the night between the wall, and himself pushing him to the near edge. He found himself having to adjust more then once in the night, but the nightmares were less severe tonight. A few harsher moments, but none lasting as like many harsher nights Izibell would help him out of it. First step down, now to sort out his own problems.