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| Dead Men Walking | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 28 2014, 02:20 AM (70,961 Views) | |
| DoctorYerishi | Jun 5 2015, 12:06 PM Post #1726 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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Eli gave Antonio something close to a glare. He never had much use for religion himself, and had never really gotten along with those who did – like his parents, for example. His relationship with them had soured pretty much for good when his dad walked in on him with a guy. He and Eli’s mom invited their priest over after that. They sat him down after that, gave him a long speech about God and Leviticus and all sorts of bullshit. Eli had to lie and apologize, and promise never to do it again. It had never come up again, but he could tell from his parents judgmental and disappointed looks that they never forgot or forgave. In the back of his mind, Eli had always suspected it was that incident that had led to his family cutting ties with him. The jail time was just a convenient excuse, in his mind. His cousin had received a life sentence, after all, and his mom used to visit him every other week and bring him magazines. All that baggage resurfaced as Eli regarded this Father Mendez and considered his story – or lack thereof, so far. “So maybe you don’t know,” Eli said. “Thanks for the assurance, but it doesn’t mean shit. None of what you just said does. So how ‘bout a few of those details? Start with how you got here.” Anyone could claim to be a simple priest. And anyone could claim the garb from an abandoned church – there had to be a lot of those around here. If he was lying, however, Eli and the others needed to give him a chance to do it, and they needed to pay close attention. Looking back at Maxwell’s story, there were holes he and Randall had been too quick to overlook. He wasn’t going to make that mistake again. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jun 5 2015, 03:31 PM Post #1727 |
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Is that so?
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Willow tilted her head to the side. Emily had joined her and Jen outside. While she was still wary of the woman, Willow knew as well as anyone that it was unwarranted. She was a friend of Brandon, that should be enough. "Actually, I'm okay with it." Jen's slightly deeper voice was the first to answer Emily. "If anything, it makes the world feel more normal again. At least to me. My family was always super religious so I am kinda used to to the God talk. They even sent me to all-girls private Christian schools after elementary school to 'preserve my Godliness'. Don't worry though, I started growing out of that religious phase in high school. Still, it's almost been weird not hearing someone talk about God recently." Willow was a little surprised; she hadn't detected any of that ultra-religiousness from her. It sounded almost stifling what she had grown up with, yet Jen didn't seem to have any resentment towards it like a lot of people who grew up with that did. Or maybe she just wasn't showing it. "You know, I gotta be honest... I'm kinda surprised that anyone would still believe in God after all this." Willow looked at the priest curiously and spoke quietly to the two women so he would not overhear. "I saw people praying in the streets when all this started and God didn't help them then. Even if you say it's the end times, God ain't helping his people like he promised. I don't think I could ever dedicate myself to a God that would let this happen." "For all his everlasting love, God has always been kind of a dick." Jen reminded everyone somberly. * * * * * Antonio let out an almost imperceptible sigh. It was a regrettable fact of the world that people were like this now. Of course, there was still no problem in answering his questions. Antonio had nothing to hide. "Very well." Antonio began carefully. "Like most people in this city, I worked for the university -- my official title was 'religious counselor'. Students could come to me for guidance, counselling, psychological help, or just to talk; whether it was religious in nature or not. When this outbreak occurred I helped the university with their relief plan in Kinnick Stadium. More specifically, I preached and tried helping the students and staff as I had always done. After that operation fell apart, I voluntarily stayed behind -- I have been directing those left behind toward the relief camps, caring for those too injured to make the journey, and bringing peace to the unfortunate souls that fell victim to this curse of undeath." Antonio glanced over his shoulder; the fallen were still a fair distance away. And if any did get too close, his companions at the van were armed and capable of eliminating any that got too close. "That being said, your group are the first I have seen in several weeks. I suspect there are few, if any, living souls left in this city." Antonio reminisced. |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jun 5 2015, 04:47 PM Post #1728 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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Eli’s eyes lit up at the mention of the university. Nearby, he could see Emmett and the others perk up as well. “You ever heard the name Nolan Phillips?” he asked abruptly. He’d follow up on the other stuff Antonio said – the relief camps, the emptiness of the city, the details of the operation ’falling apart’ – in a minute. Nothing was more pressing than the question he had just posed. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jun 5 2015, 05:00 PM Post #1729 |
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Is that so?
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"Nolan Phillips..." Antonio stroked his goatee contemplatively for a few moments. The name did strike him as familiar. He had spoken to a lot of people at Kinnick Stadium; many of them worried about friends, family, and loved ones that lived in other parts of the country. He had asked all of them for their names and, frankly, there was no way he would be able to remember all of them. However, Nolan was an uncommon name. It had stuck with him. "Yes, I do, actually. He came to me in Kinnick Stadium. If my memory serves, he was trying to get in contact with his parents and little sister. His phone was out of batteries and was looking for a way to charge it since he did not remember their new number because he always used his contacts list. He ended up opening up to me and we spoke at length. He is a good kid." Now that he remembered Nolan, he remembered there had been more to the encounter than that. But much of it was private and did not need to be discussed. He did value confidentiality, after all. "Last I saw he was still among the living, but that was a month ago." Antonio glanced in Eli's direction. "May I ask how you know Nolan?" |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jun 5 2015, 06:14 PM Post #1730 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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Eli turned, exchanging glances with everyone that had stepped outside the car. This was huge news. Finding Nolan – alive or dead – was always going to be like finding a needle in a haystack. It still might be. Until now, though, they didn’t even really have confirmation the needle was even there. This news was something, at least. Or it’s bullshit, Eli thought suddenly. This guy could have just been feeding them words he thought they wanted to hear. Sure, the detail about the ‘parents and the little sister’ was a good one, but it wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility that it was a lucky guess. “Maybe I don’t,” Eli said, his excitement levelling out. “Maybe I’m thinkin’ of a different guy. Since you spoke at length, maybe you should tell me somethin’ about him so I know for sure.” |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jun 5 2015, 06:26 PM Post #1731 |
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Is that so?
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Antonio arched an eyebrow. This man seemed to still be guarded, but clearly was happy to at least hear the news. Still, he didn't even know what to say. It was like being interrogated. "Umm... about six feet tall? Blue eyes? Brown hair? Lean and wiry? Has a girlfriend named Monica? I'm not sure what you want out of me." Antonio admitted. "I can't just go telling you everything that he told me, especially when I don't even know who you are. That goes against the trust that he-" Antonio paused. He knew what he could tell them now. "No, I do remember something. His family lived in New York and sister's name is Kelsey. I don't remember his mother's name, but his father's name started with an R. Rudolph? Randy?" He shook his head. "Please understand, I spoke with a LOT of students." * * * * * "I'm fine." Kelsey told Brandon. She wasn't fine. She didn't feel fine. She wanted her dad. |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jun 5 2015, 07:33 PM Post #1732 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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Eli let out a short sigh. He had to admit, those were a lot of details. He couldn’t verify the physical description or the name of the girlfriend, but the names of Nolan’s family members couldn’t be denied. Even if he had somehow heard ‘Kelsey’ during their short escape, there was no way he could have come up with something as close as ’Randall on his own. Eli was ready to accept it – the priest was telling the truth, about knowing Nolan, at least. There was no other explanation. “Brandon,” Eli called out, without moving his eyes from Antonio. “Bring Kelsey on out here. It’s okay.” |
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| Strompy | Jun 5 2015, 08:10 PM Post #1733 |
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More posts, more Busey.
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Brandon gave Kelsey a hopeful look. He couldn't hear Eli seemed to be grilling the priest, if he was calling Kelsey out it might be because he had news about her brother. He opened the door and slid out waiting for Kelsey to follow. He didn't want to but he couldn't help but hover close protectively as they approach the stranger. The man seemed benign, but then so had Max. The thought caused a little stab of anguish. He'd lost two friends that night, Glenda and the friend he thought he had. The Butcher of London. Asshole was just meat now. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jun 5 2015, 08:22 PM Post #1734 |
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Is that so?
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Kelsey? Antonio stroked his goatee, but did not make any motion otherwise. Kelsey was a fairly common name. Then again, from the subject matter taking place, it would be a safe assumption that this was the same very Kelsey that Nolan had mentioned to him. Still, he did not want to jump to any conclusions, so he remained silent as the tall blonde man -- Brandon -- stepped out and was followed by a small girl of no more than ten or eleven -- Kelsey. She seemed to be the same age that Nolan had described. Along with the tall man, she sheepishly made her way towards Eli and Antonio. Antonio could not help but notice how exhausted she looked. There were heavy bags under her eyes and a sort of limpness to her step that was unmistakable. Understandable for any child, but she looked more worn out than most. Clearly this was a young girl that was suffering. Antonio could already make out a story playing out; a young girl that had lost her parents and these people were trying to reconnect her with the only family she had left. Truly he was among saints, even if they hardly acted like it. |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jun 5 2015, 08:31 PM Post #1735 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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Eli nodded to Kelsey when she emerged, then turned back to Antonio. Though Eli’s spirits were lifted, he didn’t have the energy or the motivation to change his demeanour or his attitude. “I’m betting you can put it together, then – why we’re here, why we’re asking after Nolan,” he said. “So talk. Everything you know. Anything that could be helpful in finding him.” |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jun 5 2015, 09:24 PM Post #1736 |
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Is that so?
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"I believe I have a fairly good idea of the situation." Antonio nodded slowly. He wanted to try to comfort the young girl, but he was under close scrutiny right now. It was in his best interest to simply cooperate and earn their trust for the time being. He understood now why God had made their paths cross. God must intend for him to reunite this family; while others would chalk this meeting up as coincidence, Antonio believed that there was no such thing as a coincidence. "Highland High School is where they took everyone. The National Guard requisitioned it as a refuge for its large size, gated perimeter, and isolated location. You're looking about 15 miles south of here, off the 27." Antonio told the man whose name he had yet to actually learn. "I was hoping to head down there soon myself to see if they had made it there safely. I have not heard anything from them in over a month and given the state of the world now, it is difficult not to be concerned." |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jun 5 2015, 09:41 PM Post #1737 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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Eli nodded – to himself this time – as he absorbed this information. It was good lead. It was better than they could have dared to hope for when they crossed the border into Iowa. His consideration was cut short, as in the distance, he heard the familiar wails of approaching rotters. He glanced in the direction of the noise, then back at Antonio once again. Eli was reminded that they needed to be on the move. They couldn’t stay out here in the open. Of course, that reminder came with a question – what to do with the priest? Eli supposed they couldn’t leave him here. Not after the help. Still, it was complicated. “We’re kinda running low on space,” he added, offering it up without being asked. “And all that weight can’t be good for the car, but…” He trailed off. He looked to Brandon and the others for input. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jun 5 2015, 09:53 PM Post #1738 |
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Is that so?
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"I have a working pickup truck." Antonio solved the dilemma for him. "I left it at the abandoned Mennonite Church just on the other side of campus. If you do not trust me, I will ride on the bumper of your van. Unarmed." It wasn't much, but it was something. Still, the man's tone of voice seemed like they were going to go tonight. The sun was already beginning to linger on the horizon. "If I may be so bold, we will be running out of daylight soon as well. The ride could take 30 minutes even without accounting for dangers on the road. It might be wiser to rest in the Church overnight. It is just me there now, there is plenty of room. Not much in the way of comfort or food, I am afraid, but it is safe and large enough that you could have some privacy." |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jun 6 2015, 05:27 AM Post #1739 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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It was true that the sun was starting its descent, but Eli shook his head. As long as there was light, they weren’t stopping. Especially not when they were this close to another lead. “No,” he said flatly. “We’ll get your truck, but then we’re going.” He turned to Brandon and Emmett – and Kelsey too, since she was still standing there. “You guys got all that?” |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jun 6 2015, 06:03 AM Post #1740 |
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Is that so?
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"She wants you to take care of your dad for her while she is gone." Kelsey had agreed to that request to easily at the time. Glenda had given it to her after mom died -- said it was from her before she 'left'. It sounded like something mom would have said. Kelsey was confident in herself. She was small, yes, but she believed in herself. Somewhere deep down, she had honestly thought that she could help dad. She thought she could protect him from anything that came their way. But she was wrong. She had completely and utterly failed. And because of it, dad was dead. Nothing would bring him back. She would never see him again. Mom either; mom had been dead. Glenda, who looked after her, was also dead. Julie, who had been like another big sister after Willow, was dead. She had grit her teeth and bore with it for dad, so he wouldn't worry about her. He had worked so hard for everyone. She thought she could be tough too. Independent. But nothing was farther from the truth. Now that he was gone, she felt like she had nothing left. The support network that she had built up over the past few weeks had whittled down to just three. And Kelsey was terrified that they might die too. Yet something had changed. Everyone was talking about Nolan. Kelsey had simply assumed that he was also dead; everyone else was, why wouldn't he be dead too? But this priest guy... he said he had seen him. It awakened something in her. The pain she felt was still there, but it was lessened by a sliver of hope. Her big brother could really still be out there. They had never spoken much due to their age difference, but Kelsey didn't even care about that now. He had always been a cool big brother. If she could have him back, it would make her grief that much more tolerable. She would feel like she had a real family again. As much as she liked Willow and Brandon, she didn't want them to be parents or guardians for her. She wanted them to be friends. "I want to go tonight, too." Kelsey spoke up in support of Eli. "Well, how can I say no to that?" Antonio mused softly. "You are right -- God watches over us during both the day and the night. And if all goes well, the night will not be an issue for us today anyway." |
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7:29 PM Jul 10