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| Dead Men Walking | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 28 2014, 02:20 AM (70,833 Views) | |
| Strompy | Jan 15 2016, 06:32 PM Post #3646 |
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More posts, more Busey.
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"Walk with me." Saxon invited them before turning on the spot and rolling onward. Brandon nodded for the others to follow and wondered whether he was digging them even further into a grave. "I'm sure you understand the precautions. Everyone's seen their share of undesirables. I've always found adversity polarizes people. There are those who rail against it and strive to surmount horror, and those who let themselves be ruled by their circumstances, lowering themselves and pleading innocence as victims of fate. I like to think I'm of the former camp, and I don't believe in fate. Until we know what calibre of person you are, my people will be watching you." the man explained. Behind the gateway Brandon took note of the defences. The gateway itself was buttressed with metal beams bolted into the floor. The entire construction confirmed that at least one person there was in construction. The window were all solidly boarded up and buttressed as well, likey in the event of a rotter horde attacking the building. Their walls should hold up against some serious punishment. They came to a small table with a semi-circle seat. Saxon gestured for them to be seated and Brandon somewhat eagerly took the opportunity to rest his leg, almost collapsing into it. Saxon positioned his chair opposite them. "So, Father Mendez, you want supplies. We're happy to give, if you're happy to earn it. Let's talk numbers." Saxon invited Antonio to begin the negotiation. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jan 16 2016, 05:23 AM Post #3647 |
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Is that so?
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Antonio exhaled as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table while folding his hands in front of him. He wasn't sure why Brandon wasn't taking the reins for this conversation, but Mr. King seemed more intent on speaking to him than anybody else. "I suppose I should start with what we are looking for. We are in the market for the essentials after a run in with a cult in Salt Lake City. Nothing out of the ordinary for you guys, I would presume. Food. Water. Enough to keep our group going. We stopped by this city to replenish our stock and that is how we encountered your people." He figured talking about Leonora and her people wasn't a big deal. If anything, it might add legitimacy to their story of these people were known to them. And if not, well, maybe informing them of a potential threat would be a good start. "Antibiotics and medical supplies too, if you happen to have extras." He quickly added and motioned to Brandon. "Some of us have seen better days and we would welcome anything more we can get." Antonio paused. Food. Water. Antibiotics. Those were the big three. "As for the exact numbers, well, that depends on how much you are asking. I heard that we can get supplies by turning in heads to you from your man at the gate, Byron. But our order is admittedly a little large for just a few heads. We're interested in finding out what other options are available to us." |
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| Strompy | Jan 16 2016, 07:04 AM Post #3648 |
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More posts, more Busey.
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Saxon appeared to be looking at Antonio intently as he spoke. As Antonio shifted in place however Brandon noticed he was actually looking through Antonio and staring into space. He appeared concerned about something. "I'm sorry, you mentioned a cult in Salt Lake City?" Saxon asked, evidently tuning out after hearing that. "Yeah. They called themselves the New Dawn or New World Order or something. They kidnapped some of us, and killed one of our people. We managed to hurt them pretty badly and get our people back though. I don't know what they wanted with them but they had an interest primarily in women which makes me think it was something pretty sinister since they were mostly men." Brandon explained. If they were going to discuss it Brandon was going to be frank about it. Perhaps what everyone needed was some honesty right now, maybe that would start building a little trust. "These people, they called wendigos fallen? Called each other brother?" Saxon asked. "Yes." Brandon answered simply. Saxon appeared increasingly concerned by the information. "You've encountered them?" Brandon asked. "They contacted us a while ago, and asked if they could put up a sign in town, there was a lot of traffic through a few weeks ago, being on the interstate. We've sent a few groups their way... will you excuse me a moment?" Saxon asked, visibly agitated. "Ofcourse." Brandon said with a patient smile. Saxon left them there under guard and Brandon maintained an impassive expression. He turned his head to the side to look at Antonio and scratched the back of his head. "Do you think that was a mistake?" he asked under his breath. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jan 16 2016, 02:33 PM Post #3649 |
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Is that so?
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"Absolutely not." Antonio told Brandon quietly. Saxon's reaction was a little more intense than Antonio had expected though. But he had sent people in that direction, it only made sense that he would be concerned about it. The father wasn't sure what the leader of this encampment could do though. If they had gone to Salt Lake City, they had probably been put on a train long ago. "We need them to trust us. And information is worth a lot in that pursuit." |
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| Strompy | Jan 17 2016, 02:51 PM Post #3650 |
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More posts, more Busey.
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"Maybe they've been working with them so they'd be left alone. Maybe they're in radio contact with them and the Bros have put the word out about us. Could be telling them we're here." Brandon suggested. "Yeah, I can hear how paranoid I sound." he added, dismissing what he'd just said. They were left to wait for a few minutes. Brandon could make out upset voices murmuring amongst themselves, punctuated by the occasional rise in tone. He tapped his right foot impatiently but stopped immediately when his leg reminded him it'd been shot. He unintentionally did it again twice as they waited. "Gentlemen. I apologize for that I needed to confer with my people a moment. Now, I'm sure you've noticed how quiet our streets are. That takes quite a lot of work. Our people manage to dispose of a few dozen wendigos, or whatever you call those things, every day. In total I estimate we've destroyed a few hundred of them. I assume you're quite proficient yourselves?" Saxon asked as he wheeled himself back to the table. "Never really bothered to count, but we're extensively practiced." Brandon assured him. If this were a simple matter of exterminating a few rotters they could manage that. Wendigos was also a new name to him, but it sounded familiar for some reason. "Excellent. Now while the streets around us, and much of the town on this side of the interstate is quiet, practically free of them, the other side of town is a different matter. This town was home to thousands of people. To keep them away fom the casino we've practiced a regime of extermination and distraction and it's worked marvelously I think." Saxon coninued to boast. "You said we were discussing numbers." Brandon reminded him. "Yes of course, I apologize. The usual deal we work out is shelter and one day's worth of rations for the destruction of five wnedigos per head." he explained. "Not a problem. As Antonio said we're also after more medical supplies, our doctor is good but she needs more basic supplies." Brandon explained. Saxon regarded Brandon as he spoke with a slight raise of his eyebrow. He looked between Antonio and Brandon briefly but seemed satisfied with whatever he was considering. "Well a doctor, that is incredibly fortunate. We can supply you with whatever medical supplies you need, within reason, if she'll take a look at some of my people. We have two former nurses here, and they've kept us in good shape but there are a few medical concerns." Saxon proposed. "I'm sure she'd be glad to help." Brandon assured him impassively. "Well I admire your readiness. Do you gentlemen have any questions, about anything at all?" Saxon asked them. |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jan 18 2016, 06:33 AM Post #3651 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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“Do you…” Connor started to ask a question, but was hit by an unwelcome – and embarrassing – pang of nervousness only a couple words in. He had to swallow and start again, this time much more confidently. “Do you actually need their heads?” |
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| Strompy | Jan 18 2016, 09:17 AM Post #3652 |
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More posts, more Busey.
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"No." Saxon informed him with a smile. "We can't simply leave them lying around either. You'd be assisting our usual team out there. We load the dead onto a truck and bury them just outside of town. It's not the most ceremonious of send offs but it beats rotting in the sun. We have a method for destroying them that has worked well for us. In fact it may be the most valuable thing you take away from here. A little trick that makes us invisible to them." Saxon assured them with more than a hint of pride. Brandon had a suspicion of what that trick was but kept it to himself. He was a kittle surprised by it though he supposed he shouldn't have been. It wasn't inconceivable that somebody else would have figured out how to hide from the rotters. Still he took a little pleasure in having that tool a secret. Brandon was about to humor Saxon and invite him to boast some more when he spotted a familiar face nearby. Sherri was standing in the lobby staring straight at them with a look of alarm. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jan 18 2016, 04:27 PM Post #3653 |
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Is that so?
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"Oh, is that so?" Antonio mused knowingly. Saxon could have been talking about the little strategy their group had exercised, but it was just as plausible they had found out another way of avoiding these things. There were a lot of unknowns when dealing with the fallen. Or rotters. He wanted to ask more, but found himself instead following Brandon's diverted gaze. Toward a woman Antonio did not recognize. "Brandon?" Wait... no, he did recognize her. She was with the group that had stolen from them! "I didn't know you were harboring thieves, Saxon." The priest found himself uttering before he could stop himself. |
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| Strompy | Jan 19 2016, 12:01 PM Post #3654 |
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More posts, more Busey.
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"Harboring thie..." Saxon began. "Daddy!" Sherri screamed before tearing away out of sight. "What in the hell has gotten into that girl? Mitch could you please see what that was all about for me? Do any of you wish to enlighten me?" Saxon asked as he turned his attention back toward the trio. Mitch simply nodded and trotted away to comply with Saxon's request as if it were handed down by royalty. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jan 19 2016, 05:01 PM Post #3655 |
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Is that so?
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Antonio regretted blurting out the thieving bit. There were a handful of reasons, both personal and diplomatic, why he should have kept his mouth shut. But he couldn't help it. The emotions he normally tried to hide behind his passive front were starting to slip through ever since their time at Salt Lake City. "Truth be told." Antonio knew it was too late to back out his comments now. "We had found some food and supplies at a grocery store earlier today. Enough to keep us all fed for a few days. But that girl's group ended up getting the jump on us. They held us at gunpoint and stole everything we'd found." |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jan 19 2016, 06:42 PM Post #3656 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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"And they hit Brandon!" Connor added with a scowl. He was not pleased to see these people again. |
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| Strompy | Jan 21 2016, 08:05 PM Post #3657 |
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More posts, more Busey.
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"They did this?" Saxon asked gesturing to Brandon. "No. This is a whole other story. There was a little violence but nothing serious." Brandon said, shaking his head emphatically. "I'm glad to hear it. Now I expect John and his family will have a different account of things but whatever really happened I want it to be understood that I've extended my hospitality to both parties and I won't tolerate any violence in my home." Saxon warned them sternly. "We've had some time to cool down, there's no vendetta." Brandon assured him. It was a half-truth. Brandon was still indignant over what happened. Saxon seemed to be satisfied with it though and nodded. "Well if that's all, then I suppose you gentlemen are free to go. We'll have some of our people swing by for you in a little while. You'll be helping us keep the southside clear today. If you dispose of say... four wendigos for everyone in your troupe, we'll supply you with one day's worth of rations for all of you." Saxon reiterated for them. "We'll be ready." Brandon promised. Saxon gestured for them to exit the way they came. The three of them made their way back outside with an armed escort in tow. Brandon looked back to see John standing with his son Alex looking at them as they went. Brandon looked straight back at them for a moment. What they did wasn't forgotten. "Byron. We're watching them right now aren't we?" Saxon asked once the three of them were out the door. "Yes sir." Byron confirmed. "Good. Keep an eye on the one with the eye patch in particular. He was a little too calm about that, makes me wonder if he isn't planning something." he instructed him before turning around to get an account from John and his family. ... "Did we establish a time frame for when we should start worrying? I'm not worried yet, just want to know when I should start." Emily asked nobody in particular. She and Willow had eyes on the street since the others had left. They were vulnerable, but the hit never came. Despite herself Emily was starting to wonder if maybe these people were actually what they claimed. Movement caught her attention. She snapped to alertness, but she was denied the vindication of her suspicions. It was the others, returned to them unharmed. She made her way out to meet them, all her gear on display for anyone watching them to see. "So?" she asked simply. |
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| Make-7-Up-Yours | Jan 22 2016, 03:43 PM Post #3658 |
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Is that so?
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As Antonio and the others approached the town hall, Emily came out to greet them. She was, understandably, a little anxious to find out what happened. Going into it, there had been a lot of unknowns. And thankfully they had come out of it okay. "We are going to help them clean out some of the south side today. Apparently there are more rotters down there than there are here and they conscript passerbys to help cull the population. Four heads gets one person a full day's of rations." Considering the relative isolation of Elko, that wasn't a bad plan. There wasn't a big chance of huge herds roaming through a town like this. If they could thin out the local herds, it was entirely plausible that the entire city could be inhabited. With a few minor modifications, no doubt. In practice it was a pretty massive undertaking, but people had nothing if not plenty of time to figure out the details. And no shortage of people willing to help for a few supplies. "They'll be sending someone here later. Until then, we just sit tight." |
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| DoctorYerishi | Jan 23 2016, 04:26 PM Post #3659 |
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Dude, wake up! We've got a world to save.
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Connor listened to Antonio's explanation with an impatient frown. When the priest was finished, he was quick to jump in. "Yeah, and the assholes that stole from us and hit Brandon are there too!" he said. |
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| Strompy | Jan 28 2016, 03:33 AM Post #3660 |
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More posts, more Busey.
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“It’s not something anyone needs to worry about. Let’s just forget about that, I’m fine and we’re about to get our hands on more supplies. It’s not worth any kind of trouble right now.” Brandon implored them before anyone could discuss that topic any further. “So we have to take out forty-four creeps for these guys? That’s a lot of creeps for… how many of us can actually go? Let’s not pretend the Kelly’s are going to start doing anything. That leaves maybe three of us including Connor? Anyway I’d be surprised if there’s that many left in the entire town.” Emily put it bluntly. “I can…” Brandon began. “No you can’t. You need to stop doing anything.” Emily immediately cut him off. She was right, as much as he didn’t like to admit it. Right about what he was about to say and why he was wrong. In his condition he was more likely to be a liability if they were going out specifically to take down rotters. He admitted it to himself but said nothing. Instead he just sighed and sat down with a now practiced care. “It’s a pretty big town. Doesn’t matter how many people they’ve got in there, or how many people they get in from the outside to help they couldn’t have killed that many rotters already. They mentioned they use distractions to keep them away. Rotters are probably on the outskirts or something… or they’ve got some system for getting rid of them like…” he said, trailing off before mentioning Salt Lake City. “Like those freaks back in Utah. That turned out okay.” Emily said for him. “Did they shoot you in the back? They made a move when we lowered our guard. Nobody will ever take us by surprise like that again. We will not trust these people for a moment. Alright? We’ll do this thing for them, get what they owe us or take it if they try to fuck us. I promise you. Nobody will ever fuck with us again and live to benefit.” Brandon swore. “Well what about those people back in Twin Falls? I thought you said…” Emily started again. “I said you don’t need to worry about it!” he snapped. Brandon rubbed his temples for a few moments. As much as he cared about Emily and what she thought she wasn’t doing a lot more than voicing doubts he already had and had already decided were of no purpose. What else could they do but try? “This is a shitty situation. We have nothing but shitty options. You said you trusted me, has that changed?” he asked. “No.” Emily responded, folding her arms. “Then just follow my lead please. We need to work out who’s going out there. It’s going to be a lot of work, but I assume these guys have some method or system that works well. I don’t think they’ll try anything with us, I don’t think they want to risk losing any of theirs in a fight. They seem to have a healthy respect for the threat we pose. If anyone sees those people from Twin Falls again, just be cool and don’t start any shit. Another thing, King mentioned they could use a doctor over there, but that’ll happen on our terms, they can come to us not the other way around.” Brandon declared. He looked around at the others for either assent or dissent. His expression was a warning against the latter however. |
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7:27 PM Jul 10