But I can confirm that if you wouldn't have picked to go to the valley, it wouldn't have ended how it did.
Damn, I hate that valley. I hope someone drops a nuke on it soon. No, wait, better make it two nukes, to make sure that this place stops existing. And then drop a nuke on the remaining ashes, put the ashes into a spaceship and send it on it's way straight into the sun. And then nuke the sun.
As for the dream, I can't say much about it yet. Maybe it was just a dream? Maybe it wasn't. In due time my friend. In due time.
I'm still following this dreams=death theory I made a while ago, but it would probably have a few more death symbolism in it if that would be the case. And the other dreamers are still alive for now, so as long as nothing happens to them, I don't think I can hold this theory for long. Perhaps Katie's dream wasn't connected to the other dreams at all and just some weird dream considering that it goes nowhere, while the other dreams apparently are meant to lure someone to some place. Unless of course, a nameless grave in a damnable nameless valley is exactly the place this dream was supposed to lure her to. Her dream also doffered from the others in that she never saw anything in it, unlike the others, which further makes it more likely that it was just a simple dream. Apropros luring... now that I use this word, I realize that it might have been a horrible idea to send Santiago and his friends on their search to the creepy dream man, because that is probably exactly what he wants. If his dream is indeed passively responsible for Katie's death, then his intentions can't be good.
Still... she will find her answer at the heart of it all was the sentence uttered in the dream and I can't stop speculating on it. What answer? And what heart? And how the hell is she supposed to find out? Since that heart part is similar to Alex' dream, I have hopes that at least Alex will find the answer Katie won't be able to find anymore.
I tried. I'm not a gory detail person, I'll try better next time.
Nah, it wasn't the gory detail that was missing, it was the fact that it was over too soon. In my opinion, death is too good for him. While extensive torture isn't exactly my thing either, he would have deserved it. I mean, good that his people turned against him, but the fact that his death was exactly like Katie's death was the part I disliked. The one thing about Katie's death is that it was not painful. And Denver definitely would have deserved way more painful.
Mr.Quality,breaking hearts since 1999.
I noticed that you have not commented on any of my speculation, which fuels said speculation even more. I mean, you would tell me if she would be just flat out dead, right? Or am I interpreting too much into this? Please, show her body as soon as possible, if it is possible at all. At least a confirmed fate is better than incertainty.
What would have happened to her in the long run if she would have survived? Would she ever find out what her strange dream was about, or tha… moret Jack was the one who killed her sister? And what exactly was her dream about? Or would she have died either way a bit later? God, thinking about what could have been is depressing.
Maybe, Maybe not. I never think very far ahead while writing, which is what makes it fun for me. But I can confirm that if you wouldn't have picked to go to the valley, it wouldn't have ended how it did. As for the dream, I can't say much about it yet. Maybe it was just a dream? Maybe it wasn't. In due time my friend. In due time.
By the way, I sadly have to say that the way Denver's death happened is my least favourite part of the story so far, not counting Katie's death itself. Not from a writing point, the writing was great as always, but because of how extremely and utterly unsatisfying it was. After what he… [view original content]
Damn, I hate that valley. I hope someone drops a nuke on it soon. No, wait, better make it two nukes, to make sure that this place stops existing. And then drop a nuke on the remaining ashes, put the ashes into a spaceship and send it on it's way straight into the sun. And then nuke the sun.
But I can confirm that if you wouldn't have picked to go to the valley, it wouldn't have ended how it did.
Damn, I hate that valley.… more I hope someone drops a nuke on it soon. No, wait, better make it two nukes, to make sure that this place stops existing. And then drop a nuke on the remaining ashes, put the ashes into a spaceship and send it on it's way straight into the sun. And then nuke the sun.
As for the dream, I can't say much about it yet. Maybe it was just a dream? Maybe it wasn't. In due time my friend. In due time.
I'm still following this dreams=death theory I made a while ago, but it would probably have a few more death symbolism in it if that would be the case. And the other dreamers are still alive for now, so as long as nothing happens to them, I don't think I can hold this theory for long. Perhaps Katie's dream wasn't connected to the other dreams at all and just some weird dream considering that it goes no… [view original content]
Of course someone should carefully relocate Katie's grave first, as her corpse is the only thing inside of this valley that does not deserve to get nuked to oblivion. But the rest, especially these Network people at Mount Vernon... well, aside from Lester, he sounds like an okay guy. The rest though... damn, I already regret the times I have been nice to captured Network beasts. That will stop from now on. And I honestly hope there will be an option to nuke that valley.
Damn, I hate that valley. I hope someone drops a nuke on it soon. No, wait, better make it two nukes, to make sure that this place stops exi… moresting. And then drop a nuke on the remaining ashes, put the ashes into a spaceship and send it on it's way straight into the sun. And then nuke the sun.
That escalated quickly.
Dillon
"This is it." He said, nodding his head in the direction of a partially build apartment building.
"Finally, I thought my legs w… moreere going to fall off." Dillon said. The man shook his head.
"You've done nothing but complain since you got here gringo, you need to relax a little." He said.
"Relax? I'm here for some unknown reason trying to earn the trust of the Mexicans for God knows why." Dillon said.
"Let's just get in there and set up before we run out of time." The man said. "I'll hide the horses, just go find a good vantage point overlooking the parking lot." He said. Dillon nodded in return, jumping off his horse. He walked towards the half built structure and drew his sword just in case. He walked through the open chain fence and into the actual structure, taking note of the foul smell coming from somewhere inside.
"What the hell is that smell?" He asked no one in particular.
"Smells like meth to me." A voice sa… [view original content]
Dillon
"This is it." He said, nodding his head in the direction of a partially build apartment building.
"Finally, I thought my legs w… moreere going to fall off." Dillon said. The man shook his head.
"You've done nothing but complain since you got here gringo, you need to relax a little." He said.
"Relax? I'm here for some unknown reason trying to earn the trust of the Mexicans for God knows why." Dillon said.
"Let's just get in there and set up before we run out of time." The man said. "I'll hide the horses, just go find a good vantage point overlooking the parking lot." He said. Dillon nodded in return, jumping off his horse. He walked towards the half built structure and drew his sword just in case. He walked through the open chain fence and into the actual structure, taking note of the foul smell coming from somewhere inside.
"What the hell is that smell?" He asked no one in particular.
"Smells like meth to me." A voice sa… [view original content]
Dillon
"This is it." He said, nodding his head in the direction of a partially build apartment building.
"Finally, I thought my legs w… moreere going to fall off." Dillon said. The man shook his head.
"You've done nothing but complain since you got here gringo, you need to relax a little." He said.
"Relax? I'm here for some unknown reason trying to earn the trust of the Mexicans for God knows why." Dillon said.
"Let's just get in there and set up before we run out of time." The man said. "I'll hide the horses, just go find a good vantage point overlooking the parking lot." He said. Dillon nodded in return, jumping off his horse. He walked towards the half built structure and drew his sword just in case. He walked through the open chain fence and into the actual structure, taking note of the foul smell coming from somewhere inside.
"What the hell is that smell?" He asked no one in particular.
"Smells like meth to me." A voice sa… [view original content]
Thats at least some good news. I wasnt sure anymore if I made him opposed of the Network or neutral towards them but I am very happy about him not being a Network supporter
"I'm going down there. That stack of steel beams, I'll hide behind them. The second you see me come out, you better have my ass covered." Dillon said.
"That's probably for the best. I got your back." Cruz said as he put a clip into his rifle and cocked the bolt. Dillon shook his head.
"I still don't understand why you are helping us." Dillon said.
"Think about it gringo, the Network take the US. They already have the north, so they move south. And if the Network come into our land, I'm not sure if I can keep my family safe. That's why I'm doing what I'm doing, No one is safe with the Network around. They are a menace that needs to be stopped." Cruz replied.
"That's as good a reason as any." Dillon said.
"You better get down there. They could be here any minute." Cruz said. Dillon nodded as he walked over to the ladder and climbed down. He walked through the incomplete building and out into the parking lot. He quickly dashed across and dove behind the steel beams that had been stacked there before the place had been abandoned. He unsheathed his sword and held it close to him. Soon enough he heard the sound of footsteps, and rattling chains.
"Deténgase." A gruff voice said. It sounded right in front of him. The footsteps stopped.
"Por lo tanto, se decidió a aparecer." Another voice said. Dillon peeked around the corner up to the balcony where Cruz was. Cruz spotted Dillon and held up four fingers. Dillon placed a hand on the beam next to him, readying to jump up and attack.
"Que fue ese ruido?" The first voice asked. He could hear the footsteps getting closer to him. Dillon's heart began racing as he suddenly pushed himself upward, coming face to face with an older looking Mexican man. His eyes widened as his jaw dropped.
"Americano?" He asked, sounding surprised. Dillon shoved his sword forwards, straight through the man's gut. He fell to the ground in pain as Dillon pulled his sword out of him and looked up. Three more armed men, surrounding a group of chained prisoners, were looking at him in shock.
"Dispara !" The man who seemed like the leader yelled after breaking out of his trance. He lifted his gun and took aim at Dillon, only a little to late. Dillon swiftly swung his blade, nearly cutting the man's head off. He spun around to meet the other two. They both had their guns trained on him, although the second looked very scared. The first one had slowly began to apply pressure to the trigger as Dillon dashed to the left, back to the steel beams he heard the bullet ding off the metal. Then he heard a second gunshot, coming from the balcony. Dillon peeked around and saw the man stumbling around holding his neck. The second spotted Dillon and dropped him gun raising his hands in surrender.
"Me doy por vencido!" He exclaimed, moments before another gunshot rung out and he fell to the ground, with a hole in the side of his head. Cruz came running across the parking lot and stopped next to Dillon.
"What the hell was that? He was surrendering!" Dillon yelled.
"They showed no mercy to our people. I will not show mercy to them." Cruz said. "Come on and look for a key so we can get these prisoners free." Dillon nodded and began checking the nearest body for a key. After his search turned up nothing Dillon went over to the one who had seemed to be the leader and began searching him.
"Oh shit." Cruz mumbled.
"What is it?" Dillon asked.
"These guys, the ones who were taking the trade. They are cartel. The fucking drug cartel are working with the Network." Cruz said.
"That's bad isn't it?" Dillon asked.
"Very. Right now, the Mexican cartel is a more powerful army then the US Federal army." Cruz said.
"Then we really need to Mexican government on our side." Dillon said. "I found a key." He said as he pulled a small key out of the man's shirt pocket.
"Good, give it here." Cruz said as he walked over to Dillon. Dillon gave him the key and he walked over to the prisoners, and unchained them.
"Who are you?" Dillon asked a young woman, who gave him a blank stare.
"They don't speak English gringo." Cruz informed him.
"Actually.." A man said. "I do." He said stepping forward. He was wearing a very battered black suit and tie. "And she is Maya Abana. I am Miguel Castillion." He siad.
"Holy shit. Maya Abana?" Cruz said, looking at the woman.
"Yes. Her father sent her away hoping she would be safer outside the capital. I was sent to protect her, but we see how that went." Miguel said.
"Wait. Who are you people?" Dillon asked.
"Gringo, eh? I am Miguel, the Mexican vice president. This is Maya, daughter of Abel Abana." Miguel said.
"And who is Abel Abana?" Dillon asked.
"The president of Mexico." Miguel said.
"I think you just got the help you were looking for." Cruz said.
"I guess we should head back to the capital then." Miguel said.
"Please, let us escort you.And the others." Cruz said, as he looked at the others. In total there was about five.
"The rest of them were just poor people who got picked up by Network slavers." Miguel informed him.
“Let’s go then.” Dillon said. As he began to turn, he noticed Maya saying something to Miguel, and then she stepped forward to Dillon, holding something in her hands. It was a golden necklace with a cross on it.
“She said she wants you to have this necklace as a thank you. It was her mother’s before she died a few days ago. She says if you don’t want to keep it, it should be worth a lot of money.” Miguel said. Dillon looked to Cruz who quickly looked away and slightly shook his head.
Choice
[Take the gift]
[Let her Keep it]
Lester Williams
Carlson looked at the many wounded that were already in the already cramped clinic. The city of Mount Vernon was built with it, and the bastards that were the Network just took it along with anything else they wanted from the town. Luckily most of the people that were in here weren’t seriously injured, and they weren’t really at a lack of medicine.
“Lester, thank God you’re back.” A woman’s voice called. “I thought Jack was going to kill me. He killed two people while you were gone.” She said.
“I’m back now. It’s fine Rosie.” Lester reassured her.
“Did you get what we needed for Mike?” She asked.
“Well, the Youngstown pharmacy was almost completely ransacked. But I managed to get what was left.” Lester said as he handed her a bag. She opened it and looked at its contents.
“This is great. It’s more than enough. Thank you.” She said. “I heard you found someone outside the gates?” She said. Lester nodded.
“Over there. She’s pretty jacked up. I think she was one of the Network’s spies or something.” Lester said.
“We’ll see what we can do.” Rosie said.
“Lester.” A man’s voice called. Lester looked over and saw a man standing in the hallway. “A word please.” He said.
“Excuse me Rosie.” Lester said as he walked away towards the man.
“Carlson. What is it?” Lester asked. Carlson was one of the few survivors of the town of Mount Vernon before it was seized by the Network.
“In the room. It’s not safe out here in the open.” He said. Lester nodded and stepped inside the examining room, Carlson followed closing and locking the door behind him.
“What is it?” Lester asked.
“You didn’t find her outside the gate did you?” Carlson asked.
“No. I found her while I was on my way back from Youngtown.” Lester said. “What is it?” He asked noticing Carlson’s expression.
“You just brought a nightmare into this town.” Carlson said.
“What?” Lester asked.
“You need to get her out of here as soon as possible.” Carlson said.
“Why? I don’t understand.” Lester said.
“That’s Katie Dicanto.” Carlson said. “She isn’t safe here, and now, you aren’t either.” Carlson said.
“That’s Katie Dicanto.” Carlson said. “She isn’t safe here, and now, you aren’t either.” Carlson said.
Excuse me while I try to prevent myself from fainting. I could claim now that I always suspected this, that part of me never believed the huge amount of evidence pointing at her death. Sadly, that would be a lie. You got me good, especially with the last part and that grave. The only thing that continued to make me wonder was your repeated way of not actually and undoubtly confirming her fate in the parts, and even more, the way you managed to talk around her actual fate in the comments, never once stating that she actually died. Still, after the last Denver part I was convinced that she was dead. Needless to say, I had to read the last sentence in this part twice to realize what it meant. And then I had to read it a few dozen times again, as it is undoubtly the best sentence I have read all week.
Of course, Katie's survival opens up several interesting questions. First of all, who, if anyone, lies in that grave out there? If Lester found Katie, why has he left her scarf behind? Who is that Network man who claimed to have buried her (likely nothing more than a trick to get rid of Denver) and what are his plans? He probably suspects her to be still alive at least. Most importantly, how badly is Katie injured? At least for that last question, I have good hopes that she could make a full recovery. Given how she is still alive and stable after a fall that easily killed Denver, at least extensive head, chest, spine or pelvis injuries are unlikely, hopefully. This means she probably had a lot of luck while hitting the ground in the right angle, even though that most likely means that she managed to wound many parts of her body equally in some way. Still, many small wounds are better than one big wound. For now she is unconscious for who knows how long, has without a doubt more than one broken or sprained bone at least and is in the worst place possible. I'm curious how exactly Lester wants to get her out of the camp in her condition, but I have no doubts that he will think of something. Perhaps though, it couldn't hurt to wait until she made a partial recovery at least, as I guess that the medical attention she could get in Mount Vernon will be far better than everything Lester could give her on his own.
Finally, now I am almost sad about Denver's death. It's not even about the lack of pain he had to suffer (even though it was over too soon for him), it just would have had something satisfyingly karmic if Katie would have revealed herself to him before royally kicking his ass and killing him, preferrably with him begging for mercy and forgiveness. I'm also still not entirely sure why he betrayed her in the first place. Was it simple greed, paired with stupidity, was it a lust for power, was it unreasonable hatred towards her or a mixture of these three points? But well, at least there is still Jack to get his ass kicked by Katie. Now all she needs to find out is that he is the bastard who killed her little sister and then get her hands on a blunt object. I'm a bit afraid though what happens if he finds her in this clinic. Would he recognize her as the girl whose sister he killed? Would he recognize her as that rebel fighter who had been a serious pain in his ass for months now? Can't say I'm not curious, but I also can't say I'd be looking forward for such a meeting as long as Katie isn't in the advantage in some way.
And of course there is also a choice in this part, which I almost forgot again.
[Let her Keep it]
I don't think Dillon has any use for a necklace. I doubt it will be worth enough to make a significant difference in their fight against the Network, so it obviously has a far higher worth for Maya, being her mothers necklace and all.
Dillon
"I'm going down there. That stack of steel beams, I'll hide behind them. The second you see me come out, you better have my ass co… morevered." Dillon said.
"That's probably for the best. I got your back." Cruz said as he put a clip into his rifle and cocked the bolt. Dillon shook his head.
"I still don't understand why you are helping us." Dillon said.
"Think about it gringo, the Network take the US. They already have the north, so they move south. And if the Network come into our land, I'm not sure if I can keep my family safe. That's why I'm doing what I'm doing, No one is safe with the Network around. They are a menace that needs to be stopped." Cruz replied.
"That's as good a reason as any." Dillon said.
"You better get down there. They could be here any minute." Cruz said. Dillon nodded as he walked over to the ladder and climbed down. He walked through the incomplete building and out into the parking lot. He quickly … [view original content]
I'm actually very surprised I didn't let it slip. I never had a plan to kill Katie, not yet at least. My goal was only to make the readers think she was dead, and it worked. At least I think so...
And yeah, right now Katie's situation is less than desirable. But, all questions will be answered in future chapters. At least, I will intend on it.
“That’s Katie Dicanto.” Carlson said. “She isn’t safe here, and now, you aren’t either.” Carlson said.
Excuse me while I try to prev… moreent myself from fainting. I could claim now that I always suspected this, that part of me never believed the huge amount of evidence pointing at her death. Sadly, that would be a lie. You got me good, especially with the last part and that grave. The only thing that continued to make me wonder was your repeated way of not actually and undoubtly confirming her fate in the parts, and even more, the way you managed to talk around her actual fate in the comments, never once stating that she actually died. Still, after the last Denver part I was convinced that she was dead. Needless to say, I had to read the last sentence in this part twice to realize what it meant. And then I had to read it a few dozen times again, as it is undoubtly the best sentence I have read all week.
Of course, Katie's survival opens… [view original content]
I'm actually very surprised I didn't let it slip. I never had a plan to kill Katie, not yet at least. My goal was only to make the readers think she was dead, and it worked. At least I think so...
You succeeded with me at least, although it took me until the last Denver part to get fully convinced. Until then, I was torn between being convinced that she is dead and being convinced that you simply try to trick me into believing this. But well, that grave and Denver's death had been very convincing, even if the Network Agent said some stuff that made me wonder if he might knew more about this situation. I think at least janitor was unconvinced though and he even guessed the correct way Katie got saved (or somewhat saved, given the place Lester brought her to)
And yeah, right now Katie's situation is less than desirable. But, all questions will be answered in future chapters. At least, I will intend on it.
I actually think her situation got a bit more desirable than before. The Network Camp with medical attention is at least better for her than lying with broken bones at the bottom of a ravine or dead in a nameless grave. She just has to be careful who exactly is going to see her there. I guess at least some of the Network know how she looks and especially this Network Agent who planned the deaths of her and Denver could be able to count two and two together, should he see her in the clinic. Of course, when compaired to her situation in the resistance camp, then yes, her situation is less than desirable now. But it could have easily been much worse, seeing how Denver had much less luck while falling down. I'm looking forward for answers, although my most burning question already got answered in this part.
I'm actually very surprised I didn't let it slip. I never had a plan to kill Katie, not yet at least. My goal was only to make the readers t… morehink she was dead, and it worked. At least I think so...
And yeah, right now Katie's situation is less than desirable. But, all questions will be answered in future chapters. At least, I will intend on it.
Dillon
"I'm going down there. That stack of steel beams, I'll hide behind them. The second you see me come out, you better have my ass co… morevered." Dillon said.
"That's probably for the best. I got your back." Cruz said as he put a clip into his rifle and cocked the bolt. Dillon shook his head.
"I still don't understand why you are helping us." Dillon said.
"Think about it gringo, the Network take the US. They already have the north, so they move south. And if the Network come into our land, I'm not sure if I can keep my family safe. That's why I'm doing what I'm doing, No one is safe with the Network around. They are a menace that needs to be stopped." Cruz replied.
"That's as good a reason as any." Dillon said.
"You better get down there. They could be here any minute." Cruz said. Dillon nodded as he walked over to the ladder and climbed down. He walked through the incomplete building and out into the parking lot. He quickly … [view original content]
I have been totally right with my theory about Katies survival? Wow, that is cool To be honest the last Denver part convinced me that my theory was wrong and I only shared it for interest as I thought it was still a good theory. But I havent thought that I was right all along. It was also an awesome part, its great to see more of Lester. Im looking forward for his and Katies storyline.
Btw, I am thinking about submitting a second character. Is there anything you can especially need for the story?
Dillon
"I'm going down there. That stack of steel beams, I'll hide behind them. The second you see me come out, you better have my ass co… morevered." Dillon said.
"That's probably for the best. I got your back." Cruz said as he put a clip into his rifle and cocked the bolt. Dillon shook his head.
"I still don't understand why you are helping us." Dillon said.
"Think about it gringo, the Network take the US. They already have the north, so they move south. And if the Network come into our land, I'm not sure if I can keep my family safe. That's why I'm doing what I'm doing, No one is safe with the Network around. They are a menace that needs to be stopped." Cruz replied.
"That's as good a reason as any." Dillon said.
"You better get down there. They could be here any minute." Cruz said. Dillon nodded as he walked over to the ladder and climbed down. He walked through the incomplete building and out into the parking lot. He quickly … [view original content]
Yes.You have been extremely right about her survival. Extremely.
If you are going to make another character, I'd prefer then to be in a new area that has not been explored. So possible not Virginia, Texas, or California. Thanks
[Let her Keep it]
I have been totally right with my theory about Katies survival? Wow, that is cool To be honest the last Denver part co… morenvinced me that my theory was wrong and I only shared it for interest as I thought it was still a good theory. But I havent thought that I was right all along. It was also an awesome part, its great to see more of Lester. Im looking forward for his and Katies storyline.
Btw, I am thinking about submitting a second character. Is there anything you can especially need for the story?
Okay guys, Badish news and good news. So, I'll just start with the bad news. I have no clue in the universe when I will be able to write more for my stories. That goes for all of them. I just started back to school Tuesday, and because I'm in honors and AP classes, I will have a lot of work to do. But trust me, this is far from over. I think. I'll try to start tonight with a new part depending on how much homework I have. Thanks for your patients.
Good news, there's a new story out! It's a sequel to Heroes: The capives by MasterStone. As he said, this is a fresh start and he is hoping to improve in his writing. I have a great feeling about it, and it would be a great favor if you would check out the link below. Thanks to you my friends.
The room was dark, and it wreaked of disinfectant. Samu moved his hands weakly upward, only to get caught as the chains locked up. Samu sighed as he dropped his hands and lowered his head in defeat.
"Giving up so soon?" A distinctive posh accent sneered as a large metal door creaked open and the lights flickered on. Samu cringed against the light barraged his eyes.
"Fuck you." Samu sneered in return, echoing through the room.
"Yeah, Yeah. Good morning to you to mate." He said in return. Samu looked up, only to see the masked man closing the door back. "By the way, how's the family? Last I heard you ditched your father back in Fort Bliss. Quite the fire show if I do say so."
"If you're going to kill me. Just do it." Samu spat.
"I wish I could. But sadly, You're needed. The damn Fed's somehow got one of our commanders. We're going to trade your ass to get him back before he spills any information. " He said coldly. "Of course we have a few days until then, so I think we should get well acquainted."
"I ain't telling you anything." Samu said.
"I think you will." He said. "First off. What did you do with the flash drive?" He asked.
"What fucking flash drive?" Samu snarled. The masked man sighed.
"So it's going to be that way, huh?" He said, turning towards the door. "Hit it!" He yelled.
"What?" Samu tired to say before a sudden jolt of electricity surged through the metal chair and through his body. "Fuck!" He yelled as he clenched his teeth. Just as he was sure he was about to pass out, the shocking stopped and he fell back into the chair breathing heavily.
"The flash drive. The one hidden in the museum you were camped up in with your little pals. Number six of ten." He said.
"I don't know what your talking about. Even if I did why would I tell you." Samu said. The masked man shook his head.
"Not a quick learner I see." He said turning back to the door. "Once again." He demanded. Samu braced for the shock, but it never came. "What are you waiting for?" He asked. The door burst open and a young girl walked in holding something in her hand.
"I found it. It was hidden in the frame of some Renaissance painting." She said, handing it to the Masked man.
"Good job Azumi. I am proud of you. Mosaiah trained you well." He said as he looked over the flash drive, the number 6/10 was written on the side with sharpie. "Yes.Yes. This is good." He said. "Were there any casualties?" He asked.
"No sir. No one was killed. A few were hurt." She said.
"Uh-huh." He said. "You know. That's not what I heard." He said as he stood up, towering over the girl. "Why did you lie to me?" He asked as the girl backed away in fear.
"I..I... I didn't want you to get mad. I blew MJ's cover. He was spotted and killed." She said.
"Mad? You made it worse by lying." He said. "You know what happens to lies here." He said.
"The pit?" She said in a sullen tone. The masked man let out a short laugh.
"That's why I like you. You were always so bright and optimistic." He said. "But no. We kill liers here." He said.
"No. Please... I'm sorry. I didn't mean it." She squeaked as the man approached her.
"It's to late for sorry's my dear." He said. Samu could see the fear in the young girls eyes. She turned and ran for the door. She grabbed the handle only to find it locked. She spun around placing her back against the door as the masked man approached her. She darted forward to the right of him, only to be tripped. She fell to the ground with a thud as a clattering sound came from her pocket, hitting her head pretty hard. She crawled forward barley managing to stay away from the man. Samu diverted his attention for a moment and saw it. The keys were laying on the floor by his foot. If he could get the key, he could unlock the chains and get out of here while the masked man was occupied with the girl. But what if he got caught? Could he save the girl?
I'd feel very bad to leave her behind to die at the hands of this psychopath. Hopefully this won't backfire on Samu, but if he manages to escape with her, he may get some answers about this flash drive and about the situation in general out of her.
Samu Kuusi- I spelled it right this time.
The room was dark, and it wreaked of disinfectant. Samu moved his hands weakly upward, only to … moreget caught as the chains locked up. Samu sighed as he dropped his hands and lowered his head in defeat.
"Giving up so soon?" A distinctive posh accent sneered as a large metal door creaked open and the lights flickered on. Samu cringed against the light barraged his eyes.
"Fuck you." Samu sneered in return, echoing through the room.
"Yeah, Yeah. Good morning to you to mate." He said in return. Samu looked up, only to see the masked man closing the door back. "By the way, how's the family? Last I heard you ditched your father back in Fort Bliss. Quite the fire show if I do say so."
"If you're going to kill me. Just do it." Samu spat.
"I wish I could. But sadly, You're needed. The damn Fed's somehow got one of our commanders. We're going to trade your ass to get him back before he spills any … [view original content]
Samu Kuusi- I spelled it right this time.
The room was dark, and it wreaked of disinfectant. Samu moved his hands weakly upward, only to … moreget caught as the chains locked up. Samu sighed as he dropped his hands and lowered his head in defeat.
"Giving up so soon?" A distinctive posh accent sneered as a large metal door creaked open and the lights flickered on. Samu cringed against the light barraged his eyes.
"Fuck you." Samu sneered in return, echoing through the room.
"Yeah, Yeah. Good morning to you to mate." He said in return. Samu looked up, only to see the masked man closing the door back. "By the way, how's the family? Last I heard you ditched your father back in Fort Bliss. Quite the fire show if I do say so."
"If you're going to kill me. Just do it." Samu spat.
"I wish I could. But sadly, You're needed. The damn Fed's somehow got one of our commanders. We're going to trade your ass to get him back before he spills any … [view original content]
Samu Kuusi- I spelled it right this time.
The room was dark, and it wreaked of disinfectant. Samu moved his hands weakly upward, only to … moreget caught as the chains locked up. Samu sighed as he dropped his hands and lowered his head in defeat.
"Giving up so soon?" A distinctive posh accent sneered as a large metal door creaked open and the lights flickered on. Samu cringed against the light barraged his eyes.
"Fuck you." Samu sneered in return, echoing through the room.
"Yeah, Yeah. Good morning to you to mate." He said in return. Samu looked up, only to see the masked man closing the door back. "By the way, how's the family? Last I heard you ditched your father back in Fort Bliss. Quite the fire show if I do say so."
"If you're going to kill me. Just do it." Samu spat.
"I wish I could. But sadly, You're needed. The damn Fed's somehow got one of our commanders. We're going to trade your ass to get him back before he spills any … [view original content]
Samu Kuusi- I spelled it right this time.
The room was dark, and it wreaked of disinfectant. Samu moved his hands weakly upward, only to … moreget caught as the chains locked up. Samu sighed as he dropped his hands and lowered his head in defeat.
"Giving up so soon?" A distinctive posh accent sneered as a large metal door creaked open and the lights flickered on. Samu cringed against the light barraged his eyes.
"Fuck you." Samu sneered in return, echoing through the room.
"Yeah, Yeah. Good morning to you to mate." He said in return. Samu looked up, only to see the masked man closing the door back. "By the way, how's the family? Last I heard you ditched your father back in Fort Bliss. Quite the fire show if I do say so."
"If you're going to kill me. Just do it." Samu spat.
"I wish I could. But sadly, You're needed. The damn Fed's somehow got one of our commanders. We're going to trade your ass to get him back before he spills any … [view original content]
"Any ideas?" Carlson said as he nervously paced around the hallway.
"No. Not really." Lester said. Carlson sighed as he walked past. "But there is one that might work." Lester said.
"What?" Carlson asked.
"I'm the one who's in charge of taking out the dead." Lester said.
"Yeah?" Carlson pressed.
"We can stick her in a bag and take her out of the city. Just say she died." Lester said. Carlson contemplated it for a moment.
"I don't know. What happens if they check the bag and see she's still breathing? Or what if she dies while we're moving her?" Carlson asked.
"It was just a thought." Lester said.
"And it's the only one we have." Carlson grumbled. "Fine. We go with your plan. It's really our only choice unless we want to leave her here." He went on.
"That's not going to happen." Lester responded.
"Alright. We do it tomorrow morning. Say we found her dead when we came in." Carlson said.
"We have to be perfect. Don't give them any reason to suspect us at all." Lester said. Carlson shook his head.
"We need to be more than perfect." He said.
"Gentlemen." A man's voice said, Lester looked over at the man. How long had he been there? What had he heard? "Excuse me." He said. Lester nodded as he stepped to the side of the hallway. The man simply walked off, holding a bouquet of lavish red roses in his hand.
"Who was that?" Lester asked.
"We call him Zero. He's a Network special agent. He's been doing some work in the field trying to get rid of the resistance forces in the area." Carlson responded.
"Do you think he's the one that did this to her?" Lester asked.
"Without a doubt. Although, It wouldn't have been him personally. He uses a targets friends and trusted acquaintances to get rid of them for him." Carlson said.
"Then we really need to get her out of here. Quickly." Lester said.
"We have to bide our time. We can't be to hasty." Carlson said.
"What is 'Zero' even doing here?" Lester asked.
"He has a child. A young girl, She's been hospitalized with some sort of virus. He's probably here for her." Carlson responded.
"A Network agent having family ties? That's not something you see everyday." Lester said.
"Poor girl doesn't even know what her father does when he's gone." He said.
"What if that's not why he's here?" Lester asked.
"Then we're screwed." He said.
"We need to move her." Lester said.
"No not now. We have to wait." He said.
Choice
[Move her now]
[Wait]
'Zero'
"Gentlemen." He said as he approached the two men standing in the hallway. The bigger man of the two looked at him with wide eyes, as if expecting to get yelled at or something. "Excuse me." He said. He saw the man breath a sigh of relief as he stepped to the side. Zero walked past him down the hall towards his destination. Those idiots. They think they got away with it. No, He's heard everything. Their plan to move her. He knew everything. If there was a secret, he would know about it. He stopped at a wooden door and pushed it open stepping inside as he closed it back behind him. He walked through the room and around the hospital bed. He sat down in a chair and selected one rose from the bouquet and placed it in the glass vase on the night stand, as he did every time he came here. He then proceed to put on a medical mask.
"Daddy?" Her voice said. He felt a weak smile at the uttering of these words.
"Yes darling. It's me." He said as he reached forward and touched her forehead. She was burning up. She looked frail, tired and just flat out miserable. He hated to see her like this.
"When is it going to go away?" She asked. The weakness in her voice pulled at his heart.
"Soon honey. Soon. Daddy has an idea on how to make you better. The people I meet with earlier didn't have the medicine, but I know where to find it. You just need to be strong for me, okay? Can you do that?" He asked as he felt a tear form in his eye, but he forced it down.
"Of course daddy." She said.
"I have to go now. I have an important meeting, I'll be back as soon as I can." He said. "I love you sweetie." He finished.
"I love you to daddy." She said. He stood up and walked out of the room, pulling the mask off as he got outside. Something new now replaced his pain. Anger. He started off down the hallway again and turned the corner heading right. He stopped at the reception desk.
"How can I help you Zero?" The woman asked. Zero. What an odd name, He often wondered how they'd come up with it.
"I'm looking for someone. A scout came in here recently. She was pretty badly beaten up." He said.
"Oh, The scout. We still don't have a name for her, she looks like she took a dive off a cliff or something though." The woman said.
"Do you know where she is?" He asked.
"Oh yeah. Sorry. She's in 121, right down this hallway." She said pointing to he right. He nodded and walked off. He spotted it almost instantly. 121. He grabbed the handle and threw it open as he walked in. A lone nurse was inside, she looked up at him as he walked in.
"Could I have a minute please." He said.
"Of course Mr. Zero." The nurse said as she sheepishly walked out. Zero gingerly closed the door behind her, making sure to lock it. There she lay. At first he couldn't believe his eyes. Volpe. The Joan of Arc of the western world. Here, right before him. His target. He placed the remaining roses on the nightstand as he sat down. He felt a pang of guilt as he reached into his suit and pulled out a small metallic case. He flipped it open to reveal a syringe and a small vial of liquid. He sat the case on the table as he pulled out the syringe and vial. He filled the syringe with the proper amount of liquid, or at least what would have to work. He grabbed her forearm and poked the needle into her skin, releasing it's contents. Then he sat back and waited. For a moment, nothing. Then, her eyes fluttered open and she gasped at the air around her. Her eyes were wide and she had a bewildered look on her face.
"Hello miss Dicanto." He said. She looked over at him, still gasping. "I was ordered to kill you, but now I have a better plan. You see, I'm stuck with an impasse here. My little girl, she's sick. She's come down with tuberculosis. And we don't have any medicine for her treatment." He said. "Your friends are going to come take you away. I'm going to let you go. You will go to Ohio, You will go to Dayton. You will find the medicine for her. And if you don't." He said. "I know everything. I know your every move before you make it. I will hunt you down and kill you, and anyone relatively close to you. You're the fox, I'm the hunter." He said. "Do you understand?" He barked. Her expression said she didn't.
"The heart of it all." She said. He made a confused face.
"What?" He asked.
"The heart of it all." She repeated, though her voice was very raspy.
"Okay, crazy bitch. What ever you say." He said. He noticed her eyes rolling back as she began to fall back into the bed. He grabbed her arm and shook her back. "You just made a deal with the devil. And if you don't pay your due, Hell's going to be unleashed on you." He said, then let go. She sank back into the pillow and after a few moment of what looked like painful twitching she went still. Back to normal. He grabbed a piece of paper and his pen and began to write. "Dayton, Ohio. isoniazid,rifampin,ethambutol, or pyrazinamide." Any one of those four would work. Then, in an after though, "Don't fuck up. Your friend, Zero." He added in a mocking gesture. He folded the paper and put it in her jacket witch was hanging on the coat rack. He stood up and began to walk out.
"Farewell, miss Dicanto. Until we meet again." He said as he unlocked the door and walked out.
Katie's condition worries me. It appears as if she's in some sort of trance, if trance is even the correct term for it. I hope that it is an aftereffect of her strange dream and not some sort of brain damage as a result of her fall. Hopefully she'll snap out of it in time to kick some Network ass. By the way, regarding her dream: After suspecting something like this, I just googled what 'The heart of it all' actually is and apparently that is a nickname for Ohio. How fitting that Zero wants her to go there. It seems like she's getting closer to some answers, without actually realizing it. And finally, Zero... I can't wait for her to snap out of her trance, get her hands on something heavy and bash his head in. Denver's betrayal was more personal, but Zero is the man behind it and the one mainly responsible for Katie's current condition, so I deeply hope that she is going to get a chance to kill him. I'm not sure whom she needs to kill more, Jack or Zero. Both have caused her tremendous personal harm, although Jack might arguably be even worse, considering that he killed her sister in cold blood, while Zero failed to kill her and now apparently even offers her a chance to survive. However, I think in the long run he is planning her death even if she manages to help his daughter, so he really needs to die as well.
[Wait]
We know, Zero already knows who she is and he is just waiting for her to escape from there. But moving her now might be more dangerous for her physically, as she is still far from okay. I think Lester and Carlson should give her a few days, so that at least her most grievous wounds are unlikely to kill her during a transportation or to make her condition even worse. I mean, they know nothing about her current condition. In the best case, she is physically as fine as one can be after such a fall. In the worst case, she might be just a wrong move away from getting internal bleeding or from getting paralyzed or from getting permanent brain damage or even from dying, so it's too much of a risk to move her now. Zero needs her and he wants her to escape, so until he absolutely forces her to go, she should be left in the medical care of the Network.
Lester Williams
"Any ideas?" Carlson said as he nervously paced around the hallway.
"No. Not really." Lester said. Carlson sighed as h… moree walked past. "But there is one that might work." Lester said.
"What?" Carlson asked.
"I'm the one who's in charge of taking out the dead." Lester said.
"Yeah?" Carlson pressed.
"We can stick her in a bag and take her out of the city. Just say she died." Lester said. Carlson contemplated it for a moment.
"I don't know. What happens if they check the bag and see she's still breathing? Or what if she dies while we're moving her?" Carlson asked.
"It was just a thought." Lester said.
"And it's the only one we have." Carlson grumbled. "Fine. We go with your plan. It's really our only choice unless we want to leave her here." He went on.
"That's not going to happen." Lester responded.
"Alright. We do it tomorrow morning. Say we found her dead when we came in." Carlson said.
"We ha… [view original content]
I am so conflicted about this. On the one hand I am afraid that her wounds get even worse if they move her but on the other hand I think that this is unlikely as long as they are careful. Lester at least knows how to move wounded people so he should know how to treat her carefully. But something is definitely not right with Katie and I have the feeling they have to bring her to Ohio as soon as possible, so that her condition can get better. I just hope she makes a full recovery if they bring her there.
Lester Williams
"Any ideas?" Carlson said as he nervously paced around the hallway.
"No. Not really." Lester said. Carlson sighed as h… moree walked past. "But there is one that might work." Lester said.
"What?" Carlson asked.
"I'm the one who's in charge of taking out the dead." Lester said.
"Yeah?" Carlson pressed.
"We can stick her in a bag and take her out of the city. Just say she died." Lester said. Carlson contemplated it for a moment.
"I don't know. What happens if they check the bag and see she's still breathing? Or what if she dies while we're moving her?" Carlson asked.
"It was just a thought." Lester said.
"And it's the only one we have." Carlson grumbled. "Fine. We go with your plan. It's really our only choice unless we want to leave her here." He went on.
"That's not going to happen." Lester responded.
"Alright. We do it tomorrow morning. Say we found her dead when we came in." Carlson said.
"We ha… [view original content]
Lester Williams
"Any ideas?" Carlson said as he nervously paced around the hallway.
"No. Not really." Lester said. Carlson sighed as h… moree walked past. "But there is one that might work." Lester said.
"What?" Carlson asked.
"I'm the one who's in charge of taking out the dead." Lester said.
"Yeah?" Carlson pressed.
"We can stick her in a bag and take her out of the city. Just say she died." Lester said. Carlson contemplated it for a moment.
"I don't know. What happens if they check the bag and see she's still breathing? Or what if she dies while we're moving her?" Carlson asked.
"It was just a thought." Lester said.
"And it's the only one we have." Carlson grumbled. "Fine. We go with your plan. It's really our only choice unless we want to leave her here." He went on.
"That's not going to happen." Lester responded.
"Alright. We do it tomorrow morning. Say we found her dead when we came in." Carlson said.
"We ha… [view original content]
Katie's condition worries me. It appears as if she's in some sort of trance, if trance is even the correct term for it. I hope that it is an… more aftereffect of her strange dream and not some sort of brain damage as a result of her fall. Hopefully she'll snap out of it in time to kick some Network ass. By the way, regarding her dream: After suspecting something like this, I just googled what 'The heart of it all' actually is and apparently that is a nickname for Ohio. How fitting that Zero wants her to go there. It seems like she's getting closer to some answers, without actually realizing it. And finally, Zero... I can't wait for her to snap out of her trance, get her hands on something heavy and bash his head in. Denver's betrayal was more personal, but Zero is the man behind it and the one mainly responsible for Katie's current condition, so I deeply hope that she is going to get a chance to kill him. I'm not sure whom she needs to kill more, J… [view original content]
I have already suspected it before googling After Zero explicitly mentioned Ohio, I got this idea and only googled for confirmation. I still have no idea why the creepy dream person wants her there (and why he wants other dreamers, like Santiago or Alex at different locations) and if it's a good or a bad thing, but considering that this is all she's saying at the moment, I am sure it might help in improving her condition if Lester and Carlson obey and bring her there.
"No. We can't afford the risk. We can't move her now." Lester said. "The plan stays the same. We move her tomorrow morning." He continued.
"Alright. I hope you know what you're doing." Carlson said.
"I hope I do to." Lester admitted. "But I think that if this 'Zero' wanted her dead, he'd already killed her. I don't think he knows anything."
"Let's hope you're right." Carlson said.
"It's the only hope we got." Lester said.
Dillon
He looked at the girl offering him the necklace. He shook his head.
"I can't take this from you. Please just keep it." Dillon said. Maya didn't understand and continued to stand there. Dillon grabbed the necklace in his hand and slowly lowered it over her head. "Keep it." He said. Miguel stepped forward and grabbed Maya's shoulder. He spoke something to her and she finally understood. She said something to Miguel and he faced Dillon.
"She said she wanted to thank you. You are a kind person." Miguel said. Dillon shook his head.
"Tell to hold that 'thank-you's '. We need to get back to the capital first. Ask the others if they're coming to." Dillon told him. He nodded and walked over to the remaining three of the rescued prisoners.
"This language barrier thing really sucks." Dillon said to Cruz, who laughed.
"You learn to deal with it after a while." He said.
"None of them want to come. They are going to return to their home villages." Miguel informed them.
"That's fine. We need to get moving now." Cruz said. "If we hurry we can make it before sunset and not have to sleep outside."
"I've had enough of that for one lifetime." Miguel said.
"All we've got is two horses. So it might get a little uncomfortable." Dillon said.
"Nonsense. Those asshats that kidnapped us and took us here had a car." Miguel said.
"I thought cars were banned in Mexico." Dillon said.
"They are. But not for government officials." Miguel said.
Lester Williams
"No. We can't afford the risk. We can't move her now." Lester said. "The plan stays the same. We move her tomorrow mornin… moreg." He continued.
"Alright. I hope you know what you're doing." Carlson said.
"I hope I do to." Lester admitted. "But I think that if this 'Zero' wanted her dead, he'd already killed her. I don't think he knows anything."
"Let's hope you're right." Carlson said.
"It's the only hope we got." Lester said.
Dillon
He looked at the girl offering him the necklace. He shook his head.
"I can't take this from you. Please just keep it." Dillon said. Maya didn't understand and continued to stand there. Dillon grabbed the necklace in his hand and slowly lowered it over her head. "Keep it." He said. Miguel stepped forward and grabbed Maya's shoulder. He spoke something to her and she finally understood. She said something to Miguel and he faced Dillon.
"She said she wanted to thank you. You a… [view original content]
I really hope Lester knows what he is doing. At least Zero shouldn't be a danger, considering that he wants Katie to escape, but there's always Jack or any other Network asshat who might be a danger to her.
[Take the car]
A car is at least a dozen times faster than a horse, so I think it might be better.
Lester Williams
"No. We can't afford the risk. We can't move her now." Lester said. "The plan stays the same. We move her tomorrow mornin… moreg." He continued.
"Alright. I hope you know what you're doing." Carlson said.
"I hope I do to." Lester admitted. "But I think that if this 'Zero' wanted her dead, he'd already killed her. I don't think he knows anything."
"Let's hope you're right." Carlson said.
"It's the only hope we got." Lester said.
Dillon
He looked at the girl offering him the necklace. He shook his head.
"I can't take this from you. Please just keep it." Dillon said. Maya didn't understand and continued to stand there. Dillon grabbed the necklace in his hand and slowly lowered it over her head. "Keep it." He said. Miguel stepped forward and grabbed Maya's shoulder. He spoke something to her and she finally understood. She said something to Miguel and he faced Dillon.
"She said she wanted to thank you. You a… [view original content]
Lester Williams
"No. We can't afford the risk. We can't move her now." Lester said. "The plan stays the same. We move her tomorrow mornin… moreg." He continued.
"Alright. I hope you know what you're doing." Carlson said.
"I hope I do to." Lester admitted. "But I think that if this 'Zero' wanted her dead, he'd already killed her. I don't think he knows anything."
"Let's hope you're right." Carlson said.
"It's the only hope we got." Lester said.
Dillon
He looked at the girl offering him the necklace. He shook his head.
"I can't take this from you. Please just keep it." Dillon said. Maya didn't understand and continued to stand there. Dillon grabbed the necklace in his hand and slowly lowered it over her head. "Keep it." He said. Miguel stepped forward and grabbed Maya's shoulder. He spoke something to her and she finally understood. She said something to Miguel and he faced Dillon.
"She said she wanted to thank you. You a… [view original content]
Lester Williams
"No. We can't afford the risk. We can't move her now." Lester said. "The plan stays the same. We move her tomorrow mornin… moreg." He continued.
"Alright. I hope you know what you're doing." Carlson said.
"I hope I do to." Lester admitted. "But I think that if this 'Zero' wanted her dead, he'd already killed her. I don't think he knows anything."
"Let's hope you're right." Carlson said.
"It's the only hope we got." Lester said.
Dillon
He looked at the girl offering him the necklace. He shook his head.
"I can't take this from you. Please just keep it." Dillon said. Maya didn't understand and continued to stand there. Dillon grabbed the necklace in his hand and slowly lowered it over her head. "Keep it." He said. Miguel stepped forward and grabbed Maya's shoulder. He spoke something to her and she finally understood. She said something to Miguel and he faced Dillon.
"She said she wanted to thank you. You a… [view original content]
"I'm going to be honest." He began. "It's bad. She's bleeding to death as we speak." Her face dropped.
"She's going to die?" She said in a low tone.
"If we can't get the medical supplies we need." Adam said.
"What do you need?" She asked.
"Everything from antibiotics to gauze pads to IV's and needles. We're out of everything. When we set up here we weren't expecting it to turn this bad." Adam said.
"Where can we get this kind of stuff?" Ann asked. Adam shook his head.
"Alcatraz." A voice butted in. Adam turned to see the young girl, Riley standing nearby.
"How much of that did you hear?" Ann asked her.
"Enough." Riley responded. "Alcatraz will have what you need. I'm sure of it. They had a huge medical stockpile there before this all happened."
"I doubt it. Any prisoner in there would've ransacked the place as soon as they got out." Ann said.
"No, the prisoners wouldn't have made it out. The building probably went into lock-down and more than likely, 90 percent of the prisoners are still trapped in their cells." Riley said.
"How do you know all of this?" Adam asked.
"Ann told me." Riley said. Adam looked over to Ann and she shook her head.
"I never said anything about Alcatraz in my life." Ann said.
"No." Riley said. "Ann Riley. She's one of the civilians that lives here. Her father worked at Alcatraz after it was rebuilt, and now he works here." Riley said.
"Ann Riley." Adam said to himself. The name reminded him of his task at hand. "Sam Riley!" He exclaimed. "I can go get him. He worked at Alcatraz, he'll know the way. If we can get over there and get what we need we might be able to save her and a shit ton of other people." Adam said.
"Really?" Ann asked.
"Yes. I just need to find him." Adam said.
"What do I do?" Riley asked.
"You're still injured. I don't want to put you at risk. You stay here." Adam said.
"But I can help." Riley said.
"No. Riley, he's right." Ann said. "You've done more than your part already. Just sit tight for now." She said.
"Fine." She grumbled.
"I'll go find Sam and be back soon. Ann, get your gear and get ready to move." Adam said.
"You got it." Ann said. Adam turned and began to walk out of the hospital. He turned and headed directly towards the prison. As he walked he noticed the interrogator from earlier begin dragged by some soldiers. Blood was covering his hands and he had a large gash in his head. Adam ran up to them.
"What the hell happened?" He asked.
"The prisoner escaped. She attacked him and killed a guard. We have patrols out looking for her, she won't get far sir." One solider said.
"She killed a guard?" Adam said.
"Yes sir. Sam Riley." The other one said. "Damn good man."
"His kids... Damn." The first one began. "I don't know how they're going to take this."
"I don't know how we're going to take this." The other said. "Soon enough, we'll be fighting over the last scraps of food we have. Then what? I'll tell you, it's not going to be the Network that takes us, it's going to be the desert."
"Do you have any idea where his kids would be?" Adam asked.
"His son just left with a patrol. They won't be back for about a day. His daughter, last time I saw her, was down that way hanging around behind one of the tents." The solider said.
"Thank you gentlemen." Adam said as he walked off towards where Ann Riley had last been seen. He wound his way through the maze of tents until he found a young girl, who was pretty tall for her age, leaning against a tent. She had redish hair and blue eyes. She spotted Adam and stood up.
"Ann Riley?" He asked.
"That would be me." She said. "What do you need?" She asked.
Choice
[We need your help]
[About your father...]
Lester Williams
He couldn’t stand it anymore. Now was the time to act. He stood up and put on his coat, tying on his boot and he went out the door. He didn’t bother to look back, nothing here was worth missing. As he closed the door and turned around he nearly jumped when he saw a man standing at the bottom of the steps leading up to the house.
“I see we both had the same idea.” Carlson’s voice said.
“Heaven’s sake, you nearly gave me a heart attack.” Lester said.
“That’s something we don’t need.” Carlson said. “Now let’s get moving.”
……….
“Careful.” Lester said. “Watch her head now.” He said as they placed her into the wooden box. It wasn’t the best, but it’s what they do here for coffins.
“Grab her coat. It’s cold out.” Lester said. Carlson grabbed the jacket from the coat rack and draped it over her like a blanket.
“Okay. Now get the lid.” Carlson said. The two men lifted the large wooden panel and lowered it, covering the gravely injured Katie. It was sad to see her like this, all broken and battered. At least they’d cleaned the blood off of her. She’d looked so much worse when Lester had found her, Lester had actually though she was dead until he saw her chest move. But now, it was just sad to see someone so strong look so weak and pathetic. She’d actually been very lucky. During the fall, her leg had gotten tangled in some tree roots which slowed her fall, but broke her leg. She broke her left forearm and fractured her skull, broke something like five ribs. Lester grabbed a Hammer and some nails and worked on hammering the lid onto the coffin, Carlson doing the same on the other side.
“Okay.” Lester said once they were done. “Let’s move her to the wagon.” The two men lifted her up, luckily she wasn’t very heavy. The tow carried her out of the room and as they walked they saw a nurse who stepped to the side of the hallway and mumbled as they walked past.
“Another one? That’s the third already this week.” The nurse said. The two continued to walk until they were outside, where they put her on the wagon. Lester made sure it was strapped in securely and placed a blanket over it. He then got up on it and was joined by Carlson. He picked up the reigns and gave them a flick, and they were moving towards the gate. No one even thought odd of event, since it was normal nowadays. But as they came up to the gate they were stopped. Lester held his breath as a guard walked up to him.
“Another one dead, Lester?” He asked.
“Yeah. She just couldn’t pull through.” Lester said.
“Such a shame. Every life matters, you know. More so nowadays.” The guard said.
“I know what you’re saying.” Lester said. “So, you want to open the gates?” He asked.
“Yeah. Just got to search the dead first to make sure no living re trying to sneak out. You know we caught someone trying to sneak out in a coffin a few days ago?” He said. Lester nearly threw up.
“Alright.” Lester said. The guard nodded as he grabbed a crowbar and headed towards the back. Lester shot w worried glance to Carlson who shared the same look. The could heard the creaking of wood as the guard pried his way into the coffin.
“What are you doing?” A voice called. The creaking of wood stopped.
“Checking the coffin. Like Jack told us to.” The guard said.
“Have some respect for the dead. Send them through.” The voice said. Lester turned his head and saw the infamous ‘Zero’ standing nearby talking with the guard.
“But sir.” The guard said.
“Don’t ‘but sir’ me. Send them through before I have to do it myself.” Zero demanded. The guard nodded his head.
“Of course sir.” The guard said as he walked towards the gate and made a motion with his hands. Lester saw Zero glaring at him as the gates flew open. “Go on ahead.” The guard said as Lester urged the wagon forward once again. They’d done it, they’d gotten her out of the city. But they weren’t safe yet. She was still hurt.
“Where do we go?” Lester asked once they were out of earshot of the guards.
“Two places come to mind.” Carlson said.
“I’d love to hear it.” Lester said.
“We could try and make it to make it to the Federal outpost in Hampton, but that over a hundred miles and in this cold I’m afraid she might not make it.” Carlson said.
“Our other option?” Lester asked.
“We go back to where you found her. The Resistance love her and will do all they can to keep her alive. And it isn’t that far is it?” Carlson asked.
It's better not to confront her about her father, not as long as they need her help, I guess. Time is essential, considering how bad it looks for Carmen and they definitely don't have the time to allow Ann to mourn for her father, not until they have the medicine they need. On a more positive note, I find it hilarious that Ann and Riley are talking about a completely different girl who is named Ann Riley. Now that's a coincidence XD
[Go to the Resistance camp]
Katie really got lucky during her fall. That also explains why Denver easily died from the same height, since he had nothing to slow down his fall, while she at least had these tree roots. While her condition is better than I thought, she's still grievously wounded. Especially the fractured skull can be a problem if something happens during the journey and considering that Carlson doubts that she even makes it to Hampton, the resistance camp could be a good first stop on their journey. The one who knows that the Resistance is located at that location is Zero and he has plans for Katie after all, so I'm not too afraid about the Network. Denver is gone after all and the rest of the resistance should be eager to help. The coat with Zero's message is with her too, so it should only be a matter of time until Lester and Carlson realize who helped them escape and what kind of price he wants for it. I guess that's going to be a huge shock for them. By the way, I just realized that Katie is probably pretty sure that Carlson is dead after Mount Vernon fell, so I wonder what happens if she wakes up and he's around.
Corporal Adam Johnson
He looked at Ann and shook his head.
"I'm going to be honest." He began. "It's bad. She's bleeding to death as w… moree speak." Her face dropped.
"She's going to die?" She said in a low tone.
"If we can't get the medical supplies we need." Adam said.
"What do you need?" She asked.
"Everything from antibiotics to gauze pads to IV's and needles. We're out of everything. When we set up here we weren't expecting it to turn this bad." Adam said.
"Where can we get this kind of stuff?" Ann asked. Adam shook his head.
"Alcatraz." A voice butted in. Adam turned to see the young girl, Riley standing nearby.
"How much of that did you hear?" Ann asked her.
"Enough." Riley responded. "Alcatraz will have what you need. I'm sure of it. They had a huge medical stockpile there before this all happened."
"I doubt it. Any prisoner in there would've ransacked the place as soon as they got out." Ann said.
"No, t… [view original content]
On a more positive note, I find it hilarious that Ann and Riley are talking about a completely different girl who is named Ann Riley. Now that's a coincidence XD
I know right? I was going trough my submitted characters and found her. It was a good character, and I really like her. Just that name thing is going to get confusing.
By the way, I just realized that Katie is probably pretty sure that Carlson is dead after Mount Vernon fell, so I wonder what happens if she wakes up and he's around.
Who knows. I'm sure it will be happy, but I've been known to be wrong. Also, sorry for not really replying to most of your comments, I'm just really trying not to spoil anything about the story. I hope you understand.
[We need your help]
It's better not to confront her about her father, not as long as they need her help, I guess. Time is essential, cons… moreidering how bad it looks for Carmen and they definitely don't have the time to allow Ann to mourn for her father, not until they have the medicine they need. On a more positive note, I find it hilarious that Ann and Riley are talking about a completely different girl who is named Ann Riley. Now that's a coincidence XD
[Go to the Resistance camp]
Katie really got lucky during her fall. That also explains why Denver easily died from the same height, since he had nothing to slow down his fall, while she at least had these tree roots. While her condition is better than I thought, she's still grievously wounded. Especially the fractured skull can be a problem if something happens during the journey and considering that Carlson doubts that she even makes it to Hampton, the resistance camp could be a good … [view original content]
I know right? I was going trough my submitted characters and found her. It was a good character, and I really like her. Just that name thing is going to get confusing.
Just imagine the confusion if she ever talks to Ann or Riley, or both. Man, that has to happen
Who knows. I'm sure it will be happy, but I've been known to be wrong.
Considering how Katie acted towards Zero the last time she was awake, I would actually be surprised if it would be a happy reunion. Something was really off with her and I am not sure if she's back to normal once she wakes up on her own.
Also, sorry for not really replying to most of your comments, I'm just really trying not to spoil anything about the story. I hope you understand.
That's totally fine. I keep it the same way after all, but I just love to speculate on these parts. If you're afraid of spoiling anything, it's probably for the best not to reply at all.
On a more positive note, I find it hilarious that Ann and Riley are talking about a completely different girl who is named Ann Riley. Now th… moreat's a coincidence XD
I know right? I was going trough my submitted characters and found her. It was a good character, and I really like her. Just that name thing is going to get confusing.
By the way, I just realized that Katie is probably pretty sure that Carlson is dead after Mount Vernon fell, so I wonder what happens if she wakes up and he's around.
Who knows. I'm sure it will be happy, but I've been known to be wrong. Also, sorry for not really replying to most of your comments, I'm just really trying not to spoil anything about the story. I hope you understand.
Better not to take any risks with Katie. In the end, they need to get her to Ohio and perhaps the resistance can help. The last thing I want is her dying during the journey.
Corporal Adam Johnson
He looked at Ann and shook his head.
"I'm going to be honest." He began. "It's bad. She's bleeding to death as w… moree speak." Her face dropped.
"She's going to die?" She said in a low tone.
"If we can't get the medical supplies we need." Adam said.
"What do you need?" She asked.
"Everything from antibiotics to gauze pads to IV's and needles. We're out of everything. When we set up here we weren't expecting it to turn this bad." Adam said.
"Where can we get this kind of stuff?" Ann asked. Adam shook his head.
"Alcatraz." A voice butted in. Adam turned to see the young girl, Riley standing nearby.
"How much of that did you hear?" Ann asked her.
"Enough." Riley responded. "Alcatraz will have what you need. I'm sure of it. They had a huge medical stockpile there before this all happened."
"I doubt it. Any prisoner in there would've ransacked the place as soon as they got out." Ann said.
"No, t… [view original content]
Corporal Adam Johnson
He looked at Ann and shook his head.
"I'm going to be honest." He began. "It's bad. She's bleeding to death as w… moree speak." Her face dropped.
"She's going to die?" She said in a low tone.
"If we can't get the medical supplies we need." Adam said.
"What do you need?" She asked.
"Everything from antibiotics to gauze pads to IV's and needles. We're out of everything. When we set up here we weren't expecting it to turn this bad." Adam said.
"Where can we get this kind of stuff?" Ann asked. Adam shook his head.
"Alcatraz." A voice butted in. Adam turned to see the young girl, Riley standing nearby.
"How much of that did you hear?" Ann asked her.
"Enough." Riley responded. "Alcatraz will have what you need. I'm sure of it. They had a huge medical stockpile there before this all happened."
"I doubt it. Any prisoner in there would've ransacked the place as soon as they got out." Ann said.
"No, t… [view original content]
Corporal Adam Johnson
He looked at Ann and shook his head.
"I'm going to be honest." He began. "It's bad. She's bleeding to death as w… moree speak." Her face dropped.
"She's going to die?" She said in a low tone.
"If we can't get the medical supplies we need." Adam said.
"What do you need?" She asked.
"Everything from antibiotics to gauze pads to IV's and needles. We're out of everything. When we set up here we weren't expecting it to turn this bad." Adam said.
"Where can we get this kind of stuff?" Ann asked. Adam shook his head.
"Alcatraz." A voice butted in. Adam turned to see the young girl, Riley standing nearby.
"How much of that did you hear?" Ann asked her.
"Enough." Riley responded. "Alcatraz will have what you need. I'm sure of it. They had a huge medical stockpile there before this all happened."
"I doubt it. Any prisoner in there would've ransacked the place as soon as they got out." Ann said.
"No, t… [view original content]
Adam eyed the young girl. She was pale, even though for the past months they'd been camped out in the desert.
"We need your help on something." Adam said, deciding it was best not to tell her yet of her fathers demise. The girls blue eyes widened and a smirk formed on her lips.
"You, the United States armed forces. Want me, a fifteen year old nerd to help you?" She asked. Adam forced a smile as he crouched down to her level.
"Yes, I am." Adam admitted. "We need your expertise."
"Expertise." She whispered to herself. "What kind of expertise?" She asked, an almost sinister looking smile on her lips.
"Alcatraz." Adam began, as soon as he said that word he saw the young girls eyes light up. "You know the place better than any of us. We want you to get us in there to the med bay." Adam said.
"Med bay? What for?" Ann asked, then she shook her head. "Never mind that. The med bay. That's..." She trailed off as she began using her finger to trace the air as if looking at a map. "That area was closed off for renovation before this happened." She said.
"Okay?" Adam said, unsure of what the importance of the fact was. Ann let out a small huff.
"Meaning, It won't be to hard to get in. The med bay, at least." She said.
"What about where they keep the medical supplies and meds?" Adam asked.
"That's a whole different scenario there. The safe or vault, or whatever you want to call it they keep the meds in is always locked up tight. They have a security code on it. But..." Once again she trailed off, her eyes searched for something in the air as her lips continued moving, though producing no sound.
"But what?" Adam pressed, a skeptical look on his face.
"Nothing. I just don't know the code. My father would, he had all the security code memorized." Ann said. The comment hit Adam like a freight train. "Maybe you should just find him instead. I'm sure he'd be all in to going back to Alcatraz." She said sarcastically. Adam's mind raced for a good excuse.
"Your father, He's not here right now." Adam began. "He left with a patrol and won't be back for some time now. And right now, time is not on our side." He said, he felt almost appalled about lying to this girl like this. But he needed her right now.
"Alright..." She said as she stood up. "I guess I'll go with you guys. Not like I'm doing anything useful around here." She said. Adam nodded.
"Thank you. You may just end up saving someones life today." Adam said.
"Just let me grab some things and I'll meet you by the command center in like, five minutes?" She said.
"That'll work." Adam said. The girl turned and walked off in the other direction and Adam walked off back towards the hospital to get the other Ann. It was strangely silent today, kind of odd for a refugee camp housing about a thousand or so refugees seeking refuge from the Network. It seemed almost surreal, the fact that the Network was back. It'd been months now since the onset of the assault, but it didn't seem real. They'd been defeated multiple years ago. After the capture and execution of their so-called 'leader' they fell apart. Everyone thought they'd given up, disbanded. But it just wasn't the case. He brushed the flap of the tent out of his way as he walked into the hospital. As he walked in,a woman accidentally walked straight into him. It took him a second to realize, but it was Ann.
"Sorry, didn't see you." Adam said. Ann spoke no apology. "We need to go. Now." She said in an authoritative tone.
"What going on?" Adam asked. Ann looked back over her shoulder to where Carmen lay, then to the next cot over. It quickly registered with Adam that it's occupant was Riley. She lay on the cot, gripping her stomach with one hand as she convulsed in pain. Her other hand was being held by Elias, who happened to look up in time to give Adam a worried look. "What happened to her?" Adam asked.
"I don't know." Ann said. "She was fine one second, then she just fell on the floor crying in pain." Adam reached out and grabbed a nearby medic, looking him directly in the eye.
"Her." He said, pointing to Riley. "What happened?" The medic cast a worried glance.
"We're not sure. From what we can tell, it's internal hemorrhaging. But we don't have the equipment here that we need to fix something like this, all we have left is fucking morphine!" The medic said. Adam sent a glance over the medic's shoulder and noticed a nurse jab a needle into Riley's leg. Almost instantly her body relaxed itself and she shrank back into the cot.
"Alcatraz." A voice cutted into the conversation. Adam turned his head and saw the younger Ann was standing nearby. "They have a state-of-the-art operating facility. Anything you could imagine, they have." She said.
"I don't think we can risk moving them, we risk making the injuries worse." The medic said.
"What chance do they have of survival if we bring what you need back here?" Adam asked. The medic looked to the ground and shook his head.
"Not much better. Not any better really." He said.
"Ann, what do you think?" Adam asked.
"Uh, I don't know. Why are you asking me?" The young Ann asked.
"I really don't know either. I-I can't think straight. I don't trust myself to make a decision." The older Ann said.
Just retrieving the medicine might not be enough, as there might be some surgery needed. And at least Riley's situation sounds pretty bad and perhaps they need the operating facility at Alcatraz for her. It also means that they can give them the medicine immediately after retrieving it, instead of having to travel back to the camp first, which saves a lot of time and maybe even their lives. By the way, you found a good solution for the confusing Ann situation
Adam Johnson
Adam eyed the young girl. She was pale, even though for the past months they'd been camped out in the desert.
"We need yo… moreur help on something." Adam said, deciding it was best not to tell her yet of her fathers demise. The girls blue eyes widened and a smirk formed on her lips.
"You, the United States armed forces. Want me, a fifteen year old nerd to help you?" She asked. Adam forced a smile as he crouched down to her level.
"Yes, I am." Adam admitted. "We need your expertise."
"Expertise." She whispered to herself. "What kind of expertise?" She asked, an almost sinister looking smile on her lips.
"Alcatraz." Adam began, as soon as he said that word he saw the young girls eyes light up. "You know the place better than any of us. We want you to get us in there to the med bay." Adam said.
"Med bay? What for?" Ann asked, then she shook her head. "Never mind that. The med bay. That's..." She trailed off as she b… [view original content]
Comments
Damn, I hate that valley. I hope someone drops a nuke on it soon. No, wait, better make it two nukes, to make sure that this place stops existing. And then drop a nuke on the remaining ashes, put the ashes into a spaceship and send it on it's way straight into the sun. And then nuke the sun.
I'm still following this dreams=death theory I made a while ago, but it would probably have a few more death symbolism in it if that would be the case. And the other dreamers are still alive for now, so as long as nothing happens to them, I don't think I can hold this theory for long. Perhaps Katie's dream wasn't connected to the other dreams at all and just some weird dream considering that it goes nowhere, while the other dreams apparently are meant to lure someone to some place. Unless of course, a nameless grave in a damnable nameless valley is exactly the place this dream was supposed to lure her to. Her dream also doffered from the others in that she never saw anything in it, unlike the others, which further makes it more likely that it was just a simple dream. Apropros luring... now that I use this word, I realize that it might have been a horrible idea to send Santiago and his friends on their search to the creepy dream man, because that is probably exactly what he wants. If his dream is indeed passively responsible for Katie's death, then his intentions can't be good.
Still... she will find her answer at the heart of it all was the sentence uttered in the dream and I can't stop speculating on it. What answer? And what heart? And how the hell is she supposed to find out? Since that heart part is similar to Alex' dream, I have hopes that at least Alex will find the answer Katie won't be able to find anymore.
Nah, it wasn't the gory detail that was missing, it was the fact that it was over too soon. In my opinion, death is too good for him. While extensive torture isn't exactly my thing either, he would have deserved it. I mean, good that his people turned against him, but the fact that his death was exactly like Katie's death was the part I disliked. The one thing about Katie's death is that it was not painful. And Denver definitely would have deserved way more painful.
I noticed that you have not commented on any of my speculation, which fuels said speculation even more. I mean, you would tell me if she would be just flat out dead, right? Or am I interpreting too much into this? Please, show her body as soon as possible, if it is possible at all. At least a confirmed fate is better than incertainty.
That escalated quickly.
Of course someone should carefully relocate Katie's grave first, as her corpse is the only thing inside of this valley that does not deserve to get nuked to oblivion. But the rest, especially these Network people at Mount Vernon... well, aside from Lester, he sounds like an okay guy. The rest though... damn, I already regret the times I have been nice to captured Network beasts. That will stop from now on. And I honestly hope there will be an option to nuke that valley.
[Go down and hide in the lot]
[Go down and hide in the lot]
[Go down and hide in the lot]
Thats at least some good news. I wasnt sure anymore if I made him opposed of the Network or neutral towards them but I am very happy about him not being a Network supporter
Dillon
"I'm going down there. That stack of steel beams, I'll hide behind them. The second you see me come out, you better have my ass covered." Dillon said.
"That's probably for the best. I got your back." Cruz said as he put a clip into his rifle and cocked the bolt. Dillon shook his head.
"I still don't understand why you are helping us." Dillon said.
"Think about it gringo, the Network take the US. They already have the north, so they move south. And if the Network come into our land, I'm not sure if I can keep my family safe. That's why I'm doing what I'm doing, No one is safe with the Network around. They are a menace that needs to be stopped." Cruz replied.
"That's as good a reason as any." Dillon said.
"You better get down there. They could be here any minute." Cruz said. Dillon nodded as he walked over to the ladder and climbed down. He walked through the incomplete building and out into the parking lot. He quickly dashed across and dove behind the steel beams that had been stacked there before the place had been abandoned. He unsheathed his sword and held it close to him. Soon enough he heard the sound of footsteps, and rattling chains.
"Deténgase." A gruff voice said. It sounded right in front of him. The footsteps stopped.
"Por lo tanto, se decidió a aparecer." Another voice said. Dillon peeked around the corner up to the balcony where Cruz was. Cruz spotted Dillon and held up four fingers. Dillon placed a hand on the beam next to him, readying to jump up and attack.
"Que fue ese ruido?" The first voice asked. He could hear the footsteps getting closer to him. Dillon's heart began racing as he suddenly pushed himself upward, coming face to face with an older looking Mexican man. His eyes widened as his jaw dropped.
"Americano?" He asked, sounding surprised. Dillon shoved his sword forwards, straight through the man's gut. He fell to the ground in pain as Dillon pulled his sword out of him and looked up. Three more armed men, surrounding a group of chained prisoners, were looking at him in shock.
"Dispara !" The man who seemed like the leader yelled after breaking out of his trance. He lifted his gun and took aim at Dillon, only a little to late. Dillon swiftly swung his blade, nearly cutting the man's head off. He spun around to meet the other two. They both had their guns trained on him, although the second looked very scared. The first one had slowly began to apply pressure to the trigger as Dillon dashed to the left, back to the steel beams he heard the bullet ding off the metal. Then he heard a second gunshot, coming from the balcony. Dillon peeked around and saw the man stumbling around holding his neck. The second spotted Dillon and dropped him gun raising his hands in surrender.
"Me doy por vencido!" He exclaimed, moments before another gunshot rung out and he fell to the ground, with a hole in the side of his head. Cruz came running across the parking lot and stopped next to Dillon.
"What the hell was that? He was surrendering!" Dillon yelled.
"They showed no mercy to our people. I will not show mercy to them." Cruz said. "Come on and look for a key so we can get these prisoners free." Dillon nodded and began checking the nearest body for a key. After his search turned up nothing Dillon went over to the one who had seemed to be the leader and began searching him.
"Oh shit." Cruz mumbled.
"What is it?" Dillon asked.
"These guys, the ones who were taking the trade. They are cartel. The fucking drug cartel are working with the Network." Cruz said.
"That's bad isn't it?" Dillon asked.
"Very. Right now, the Mexican cartel is a more powerful army then the US Federal army." Cruz said.
"Then we really need to Mexican government on our side." Dillon said. "I found a key." He said as he pulled a small key out of the man's shirt pocket.
"Good, give it here." Cruz said as he walked over to Dillon. Dillon gave him the key and he walked over to the prisoners, and unchained them.
"Who are you?" Dillon asked a young woman, who gave him a blank stare.
"They don't speak English gringo." Cruz informed him.
"Actually.." A man said. "I do." He said stepping forward. He was wearing a very battered black suit and tie. "And she is Maya Abana. I am Miguel Castillion." He siad.
"Holy shit. Maya Abana?" Cruz said, looking at the woman.
"Yes. Her father sent her away hoping she would be safer outside the capital. I was sent to protect her, but we see how that went." Miguel said.
"Wait. Who are you people?" Dillon asked.
"Gringo, eh? I am Miguel, the Mexican vice president. This is Maya, daughter of Abel Abana." Miguel said.
"And who is Abel Abana?" Dillon asked.
"The president of Mexico." Miguel said.
"I think you just got the help you were looking for." Cruz said.
"I guess we should head back to the capital then." Miguel said.
"Please, let us escort you.And the others." Cruz said, as he looked at the others. In total there was about five.
"The rest of them were just poor people who got picked up by Network slavers." Miguel informed him.
“Let’s go then.” Dillon said. As he began to turn, he noticed Maya saying something to Miguel, and then she stepped forward to Dillon, holding something in her hands. It was a golden necklace with a cross on it.
“She said she wants you to have this necklace as a thank you. It was her mother’s before she died a few days ago. She says if you don’t want to keep it, it should be worth a lot of money.” Miguel said. Dillon looked to Cruz who quickly looked away and slightly shook his head.
Choice
[Take the gift]
[Let her Keep it]
Lester Williams
Carlson looked at the many wounded that were already in the already cramped clinic. The city of Mount Vernon was built with it, and the bastards that were the Network just took it along with anything else they wanted from the town. Luckily most of the people that were in here weren’t seriously injured, and they weren’t really at a lack of medicine.
“Lester, thank God you’re back.” A woman’s voice called. “I thought Jack was going to kill me. He killed two people while you were gone.” She said.
“I’m back now. It’s fine Rosie.” Lester reassured her.
“Did you get what we needed for Mike?” She asked.
“Well, the Youngstown pharmacy was almost completely ransacked. But I managed to get what was left.” Lester said as he handed her a bag. She opened it and looked at its contents.
“This is great. It’s more than enough. Thank you.” She said. “I heard you found someone outside the gates?” She said. Lester nodded.
“Over there. She’s pretty jacked up. I think she was one of the Network’s spies or something.” Lester said.
“We’ll see what we can do.” Rosie said.
“Lester.” A man’s voice called. Lester looked over and saw a man standing in the hallway. “A word please.” He said.
“Excuse me Rosie.” Lester said as he walked away towards the man.
“Carlson. What is it?” Lester asked. Carlson was one of the few survivors of the town of Mount Vernon before it was seized by the Network.
“In the room. It’s not safe out here in the open.” He said. Lester nodded and stepped inside the examining room, Carlson followed closing and locking the door behind him.
“What is it?” Lester asked.
“You didn’t find her outside the gate did you?” Carlson asked.
“No. I found her while I was on my way back from Youngtown.” Lester said. “What is it?” He asked noticing Carlson’s expression.
“You just brought a nightmare into this town.” Carlson said.
“What?” Lester asked.
“You need to get her out of here as soon as possible.” Carlson said.
“Why? I don’t understand.” Lester said.
“That’s Katie Dicanto.” Carlson said. “She isn’t safe here, and now, you aren’t either.” Carlson said.
Excuse me while I try to prevent myself from fainting. I could claim now that I always suspected this, that part of me never believed the huge amount of evidence pointing at her death. Sadly, that would be a lie. You got me good, especially with the last part and that grave. The only thing that continued to make me wonder was your repeated way of not actually and undoubtly confirming her fate in the parts, and even more, the way you managed to talk around her actual fate in the comments, never once stating that she actually died. Still, after the last Denver part I was convinced that she was dead. Needless to say, I had to read the last sentence in this part twice to realize what it meant. And then I had to read it a few dozen times again, as it is undoubtly the best sentence I have read all week.
Of course, Katie's survival opens up several interesting questions. First of all, who, if anyone, lies in that grave out there? If Lester found Katie, why has he left her scarf behind? Who is that Network man who claimed to have buried her (likely nothing more than a trick to get rid of Denver) and what are his plans? He probably suspects her to be still alive at least. Most importantly, how badly is Katie injured? At least for that last question, I have good hopes that she could make a full recovery. Given how she is still alive and stable after a fall that easily killed Denver, at least extensive head, chest, spine or pelvis injuries are unlikely, hopefully. This means she probably had a lot of luck while hitting the ground in the right angle, even though that most likely means that she managed to wound many parts of her body equally in some way. Still, many small wounds are better than one big wound. For now she is unconscious for who knows how long, has without a doubt more than one broken or sprained bone at least and is in the worst place possible. I'm curious how exactly Lester wants to get her out of the camp in her condition, but I have no doubts that he will think of something. Perhaps though, it couldn't hurt to wait until she made a partial recovery at least, as I guess that the medical attention she could get in Mount Vernon will be far better than everything Lester could give her on his own.
Finally, now I am almost sad about Denver's death. It's not even about the lack of pain he had to suffer (even though it was over too soon for him), it just would have had something satisfyingly karmic if Katie would have revealed herself to him before royally kicking his ass and killing him, preferrably with him begging for mercy and forgiveness. I'm also still not entirely sure why he betrayed her in the first place. Was it simple greed, paired with stupidity, was it a lust for power, was it unreasonable hatred towards her or a mixture of these three points? But well, at least there is still Jack to get his ass kicked by Katie. Now all she needs to find out is that he is the bastard who killed her little sister and then get her hands on a blunt object. I'm a bit afraid though what happens if he finds her in this clinic. Would he recognize her as the girl whose sister he killed? Would he recognize her as that rebel fighter who had been a serious pain in his ass for months now? Can't say I'm not curious, but I also can't say I'd be looking forward for such a meeting as long as Katie isn't in the advantage in some way.
And of course there is also a choice in this part, which I almost forgot again.
[Let her Keep it]
I don't think Dillon has any use for a necklace. I doubt it will be worth enough to make a significant difference in their fight against the Network, so it obviously has a far higher worth for Maya, being her mothers necklace and all.
I'm actually very surprised I didn't let it slip. I never had a plan to kill Katie, not yet at least. My goal was only to make the readers think she was dead, and it worked. At least I think so...
And yeah, right now Katie's situation is less than desirable. But, all questions will be answered in future chapters. At least, I will intend on it.
You succeeded with me at least, although it took me until the last Denver part to get fully convinced. Until then, I was torn between being convinced that she is dead and being convinced that you simply try to trick me into believing this. But well, that grave and Denver's death had been very convincing, even if the Network Agent said some stuff that made me wonder if he might knew more about this situation. I think at least janitor was unconvinced though and he even guessed the correct way Katie got saved (or somewhat saved, given the place Lester brought her to)
I actually think her situation got a bit more desirable than before. The Network Camp with medical attention is at least better for her than lying with broken bones at the bottom of a ravine or dead in a nameless grave. She just has to be careful who exactly is going to see her there. I guess at least some of the Network know how she looks and especially this Network Agent who planned the deaths of her and Denver could be able to count two and two together, should he see her in the clinic. Of course, when compaired to her situation in the resistance camp, then yes, her situation is less than desirable now. But it could have easily been much worse, seeing how Denver had much less luck while falling down. I'm looking forward for answers, although my most burning question already got answered in this part.
[Let her Keep it]
WOW
[Let her Keep it]
I have been totally right with my theory about Katies survival? Wow, that is cool
To be honest the last Denver part convinced me that my theory was wrong and I only shared it for interest as I thought it was still a good theory. But I havent thought that I was right all along. It was also an awesome part, its great to see more of Lester. Im looking forward for his and Katies storyline.
Btw, I am thinking about submitting a second character. Is there anything you can especially need for the story?
Yes.You have been extremely right about her survival. Extremely.
If you are going to make another character, I'd prefer then to be in a new area that has not been explored. So possible not Virginia, Texas, or California. Thanks
Okay guys, Badish news and good news. So, I'll just start with the bad news. I have no clue in the universe when I will be able to write more for my stories. That goes for all of them. I just started back to school Tuesday, and because I'm in honors and AP classes, I will have a lot of work to do. But trust me, this is far from over. I think. I'll try to start tonight with a new part depending on how much homework I have. Thanks for your patients.
Good news, there's a new story out! It's a sequel to Heroes: The capives by MasterStone. As he said, this is a fresh start and he is hoping to improve in his writing. I have a great feeling about it, and it would be a great favor if you would check out the link below. Thanks to you my friends.
https://www.telltalegames.com/community/discussion/99156/heroes-godsend-submissions-open
Samu Kuusi- I spelled it right this time.
The room was dark, and it wreaked of disinfectant. Samu moved his hands weakly upward, only to get caught as the chains locked up. Samu sighed as he dropped his hands and lowered his head in defeat.
"Giving up so soon?" A distinctive posh accent sneered as a large metal door creaked open and the lights flickered on. Samu cringed against the light barraged his eyes.
"Fuck you." Samu sneered in return, echoing through the room.
"Yeah, Yeah. Good morning to you to mate." He said in return. Samu looked up, only to see the masked man closing the door back. "By the way, how's the family? Last I heard you ditched your father back in Fort Bliss. Quite the fire show if I do say so."
"If you're going to kill me. Just do it." Samu spat.
"I wish I could. But sadly, You're needed. The damn Fed's somehow got one of our commanders. We're going to trade your ass to get him back before he spills any information. " He said coldly. "Of course we have a few days until then, so I think we should get well acquainted."
"I ain't telling you anything." Samu said.
"I think you will." He said. "First off. What did you do with the flash drive?" He asked.
"What fucking flash drive?" Samu snarled. The masked man sighed.
"So it's going to be that way, huh?" He said, turning towards the door. "Hit it!" He yelled.
"What?" Samu tired to say before a sudden jolt of electricity surged through the metal chair and through his body. "Fuck!" He yelled as he clenched his teeth. Just as he was sure he was about to pass out, the shocking stopped and he fell back into the chair breathing heavily.
"The flash drive. The one hidden in the museum you were camped up in with your little pals. Number six of ten." He said.
"I don't know what your talking about. Even if I did why would I tell you." Samu said. The masked man shook his head.
"Not a quick learner I see." He said turning back to the door. "Once again." He demanded. Samu braced for the shock, but it never came. "What are you waiting for?" He asked. The door burst open and a young girl walked in holding something in her hand.
"I found it. It was hidden in the frame of some Renaissance painting." She said, handing it to the Masked man.
"Good job Azumi. I am proud of you. Mosaiah trained you well." He said as he looked over the flash drive, the number 6/10 was written on the side with sharpie. "Yes.Yes. This is good." He said. "Were there any casualties?" He asked.
"No sir. No one was killed. A few were hurt." She said.
"Uh-huh." He said. "You know. That's not what I heard." He said as he stood up, towering over the girl. "Why did you lie to me?" He asked as the girl backed away in fear.
"I..I... I didn't want you to get mad. I blew MJ's cover. He was spotted and killed." She said.
"Mad? You made it worse by lying." He said. "You know what happens to lies here." He said.
"The pit?" She said in a sullen tone. The masked man let out a short laugh.
"That's why I like you. You were always so bright and optimistic." He said. "But no. We kill liers here." He said.
"No. Please... I'm sorry. I didn't mean it." She squeaked as the man approached her.
"It's to late for sorry's my dear." He said. Samu could see the fear in the young girls eyes. She turned and ran for the door. She grabbed the handle only to find it locked. She spun around placing her back against the door as the masked man approached her. She darted forward to the right of him, only to be tripped. She fell to the ground with a thud as a clattering sound came from her pocket, hitting her head pretty hard. She crawled forward barley managing to stay away from the man. Samu diverted his attention for a moment and saw it. The keys were laying on the floor by his foot. If he could get the key, he could unlock the chains and get out of here while the masked man was occupied with the girl. But what if he got caught? Could he save the girl?
Choice
[Escape, leaving the girl]
[Escape, saving the girl]
[stay]
[Escape, saving the girl]
I'd feel very bad to leave her behind to die at the hands of this psychopath. Hopefully this won't backfire on Samu, but if he manages to escape with her, he may get some answers about this flash drive and about the situation in general out of her.
[Escape, saving the girl] Time to gtfo out of here
[Escape, saving the girl]
Submitted a second character and I hope you like him
[Escape, saving the girl]
Lester Williams
"Any ideas?" Carlson said as he nervously paced around the hallway.
"No. Not really." Lester said. Carlson sighed as he walked past. "But there is one that might work." Lester said.
"What?" Carlson asked.
"I'm the one who's in charge of taking out the dead." Lester said.
"Yeah?" Carlson pressed.
"We can stick her in a bag and take her out of the city. Just say she died." Lester said. Carlson contemplated it for a moment.
"I don't know. What happens if they check the bag and see she's still breathing? Or what if she dies while we're moving her?" Carlson asked.
"It was just a thought." Lester said.
"And it's the only one we have." Carlson grumbled. "Fine. We go with your plan. It's really our only choice unless we want to leave her here." He went on.
"That's not going to happen." Lester responded.
"Alright. We do it tomorrow morning. Say we found her dead when we came in." Carlson said.
"We have to be perfect. Don't give them any reason to suspect us at all." Lester said. Carlson shook his head.
"We need to be more than perfect." He said.
"Gentlemen." A man's voice said, Lester looked over at the man. How long had he been there? What had he heard? "Excuse me." He said. Lester nodded as he stepped to the side of the hallway. The man simply walked off, holding a bouquet of lavish red roses in his hand.
"Who was that?" Lester asked.
"We call him Zero. He's a Network special agent. He's been doing some work in the field trying to get rid of the resistance forces in the area." Carlson responded.
"Do you think he's the one that did this to her?" Lester asked.
"Without a doubt. Although, It wouldn't have been him personally. He uses a targets friends and trusted acquaintances to get rid of them for him." Carlson said.
"Then we really need to get her out of here. Quickly." Lester said.
"We have to bide our time. We can't be to hasty." Carlson said.
"What is 'Zero' even doing here?" Lester asked.
"He has a child. A young girl, She's been hospitalized with some sort of virus. He's probably here for her." Carlson responded.
"A Network agent having family ties? That's not something you see everyday." Lester said.
"Poor girl doesn't even know what her father does when he's gone." He said.
"What if that's not why he's here?" Lester asked.
"Then we're screwed." He said.
"We need to move her." Lester said.
"No not now. We have to wait." He said.
Choice
[Move her now]
[Wait]
'Zero'
"Gentlemen." He said as he approached the two men standing in the hallway. The bigger man of the two looked at him with wide eyes, as if expecting to get yelled at or something. "Excuse me." He said. He saw the man breath a sigh of relief as he stepped to the side. Zero walked past him down the hall towards his destination. Those idiots. They think they got away with it. No, He's heard everything. Their plan to move her. He knew everything. If there was a secret, he would know about it. He stopped at a wooden door and pushed it open stepping inside as he closed it back behind him. He walked through the room and around the hospital bed. He sat down in a chair and selected one rose from the bouquet and placed it in the glass vase on the night stand, as he did every time he came here. He then proceed to put on a medical mask.
"Daddy?" Her voice said. He felt a weak smile at the uttering of these words.
"Yes darling. It's me." He said as he reached forward and touched her forehead. She was burning up. She looked frail, tired and just flat out miserable. He hated to see her like this.
"When is it going to go away?" She asked. The weakness in her voice pulled at his heart.
"Soon honey. Soon. Daddy has an idea on how to make you better. The people I meet with earlier didn't have the medicine, but I know where to find it. You just need to be strong for me, okay? Can you do that?" He asked as he felt a tear form in his eye, but he forced it down.
"Of course daddy." She said.
"I have to go now. I have an important meeting, I'll be back as soon as I can." He said. "I love you sweetie." He finished.
"I love you to daddy." She said. He stood up and walked out of the room, pulling the mask off as he got outside. Something new now replaced his pain. Anger. He started off down the hallway again and turned the corner heading right. He stopped at the reception desk.
"How can I help you Zero?" The woman asked. Zero. What an odd name, He often wondered how they'd come up with it.
"I'm looking for someone. A scout came in here recently. She was pretty badly beaten up." He said.
"Oh, The scout. We still don't have a name for her, she looks like she took a dive off a cliff or something though." The woman said.
"Do you know where she is?" He asked.
"Oh yeah. Sorry. She's in 121, right down this hallway." She said pointing to he right. He nodded and walked off. He spotted it almost instantly. 121. He grabbed the handle and threw it open as he walked in. A lone nurse was inside, she looked up at him as he walked in.
"Could I have a minute please." He said.
"Of course Mr. Zero." The nurse said as she sheepishly walked out. Zero gingerly closed the door behind her, making sure to lock it. There she lay. At first he couldn't believe his eyes. Volpe. The Joan of Arc of the western world. Here, right before him. His target. He placed the remaining roses on the nightstand as he sat down. He felt a pang of guilt as he reached into his suit and pulled out a small metallic case. He flipped it open to reveal a syringe and a small vial of liquid. He sat the case on the table as he pulled out the syringe and vial. He filled the syringe with the proper amount of liquid, or at least what would have to work. He grabbed her forearm and poked the needle into her skin, releasing it's contents. Then he sat back and waited. For a moment, nothing. Then, her eyes fluttered open and she gasped at the air around her. Her eyes were wide and she had a bewildered look on her face.
"Hello miss Dicanto." He said. She looked over at him, still gasping. "I was ordered to kill you, but now I have a better plan. You see, I'm stuck with an impasse here. My little girl, she's sick. She's come down with tuberculosis. And we don't have any medicine for her treatment." He said. "Your friends are going to come take you away. I'm going to let you go. You will go to Ohio, You will go to Dayton. You will find the medicine for her. And if you don't." He said. "I know everything. I know your every move before you make it. I will hunt you down and kill you, and anyone relatively close to you. You're the fox, I'm the hunter." He said. "Do you understand?" He barked. Her expression said she didn't.
"The heart of it all." She said. He made a confused face.
"What?" He asked.
"The heart of it all." She repeated, though her voice was very raspy.
"Okay, crazy bitch. What ever you say." He said. He noticed her eyes rolling back as she began to fall back into the bed. He grabbed her arm and shook her back. "You just made a deal with the devil. And if you don't pay your due, Hell's going to be unleashed on you." He said, then let go. She sank back into the pillow and after a few moment of what looked like painful twitching she went still. Back to normal. He grabbed a piece of paper and his pen and began to write. "Dayton, Ohio. isoniazid,rifampin,ethambutol, or pyrazinamide." Any one of those four would work. Then, in an after though, "Don't fuck up. Your friend, Zero." He added in a mocking gesture. He folded the paper and put it in her jacket witch was hanging on the coat rack. He stood up and began to walk out.
"Farewell, miss Dicanto. Until we meet again." He said as he unlocked the door and walked out.
Katie's condition worries me. It appears as if she's in some sort of trance, if trance is even the correct term for it. I hope that it is an aftereffect of her strange dream and not some sort of brain damage as a result of her fall. Hopefully she'll snap out of it in time to kick some Network ass. By the way, regarding her dream: After suspecting something like this, I just googled what 'The heart of it all' actually is and apparently that is a nickname for Ohio. How fitting that Zero wants her to go there. It seems like she's getting closer to some answers, without actually realizing it. And finally, Zero... I can't wait for her to snap out of her trance, get her hands on something heavy and bash his head in. Denver's betrayal was more personal, but Zero is the man behind it and the one mainly responsible for Katie's current condition, so I deeply hope that she is going to get a chance to kill him. I'm not sure whom she needs to kill more, Jack or Zero. Both have caused her tremendous personal harm, although Jack might arguably be even worse, considering that he killed her sister in cold blood, while Zero failed to kill her and now apparently even offers her a chance to survive. However, I think in the long run he is planning her death even if she manages to help his daughter, so he really needs to die as well.
[Wait]
We know, Zero already knows who she is and he is just waiting for her to escape from there. But moving her now might be more dangerous for her physically, as she is still far from okay. I think Lester and Carlson should give her a few days, so that at least her most grievous wounds are unlikely to kill her during a transportation or to make her condition even worse. I mean, they know nothing about her current condition. In the best case, she is physically as fine as one can be after such a fall. In the worst case, she might be just a wrong move away from getting internal bleeding or from getting paralyzed or from getting permanent brain damage or even from dying, so it's too much of a risk to move her now. Zero needs her and he wants her to escape, so until he absolutely forces her to go, she should be left in the medical care of the Network.
[Move her now]
I am so conflicted about this. On the one hand I am afraid that her wounds get even worse if they move her but on the other hand I think that this is unlikely as long as they are careful. Lester at least knows how to move wounded people so he should know how to treat her carefully. But something is definitely not right with Katie and I have the feeling they have to bring her to Ohio as soon as possible, so that her condition can get better. I just hope she makes a full recovery if they bring her there.
[Wait]
Cheater. XD
I have already suspected it before googling
After Zero explicitly mentioned Ohio, I got this idea and only googled for confirmation. I still have no idea why the creepy dream person wants her there (and why he wants other dreamers, like Santiago or Alex at different locations) and if it's a good or a bad thing, but considering that this is all she's saying at the moment, I am sure it might help in improving her condition if Lester and Carlson obey and bring her there.
Lester Williams
"No. We can't afford the risk. We can't move her now." Lester said. "The plan stays the same. We move her tomorrow morning." He continued.
"Alright. I hope you know what you're doing." Carlson said.
"I hope I do to." Lester admitted. "But I think that if this 'Zero' wanted her dead, he'd already killed her. I don't think he knows anything."
"Let's hope you're right." Carlson said.
"It's the only hope we got." Lester said.
Dillon
He looked at the girl offering him the necklace. He shook his head.
"I can't take this from you. Please just keep it." Dillon said. Maya didn't understand and continued to stand there. Dillon grabbed the necklace in his hand and slowly lowered it over her head. "Keep it." He said. Miguel stepped forward and grabbed Maya's shoulder. He spoke something to her and she finally understood. She said something to Miguel and he faced Dillon.
"She said she wanted to thank you. You are a kind person." Miguel said. Dillon shook his head.
"Tell to hold that 'thank-you's '. We need to get back to the capital first. Ask the others if they're coming to." Dillon told him. He nodded and walked over to the remaining three of the rescued prisoners.
"This language barrier thing really sucks." Dillon said to Cruz, who laughed.
"You learn to deal with it after a while." He said.
"None of them want to come. They are going to return to their home villages." Miguel informed them.
"That's fine. We need to get moving now." Cruz said. "If we hurry we can make it before sunset and not have to sleep outside."
"I've had enough of that for one lifetime." Miguel said.
"All we've got is two horses. So it might get a little uncomfortable." Dillon said.
"Nonsense. Those asshats that kidnapped us and took us here had a car." Miguel said.
"I thought cars were banned in Mexico." Dillon said.
"They are. But not for government officials." Miguel said.
Choice
[Take the car]
[Take the horses]
Yeah, this is a shorter part. Kinda suckish. I rushed it. Sorry.
I really hope Lester knows what he is doing. At least Zero shouldn't be a danger, considering that he wants Katie to escape, but there's always Jack or any other Network asshat who might be a danger to her.
[Take the car]
A car is at least a dozen times faster than a horse, so I think it might be better.
[Take the car]
[Take the car]
Corporal Adam Johnson
He looked at Ann and shook his head.
"I'm going to be honest." He began. "It's bad. She's bleeding to death as we speak." Her face dropped.
"She's going to die?" She said in a low tone.
"If we can't get the medical supplies we need." Adam said.
"What do you need?" She asked.
"Everything from antibiotics to gauze pads to IV's and needles. We're out of everything. When we set up here we weren't expecting it to turn this bad." Adam said.
"Where can we get this kind of stuff?" Ann asked. Adam shook his head.
"Alcatraz." A voice butted in. Adam turned to see the young girl, Riley standing nearby.
"How much of that did you hear?" Ann asked her.
"Enough." Riley responded. "Alcatraz will have what you need. I'm sure of it. They had a huge medical stockpile there before this all happened."
"I doubt it. Any prisoner in there would've ransacked the place as soon as they got out." Ann said.
"No, the prisoners wouldn't have made it out. The building probably went into lock-down and more than likely, 90 percent of the prisoners are still trapped in their cells." Riley said.
"How do you know all of this?" Adam asked.
"Ann told me." Riley said. Adam looked over to Ann and she shook her head.
"I never said anything about Alcatraz in my life." Ann said.
"No." Riley said. "Ann Riley. She's one of the civilians that lives here. Her father worked at Alcatraz after it was rebuilt, and now he works here." Riley said.
"Ann Riley." Adam said to himself. The name reminded him of his task at hand. "Sam Riley!" He exclaimed. "I can go get him. He worked at Alcatraz, he'll know the way. If we can get over there and get what we need we might be able to save her and a shit ton of other people." Adam said.
"Really?" Ann asked.
"Yes. I just need to find him." Adam said.
"What do I do?" Riley asked.
"You're still injured. I don't want to put you at risk. You stay here." Adam said.
"But I can help." Riley said.
"No. Riley, he's right." Ann said. "You've done more than your part already. Just sit tight for now." She said.
"Fine." She grumbled.
"I'll go find Sam and be back soon. Ann, get your gear and get ready to move." Adam said.
"You got it." Ann said. Adam turned and began to walk out of the hospital. He turned and headed directly towards the prison. As he walked he noticed the interrogator from earlier begin dragged by some soldiers. Blood was covering his hands and he had a large gash in his head. Adam ran up to them.
"What the hell happened?" He asked.
"The prisoner escaped. She attacked him and killed a guard. We have patrols out looking for her, she won't get far sir." One solider said.
"She killed a guard?" Adam said.
"Yes sir. Sam Riley." The other one said. "Damn good man."
"His kids... Damn." The first one began. "I don't know how they're going to take this."
"I don't know how we're going to take this." The other said. "Soon enough, we'll be fighting over the last scraps of food we have. Then what? I'll tell you, it's not going to be the Network that takes us, it's going to be the desert."
"Do you have any idea where his kids would be?" Adam asked.
"His son just left with a patrol. They won't be back for about a day. His daughter, last time I saw her, was down that way hanging around behind one of the tents." The solider said.
"Thank you gentlemen." Adam said as he walked off towards where Ann Riley had last been seen. He wound his way through the maze of tents until he found a young girl, who was pretty tall for her age, leaning against a tent. She had redish hair and blue eyes. She spotted Adam and stood up.
"Ann Riley?" He asked.
"That would be me." She said. "What do you need?" She asked.
Choice
[We need your help]
[About your father...]
Lester Williams
He couldn’t stand it anymore. Now was the time to act. He stood up and put on his coat, tying on his boot and he went out the door. He didn’t bother to look back, nothing here was worth missing. As he closed the door and turned around he nearly jumped when he saw a man standing at the bottom of the steps leading up to the house.
“I see we both had the same idea.” Carlson’s voice said.
“Heaven’s sake, you nearly gave me a heart attack.” Lester said.
“That’s something we don’t need.” Carlson said. “Now let’s get moving.”
……….
“Careful.” Lester said. “Watch her head now.” He said as they placed her into the wooden box. It wasn’t the best, but it’s what they do here for coffins.
“Grab her coat. It’s cold out.” Lester said. Carlson grabbed the jacket from the coat rack and draped it over her like a blanket.
“Okay. Now get the lid.” Carlson said. The two men lifted the large wooden panel and lowered it, covering the gravely injured Katie. It was sad to see her like this, all broken and battered. At least they’d cleaned the blood off of her. She’d looked so much worse when Lester had found her, Lester had actually though she was dead until he saw her chest move. But now, it was just sad to see someone so strong look so weak and pathetic. She’d actually been very lucky. During the fall, her leg had gotten tangled in some tree roots which slowed her fall, but broke her leg. She broke her left forearm and fractured her skull, broke something like five ribs. Lester grabbed a Hammer and some nails and worked on hammering the lid onto the coffin, Carlson doing the same on the other side.
“Okay.” Lester said once they were done. “Let’s move her to the wagon.” The two men lifted her up, luckily she wasn’t very heavy. The tow carried her out of the room and as they walked they saw a nurse who stepped to the side of the hallway and mumbled as they walked past.
“Another one? That’s the third already this week.” The nurse said. The two continued to walk until they were outside, where they put her on the wagon. Lester made sure it was strapped in securely and placed a blanket over it. He then got up on it and was joined by Carlson. He picked up the reigns and gave them a flick, and they were moving towards the gate. No one even thought odd of event, since it was normal nowadays. But as they came up to the gate they were stopped. Lester held his breath as a guard walked up to him.
“Another one dead, Lester?” He asked.
“Yeah. She just couldn’t pull through.” Lester said.
“Such a shame. Every life matters, you know. More so nowadays.” The guard said.
“I know what you’re saying.” Lester said. “So, you want to open the gates?” He asked.
“Yeah. Just got to search the dead first to make sure no living re trying to sneak out. You know we caught someone trying to sneak out in a coffin a few days ago?” He said. Lester nearly threw up.
“Alright.” Lester said. The guard nodded as he grabbed a crowbar and headed towards the back. Lester shot w worried glance to Carlson who shared the same look. The could heard the creaking of wood as the guard pried his way into the coffin.
“What are you doing?” A voice called. The creaking of wood stopped.
“Checking the coffin. Like Jack told us to.” The guard said.
“Have some respect for the dead. Send them through.” The voice said. Lester turned his head and saw the infamous ‘Zero’ standing nearby talking with the guard.
“But sir.” The guard said.
“Don’t ‘but sir’ me. Send them through before I have to do it myself.” Zero demanded. The guard nodded his head.
“Of course sir.” The guard said as he walked towards the gate and made a motion with his hands. Lester saw Zero glaring at him as the gates flew open. “Go on ahead.” The guard said as Lester urged the wagon forward once again. They’d done it, they’d gotten her out of the city. But they weren’t safe yet. She was still hurt.
“Where do we go?” Lester asked once they were out of earshot of the guards.
“Two places come to mind.” Carlson said.
“I’d love to hear it.” Lester said.
“We could try and make it to make it to the Federal outpost in Hampton, but that over a hundred miles and in this cold I’m afraid she might not make it.” Carlson said.
“Our other option?” Lester asked.
“We go back to where you found her. The Resistance love her and will do all they can to keep her alive. And it isn’t that far is it?” Carlson asked.
“Maybe twenty miles or so.” Lester said.
“Exactly. So what do you think?” Carlson asked.
[Try to get to Hampton]
[Go to the Resistance camp]
[We need your help]
It's better not to confront her about her father, not as long as they need her help, I guess. Time is essential, considering how bad it looks for Carmen and they definitely don't have the time to allow Ann to mourn for her father, not until they have the medicine they need. On a more positive note, I find it hilarious that Ann and Riley are talking about a completely different girl who is named Ann Riley. Now that's a coincidence XD
[Go to the Resistance camp]
Katie really got lucky during her fall. That also explains why Denver easily died from the same height, since he had nothing to slow down his fall, while she at least had these tree roots. While her condition is better than I thought, she's still grievously wounded. Especially the fractured skull can be a problem if something happens during the journey and considering that Carlson doubts that she even makes it to Hampton, the resistance camp could be a good first stop on their journey. The one who knows that the Resistance is located at that location is Zero and he has plans for Katie after all, so I'm not too afraid about the Network. Denver is gone after all and the rest of the resistance should be eager to help. The coat with Zero's message is with her too, so it should only be a matter of time until Lester and Carlson realize who helped them escape and what kind of price he wants for it. I guess that's going to be a huge shock for them. By the way, I just realized that Katie is probably pretty sure that Carlson is dead after Mount Vernon fell, so I wonder what happens if she wakes up and he's around.
I know right? I was going trough my submitted characters and found her. It was a good character, and I really like her. Just that name thing is going to get confusing.
Who knows. I'm sure it will be happy, but I've been known to be wrong. Also, sorry for not really replying to most of your comments, I'm just really trying not to spoil anything about the story. I hope you understand.
Just imagine the confusion if she ever talks to Ann or Riley, or both. Man, that has to happen
Considering how Katie acted towards Zero the last time she was awake, I would actually be surprised if it would be a happy reunion. Something was really off with her and I am not sure if she's back to normal once she wakes up on her own.
That's totally fine. I keep it the same way after all, but I just love to speculate on these parts. If you're afraid of spoiling anything, it's probably for the best not to reply at all.
[We need your help]
[Go to the Resistance camp]
Better not to take any risks with Katie. In the end, they need to get her to Ohio and perhaps the resistance can help. The last thing I want is her dying during the journey.
[We need your help] Best to just get straight to it here.
[Go to the Resistance camp] Sorry about my absence, I got unfollowed again.
[About your father...]
[Go to the Resistance camp]
Adam Johnson
Adam eyed the young girl. She was pale, even though for the past months they'd been camped out in the desert.
"We need your help on something." Adam said, deciding it was best not to tell her yet of her fathers demise. The girls blue eyes widened and a smirk formed on her lips.
"You, the United States armed forces. Want me, a fifteen year old nerd to help you?" She asked. Adam forced a smile as he crouched down to her level.
"Yes, I am." Adam admitted. "We need your expertise."
"Expertise." She whispered to herself. "What kind of expertise?" She asked, an almost sinister looking smile on her lips.
"Alcatraz." Adam began, as soon as he said that word he saw the young girls eyes light up. "You know the place better than any of us. We want you to get us in there to the med bay." Adam said.
"Med bay? What for?" Ann asked, then she shook her head. "Never mind that. The med bay. That's..." She trailed off as she began using her finger to trace the air as if looking at a map. "That area was closed off for renovation before this happened." She said.
"Okay?" Adam said, unsure of what the importance of the fact was. Ann let out a small huff.
"Meaning, It won't be to hard to get in. The med bay, at least." She said.
"What about where they keep the medical supplies and meds?" Adam asked.
"That's a whole different scenario there. The safe or vault, or whatever you want to call it they keep the meds in is always locked up tight. They have a security code on it. But..." Once again she trailed off, her eyes searched for something in the air as her lips continued moving, though producing no sound.
"But what?" Adam pressed, a skeptical look on his face.
"Nothing. I just don't know the code. My father would, he had all the security code memorized." Ann said. The comment hit Adam like a freight train. "Maybe you should just find him instead. I'm sure he'd be all in to going back to Alcatraz." She said sarcastically. Adam's mind raced for a good excuse.
"Your father, He's not here right now." Adam began. "He left with a patrol and won't be back for some time now. And right now, time is not on our side." He said, he felt almost appalled about lying to this girl like this. But he needed her right now.
"Alright..." She said as she stood up. "I guess I'll go with you guys. Not like I'm doing anything useful around here." She said. Adam nodded.
"Thank you. You may just end up saving someones life today." Adam said.
"Just let me grab some things and I'll meet you by the command center in like, five minutes?" She said.
"That'll work." Adam said. The girl turned and walked off in the other direction and Adam walked off back towards the hospital to get the other Ann. It was strangely silent today, kind of odd for a refugee camp housing about a thousand or so refugees seeking refuge from the Network. It seemed almost surreal, the fact that the Network was back. It'd been months now since the onset of the assault, but it didn't seem real. They'd been defeated multiple years ago. After the capture and execution of their so-called 'leader' they fell apart. Everyone thought they'd given up, disbanded. But it just wasn't the case. He brushed the flap of the tent out of his way as he walked into the hospital. As he walked in,a woman accidentally walked straight into him. It took him a second to realize, but it was Ann.
"Sorry, didn't see you." Adam said. Ann spoke no apology. "We need to go. Now." She said in an authoritative tone.
"What going on?" Adam asked. Ann looked back over her shoulder to where Carmen lay, then to the next cot over. It quickly registered with Adam that it's occupant was Riley. She lay on the cot, gripping her stomach with one hand as she convulsed in pain. Her other hand was being held by Elias, who happened to look up in time to give Adam a worried look. "What happened to her?" Adam asked.
"I don't know." Ann said. "She was fine one second, then she just fell on the floor crying in pain." Adam reached out and grabbed a nearby medic, looking him directly in the eye.
"Her." He said, pointing to Riley. "What happened?" The medic cast a worried glance.
"We're not sure. From what we can tell, it's internal hemorrhaging. But we don't have the equipment here that we need to fix something like this, all we have left is fucking morphine!" The medic said. Adam sent a glance over the medic's shoulder and noticed a nurse jab a needle into Riley's leg. Almost instantly her body relaxed itself and she shrank back into the cot.
"Alcatraz." A voice cutted into the conversation. Adam turned his head and saw the younger Ann was standing nearby. "They have a state-of-the-art operating facility. Anything you could imagine, they have." She said.
"I don't think we can risk moving them, we risk making the injuries worse." The medic said.
"What chance do they have of survival if we bring what you need back here?" Adam asked. The medic looked to the ground and shook his head.
"Not much better. Not any better really." He said.
"Ann, what do you think?" Adam asked.
"Uh, I don't know. Why are you asking me?" The young Ann asked.
"I really don't know either. I-I can't think straight. I don't trust myself to make a decision." The older Ann said.
Choice
[Bring Riley and Carmen to Alcatraz]
[Leave them and go, bringing back the medicine]
[Bring Riley and Carmen to Alcatraz]
Just retrieving the medicine might not be enough, as there might be some surgery needed. And at least Riley's situation sounds pretty bad and perhaps they need the operating facility at Alcatraz for her. It also means that they can give them the medicine immediately after retrieving it, instead of having to travel back to the camp first, which saves a lot of time and maybe even their lives. By the way, you found a good solution for the confusing Ann situation