ICC- Zombie Apocalypse- At the Truck Stop

Status
Not open for further replies.
OCC- No more delay- back to the carnage.
Bad news for a couple of players- Gonzalez? Albatross- please post up.

On the Road North-

Felice tries to shoot the flying creature but the shot misses, breaking a window in a terrible crahs.. Despite the sudden gust of wind the creature manages to remain in the Porsche, although for a moment Felice doesn’t see it.

Perhaps the creature has been unable to stay in the car, the sudden draft having caught it and carried it away. Perhaps it is behind her somewhere with the swarm of creatures that has wiped out the family behind her. She can go North, of course… get away… escape….

Then she feels a sting... a painful sting to the back of her neck. She feels something liquid injected into her body.... She thinks of the man she saw collapse even as she feels a hot sensation course through her neck, the sudden numbness..... She feels her fingers go number and car bumps and slides on the dirt surface before tumbling off the road into the fields. She feels the hard bump as German sports car goes off the road, feels the car begin to curve and slow… even as she loses sensation in her nerves, even as things begin to go dark, as she feels her veins become fiery, her heart becomes labored…… she closes her eyes as the darkness overtakes her.

OCC- Sorry Zoe, surely an Italian beauty like Monica Bellucci is to much in a dark world such as this…. Felice = deceased.

Michael has seen Felice pull away and knows the swarm is currently attacking more readily available prey. He has little time to escape….

On the Highway-

OCC- 5 days have come and gone… so….

Tisha is screaming, yet Willie can feel the van make progress. He can hear them slamming the door, trying to get in. How long until one of them manages to open the rear door? Why haven’t they been able to do it so far.

Thomas has lost his mind is screaming at the creatures in front of him. He is screaming his head off in terror at the creatures before the van, even as Tisha keeps moving the van forward, running them down under the van’s wheels. He doesn’t see one of the creatures climbs up on the side of the van, reaches its arms through the window and grabs him by the head.

Only as the creatures burn hands are around his head, through his hair, a bloody finger digging into an eye socket does Thomas become aware and by then it’s too late.

He is pulled from the chair, but somehow the seatbelt continues to hold on to him, pulling him back. Yet the creature will not let go.

Those in the van hear the crack as Thomas’ neck breaks, and then the tear as the head is pulled off the shoulders. A jet of blood shoots like a fountain from his torn arteries as the body begins to shake and convulse.

OCC- Gonzales, roll sanity again from Willie.

Yet this seems enough for Tisha to hit the gas and the van suddenly breaks free with a sudden jerk, crashing thought the bodies of the living dead, and back on the highway going west, back towards the T-Bone carrying the surviving news crew and one headless corpse.

Outside the T-Bone-

Luke watches as the van returns from what looks like a mob. He sees most of the creatures continue to follow the van, a few of them running after it with remarkable speed. It seemed one of the mob pulled something from the passenger window and he can see that the front window of the van has been shattered in places. The vehicle moves irratically and there are fresh dents and what looks like blood on the sides of the van….

And the mob seems to be following it.

In the Hotel-

Major Andrews on the line says, “We’ll see what we can do. It is absolutely essential that you maintain that position as a secured location. The Co has been very explicit about that. You are to maintain that position at all costs and avoid infection as long as possible.”

The Crisis Response Center in Omaha- “We cannot dispatch a helicopter at this time. Frankly we don’t have one we think can reach to you.. You must hurry.. Our position is very vulnerable at the moment and our perimeter is under attack…. Internet lines are down or I’d say send the data from the hard drive. I doubt DOD can help as all their bases on high alert.”

Internationally- it appears the middle east has begun to go nuclear. Many of the major cities have been vaporized. Israel no longer exits. Neither does Cairo, Beirut or Baghdad. The Soviet Union has put to sea.

Missile launch detected from unknown submarine from the Artic Circle…
Then another from the South Pacific.
Then another from the Sea of Japan.

Mr. Foo is listening to these reports as he continues to make repairs, but it is difficult to do both things at once, and time consuming.

Mrs. Foo and Ellen have gathered the few remaining individuals, found what food remains (mostly breakfast food- “Free Continental Breakfast at Motel 9 = coffee, juice and muffins) and food for the candy and soda machines. There is also some hard liquor, but not much.

Most of the people seem impatient and unsure what to do.

Ellen keeps looking over to the T-Bone. “Maybe we should go over there, or they should come over here? Strength in numbers….”


In the diner-

Flip remembers that Horst kept his pistol in his car, a large SUV parked outside and in one of the bags. This way he wouldn’t be caught with a concealed weapon if he was pulled over by a cop.

He listens as the nurse and the pretty waitress seem to calm the doctor or treat her wound, but the nurse can administer first aid nor calm her. The pretty blond seems also to have little success. Rather the doctor seems withdrawn and fearful, trying to hide under a table, dragging the badly damaged arm behind her.

Charlie and David move Horst’s body into one of the freezers. The atmosphere in the diner is getting tense. People want to do something. Some are thinking of leaving and trying to get to the next town to find help others are worried that more of those “things” might be out there.

In the garage-

Dave saw Wallace run out of the truck with a pistol in hand, then he sees Mitchell and some other kid come running in and go inside.

Boss Earl is there, and says, “Now what the hell do you think you’re doing boys?” He blocks their exit.

OCC- 1 rifle and two characters, who gets the gun?

In the Junkyard.

Wallace suddenly realizes that the large number of junked cards could easily hide the movement of some predator animal or a criminal…. Something could easily sneak up behind him.

He hears a shuffling and a moan…. But in his hurry he’s unsure of what direction the sound came from. He can feel his skin get prickly... .something is definitely not right....

In the parking lot-

There is no word from Joe Barring… Perhaps he’s still fixing his car? Why doesn't he answer the radio?

Baldwin nods. “The rig should be able to pull across. But we need to put the fuel on the rig if we’re going to make a deliver. The more time you guys spend talking the longer that helicopter is going to be waiting for help. And if you are right, and the dead are coming to life, than she’s got little chance to escape. From what I saw on the TV, those things are damn fast.”
 
OCC- I'll continue posting for Sean for now; I'll go ahead and roll First Aid for him, since he's going over to help Dr. Hausmann. Also, note that Stephanie has been listening to and processing the incoming reports so that Mr. Foo can devote his full attention to the computer.

Sean failed his First Aid roll (60% roll vs. 56% skill) - http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=538763

EDIT: Added Bo giving car keys to Jim so Sean can get into his car later.

IC-
In the parking lot-
"We're running out of time here," said Bo. He took his shotgun and got out of the cruiser. Then he let Baldwin out of the back seat, locked up the car, and popped the trunk. He uncuffed Baldwin so he could help him carry the road flares, and they grabbed them before Bo shut the trunk. "Bob, follow us to the rig. The cab can seat three. We'll spin you down to the garage and let you out there. I suggest you bring the fuel out so we can load it, but we're going with or without the fuel. I'm not going to leave Erica Spears vulnerable on the ground. I'd sure hate to leave a perfectly good working chopper behind because you won't lend her a little fuel. Jim, you'll have to cover both radios until Sean gets back in case Joe Barring calls." Bo gave Jim Kerr the keys to his car, then he and Baldwin headed across the lot and towards Baldwin's truck.

In the diner-
Sean entered the diner, his heart clenching when he saw Dr. Hausmann injured and terrified. He rushed to her side and squeezed her good hand. "Dr. Hausmann!" he said. "I'm here to help you. I won't let anything bad happen to you." He looked at Sally. "I've had some EMT training. Let me help you with her." Then he spoke to the crowd. "Trooper Richards has to deal with a nearby emergency, but he'll be back soon. In the meantime, everyone stay calm. We'll be okay if we stick together. Let's just all stay put like he said; it's real dangerous out there. We need to come up with a plan to defend this place."

In the motel-
"Thank you, Major," replied Stephanie. "We'll hold out here as long as we can." She told him about the latest intelligence, particularly about Russia's actions and the sub launches. "If we can't refuel at Warren for some reason and you can think of any other secure locations between here and Omaha where we could refuel a chopper, please let us know. Over."

Next, Stephanie contacted the CRC in Omaha one more time and let them know the latest. "I already asked Warren AFB to send us a chopper, and that's not happening. If we can get another one in the air, though, we may be able to refuel there. If you know any other places where we can refuel en route please tell me. We'll get to you as soon as we can. Over."

"We need to organize the people here to defend this place," said Mr. Foo as he worked. "Call my wife in here and explain things to her, please."

Stephanie nodded and went to the door. "Mrs. Foo?" she asked. "Can we speak to you for a minute?"

"I coming," said the old Chinese woman. She brought in some breakfast for them, all perishable food that wouldn't keep on the journey anyway. "What you need?"

"Thanks," said Stephanie, taking her meal, "I'm starved."

"Leave mine on the table, dear," said Mr. Foo. "I'll eat when I'm done working on the computer. We won't be leaving yet. We need to keep this place operational for as long as we can."

"Can you organize the guests to help prepare a defense? Also, it would be great if you could find someone to go over to the diner and get as many people as possible to come here and help us. If the person you send can help work on the helicopter, that would be best of all."

"I try," said Mrs. Foo as she left. Stephanie locked the door behind her and resumed her station.

"We cannot leave yet," said Mrs. Foo. "We need to defend motel for now. Get weapons, board up windows and all doors but one, make plans. I also need volunteer to go to T-Bone and recruit others to come here. Best if volunteer also good mechanic, work on helicopter. Anyone please to do that?"
 
In the Junkyard

He stopped in his tracks. The direction of the moans were un-determinable. his surroundings were too ridgid. His own fear began to cloud his judgement, the fear spawning anxiety. He pulled the hammer back on the .357 Colt Python with his right thumb, his left hand wrapped arround his left, wraped arround the cherrywood custome fitted grip, both hands squeezed tightly. "Earl?! What the fuck did you stir up?!" he yelled, looking ahead, hearing the moans. He turned quickly, the single moan's echoing off of the surfaces, and junked cars that surrounded wallace. He turned quickly, facing the way from which he came- seeing nothing - another moan echoed, he turned quickly again, seeing nothing. "Earl?!" He shouted again.


The Diner

Flip remembered the location of Horst's gun. Back seet, in a duffle bag. Though he knew, that horst, being the delusional man that he was, he feared that "Nigga's" as he called them, would rob him blind. He would have to retrieve Horst's keys, to unlock the SUV.
 
Outside the T-Bone -

Luke tries to make an estimate on when the zombs following the van will get to the T-Bone. Does he have time to get on the roof with his gear, or will he have to make a stand on the ground?

OCC - I'm assuming Luke can make a pretty correct estimate, since speed & distance are pretty important when hunting. Another important note would be that the range of Luke's sniperrifle would be around 750 to 800 meters.


The parking lot -

"Alright, you can have some fuel." Bob says "But you better arrange me a place to refuel then, or I'm going to get pissed off."


In the garage -

Dave crawls from under the truck to find out what all the fuss is about. When he sees the guns, he instinctively grabs for the biggest wrench or hammer he can find within reach.

"Hey, guys, what the fuck is going on?" he asks and then turns to Earl.

"Whatever it is, you might wanna get your gun too, Boss."
 
OCC: As promised.

On the highway-

Willie watched how those things were able to pull off a human head from a persons body. He has seen many things in his life, many unpleasant and ugly things during his time as war cameraman, bodies torn off like few has seen, but this was too much. Or not, god knows he has seen stuff like this in Sarajevo.

The road north-

OCC: Michael rolls sanity: http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=540287 And succeeds

IC-

The bugs have not penetrated inside the car yet, and Michael starts diving his car carefully trough the cloud. He soon notices that the way is clear and starts picking up speed. As he exits the cloud he can see Felice's car crashed on one side of the road forward ahead.

Michael does not plan to stop near the wreckage, he has already seen what those things did to the Lathan family and does no want to take any chances with this mosquitos.

Near the helicopter-

Jim stays near both radios. Then decides to check on Spears status "Spears, how are you doing over there, over."

OCC:
Edit: Character rolls
 
In the parking lot-
"Thanks, Bob," said Bo as Baldwin and Bob followed him to the rig. "If we can't get more fuel at Brownson we'll find more somehow. Erica Spears is a pilot, so she may know where we could refuel. We could try an Air Force base. There's also Harrison Skyranch Airport, up in northwest Nebraska, right near the Wyoming border. It's isolated and far from any cities. The problem is it's closed indefinitely and unattended, so there's no way of knowing if they've even got fuel there. It's out of our way, and I wouldn't want to waste fuel going up there if there isn't any. Erica Spears might know more." The three of them arrived at Baldwin's truck. Baldwin got in the driver's seat, Bo sat in the middle, and Bob was on the right so he could get out first at the garage. At that point, Bo could slide over. "Okay, let's get this show on the road." Bo stored the flares in the truck's cab while Baldwin started the truck.

In the motel-
Stephanie called back Major Andrews: "About Russia and the submarine missile launches: we shouldn't jump to any hasty conclusions about them. I doubt Russia is launching on us, or they'd have fired thousands of missiles, not just a few. More likely they're targeting their own cities like the Chinese did. If those are Russian subs, the one in the Arctic Circle could be targeting St. Petersburg and the one in the Sea of Japan could be for Vladivostok. I don't have any idea what the one in the South Pacific is aiming at. If Russia is bombing its own ports, it would make sense for them to move their navy out first. We'd need to track the missiles' trajectories to be sure what their targets are. Over."
 
OCC- Players, please post the results of your rolls in the post.

Inside the T-Bone-

Samantha had offered Sally help in first aid and also tries to administer to Dr. Haussman. She quickly realizes the mistake the others have made, finding that the fracture of Dr. Haussman’s arm is more extensive than it appears. Pointing this out to Sally, she is able to set the arm. The work helps Samantha concentrate and us she begins to set the wounded arm her mind begins to consider what she has seen.

OCC- Zoe- roll idea for Samantha.

As Ashley continues to talk to Dr. Hausmann as Samantha and Sally work, Dr. Haussman begins to come out of her daze as Ashley continues to try to calm her. “My arm is broke in three places, I think the bones are shattered.” Says Dr. Haussman. “The pain is terrible but I suspect there may be internal bleeding and a danger of infection. Though you might be able to provide some help, it will require surgery. But I with the proper medication the wound can be stabilized until I get to Omaha. What’s going on with my PC? What is the status on the helicopter repair?” She begins to rattle off her suggestions for narcotics. Kimberly notes this and begins to prepare medication from her kit.

Rose has told Lynne to continue serving people but Charlie has put down his apron and approaches Boss Hammond. “Boss, we got a problem over here and I suggest you start thinking about how you’re going to protect these people. I got my guns in the truck outside. I reckon I better get them.”

Boss Hammond nods. “David, you’re staying?”

“I got no place I desperately need to go.” Says David.

Beth, Robert and Duke are talking among themselves. They will agree to stay at the T-Bone. Duke says, “If this is as bad as it seems, are there more guns, or maybe we need to more?”

“Don’t get all carried away son. Last thing we need is a lot of folks acting crazy because their’s an emergency on.” Says Boss Hammond.

“Yeah.” Chimes in Rita. “I think we should sit tight till the police show up and tell us what’s goin on.”

Randall shakes his head. “No offense, but I disagree. I think the more of us that are armed the better.”

“Yeah, and where do you get your guns from? And why should someone lend you a gun if they don’t know if you’re going to return it?” Says Hammond.

Alice gets up to go. “No offense folks, but I think I would rather head out of here and take my chances on the road.”

Dr. Haussman hears this. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you…. You won’t get very far. And chances are you're going to get infected if you aren't already.”

On the Road North-

Michael is moving his car quickly through the strange yellow fog. The creatures continue to swirl about but they are still attacking the children in the car.

OCC- Gonzales as Michael pulls away, I assume you are driving at a careful speed given the mist and the danger of being on a narrow raised dirt road. Or are you driving quickly? If driving quickly please roll your Drive Automobile score +30%. Also if driving past Zoe’s car roll spot hidden if going slow, roll spot hidden -30 if going fast.

In the garage-

Boss Earl nods his head. “I’ll get my riot gun but I first want to know what you boys think you’re doing with that man’s rifle and what you plan to do with it? Does he know you’re taking his things. That truck is on my premises and as long as its hear it’s my responsibility his stuff doesn’t get stolen… Mitchell, you want to explain this to me?”

(OCC- who is playing Mitchell? It was Fireblade but I thought someone took over the character…. Albatross?)

Gary has stopped working and is watching what is going on.

It is at that moment, as both Jimmy and Mitchell are climbing in Wallace’s truck, having retreaved the rifle, that everyone in the garage hears what could be a moan, or a growl, or the sound of wind passing dead lungs. They also hear the familiar barking and growling of Buddy and Max.

At about this same moment, Bob is dismounting from Baldwin’s rig.

In Baldwin’s Rig-

Baldwin turns on his CB and reaches into the glove compartment to withdraw his big pistol. “Just in case they try to get up on the Rig. Two guns is better than one. So which way you want to go?”

OCC- Mr. Handy, Baldwin will take your instructions. The quickest way to go would be down I-80, but the alternative would be to take the dirt road up to Route 30 and then go East. Directions?

In the air-

Erica Spears looks down on her gas gauge. “I reckon it’s going to be close…” She returns on the radio. Most of the trip she passes empty Nebraska plains, but from her height she has seen little in the way of movement below, and what she has seen she doesn’t like. “…I expect to be there in about 15 minutes. I can see a lot of smoke from here…. I hope you have that airfield secure when I land or things will be pretty damn bad, over.”

In the Police Cruiser-

Still no word from Joe Barring…

In the Junkyard

Wallace Red Crow hears the sound of moaning and while he first couldn’t recognize it, he realizes that its moving past him but unseen. As he moves forward he sees on the ground foot prints, as if someone is dragging their legs. He also sees spots of blood and tissue. Although he can hears and has seen parts of the creature he is unsure of its direction, only that it has moved past him, perhaps still in pursuit of Mitchell and the other boy.

It’s at that moment that he hears the dogs growling viciously at something near the garage.

Outside the diner near the highway-

Luke can see the news van is heading towards the T-Bone at full speed. He can also see what looks like people closing in behind the van are chasing on foot. As he watches he begins to see the extent of the wounds on the people.

(Luke roll San)

As for climbing up on the T-Bone, he will need to find some kind of means to climb up. Perhaps a crate or a Jerry can to climb up on before removing himself to the top.

OCC- I assume that Luke can watch with binoculars what is going on but that his rifle is being kept in a gun bag at the moment.

Inside the Van-

Willie can see that Tisha's sanity is reaching a low point, that the woman is crying and rather hysterical. She has crushed the accelerator to the floor, and the van continues to pick up speed. It doesn't seem that she will slow down for the T-Bone....

Next to her the headless of body of Thomas begins to jiggle. Perhaps that's just the death rattle, but if so why is the body still rattling?


In the Hotel-


Ellen will stay as will Father Michael and Azadeh. Azadeh asks, “What kinds of guns do you have. Rifles would allow us to keep the creatures from distance. But this structure is mostly concrete and brick. It will be very difficult to board up the windows and it is too large to defend. We would also be better defending this position from a higher elevation than below, but there are too few of us to defend adequately.”

Old Bud has left and has walked over to the T-Bone and is entering.

Jenny has seemed happy to have something to do but then asks Mrs. Foo. “What is so important that this place needs to be defended? Why don’t we just go to the T-Bone where they probably have more food supplies? Don’t you think someone should go after the others who went North? What if they are in trouble?”

Major Andrews at Warren AFB responds. “Bad news… We had a civilian aircraft try to land and brought in some of those…. Things. Orders are that any unauthorized aircraft that enters Warren’s AFB will be brought down. Co’s orders are to prepare Surface to Air Missiles to defend our position….”
 
In the Junkyard

Wallace saw the signs of the critter, that flanked around a series of junked cars. He stood, and walked towards them, slowly, hearing the shuffling of the critter, on the otherside of the wall of scrap metal. He squatted, and dabbed his fingers in the coagulated blood. "coagulated...." he said to his self, wiping the blood on his pant leg. He knew that something wasn't right. He turned the conrer, fallowing the path that the critter had taken, his weapon gripped tightly. he fallowed the path made in the dirt, and gravel, moving as quietly as possible, though the gravel severely hindered any ability to sneak that he might have possessed.


In the Diner

Flip walked into the back room, fallowing the coradoor to the kitchen, where he then walked to the freezer, opening the large meat locker. This is where Horst's corpse had been stashed. He walked in, instantly, his skin prickled. "Sorry Horst" he said, as he began to loot the man's corpse, Taking anything of value, including his car keys, Wallet, Knife, Watch, and his Zippo. He knew that Horst would do the same to him, If He had his head bashed in, by a pissed off black man.
 
In the diner-
"Stephanie took your PC over the motel to get it fixed," Sean told Dr. Hausmann softly. "Gary is helping Bob work on the chopper. They think they can be done by one, but if they get help maybe by eleven or a little after. Stephanie arranged a deal with Earl, but he doesn't think she's good for the money and he'd need to hear from you personally." He told her the particulars of the deal. "There's also a State Police helicopter coming in to Brownson almost out of fuel." He checked his watch. "It should arrive in about fifteen minutes. Trooper Richards is bringing out some fuel to it so it can get here, and there's another state trooper on his way to back them up, but he blew a tire and we haven't heard from him in a while. If this works, we can transfer the rest of the fuel to the other chopper and you can be out of here before our chopper can be fixed, but we'll still need to refuel somewhere on the way. I'm so relieved you're doing better, Doctor. If you decide you want to head to the garage I can go with you. Thank you for all your help, ladies."

Sean stood up and turned to Alice. "Dr. Hausmann is right. It's a nightmare out there. Nobody should head out on the road. There are a bunch of people out on I-80 who looked like they might be infected. We should definitely have our guns ready in case any of them show up looking to nosh on us. I've got my rifle right here." Sean patted the Marlin slung across his back he had brought from the chopper. "What guns have the rest of you got?"

In Baldwin's rig-
"If you need help loading the fuel," Bo called after Bob, "let us know." He returned his attention to Baldwin. "Thanks for sticking your neck out like this, man. You didn't have to do this, and I really appreciate it. I-80's probably impassible by now, clogged with wrecked cars and the like. I think 30 East is our best bet. As soon as the fuel's on board, we can be off. We'd best keep the windows rolled up and the doors locked." He tuned the CB to the police frequency and keyed it. The radio was still on in his cruiser so Jim Kerr could hear, but he knew Sean wouldn't be back there yet. "Trooper Joe Barring, this is Trooper Bo Richards. If you're out there, please come in. We're going to be heading out to Brownson in a minute or two, just as soon as we collect the fuel. I hope we meet you there. Jim, you can let Erica Spears know we'll be on our way."

In the motel-
"Thank you all for help. My husband have MP-5 submachinegun and pistol," Mrs. Foo told Azadeh. "I can use pistol a little, but he much better shot than me. Sorry, no rifles. You have guns, know how to use, maybe? If can't board windows from outside, maybe board from inside or block with something big and heavy?

"Missy Jenny, my husband talking to important people who can't talk to each other. He need to relay information between them. It important to national security. I can't explain better, my English not so good. My husband maybe can tell you more later, when he not so busy. Maybe we buy food and water from T-Bone and bring here. I worried about others too. Why they not back yet? But if they run into trouble they can't handle, what we supposed to do if we follow them? Mister Alex, he big strong marine. Missy Felice look like she can take care of self, too. Maybe we wait a little more, see if they come back.

"It be easier to defend from upstairs, yes. No way into upper rooms from inside motel, must use stairs to balcony. But I not know if communication gear can be moved there. It big and old. I ask husband later. We need more help to protect motel. Someone should go to T-Bone, find other guests, get more people. Who good people person? I could go if nobody else can. I could buy supplies there too. I good shopper, and we have money."

Inside Mr. Foo's room, Mr. Foo continued to repair Dr. Hausmann's computer. Stephanie replied to Major Andrews: "I understand, Major. We'll have to find some other place to refuel, then. Do you know of anywhere secure and with fuel between here and Omaha, or at least not too far out of the way? Over."
 
Outside the garage -

Bob jumps off the rig & heads towards the garage entrance to ask Boss Earl for somekind of container for the fuel, probably a small barrel. He hears the dogs' heavy barking and quickly looks around to see if something is wrong (spot hidden success: 1d100=21 vs 70% skill) before he enters the garage.


In the garage -

Dave is unsure what to do, so he just stands there quietly with the heavy wrench clenched in his hands, waiting for his boss to make a decision. What was all the fuss about anyway? Did the rioters get here from the surrounding cities?


Outside the diner -

Luke sees the extensive damage to the zombies pursuing the van, but he remains unaffected (roll 1d100=5 vs 90 stat). He has seen enough blood & guts in his time. He also realises that whatever those things are now, they are no longer human. Which makes it easier to bare. It however keeps him distracted, as he fails to realise (idea failure: 1d100=67 vs 45 stat) that zombies might be coming from the other side as well (which he hasn't checked yet).

He then quickly goes back to what he wanted to do: get on the roof.


OCC @ Welsh:
- he already took his shotgun out in a previous post (it's now slung on his back), the sniper rifle is still in a gun carrying bag in the metal storage compartment on the back of his pickup.
- i'm assuming he has rope + grapple, since he's got his hunting gear with him. it would defeat his purpose if he'd have to stack boxes or whatever for him to climp on the roof. he needs something he can pull up after he got on. so that would mean some kind of ladder (for ease of use) or the rope (which is harder). as for reaching it by other means, i don't know. the roof would be at least 2,75 meters & up to 3,25 meters max, i think, judging by the posted pictures. if it's only 3 meters he probably could just stand in the back of his pickup truck, jump up to grab on to the ledge and pull himself up. with his slightly above average strength & dexterity, but decent climb & jump, it should be possible. however, to get both his rifles & ammo up there, i'd say he'd need to go up & down twice (for good measure). what's your take on it, john?
 
OCC- Does Sean (or anyone else) notice Flip trying to slip into the back? Also, don't forget that Bo told Charlie to search Horst's body for anything useful earlier.

IC-
In the diner-
"One more thing, Dr. Hausmann," said Sean. "They put Horst's body in the freezer. We might learn more about this disease by doing an autopsy. You won't be able to do it yourself because of your arm, but I bet Stephanie could help out once she gets back. Kimberly offered to help out with the pathological testing and blood work too."

At the motel-
Mrs. Foo knocked on her husband's door, and Stephanie let her in before returning to her station. "We need plan to defend motel," said Mrs. Foo. "I thinking we move everyone and everything upstairs, then destroy or block stairs behind us. We use ropes, maybe rope ladders to get up and down."

"Yes," said Mr. Foo as he worked on the computer, "that makes good tactical sense. The ground floor is pretty much a loss if the infected get here. We can also post armed lookouts on the balconies, but we're going to need more help."

Mrs. Foo nodded, collected her and her husband's cash and checkbooks, and put them in her purse. "I go over to T-Bone to buy supplies and find people to help us. I have plan. We invite everyone who wants to stay to move into upstairs rooms, two per room. Only condition is they must contribute all they can to help us all survive. They do needed work, guard duty if they can. They must share everything they bring: water, food, supplies, guns, ammo. Can we move communications gear upstairs?"

"Not without help. It weighs a lot, and we'll need some heavy lifters. It'll also take some time, and I don't know how long we have."

"Hey," said Stephanie, "I just thought of something. Major Andrews is the one who needs the intelligence we're gathering. If he could send a chopper to pick up the gear and the satellite dish, he could set them up at Warren AFB and use them himself!"

"That brilliant!" said Mrs. Foo.

"Yes," said Mr. Foo. "Then we won't be tied to the motel and can leave if it becomes necessary. It will also free me up so I can do other things."

"I go tell other guests our plan." Mrs. Foo went back to the lobby.

Stephanie relocked the door and called Major Andrews back. "Major," she said, "I just had an idea that could help us all out. The communications equipment we're using is on the ground floor, which is not a very defensible position. With a lot of effort and some help we may be able to get it upstairs, but there may be a better way. Since you're the one who needs it, why don't you send a helicopter to pick up the gear and the satellite dish from the motel's roof? Then you could install it at Warren AFB to communicate and gather intelligence directly. That's a much more secure location. And as long as you're sending a chopper here, maybe you could bring us some extra fuel so we could get to Omaha. If we can't get a chopper of our own working, maybe you could bring Dr. Hausmann's group back to Warren if there's enough room and we can get a ride out later. Mr. Foo could also use more weapons and ammo if you could spare them for the motel's defense, as well as food and water. Over."

In the lobby, Mrs. Foo explained her plan to the others. "I go to T-Bone now. We take my Outback. It faster and can carry what we buy." She withdrew the keys from her purse. "Missy Ellen, you and guests please to move supplies we gathered upstairs to closest room while I gone. If you finish, start destroying stairs except for closest staircase. If can't destroy, use furniture from downstairs rooms to barricade them. Anyone want to come with me, help convince people to come and bring supplies back?"
 
OCC- Michael is driving at a careful speed, wich means he goes as fast as conditions allow him. He is not going at say... negative 2 miles per hour, but he is not speeding either. So let's say, yes, slow.

ICC

On the road north-

As Michael carefully drives away he scans the horizon, but he doesn't sees anything out of the ordinary.

Inside the van-

Willie puts a hand in Thisha's arm and tries to make her stop. "Ease dow, slow down, we are out of danger now" "Ease down now, we are safe, you are safe now"

Tisha seems to be hearing Willie and now starts slowing down.

OCC: Willie just rolled fast talk

By the radio-

Jim hears Erica on the radio and replies. "Will be out of here and heading your way as soon as the boys here get the fuel. You be very careful when you get to the LZ, over."
 
At the dinner

Samantha watches the injured doctor and pays attention to what is happening at the diner (OOC: http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=550700).

At the junkyard:

Jim the runaway checks the gun in his hands and readies it.
He can feel something is moving around the junkyard and by his skill and experience, he moves quietly inside the building in the junkyard, trying to hear or see or smell something that gives away the position of the creature that rose from the ground. (OOC: http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=550720)
 
In the Junkyard

Wallace wiped the cooagulated blood on his pantleg, and fallowed the trail, through a cleared path of junk, composed of junked cars, and small heaps of scrap metal. His .357 Ready. He could hear the sounds of the critter moving, though couldn't see it. The sound was masked, though not drowned by the barking of the dogs. Wallace could smell the lingering scent of decaying bio-mass that remained suspended in the air. He was absolutly positive that what-ever that thing was - It wasn't natural. His gut told him to turn tail, and run, Not to fallow the trail of blood, and displaced gravle, though he ignored this feeling, and fallowed the trail, heading twards whatever the thing was.
 
OCC-
A little different than usual, but I am responding to your posts-

In the junkyard-
Stompie wrote-
In the Junkyard

Wallace saw the signs of the critter, that flanked around a series of junked cars. He stood, and walked towards them, slowly, hearing the shuffling of the critter, on the other side of the wall of scrap metal. He squatted, and dabbed his fingers in the coagulated blood. "coagulated...." he said to his self, wiping the blood on his pant leg. He knew that something wasn't right. He turned the corner, following the path that the critter had taken, his weapon gripped tightly. he followed the path made in the dirt, and gravel, moving as quietly as possible, though the gravel severely hindered any ability to sneak that he might have possessed.

Wallace realizes what has happened. In running out into the junkyard in the same general direction he came he has bypassed the route of his prey, which is now somewhere behind him.

@Stompie- I rolled Track for Wallace and it came up bad, sorry.

In the diner-
Flip walked into the back room, following the corridor to the kitchen, where he then walked to the freezer, opening the large meat locker. This is where Horst's corpse had been stashed. He walked in, instantly, his skin prickled. "Sorry Horst" he said, as he began to loot the man's corpse, Taking anything of value, including his car keys, Wallet, Knife, Watch, and his Zippo. He knew that Horst would do the same to him, If He had his head bashed in, by a pissed off black man.

Flip reaches the cold walkin. The body is laid out and it is clear he has been searched, pockets turned out, etc. Flip rifles through the body but unfortunately does not find the keys, wallet or the knife. Whoever searched the body did a fairly thorough job.

As he searches he notices that every once and awhile it seems a tremor runs through Horsts body, like a small charge of electricity.

For a moment Flip stops searching and looks at Horsts eyes carefully, they are open and blood red, as if something else, something even more wicked that Horst, had captured his body and was in possession just below the skin….as if the only place one might see it was through the eyes…

Flip considers this as Horsts body begins to tingle again with some unseen electricity.
Then Horst reaches for Flips arms….
(Roll Sanity!)

Mr. Handy-

In the diner-
"Stephanie took your PC over the motel to get it fixed," Sean told Dr. Hausmann softly. "Gary is helping Bob work on the chopper. They think they can be done by one, but if they get help maybe by eleven or a little after. Stephanie arranged a deal with Earl, but he doesn't think she's good for the money and he'd need to hear from you personally." He told her the particulars of the deal. "There's also a State Police helicopter coming in to Brownson almost out of fuel." He checked his watch. "It should arrive in about fifteen minutes. Trooper Richards is bringing out some fuel to it so it can get here, and there's another state trooper on his way to back them up, but he blew a tire and we haven't heard from him in a while. If this works, we can transfer the rest of the fuel to the other chopper and you can be out of here before our chopper can be fixed, but we'll still need to refuel somewhere on the way. I'm so relieved you're doing better, Doctor. If you decide you want to head to the garage I can go with you. Thank you for all your help, ladies."

Dr. Haussman listens to this carefully before responding. “Sean, it is essential that the laptop be restored. The files there are essential. If the laptop is lost the back-up disks are in Cheyenne, at the CDC offices, my room, in the safe. The combination is 12-23-69-10-29-67. The information must get to Omaha. I need to treat this wound but if Earl needs authorization, ask him to come here and I will approve it. Otherwise he will have to wait until I get this arm stabilized.”

Dr. Haussman turns to the others, “I will perhaps need some assistance in finishing up with my arm. I appreciate you setting my arm, but the fracture is severe and may requrie more exstensive work. " She says this as she inspects the work done , but sees that she can not improve the first aid dressing. She tries to explain what needs to be done to fix the arm to the others, but can’t make herself understood so attempts to do so herself. “I can perhaps repair some of the nerve damage to the arm, but it promises to be quite painful.”

Kimberly offers her drugs to prevent infection as well as to deaden the pain.

Dr. Haussman thanks her and adds, “Let me delay this a bit till we work out the situation with the helicopter. I need to be coherent for a bit longer.”

Sean stood up and turned to Alice. "Dr. Hausmann is right. It's a nightmare out there. Nobody should head out on the road. There are a bunch of people out on I-80 who looked like they might be infected. We should definitely have our guns ready in case any of them show up looking to nosh on us. I've got my rifle right here." Sean patted the Marlin slung across his back he had brought from the chopper. "What guns have the rest of you got?"

Alice looks a bit bewildered by the suggestion. “I don’t have a gun…”

David the trucker says, “I’m packing and I think Charlie went outside with his rifles…Hammond?”

Hammond looks surprised. “What? Guns? What makes you think I got more guns than you’re seeing?”

“Cut the crap Hammond,” Says David.

Rita the cashier says, “David, you mind your business now.”

@anyone present can role psychology on Hammond.

In Baldwin's truck-
"If you need help loading the fuel," Bo called after Bob, "let us know." He returned his attention to Baldwin. "Thanks for sticking your neck out like this, man. You didn't have to do this, and I really appreciate it. I-80's probably impassible by now, clogged with wrecked cars and the like. I think 30 East is our best bet. As soon as the fuel's on board, we can be off. We'd best keep the windows rolled up and the doors locked." He tuned the CB to the police frequency and keyed it. The radio was still on in his cruiser so Jim Kerr could hear, but he knew Sean wouldn't be back there yet. "Trooper Joe Barring, this is Trooper Bo Richards. If you're out there, please come in. We're going to be heading out to Brownson in a minute or two, just as soon as we collect the fuel. I hope we meet you there. Jim, you can let Erica Spears know we'll be on our way."

Baldwin nods. “Well to be honest, that racist motherfucker set me off….”

As for the CB- there is yet to be a response for Joe Barring.

OCC- A separate post for Jim Kerr and Erica Spears?

In the motel-
"Thank you all for help. My husband have MP-5 submachinegun and pistol," Mrs. Foo told Azadeh. "I can use pistol a little, but he much better shot than me. Sorry, no rifles. You have guns, know how to use, maybe? If can't board windows from outside, maybe board from inside or block with something big and heavy?

Azadeh nods. “I have a pistol with me so I can assist the defense of this house. What is this business of your husband that he keeps a submachinegun? Such weapons are illegal in the US for private citizens, no? But if we are to defend this place, than I would suggest that we fortify the above areas which are easier to defend than the lower areas. The hotel is very big, to much for only a few people, but perhaps we can plan a defense in depth and channel our adversaries in a way that gives us an advantage over their numbers. We should, I think, plan a last defense for the roof. I would also suggest that we establish lookouts or a perimeter guard least the attack come from an alternative direction.”.

"Missy Jenny, my husband talking to important people who can't talk to each other. He need to relay information between them. It important to national security. I can't explain better, my English not so good. My husband maybe can tell you more later, when he not so busy. Maybe we buy food and water from T-Bone and bring here. I worried about others too. Why they not back yet? But if they run into trouble they can't handle, what we supposed to do if we follow them? Mister Alex, he big strong marine. Missy Felice look like she can take care of self, too. Maybe we wait a little more, see if they come back.

Jenny looks out the window to the direction of the T-Bone. “From what I can see there are a lot of folks over there. It makes little sense for us to be in both places.”

Azadeh asks, “Your husband is involved in national security? In what capacity? Can we not draw on their assistance?”

"It be easier to defend from upstairs, yes. No way into upper rooms from inside motel, must use stairs to balcony. But I not know if communication gear can be moved there. It big and old. I ask husband later. We need more help to protect motel. Someone should go to T-Bone, find other guests, get more people. Who good people person? I could go if nobody else can. I could buy supplies there too. I good shopper, and we have money."

OCC- It seems you have made a choice.

Father McCormick offers to join Mrs. Foo.

In the communications Room-
Inside Mr. Foo's room, Mr. Foo continued to repair Dr. Hausmann's computer. Stephanie replied to Major Andrews: "I understand, Major. We'll have to find some other place to refuel, then. Do you know of anywhere secure and with fuel between here and Omaha, or at least not too far out of the way? Over."

Major Andrews pauses a bit. “I’m sorry but I can’t give you any information with confidence. We’ve been trying to monitor the radios for civil authorities, but they seem overwhelmed. From what we’ve learned, it was impossible for the National Guard units to mobilize in time. Regular military installations are either overrun or under siege. Except for a few police stations, it seems most everything has been overwhelmed. That said, I would suggest that you use an airport that is distant from any populated area. Judging by what’s happened in Cheyenne, I’d say you’d have little chance near populated regions. Over.”


Outside the garage -
Bob jumps off the rig & heads towards the garage entrance to ask Boss Earl for somekind of container for the fuel, probably a small barrel. He hears the dogs' heavy barking and quickly looks around to see if something is wrong (spot hidden success: 1d100=21 vs 70% skill) before he enters the garage.

OCC- the fuel from the helicopter has already been drained into a number of barrels. There is a pump that you can also use in the garage.

Bob’s quick look reveals nothing though he can clearly hear the dogs growling with menace.
Boss Earl gives a long whistle and the dogs come barreling into the garage as Earl tells both “To hush up now.”


In the garage -

Dave is unsure what to do, so he just stands there quietly with the heavy wrench clenched in his hands, waiting for his boss to make a decision. What was all the fuss about anyway? Did the rioters get here from the surrounding cities?

But Boss Earl seems more concerned with Mitchell and Jim. “Now you boys want to tell me what gives you the right to grab that rifle that don’t belong to you?”

Outside the diner -
Luke sees the extensive damage to the zombies pursuing the van, but he remains unaffected (roll 1d100=5 vs 90 stat). He has seen enough blood & guts in his time. He also realises that whatever those things are now, they are no longer human. Which makes it easier to bare. It however keeps him distracted, as he fails to realise (idea failure: 1d100=67 vs 45 stat) that zombies might be coming from the other side as well (which he hasn't checked yet).

He then quickly goes back to what he wanted to do: get on the roof.

Charlie Moon has approached Luke with both rifles and stares down one rifle to see what approaches. “Holy Horse Shit! What the fuck is that. I’d like to think I get to shoot some white folks today, but frankly I don’t think those are white people anymore. I hope you got slugs for that shotgun or something with better range.” He begins to sight down the rifle at the creatures chasing the fleeing van.

OCC @ Welsh:
- he already took his shotgun out in a previous post (it's now slung on his back), the sniper rifle is still in a gun carrying bag in the metal storage compartment on the back of his pickup.

OCC- Which would make it pretty tricky to shoot from this distance.

- i'm assuming he has rope + grapple, since he's got his hunting gear with him. it would defeat his purpose if he'd have to stack boxes or whatever for him to climp on the roof. he needs something he can pull up after he got on. so that would mean some kind of ladder (for ease of use) or the rope (which is harder). as for reaching it by other means, i don't know. the roof would be at least 2,75 meters & up to 3,25 meters max, i think, judging by the posted pictures. if it's only 3 meters he probably could just stand in the back of his pickup truck, jump up to grab on to the ledge and pull himself up. with his slightly above average strength & dexterity, but decent climb & jump, it should be possible. however, to get both his rifles & ammo up there, i'd say he'd need to go up & down twice (for good measure). what's your take on it, john?

OCC- Sounds about right. I assume he took all this gear out of the truck already. He would have to roll a Throw to see if he lands the grapple right, and that would take some time. Easier way to do it is to climb up the truck, but then the zombies could try that too. Perhaps there is a roof entrance from inside the T-bone? Or perhaps there is a ladder somewhere on the premises? He could, as you suggest try to jump, but not loaded down. Charlie could give him a boost up or other assistance. You can also try to roll jump.

In the diner-

Mr. Handy-

OCC- Does Sean (or anyone else) notice Flip trying to slip into the back? Also, don't forget that Bo told Charlie to search Horst's body for anything useful earlier.

OCC- Sean seems a bit distracted with Hausman to notice Flip leaving but if he looks for him, he will notice the young punk is gone. Yes, Charlie has gone through Flips pockets already.

"One more thing, Dr. Hausmann," said Sean. "They put Horst's body in the freezer. We might learn more about this disease by doing an autopsy. You won't be able to do it yourself because of your arm, but I bet Stephanie could help out once she gets back. Kimberly offered to help out with the pathological testing and blood work too."

Haussman nods. “That might be very useful. But first I need to get this arm set. Kimberly, if you do the blood test or if you can do a blood test, I think you will find elements of a number of unusual minerals in Horsts blood. I can provide you a list.” Seeing Sean’s questioning look, “It’s part of what I have been working on. For the past decade the Earth has been under frequent meteor showers. But when they burned up in the atmosphere, the meteors left certain residue behind. Like the way fertilizers or pesticides can affect the food we eat and become consumed, with harmful effects.”

At the motel-
Mrs. Foo knocked on her husband's door, and Stephanie let her in before returning to her station. "We need plan to defend motel," said Mrs. Foo. "I thinking we move everyone and everything upstairs, then destroy or block stairs behind us. We use ropes, maybe rope ladders to get up and down."

Occ- Note that the stairwells are a mix of wood and concrete and might require a jackhammer to destroy. They can, however, be barricaded.

"Yes," said Mr. Foo as he worked on the computer, "that makes good tactical sense. The ground floor is pretty much a loss if the infected get here. We can also post armed lookouts on the balconies, but we're going to need more help."

Mrs. Foo nodded, collected her and her husband's cash and checkbooks, and put them in her purse. "I go over to T-Bone to buy supplies and find people to help us. I have plan. We invite everyone who wants to stay to move into upstairs rooms, two per room. Only condition is they must contribute all they can to help us all survive. They do needed work, guard duty if they can. They must share everything they bring: water, food, supplies, guns, ammo. Can we move communications gear upstairs?"

"Not without help. It weighs a lot, and we'll need some heavy lifters. It'll also take some time, and I don't know how long we have."

"Hey," said Stephanie, "I just thought of something. Major Andrews is the one who needs the intelligence we're gathering. If he could send a chopper to pick up the gear and the satellite dish, he could set them up at Warren AFB and use them himself!"

"That brilliant!" said Mrs. Foo.

"Yes," said Mr. Foo. "Then we won't be tied to the motel and can leave if it becomes necessary. It will also free me up so I can do other things."

"I go tell other guests our plan." Mrs. Foo went back to the lobby.

Stephanie relocked the door and called Major Andrews back. "Major," she said, "I just had an idea that could help us all out. The communications equipment we're using is on the ground floor, which is not a very defensible position. With a lot of effort and some help we may be able to get it upstairs, but there may be a better way. Since you're the one who needs it, why don't you send a helicopter to pick up the gear and the satellite dish from the motel's roof? Then you could install it at Warren AFB to communicate and gather intelligence directly. That's a much more secure location. And as long as you're sending a chopper here, maybe you could bring us some extra fuel so we could get to Omaha. If we can't get a chopper of our own working, maybe you could bring Dr. Hausmann's group back to Warren if there's enough room and we can get a ride out later. Mr. Foo could also use more weapons and ammo if you could spare them for the motel's defense, as well as food and water. Over."

There is a pause as Andrews considers this. “This is Andrews. Do you know how long it would take to remove the equipment? The problem, Mrs. Bridges, is that we need the intel on the moment. This is a very dangerous situation. Should one of the nuclear powers launch on the US, we could have major strikes in the US in less than an hour, more like 20-30 minutes. That said, could you provide details on the security of your position?”

In the lobby, Mrs. Foo explained her plan to the others. "I go to T-Bone now. We take my Outback. It faster and can carry what we buy." She withdrew the keys from her purse. "Missy Ellen, you and guests please to move supplies we gathered upstairs to closest room while I gone. If you finish, start destroying stairs except for closest staircase. If can't destroy, use furniture from downstairs rooms to barricade them. Anyone want to come with me, help convince people to come and bring supplies back?"

OCC- Note that there are in fact very few people at the hotel. McCormick, Jenny, Azadeh, Stephanie, Ellen, Mr and Mrs. Foo. Few people to defend a lot of space.

On the Road North
Gonzales- wrote-
OCC- Michael is driving at a careful speed, wich means he goes as fast as conditions allow him. He is not going at say... negative 2 miles per hour, but he is not speeding either. So let's say, yes, slow.

ICC

On the road north-

As Michael carefully drives away he scans the horizon, but he doesn't sees anything out of the ordinary.

When Michael looks into his rear view mirror he sees two things.

First, the strange gaseous mist seems to be dissipating. The flying creatures seems to be forming a swarm, are beginning to fly around the Latham’s car, then higher. Then they begin to move towards the distant hill which has a large number of pines masking a structure. Michael remembers that the road leading up to the PMS compound goes up that hill.

He also sees that Alex the marine approaches the road and turns towards Michael’s car, and begins running after Michael’s car.

The News Van-
Willie puts a hand in Thisha's arm and tries to make her stop. "Ease dow, slow down, we are out of danger now" "Ease down now, we are safe, you are safe now"

Tisha seems to be hearing Willie and now starts slowing down.

OCC: Willie just rolled fast talk

Yet, Willie can’t help but hear the moans, howls and growls of those that are following them, or the bumping as the van impacts those that try to get in the way.

In the Patrol Car in the T-Bone parking lot-
Jim hears Erica on the radio and replies. "Will be out of here and heading your way as soon as the boys here get the fuel. You be very careful when you get to the LZ, over."


In the helicopter above Nebraska-

Erica Spears checks her gas gauge. She has less than 15 minutes of gas left, perhaps not even that much.

OCC- Albatross, if you are with us, please roll luck for Erica

At the dinner
Zoe-

Samantha watches the injured doctor and pays attention to what is happening at the diner (OOC: http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=550700).

OCC- Zoe- I have sent you the Idea via pm.
Samantha watches and listens to what Haussman says. Although it is clear that English is not her native language, perhaps she can help with the arm?

OCC- Zoe roll English for Samantha

At the junkyard:

Jim the runaway checks the gun in his hands and readies it.
He can feel something is moving around the junkyard and by his skill and experience, he moves quietly inside the building in the junkyard, trying to hear or see or smell something that gives away the position of the creature that rose from the ground. (OOC: http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=550720)

OCC- note that Jim gets the rifle from Wallace’s truck that is in garage and is currently in the truck cab. He is being addressed by Earl as to "what are you doing with that gun?" Also Jim is with Mitchell.

IC- Before Jim can move, he can’t help but see that Earl is looking carefully at him. “Son , who the hell are you and who said you can take that weapon from that man’s car. You’re not trying to rob us are you?”

Stompie wrote- In the Junkyard

Wallace wiped the cooagulated blood on his pantleg, and fallowed the trail, through a cleared path of junk, composed of junked cars, and small heaps of scrap metal. His .357 Ready. He could hear the sounds of the critter moving, though couldn't see it. The sound was masked, though not drowned by the barking of the dogs. Wallace could smell the lingering scent of decaying bio-mass that remained suspended in the air. He was absolutly positive that what-ever that thing was - It wasn't natural. His gut told him to turn tail, and run, Not to fallow the trail of blood, and displaced gravle, though he ignored this feeling, and fallowed the trail, heading twards whatever the thing was.

Unfortunately, it is unclear to Wallace which way the creature went, but the sounds of the dogs suggest that his prey has passed him and is near the garage. He takes off in a hurry but only catches a glimpse of what appears a badly scarred man, turn a corner of the garage and approach the garage doors. The moment is to fast for Wallace to get an shoot in.
At the garage.

Earl is still looking into the cab of the truck at Jim and Mitchell for answers, while Dave holds the wrench. Baldwin has just pulled up with the truck and Bob has jumped out and entered the garage. Gary the maintenance guy is distracted from his work on the fuel filteration as the dogs come barreling in to Earl’s whistle.

Then everyone hears a moan from outside. They stop what they are saying and look up as a walking corpse turns the corner of the building and approaches the truck. The creature is nearly skeletal, much of the skin eaten away by desert creatures. The skin around its mouth has been eaten away revealing the teeth and skull beneath. One of its eyes is partially consumed, the hair is stringy and matted. The creature walks in coveralls and shoes. There is a bullet hole in its chest.

For a moment the creature stops, looking at Baldwin’s truck, as if unsure which direction to go. Then it begins to move on Earl. It had come after Jim and Mitchell, but Earl is closest to the creature. Jim and Mitchell see Earl turn to face the creature, but they can’t see it. It is somewhere on the left side and behind them. They cannot even see it through the door mirror. They can escape out of the passenger side, for the driver’s door is blocked by Earl. Gary, working on the fuel pump cannot see what happens and Dave can only catch a glimpse from around Earl.

Bob having come in is on the other side of the truck is blocked from fully seeing the creature. Earl takes a step back, “What the hell….. I thought you was dead?”
(OCC- hand rolled sanity check on Earl- 34, he passes).

The creature seems to growl and picks up its pace, prey being close at hand. It lunges for Earl.

OCC- Players can perhaps do one thing, but cannot attack. The lay out best as I can describe it. The creature has come around and is entering the garage after Bob has entered. Mind the fact that Wallace’s truck is big and takes up most of the space in the garage door. Much of the creature is blocked by Wallace’s truck. Wallace is in the junkyard (if you roll successful track and backtracked Wallace catches a glimpse as the creature turns a corner, but it is steps ahead.) Those in Baldwin’s truck only see the creature turn the corner and enter the garage, than it is hidden from view. Those in the truck are blocked by Earl, but you are next closest to zombie. Dave can barely see the zombie past Earl who is blocking the way through the garage.
 
The garage -

"What the..." mumbles Dave as he catches a glimpse of the creature entering the garage. He remains stunned in place, not really aware of the wrench he is still cluthing.

Bob hears Earl's words and easily concludes that that was not a positive thing to say. He draws his pistol and starts moving around the truck (as quickly as caution allows) to find out what the commotion is about.


Outside the diner -

"I'm a big game hunter, son. I don't carry friggin' birdshot... And forget about slugs, I got heavy deershot. That'll pop anyone's head like a melon if they get on my bad side. Now that aint exactly accurate." Luke replies to Charlie "But I also have a sweet little sniper rifle. I wasn't expecting it today, but it looks like I'm going to get some target practise today."

"Is there any easy way up the roof, Chief, or are you going to have to boost me up there?" Luke asks as he grabs all the gear he thinks he needs.

He quickly fills a backpack with an ammo belt, several boxes of ammo for the rifle, the shotgun & the pistol, his bowie knife and a few MRE's. He also grabs a sleeping bag and his leather hunting coat. He then takes out his sniperrifle (still in the carry bag) and closes the metal box.
 
OCC- Sean Blank failed his Psychology roll on Hammond (29% roll vs. 5% base skill): http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=573501

IC-
In the diner-
Sean rolled up his sleeve, took out a pen, and wrote the combination on his arm in case he forgot it later. Then he put the pen away and rolled the sleeve back up. Even if anyone read it, nobody would have any idea what is was for, nor would anyone just be able to walk into the CDC offices in Cheyenne even if they did know considering what he'd heard on the radio.

Sean knew Hammond was lying about not having more guns, but he couldn't say anything without revealing how he knew. He was glad David had followed through on his subtle question and hoped that someone else would get suspicious and probe further. Then again, maybe there was another way to get David to talk more.

Sean glanced around the room and noticed that the young skinhead was missing. "Hey, where did Flip get off to?" he asked. "I sure hope he isn't trying to go back to the PMS compound. Anyone see him leave? He couldn't have gone out the front door if that bell didn't ring."

Sean turned back to Dr. Hausmann. The information about these minerals from the meteors was new to him, though it fit with what little he could understand from the doctor's conversations with Stephanie in his presence. He gazed into her eyes and smiled at her. "You're right, getting that chopper fixed fast is our first priority. I'll go have a word with Earl in the garage. Get well soon, Doctor."

Sean stood and walked towards the door. As he passed David, he stopped as if having a sudden thought. "Man, Earl probably isn't going to believe me when I tell him about Horst coming back from the dead. I know I wouldn't have believed it if a total stranger had told me. Say, David, you know the guy. Why don't you come with me and help explain what happened?"

In the motel-
"My husband has license for MP-5," Mrs. Foo told Azadeh. "He work for U.S. government. I not allowed to say what he do, it secret. I not even supposed to know myself. He talk to Warren Air Force Base right now, but they under siege and probably can't help us. If they come to pick up communications gear, maybe they bring us supplies and guns, but we still need more people to help.

"Good ideas you had, especially to use roof. Lookouts could be on balcony and roof. Harder to defend T-Bone than motel, so we try to get people to come here instead. I don't think owners come, but that okay. They crooks anyway."

"Crooks?" asked Azadeh.

Mrs. Foo nodded knowingly. "Boss Earl, he always overcharge and rip off stranded motorists. They sometimes stay here while wait for repairs. And I think they up to something else, too. I not sure what, though. Missy Ellen, please to organize others until we get back from T-Bone. Food and other supplies need to be carried to upstairs room. If finish before we get back, stairs need to be barricaded with furniture from downstairs rooms, but leave nearest staircase for later. You know where to find tools and anything else you need. This way, Father. Thank you for coming."

Mrs. Foo and Father McCormick walked outside to her Outback. "We can maybe ferry people back who want to stay at motel in this," she said, unlocking the doors with the remote control on her keychain. "Faster than walking." She got in the driver's seat and the priest got into the front passenger seat. There was plenty of room in the back for hauling food, water, and other necessities. They shut the doors and fastened their seatbelts. Mrs. Foo started up the vehicle and pulled out of the parking lot, heading for the diner.

Meanwhile, inside Mr. Foo's room, Stephanie conferred briefly with Mr. Foo about the layout of the motel and how long it would take to move and reinstall the communications equipment while he continued working on the laptop.

"Thank you for the advice, Major," said Stephanie. "It's Miss Bridges, actually. It also occurred to me that populated areas would be no-go. I understand that taking the equipment offline for any length of time would be problematic, but we'd have to do it anyway. Our current position isn't very secure right now, though we haven't been attacked yet. The ground floor is wide open and there are multiple entrances. We also only have seven people in the motel right now to defend this place, though two people are on their way to the truck stop to recruit more. We only have a few guns between us, and only a few of us are any good with them.

"Our best bet to defend this place is upstairs. The only way up there is by way of stairs leading to balconies going around the upper floor, and there are about twenty rooms with doors off the balconies. We don't think the stairs can be destroyed without heavy equipment, but they could be barricaded with furniture from the downstairs rooms.

"Our problem is that not only would we need to find more and stronger people to move this stuff upstairs, but we'd still be offline until we could get it set up there." She told Major Andrews Mr. Foo's estimate of how long that would take (OCC- how long does he think it would take?). "Granted, it will take longer to transport it by chopper to Warren and set it up there, plus you'd have to take the satellite dish on the roof with you in order to use it. Either way, we'll be blind for a little while no matter what. There's no way we can hold the ground floor. And even if we do get it upstairs, there's no guarantee of how long we'll hold out or how long we'll still have electricity. Warren doubtless has generators and has better defenses. If we get overrun, we'll be off the air permanently. If you do send a crew to collect the gear, we'll keep operating right up until they get here and start packing it. If they're strong and know their stuff, they should be able to load it faster than we could move it upstairs. Then there's just the flight time from here to Warren, but you'd know that better than we would. Over."

In Baldwin's rig-
"Not another one!" said Bo. He opened his door and hopped out, clutching his Mossberg tightly and heading after the creature, hoping he could line up a shot without anyone else getting in the line of fire.
 
In the Freezer; Diner

Horst's corpse reaches for Flip's arms. Flip kept his cool Flip Recoils quickly, to escape the reach of Horst , and pulls away from horst's corpse only by luck. "Fuck!" He yelled, looking into the red eyes of his former mentor. He had seen Horst's brains splattered; in the Diner. That Wasn't Horst. Flip scanned the room for anything that could be used as a weapon. A cudgle of sorts; He had a feeling that he may have to defend his self from his former mentor.

OOC ( Roll hidden spot for Cudgle (Club) ?)

In the Junkyard

Wallace looked over the mounted junked cars; at the top of the Garrage. Wallace could hardly make out the direction that the undead critter had stumbled in; judging by the deffalades, and drag marks in the gravel. he began to fallow the drag marks.
 
Outside the diner-

(OCC- Luke’s activities take a few minutes).

Charlie is watching the creatures as they approach. “They’re moving pretty fast for being so damn fucked up. As for getting to the roof, I can give you a boost up, but the easiest way is a stairwell inside the diner in the stock room. It’s right next to the liquor storage room.”

Inside the diner-
(OCC- wouldn’t it be a pisser if Sean got his arm ripped or eaten off?)

“The skinhead? I think I saw him going back into the kitchen just a little before.” Says Alice.

Lynne nods, “Yep, I thought he was going to get something to eat or just to chill, ya know.”

At Sean’s question, David looks at Hammond as if waiting for instruction. Hammond shrugs, “Might as well. I got to see about getting this kitchen and dining area back in shape. Lynne, Ashley, Rosie, lets serve some coffee. Folks, just because it’s a national emergency doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay up. I’ll be cooking in the kitchen if you all want to order something. Rita watch the store will ya?”

David nods, “I’ll talk to Earl if you want. He sure as hell won’t believe it even comin’ from me.”

In the Hotel-

(As for moving the materials- If its just Stephanie and Mr. Foo, it will take about four hours to get the communication gear moved. It will take between an hour and 45 minutes for Ellen and Jenny to barricade three stairwells. The more people you have the quicker you can move materials. But it will take a minimum of 45 minutes to shut down the communications system and reestablish connection at a higher room).

Jenny looks to Ellen. “Warren AFB? What kind of base is that?”

“ICBMs mostly.” Says Ellen. “A Cold War base that never got closed. There are missile silos spread over hundred plus miles.”
Azadeh was about to ask more but Mrs. Foo leaves the building before she gets the chance. The only others that remain are Ellen and Jenny. “I am going to walk a perimeter. Why don’t you two start barricading the stairwells. I count four on each corner of the building. Lets leave the one closest open so that we can access the office and the that room.” She retreaves her Sig Sauer P-230, an elegant and accurate .22 cal pistol.

In the communications Room.

There is a pause. “This is Andrews again. I will relay your thoughts to the Co. Keep us updated with your situation.”

In the News Van-

Tisha has her foot on the gas as the van roars towards the T-bone.

"We need to get the fuck away from here. Away and back. Let's go back to Cheyenne. We can check with the producer abotu this.. Fuck, fuck. holy fuck...."

To Willie it seems that Tisha is going to drive right past the T-Bone.


In the Meat locker at the T-Bone-

OCC- close dodge, but no worry, Horst failed to reach Flip. Sure, roll for spot hidden for something blunt to use on Horst.

IC Horsts body shakes about and twists, then the arm falls back and the body is stilled.

In the garage-

(OCC- Dave, Bob, Wallace, roll Sanity)

Bob moves around the truck at about the same time that Wallace runs up to the side of the garage. Both have their pistols drawn. Bo is a few steps behind them as they approach the garage door.

Boss Earl tries to back up but the creature attacks. It’s first lunge misses but Earl cannot retreat fast enough nor can he fight off the creature. Failing to escape he throws a punch, landing a strong body blow on the monsters face. But the monster continues to attack, it grabs his arm with its own and then sinks into Earls wrist, breaking through arteries and veins, cracking bones. Earl screams in the pain.
 
In the garage -

While Dave's mind is trying it's best to make sense of what is happening (Sanityroll: success against a 50 stat (1d100=40)), his body starts moving in it's own. He moves forward with the subconcious intend tot help Earl if possible. (I don't know how far he is or if he'll get there before the others. If he gets there first, he'll try to slug the zomb's head with the heavy wrench.)

Bob is utterly surprised and shocked. Sure, they told him about it at the Diner, but this? This is well beyond what his brain can handle.
(Sanityroll: failure against a 70 stat (1d100=95))


Outside the diner -

OCC - A few minutes? I hope no more than two, because I'm pretty tired of having 2 line conversations at Yog-S that magically take 30 minutes.

ICC -

"Show me." Luke says to Charlie.

Luke closes the backpack and puts it on together with his jacket. He grabs the sniper bag & the sleepingbag and walks into the Diner.

"Incoming..." He dryly says as he passes the others without waiting for a reply "I'm going up."
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top