They Rise (IC)

[Odin the Ignoble]

The radio keeps repeating the same drivel about staying in your homes. But you know better then that, don't you? What always happens in the movies? Damn straight the guy who stays at home gets surrounded and ripped apart.

Nearby somebody blares their cars horn, but it's pointless, traffic hasn't moved so much as an inch in over an hour. You eye your supplies in the back for the third time in the last five minutes. Maybe you'd be better off walking?

No, best stay here just a little longer, it'd suck to get out and hike just in time for the traffic to start moving again.

All of a sudden you see something in your rear view mirror, it's a woman, and she's running. Blood pours down from gash on her head, as she runs headlong between the stopped cars, a look of horror stretched across his face.

As you crane you neck to see what exactly she's running from, you hear it. A low warbling moan. A second later a dozen other join it in a macabre chorus.

They're here.

You are currently here: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=chicago&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hnear=Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois&t=m&vpsrc=0&z=19

At the moment the southbound lane is gridlocked. The northbound land is mostly open, but there appears to be at least one major wreck. A car from the southbound land decided they couldn't wait any longer and jumped the median to use the other lane. They didn't get out of sight before they impacted a truck heading north.

At the moment, there are no infected in sight. If you look northwards, back towards the center of Chicago, I-57 curves a bit heading east. The curve is keeping whatever is going on just out of site, a little less then half a mile distant. The wounded woman, Lylia, is only the first of a flood of people abandoning their cars.

Lylia is near collapse having sprinted for the last half a mile.

Corporal Kurt Gonzalez

One of the reasons that Kurt has wandered in this direction is that he remembers hearing that the National Guard had attempted to close down major roads out of the city to stop whatever it was from spreading.

There's a good chance if you head far enough down the road, you'll meet up with whatever unit was tasked with closing I-57.


Dave Murphy
Dave just got a text from FeMbOt. She says to check your e-mail inbox "NOW!!!!1!!!"

[Zjackrum]

(Hah! As first poster I dibs Blue)

James Trahern

James leaned forward on the steering wheel. Five minutes ago he had turned the hummer's engine off to conserve gas. He caught Darrin rolling his eyes in the passenger seat, but thankfully his employer said nothing.
It's not as though we're going anywhere...
Most of Chicago seemed to have a had a head start on them - Darrin had spent the majority of their day at city hall, taking up valuable time that they could have been better spent on preparations. He glanced to the backseat, where two backpacks and a briefcase sat. Everything they had in the world, excluding the car and a dwindling gas tank, was in those three containers.

Everything was at a standstill until a flurry of movement caught his eye in the rear-view mirror. A woman, bleeding from the head was running between the cars.
The honking and yelling stopped.
In the silence, the moaning began.

"Sir," He asked softly, keeping his eyes on the rearview mirror, "Did you ever get the windows and windshield reinforced? Because if not, it might be time to abandon ship..."

[TheFallenSon]

CPL Gonzalez ( rocking green speech )

Kurt was trotting beside the highway, a nice easy jaunt, he had his rifle at the low ready his head on a swivel. He was in his element...well sort of. He thought about the craziness of it all. This was America...not some dirty back water country in the far east. This was America, where men could be men and women could be whatever the hell they wanted...I mean @*#% this was Illinois for Christs sake...how had it all turned upside down? How did this place remind him of that dirt ball of a country he had visited on Ol' Uncle Sam's dollar? There was death in the streets, men were hunting men. They had become animals. Jackals feeding on the bloated carcass of Chicago. He could see the fires, smell the smoke, smell the fear. Hell on earth. Twenty six hours...twenty six hours, he was almost in shock as his mind raced over the last day plus of his life.

He couldn't even remember what he had been doing prior to getting his activation phone call....playing video games, maybe wrestling with his nephew? His family hadn't been watching the news, nothing good on that channel. The phone call had floored him...but he did the right thing, something he was kinda famous for in his neighborhood and made his way to the armory. That was when he heard the rumors...zombies...right. Soldiers were always talking about zombies, ninjas, and zombie ninjas. He laughed it all off and got his team together, they were going to help secure Chitown. He could do that. He remembered thinking how easy it would be with the police as support. SGT Ski said they should get pizza and the new kid Santiago thought they would all be home by noon the next day. They were wrong.

The riots had cut through Chicago like a hot knife through some Country Crock veg spread. That was less then four hours after the meteor thing...four hours and the men and women in Chicago had lost it. His unit drove into the middle of a war movie. The locals attacked them before they even stopped moving, molotavs splashed the ground and the hoods of their HWMMVs. The soldiers engaged the crowd, and everything began to spiral out of control, the LTs truck went up like a roman candle soaked in gasoline, Sgt Ski got on the horn and told everyone to push on to Millennium park. The crew served weapons on top of the HWMMVs barked and roared as they pushed through town.

At the park a hasty CCP and helipad were thrown up. Kurt and his fire team, set up shop as overwatch at the Art Institute. That probably saved his life. The national guardsmen only got a few minutes rest before shots echoed through the park. The next few hours were a blur of running and firing, taking cover and engaging targets. It seems his unit had kicked a hornets nest worth of pain. More fighting...then black.

When he came to he was tucked away in the corner of some back alley. His helmet split nearly in two....blood dried and crusted on his face and neck. Some son of a !@$%#@ had shot him in the head. The others must have thought he was dead....pulled out, left him here. Damn.

That was how he found himself jogging next to the highway....looking at all the smoke...watching Chicago burn. Damn.

Kurt had been moving with a quickness, he had to get to the roadblocks....Lt. Said the trans company from Peoria and the infantry cats from down south were gonna be locking down the freeways. It was supposed to be part of some grand statewide plan, something about relocation...that was supposed to be his companies piece of the pie. If he was gonna get out of this hell hole, he would need to find the guys holding this piece of 57, then he'd know what had happened to his men, see what was going on, get some news.

He picked up his pace, more than a march less than a run, he needed to get there. He would get there. He decided to push up onto 57 now, he did a mental check of his assets....14 and 7....time to get mean.

He crested an on ramp, ignoring the stares and curses, the few threats and pleas. He slowed his pace...more methodical now, weapon in the low ready, body tense and loose. He made quick checks and assessments of his surroundings, his weapon would snap up now and again, clear, check check check, clear, check check check, clear. Check.....check.....wounded girl....groan? What the %€'@&$ was that??!??!!

He moved a bit slower now, turned to where the girl was coming from...damn knight in shining armor complex demanded attention...he let his weapon dangle and moved to her quickly. "Miss, miss" that would come out in a normal tone...it was days like this he was happy to be an MP.

[An Anomaly]

Darren Palmisano (RED IS MINE!!!)

Mind racing, Darren thought about what to do. Caught in traffic was bad enough on Friday at five o' clock, but this? A nightmare turned real, just like everything that had happened over the last twenty four hours. Twenty four hours! It was a long time to go without sleep, and now it looked as if this thing were just beginning.

Trahern turned off the Hummer's engine, at which Darren released a quiet sigh. However, he kept quiet, because Trahern was right about turning the vehicle off. It saved gas, and Lord knows how much gas this behemoth can burn just while sitting still. It probably didn't matter, though, because Darren seriously wondered whether traffic was EVER going to move. Probably not, seeing as how many of the surrounding cars had been deserted over the course of the past couple hours. Suddenly, Trahern made a comment (was it some kind of a wise-crack? Darren wasn't paying too much attention) but then Trahern's head careened around as he appeared to be looking closely at something. Darren turned his head to see what the commotion was, and to his surprise was a running woman, whose head appeared to be wet with blood. He wasn't too compassionate of a person, but Darren felt some level of pity for the panicking woman. Come on, let's help that gal out. Do you know any first aid? Darren didn't wait for a reply, instead choosing to unlock his door, pop it open, and step outside. However, as soon as he heard the door swing wide, a clearly audible sound pierced his ears: several groaning voices could be heard over the chaos of the city that they hadn't quite escaped.

[Daftendirekt]

"Chikusho!" curses the small Japanese woman as she sits astride her red Ducati motorcycle, keeping it balanced as she looks for a way through the crowded freeway. It appeared as if she may have to abandon her bike soon if she wished to make headway. Her extensive practice of parkour made maneuvering no problem at all, but she would hate to have to leave the vehicle there -- it was her equivalent of a pet, but one that didn't leave fur and poop all over the place.

Sighing, she kills the engine and pulls the key out of the ignition, slipping it into the pocket of her leather jacket; no point leaving it for somebody else to use. Dismounting, she removes her helmet and props it on the seat, then looks up and down I-57. Sighing again, she tightens the straps on her well-stocked backpack, checks that her Glock is still in place and her red running shoes are tied tightly, and begins walking resolutely south, her mind on the disastrous meeting with the higher-ups late the previous day.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave is skating along for a moment- ignoring the world around him. He listens to music he makes in his head- using his devices for music would be a nonsensical waste of energy. So, Tom Sawyer plays over and over in his head- then it came. A chirping ringtone- he had a text. Stopping for a second, he checks his phone- did Stimey have anything else to say? No- it was FemBot- Dave checked to see what she wanted-

And there it was. Something he dreaded- check your inbox. How could he do that? He hadn't so much as googled his name in over 24 hours. He opens one of his apps up- and begins scanning for WiFi- even an inkling of a connection. With a determined look on his face, he begins the hunt for a signal.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Kurt, Darren and James

Make a Treat Injury check.


Anybody with binoculars

The first of those things has rounded the corner. They are almost a half mile away. It's hard to estimate just how long it will take for them to get here. They seem to be slowed by the fact that there are a few cars with drivers locked inside. They seem pretty intent on attacking them before moving on to more distant prey.


Dave

Make a Knowledge: Technology check.

[TheFallenSon]

Treat injury
[roll0]
If his check is successful he will fiddle with a firstaid pouch on his IBA and try and dress her wounds.

Kurt gives her a once over, one hand slips to the pistol grip of his rifle to steady it as he slows down. "miss are you alright? Do you need help?"

[An Anomaly]

Darren noticed as he was cautiously approaching the collapsed woman a figure out of the corner of his eye. As he turned his head, he noticed a uniformed soldier striding up to the same woman as Darren; He almost stopped, but the army guy seemed pretty intent on helping whoever this lady was. Darren decided that he, too, would prioritize the bleeding woman. It certainly wouldn't do for her to bleed out before his eyes.

Treat Injury

[roll0]

In case the initial treat injury fails, Darren tries to help the soldier out any way he can in the way of healing the woman.


How did you perform first aid, again? Something like putting pressure to the wound, or... Darren wasn't sure. He usually didn't have to deal with any injury that couldn't be fixed with neosporin and a band-aid. Well, here it goes...

[Jesse Drake]

Dave tries to get a signal, so he steps around the others around him- including some people helping some helpless cutie.

[roll0]

[INoKnowNames]

"Please.... Please.... Please...."

Lylia was completely exhausted. Between the panic of the day's events and the physical stress she's endured, she continues to wish in her head, that she was just dreaming a horrible nightmare. For now, the only thing she knew to do was to continue to run... to try to survive...

"Don't worry about me.... Everyone has to keep moving....." She continued to breathe, her hands clasped together and pressed to her chest. She tried desperately to regain her composure as she felt her heart racing.

As she addressed the people who had stopped to attend to her, she pushed away some of her bangs and attempted to wipe away some of the remaining blood and tears staining her face.

"Thank you for helping me. But we can't stay here! No one can stop here! We have to keep moving! Those -things- are not far behind, and everyone who stays here will not survive! We have to go on!"

[Odin the Ignoble]

@Darren & Kurt

The head wound appears to be superficial. It's already clotted, but like all head wounds bleeds allot even if the cut isn't deep.

Since it's already clotted messing with it now will only cause it to bleed again.


Dave

Dave has a couple weak signals from nearby houses, but they're all secured networks.

There's a stronger signal, but the networks name is just alphabet soup. And it's secured as well. After a second he remembers that the traffic cams on 57 are all on a wireless network. But he can't remember if the network is a closed one or if it connects to the web. On the upside, if it does connect to the internet, Dave'll have a feed as long as he stays close to 57, at least until it gets more rural.

((Dave can wait until he get's to a unsecured network, or try and get into one of the ones available. If you want to try the hack, make a Computer Use Check.))

[Jesse Drake]

The chaos outside was ridiculous- people were fixing someone up next to the spot where the signal was strongest. Hmmm... Should he wait by amd hope a signal comes to him, or try to crack into the one he found?

Using his phone, Dave began trying to hack into the signal- but it was a pretty damn tough one. So, on the off chance he doesn't get in, Dave prepares the excuse. "Do you mind dying quietly? This could be a matter of life and death."

[TheFallenSon]

He tilted his head to the side a bit as he listened to her panicked little rant. She was stressed to the max. Maybe looters had gotten to her. Maybe they were just gang bangers, either way....things? Did she say things? The world had gone crazy for sure. He quickly began restuffing his firstaid pouch. Man....should he go back that way? Indecision swept over him for the first time in a very, very long time. How do you even ask someone that kind of question?

He would make his way to the nearest vehicle and try and climb up for a better view.

If anyone cared to really look at him, Kurt would look like a pile of &@$? Chiseled into a sculpture of David by Michealangelo. His uniform was wholly dirty, he had left his bullet pierced helmet in some dirty alley way. The top half of his body armor was dyed a nice brownish crimson and his own scalp and forehead had abit of blood flacking off on the left side....still a picture of the might of The Illinois National Guard...just mad rough around the edges.

[Swordslinger]

William got off the motorcycle, it was out of fuel. It did not really matter with the traffic like this. He turned the wheel and gave it push propelling it to the side of the road. He turned and walked away, what happened to the bike from now did not matter to him. It was not even his bike, but the owner did not need it anymore. Not after the crash had sent him flying into a wall, at least the bike had not been damaged too much. He took off the large backpack he was wearing and removed a piece of body armor. Now the pack was depressingly empty, but he should be happy that he had managed to salvage at least this much in the chaos. He sat down on the front of random car and moved his hand trough his short hair. What had happened so far today was unbelievable. He studied the vest for a while before he donned it. It was a cumbersome to get on and it took a few minutes. Just like with the bike the owner would not miss it, at least not the person that had been wearing it, not after what happened to him. William shuddered, he had seen much and there was few things that disturbed him, but that had been one. Chicago Police Department who where the actual owners might be annoyed, but screw them. Considering the things he had seen in the city he felt completely justified grabbing some armor and weapons. He looked down at the vest, where Chicago Police Department was written with large letters. Well he could always give it back when things calmed down. He studied his surroundings; a bit further back an injured girl was getting help from a soldier and someone else. There was much noise in the air but some words spoken by the girl reached him. Keep moving, those things are not far behind. He stood up, it was time to start moving.

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine stands atop an abandoned Excursion, her rangefinding binoculars pulled from her backpack and held up to her eyes. She curses in Japanese yet again as she sees a horde of infected moving slowly but surely out of the city and down the freeway. As she scans the length of the highway moving back towards herself, she spots a group that is -- madly -- remaining stationary; it appears to be three men helping an injured woman.

"Idiots," she says to herself as she slips her binoculars back into her backpack. Settling in on her back, she leaps down from the SUV and begins running full-tilt towards them, leaping over car hoods, dodging the odd survivor that is heading the other direction. She makes much quicker progress than the infected, but she still doesn't have much time to get the idiots moving before they arrive.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Kurt

It's tough to tell at this distance, but there's a large crowd about a half mile behind you. Their movements seem weird, but you can't put a finger on it. A few clusters are banging on cars for some reason.

There's a low moan, and it's definitely coming from that direction.

Dave

Which network were you going for the Camera Network, or one of the home networks. Either way with a 20 you're in.

If you went for a home one, you've got internet access now, but it's agonizingly slow since the connection is poor.

If you went for the camera network, you're in to the network, but still haven't found web access. On the bright side, it looks like you can stream some of the camera feed. The camera's are in numerical order, if you can figure out where you're at, you should be able to bring up the cameras before and behind you with no problems.

Make another Computer Use check to try and get web access.

[Jesse Drake]

"Oh goody." Dave groaned, picking up the camera's network. "Damn thing- why can't I get web access. Although..." Dave checked his area quickly, and tried to figure out where he was- he looked for any specific cars or things like that. Also, while surfing the camera's network, he will also keep an eye out for any signs of infected anywhere.

Though nifty, Dave hadn't gotten the internet access, so he goes for the home signal. He hopes that it's accessible, wherever it is.

[roll0]

[betafin]

Knowledge: Behavioral Sciences
[roll0]

[Odin the Ignoble]

There is a faint crashing sound of breaking glass in the distance, followed by a high pitched feminine scream, from the direction of the horde. The scream continues for a short time while the low moan increases in volume.

It sounds like "they" have broken into at least one car for it's contents.


Dave

Dave gets into the house's system without much effort. Fembot has dropped an email, with a video attached. The video is loading slowly.

The text of the message is as follows.
"You've got to check this out! Check the time-stamp in the corner! Maybe this is what the Pres was talking about?!

It was uploaded by a guy who claims he was in the Illinois National Guard. It's supposed to take place in a tiny town called Philo. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo,_Illinois). Less then ten minutes after it was uploaded to a message board, somebody crashed the message board. I re-posted the vid at other sites but they got shut down too. They even tracked the IP and two Zombie Computers got taken out.

Somebody doesn't want this getting out, like somebody big. It's creeping me the hell out. You should delete this vid as soon as you've watched it. Better yet delete your e-mail. **** it, throw the damned computer away once you seen it."

Dave's cycled through cameras a dozen cameras but hasn't managed to find the one they're on. There's close to a hundred in the system. It could be a few minutes before you find the right one.

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine quickens her pace, now breathing heavily despite being in peak physical condition, as she hears a scream of terror further down the highway. Stopping herself suddenly on the hood of a car as she reaches them, panting, the small Japanese woman looks seriously at the group tending to the wounded young woman.

"You people have got to get out of here. NOW. They're coming!" she says shortly to them, looking anxious to head back the way she came.

[Jesse Drake]

"Damn. Well I've got to check this out." Dave mutters, streaming his video as soon as possible. All the meanwhile, searching for his location.

[Zjackrum]

(Sorry about not posting earlier - I can't post on Saturdays because I'm in school all day)

James was lost in thought. He had seen those things on scattered television reports throughout the last 24 hours; had heard the warbles and groans that signaled their presence.

He grabbed the first-aid kit from his backpack. To be honest James lacked any professional skill with the tools and instruments inside, but it seemed a handy thing to have around.

The girl did not seem to be in any immediate danger. James then turned his attention to the new-comer - a well-armed and armored soldier... Full battle fatigues. Assault rifle. Blood on the uniform, but no helmet. Insignia of the Illinois National Guard. He couldn't read the name tag or rank.

"Sir," James addressed the man, trying to remain both calm and respectful, "What's the status up ahead? A military check-point? Road-block? Or more of those things? I need to get my employer to safety."

[TheFallenSon]

He would sight down his rifle at the things down the road...a scream...then this crazy as chick yelling about let's bug out? Hmmm...maybe the boys had been right, Zombie ninjas for the win? He would speak to James as he hopped off the car. "corporal, i work for a living, ad at the moment your guess is as good as mine pal, but I think the ladies are right we need to move."

He would motion away from the groaning...and give the little group a once over. It is 14 and 7...time to get mean. His attention would turn to the athletic asian lady who had been bounding through the traffic. "you know what's back there" he would use his rifle to gesture towards the shreiks and groans. He would also start moving, not running but moving and gesturing for the others.

[Daftendirekt]

"Infected," she says grimly. "Not sure what with, but it's serious enough that the U.S government is shooting down any air traffic attempting to leave in an effort to contain it. Hopefully they haven't set up roadblocks yet. Point being: we need to get the hell out of this city before the entire area is quarantined."

[TheFallenSon]

Indecision again...roadblocks. There were going to be sdiers somewhere on this road...if they were already shooting down planes..."Well that sounds wholly unpleasant. Let's go people." Moving away a bit faster now. "we need to look for ways out of this place, sans highway. The roadblocks may not be letting civies out. And with the reception my company got coming into this place...they will likely be spoiling for a fight."

[INoKnowNames]

Lylia bent down and rubbed her legs, hoping to return some feeling in her exhausted extremities. She then righted herself, her face wrought with concern.

"But, how are we going to do escape? Especially if we have to deal with the government as well as the people still trapped here... and those... Infected..." She could not hide the fear in her voice.

[An Anomaly]

Well, that was a fantastic turn of events. As Darren had stepped over to aid the woman, who was actually just a young girl on closer inspection, he looked closely at the wound. The injury seemed pretty well stopped, and most of the blood on the woman was dry. If it's not broken, don't fix it...

What happened next was something of a small shock. A nerdy looking guy walked up, tapping on a cell phone and watching something on its screen. What the... Who was this guy, and what did he want?

And suddenly an angry Japanese woman came running into the group of people. In an instant, Darren saw her tattoed arm and dove into his jacket pocket for his Desert Eagle. He gripped it with his hand and was about to pull it out onto the newcomer, but he realized that she was content to scream at their group about something coming. She didn't even realize who he was! No need to complicate things, he thought as he slowly removed his hand from his firearm. Now she was standing on a car, talking about infected and ordering them to run. The injured girl seemed to be affirming this idea. Who are you people? He cried to the injured person, the nerd, the soldier, and the crazy Japanese woman. Either the insanity of the situation was starting to get to him, or he was just having a really bad day. Regardless, it was time to take control of thsi situation. Everyone calm down. This is getting out of hand, and I WILL have order. You! Lady! He pointed at the Kakuza woman. What are you talking about? What roadblocks, and, uh, what quarantine? Who is coming? And did you say that somebody is shooting airplanes?

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine's eyes narrow as she looks more closely at the man and realizes who he is. Darren Palmisano. Interesting, she thinks dourly to herself before speaking aloud.

"I'm Valentine. Those moaning people you hear are infected with something from those meteorites. The government knows it and is trying to keep it contained. Locally, that means sealing off the city of Chicago."

She grows more and more impatient as she explains, having said it all once before.

"Now stop asking questions and let's MOVE! We can talk when there isn't a horde of them within shouting distance."

Oh, and I haven't noted this IC yet, but you'll all undoubtedly notice that she is carrying a crossbow strapped to her back.

[An Anomaly]

I AM the government, dammit! Darren, though he distrusted Valentine as much as anyone, saw a bit of urgency in her eyes. Plus, he noticed a large crossbow strapped to her back. Who does this person think she is? A vampire slayer, that's what... Nontheless, he decided that the madwoman shouldn't be set off (Who knows what could happen?) so he nodded at Trahern. Get the bags. I'll grab my backpack and the guncase under the seat, the briefcase can stay here. After all, what use was his notebook going to be? Dead weight, period. You, soldier. Grab that girl and let's get a move on. And you, with the cellphone, what on Earth are you doing? Can you make calls on that thing?

[Odin the Ignoble]

OOC
Spot checks please.

[Daftendirekt]

Spot check:[roll0]

[INoKnowNames]

Spot:[roll0]

[An Anomaly]

Spot Check

Spot
[roll0]

[Swordslinger]

A small group had gathered nearby around the wounded girl, and they were now having an argument over course of action. He supposed that people who had not been in the city when the outbreak begun would have a hard time believing what was happening. Hell, he hardly believed it and he had barely escaped the city with his life, the bike had really been stroke of luck. For him at least, not so much for the owner. William lifted up his backpack and made sure the shield hanging at the back was properly secured. While he had his doubts initially about its usefulness he had begun to become increasingly happy that he had brought it with him. It just seemed too wasteful to leave it laying in the dirt. Weren’t those people going to move? He slung the backpack around his shoulders, a bit difficult with the protective vest on, but he managed. He slowly started to walk toward the group.

Spot Check:

[Jesse Drake]

Spot[roll0]

[TheFallenSon]

Spot check
[roll0]

[Zjackrum]

Spot Check

[roll0]


Good... Darren would know what to do, and when the man spoke, people listened.
James grabbed both backpacks and the guncase from the back of the Hummer. He debated bringing the briefcase - Darren might want his laptop later - but he had been instructed to leave it, and it was just extra weight.
In the mean time, he grabbed the binoculars from his backpack and tried to get a good look at what was happening in the direction of the moans.

[Odin the Ignoble]

As you face south, to the right there is a fifteen foot concrete barrier, at the top is road, and beyond leads into a middle class residential area. To the left there's a small grassy median, the northbound lane of I-57, and beyond that a small grassy slop, beyond which is another residential area.

Directly in front of you is the continuous line of parked cars, after about a hundred feet there's an overpass. The line of cars continues until after about a half mile, another overpass blocks your line of sight.

Dave

While waiting for the video to load. Dave continues to scan through cameras. He finally spots the one they're on, the image is black and white and from a distance, but it's hard to mistake the japanese lady with a crossbow for anyone else.

A movement in one of the abandoned cars catches Dave's eye. looking at it he expects to see a zombie trapped in a car, but it's a toddler, no more then three. She's strapped into a car seat, the front driver side door is open, where the parent/guardian exited abandoning her. You can't hear her crying, but from her face she's balling her eyes out.

The car is about half way between the party and the oncoming horde.

((I can't believe the only guy who made the spot check is the one buried in his IPad. Since Dave's the only one who noticed, you get to decide whether the girl is "worth the risk" or "an acceptable loss". ))

[Jesse Drake]

"Aha!" Dave exclaimed as he found the group. "There we are, there's the hoarde, and there is some poor baby about to become zombie chow. Kinda sad, but ya know- it's hell on earth, and we're the lot stuck here so, yeah." Dave makes some gestures to the screen, then checks his phone for his video's status.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Dave

So much for moral quandary. :smallbiggrin:

The video has streamed less then a minute. It's almost 27 minutes long. The opening shows a farmhouse at night with the lights on, but that's it so far. The time stamp show's 3/28/2014 in the corner.

[TheFallenSon]

Whoah!!!! Did you just say there is a kid back there? What will these Infecteddo if they get a hold of her? Doesn't matter, I'm gonna go and get her. Kurt dropped his assault bag and tossed it towards the gathered group. He did a mental check then ran his hands over his gear. Vest, gloves, glasses, etool...he dropped that, egress hatchet, rifle...14 rounds, pistol...7 rounds. You guys hold my bag

Anyone coming with? he would start heading back from where he had started.

If no one fell in behind him.
He would take off at a full on run, his rifle up as he cleared the vehicles. Doing his best to make good time and be safe.

If he had some compadres, and they made like Voltron to the rescue.
He would wait for them to decide how they would travel and put his two cents in for the formation of the ultimate plan.

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine shakes her head resolutely, hands planted firmly on her hips.

"I'm not going back into that place. We need to get out of here now. We try and go back for more, and we might as well just sit down and let them get us. I'm giving you people 10 seconds, and then I go on alone."

[An Anomaly]

OH NO YOU DON'T. Darren practally screamed at anyone in the group with even the idea of going back to the infected. I'm with Valentine on this one. We sit on our hands, we will die. For all that we know, those things are just as smart as we are, and that kid is a deathtrap. We already have one injured girl to take care of, let's not try to save everyone on this highway to hell, eh? He drew his pistol and flicked the safety off. Mr. Trahern, let us leave ths place. I have no intention of meeting these infected, and, quite frankly, I have places to be that aren't here.

[Daftendirekt]

"Good to see your survival instinct isn't as hacked as your political views," Valentine says, giving the suited man a grudging nod of respect as she pulls her crossbow around to the front and fishes out a bolt, sliding it into the groove and pulling the string back as she waits the aforementioned 10 seconds before leaving the fools behind.

[An Anomaly]

Political views? That's interesting... Darren realized that this woman did know who he was. Very interesting. Suddenly, Darren had an idea. A despicable, detestable, and brilliant idea.

He pointed the black barrel of his Desert Eagle back towards the coming waves of infected. But he wasn't interested in killing any of the moaning menaces; no, the target in his sights was much closer, and it was tied to a chair. Well, technically it was strapped to a car seat. But who cares about the details?

An easy shot... Darren thought as he lined up the sights.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave tucks his phone away... a totally insane soldier and a dirty as hell politician- he'll check it later. But he does try to record the footage- someone dying saving a baby would be perfect for instructing future survivors on what not to do. Or, maybe he'd catch Darren killing a baby... But he does speak up. "Hey- Mr. Government... let's just leave them for the zeds- a crying baby is sure to attract them... we could use this time to dip." Dave prepares to follow Valentine.

[INoKnowNames]

What!?! , Lylia thought at the words of the man approaching the group. At his words, she mentally began to panic. Her mind blocked everything except for her senses and the feelings of fear and desperation welling within her.

Lylia turned towards the direction she knew the hoard would be coming from, and started scanning the cars in search of the young life. No, No No No No No! In one swift movement, Lylia put down everything she was carrying, and began to run up the highway, her aching body renewed by a frantic vigor.

[Swordslinger]

William considered for a moment to follow after the soldier, but it had nothing to do with him. It was not his responsibility if some child died, it was too dangerous… let the soldier play at being a hero. Then a yell came from the girl, and she darted off toward the incoming infected. William slung the backpack over his shoulder and it landed on the road in front of him, he unfastened the shield with a quick motion, at least he had the foresight to make it easy to detach. He picked it up and ran past the other people leaving his backpack on the ground, damn it what was he doing. As he passed the others he slowed down for a moment “You guys start moving away from here, I’ll go after them”. He suspected they would have lifted a finger to help anyway, not really a surprise, the real question was why he was going. It had to be the vest, it was getting to his head. He ran as fast as he could attempting to catch up with the girl.

[Zjackrum]

James wasn't going to try and lay his hands on a soldier, but a teenage girl about to get herself killed?

Taking a page from his days as a bouncer, James attemps to grab hold of Lylia and hold her tightly in a bear hug to prevent her from struggling.
Initiative Roll to see if he can grab her before she makes a break for it:
[roll0]

Edit: Wow. I guess James wasn't on his toes there...

(I'm making assumptions here, so I'll post both possible scenarios)

If James can grab Lylia:

"Woah there... Just calm down." James tries to use a calming, reassuring voice as he grapples Lylia into submission. (Feel free to roll James' grapple checks, or however it's done in D20 mondern) "We can't go throwing good money after bad. Let's go, Mr Palmisano."


If James misses his chance:

Making a grab for Lylia but finding only air, James shrugs as she dashes towards the horde of monsters. He glances at Lylia's dropped equipment, briefly considering salvaging for useful supplies, but waits for Darren's cue before heading south to safety.

[TheFallenSon]

He heard someones safety flip. Let the bastards shoot him. What would it matter? And then they tried to 'move' him with a half ass speech. He saw The girl book it, bat out of hell...mistake. He would move quick and quiet. He was pretty sure that he would still beat her there. He cleared the vehicles as he moved. Check, check, check, clear. He would pick it up now. She was faster than he thought.

use a double move action to catch then pass her. Light load and light armor for a base move of 35ft and double of 70ft

[Odin the Ignoble]

Lylia runs away from the group intent on saving the child, despite any persuasion or threats to the contrary.

Kurt and William follow after. The trio has moved about a hundred feet away from the group by the time Valentine reaches the end of her ten count. Kurt despite the weight of his armor and weapons has managed to keep up with Lylia. William has fallen a little behind slowed by his riot gear.

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine shakes her head, steps down off of the hood of the car, and begins heading back the way she came, not running but moving briskly, keeping her crossbow at the ready just in case. She looks back once to see if anybody else follows, but otherwise simply heads off. If some of these fools wanted to get themselves killed, it was none of her business.

[TheFallenSon]

Kurt continued running, he would push himself past Lylia if he could. Have her between him and the Cop, William. He was trying to clear the cars and the other assorted vehicles on the way, he was deffinately missing all kinda of things...but that is the price you pay for quickness. "We are going to be cutting this close, I will carry the kid back, you will need to get her out while I keep those infected back. We need to be quick."

[An Anomaly]

Darren lowered his pistol. It was impossible to take the shot, now that those two had gone running towards the child. Even if he wanted to shoot the baby, their running bodies posed too much of a target for his already difficult shot. And, unfortunately, he didn't have time to carefully shoot out their legs and drag them back to their senses. To make matters worse, Darren was surprised as a third figure joined them. A police officer?... No, probably a looter. He seems to have no uniform. Regardless, they were all dead, because as soon as those infected saw their obvious rescue attempt, they would become engulfed and consumed.

If horror movies had taught him anything, it was that the group must stick together, or else everybody was going to be picked off one by one. The only way the group could stay together was if everyone survived. And the only way those loons were gonna survive was if the infected were very, very distracted. Mr. Trahern, change of plan. Stop that woman. The Japanese one. Be careful, she is dangerous. With that, Darren searched the hummer for a lighter and, having found one, sprinted across the median towards the cars abandoned in the northbound lanes of I-57. Which one of these has the most gas? Darren pondered.

[Odin the Ignoble]

The trio closes the distance in just a few seconds. The child's bawling continues as Kurt prepares to extract the child from the car.

Lyia hears the soft crunch of shoes on broken glass nearby. Tuning she sees two of the infected shuffling between cars. They're heads are cocked, almost like a dog trying to find the location of a sound. One of the infected is a small man, wearing nothing but a bathrobe, the other is an obese woman in a sundress.

Both of them are slack jawed, the woman is drooling a faint bit. There eyes seem to be out of focus, almost like they're in some sort of trance. There skin is deathly pale, veins stained a dark green cross their exposed skin like road-maps. The man has what looks like stab wounds on his chest, and the woman's leg is torn open like it's been chewed on by a wild animal, despite the wound she's still standing.

At the moment, they don't appear to have noticed you.

[Zjackrum]

James glances towards Valentine.
"Ok..." He sounds slightly worried.

He jogs briskly to catch up with Valentine, doing his best to look casual and non-threatening.
"Hey... Hey wait up..." James will try to get Valentine to stop, or at least slow down. "We don't know what the situation is to south. We might need the soldier or Mr Palmisano to get past whatever road block is further down the road. How fast can those things move? We should have time to run or hide... Let's just give them a few minutes."

I don't know if Valentine might be swayed by Diplomacy, as it's a PC and not an NPC, but here's a Diplomacy check from James:
[roll0]

[Daftendirekt]

Weeeellll, since you got a nat 20... :smallwink:

Valentine stops dead in her tracks. She does not turn or even look at James. She merely waits.

[Swordslinger]

He stopped by the car where the soldier had begun to secure the child. Puh running in all this equipment was downright tedious. “Just get the child and let’s get the hell out of here”. He did not want to stay here any longer than he had to. He started making his way over to the girl, best get her started on the way back again.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave blinked as Valentine stopped. "Uh, Miss Scary Crossbow Lady? Why are we listening to them? I don't wanna stick around for whatever's happening to go down." Also, Dave figured he'd need help getting where he needed, and everyone else who appeared qualified also seemed- well, mad. Then again, he doesn't know why he figured the lady with a crossbow to be any less crazy.

[TheFallenSon]

He would sling his rifle as he neared the vehicle. He prayed that the car seat had a release button or something on the harness system...Be would open the rear door and try to get the kid out, any trouble would be resolved with cutting the straps with his multi tool. It's ok, ehhhh stop crying. It's ok we're here to help. Shhhh"

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine does a slow count to 30 in her head, and then starts moving again. If these people have such low regard for their own survival, it's their business. She had waited enough, and now was the time to move on. Figuring that they'd provide enough of a distraction, she pulls the bolt out of her crossbow, sticking it back in her quiver, and shoulders the bow again. She glances over at Dave, nods once, and starts moving again.

"Let's get out of here," she says to the uber-geek as she stares down the lane, trying to pick out her Ducati.

[Odin the Ignoble]

The child is easily extracted from it's seat, a large read button allows it to be unbuckled without a problem. At first she seems afraid to be approached by a stranger, and begins to cry louder. But after Kurt's reassuring words she quiets down. Even a stranger is better then being lost and alone. She practically clings to him as he pulls her out of the car.

Lylia ducks behind a brand new Mercedes-Benz, hiding from the infected. She trips slightly and brushes against the car a little harder then she intended. Suddenly the car's alarm goes off. It's lights flash, and it's horn sounds, blaring loudly for all to hear.

The moan from the hoard sounds again, it sounds like it's changed pitch. The two closer undead, snap around to look at the car, and spot the living.

[Swordslinger]

Suddenly a car alarm broke the silence. Oh hell, that was going to attract attention. William moved quickly toward the car and the girl. The soldier was getting the child and it was high time to get away from here, even if he had to drag her back.

William moves toward Lylia. If he reached her and spot the zombies he will place himself between them. And if another move action is available he will draw the baton

[INoKnowNames]

At the roar of the hoard, and the movement nearby, every single nerve in her body jolted with fear. Pure and utter panic forced Lylia immediately back to her feet, away from the zombies, her face frozen in terror, her heart beating as fast as it can.

Listening for anything her eyes don't catch, while shifting her sight back and forth between her path and the couple near her, she attempts to move to behind another car, keeping the infected away from her, hoping to void further attention, praying to be saved, and wishing for the horrible dream to end.

Move action-s- to get within a safe distance away from -hopefully slow- Zombies.

Spot check to notice anything special/avoid running into something: [roll0]
Like wise Listen Check: [roll1]

[Odin the Ignoble]

Lyia doesn't see or hear any more undead as she moves back between cars.

The fat woman moves forward, stumbling and bouncing between cars as she lurches forward, with surprising speed. Her hands grope outward, attempting to grab both Kurt and the child in a gruesome bear hug. She's so close that Kurt can smell her, a fetid odor of rot and decay, like mushrooms and putrid meat. The child screams and buries her face in Kurt's chest.

William moves forward, pulling his baton and putting himself in between the zombies and Lylia.

OOC

The fat woman has moved forward, approximately 40ft, she's now close enough to threaten both Kurt, but moved to far to attack. Kurt is holding the girl in one hand. The other hand is holding his gun, but taking a shot while holding the squirming girl will throw off his aim.

The other zombie is about 30 feet away, but the fat woman is blocking his path to Kurt.

I posted William's action right away, even though Kurt technically goes first.

[An Anomaly]

Screaming pierced the air. It sounded like the child's, which was unsuprising; Darren didn't expect it to keep quiet. Following the wailing cries there was a car alarm that filled the air with wailing beeps. A moan could also be heard over the din. Of course the situation goes belly-up, Darren mused to himself. Well, now was as good a time as ever to draw some attention, they would need all the help they could get. Darren picked out a van to blow and he thought about his plan of action. Step one was to spill gas. Step two was to light the gas. The car should blow up, and then it was time for step three: Run Like Hell. Darren really liked three step plans. What could go wrong?

HEY! HEY! OVER HERE, YOU... Darren screamed as he unleashed a long string of loud and irreverent profanities. With that, he immediately set to work sending this hunk of junk to the moon.

All possible relevant checks:

Search - [roll0]
Knowledge (Physical Science) - [roll1]
Knowledge (Popular Culture) - [roll2]
Demolitions - [roll3]

In case everything goes wrong (i.e. blows up in Darren's face)
Tumble [roll4]

So, if he is able to set the car on fire/blow it up (and survive any random events), he will sprint as quickly as he can to the position he last saw Valentine and James. He expects that the child has been freed due to its audiable wailing, and he figures that the original meeting place is where everyone will regroup.

If things go wrong, he will abort his attempt to distract the infected and run to the position halfway between the party's original gathering point and the last known position of the baby-savers.

In any case, he will only stop if an infected is directly in his path or is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard.

EDIT: Oh, damn. That sucked. I hope that popular culture check inspires Darren to run away if the gas has caught on fire, or maybe it could inform him on how to operate a lighter. lol.

[Zjackrum]

Judging the distance between himself and the rather dangerous looking crossbow, James makes a grab for Valentine.

Melee touch attack to initiate grapple: [roll0]

"Easy, easy! We just need to give them another minute. We're all in this together."

If the grapple fails or if Valentine attemps to counter-attack, James will say the same line as above while raising his arms and attempting to look non-threatening.

Edit: Dang. James isn't having much luck. Hope he doesn't get a crossbow bolt to the face...

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine pauses for a moment, gives James a stern look, and then continues onward.

"At the moment, I'm not 'in this' with anybody. I don't know you people. If you want to live, feel free to come with. I'm not looking to babysit anybody."

[Jesse Drake]

Dave mentally blew a raspberry at Trahern. But in all seriousness, he thought for a moment. "Hey, she's right. No one here is bound to anyone else, not even you to that bozo. You [i]can[/] come with us." Dave felt he was pushing the envelope a bit, but he did possess invaluable skills, and wanted to preserve himself well enough.

[TheFallenSon]

Oh...shiiit Kurt dropped the unwieldy rifle to his side, allowing the sling to let the weapon dangle at his side. He would transition to his beretta as he began backing away with the little girl clinging to him. He heard that moan and his nostrils flared at the smell. He was backing up easy his arm raised to sight in on the fat woman. If she kept moving forward she would swallow lead.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Even wielding the assault rifle one handed while carrying the girl, Kurt manages to put a small three round burst into the things head. It bursts like so much over ripe melon, spraying the area, including Kurt and the child, with a fine mist of blood interspersed with chunks of green tinted unwholesome brain tissue.

The infected man runs forward with a lurching gate, it's bathrobe fluttering comically behind it. It steps over it's fallen comrade with uncharacteristic fluidity, avoiding becoming entangled in the fat woman's limbs. It's currently in almost the exact same position the obese woman was just a second before.

OOC

@TheFallen
I made the roll for the shot for you, I assumed you were aiming for the head since you're post mentioned her "eating lead", although I suppose you could have meant figuratively:smallconfused:

Please deduct 3 rounds from your ammunition. I know you can only fire one round at a time, but the usual "standard" is the three round burst. Since it's a simple switch flip feel free to toggle between rates of fire, including full auto, as a free action.

Anyways, the good news is that the shot killed her. The bad news is that you're now covered in a fine mist of what was her brain, please make a Fortitude save at a +5.

The second zombie was the last one to act in the round, so the new round starts with Lyia, Kurt and Will all acting before the Zombie.

Kurt, the zombie is directly in front of you. Will you're about ten feet behind him with Lylia behind you.

The area where Kurt is standing is big enough for two people to stand in, but you'd be in extremely close quarters, giving everyone who is in "the square" a penalty -2 penalty to your defense, and attack rolls.


The rest of the group hears the distinctive sound of a three round burst from a assault rifle in the distance. Dave notes it sounds remarkably similar to the familiar noises of the CoD games.

Darren

Darren remembers hearing somewhere, that cars normally don't blow up quite as spectacularly as they do in the movies.

Not having a great deal of experience with explosives, he's fairly sure that if you can ignite the gas in the tank it'll go up, but he isn't entirely sure how to go about it.

He could fire at a car like they do in the movies, or maybe get under one, punch a whole in the tank and then ignite the gas once it streams out. Like they did in that Bruce Willis movie.


Valentine

When Valentine gets to her bike, it's still there. Traffic was pretty packed but not entirely unmanageable, make a Drive Check to get the bike out. Alternatively you can try a Strength check to try and man-handle the bike into a position to get out to the jam.

The tank is still half full meaning you've still got about 80 miles worth of traveling before you run out of gas, depending on fuel consumption.

[INoKnowNames]

Flinching at the sound of the gunfire, Lylia walks out from behind the man in front of her to see the person who helped her fighting against the second Zombie. She could barely contain herself when she saw the Baby in his hands, still safe.

Lylia walks forward, just close enough to the man to be able to reach, while still remaining safe behind him. “Thank you for everything. Both of you. Please pardon me”, she says, as she attempts to take the baby from the man.



If the baby taking is successful: “Thank you for protecting me. I’ll take care of this one”, she says as she walks away from the infected and out of harms way.

If the baby taking is unsuccessful: Lylia backs away from the man, hoping not to further interfere with him while he fights.

[TheFallenSon]

Fort save
[roll0]

"take her and run, get out of here." he would let the little girl go and turned back to the poor bastard that was about to eat some metal jacketed awesome. He swung his rifle up and clicked that selector switch forward....semi...time to get mean.

"watch your lane" It came out just above a whisper as he fire at the infected man again.

Attack and dmg
[roll1]

[roll2]

[An Anomaly]

The sound of gunfire filled the air above Darren. He was busy contemplating the best way to go about destroying the innocent vehicle when the unmistakable three-round burst of an assault rifle rang out. It didn't take long before Darren realized his plan was for naught. Even if I did get this to work, there isn't much point in a distraction now... Darren figured. Now that these Infected were obviously approaching the soldier, he doubted his brilliantly devised explosion could remove their attention from the baby-saving nutcases. Weighing his options as quickly as he could, he decided that his only option was to get back to Trahern, Valentine, and the nerd. If the baby-savers are worth their weight, they'll survive until all of us can regroup. Darren sprinted back towards the Hummer.

[Zjackrum]

As gunfire rings through the air, James gives a last glare at at Valentine. Leaving insults unsaid, James turns and runs towards the sound of the gunfire, struggling to pull his Glock 20 from his shoulder holster.

OOC: Not sure how far James & gang are from the combat. Being someone who isn't a waste of skin, he'll jog towards the action. Ready action to shoot at any zombies he sees.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave rolls his eyes at the whole combat thing. Whatever. He pulls up the footage for the surrounding areas of the bridge, and tries to find the safest route. Maybe he could find a zombie free route.

[Swordslinger]

The gunshots rang out loudly and the infected person fell to the ground. The soldier apparently knew what he was doing. Then the girl started moving forward, William was about to tell her to stay back but then he realized what she was about to do. That made sense, she did after all have both her hands free. He decided to stay back and cover the rear, he would only get in the way if he moved forward. As long as more of the infected did not show up the soldier should be able to deal with the one that remained, especially once he did not have to hold on to the baby.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Lylia grabs the baby, it clings to her crying, burying it's face in her chest. Small partially congealed droplets of blood and brain mater are smeared from the child's face and hair onto Lylia's skin. Lylia walks past Will heading away from the undead, and hopefully to safety. Fort Save please. With a +5

Kurt's skin crawls as bits of decayed flesh hit him. Sticking to his skin and clothes, it could be just his imagination, but he suddenly feels disturbingly unclean like he's been tainted by the creatures flesh. Kurt grits his teeth, and only barely restrains himself from doubling over and vomiting.

His gun barks, spitting out another three round burst, tearing a small chunk out of the infected man's torso. The creature doesn't seem phased by the now gaping whole.

The man lunges forward, grabbing hold of Kurt with both hands, trying to pull him closer to his gaping maw.
I assumed that you were just aiming for the zombie, and not for the head since you didn't say otherwise. Which is good, because while you hit the zombie you would have missed the target DC for the zombies' head. Please deduct the bullets from the shot.

The zombie has successfully hit you. You can make an attack of opportunity, either with the Rifle butt (1d6), or your fist, but unless you manage to kill the zombie, it will still grab you.

You, you still get to make an opposed grapple check, to avoid the hold.

James heads towards the gunfire, but he's still a long way away. About a football fields length, and then some.

Darren gets back to his hummer.
It's still got about a half a tank of gas, enough to get almost to Springfield from here, if it weren't stuck in traffic.


Dave

Moving to the next camera ahead shows about the same as what's here, just on the other side of the overpass. The next one shows a line of National Guard APCs blocking the line of cars to head south. There's a crowd near the makeshift blockade. They look angry but alive. Several National Guardsmen have their weapons leveled at the crowd, but it doesn't look like they've fired any shots.

As Dave watches a group hops into an APC, drives over teh grassy median, and starts driving north, towards you.

The video FemBot sent you is still loading, but it's just now at the halfway mark.

[TheFallenSon]

With a roar of rage, fermented from years of hatred and frustration, Kurt lashes out with his butt stock of his rifle aiming for the dead guys face. A nice solid thrust. "What the @&@?! Are you?!?!??!?!".

He knew ther would be no answer. It didn't matter all that mattered was mashing that things face to potatoes and gravy. He tried not to retch...man they stank...

Attack and damage
[roll0]
[roll1]

[An Anomaly]

EDIT: I'm assuming that it takes some time to get back to the Hummer. I think it's reasonable that Valentine and Trahern are at least out of sight by the time he gets there, if not gone for a time.

AW, CRIPES. This was so typical... everyone was gone. Absolutely gone. To the north, the firing of... what was his name again? His assault rifle. Undoubtedly, he'd be quite busy with the infected, and it didn't take much of a logical leap that the fake riot cop and the surprisingly alive injured girl would be down there with him. Damn crusaders...

But that left a burning question: where was everyone else? Darren almost knew that Valentine wouldn't be going to save anybody. And the nerdy leech would be following her; he didn't seem the hero type, either. But where could Trahern have gone? What would he have done? Darren recalled the moments before he left the group to try and make something happen. Stop Valentine... he had told Trahern. Well, maybe if he couldn't stop her, he might have tagged along?

Valentine was planning on going south, so maybe Trahern figured that he would try to slow Valentine down long enough for Darren to reach them? Then Darren would undoubtedly follow them, and if Mr. Trahern was able to delay Valentine enough, Darren could reach them and they could all get to the safehouse in Springfield! Surely that was Trahern's plan. He had too much common sense to join the rest of them fighting to the north, and he obviously hadn't stuck around. He turned on his heel and started to sprint to the south. Hopefully, Trahern and Valentine and Poindexter would be slow enough that Darren could reach them in a few minutes. No good being alone at a time like this...

If he spots a motorcycle or scooter abandoned on the highway, Darren will "borrow" it as long as the road is favorable and the machine has gas. Otherwise, he will run hard until he meets someone on the road ahead.

[Daftendirekt]

I am going to assume that by now Valentine has made it back to her Ducati. Let me know otherwise, and I'll edit my post.

Valentine digs into the pocket of her leather jacket and pulls out the keys to her motorcycle, looking back at Dave as she sticks them in the ignition.

"Need a ride?" she says with a smirk, swinging a leg over the bike and putting her hands on the Ducati's handgrips.

[Jesse Drake]

God no... couldn't she have a safer vehicle? And no helmet? Dave knew he'd regret it, but glancing back to... well, everything else. "Why not- I already feel like an action movie star. Uh... by the way, I'm Dave, but my friends call me Zero Override."

[Daftendirekt]

"I'd offer you my helmet, buuuut there's no way it would fit you. If you've never ridden before, just remember two things: lean when I lean and not more than I lean, and hold on tight, but not too tight and nowhere that will make me want to punch you."

That said, she pulls on her helmet, taking a moment to get it comfortable before starting up the bike and waiting for Dave to get on behind her.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Kurt smashes the rifle's but into the creatures face with a sickening crunch, the force of the impact numbs Kurt's arm. The man's face practically folds in around the rifle butt, several dislodged teeth fly from it's mouth, and it's head snaps back with an audible popping sound.

It falls to the ground like a marionette with it's strings cut. It likes there on the ground, it's eyes still focused on Kurt, it's mouth moving up and down, but it doesn't seem to be able to move it's body at all.

From where Kurt, Lylia, and William are, they can see that the horde of the undead are now moving much faster in their direction then they were earlier. The sound of the rifle has definitely attracted their attention.

Darren

I went ahead and made a spot check for you. Darren doesn't spot any motorcycles or scooters. There's a good chance that anyone who could get out of the jam with one already did.

He does however spot a Van that has a couple of bikes mounted on it's back.


Valentine

Make a drive check.

[Daftendirekt]

Maneuvering carefully because of the abandoned cars littering the highway, Valentine revs the engine and shifts into gear, heading down the road.

I think she would go 25 or slower, depending on how crowded it is. If and when she gets to clear road, she'll speed up to 70.

So, by the chart on page 156 of the CHB, I'm going "alley speed" to start out. I'll take 10 on my Drive check for a result of 14

[INoKnowNames]

"That's definitely not good..." Lylia said, fear welling back into her voice as her gaze locked onto the zombie horde. She shook her head, and then focused back on the young life she was cradling in her arms. "There there, don't cry. It's going to be all right, little one." She cuddled the little girl clinging to her.

"C'mon. You both might be strong, but we might not survive any longer if we continue to stay here." she said, maternal instincts providing confidence to combat the fear. "Let's head back and see if we can find some help or a way out of here." She began to head back the way she came, taking care to support the baby, while wondering where her bags went to.

[Zjackrum]

James continues north at a brisk jog, looking for Darren.

(Yeah... Not a lot of common sense sometimes...)

[An Anomaly]

Ah... a bicycle. Certainly, it didn't have much of a cool factor (bicycling away from an infected horde never does) but it was better than nothing, right? Darren removed the bike from the rack on the back of the van and proceeded to pedal like the devil southward, avoiding the tightly compressed cars in the process.

Drive Check (just in case)

COME ON, DICE!!!
[roll0]

[Swordslinger]

William took a look at the incoming infected. Without a word he turned and followed the after the girl. He pushed a button on the baton and pressed the tip against his side until it had been reduced back into its compressed form and stuffed it into his pocket. Best go get his backpack quickly before they moved on, staying with these two for now seemed like a good idea, it was a dangerous time to be walking around alone. Even as sturdy as he was, hardened from many a gang fight he did not fancy his chances against a large, no, even a small number of the infected.

[TheFallenSon]

Kurt grimaced in disgust and smashed his butt stoking down on the crippled and squirming infected. "I will see you in Hell"

Kurt's rifle snapped back up and he covered the cop and the girl a they backed away. He would move with them, at the rear of their cute little ranger file. His rifle snapping up and ensuring that none of those things got close. "make sure you get all that crap off that kid when we get a chance...that crap gave me the heeby jeebies" . As soon as they got close to where he dropped his bag, his plan was to gather it up.

[INoKnowNames]

Lylia slowed her pacing to keep close to her companions. The only way she could see herself out of this nightmare would be to stay with, and support, those that could. Hopefully, she'll be able to survive with her comrades.

"Do you think the condition might be spread to the living directly? Or might it just affect non-living matter?" she asked as she cradled the baby. "Hopefully either way, we can avoid anything horrible happening to us. For what good it'll do, there should be some cleaning supplies in my medical kit. I left it and the rest of my supplies where you first met me."

She stopped, turned around and flashed a warm grin at the others. "Thank you. For checking on me, for protecting me, and for staying with me. I'm sure she's thankful as well." she said, glancing at the baby again.

"I don't believe we've introduced ourselves. My name is Lylia. Lylia Miranda." She began to walk forward again.

[Daftendirekt]

Just as the group who had gone after the the baby retreat to safety, they hear the distant sound of Valentine's bike starting up and heading off.

[Jesse Drake]

Holding on for dear life, and frightened to even budget for fear of her thinking there was any funny business on his part, Dave finally asks "So, how safe are you on this thing? Have you ever had any major crashes or collisions or anything like that?"

[Daftendirekt]

Smirking to herself over Dave's apparent nervousness -- despite their only going 20 or 25 MPH at the moment -- Valentine replies, speaking loudly to be heard through her helmet and over the roar of the bike's engine.

"Been driving since I was 17, and I've only had one minor incident. And it was the other guy's fault; douchebag thought he had right-of-way even though his light was red."

[Odin the Ignoble]

Lylia, William & Kurt

The butt of Kurt's rifle crunches against the head of the zombie, cracking it and causing another splatter of blood and brain. Kurt's rifle is now sticky with gore.

The mass of the undead is rapidly approaching, in the last half a minute they've already closed a third of the distance between the trio. They're closing pretty fast, if the party continues at a walking pace the undead will catch up.

Already the fastest of them is less then 80 yards away. Close enough to see fresh red blood smeared on it's chest and mouth.

Kurt

When Kurt finishes the second zombie, and it's head cracks open he's once again splattered with gore, although significantly less then last time.

The smell is pretty overpowering, it smells like blood, and mold.

Make another Fortitude save, this time with a +3 modifier.



Valentine and Dale

Just a few seconds after Valentine assures Dale of their safety the bike passes between two close cars. Valentine misjudges the distance and her rear view mirror impacts the rear view mirror of one of the cars. There's a brief shower of glass and the motor cycle wobbles momentarily. Valentine retains control of the bike, but it's now missing it's right mirror.

Dale

When you move outside the home's wifi, the video stops downloading, it's at just over 50%, with about eight minutes of video.

Also, you might want to check the the spoiler for Dale on the last page. I mistakenly labled it "Dave" but I've corrected it since then.


Valentine

The DC check to keep going without incident was a 15, you we're one short.

The Northbound lane is wide open, if you jumped the median, it'd be easier going. At the moment there doesn't appear to be a lot of traffic heading towards Chicago.



James

The group that ran to get the baby is already on it's way back, but James has lost sight of Darren.

James

Make a spot check



Darren

Darren weaves through cars without incident, quickly putting on speed. Even though Dale and Valentine are on a motorcycle, Darren is rapidly closing the gap, since at the moment they are traveling fairly slowly.

Darren

Bike actually use Blance Checks instead of driving. Not that it matters much, since I kept your roll for a Balance Check.

Darren could continue down the south bound lane, but he'd have to continue making checks to avoid crashing the bike. If jump the median to the North Bound lane, it's free sailing. If you're on the shoulder, the chance that he'd be hit by oncoming traffic is fairly low.

[TheFallenSon]

Kurts face curls in disgust at the memory of that smell. He can feel th filth on him. He's never felt this dirty in his life. We need to pick up the pace, NOW.

He would begin to hustle a bit more, trying to push the others. His rifle would snap up everytime he checked behind him. Ready to blast any infected that got to close.

Fortitude save
[roll0]

Readied attack for infected at 40ft away
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Daftendirekt]

"Sorry about that!" Valentine calls over her shoulder as Dave is showered with glass. She quickly realizes that the going will either be slow or dangerous staying in this congested lane and starts looking for a good crossing to the northbound lane. The traffic was sparse enough that going the wrong direction would be little hindrance, she figured.

Keep an eye open for a split in the divider for the next mile or so. If she doesn't see one before then, she'll jump it.

Drive check [roll0]

[An Anomaly]

Darren wasn't much of a bicyclist, but due to his unique circumstances he picked up on the skill rather well. Weaving through traffic, he managed to dodge the cars before him with surprising dexterity. However, it was getting obvious that he would make much better time if he were on the shoulder of the highway, rather than trying to slip between the parked cars. Unfortunately, a large concrete block prevented him from slipping onto the northbound lanes, but he continued to pedal his fastest and peer forward down the highway. Despite the sound of wind in his ears, over the last few moments he had heard the clear sound of a motor, and he pursued this source of sound that sounded tantalizingly close, and it was gradually getting closer. He would find the engine soon enough; that is, if he could manage not to crash.

Balance Check (if necessary)

[roll0]

[Zjackrum]

Spot Check: [roll0]

Still jogging to conserve energy, James assesses the situation.
I'm a bodyguard, not a packmule. James curses, adjusting his shoulders to carrying both his own and Darren's equipment. Spotting the trio of insane baby-savers, he moves to rendez-vous with them.
(I'm not sure if the spot check is to see Zombies, or Darren, or something else.)
"No more backup besides me." James pants, eyeing the approaching zombie horde. "The others bailed. Any sign of Mr. Palmisano?"

[Jesse Drake]

Dave's shades shielded his eyes from the glass. But he still wanted to complain. Dave didn't though. Instead, he forced himself to say "It's fine. Nothing, really." Dave knew the apocalypse wasn't gonna jive with him. He screamed aloud mentally.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Kurt, James, Will, and Lylia+ baby.
Kurt once again manages to avoid the urge to vomit at the sights and smells of horribly mutilated bodies, and gore.

Just a few short minutes of fleeing for their lives, and they are back where they started, in easy reach of any supplies the might have left.

Lylia feels like she's on the edge of collapsing, the original sprint, the run back, and fleeing carrying a 30 pound child have taken their toll. She can't remember a time she's felt this... drained.

The baby, for it's part has stopped crying out loud, it sobbing quietly, face buried in Lylia shoulder. Lylia can feel what she hopes is tears streaming from the child's face... and nose.

OOC-Kurt, James, Will, and Lylia+ baby.

Lylia, is now fatigued. It has nothing to do with the fort save I asked you to take, so don't look into it. :smalltongue:

@Everybody
This is one of those "What do you do now?" points. To the north are the oncoming undead. To the south there's a seemingly endless line of abandoned cars. To the east there's a twenty foot concrete embankment, at the top there's a small two lane road, beyond that there are residential houses. To the west, there's the grassy median, the empty northbound lane, and a small gently sloped hill leading into another housing area. You remember the majority of people fleeing their cars went that way.

You've got a short window to decide, if you stop to make a decision, the undead are only a few minutes behind you.


Darren
The wind catches an open car door, blowing it open and cutting off your path. Darren tries to break, but fails to stop in time to avoid hitting the car door.

The crash isn't catastrophic, but he is tossed from the bike. He lands awkwardly, managing to both slam his head into another car and scrape is hands on the concrete.

After a second or two to re-orient himself, he notices that he hit the other car with his head hard enough to leave a dent, and that his palms are bleeding a little. The bike however seems to be fine.

The sound of the motorcycle wains as it pulls farther away.

Darren

Darren's taken 1pt of damage. His hands will probably scab a little, but the big thing is the growing lump on his head from the impact.

You might want to not go so fast while weaving in and out of traffic, or move to some more open area.

The median between the two lanes is just grass, there isn't any real barrier to getting to the other side.




Valentine and Dave

Valentine spots an opening fairly early. She slows, half walking the bike, onto the median. She's about to exit the grass on the other side, but notices a north bound car. No, it's not a car, it's an Armored Personnel Carrier, the kind that the National Guard uses! There's a machine gunner on top, he's mostly focused on the southbound lane.

Dave doesn't notice the APC, at least until Valentine points it out.

Val and Dave

I made spot checks to speed things up. Val made it, Dale didn't. You can blame it on the glass to the face I suppose.

Since Valentine made the spot by enough, I stop the two of you before you entered the other lane. If you're feeling exceptionally paranoid, you can still dart back into the cars for cover before the APC passes.

[Zjackrum]

James frowns at the current situation.
"So we either run west or south..." He ponders for a moment. "I saw a lot of people abandoning their cars and heading that direction. If the zombies can track at all, the majority of them might head that way. Still... Lots of places to hide..."

He looks to Kurt for direction, as the Illinois Guard soldier probably new more about the surrounding area than he did.

[An Anomaly]

Quite dazed from his accident, Darren's head spun from the impact of his crash. As he held his hand to his spinning head, Darren also notices blood leaking from the palms of his hands. After a few moments to orient himself, Darren turns around and limps as quickly as he can towards the bike. To his knowledge, the bike would still be in good enough repair to pedal across the grassy median and reach the northbound lane, where he could try to make up for his lost time and ultimately reach the engine that was getting farther and farther away. Oh, the humanity... Darren thought as he once again pushed off towards the south.

[Daftendirekt]

Spotting the APC, Valentine stops the motorcycle, backpedals it in between a couple of cars, and kills the engine. Turning to look over her shoulder, she speaks to Dave.

"Told you guys there were soldiers... and I don't trust them not to kill us, so we'll wait for them to pass."

[Jesse Drake]

"Right-O." Dave states in agreement. He wouldn't want to get caught up with the military during a time like this. Dave lowers his head a bit to avoid being seen.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Val & Dave

The Gunner on the APC spots you. The APC drives on, the gunner swings the machine gun around to train on the two of you.

For a few heart pounding seconds you could swear that he's tensing to pull the trigger... but nothing happens. There's no bark of machine gun fire, no rounds tear through your body, the machine just keeps driving. The gunner keeps his gun on you until the vehicle is a ways away, before swing around to cover the highway once more.

With the APC gone, the north bound lane of the highway is once again empty.


Darren

Darren leaves the crowded south bound lane, hopping the median and riding quickly down the wide open north lane.

There's a large vehicle in the distance. It takes a few seconds to realize that it isn't parked like the other cars, but is actually moving towards Darren at high speed.

It looks like some sort of tank.

[TheFallenSon]

In the few seconds they stand around at the old meeting place, Kurt retrieves his assault bag and etool. "I think we should push on to the check points up ahead. We could probably get some help up there. Maybe I could get some ammo and find out what happened to the rest of my unit. We could get food and water there."

The hells could take the politician the nerd and that crazy Asian lady. He needed to get these people some where safe. He looked around at the small little group. "You guys look beat. But we gotta keep moving or those things will catch us. I can carry the kid if someone knows how to use my rifle...if not some one needs to give this lady a break." He didn't like the waiting...and his voice started getting a little tense there. Soon he would be barking orders at them all.

[Daftendirekt]

Letting out the breath she'd been holding ever since the APC appeared, Valentine starts her Ducati back up, wheels it across the median, and heads north, speeding up to 60 MPH -- assuming the lane is clear.

"Better not be having second thoughts about leaving that bunch behind. If so, now's your last chance to get off," she says loudly over the whine of the engine as they accelerate.

[An Anomaly]

Yes! YES! YES!! Darren could see a shape against the horizon in front of him. Though it was still quite a ways off, it appeared to be a bulky, intimidating vehicle with distinct sloping; it was rather indicitave of an army vehicle, maybe a tank! THIS was the lucky strike he had been waiting for.

Despite his immense joy, Darren started to map out a plan of action very carefully. He knew a thing or two about people, and if this good fortune was going to stay that way, he needed to take special care not to screw things up. His first concern was going to be getting recognized. And not getting shot. He needed to be obviously alive and well, so that meant staying on the bicycle.

The next thing was to become really, really important. One single vehicle wouldn't be out on a rescue mission, and because there would be thousands of refugees they would never stop unless to help someone of value. But what could make him valuable? Being an alderman was great and all, but not enough to get him recognized or saved. But, if he was the Lieutenant Director of the Chicago Department of Emergency Management and Communications, that might get his hide out of hot water. In fact, it might even get him some power in this mess of a situation. What an interesting idea... Darren pondered. His mind immediately set to crafting a BS story about how the governor called him minutes after the crisis began and authorized him to take whatever means necessary to secure the city. What a wonderful, devious plan. Now it just had to be implemented.

But a thought stayed in his mind: What about Trahern? Had the tank saved him, or did he manage to slip past it while moving south? The logic really wasn't adding up. He had been following the sound of a motor through the southbound lane; but no car could have done that! It would have been a motorcycle or scooter. But if that was so, did Trahern, Valentine and Nerd boy all get on the same vehicle? And if there were three of them on a bike of some kind, how were they moving so quickly? There's no time for this! I have an appeal to make. Darren thought with anticipation as he resolved to think it over later.

[Zjackrum]

"There's no guarantee the checkpoint hasn't already been overrun." James muses, glancing at the others. He shrugs his shoulders, adjusting the two backpacks he is carrying. "Then again, it probably has supplies. Give me the kid... I'll carry him for awhile."
The large man already looks pretty loaded with gear, more than a single person would be carrying. If he takes the baby, it would free up Lylia and the others for combat, but basically reduce him to a pack-mule.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave shook his head, and said very seriously "I've got no connections to anyone back there- what, a bunch of baby savers and a hysterical alderman-" Dave didn't look back. "Let's go."

[Swordslinger]

He quickly strapped the riot shield to his backpack, it was just a bother to keep holding while on the run. He struggled for a moment with getting the pack on again, damn armor was inconvenient at times too. He turned toward the others, the girl looked exhausted.“Best you keep on to the rifle” he said to the soldier. “Hmf, I’ll take this”. With a single hand he lifted up the girl’s backpack and rested in on his shoulders. There, she should be able to keep walking a while longer when she did not have to carry the backpack or the child. “Let’s just start walking” with that he begun to walk down the road, away from the incoming infected.

[INoKnowNames]

Desperately pulling at every bit of strength left inside her, Lylia follows her allies as best as she can, wondering how much longer her body would continue to support her. Even the straps of her purse feel as if they're tearing into her arm, and she probably couldn't count how long she's been on her feet.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Val and Dave

Valentine guns the engine, speeding up to highways speeds. The duo has been speeding down the road for less then a minute when you spot an obstruction ahead.

It become apparent what was holding up traffic. Underneath an overpass, there's a large road block. Five more APCs are parked sideways, blocking off both lanes of traffic. There are a few concrete barriers in front of them, ensuring that no car could make it though.

As they close the distance, Val spots several armed men standing on the tops of the APCs, milling in front of the blockade there is a crowd of figures.


Off to the right, on the other side of the line of abandoned cars, there's an off ramp leading back into the city.


If Valentine is feeling like a dare devil, she thinks that the gaps between concrete barriers are wide enough to get the Motorcycle though.

Since most of the armed men are standing opposite the large crowd with is centered around the south bound lane, she thinks she might be able to slip through the cordon and get to the other side before the men on guard notice.

I'm not saying it's a great idea, just that it's an option.



Darren

The tank looms closer, as it gets closer it becomes clear that it isn't a tank. It's got four wheels on each side.

A machine gunner on top pivots his turret to aim at Darren. It becomes quickly apparent that they have no intent of stopping, as the vehicle doesn't so much as slow down.

As the vehicle passes Darren, the gunner keeps him in his sights. The side reads ING 56th SB.

In just a matter of seconds, the vehicle is speeding off in the other direction.


Sorry, the occupants of the vehicle aren't interested in stopping for Darren. At the moment he just looks like a random guy in as suit, riding a bicycle.

Feel free to have Darren wave his hands and shout, but they aren't going to stop.

If you really want to catch their attention, you could try diving in front of the APC, or firing on them, but, I wouldn't recommend it.



Kurt, Lylia, Will and James

The undead continue their relentless pursuit of the party. A low moan builds in the distance.


Round of spot checks please.

[TheFallenSon]

He would put himself at the back of the group again. Ready to act if and whenever necessary. He scowled as he scanned the area around and behind them. He felt bad that the guy in riot gear was carrying damn near everyones load. He kept looking around...willing those things to stay away. Listening for any change."we can split that load if you want...no reason for you to be the groups pack mule and all."

Spot check
[roll0]

[An Anomaly]

Well, this bites. Darren thought angrily. Despite his efforts to bring attention to himself, the damn vehicle just kept rolling forward. Well, it looked like he was back to square... What square was he on? Ah, it didn't matter. Darren mentally flipped the military vehicle the bird as he began to pedal down the road as fiercely as before. Where there was one APC, there had to be some sort of organized base or fueling station. And seeing as how Trahern hadn't been along the road, it only made sense that he was further ahead. Perhaps the group in front of him had managed to get a hold of several vehicles, and maybe one of them would be an electric scooter? That would explain there only being one engine. Pedaling as furiouslyas ever, he sped down the now empty highway to whatever awaited him. As he did so, he wondered how the baby-savers were holding out. If those infected were anything like the zombies from the horror movies Darren occasionally watched, he didn't want to wait around for them to catch up at all.

[Daftendirekt]

I'm not saying it's a great idea, just that it's an option.


You're right, it's not a great idea. It's FANTASTIC IDEA :smallbiggrin:
Valentine slows as the barricade comes in sight, sizing up the situation. She sees the soldiers atop the armored vehicles, but they appear to be paying more attention to a gathering crowd than they do to the road. Checking the chin strap of her helmet, she revs the engine once, calling over her shoulder to Dave.

"Hang on tight!" she says as she guns the engine, heading full-speed straight as she can for the gap between two barriers, just praying that the soldiers don't fire on them.

[Zjackrum]

"South then?" James asks. "We can walk and talk, but we really should put an emphasis on the walking part."

He glances around quickly before starting to head south. Hopefully the others quickly follow.
Spot Check: [roll0]

[Odin the Ignoble]

Valentine and Dave
Val and Dave

I just want to double check that you want to do this.

Failing the Drive Check to get successfully through the roadblock means that Val and Dave would be in a high speed motorcycle accident.

Failing to get though unnoticed might result in the characters getting shot, and then possibly loosing control and crashing.

While succeeding would be supremely awesome, but failure could mean a messy death.

If you want to go for it, just give me a Drive check.

@Jesse Drake
Feel free to attempt to bail once it becomes apparent what she's planning. Just make a reflex check. Success means that Dave gets off the bike before she tries the run, failure means getting off at speed, so falling and skidding against pavement for some damage.



Darren

Sorry, But I've got to put Darren on pause for a second.

Mostly because what Val and Dave do will determine what exactly the roadblock is going to look like when Darren gets there. Whether the guards are on full alert, whether the crowd is reacting to gunfire, whether there's a large bloody smear of what used to be two PCs, that sort of thing.




Will, James, Kurt and Lylia

The group presses on. They are fairly sure that they are widening the gap between them and the undead, but it's hard to be sure. The press of cars occasionally cuts off their view.

Between a pair of vans, William spots movement coming from the south. After a brief tense second, he makes sure that it isn't one of the infected. It's a vehicle, heading north.

As if gets closer, it appears to be some sort of tank, no an APC like some SWAT teams use. Will guesses it hasn't spotted them yet.

[Daftendirekt]

[roll0] why u no nat 20?

[Odin the Ignoble]

Valentine and Dave

Valentine and Dave race towards the barrier, the engine roars as the motorcycle accelerates towards the gap.

It happens so fast, Valentine isn't even sure what went wrong. There's a sudden crunching sound and a gut wrenching lurching sensation.

Time seems to slow as the pair are hurled through the air, the bike spins away from them in great tumbling arcs.

Both Dave and Valentine bounce hard enough against the ground to knock the breath out of them. Valentine thinks she hears ribs crack. Dave looses his grip on Val, and the two separate after they hit the ground. Skidding on the rough concrete, the road tears at their clothes, and later at any exposed skin.

The pair lie prone roughly twenty yards on the other side of the barrier, bruised, bleeding and broken, but alive.


The crash was a nasty one.

Valentine took 9 points of damage. Dave took 6. The characters are at 1, and 0 hit points currently.

[Swordslinger]

William stops for a moment and turn to make sure that the others are managing to keep up with him. However his attention is quickly turned toward an oncoming vehicle. The others seemed to busy with moving one foot in front of the other to notice it. “Guys, over there” he pointed back toward the APC.

[INoKnowNames]

"Is that... a vehicle?" Lylia managed to breathe, both worried and weary, as she observed the incoming object.

"You... you don't think that... maybe... they... can drive...?”

[Daftendirekt]

Not what I was expecting, but risks and surprises are what make for interesting roleplaying.

Laying dazed and in excruciating pain for what feels like an eternity, Valentine finally starts to become aware of her surroundings. With awareness comes the full brunt of the pain, and she is sobbing heavily, tears rolling down her face, as she fumbles with the strap of her helmet. When she finally manages to pull it off, she looks down at herself -- her pants are torn and bloody, and her leather jacket is scuffed all to hell.

Every breath sends a sharp jolt of agony running through her, so she is fairly certain she's damaged at least one rib. She struggles very, very slowly to her feet, gritting her teeth against the pain. As she straightens, she nearly loses her balance as her vision blacks out for a moment from the sudden rush of blood to her head; when it clears, she sees Dave lying motionless a few feet away.

Sobbing once more, and not from pain this time, she stumbles over to him and drops to her knees at his side, trying to find his pulse and perhaps determine what sort of injuries he's sustained. As she does this, she rambles to him and to herself.

"So sorry man I thought I knew what I was doing you didn't need to pay for my mistake like that this whole situation is just so completely ****ed and I don't know what to do the higher-ups are in a panic and everyone is dying what the **** is going on...?!"

Treat Injury check [roll0]

[Zjackrum]

James squints at oncoming vehicle.
"The boys in blue?" He murmers, mostly to himself. "No... If Kurt has been deployed, then that's the Illinois National Guard. So either the Checkpoint to the south has been overrun and they're retreating, or they've come north to do some zombie hunting."

He glances about at the other members of the group, wishing Darren was with them.

"We could try and flag them down, but we're covered in zombie guts. There's no guarantee they wouldn't kill us if they think we're infected. On the other hand, they might be here to help survivors escape. Thoughts? Kurt? What were your orders when you were deployed?"

[TheFallenSon]

My company was supposed to set up a CCP, casualty collection point, and to begin gathering as many refugees and displaced persons as possible. Bring some order to the chaos. I know the infantry and armor guys were gone start roadblocking the main highways and streets. It was kinda thrown together quick. The 37th CSH is supposed to have an aid station close to all the check points."He would motion to the others to speed it up. "those things don't move like us. Nor do they speak. When that thing gets close just shout that you are alive. An keep moving. Acknowledge the gunner and keep going."

They shouldn't be fired on, they were a group of survivors with an mp escort. Then again....these infantry guys...nah they would be fine. He would continue forward. Ready to own zombie face if necessary.

[An Anomaly]

Darren wasn't sure what was going on in front of him; he only could guess as to what lay in the next hundred yards. However, his confusion only multiplied as he heard a commotion in front of him. To his ears the distant motor had been growing gradually fainter, but then it grew louder, as if it were speeding up. Then it grew fainter, and then there was a very loud noise, and now it was relatively quiet. What could be going on? He pedaled on, hoping to understand the situation ahead of him.

[INoKnowNames]

" Oh thank God..." Lylia breathed out. "We're going to be saved.... we're going to be saved...."

Despite the protests of her aching body, she continues onward as best as she can. "Maybe if we're lucky, maybe we can find someone willing to take care of the baby?"

[Odin the Ignoble]

Lylia, William, Kurt, and James


The machine gunner on the APC swings to cover the group as it drives by. The gunner seems excited starring at the group, and talks into his mic. The vehicle suddenly screeches to a halt, stopping a dozen yards passed the group.

A man's torso pops out of a hatch atop the tank, he looks around, spots the group and then stares directly at Kurt. He's an older grizzled looking soldier, and his voice barks out in a commanding tone: "Name, rank, and outfit soldier!" He looks around for a second. "And where the hell is your god damned unit!"


Kurt, and anybody with significant military experience, realizes the man is wearing sergeant's stripes. He reminds you a great deal of your drill instructor in basic.



Val and Dave

Dave appears to be in a state of shock, but is still conscious. A few seconds of care makes sure that Dave isn't in danger of bleeding out.

The sound of boots echo off the pavement near by, and a shadow passes over Dave's prostrate form.

The man casting the shadow is a soldier, his rifle hangs at his side. He's young, is pudgy baby face is pocked with acne, genuine concern marks his face. "Are you alright? What happened?" He looks down on Dave but doesn't seem to know what to do.


I posted that Dave was in shock since JesseDrake hasn't posted. If he doesn't post in the next two days, Dave will pass out. If Jesse comes back he'll regain consciousness, assuming he's still alive.



Darren

Darren pedals forward, and the roadblock comes into view. Both the crowd and the soldiers manning the barricades seem agitated.

There is no sight of Val, Dave, James or the motorcycle.


Val and Dave made it tot he other side of the barricade, so the crash is out of sight.

You're now pretty much caught up time wise, albeit on the other side of the barricade from them.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave saw the man approach, and snapped to. "No, I'm not alright. I was just in an accident- she's trying to kill me with her driving, I tell you." Dave turns to Valentine and glares. This wasn't over.

[Daftendirekt]

Scrubs an arm across her face quickly to wipe off the tears, and helps Dave to his feet. Moving gingerly due to the scrapes all over her body, she turns to face the soldier.

"Well, we were trying to get through your blockade, military man. You ****ed up my bike."

[Zjackrum]

As Kurt is staring and is somewhat slack-jawed at the moment, James hesitantly speaks up. He tucks his pistol behind his back.
"Sir," He starts, before awkwardly remembering that most NCOs hate being called 'sir,' "We're refugees from Chicago. Those things are only a minute or two behind us... What should we do? Is it safe to head south?"

[Odin the Ignoble]

Lylia, William, Kurt, and James

The man's face hardens. "Did I ask for your sob story maggot? I asked for your name, rank and outfit!"

In the distance there's a crackle of gunfire.

The Sergent's radio crackles.
DC 15 Listen Check

"Sir!, er Sarge! We need a medic, we've got two injured civilians."


He frowns, pushing the talk button on his radio. "**** son, we'll be back asap. If they look mobile, cart'em up we're about to move out. If they don't look like they're gonna make it... you know what to do. And clear the blockade! We've got inbound, so we're gonna have to blow it soon."

He turns back to the party. "I'm only gonna ask you this once. I want your name. Your rank. And your outfit!" He reaches down behind him producing a pistol. "Desertion is a serious offense soldier!"


Val and Dave

The soldier grips his gun a little tighter at Val's words. "Well it looks like the barricade is doing it job then."

Almost as an after thought, he speaks into his radio. "Sir!, er Sarge! We need a medic, we've got two injured civilians."

After a short pause and what sounds like a sigh, "**** son, we'll be back asap. If they look mobile, cart'em up we're about to move out. If they don't look like they're gonna make it... you know what to do. And clear the blockade! We've got inbound, so we're gonna have to blow it soon."

The soldier lifts his gun and flips off the safety. "Are you two good to move? Or do we need to bring stretchers?"

Behind him on the barricade one of the soldiers fires a burst from his rifle, there are several screams. Another soldier on a megaphone announces to the crowd. "Clear the area! This is your final warning! We've been authorized to use deadly force!"



Darren

As Darren gets closer to the barricade, a solder standing atop one of the tanks fires a burst into the air. Several members of the crowd duck and a few scream.

Another soldier holds up a megaphone and announces: "Clear the area! This is your final warning! We've been authorized to use deadly force!"

Most of the crowd begins to move away in a disorganized panic. A few others, mostly men refuse to move. Darren hears one of them say, "They can't do this!"

[Daftendirekt]

"I'm standing here talking to you, aren't I?" Valentine replies snarkily, shooting a mutinous look at the pimply soldier. "I wasn't exactly looking to hoof it the whole way. Ya don't leave me with much choice, though."

When they start to move out, she helps Dave to his feet if he needs it and proceeds to limp after the soldier.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave follows with Valentine, though he wishes he didn't have to go with the soldier.

[Zjackrum]

James glances at Kurt, then at Lydia. Neither of his companions seems eager to speak up, and with a gun pointed at his face, neither does he.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Val and Dave

The soldier leads Valentine and Dave to the back of an APC. He opens the rear door and indicates that they should get in. "Our medics aren't uh, here right now. They should be back soon."

Once inside, the solider closes the door. It slams shut with a ominous metal clang.

The inside of the the APC is clean and spartian. It looks like this:
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/9425/sepinterior.jpg


If you didn't want to get into the oubliette APC, let me know what you wanted to do and we can back it up a bit.

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine looks around the inside of the APC warily, and shifts uneasily when the soldier closes the door. She sits awkwardly and painfully in one of the seats, shooting apologetic looks over at Dave, not sure what to say now that they're complete alone and stationary.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave steps in slowly, unsure about the whole thing. " This isn't good. We might've been able to take pudgy, but now we're in the lair of the beast. I'm pretty sure we're gonna be killed soon. I..." He wanted to yell more, but he saw she was covered in blood, and had been crying. "Uh- are you alright? Forget what I was saying, I'm sure someone will be here to help us soon."

[Odin the Ignoble]

Val and Dave

Feel free to talk between yourselves or make an attempt to escape your imminent deaths leave the comforting safety of the APC.

OOC: At the moment both of the soldier's medics are in the APC confronting the other group. As such, nobody is likely to disturb you until they come back.



Lylia, James and William

Not getting an answer from Kurt, the Sergent's patience wears thin. He levels the gun on Kurt and pulls back the hammer. "Soldier, you are hear by under arrest on charges of desertion. You will accompany us until such time as you can be Court-martialed." His eyes narrow. "Is that clear?"

Kurt stares blankly, not speaking up for himself. The Sergent mutters into his mic. "Fenst, Black, take this man into custody." A second later, the back hatch of the tank opens up and two soldiers hop out.The take Kurt's gun and heave him bodily into the back of the vehicle.

The Machine Gunner swivels in his turret and announces "Sarge, we've got incoming. Less then a hundred yards." He then lets out a small bust from the gun.

"****, lets move out." The Sergent takes a last look at the group. He seems to notice the child in James' arms for the first time, and his jaw clenches. "Wait." He pauses for a second thinking. The gunner lets out another burst.

He addresses the rest of the group. "I'm going to have to ask you to accompany me, we may need uh... material witnesses for the court-martial." He speaks into the mic again. "Black, open the hatch and make room, we're picking up four civilians."

The gunner fires another burst. "70 yards Sarge!"

[Daftendirekt]

"This whole situation is just ****ed. I've been trying to remain in control this whole time, but truth is I've no idea what I'm doing. I'm used to just taking orders, and now those giving the orders are just a panicky mess. And then I crashed my bike, ****ed us both up..."

Valentine hangs her head, sighing heavily, with her arms on her legs. Her hair, while short, is long enough to hang down and obscure her face. She closes her eyes, tired to death already of this ridiculous situation -- which had no end in sight, nor any obvious means of getting better.

Life. It's a bitch.

[An Anomaly]

Darren realizes that the situation before him could very easily turn into a bloodbath. He also realizes that this is the shot he needs to find some sort of order in this mess. The crowd before him in disarray, it was obvious that trying to save them all was tantamount to joining the losing side. And Darren didn't join lost causes.

He whipped out his wallet with his City ID card. He would show it to the guards quickly, and hopefully they wouldn't see (or care about) what was actually written on the card. A nice piece of plastic could work wonders with the dimwitted. He strode up from the side, trying to distinguish himself visually from the crowd that was beginning to drift apart. He turned towards the soldier that had just been addressing the crowd.
SOLDIER! Darren roared. I AM HERE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE. YOU WILL LET ME THROUGH THIS BARRICADE, AND THEN YOU WILL SHOW ME TO YOUR COMMANDING OFFICER, OR, BY GOD, YOU WILL BE COURT MARTIALED FOR INSUBORDINATION!

Bluff/Diplomacy/Intimidate Checks:
COME ON, LUCKY DICE!


Feel free to use whatever is applicable, if you would like. <--- That sentence didn't make any sense, did it? lol

Diplomacy
[roll0]
Bluff
[roll1]
Intimidate
[roll2]

[Zjackrum]

James debates getting into the back of a equivelent of a heavily armed police cruiser, before considering the alternative.
"I'd like to mention I have a loaded pistol inside my jacket." James mentions as he walks towards the back of the APC, trying to sound official. "I have the appropriate license. I'll surrender it if you request."

He considers surrendering his pistol a fair trade for the (relative?) safety of an APC and armed soldiers.

OOC: See ooc post.

[INoKnowNames]

The armed forces may be intimidating, but being escorted to safety by them is a much better choice than to continue struggling to survive against the undead. Lylia eagerly complies with the orders of the Sergeant.

Once safely inside the vehicle, Lylia decides to speak. "If you don't mind me asking, where will we be heading? Is anywhere safe? Hopefully the injured you are gathering have found refuge with your assistance..."

[Jesse Drake]

Dave didn't know what to say. Valentine had nearly killed them both- but he felt it best to leave that out of conversation. Dave looks around, trying to check for a way out. "Don't worry about things- I might be able to get us out of here."

[roll0] Search

[Odin the Ignoble]

Val and Dave

Dave notices that there are are six hatches in the ceiling of the APC. They don't appear to be locked and open from the inside. The ones on the right side all have what looks like empty cargo-webs attached.


I meant to let you guys know this earlier, but it sort of slipped my mind. There are a total of eight APCs where you are, and it looks like there are about fifty-ish armed soldiers, although there could be substantially more out of site. You didn't get a good enough look at the crowd to be sure, but it looked like there were upwards of 200 civilians.



James, William and Lylia

Inside the back of the APC is cramped. There are seven soldiers, Kurt, James, Lylia, William and the child in a compartment designed to carry nine. The little girl has begun to cry again, although this time more quietly. The entire compartment smells of stale sweat and boot polish. Periodically from outside there's a short bust from the Stryker's .50cal.

When James offers the solider his gun, the looks slightly surprised. "Uh, hold on a sec." He presses the button for his radio. "Sarge, one of the civilians has a gun. He says he's gotta license, but asked if we wanna take it." There's a pause, and for a second it doesn't sound like the Sargent is going to respond. "**** it. Let him keep it. There's a good chance he's going to need it."

A few seconds later and the APC lurches a bit and the vehicle starts moving. One of the soldiers turns to the other and mutters, "Some rescue op. A deserter, three civilians and a toddler."


Darren


The soldier pales a little. He talks into his mic. "Sarge, we've got a civie here. He wants to talk to you. He claims he's from the Governor."

The radio responds. "****, what more do I need?" There's a pause. "The Governor is supposed to be in Braidwood. What the hell is his flunky doing here?" There's another pause. "Does he look legit?"

The soldier blushes a bit. "I don't know Sarge. Maybe."

There's an even longer pause, the seconds seem to stretch. Darren realizes there's more then one automatic weapon pointed his way.

"I'll be there in five. Check him, see if he has a weapon. The last thing I need is a nut job with a gun right now. And get Johnson to prep the charges, I want them ready to go when I get there."

The soldier turns back to Darren. "I'm sorry uh, sir, but we need you to check you for weapons."

Two other soldiers move forward, getting ready to frisk Darren.

[Zjackrum]

James sits and awkwardly tries to comfort the baby. Understanding that front-line grunts don't usually know much, he still attempts to garner information:

"What are those things? Is this like The Walking Dead, or is this more of a 28 days later kind of thing?"

[Odin the Ignoble]

James, William, Lylia

One of the grunts shrugs. "We don't know, you've probably seen more of them then we have. We only got here this morning, and haven't been doing anything but herding civilians."

Another soldier leans forward, his tag reads Pvt. Spot. "All we know is what they told us. That it's not the bites that turn you and that were supposed to burn every body we come across."

[An Anomaly]

Darren's eyes flickered between the two approaching guards. Well, this could be going worse. At least I haven't been shot yet! He mused. But Darren fought to maintain character. Last thing he wanted was to be shot by the good guys, right? As the soldiers approached, Darren spread his arms out and slowly lifted his jacket. The colossal firearm at his side should be obvious, but he didn't want to complicate this any more than it needed to be. He turned his head to the soldier that had addressed him. We don't have time for this, soldier. I swear, if this takes up too much time, I will personally see you stripped of your rank and left with the rest of these civillians! And ask your sergeant if he's forgotten the entire damn Chicago City department of Emergency Management and Communications! He turned to address the soldiers that were practically next to him. In a quieter tone, he told them I'm armed, but even you must know that martial law cannot override a national constitutional amendment? I would pray, for the sake of your immediate future, that you do not disarm an ally. He looked back down the highway. They're almost here.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave turns to Val. "Do you think you could give me a lift? We can get out through the top."

[Daftendirekt]

Dave's speaking jars Valentine out of her moping, and she looks up in surprise.

"Hmm? Oh, sure, I guess," she replies as she stands and gives him a boost up.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Will. James and Lylia

After a few more minutes spent in the back of the overcrowded vehicle, the APC lurches to a stop.

The Sergeant comes over the radio. "Don't bother getting out, where going to be back underway in just a few."

A second later the group can hear a door open and slam, from the front of the APC.

One of the soldiers, a young square jawed man with a tag reading Pvt. Spot, leans closer to Lylia. He smiles broadly. "So,... Come here often?"



Val and Dave

The hatch pops open easily, groaning loudly on it's hinges. Luckily, no one seems to take notices as Dave pokes his head out.

The coast looks clear, most of the soldiers seem to be occupied dispersing the crowd.

Dave is fairly sure that he could crawl out of the tank and drop to the ground without getting anyone's attention. Although given that he's still bruised and beaten from a recent motorcycle accident, climbing around doesn't sound like his idea of a good time.


Remember that Dave is still at 0 hit points. Although not in combat, taking any strenuous action, has a good chance of doing more damage to Dave.



Darren

The soldier reaching for Darren's weapon goes a little pale. He pauses, clearly thinking about the consequences. He finally makes up his mind, "I've got orders sir." He reaches for the weapon, and removes it from Darren's holster. He then mumbles something that sounds like, "Maybe the Sarge will let you have it back."

A few seconds pass as the APC approaches, one of the front cabin doors opens and a grizzled older looking soldier steps out even before it comes to a complete stop.

He starts issuing orders without breaking stride, ordering soldiers to clear the last few civilians out immediately and prepare to leave.

He marches up to Darren and the knot of soldiers around him, his face is grim and unhappy. "What's all this about?"

In the background, almost as if to reinforce the Sergent's demeanor, a soldier cracks his rifle butt over a recalcitrant civilians' head.

[Zjackrum]

James guffaws from the peanut gallery at Lylia's sudden predicament, but doesn't say or do anything else that might jeopardize his free ride.

[An Anomaly]

Darren[/B]

The soldier reaching for Darren's weapon goes a little pale. He pauses, clearly thinking about the consequences. He finally makes up his mind, "I've got orders sir." He reaches for the weapon, and removes it from Darren's holster. He then mumbles something that sounds like, "Maybe the Sarge will let you have it back."

A few seconds pass as the APC approaches, one of the front cabin doors opens and a grizzled older looking soldier steps out even before it comes to a complete stop.

He starts issuing orders without breaking stride, ordering soldiers to clear the last few civilians out immediately and prepare to leave.

He marches up to Darren and the knot of soldiers around him, his face is grim and unhappy. "What's all this about?"

In the background, almost as if to reinforce the Sergent's demeanor, a soldier cracks his rifle butt over a recalcitrant civilians' head.

(ooc: this guy is very intimidating. Seriously, if he pulled out a cigar of badassery and lit it with the fires of hell and blew smoke clouds that looked like Mr. T, I wouldn't be too suprised.)

Aw, great. Now I have to deal with this guy... Darren thought mournfully. These average soldier knuckleheads weren't too high up on the evolutionary ladder, but they were still very dangerous. Especially now that his gun was gone.

Sergeant. I will not waste your time with pleasantries. I represent the city department of Emergency Management and Communications. I have been ordered by my superiors to provide leadership in the evacuation and quarantine of Chicago and the surrounding area. I am authorized to utilize military and law-enforcement assets if necessary. Do you have communication with the governor? May I speak to your commanding officer? Darren asked. He was trying to keep his bluff reasonable, but you never know when you might say something stupid. Better to buy some time and see if Sgt. BA's superior officer was a little more friendly, right?

Bluff/Diplomacy Checks

Bluff [roll0]
Diplomacy [roll1]

[INoKnowNames]

Lylia returns "Spot" 's smile with one of her own, albeit an embarrased one. She finds herself unable to hold back a slight blush. "It's been an incredibly long day... and at this rate, it'll just be the first of many... I'm just hoping to find somewhere safe to sleep."

"Where exactly are you all taking us to? And what are you going to do with us?" she asks.

[Odin the Ignoble]

Darren

The muscles in the Sargent's jaw flex as he clenches and unclenches his jaw. Finally he lets out a sigh. "You're addressing this operation's Commanding Officer. I'm Senior Drill Instructor Harker, and this is the Inlinois National Guard 56th Stryker Training Platoon.

We're evacuating this area, and heading back to base. You're welcome to come with us."



His badassery is how you know he has Character Levels. :smallcool:


Will, James and Lylia

Spot grins, "Baby, I'm taking you home, as for what what we do when we get there..."

Several of the other soldiers snicker.


You rolled a one so, Spot assumed that you weren't fishing for information, but flirting back.

[Jesse Drake]

Dave reaches down. "Come on Val- we can get out of here. I'm not all the way alright, but I'll be fine."

[INoKnowNames]

Lylia's smile temporarily vanishes, replaced by a look of fear and concern. And although it returns, if only to try to mask her fright, the forcedness of the smile is far too apparent for it to have any worth.

"Um... I don't think we're thinking about the same thing." she says, still holding her tone. "And I don't think that now is really even the time to think about that kind of thing. Shouldn't we be focused on getting to somewhere safer? Where are we going?" she asks while shifting in her seat a little away from the eager officer.

[An Anomaly]

Darren nods his head. I'd be glad to join you gentlemen. I assume you want to get out of here pretty soon? Just tell me which of your vehicles I should enter, and I will be good to go. When he is told to enter a certain APC, Darren will do so without much protest. But before he drops the conversation, Darren remarks By the way, may I have my firearm? I can give you a money-back guarantee that I won't shoot anybody. He says with a small twitch of a smile.

[Odin the Ignoble]

James, Lylia and Will

Spot's smile fades a bit when he realizes that Lylia isn't interested. He lets out a sigh. "You're about as safe as you're gonna get. We're heading back to base. It's a National Guard base in Kankakee."

"So what's your guy's deal?"


Dave

Val hesitates, locked by indecision.


If Daftendirekt doesn't post soon, I'm going to have to assume that Val isn't going, in order to keep the game moving.

Dave doesn't have to wait for her, but wandering alone in the middle of Zombie infested Chicago with 0 hit points, might not be the best idea.



Darren

The Sargent his tag reads "Harker", escorts Darren personally to the back of a nearby APC.

When Darren asks about his gun, Harker pauses. "Sure,... I'm sorry I must not have gotten your name Mr... ?"

[Daftendirekt]

Sorry, was busy yesterday.

Val climbs up out of the APC after Dave, looking around carefully to make sure they weren't spotted. She winces as she climbs, still in a decent amount of pain from their recent crash.

[An Anomaly]

Palmisano. Darren says. Perhaps you know of me? I was a member of the City Council a while back, maybe you've heard the name? He didn't want to lie, exactly. But it wouldn't help his chances any if Harker knew that he wasn't from the DoEMC. But, really, how informed on Chicago politics would a random soldier be?

[Zjackrum]

James shrugs at the question.
"Trying to escape the city and got stuck in the inevitable traffic jam. It's all a little cliche, if you ask me."

[INoKnowNames]

"We met at the traffic jam on the highway. There were some other people with us, but a little conflicting interest", Lylia responds as she walks over towards James and the child, "saw our group separate from them. I wonder how those people are doing..."

[Odin the Ignoble]

Val and Dave
No one is very intent on guarding the APC. Val manages to shimmy down from the APC without incident. In the background you both hear somebody yell something about "Emergency Management and Communications!"

Dave is in the process of clambering down the side of the tank, when his head begins to swim. Swarms of little black dots cross his vision, his grip on the tank goes slack just as he realizes that he might have a concussion.


Reflex Save time!

If Dave passes, he'll catch himself and avoid falling. Failing that, If Valentine can pass a Reflex Save, she can catch him before his head impacts the hard concrete.

In the event that you both fail, Dave will take some more damage, and have to be stabilized.



Darren
Harker snorts. And mumbles something like " ****ing Politicians. ****ing Chicago."

He slams the door. Causing the metal shell of the Stryker to ring. At the moment, Darren is alone in the back of the vehicle. It looks something like this:http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wJYSMlKq9mo/TG8WTimxyMI/AAAAAAAAAus/2BoPx_h2doA/s1600/P8200930.JPG



James, Lylia and Will

"A jam you say?" Spot laughs. "That was probably our fault." He waves his hand, as if waving away their thanks and admiration. "Don't worry, you can thank us later."

A voice crackles over the radio, it sounds an like the awful speakers on a fast-food drive-through. The soldiers seem to understand it though. At least one of them goes pale, Spot whistles.

"It looks like we've got point for the way back."

[Daftendirekt]

Reflex save in case it's needed [roll0].

However, saving throws are one of those things that the DM can roll to keep things going quickly.

[Jesse Drake]

rolling in ooc, just wait

[Odin the Ignoble]

Val and Dave
Dave manages to land on his feet unsteadily, Valentine is there to lend a hand, keeping Dave upright.

In the distance there's sounds of another approaching APC.

Less then a dozen yards away there's a grass embankment, part of the overpass. It leads up into a residential area. Behind you is the barricade, and in front, a long flat abandoned stretch of I-57. On the far side of I-57 from you there's a 20 concrete wall, atop which is a hill that leads to more residential housing.


Hey, Valentine didn't have to catch Dave. You could have just ignored the test and let Dave eat a face full of concrete. :smallamused:

At the moment you have the APC as cover, but once you start moving away, you'll have to attempt to be stealthy. I'll make the rolls to speed things up. :smalltongue:

[Swordslinger]

William sits quietly staring at the roof apparently completely oblivious to the discussion going on around him. After awhile he shakes his head gently as if waking up, he takes a look around himself before he drags his backpack close and withdraw a bottle of water which he proceed to take a deep drink from, albeit with some difficulties in the moving vehicle. Afterwards as if by an afterthought he stretches out his hand with the bottle toward the others. “Anyone?” he asks as a general question although the bottle is quite clearly stretched out toward Lylia who looks like the one suffering the most from the long run.

[Zjackrum]

James squints his eyes and glances about suspiciously. It was quiet... Too quiet...

[INoKnowNames]

"Thank you." Lylia responds to William and his offer of water. "But I'll be fine once we can find somewhere we will be safe."

She returns her attention to Spot. "What exactly does being on point mean? Why does that seem like it's a bad thing?"

[Daftendirekt]

Valentine gestures Dave to follow, limping but moving carefully away from the APC, left hand on the butt of her crossbow to keep it steady and quiet. She reaches the edge of the highway, and then turns to talk to Dave. She whispers, which seems slightly unnecessary this far away from any soldiers... but she was a cautious one.

"Where to? Overpass? Residential? Keep going down the I?"

[Jesse Drake]

Dave staggers behind, but not too far. He's dizzy- the blood in his head still spinning from earlier, and now because he was over exerting himself, it was pounding like crazy. Hopefully Valentine had a plan- Dave was too dazed too think straight for himself. All he knew is if he could avoid military personnel, he would like to do so.

[Odin the Ignoble]

William James and Lylia
None of the soldiers accept William's offer. One of them grunts something and gestures to what looks like a backpack with a straw coming out of the top.


Spot smiles, come to think of it he seems to smile almost all the time. "Taking point means that we get to to be in the front. So if there's a wreck, a swarm of the undead waiting to devour us, or a crazy guy with a rocket propelled grenade, we get to be the first to find out." Lylia isn't sure, but she thinks Spot's smile fades a bit as he mentions the crazy with the rpg.

After a short but pregnant silence, the APC jerks and the engine's whine increases, as the vehicle moves to take point.

Spot stands up, lurching slightly as the APC accelerates. With a grunt he pops one of the six hatches in the compartment's ceiling, and straightens up, pushing his head out the top. He ducks back in and extends a hand to Lylia, with another grin he announces, "Come on, you don't want to miss the fireworks."


Val and Dave

I'm not sure where Jesse is, I'd go ahead an make a decision without him.



Darren
After a couple of minutes, the back hatch opens again. Almost a dozen of the ING 56th finest clamber into the vehicle with Darren.

One of the soldiers has a recently applied bandage on his head, the blood seeping through is still red, instead of a dried brown.

Not long after the last one climbs in, the APC lurches into motion.

After that there's a loud POP sound from outside the tank, followed by a low rumble. Over the soldiers radios, Darren hears Sargent Harker's voice. "Ain't that a pretty sight? Good job Johnson, you managed not to **** up this time."

[Zjackrum]

Is there extra equipment (weapons specifically) lying about or secured in the APC? If so, James will politely offer assistance, deposit the baby and collect a more useful weapon.

[INoKnowNames]

Her fear completely impossible to hide, Lylia never the less approaches Spot and takes his hand. "I doubt this is going to be like the ones at Disney World...."

[Daftendirekt]

"What say we head towards that residential area? Maybe we can find a working vehicle and get the hell out here."

[An Anomaly]

Darren was quite pleased with the favorable turn of events. However, two things concerned him: the soldier with the open wound, and poor Trahern; God only knew where he was. But Darren addressed the immediate issue first..Hey, trooper. You alright? Looks like a big cut. Lemme see it. Darren really didn't care about the soldier's welfare, but if this guy had teethmarks on his forehead, Palmisano had absolutely no desire to be in a tin can with a zombie-to-be. To the driver he called, Driver! Did anyone get through the blockade within the past hour? I'm interested in a man, possibly traveling with a Japanese woman and a younger nerdy-looking kid.