IC: Running from Zombies (d20 modern)

[otep7734]

Prelude: Fight the Bite

You all go about your days just like every other day. This one felt different though. Mayor Raúl Kennon was going to have a live press release addressing the rumors of zombies.

Two years ago you would of laughed hysterically at the thought of a public official speaking about zombies. Then sightings started happening around the world, videos posted nearly weekly and even whispers of people around you. Times have changed and everyone tried to ignore the elephant in the room.

Raúl Kennon was the first public official to address the issues at hand. He has been a very unorthodox Mayor but he always brought results.

Noon. That was when the press conference was scheduled on the steps of city hall.

Spoiler

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Go ahead and describe your actions before noon. Eventually, you should end up at city hall either on purpose or by accident. Sorry about the minor railroad but I need y'all to be here at the "start"

[hannahbbug3]

The morning's classes had been dull, to say the least. He made it through math (seriously, who decided 8 AM was prime time for Statistics?) but at least art had gone well. Benji had gotten a decent bit done with character design on top of his current graded project - a class mural, they were still in the designing stages and his section had been approved, at least. With each class being an hour and a half long, and Japanese to start at 12:15, that gave him just enough time to grab something for lunch, breeze by the town square for a bit to see what all the fuss was about, and then get to class no more than, what, ten or fifteen minutes late? It was manageable, at least, so long as he brought all his books with him.

He scarfed down a greasy burger and some fries at the cafe just on the corner of Main and Washington Ave. The place was pretty crowded as opposed to normal, and Benji could only assume it was because of the meeting that would be taking place less than a block away. Interested faces, people speaking in hushed voices about what all of this could possibly be about, if the rumors were true... more than one person on their phones, watching the videos out of Brazil and Russia. Benji was familiar with those, he'd seen them a couple weeks ago. But they were only just now hitting the mainstream media, weren't they?

Benji finished up his lunch, scooping his backpack onto his shoulders and heading for the city hall. Maybe he'd be early enough to get a decent place in the crowd.

[rs2excelsior]

Ace woke up this morning as he did most others, with sunlight streaming into his face and a faint headache pounding behind his eyes. He grumbled, rolling over and shielding his face from the light, fully prepared to try and catch another couple hours of sleep--but couldn't shake the nagging feeling he was forgetting something. It came to him like a bucket of water to the face--the meeting. His eyes snapped open and he grabbed his clock. 11:15. Still time.

He kicked his way out of bed, picking his way across the scattered leftovers, clothes, and other assorted mess. Staring disapprovingly at himself in the mirror, he searches the scattered clothing for his most presentable looking suit and puts it on, running his fingers through his hair to tame it at least a little bit. He grabs a box of Chinese leftovers--he's pretty sure they aren't more than a few days old--and scarfs them down, gathering up various pictures, accounts, and other files. He's done his research for this meeting. Over the last few days--the last few weeks, really, ever since the reports started coming out--he'd been combing whatever sources he could find for information. Quickly tossing the scattered documents back into their folder--including the odd set of official-looking reports that had shown up at his door a few days ago--he started to dart out of the door, but paused for a moment. After a bit of consideration, he tucked his pistol into his belt, making sure it was hidden by his coat, and left his black duffel bag by the door in case he needed it. He rushed out, picking his way through the streets toward city hall. He had a way to go, but still managed to be one of the first in the assembling crowd.

[Hypersmith]

Today wasn't a day for criminal activity. Nando started the day slow. Breakfast. Workout. Pace. Still 9am. Still no more news. He turns the TV on in an attempt to fill the silence. In a bout of paranoia, he crams a stack of cash into his briefcase. Shower. Get dressed. For what? He had no plans. The Mayor's speech might be a good place to get some info.

Right as he prepares to leave, Nando turns around and pulls open his bed drawer, tucking the pistol into his briefcase. He was respected "businessman". If he didn't give them a reason to search, he should be fine.

If nothing else, the events immediately outside town would be explained today. He arrives with the majority of the crowd, walking at a leisurely pace despite his agitation. Listening to conversations around him, whispers about what was going to be announced. He hangs around the edges of the forming crowd. Better to remain on the outside of a crowd rather than the center.

Just in case.

[Agro]

Leaving the house with his newly purchased baseball bat and backpack on his back. He walks down the road. Awaiting a way to forget about his pain and suffering he walks. Not bothered by the events around him he passes by a small commotion by the town hall. Looking briefly he leaves.

Not bothering about the “info” as it wouldn’t help him much in any way he believes he continues his soul searching journey! A few hours pass as it arrives to noon a bit sweaty he decides to find some shade only to here commontion in front of him. Walking forward he notices it’s the same town hall!

Dammit he said under his breath. Realizing he walked around in a giant circle and wasted his time. Arriving as one of the latest participants he finds a nice secluded spot in the shade to sit down and watch the meeting as he tries to calm down and not think to much. Hopefully able to one day be able to leave this forsaken and cursed town he thought to himself. As he looked up for the start of the speech.

[otep7734]

You hear a few watches chirp and beep in the crowd. Its noon.

Mayor Kennon walks up to the podium and clears his throat to gain the attention of the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen of Jacksonville. We live in troubled times. The threats we face on a daily basis continue to grow but, I'm not here to talk about terrorism, guns, gang violence, or drugs.

I'm here, today in front of you, to talk about the newest set of threats: Zombies. Those who chose to stay in our beautiful city, I thank you, each and everyone of you have proven a point about Jacksonville, we're not just a city but a community willing to stick together in terrible times.

I'm going to be completely honest with all of you. These zombies have finally come to Jacksonville. you hear reporters start asking dozens of questions all at the same time. Its nearly impossible to separate the voices, its just loud yelling that blurs together.

Mayor Kennon calmly moves his hands in a downward motion, motioning for the reporters to calm down.

Last night, there where reports of zombie sightings in the poorer areas of the city. Specifically, the so called "gang controlled territory". We do not know how or when this happened but it dosnt matter. We, the people of Jacksonville, have the beginnings of a zombie outbreak.

Originally, I was going to talk about what we know about the zombies. And I will continue that line of discussion. However, there is no need to panic. In the early morning hours, I called the national guard and they are currently placing a quarantine around the city. That means no one enters or leaves until they have a full medical examination and searched. This is simply a means of keeping this problem HERE. We WILL NOT be the reason this outbreak spreads to other cities.

I ask all of you to do a few things, common sense things. Do not approach anyone you suspect to be infected, Do not try to kill suspected people who may or may not be infected.

Call Jacksonville PD with any sightings of the infected, they are highly trained professionals who will deal with the situation according to the procedures set by the joint efforts of the police department and military commander.

Finally, there will be a curfew. Between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am, you are to remain indoors. Both the police department and national guard will be patrolling the streets and anyone caught breaking curfew will be detained and examined for any signs of infection.

At this point in time, I will start answering questions in an orderly fashion.

[Hypersmith]

No. Hell no, this was a bad situation. Quarantine was one thing. He could normally ride that out. Actual zombies aren't meant to be real. Forget the damn scam, this was life threatening. People were going to riot, take advantage of the mess to do what they wanted. People panicked bad enough when they heard a tornado was coming these parts - and that's just the threat of no electricity and water. This was the apocalypse on the verge of -

Nando takes a deep breath. He needed supplies. He needed to make a decision while remaining flexible. Barricading himself into his apartment was a death sentence. Gunning it to leave the city meant he'd have to leave behind everything. Carrying as much cash as he had on him would bring too many questions.

He was thankful now he had stuck to the outside edges of the crowd. He looks about the square, trying to pinpoint the nearest open shop. Time to spend some of this money...

[Agro]

Godric hearing the speech shrugs slightly. He encountered one earlier in the day and is confident he can handle them one on one. Looking around seeing the uncertain faces around him and people start to panic he thinks.

Maybe it’s a good thing my family is all gone. At least the won’t have to suffer this crisis. suddenly a sharp pang of grief strikes his heart clutching his chest trying his best to holding in his tears he walks into a nearby building to control his emotions. Not being all to graceful as he moves. But at the edge of the crowd he isn’t pinned down all that well.

[hannahbbug3]

When he had started the research for his book, Benji had found out a little more than he had wanted to know about these creatures. Even so - he never expected real life experience. Sure, he had been certain the rumors would be confirmed eventually by someone in power, when they became too hard to ignore and sweep aside. But he had never expected them to be confirmed here.

"F*ck," he whispered under his breath, the only fitting word he could think of to describe the situation. The expletive drew the attention of several people nearby, and Benji had the grace to blush - his parents had always schooled him against cursing - but quite honestly, no one around him seemed to disagree with his summation of the situation. He could hear the reporters yelling for attention, and several people in the crowd began to panic, but Benji just... stood there, trying to absorb this information and what it meant.

He couldn't help but notice, nearby, was a rugged looking man in a rumpled outfit, who looked no more surprised about this than Benji did. The blue-haired youth turned his attention to the man, and gave a small quirk of his brow. Not enough to engage conversation. But enough to indicate he noticed that the man had, apparently, also been expecting news like this.

Spoiler: OOC

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Putting Benji near Ace, just for fun.

[rs2excelsior]

Ace's eyes grew wide. He'd expected evasion, double-talk, dancing around the issue without ever actually admitting what the source was. At least, that was his experience the city's officials. To hear the mayor just come out and say that there was a zombie outbreak was shocking, moreso than the announcement itself. "I knew it," he mutters to himself. "I knew they'd run into something that they couldn't cover up..." He hears the blue-haired young man curse near him, and takes notice of the fact that he seems unsurprised as well. Perhaps he'd be someone to talk to more--at least he'd probably be easy to find.

Ace's emotions ran between smug satisfaction, analytical detachment, and blind panic. Finally there was proof of the supernatural he'd known was out there all along--but they were also locked down in a city full of zombies. Trying to skirt curfew or the quarantine was probably not the best of ideas, but he wasn't thrilled about being stuck in a city full of undead. Plenty of questions ran through his head--did they spread by infection? Bite or airborne? Or were they created? If it was infection they were in for a bad time, but then if there was a witch going about creating zombies that caused its out set of problems. Headshots or body shots? Walkers? Runners? How was their sight, smell? Did they decay? For the moment, however, he kept to himself, waiting to see what others in the crowd asked. He wasn't sure if the mayor and other officials would take questions from him in the first place.

[INoKnowNames]

By complete coincidence, Lydia would be off the day the Mayor decides to address the situation officially. Nevertheless, with a cup of coffee and an egg-muffin at 7 am, and her apartment maintained in an orderly fashion not long after, she was more than ready to take on the day's challenges.

Or, so she thought.

Lydia had prepared to be at the City Hall just in time for the conference, even with the intent to walk there, hoping to keep herself ready for her duties. She'd always tried to maintain a professional manner, even when not on duty. Even with her couple of carry-on bags, she was always prepared for just about any curve ball life threw at her.

Then the rumors were verified.

"No..." She'd had her concerns. She had her doubts, and her fears. Cases discussed while working long nights, or the more mysterious (and grizzly) injuries she and the rest of the paramedics were encountering as they continued to drill into the night. But having the final, horrific truth, laid bare for all to witness. The maw of insanity thrown open, its screams ringing for all to hear...

As Mayor Kennon went further into details on the plans for the city to maintain this disaster, Lydia realized that, in her petrified shock, she had dropped not only the granola bar that she had been munching, but also her water bottle. Bending down quickly to scoop both up, she closed closer to the heart of the meeting, both to hear of the queries of the people, and to heart what would most likely become her future marching orders, almost waiting for her phone to go off with a call from work. On her way, she made sure to scan the crowd around her, noting signs of panic already forming as people vented their feelings. She could not blame them. She herself had already encountered, if second hand, some of the Hell they might all be about to go through.

[hannahbbug3]

Question after question pours in on Mayor Kennan's head, some coming from journalists, many from concerned citizens - but all of them at once. The man does his best to answer the ones he hears as calmly and collectedly as he can, not wanting to incite further chaos. "All pertinent information about these creatures will be distributed in a news bulletin that is being worked on by the Jacksonville Press as we speak. For now, though, there is no cause for undue alarm. Simply abide by the curfew and the quarantine and things will remain under control," he tells the crowd in the most soothing voice he can manage. For another half hour, he continues to field questions, explaining the necessity of the quarantine, assuring the people that the town's police force are well-equipped to deal with any sort of threat the creatures could make to the populace, and again stressing the importance of the curfew and that people should not approach anyone acting strangely, but report such things directly to the police force. A hotline was being opened shortly - the number for which would also be in the bulletin to be distributed in no more than a few hours.

Finally, after another wave of panicked questions, the Mayor called an end to the meeting. It was 12:45 in the town of Jacksonville, and a bomb of information had detonated in the people's minds. The crowd continued to mill about - people talking to one another, journalists calling out more questions as the Mayor retreated, others calling their loved ones and explaining the situation. What was the next step for our heroes?

[Agro]

Godric is just sitting down with his back to the building he was just inside. His mind in turmoil as he tries to get his thoughts in order of what he should do next with his life.

[rs2excelsior]

Ace's mind is still reeling from the information. He lets the questions fire off, not quite confident enough to speak up in front of the entire crowd. Instead, once the mayor concludes the session, he begins picking his way closer through the crowd, clutching his folder. "Excuse me! Mayor Kennon? Excuse me!" He felt the mayor would probably just brush him off, but he had to make an attempt.

[hannahbbug3]

The Mayor does, indeed, start off ignoring the calling of his name. Ace wasn't the only one shouting after him, after all. But after a moment, it seems that he recognizes the particular voice calling out to him. He turns - a look in his eyes reading 'not this again' - but at the same time... this one time... Ace had been right, hadn't he, about all this mess?
"Mr. Harlow," the mayor says. 'Mr.', not 'Detective'. Not anymore. "What is it?"

[Hypersmith]

Nando is, of course, all charm. Not much grace at the moment, but grace wasn't needed. More brute force and efficiency - he pushes his way to the back of the nearest store, filling his shopping cart with a 5 gallon water jug, a box of energy bars, a water filter, and a small hand axe, meant for camping, but it would serve in a pinch. He pushes his load to the front of the store, planning to leave with cart and all after paying. No reason to hang around after all. There were only so many hours till nightfall.

[INoKnowNames]

Lydia keeps a professional distance, at least at first, intent just to keep monitoring the situation, anticipating with crestfallen resignation how much worse things were going to be... but seeing the congregation stop, as the Mayor deigned to address another civilian, caught her curiosity. She closes a little closer, intent to hear what could be said that could catch Kennon's attention. Or rather, who it was that did so.

[rs2excelsior]

Ace draws up a bit short--he'd expected to have a much more uphill battle actually getting to talk to the man, and right at first wasn't prepared to launch into his spiel. He composed himself fairly quickly and approached, holding the folder up in front of him like a shield. "Ah, yes. I have some information. Things I've collected over the years, which might be of use to the police. And to the people, too, though it's your call if this gets put out to the public, of course..." He opens the folder and thumbs through the information. "The most important point is that they're quite resilient--headshots are the only way to be sure to put one down. Nasty habit of just keeping on coming, even if you hit them several times. They tend to travel in packs--that's why they're dangerous, mostly, it's the numbers. Where there's one, there tends to be more. And they can smell a living person from several miles away..." He glances back and forth. "Perhaps you'd like to go over this somewhere more private?"

Spoiler: OOC

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I think it's safe to say Ace keeps duplicate records--is it okay if I say he has another copy back at his apartment? In case the mayor wants these files.

[hannahbbug3]

"More private, yes, indeed... that would be best," the mayor says, motioning for Ace to follow along with him as he returns to the interior of the town hall.

Meanwhile, Benji is trying to get a grip on all of this. His first thought is that he needs to call home, tell his parents and his sister... but with all the reporters here, there was no way this hadn't been televised. Still, he moved off to the side of the crowd, switching his phone over from spotify to the caller. On his way there, though, he inevitably bumped into someone, glancing up at the woman he'd sideswipped. "Sorry," he mutters.

Spoiler: OOC

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Benjamin has just encountered Lydia! What shall happen next?
If anyone has a great idea on how to get the party together, go ahead and throw it at me! I have one, but I'm happy to hear what you guys think, as well!

[INoKnowNames]

Not normally the type with a nose for gossip and eavesdropping, Lydia nevertheless can't help but continue to follow along, as the man who stopped the mayor begins sharing information with him. She was on multiple minds in regard to the subject matter: skeptical at the data itself, wondering how he had obtained it, curious whether or not how what the man said ranked compared to what the authorities already knew, and almost naively wishing she could still disbelieve the day away...

And the moment she paused to take another sip from her bottle, still so heavily distracted, a figure knocks her off balance. In a flash, Lydia finds herself quite the worse for wear from her fall; her granola bar several feet away and broken into pieces, both her knees scraped in her attempt to stop herself from hitting the ground, her completely empty water bottle rolling the other way, cracked, and its contents soaking her white top. Her face was as pink as the brassiere she was wearing underneath.

"N-no. I should not have been blocking the way. P-pardon me." she replies to the boy, in a slightly more awkward breath than normal, as she starts to struggle back to her feet.

[hannahbbug3]

Benji really hadn't realized just how quickly he'd been moving until he'd knocked the woman sprawling. For a moment, he could do nothing but stare in shock, blinking at the scene in front of him. Suddenly, 'sorry' really didn't seem like it cut it, but Benji had never been known for his social graces. His face went as red as his natural hair color (carrot), even his ears turning with the flush. He couldn't help the glance down - wet, white shirt - but he cut his gaze away before he stared. God, Benjamin, have a little self-control!
"No, ah-" he shoved his headphones off his head quickly. He hadn't been listening to anything since the meeting started, just having the headphones on out of habit, but now that he was actually speaking to someone, he at least had the grace to look like he was listening to them. "Here," he said, offering the woman a hand up while he stared very, very pointedly at her eyes. Not anywhere else!

[rs2excelsior]

Ace follows Mayor Kennon inside. Things must be serious if he was actually willing to listen. Ace begins going through the rather prodigious amount of information he has, much of it contradictory--not that he seems to notice that fact, mind. He gives particular credence to that set of files that showed up at his door a few weeks ago--he still wasn't sure who had left them at his apartment, but they seemed rather official. If they were forgeries, they were rather good ones.

[hannahbbug3]

The more Ace speaks, the more overwhelmed Kennon seems to become. There is a stolid frown on his lips as he sorts through the pile of documents the former detective places before him, trying to puzzle out if Ace is simply as paranoid as he always has been or if this information is actually useful. The facts presented about how to destroy one of the zombies, however, does seem to line up with what he already knows... he mostly stays silent as Ace speaks, knowing it's quite futile to try and interrupt the man once he starts going. However, when Ace finally finishes, he speaks only two simple words. "Thank you."

[rs2excelsior]

Ace is somewhat unsure of how to react. He had expected something... else. What else, he didn't know, but not this quiet acceptance. The world getting turned upside down seemed to make people a bit more open-minded. Or was the mayor just humoring him, waiting to move on to something else and forget everything Ace had just said? No matter, he'd done what he could. "I'll just leave this here," he says, sliding the folder over to Mayor Kennon. "I should probably go..."

He takes his leave and looks out at the crowd, some still milling about in alarm. Where to go, though? He'd need supplies, food, and the like, in case things got worse--but he'd spent too much of what little he earned on booze. Again. Grimacing at his own lack of self restraint, he sits down for a moment to consider what to do. Ace does take note of that young man with the odd hair again, helping someone off the ground. He'd seemed particularly invested in what was going on, perhaps he'd be someone worth talking to--Ace starts making his way over. No harm in at least introducing himself.

[Hypersmith]

The tangle of people in front of Nando is another hindrance to his making his way through the crowd. Still pushing his pilfered shopping cart filled with supplies, he stops short to look the few people standing still -right in his way- up and down. Flustered woman. His eyes don't linger, having an appropriate sense of circumstance. The other one, with blue hair - interesting choice - and samurai sword. He cuts his snort short as he considers the benefits of something that doesn't require ammo to wield.
"Excuse me. Coming through."
His voice is firm, though not loud. He straightens to emphasize his presence, though the ratty shopping cart detracts immediately from his attempt to do so.

[hannahbbug3]

All the sudden, there is a flurry of activity around Benji, and he looks up to see not only the man with the shopping cart, but the detective approaching, as well. Seems like he's gotten to a popular stop, hasn't it? "Yeah, excuse me, sorry, just trying to find a quiet place to call my parents-" he begins, only to be cut off by a shriek behind him. He turns with the others to look, staring wide eyed down the alleyway just behind the group. Stumbling out of the darkness is a man - at least, it seems to be a man, except there is black bile running down his chin, throat, and soaking his shirt. A strangled gurgle leaves the disoriented stranger, and he continues in his mindless walk forwards, getting ever closer to our group.

Spoiler: Here we freaking go

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Initiative!

Godric - (1d20+2)[15]
Ace - (1d20+3)[4]
Benji - (1d20+1)[11]
Nando - (1d20)[17]
Lydia - (1d20+2)[6]

Police - (1d20+2)[22]
Zombie - (1d20)[11]

Edit: Group initiative! Everyone but Ace and Lydia go before the zombie (Benji goes before because his dex score is higher, for clarification.) Will be posting momentarily with Benji's actions and the police!

[hannahbbug3]

The police, who were nearby the scene, are immediately on alert at the scream - but none of them have a clear angle to view what is causing the panic. Thus, they are slower to react than the group, who is immediately in danger. The three nearby policeman spend their turn hurrying to the source of panic, not yet drawing their weapons but calling out for civilians to remain calm and move away from the disturbance in as orderly a form as possible.

Benji, meanwhile, seems frozen for a moment. His hand darts back to the hilt of his blade as he takes a small step backwards, eyes darting around to the others. Should he run? Or were the others also prepared to fight?

[Hypersmith]

Goddammit. He wouldn't make the mistake of leaving his gun inside the briefcase again, especially with the cops being a superb example of dumbassery. At least they were making clear not to depend on them this early. He reaches for his switchblade, flicking the woefully small blade out before deciding it isn't worth it. Even if he avoided getting bitten, just getting grabbed could be bad from what he'd heard about the black stuff.
"I'm not messing with that without a gun, and I'm not pulling a gun in the middle of the town surrounded by cops. Feel free to grab the axe if you wanna be a hero."

[Agro]

Godric sitting next to the alley notices a strange liquid dripping down on his coat. Seeing the black bile he looks up disgusted at the man. Whats wrong with you? He shouts in anger. Not knowing about any of the dangers.Bastard not even saying your sorry?

Godric swings his bat as a warning missing clearly it hits the side of the building with a loud clang. Showing the force behind it. I don’t know who you are but I’m not in a good mood and this isn’t making it any better. Back off before I beat you within an inch of your life. Godric says to him clearly not thinking all to clearly.

Spoiler: His thoughts

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He isn’t thinking clearly and he didn’t really pay attention to the speech so honestly he thinks it’s just a crazy guy who spilled something that looks kinda like tar at him. He mainly wants space and just lashed out at this guy. Not thinking much into. Welp let’s see where this goes.

[INoKnowNames]

Lydia blushes slightly more deeply as she places her slender hand into Benji's, meeting his own gaze with her soft blue eyes. "I'm sorry about all that." she says gratefully, before stopping to bend down slightly, both to dust off her short skirt, and to examine her bloody knees. Moving as little as possible in light of her compromised top, her first thought is wondering how quickly she could purchase alternate attire. Her own embarrassment increases as movement around them continues, including the man she had been so curious toward talking with the mayor.

Chaos.

The switch from demure woman ashamed of her own curves, into rescue worker ready to step into action however she could, was instantaneous. "Leave and get to your family." she says to the red-haired boy, her eyes sharp and alert. Taking the invitation of the man with the shopping cart, she rushes forward, grasping the hand-axe in the process. "I hope I'll be able to return this to you." she says to him in passing.

Hearing the rage of the first person to be ready, or foolish, to face this threat, Lydia closes on the situation. "An inch of its life won't do any good, if that's what I think it is. And if is, it touching you would be the end of yours. Leave if you value your own safety." Lydia warns him, holding the axe in both of her hands, her arms raised just above her soaked buxom bosom, all shame forgotten.

Spoiler: Actions

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I might be taking a few liberties, so I'll allow our lovely dm to adjudicate it for me. If Lydia can do anything else after getting into position, she will delay, and wait for either the police to shoot the monster dead, or for it to approach closer. If the latter, her intent is to strike it as it approaches, preferably going for its hands if outstretched. Zombies are far less dangerous when they can't hold you down to bite you, and i reckon everyone's encountered at least a bit of zombie fiction before.

...if she's not capable of readying that, then good job me, putting the team healer in the front-line. This might certainly force more cards to be played.