Apocalypse: The "New World"- [IC]

[xnightxelfx]

Apocalypse: The "New World." - IC
It's the End of the World as We Know It
OOC
This roleplay is currently still accepting a few characters. For more information, please visit the OOC thread.

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A new sun was rising into the air slowly, brightening the sky. It brought forth the light of morning, and with it, the distant shadows of the looming Bricks. The areas that were unsafe to travel in alone, where danger waited around every corner. And of course, why would they have been safe? In the past, they were great buildings, standing taller than anything should have. Once, they were the symbol of wealth, power, civilization. Now...now they were nothing. Piles of rubble and ash, places where the scavengers, the homeless, the fools went to live. And the very place that they would be traveling into.

Turning her back on the distant sight, a lone figure trudged back up the small incline to the town behind her. It was the only home that she had now, and living here, in Salt, Tally had made a name for herself. She had somehow managed to survive here, and though her life was still simple it was better than the one she had left behind five years ago. She slipped one hand into her pocket (a hole was beginning to rip at the bottom) and gripped the pocket knife she carried there. It had belonged to one of her brothers, and as such it was her comfort item. Even the feel of it reminded her of him and that perhaps he was still out there somewhere, surviving like she was.

As she approached the town, Tally kept her head down, not wishing to draw to much attention to herself. She and five others-the best of the best-were to be leaving in a few hours time. The Fathers of Salt had chosen each of them; three Finders, two Fighters, and one Fixer. Together, they would make the perilous trek through the Salzburg Proper. This was not the dangerous part, it was crossing the Dragon's Causeway that was. And what they were looking for...no one was quite certain. Tally thought they were looking for a rumor. Before she had been asked to join the mission, a murmuring had passed through the Farm about the "falling sky." Or at least that was what the witnesses had said.

"The sky fell in. I saw it." They had claimed. Or she had even heard this account: "Minding my own business..out of nowhere something came crashing down. There ain't nothing round me 'cept the sky, so I reckon that's what it was alright." To Tally, it was nothing more than a rumor and a job. She doubted that they would find this "falling sky" but she was a Finder and so she was willing to go look for it.

Working with the others however...that would be a different story. She kept to herself mostly, and didn't know many others except her fellow Finders. And even then, she would prefer to work by herself. But for this instance, she supposed that she would have to deal with it. After all, traversing through the "New World" on your own wasn't always that brightest idea. And she had to survive.

Tally drew to the top of the little hill and stopped there, waiting for the others. The appointed meeting time would be drawing near, and she was anxious to discover who would be joining her on the journey. She fiddled with the knife in her pocket, her sharp eyes on the lookout for anyone approaching. A gentle breeze whipped through the morning air, tangling her red hair around her face, making it appear even more messy than normal, but Tally didn't care. Appearances didn't matter to her. All that mattered in this day-no this world-was that you had a good, solid, trusty weapon at your side. And that, Tally had.

[Pencil_Me_In]

Jace adjusted the pack he was carrying so it fit more securely on his shoulder. Making his way through the city he kept his dark eyes focused on the sparse figures that bustled about him. Though early in the morning, the market streets were already filling with life. Vendors, merchants, business men, tyrants and thieves were emerging from houses. Too busy with their own lives to give much thought to the hooded figure that moved among them. To which Jace was very glad. Though he was tall...taller than most, he had an uncanny ability to move without being noticed. Seen. Observed. Vaguely recognized. But never substantial enough to be rememberd. Or given a second thought.

Once outside the city, Jace removed the hood that obscured his face. He let the rising sun beat down on him. Though he'd been born thousands of miles from here in a wet climate, he felt perfectly at ease in this part of the world. There were enough shadows to keep him hidden if he desired, enough life to entertain him when he saught it, and enough adventure to keep him satisfied as he craved it. That's how I wound up here, I suppose, he thought as he slowly climbed the hill toward the rendezvous point. Adventure was what he had been seeking when he enlisted as a Fighter. Cunning, bravery, strength and luck had earned him respect and a position of rank. His reputation had born him this new campaign. It would likely be his last. One can hope... he thought with a grin.

Once at the top, Jace immediately saw her. She wasn't hard to miss. Short. Dainty, almost. Pale and lovely. A fragile beauty...much like the sunrise that sihlouetted her, now. She was waiting for him...and the others, of course. It was a secluded area, unlikely she'd stumbled there. As he approached he could distinguish more features. Yes, she wasn't to be mistaken. He'd seen her file. She was a Finder, a skilled one too.

"Fine morning," Jace said in his heavy voice. It was slightly horse sounding, like rain on gravel. "Wondering how many more of these we'll be seeing." He winked playfully. No sense in forging a bond. The likelyhood of them living was slim to none. But being corse and unfriendly didn't make much sense either. So he settled for polite.

[Smokescreen]

Fortune smiles rarely, like a beaten wife - but today she cracked her defiant smirk at Jason. His men were buzzing for hours, officers telling other officers about some event. Something lost that needed finding, something found in need of loosing. The news eventually found him, and about that time, he found himself summoned. He sat dressed for battle in a room full of the ranking men and the woman of three particular units. His, the 119th Reconnaissance Battalion, Major Anna Gibbs. The 11th Surveillance Squadron, Col. Stuart and the 46th Tertiary Militia, Marshal Bradbury. Militia meant the Causeway and that meant people were going to die. Jason looked nervously at his commander and she smiled; she never smiled at work and he was worried even more.


The Marshal of the Militia asked him what he knew about secrets; saying he was an old hand at secrecy was an understatement. Jason knew enough to exercise discretion. He glanced at his commander as she had his dossier passed around the table like a pornographic magazine – pleased nods and clicks of the tongue, a few whistles. The Colonel gave him a glib appraisal of the situation. Something fell from the sky and they were not sure if it was another space rock or something more...sensitive. It was his job to survey, assess and then report to waiting, hungry ears. Jason could do that, after all if he could not follow orders they wouldn't pay him the big money when his promotion was finalised in three months.

He saluted and bowed to everyone involved and turned to leave. His commander excused herself and followed him out. "You know this comes from the top, code black." She said as she closed the door behind her. Jason nodded. "I figured it was big, you can trust me Major" The Commander frowned. "I know. Your trust is not in question, it's just the..." He stopped her. "Anna, I know you can't tell me. So I would feel better if we just went about our duties." She nodded and sighed. "I don't regret what happened." liar "Why would you?" He retorted. "I don't have the concentration to focus on the mission, you and your wonderful husband." Jason saluted; she saluted back and opened her mouth to say something but quickly closed it. "If I don't make it back just tell Ellen about me." He said. Anna smiled. "She knows all about her mother's best soldier." Jason looked at the woman. "You know what I mean, tell her about her father." She scoffed. "Chris is her father, you were...recreation," She sighed and continued. "If somehow you had the soldiers and the political backing to manoeuvre against a senator you don't have anything that could trump the blood relative of the crown."

Jason frowned. "A distant cousin of a king's third bastard son," She rolled her eyes as he continued. "Downplay how you feel about me all you like but excuses do not suit you. I remember a woman who took what she wanted and damn the consequences." Anna touched his arm and casually glanced down both sides of the hall. She hugged him, burying her face in his chest. "I was intemperate in my youth, a luxury I cannot afford at the present." He held her. "You love me." He said. She glanced up at him and smiled. "You love me too." Major Gibbs brushed his arms away and walked back to the door to the meeting room. "You leave in two hours. Dismissed Lieutenant."

As a Pathfinder he was ready to go at a moment's notice. After packing some tins of food and securing his weapons twenty minutes had passed and he was ready to go. He'd leave early and clear his head. A leisurely stroll to his destination and to what one could only assume his ultimate death. The air was crisp, the sun peeking through the wispy morning clouds of a piss-poor sunrise. The hill he was meeting the others was just up ahead he already saw two silhouettes. A slight shadow, likely female and a huge darkness that stood over the hill like some neolithic spire. This was going to be a pisser of a day. Maybe the big guy had tobacco.

Moving closer, he saw the two in pristine light; the man looked like an old salt, a worn Kalashnikov rifle and corded muscles from years of Lord knows. The woman had the smell of a scout on her, too fragile to be anything but. Armed with only a pistol she obviously was not sniper. Those assassins bothered Jason. He shuddered. "Well met all, I'm Lieutenant Jason Palmer, and at the very least this will be an eventful journey."

[Darkane]

The humming air conditioner provided little relief from the muggy, stifling heat that filled the room and made it difficult to breath. Cursing aloud, the fat bartender, only a dark frame cast by a single, dim light bulb that desperately fought for its life, kicked against the old machine.
“I’m sorry buddy. But the old lady here in the corner is acting like a bitch today. But like all women, you just have to caress and punish them from time to time and they do what you want. Right, Alice?”
“Yeah, as you say, sweetheart, as you say. Your whiskey, honey. Enjoy it, it’s the last before we close.”
Cheap perfume covered the smell of her sweat dripped skin when she came close to give Jim his booze.
“But, you know”, slowly bending forward she exposed the cleavage of her large breasts, “I can offer you some private fun afterwards.”
Smiling, her forefinger stroked over his chin before she quickly turned around.
“If you have enough bugs left for it, of course.”
Breathing heavily, Jim watched her leaving. The forty year old woman was no beauty at all, but for someone who traveled the lonely outskirts and wastelands surrounding the Salt she almost seemed to be a goddess with her long, curly hair and her large bosoms. He bet she earned a fortune with those ‘private shows’ after her shift.

“We are closed, get out,” the voice of the bartender boomed through the dark room as another figure entered the pub. Heavy boots creaked over the sticky floor. “Oh, excuse me Sir, please come in. What can I do for you?”
Without answering, the armed officer of the Salzburg Army headed directly to Jim.
“Sheriff?”
His voice was cool but demanding. Jim answered with a short nod. His clean uniform, the commanding voice, the way he walked and took everything he wanted as granted: this guy was of high rank.
“We heard you know a good deal about the outskirts and have traveled at the borders of Dragon’s Causeway before. If you still like to earn some money, we have an offer you cannot refuse.”
‘If you still like to earn some money’ meant: accept and succeed or your body will be eaten by vultures tomorrow morning and never be able to earn anything again in the future. Drinking his whiskey, he listened to the old officer.
Many hours later he knocked at the waitress’ door. Who knew when, if ever, he would have the opportunity to be with a woman again?

He had only slept for one, perhaps two hours when Jim rode to the meeting point. The bastard told him that he would meet six other soldiers, finders and scientists who were lucky enough to be selected for this mission. He saw their silhouettes on the top of the hill. Slowly, his grey mare brought him closer to his new companions. He had guided people through the hostile rural areas before, so this was nothing new to him. When he was close enough he took off his hat, while his free hand stayed close to one of his pistols; if you want to survive, never trust anyone who asked you to meet strangers in the Bricks.
“Good morning. I was told we will travel together for a while. My name is Jim.”

[ValaunDae'Voth]

A raspy wheeze echoed through the early morning air,the only sound that could be heard in the area,save for the quiet breeze.

The owner of the sound made little more than a quiet whisper besides,he kept the cowl of his hood pulled low,he knew he was monstrous beneath it,and knew even better how people treated things that looked different in this bleak day and age.

A few small skulls swayed along at his hip,attached to his holster for his beloved sidearm,he'd had to beat a man to death with a rock for this prize,but the gun had served him better than anything else in the days that had followed. He smiled beneath his mask as the memories slowly filled his ever alert mind.
He walked with a rather rough limp that favored his right leg,but despite his seemingly frail appearance,he was anything but.

"Which is probably why they asked me along for this crazy job.",He thought too himself as he began ascending a hill that was irritatingly steep.

"Better be getting paid damn well for this...",he grumbled too himself.

As he walked he noted the position of the sun and the lands he was now in,most would think the coming day beautiful,but such notions were lost on Altus,he drew no joy from his existence and only went on for the simple curiosity of seeing what might come next.

He hurried his limping steps,not wanting to be late,but at the same time hoping for a chance to conserve his strength before they all set out.

After finally cresting the hill he saw the forms of what he assumed would be his companions,the sight brought a grim look too his face,which was replaced with irritation when he noted how rapid,the terrible,wheezing breaths coming from him were.

Gripping a length of chain that terminated into a wicked looking hook he made his way near the others and took a knee,silently damning his form and hoping the others would not judge this book by it's cover.

[DeathByChocolate]

She was driven to the meet in an old military hummer. She was by no means a military doctor, but she had agreed to this mission at the behest of the Fathers, and the least they could do was send a car round in her opinion. As she exited the hummer at the base of the hill where she saw several people already gathered, she could not help but wonder why she had ever agreed to this in the first place. That bastard Renning, she thought.

Weeks early she had been sent a letter with the seal of the King of Salt. In the most amiable and flattering of terms the letter asked if Dr. Saunders Rinn would be willing to join a group headed for the Dragon’s Causeway. The mission was not very straightforward, and Rinn had immediately decided that she would reject the offer. However, she had mistakenly shown it to her boss, Trevor Renning.

Rinn worked at The Scientific Research Facility of Circle K, Salt as the Chief Medical Practitioner. She was dedicated to finding new medicines that could fight, and perhaps even cure the new diseases that were threatening the world. Renning was in charge of her department, and was hungry for the prestige that the facility would no doubt receive by having one of their doctors chosen by the Fathers of Salt themselves to join a mission such as this. He had come to her and begged her to change her mind.

“Are you insane? They’re asking me to go to through the Dragon’s Causeway. No one comes back from there alive.”

“Rinn, you have no idea what this means to the facility -- to you. This is an amazing opportunity for career advancement.”

“If I come back alive. Trevor, you know anyone would be a fool to accept this.”

Realizing that his tactics weren’t working on her, Renning pulled out the big guns: his infallible secret weapon.

“You know,” he said coyly, with a look that unmistakably said that he knew he had already won, “the monarchs had to vote on several candidates for this mission. It came down to you. I heard your vote was four to one. You’ll never guess who voted against you.”

Rinn looked at him sharply. He had found the one thing in the world that would make Rinn agree to go.

“The Queen of Rain didn’t seem to think you were right for this mission,” he ended with a victorious smile, and he knew that even though it was a lie, it would work. He had no idea if the monarchs had voted, or if any of the other monarchs even knew about the mission.

“You’re a slimy son of a bitch, Renning. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise,” Rinn replied, walking away. Of course she had to go now. She would do anything that her mother didn’t want her to. It was like she was still a rebellious teenager. But, the term cutting of your nose to spite your face came to mind with this one.

Rinn was pulled out of her reflections as she reached the top of the hill, med-kit in hand. She set it down and pulled out a clipboard, facing the group on the hill.

“I assume you have all had the proper vaccinations,” Rinn said to the group. “Otherwise this could be a very short trip.”

[xnightxelfx]

It wasn't a long wait for Tally. She spotted movement almost immediately, and on instinct, her hand tightened around the small pocket knife. As if it could do any damage to anyone. She watched the first figure join her side, studying her as she now studied him. She folded her arms lightly across her chest, forcing herself to nod in acknowledgment of his greeting. She hated meeting new people. It made her nervous and jumpy. Who could you trust in these times?

But still, as he offered his name and brief statement, Tally gave him a short forced grin. She ran her fingers through her tangled hair, and let her eyes slide from Jace, to yet other approaching figures. Within moments, it seemed as if the rest of the group had swarmed to their meeting point. Two of them she knew more or less, fellow Finders. She may not have known their names, but she knew of them. She was assuming Jace was a Fighter, he just had that look. And then the Fixer. Automatically, Tally narrowed her eyes at the woman as she spoke.

She naturally distrusted Fixers after what had happened to her family, so she had been less than thrilled to be working with one. In her mind, she was just likely to slow down the group. Tally rolled her eyes at her comment, and crossed her arms across her chest. So far...this wasn’t looking good. Her eyes moved over every member of their party, lingering on each individual, though longer on some.

Altus also brought a bit of concern to the woman. She wasn’t sure what to say about him, her mind working quickly to justify his place here. But he must have been decent at his job, because he was here after all. But still…he had moved so awkwardly (and loudly!) up the hill. She had heard his breathing from her spot at the top before he had even joined the party. As she looked at him, her hand brushed absently across the hilt of her knife on her shoulder. It had been her philosophy, at least before she had settled in a Farm with a good job, to kill the weak ones-the ones who would slow you down. And she really hoped that Altus wouldn’t slow anything down.

Tally had always been critical of everything around her. It had been the only way to survive as the only daughter among so many brothers. She doubted people first before they disappointed her, and it had worked out so far for her. Tally was not good at being part of a team. She was a loner, independent. And when she was with a team…she liked to be in charge. And that’s all there was to it.

“Tally.” She said begrudgingly, deciding that the time had come to throw in her name as well. “And I’m sure it will be a short trip for some of us.” She replied sharply to Rinn. Trust Tally to be a ray of sunshine. She called it like she saw it, and right now, that was how she saw it. Some team.

[Darkane]

It was obviously no trap. Some of the people that gathered here seemed even a bit nervous about the trip into the Dragon’s Causeway. Relaxing, Jim removed his hand from the revolver and dismounted when the Fixer arrived. A young doctor as it seemed. He liked the Fixers a lot. Once he protected a scholar, he said he was an archaeologist, whatever this was, who searched school libraries to collect books from the old times. In the Bricks nearly no books survived. Fuel and wood were rare shortly after the Apocalypse happened in the Salt. So many people looted libraries and burned the books to warm their homes in winter.
The old Professor, as he was called by everyone, seemed to be a nice guy. He believed that mankind should stop fighting each other and work together to rebuild society.
“If you use your head and try to come up with a solution everyone can accept, there is no reason to draw your guns, my friend,” he used to say. He even claimed that everyone lived together peacefully in the old days. Of course this was complete bullshit. Humans are violent. Survival of the Fittest was the only law that existed. But it was a nice imagination he loved to share with the old Prof and perhaps, if more people used their heads before drawing their guns and were as educated as the Fixers…

“My proper what?”
Jim eyed Rinn.
“A vaccination? What the fuck is a vaccination and why should I have one?”

On the other hand, this one works for the Fathers and carries a huge med-kit. No good omens for the near future.

[Pencil_Me_In]

This is certainly a colorful bunch, Jace thought to himself as he eyed the group. The first woman to arrive, Tally as she introduced herself, was the first of the Finders. Jace was pleasantly surprised when Jason Palmer joined their group. He'd heard the name thrown around in debriefing, but he'd never received definite confirmation. Such a reputable Finder would better their chances. No offence to the woman.

Speaking of women, who the hell recruited this one? No doubt a learned and intelligent Fixer, but someone high-up had failed to inspect these women in person. Neither of them stood taller than his shoulders and couldn't weigh more than a buck twenty-five. The Dragon’s Causeway was as serious as you could get: no water, no food, creatures of monstrous size thirsting for human meat and those were the generous traits. Well...if we need bait.

There was no mistaking the Sheriff, either. Jace could feel the muscles in his jaw clenching. He wasn't one to goad anyone about honor or valor, such things didn't exist in the world anymore. They were as fabled as buildings stocked to the rafters with food. But Jace couldn't help but feel a contention swelling in his chest toward the man. This 'freelancer' had no loyalties but to himself. Definitely couldn’t be trusted. Jace decided then he'd keep both eyes on the guy. In fact he was so busy doing so that he paid no mind to the nagging's of the Woman-Fixer.

Jace didn't think he'd mistrust anyone as much as the Sheriff on this voyage until he got a good look at the third Finder. Who picked these wack-jobs? That rusted hook was thick enough to sever a jaw bone. In fact...it probably had.

Jace turned his head slightly as the Woman-Finder spoke. And I’m sure it will be a short trip for some of us.” A small grin tugged the corner of his mouth. Forget the Dragon's Causeway...they were all going to murder one another.

Scratching the back of his neck, he looked to the horizon. "We're going to need to get moving soon. Sun's almost up." It was an obvious declaration, something he was sure at least two of the other's had noticed. But he couldn't help feeling a sense of urgency...an impatience to finally be on with it. Whatever "it" ended up being.

[DeathByChocolate]

Rinn sighed. Apparently she had asked a stupid question. Looking the group over properly she saw that it was doubtful many of them had ever been vaccinated in their lives. The few, more professional ones who looked as if they had links to the military had undoubtedly been immunized against known diseases, but as for the rest, well she wasn’t sure if they’d ever seen a doctor.

“Well aren’t you adorable,” she said, directing her statement to the red-headed female who had welcomed her so warmly. Rinn had seen many like her before: people who distrusted Fixers like herself perhaps because they’d been taken advantage of in the past. Not all Fixers lived by a code to help people. Some didn’t need a reason to distrust or dislike those who’d been given more advantages in life. Though Rinn could not completely understand such prejudices, she would not hold it against anyone.

“I don’t know you and you don’t know me, so I don’t expect you to trust me. But, like it or not, when things go bad -- and they will go bad -- I’ll be the one picking your vital organs off the floor, putting them back where they go and stitching you up. Then of course you’ll need to be shot full of antibiotics to fight off infection. Unless, of course, you’d rather die. I don’t treat patients who have no wish to be treated. It’s a waste of time and valuable, limited, resources.”

Rinn then turned her attention to the man who had asked what a vaccination was.

“It’s a shot that produces immunity to certain diseases. I can see that many of you have not had them. I’m sure you’ll be fine seeing as you’ve made it this far in life without dying of influenza. I have them though, if anyone would like them. My name is Dr. Rinn, by the way, or just Rinn. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

When she’d finished, she jotted a few things down on her clipboard. She was, after all, here for scientific purposes and not just medical.

[Darkane]

Jims bright, ice-blue eyes examined Rinn. The woman had guts and as far as he was able to tell she really wanted to help. But he did not trust her yet, especially because she was by far brighter than he was. You had to be careful with people who have more brains.
His rough, sunburned hand gave Rinn a short, but friendly clap on her shoulder.
“Thanks Doc. But when I was still a young lad, back in Pittsburgh, the Death Hag told me how I will die.”
He grabbed the bullet that was fixed to a small collar around his neck.
“She said I will be killed by a bullet. So do not worry, your vaccination will be wasted on me.”

He turned around and faced Jace. His left hand brushed the hair of his horse while he talked to the soldier:
“Yes. But move to what destination? As far as I know you are heading into the Dragons Causeway and I was hired to help you reach it. But what is your mission? Where are we heading to?”

[xnightxelfx]

Tally's eyes narrowed just slightly at Rinn's comment, but for the moment she said nothing. Instead she just ran a free hand through her tangled hair, giving a barely audible, annoyed sigh. Her eyes flashed over to the stranger, the one she had no knowledge of, Jim or something was it? She studied him for a moment, visibly wincing at the animal he had brought along. A horse. How could a horse not be noticed? But then again, Tally was a Finder and therefore liked to be sneaky, silent, and stealthy. It was not everyone’s way, just the one that she favored. Since he had made it here, and he had obviously been living on his own…then he must be good at something. But he asked too many questions.

“We’re not headed anywhere in particular.” Tally told him, taking a few steps to the top of the knoll and looking out. “They’ve only told me that something fell out of the sky, and we are to bring it back. That’s all I know. That and it’s out there somewhere.” Tally said, nodding her head toward where she knew the nearest bricks loomed.

“We’ve stood here long enough,” Tally said, turning back to the others, agreeing with Jace who had spoken the same sentiments a moment before. “Try and keep up, shall we?” Tally said, a sarcastic grin tugging at her lips. She didn’t wait for any type of conformation from the group. She just started walking back in the direction she had come from. It was a mile or more until they reached the end of their protected farm. And therefore, a mile or more before they reached the Causeway and imminent danger. At the moment, however, Tally felt that the true danger was the trail of people behind her. It seemed foolish to turn her back on them, because after all, you couldn’t trust people anywhere in the New World. Or at least that’s what Tally had always thought. And she had survived this far, hadn’t she?

[Smokescreen]

"I understand fixer you have a concern for us Rinn, likewise, I understand you have numerous magic pills and pokies for our wellbeing. Commendable really, to take on such a burden as to care for the likes of this group with little more than a bag and prayers." He turned to Tally, and smiled. "Very true our objective is not far, but through torturous ground we must cross." Jason pulled out a rolled up leather map-case, undid the leather strip holding it together and unfurled it frowning. He looked at the papers, shuffled them around a bit and made eye contact with those around. "I think we are all here except for Yeager, which I'm sure how much you follow the disappointments of Salt but Miss Yeager made several forfeit some good loot when she lost a fight in the pit. She is capable but make no mistake, she is in this for her own gain. I guess we all could be guilty of the same. We are here for an unknown event. Tally you are correct. Something has come from the sky and plopped down smack in the bitch of land we were all told as children to avoid. My superiors have no idea what it is, only that they want it."

"It's a simple mission, slowly advance into the causeway and if any opposition should present it self we react accordingly, that is to say if they throw rocks we throw bullets at these savages until they go about their activities far, far away from us." Jason hated the fact he was going to be responsible for the countless murders this group would stack up. It was a group akin to the first pioneer battalions; surveying the damage from the catastrophe that damned their grandparents. It was common at that time for people to shoot first and ask questions later. He wondered if this group would get one of the more colourful monikers like 'Rapists of Belleview' or 'Butchers of Sardonne'. It was a gamble only a fraction of military personnel had been in the causeways surrounding the bricks since the assessment push some twenty years ago. Venturing into this unknown was going to be taxing, that was certain.

"I would assume everyone was briefed that this was to be a mission of the utmost secrecy. Whatever we find we have a gag order, rated code super black, that is to say if anyone knows outside our circle what we find heads will roll. We have a very proficient guide who knows the plague lands like no other. Namely, he grew up in the mess and that will help us. I'd like to turn over an open-hand of acceptance to him and that he hold our lives in his very weather-beaten hands. I pray to whatever gods care to listen, that we be safe and successful. From what I was told, if we find nothing there will be questions and if we find something, anything, we will be heroes. Let’s try and focus on the later, and damn the negative thinking. We move out as soon as everyone is ready if there are no objections." Jason looked at the group and was equally pleased and disappointed, this group could go anywhere in social dynamics and that was what he was afraid of, even before getting killed by xenophobic hoboes, the group would turn on each other.

[Darkane]

Jim’s face became serious again. The fixer’s positive attitude and will to help was something he rarely met. Jason’s behavior was the complete contrast. Shoot first, ask later. History is written in blood, they used to say back in the Old World, but for Jim it seemed as if they were drowning in blood and nobody will be left to care about the past.
”You are right. There are tribes out there who kill anyone trespassing their borders without paying tribute to their chief. Others hunt slaves or just kill for the pleasure of killing. Mercy can be a weakness they try to exploit.”
He looked into the eyes of his new comrades.
“But there are farmers and small communities of independent people too. They see your weapons and fear you are raiders. They will be afraid we rape their daughters, kill their family, and steal their supplies. Don’t spread your bullets before you know what you face. Not everyone is hostile just because they live in the Causeway. And if we do not know what we search, we do not know how long we are out there. Safe your ammunition for real enemies or we are the ones throwing rocks soon.”
Shaking his head, he grabbed the reins of his horse. He knew he must sound like a wise-guy who liked to play Mr. Important, but how often had he seen people die because they ignored his warnings about exactly these points.
“Oh, and be assured, nobody will throw rocks at you. If they have no firearms, they sneak into your tent and slit your throat or lure you into primitive, but effective traps. I’ve once encountered raiders who poisoned the only water supply within miles and just waited until everyone was too weak to resist.”
He made a small pause to look back to the huge stone buildings of the Brick. He always wondered how it must have been to live here a hundred years ago. But now the huge cities were just hollow ruins. Somehow, he was looking forward to travel in the Causeway again. As hostile and deadly as they sometimes were, as beautiful were the open plains and cold mountains compared to the stinking plague-spot called the Salt.
“And remember“, he finally said, “that we will need help from the peaceful people. There are safe-havens out there maintained by independent groups. Not many, but when you know the signs you can find them. If you leave a trail of blood behind you, more violence will inevitably follow. When this happens, we can be sure to find only closed doors and barred windows instead of a safe resting place and life-saving local information and supplies.”

[DeathByChocolate]

Being of a much smaller statue, Rinn lost her balance a bit as Jim gave her a friendly clap on the shoulder. She straightened herself back up and gave Jim a smile in response. Rinn had never believed in the kind of superstition that the tall man was talking about, but she understood and embraced the fact that everyone had a right to believe what they would. If everyone believed the same thing, the world would be very boring in her mind.

“Well, I’m under obligation to offer them, but you, of course, are under no obligation to accept them,” she said to Jim.

She then listened closely to Tally and Jason’s account of what they were looking for and where they would be heading. She thought it was a bit silly that everyone was on high-alert, looking for something when they weren’t even sure what it was they were looking for. But Rinn was in no position to question a mission she had already accepted. “Their’s not to reason why,” and all that.

Rinn was a little offended by Jason’s assessment of her, though she was sure he meant it as a compliment. Should would hope that her talent and skill would count for more than “a bag and prayers,” but of course, Jason had no idea whether she was skilled or not, at this point.

She listened to Jim’s insight as well, thinking as he spoke that he must know the less populated lands intimately. She, herself, had no such knowledge, having scarcely been out of either Searle or Circle K. This would definitely be a new adventure for her. Whether a good or bad adventure, only time would tell.

The others were beginning to either leave or get ready to, and Rinn picked up her medkit and clipboard and readied herself to follow.

[Pencil_Me_In]

Jace observe silently. He didn't need to speak in order to do his job. He knew his role in this expedition: keep the others alive. This required very little verbal communication. Jace waited for the others to proceed, choosing to let two Finders, Jason and Tally, take the lead, while he took up rear-guard. He liked this vantage point. He could keep an eye on everyone and everything.

He could already feel the sun scorching at his back. He'd never been through the Causeway before, but he knew it was going to get hotter than he was used to. Much hotter. Being from the wet north he liked the rain, the water...the green. Salt was a harsher type of terrain that he preffered to avoid. So how had he ended up here?

"Tanner!" Jace stood to his feat so quickly he nearly knocked his chair over. The mess hall grew quiet as a small company of uniformed officers, clearly decorated with honors signlaing their importance, made their way toward his table. "Jace Tanner," his CO said as the group of men came to a halt. Jace saluted as did the others. "This is Major Berkins he serves directly under the Council of Father's in Salt, he's asked to meet with you personally."
"Sir?" Jace asked in confusion. He knew he was a qualified soldier, his own uniform was decorated accordinly, but for such recognition? For his name to be known by anyone above his own CO was suprising. "How can I be of service?" he asked looking at the older, white haired man called Berkins.
"Young man," he said in a knarled voice, "how do you feel about Salt?"

The rest was history...in no certain or ironic terms. The funny thing about the military is when you're asked a question, you really have no say in the answer. But, for the most part, you know that upon enlisting. It was easier to follow orders. To leave the thinking to someone else. Kept him alive, didn't it?

[The_Lone_SOLDIER]

Three Hours Ago...

The sounds of glasses clinking together followed by laughter and talk and hot, dry air being blown through the bar filled the ears of the off-duty Fighter. It had been several hours since he was allowed to leave his guard post for personal time. Sitting at the bar, the man held his head low and kept to himself as he gulped down the shot glass infront of him. Setting the glass back on the counter upside, he turned in his rotating seat towards the growing crowd. At one time, people gathered to drink to enjoy times and have fun; but in this day and age it was to escape the problems of everyday life. Perhaps one day the world would return that way; but he knew it wouldn't be in his life time. Sighing aloud, he stood from his seat and started walking towards the door outside.

"On the tab again?" a voice behind him called out.

Raising his hand to acknowledge the person's question, the man continued making his way towards the exit. Stopping just infront of the door, he looked to his right and glanced at himself in the cracked, dusty mirror hanging on the wall next to the weapons cache. Like every veteran in the military, he had the look that told others to stay away from him. Though it was never his intentions for it, that was just the way he turned out after years of service. And now that he was a gun-for-hire, the look went with the attitude and kept people especially away from him. Looking down from the mirror towards the man holding his weapons, he reached into his vest and pulled out a ticket. Inscribed on the slip was the list of his weapons and their markings; something that was required in the cities to retrieve your weapons. As the man across from him went into the back for his weapons, he looked towards the door as sounds of footsteps echoed from outside. Three seconds later, a officer of the military pushed through the door flanked by two armed guards. Looking around the bar, the officer quickly made his way towards the bar followed by his men; both who seemed green compared to some of the soldiers here. As he made conversation with the barkeep, the gunkeeper arrived with his weapons and took his ticket from his hand. Sliding his sidearm into its holster and his shotgun between his vest and blouse, the man took his Kalshnikov in hand and exited through the open door.

"You there, stop!" a firm, confident voice called behind.

Just as he stepped off the porch of the bar, the man turned around to face the man calling him out. No surprise, it was the military officer and his followers.

"You are Nicholas Grayeson, yes? The gun-for-hire from the Kohler region?"

Grayeson nodded.

"We need you to come with us, we have a job for you."

Perhaps this was a good-paying job, not another ghost hunt the military usually sent him on. Either way, Grayeson nodded and started following the officer towards his armored convoy. Was it really necessary to bring an armored convoy into a district as such, maybe it was a scare tactic to keep the people from rising against their leaders. It didn't matter to him, Grayeson was a mercenary and mercenaries had no voice in local politics unless they were paid to do so. Climbing into the armored car after the officer, he closed the door as they started their journey towards the HQ most likely.

[Sorin the Great]

Sorin approached cautiously to the small group he had been asked to accompany. His dreadlochs swayed gently as he stepped, and his bow hung from his back. He walked with a proud posture, chest out and head held high. The nomad almost had a look of...grandeur about him as he stepped into the small crowd. Had it not been for his tattoos and obvious birthing in the Causeway, some might have thought him to be of a more nobel bearing. His eyes darted as he came within earshot of the group.

. . .need help from the peaceful people. There are safe-havens out there maintained by independent groups. Not many, but when you know the signs you can find them. If you leave a trail of blood behind you, more violence will inevitably follow. When this happens, we can be sure to find only closed doors and barred windows instead of a safe resting place and life-saving local information and supplies. Sorin listened to this man, an obvious past visitor to the Causeway. Sorin's lip twitched for a brief second into a smile. He was glad he was not the only one with experience in the wastes. He walked up slower as he neared the group and eyed them up.

There were several of them, both men and women. He assumed most of them were Finders, being generally smaller than he or the few other Fighters that were scattered among the group. One was an obvious Fixer. The small woman sat with medical supplies and a clipboard, being generally annoying as all Fixers were to him. He patted the pouch containing herbs and remedies that his people used to heal wounds suffered in the Causeway. They had not failed him yet and he wasn't about to let some person with a needle change that. One man in specific caught Sorin's attention. The man was covered, head to toe, by a long trench coat. He carried a length of chain that ended in a viciously sharp hook, and the wicked looking instrument sent a slight shiver up Sorin's spine as he continued to survey the man. Sorin couldn't help but feel...aquainted with him. He knew what the act of mystery played to the men and women of the New World, and that sometimes it was better to serve oneself than be sabotaged by trusting someone. Loyalties were often the cause of death in the Causeway.

Sorin walked quicker to the group now that he had seen most of them, and he drew his bow from his back, at the ready should something bad happen. He stopped on the outskirts of the group and waited to be noticed. Hopefully by whoever was supposed to be giving him orders.