Chapter One Part Seven: Tears and Ashes
Bianca & Randy
Bianca turned around very slowly, her arms to her side; her hands open with… more her palms out to show she wasn’t holding a weapon.
“Look mister, I am sorry. I don’t want any trouble, and I don’t mean any harm, she said in a calm voice. I was just looking for a safe place to rest and hopefully some supplies. I didn’t know there was anyone here. I thought this place was abandoned, she said as she slowly turned.”
The man behind her was holding a shotgun to his shoulder; he was standing in a firing position with his finger tight on the trigger. She was shocked by how close he’d been able to get to her without her notice. He could have killed her at any moment and she’d have never known what happened. He was right, she could see by the sure way he handled his weapon, he wouldn’t have missed at this range. In a glance, she was also certain of his other statement, had she twi… [view original content]
Chapter One Part Seven: Tears and Ashes
Bianca & Randy
Bianca turned around very slowly, her arms to her side; her hands open with… more her palms out to show she wasn’t holding a weapon.
“Look mister, I am sorry. I don’t want any trouble, and I don’t mean any harm, she said in a calm voice. I was just looking for a safe place to rest and hopefully some supplies. I didn’t know there was anyone here. I thought this place was abandoned, she said as she slowly turned.”
The man behind her was holding a shotgun to his shoulder; he was standing in a firing position with his finger tight on the trigger. She was shocked by how close he’d been able to get to her without her notice. He could have killed her at any moment and she’d have never known what happened. He was right, she could see by the sure way he handled his weapon, he wouldn’t have missed at this range. In a glance, she was also certain of his other statement, had she twi… [view original content]
Chapter One Part Seven: Tears and Ashes
Bianca & Randy
Bianca turned around very slowly, her arms to her side; her hands open with… more her palms out to show she wasn’t holding a weapon.
“Look mister, I am sorry. I don’t want any trouble, and I don’t mean any harm, she said in a calm voice. I was just looking for a safe place to rest and hopefully some supplies. I didn’t know there was anyone here. I thought this place was abandoned, she said as she slowly turned.”
The man behind her was holding a shotgun to his shoulder; he was standing in a firing position with his finger tight on the trigger. She was shocked by how close he’d been able to get to her without her notice. He could have killed her at any moment and she’d have never known what happened. He was right, she could see by the sure way he handled his weapon, he wouldn’t have missed at this range. In a glance, she was also certain of his other statement, had she twi… [view original content]
Hey guys have to ask you all a question because I want to keep this something you guys will enjoy. I am really enjoying introducing the characters and telling their respective stories. For me the coolest parts of the show, the comics, and the game has been the back stories and all the stuff that has happened to make the characters who they are. The dead for me were always just the icing on the cake. I have every intent to get to all the blood, guts, and gore of the WTD, but you guys have given me wonderful characters and I want to give them the attention I feel they deserve, just don't want to bore you guys in the details. So please, always feel free to tell me what you think, good or bad, I am doing this for you as much as for me. I am an old fuck, with tough skin so I can take it; but I do have definite ideas about where I want/hope to go with this and how I want to get there. Your advise, suggestions, and opinions will always be welcomed and appreciated.
Hey guys have to ask you all a question because I want to keep this something you guys will enjoy. I am really enjoying introducing the cha… moreracters and telling their respective stories. For me the coolest parts of the show, the comics, and the game has been the back stories and all the stuff that has happened to make the characters who they are. The dead for me were always just the icing on the cake. I have every intent to get to all the blood, guts, and gore of the WTD, but you guys have given me wonderful characters and I want to give them the attention I feel they deserve, just don't want to bore you guys in the details. So please, always feel free to tell me what you think, good or bad, I am doing this for you as much as for me. I am an old fuck, with tough skin so I can take it; but I do have definite ideas about where I want/hope to go with this and how I want to get there. Your advise, suggestions, and opinions will always be welcomed and appreciated.
Hey guys have to ask you all a question because I want to keep this something you guys will enjoy. I am really enjoying introducing the cha… moreracters and telling their respective stories. For me the coolest parts of the show, the comics, and the game has been the back stories and all the stuff that has happened to make the characters who they are. The dead for me were always just the icing on the cake. I have every intent to get to all the blood, guts, and gore of the WTD, but you guys have given me wonderful characters and I want to give them the attention I feel they deserve, just don't want to bore you guys in the details. So please, always feel free to tell me what you think, good or bad, I am doing this for you as much as for me. I am an old fuck, with tough skin so I can take it; but I do have definite ideas about where I want/hope to go with this and how I want to get there. Your advise, suggestions, and opinions will always be welcomed and appreciated.
For me, one of my favorite ways backstories have been done were the ones in Borderlands 2. The characters never directly tell you about their backstories and nothing really specifically tossed it in your face, the back stories are revealed gradually through either diaries, slips in normal conversation (i.e during Ellie's side quest she slightly mentions being kicked out of the bandit group) or mentions from enemies that are attempting to insult the character, if that makes sense. (i.e Dave insulting the sick woman in Overlook by talking about her husband that was killed.)
If you don't have Borderlands 2, you can just look up some of the sidequests on YouTube such as Tiny Tina's tea party or Overlook's final sidequest just for a taste of what it's like. You don't have to do it that way as multiple ways work, but that has always been my favorite.
Hey guys have to ask you all a question because I want to keep this something you guys will enjoy. I am really enjoying introducing the cha… moreracters and telling their respective stories. For me the coolest parts of the show, the comics, and the game has been the back stories and all the stuff that has happened to make the characters who they are. The dead for me were always just the icing on the cake. I have every intent to get to all the blood, guts, and gore of the WTD, but you guys have given me wonderful characters and I want to give them the attention I feel they deserve, just don't want to bore you guys in the details. So please, always feel free to tell me what you think, good or bad, I am doing this for you as much as for me. I am an old fuck, with tough skin so I can take it; but I do have definite ideas about where I want/hope to go with this and how I want to get there. Your advise, suggestions, and opinions will always be welcomed and appreciated.
I love Borderlands 2! I'm not very far into the game (My computer doesn't handle it too well, so I don't play as often as I would) But it's such a good game!
For me, one of my favorite ways backstories have been done were the ones in Borderlands 2. The characters never directly tell you about thei… morer backstories and nothing really specifically tossed it in your face, the back stories are revealed gradually through either diaries, slips in normal conversation (i.e during Ellie's side quest she slightly mentions being kicked out of the bandit group) or mentions from enemies that are attempting to insult the character, if that makes sense. (i.e Dave insulting the sick woman in Overlook by talking about her husband that was killed.)
If you don't have Borderlands 2, you can just look up some of the sidequests on YouTube such as Tiny Tina's tea party or Overlook's final sidequest just for a taste of what it's like. You don't have to do it that way as multiple ways work, but that has always been my favorite.
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prodding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays there, there is a quick, sharp pinch on her upper arm and she begins to drift off. Darkness closing in like a warm blanket. The unfamiliar hands once again prodding; she no longer cares; she drifts and surrenders to dark.
When she wakes again, she feels weak, groggy; her chest feels tight and it is hard to breathe. Each breath send a sharp lance of pain through her chest and back.
She weakly turns her head and looks around. She is lying in a bed in an unfamiliar home. In the corner of the room near the side of the bed, there is a man sitting in a chair with his face in his hands, he appears to be sleeping. He is horribly scarred and she doesn’t recognize him. She attempts to lift herself up a bit, so that she can look around further and again there is a sharp lance of pain through her back and chest. She gasps at the sharp pain as her head falls back against the pillow beneath her.
At her gasp, the man stirs and looks her way. She cringes a bit at the sight of this scarred stranger. He is covered in scars. The man must have noticed her reaction to his appearance because his face splits in a warm, wry smile.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m not going to win any beauty contests, he chuckles. You didn’t look so hot yourself little lady when we met. There you were all covered in shit from head to toe, busting out of that door like you were on fire. Ran right into me.”
He stops then, staring at her. The smile on his face faltering a bit, his mood seeming to darken.
“You know, you gave me a hell of a scare, he says. Damn near gave me a heart attack. It was dark, hard to see. You ran into me, I thought you were one of them. I grabbed you, trying to hold you back, and when you bit me, and I went a little ape shit. I just knew I was done. There I was, a grown man done in by a midget monster. I’m sorry I hurt you. If I’d have known. It was hard to see, and you were covered in so much blood and gore. I thought you were one of them, he says again. If you hadn’t spoken; if you hadn’t said something. I don’t know what I might have, he says his voice trailing off as he looks away. I’m sorry I hurt you. What were you doing there all by yourself? All alone? Where are your parents, he asks his question coming out in a rush.”
She tries, to speak, her throat burns like she’s swallowed glass and she coughs. The cough sends more spasms of pain through her chest and back. Her vision dims as the pain threatens to send her back into darkness. The man is instantly by her side, cradling the back of her head in his hand. His other hand, wrapped in a bandage holds a small clear glass filled with water.
“Easy, easy, here, drink this slowly he whispers. “
The water is cool and feels wonderful in her ragged throat. She gulps greedily, chokes, coughs, and gasps as pain again lances through her body.
“Slow down! Slow down the man commands. There’s plenty, I’ve got more if you need it, but all that coughing and choking is going to hurt like hell; so you have got to slow down, take small sips. You’ve got some bruised ribs, maybe broken, I’m not sure so you have to take it easy. I put you into that wall pretty hard; for a second there, thought I might have hurt you real bad. So, you have to take it easy. You’re safe, I’ve got you taken care of; but you have to take it easy.”
The way he spoke was soothing, firm, commanding; but in a calm, soft, reassuring manner. It reminded her of the way her parents spoke to patients. She decided at once that this man wasn’t a threat, that she could trust him. She took a few more sips of water and turned her head slightly away letting the man know she’d had enough.
“Where am I? Who are you, she whisperes?”
“Ah shit little lady, he said face again splitting in a warm smile. Where are my manners? Big, old, scary looking dude like me poking you all over, and he doesn’t even have the decency to introduce himself. What would my mother think, he chuckles? My name is Morgan; and you in my home. You are, he ask?
“Sonya, she whispers."
“Well Sonya, I am happy to make you acquaintance he croons. One hell of a way to make a new friend, if you ask me, he teases. I’ll take it though; but no more biting, he says his face and voice comically stern. I only got two hands and you took a chuck out of one of them, he says, holding up his bandaged hand. It isn’t easy sewing yourself up one handed. “
Morgan turns, walks to the chair in the corner, and pulls it alongside the bed. He sits, and looks at her, his face level with hers and suddenly very serious.
“Sonya, you want to tell me what you’re doing out here all by yourself? Where are your parents, he asks?”
Slowly she begins to speak, to tell Morgan about the attack at the school. Her words don’t come easily at first; so many of the things she’d seen today were things she didn’t want to have to think about, to remember. The words, begin to come easier, the more she speaks; now they are coming in a rush. She tells him everything. He just sits there and quietly listens, his face darkening as she recounts all that happened. She tells him about hiding in the janitor’s closet, about her list, about he fears for her parents, everything. When she’s finished, she feels drained, rung out. She is suddenly very tired and can barely keep her eyes open.
“I don’t know what to do, she whispers as she begins to softly cry.”
Morgan says nothing for a while, he just sits there stroking her head and she can feel herself beginning to drift away. When he again speaks, the edge in his voice brings him back into focus for a moment.
“For now, you don’t have to do anything but rest. You’re going to be pretty sore for few days, but that will pass. In the meantime, we’re safe enough here, I have the house locked up pretty tight. It won’t be easy for anything to get in here, and I have a few nasty surprises for anything that tries. I’ve got food, water, medical supplies, and know how. I can take care of you, and when you’re feeling better, we can figure the rest of it out. I won’t let anything bad happen to you Sonya, I promise you that, you’re safe here. When you’re feeling better, we’ll do whatever you want. But Sonya, we can’t stay here forever; so you need to think about that. I’ll help you in any way you want.
She can feel herself drift again, the darkness closing in around her, the strength in his voice reassuring her. In her mind though, the same questions linger in her head. What was she going to do?
Morgan, I think my parents are dead. Can I stay with you?
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
That is absolutely ok, the more the merrier. It is a blast and challenge doing this, and the characters folks have provided have been fascinating. Might just be a little bit before I bring in new characters though, not sure. I need to move the story along a bit, I have a place in mind where I want to end the first chapter so I need to start moving that direction. That said, there is still absolutely room for other to come in, I just need to get the rest of these guys moving where I want them. That said, please feel free to participate, offer suggestions, opinions and the like; all is welcome here. Like I've told the others, I'm a tough old bird and I can take it; but most of all have fun, and I will try my best to give you a ride that is worth the wait and one that you will enjoy. .
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prod… moreding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prod… moreding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays … [view original content]
Your story has a great amount detail in it. Keep up the hard work. I don't mind when you introduce her, just happy to suggest one for you and I look forward to seeing her in this at some point (hopefully).
That is absolutely ok, the more the merrier. It is a blast and challenge doing this, and the characters folks have provided have been fasci… morenating. Might just be a little bit before I bring in new characters though, not sure. I need to move the story along a bit, I have a place in mind where I want to end the first chapter so I need to start moving that direction. That said, there is still absolutely room for other to come in, I just need to get the rest of these guys moving where I want them. That said, please feel free to participate, offer suggestions, opinions and the like; all is welcome here. Like I've told the others, I'm a tough old bird and I can take it; but most of all have fun, and I will try my best to give you a ride that is worth the wait and one that you will enjoy. .
Yeah, I like him as well. He was Paladin's contribution. I didn't quite intend the Lee/Clem feel of this, it just sort of came out that way; but I can't say that I am disappointed either. It will be challenging to keep their story arch original, but I think I've got a few ideas. Glad you guys are enjoying this, it has been an absolute thrill to write for you guys!
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prod… moreding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays … [view original content]
Your story has a great amount detail in it. Keep up the hard work. I don't mind when you introduce her, just happy to suggest one for you and I look forward to seeing her in this at some point (hopefully).
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
Also, forgive me if I don't vote much, I just don't have much time to do it along with other stuff, along with the added fact that I'm lazy. If you don't see me voting, it's very likely I'm still reading!
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prod… moreding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prod… moreding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays … [view original content]
No worries. I try to leave each part up a day or so before closing the votes, if you can get to it cool, if you can't that's ok too. I am just thrilled and more than a little humbled that you guys are seem to be taking to my story. I am finding this whole process very challenging but also very rewarding. I've always been a bit of a bookworm, read everything from Poe to Twain to Lemore and to King, as eclectic my reading choices as I am in music. It has been a blast to be the one "behind the pen" so to speak. As always thank you for the input and the participation, both are greatly appreciated.
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
Also, forgive me if I don't vote much, I just don't hav… moree much time to do it along with other stuff, along with the added fact that I'm lazy. If you don't see me voting, it's very likely I'm still reading!
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow at his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of these sirens. Back home, the sound of these sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms blasted their way through the wail of the sirens, drawing is attention northward in the direction that they'd come from. He could just make out the shapes of four jets, streaking in from the north, flying low maybe three hundred feet of the placid surface of the river. At about an eighth of a mile out, all four jets launched missiles, two each from the underside of each wing. Chris watched in shock as sixteen white contrails streaked across the sky toward the mile long span of concrete and steel that was the Mississippi River Bridge.
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prod… moreding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prod… moreding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prod… moreding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays … [view original content]
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow at his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms blasted their way through the wait of sirens, drawing is attention northward in the direction that they come from. He could just make out the shapes of four jets, streaking in from the north, flying low maybe three hundred feet of the placid surface of the river. At about an eighth of a mile out, all four jets launched missiles, two each from the underside of each wing. Chris watched in shock as sixteen white contrails streaked across the sky toward the mile long span of concrete and steel that was the Mississippi River Bridge. The roar of the missiles impacting the bridge and its collapse was deafening. The missiles struck the concrete support columns of the bridge and it simply fell in on itself crumbling into the river in a cloud of dust and smoke.
“What in the fuck is going on, they just blew the bridge out, he screamed over the wail of the sirens? That makes no fucking sense, they just destroyed a major evacuation route from this city.”
“It makes perfect sense, Sam yelled. Think about it, it’s tactics one oh one. With the bridge out their backs are secured they move through the city. Nothing can come in behind them. They’ll move through the city a block at a time securing it as they go. It will be building to building, slow going, I wouldn’t expect them here before early this evening.”
They stood there on the roof as the line of soldiers and equipment began to move slowly though the city. The crackle of gunfire began to grow with each block they moved forward. With every round fired, more and more of the dead were drawn westward toward the advancing soldiers. Helicopter gunships, Cobras and Apaches, began to move forward of the advancing line, their nose mounted chain guns making a sound like tearing cloth as they ripped the masses of the dead. Whole masses of the dead simply ceased to exist as 30MM high explosive, incendiary rounds tore into them at 300 round per minute. Sections of asphalt on the roadways fired upon disintegrated in clouds of black dust. Abandoned vehicles were torn apart in blasts of metal and fire. The sounds of gunfire up and down the line began to intensify. The attack of the gunships now matched by the 20 MM chain guns of Bradley fighting vehicles and the .50 caliber machine guns mounted on armored Humvees and M1 tanks. It was as if the hand of God simply reached down and wiped from existence more and more of the dead, and yet more and more of the dead continued to advance. It was as if someone had pushed the toe of a boot into an anthill, the dead were now pouring in on the soldiers from every direction. As Chris looked westward he could see the dead pouring into the river from the opposite side by the thousands. There were sections of the city in front of the advancing line that were now burning; and still the dead advanced. Chris began to think that someone had made a grave mistake.
Suddenly, concussive booms begun roaring up and down the line as the main guns of M1 tanks began to fire high explosive, incendiary rounds from their main guns. Along with the dead, whole buildings began to implode in on themselves and tank rounds tore through them. Still the dead advanced, and Chris began to realize the mistake that was made. The advancing soldiers were now, a little over an hour into the start engaged in all- out war with an enemy they were just now beginning to understand. Chris turned and looked to Sam and could see the same realization had begun to dawn with him as well. The soldiers had begun a fight as if their enemy was of flesh and blood. It had been one of the primary tactics for the last 20 years, and it was fatally flawed for the enemy they now faced. For years now, the initial engagement for U.S. forces had been one of shock and awe. The thought was to pour overwhelming firepower onto enemy positions forcing them to flee or surrender in fear. The mistake was simple, the dead had no fear, and they were pouring into the line of advancing soldiers in wave upon wave by the thousands. The movement of the line had stalled, so overwhelming were the numbers of the dead; that the line simply couldn’t push forward. Every hole blasted into the waves of the dead was simply filled again almost immediately. Fighter jets screamed in from all directions dropping their payloads of ordinance, the concussion of napalm blast felt by Chris a mile away from the fighting. Smoke and flame was raging in the western sections of the city now, Baton Rouge was burning. Chris through the telescope, trying to find holes in the smoke and dust where he could see what was happening. He moved his gaze toward the port and the west back of the river and what he saw chilled him to the bone. Thousands of the dead were still just pouring into the river on the western bank and as unbelievably as it seemed, there on the rivers eastern bank, figures covered in silt and mud were beginning to break the surface and immerge from the river. Chris stepped away from the telescope, he couldn’t watch it anymore. Thousands would lose their lives today and join the dead. It was inevitable, there was never even the chance of safety of rescue. Already, it seemed as if the gunfire was getting more and more sporadic; he had not doubts that everywhere along the line, no matter how many of the dead were killed, the soldiers were simply being over whelmed and overrun. As the line began to fall back to the river it was met by the dead now pouring from the rivers waters, they were surrounded. Jets and attack helicopters were now pouring in rounds and ordinance danger close. Black hawk troop carrying helicopters were literally being pulled out of the sky as they attempted to land and rescue soldiers on the line. There was no escape. It would be over in a matter of hours.
Chris hung his head, whispering a hurried prayer. As he looked up, something right below the building suddenly caught his attention, in the heat of all that was happening he’d simply never noticed. Below the hotel, the streets were almost completely deserted. Only a few figures moved through the street, some shambling westward; others moving furtively from street to street away from the fighting. As westward, thousands of soldiers died, a horrible realization began to dawn on Chris, and the dead were distracted, this might be their only chance of escape. Where would they go? He looked and Sam.
“Sam, he said. I think it’s now or never. I and my sister are getting out of here, while maybe there’s a chance. What are you going to do, he asked?
Sam stood there, silent for a moment, the shock of everything happening showing on his face.
“Yeah, yeah I think you’re right, he said. It’s now or never. Look, I am going north I think, toward Ft. Polk, or maybe England AFB in Alexandria. Those are the places that any remaining soldiers will be headed. Those places have got to be safe zones, those are the closest places they could have evacuated as to. You and your sister are welcome to come with me; the way I see it, we all have to stick together now, watch one another’s backs. That might be the only way mankind survives this thing.”
Yeah Sam, we'll go with you. I think you're right we have to stick together.
Thank you Sam, but I'm sorry, I think we'll go our own way. Take care.
Chapter One Part Seven: Tears and Ashes
Bianca & Randy
Bianca turned around very slowly, her arms to her side; her hands open with… more her palms out to show she wasn’t holding a weapon.
“Look mister, I am sorry. I don’t want any trouble, and I don’t mean any harm, she said in a calm voice. I was just looking for a safe place to rest and hopefully some supplies. I didn’t know there was anyone here. I thought this place was abandoned, she said as she slowly turned.”
The man behind her was holding a shotgun to his shoulder; he was standing in a firing position with his finger tight on the trigger. She was shocked by how close he’d been able to get to her without her notice. He could have killed her at any moment and she’d have never known what happened. He was right, she could see by the sure way he handled his weapon, he wouldn’t have missed at this range. In a glance, she was also certain of his other statement, had she twi… [view original content]
Chapter One Part Nine: Tears and Ashes
Sam, Chris, & Kate
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow … moreat his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Nine: Tears and Ashes
Sam, Chris, & Kate
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow … moreat his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Nine: Tears and Ashes
Sam, Chris, & Kate
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow … moreat his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Nine: Tears and Ashes
Sam, Chris, & Kate
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow … moreat his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Nine: Tears and Ashes
Sam, Chris, & Kate
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow … moreat his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms … [view original content]
Chapter One Part Nine: Tears and Ashes
Sam, Chris, & Kate
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow … moreat his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms … [view original content]
Hey guys, just wanted to let ya'll know that I haven't forgotten about you. Work has me a little side tracked at the moment. Currently living out of a suitcase and working late nights (graveyard) next couple of days. I should be back on track by the weekend. Sorry to keep ya'll waiting, but I got to eat, keep a roof over my head, and keep the missus happy, cause when she ain't happy, nobody is happy. anyway just wanted to let ya'll know why I was a little scarce all of a sudden. see ya'll again real soon, meantime, be good!!!
Chapter One Part Nine: Tears and Ashes
Sam, Chris, & Kate
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow … moreat his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms … [view original content]
Hey guys, just wanted to let ya'll know that I haven't forgotten about you. Work has me a little side tracked at the moment. Currently liv… moreing out of a suitcase and working late nights (graveyard) next couple of days. I should be back on track by the weekend. Sorry to keep ya'll waiting, but I got to eat, keep a roof over my head, and keep the missus happy, cause when she ain't happy, nobody is happy. anyway just wanted to let ya'll know why I was a little scarce all of a sudden. see ya'll again real soon, meantime, be good!!!
Comments
Oh my God, he sounds like he is in so much pain! Go and ask him if he is ok?
Oh my God, he sounds like he is in so much pain! Go and ask him if he is ok?
Oh my God, he sounds like he is in so much pain! Go and ask him if he is ok?
Hey guys have to ask you all a question because I want to keep this something you guys will enjoy. I am really enjoying introducing the characters and telling their respective stories. For me the coolest parts of the show, the comics, and the game has been the back stories and all the stuff that has happened to make the characters who they are. The dead for me were always just the icing on the cake. I have every intent to get to all the blood, guts, and gore of the WTD, but you guys have given me wonderful characters and I want to give them the attention I feel they deserve, just don't want to bore you guys in the details. So please, always feel free to tell me what you think, good or bad, I am doing this for you as much as for me. I am an old fuck, with tough skin so I can take it; but I do have definite ideas about where I want/hope to go with this and how I want to get there. Your advise, suggestions, and opinions will always be welcomed and appreciated.
Youre awesome at this!
I'd love anything you write
I love back stories and the like too, and I wouldn't mind if you wrote a few of them!
For me, one of my favorite ways backstories have been done were the ones in Borderlands 2. The characters never directly tell you about their backstories and nothing really specifically tossed it in your face, the back stories are revealed gradually through either diaries, slips in normal conversation (i.e during Ellie's side quest she slightly mentions being kicked out of the bandit group) or mentions from enemies that are attempting to insult the character, if that makes sense. (i.e Dave insulting the sick woman in Overlook by talking about her husband that was killed.)
If you don't have Borderlands 2, you can just look up some of the sidequests on YouTube such as Tiny Tina's tea party or Overlook's final sidequest just for a taste of what it's like. You don't have to do it that way as multiple ways work, but that has always been my favorite.
I love Borderlands 2! I'm not very far into the game (My computer doesn't handle it too well, so I don't play as often as I would) But it's such a good game!
This fan fic is really good.
Loved reading it. Just about to submit a character if that's still ok 
Chapter One Part Eight: Tears and Ashes
Sonya and Morgan
She struggled awake, to pain and the feel of unfamiliar hands grasping, prodding at her. Vivid images flash through her mind, a panicked terror filled moment, and a shadow pulling her close. Weakly she tries to fight against the unfamiliar touch.
“Shhhhhh, damn it kid keep still, someone says. I’m not going to hurt you, I am just trying to make sure you’re ok.
She tries to open her eyes and lift her head and a wave of nausea rolls through her body. Her empty stomach heaving and convulsing. Pain throbs through her back, a white hot lance that makes her gasp.
“Please darling you have to have to be still. You took a nasty shot against that wall. You damn near gave me a heart attack. Just lie still and try to rest, let me get you fixed up. You’re going to feel a little stick, nothing to worry about, it’s to help you rest.”
Too weak to struggle further, she lays there, there is a quick, sharp pinch on her upper arm and she begins to drift off. Darkness closing in like a warm blanket. The unfamiliar hands once again prodding; she no longer cares; she drifts and surrenders to dark.
When she wakes again, she feels weak, groggy; her chest feels tight and it is hard to breathe. Each breath send a sharp lance of pain through her chest and back.
She weakly turns her head and looks around. She is lying in a bed in an unfamiliar home. In the corner of the room near the side of the bed, there is a man sitting in a chair with his face in his hands, he appears to be sleeping. He is horribly scarred and she doesn’t recognize him. She attempts to lift herself up a bit, so that she can look around further and again there is a sharp lance of pain through her back and chest. She gasps at the sharp pain as her head falls back against the pillow beneath her.
At her gasp, the man stirs and looks her way. She cringes a bit at the sight of this scarred stranger. He is covered in scars. The man must have noticed her reaction to his appearance because his face splits in a warm, wry smile.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m not going to win any beauty contests, he chuckles. You didn’t look so hot yourself little lady when we met. There you were all covered in shit from head to toe, busting out of that door like you were on fire. Ran right into me.”
He stops then, staring at her. The smile on his face faltering a bit, his mood seeming to darken.
“You know, you gave me a hell of a scare, he says. Damn near gave me a heart attack. It was dark, hard to see. You ran into me, I thought you were one of them. I grabbed you, trying to hold you back, and when you bit me, and I went a little ape shit. I just knew I was done. There I was, a grown man done in by a midget monster. I’m sorry I hurt you. If I’d have known. It was hard to see, and you were covered in so much blood and gore. I thought you were one of them, he says again. If you hadn’t spoken; if you hadn’t said something. I don’t know what I might have, he says his voice trailing off as he looks away. I’m sorry I hurt you. What were you doing there all by yourself? All alone? Where are your parents, he asks his question coming out in a rush.”
She tries, to speak, her throat burns like she’s swallowed glass and she coughs. The cough sends more spasms of pain through her chest and back. Her vision dims as the pain threatens to send her back into darkness. The man is instantly by her side, cradling the back of her head in his hand. His other hand, wrapped in a bandage holds a small clear glass filled with water.
“Easy, easy, here, drink this slowly he whispers. “
The water is cool and feels wonderful in her ragged throat. She gulps greedily, chokes, coughs, and gasps as pain again lances through her body.
“Slow down! Slow down the man commands. There’s plenty, I’ve got more if you need it, but all that coughing and choking is going to hurt like hell; so you have got to slow down, take small sips. You’ve got some bruised ribs, maybe broken, I’m not sure so you have to take it easy. I put you into that wall pretty hard; for a second there, thought I might have hurt you real bad. So, you have to take it easy. You’re safe, I’ve got you taken care of; but you have to take it easy.”
The way he spoke was soothing, firm, commanding; but in a calm, soft, reassuring manner. It reminded her of the way her parents spoke to patients. She decided at once that this man wasn’t a threat, that she could trust him. She took a few more sips of water and turned her head slightly away letting the man know she’d had enough.
“Where am I? Who are you, she whisperes?”
“Ah shit little lady, he said face again splitting in a warm smile. Where are my manners? Big, old, scary looking dude like me poking you all over, and he doesn’t even have the decency to introduce himself. What would my mother think, he chuckles? My name is Morgan; and you in my home. You are, he ask?
“Sonya, she whispers."
“Well Sonya, I am happy to make you acquaintance he croons. One hell of a way to make a new friend, if you ask me, he teases. I’ll take it though; but no more biting, he says his face and voice comically stern. I only got two hands and you took a chuck out of one of them, he says, holding up his bandaged hand. It isn’t easy sewing yourself up one handed. “
Morgan turns, walks to the chair in the corner, and pulls it alongside the bed. He sits, and looks at her, his face level with hers and suddenly very serious.
“Sonya, you want to tell me what you’re doing out here all by yourself? Where are your parents, he asks?”
Slowly she begins to speak, to tell Morgan about the attack at the school. Her words don’t come easily at first; so many of the things she’d seen today were things she didn’t want to have to think about, to remember. The words, begin to come easier, the more she speaks; now they are coming in a rush. She tells him everything. He just sits there and quietly listens, his face darkening as she recounts all that happened. She tells him about hiding in the janitor’s closet, about her list, about he fears for her parents, everything. When she’s finished, she feels drained, rung out. She is suddenly very tired and can barely keep her eyes open.
“I don’t know what to do, she whispers as she begins to softly cry.”
Morgan says nothing for a while, he just sits there stroking her head and she can feel herself beginning to drift away. When he again speaks, the edge in his voice brings him back into focus for a moment.
“For now, you don’t have to do anything but rest. You’re going to be pretty sore for few days, but that will pass. In the meantime, we’re safe enough here, I have the house locked up pretty tight. It won’t be easy for anything to get in here, and I have a few nasty surprises for anything that tries. I’ve got food, water, medical supplies, and know how. I can take care of you, and when you’re feeling better, we can figure the rest of it out. I won’t let anything bad happen to you Sonya, I promise you that, you’re safe here. When you’re feeling better, we’ll do whatever you want. But Sonya, we can’t stay here forever; so you need to think about that. I’ll help you in any way you want.
She can feel herself drift again, the darkness closing in around her, the strength in his voice reassuring her. In her mind though, the same questions linger in her head. What was she going to do?
Morgan, I think my parents are dead. Can I stay with you?
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
That is absolutely ok, the more the merrier. It is a blast and challenge doing this, and the characters folks have provided have been fascinating. Might just be a little bit before I bring in new characters though, not sure. I need to move the story along a bit, I have a place in mind where I want to end the first chapter so I need to start moving that direction. That said, there is still absolutely room for other to come in, I just need to get the rest of these guys moving where I want them. That said, please feel free to participate, offer suggestions, opinions and the like; all is welcome here. Like I've told the others, I'm a tough old bird and I can take it; but most of all have fun, and I will try my best to give you a ride that is worth the wait and one that you will enjoy. .
"Morgan, I think my parents are dead. Can I stay with you?"
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
That was a really great chapter! I already like Morgan
Your story has a great amount detail in it.
Keep up the hard work. I don't mind when you introduce her, just happy to suggest one for you and I look forward to seeing her in this at some point (hopefully). 
Yeah, I like him as well. He was Paladin's contribution. I didn't quite intend the Lee/Clem feel of this, it just sort of came out that way; but I can't say that I am disappointed either. It will be challenging to keep their story arch original, but I think I've got a few ideas. Glad you guys are enjoying this, it has been an absolute thrill to write for you guys!
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
No worries, all will get in on the fun. Muahahahaha
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
Also, forgive me if I don't vote much, I just don't have much time to do it along with other stuff, along with the added fact that I'm lazy. If you don't see me voting, it's very likely I'm still reading!
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
Great chapter you have done.
No worries. I try to leave each part up a day or so before closing the votes, if you can get to it cool, if you can't that's ok too. I am just thrilled and more than a little humbled that you guys are seem to be taking to my story. I am finding this whole process very challenging but also very rewarding. I've always been a bit of a bookworm, read everything from Poe to Twain to Lemore and to King, as eclectic my reading choices as I am in music. It has been a blast to be the one "behind the pen" so to speak. As always thank you for the input and the participation, both are greatly appreciated.
Next time on the Walking Dead: Road of Bones
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow at his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of these sirens. Back home, the sound of these sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms blasted their way through the wail of the sirens, drawing is attention northward in the direction that they'd come from. He could just make out the shapes of four jets, streaking in from the north, flying low maybe three hundred feet of the placid surface of the river. At about an eighth of a mile out, all four jets launched missiles, two each from the underside of each wing. Chris watched in shock as sixteen white contrails streaked across the sky toward the mile long span of concrete and steel that was the Mississippi River Bridge.
Morgan, I think my parents are dead. Can I stay with you?
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me find them?
voting closed
Morgan, I have to know what's happened to my parents. Will you help me?
Chapter One Part Nine: Tears and Ashes
Sam, Chris, & Kate
The Fall of Baton Rouge
The morning sun was a soft, brightening glow at his back. Chris looked out west over the city, and the sheer magnitude of what he was seeing struck him like a bolt of lightning. Stretched out, north to south, along the west bank of the river was a line of equipment and personnel stretching as far as the eye could see. There were thousands of men, women and pieces of equipment; the occasional rapid staccato of automatic weapon fire could be heard intermittently from every direction up and down the line. Suddenly, all around the city, storms sirens began to wail, the deafening rise and fall in pitch and tone drowning out all other sounds. Chris had lived all his life in Kansas, back home people lived in fear of the sound of such sirens. Back home, the sound of such sirens meant one thing only, a storm was coming. Four separate concussive booms blasted their way through the wait of sirens, drawing is attention northward in the direction that they come from. He could just make out the shapes of four jets, streaking in from the north, flying low maybe three hundred feet of the placid surface of the river. At about an eighth of a mile out, all four jets launched missiles, two each from the underside of each wing. Chris watched in shock as sixteen white contrails streaked across the sky toward the mile long span of concrete and steel that was the Mississippi River Bridge. The roar of the missiles impacting the bridge and its collapse was deafening. The missiles struck the concrete support columns of the bridge and it simply fell in on itself crumbling into the river in a cloud of dust and smoke.
“What in the fuck is going on, they just blew the bridge out, he screamed over the wail of the sirens? That makes no fucking sense, they just destroyed a major evacuation route from this city.”
“It makes perfect sense, Sam yelled. Think about it, it’s tactics one oh one. With the bridge out their backs are secured they move through the city. Nothing can come in behind them. They’ll move through the city a block at a time securing it as they go. It will be building to building, slow going, I wouldn’t expect them here before early this evening.”
They stood there on the roof as the line of soldiers and equipment began to move slowly though the city. The crackle of gunfire began to grow with each block they moved forward. With every round fired, more and more of the dead were drawn westward toward the advancing soldiers. Helicopter gunships, Cobras and Apaches, began to move forward of the advancing line, their nose mounted chain guns making a sound like tearing cloth as they ripped the masses of the dead. Whole masses of the dead simply ceased to exist as 30MM high explosive, incendiary rounds tore into them at 300 round per minute. Sections of asphalt on the roadways fired upon disintegrated in clouds of black dust. Abandoned vehicles were torn apart in blasts of metal and fire. The sounds of gunfire up and down the line began to intensify. The attack of the gunships now matched by the 20 MM chain guns of Bradley fighting vehicles and the .50 caliber machine guns mounted on armored Humvees and M1 tanks. It was as if the hand of God simply reached down and wiped from existence more and more of the dead, and yet more and more of the dead continued to advance. It was as if someone had pushed the toe of a boot into an anthill, the dead were now pouring in on the soldiers from every direction. As Chris looked westward he could see the dead pouring into the river from the opposite side by the thousands. There were sections of the city in front of the advancing line that were now burning; and still the dead advanced. Chris began to think that someone had made a grave mistake.
Suddenly, concussive booms begun roaring up and down the line as the main guns of M1 tanks began to fire high explosive, incendiary rounds from their main guns. Along with the dead, whole buildings began to implode in on themselves and tank rounds tore through them. Still the dead advanced, and Chris began to realize the mistake that was made. The advancing soldiers were now, a little over an hour into the start engaged in all- out war with an enemy they were just now beginning to understand. Chris turned and looked to Sam and could see the same realization had begun to dawn with him as well. The soldiers had begun a fight as if their enemy was of flesh and blood. It had been one of the primary tactics for the last 20 years, and it was fatally flawed for the enemy they now faced. For years now, the initial engagement for U.S. forces had been one of shock and awe. The thought was to pour overwhelming firepower onto enemy positions forcing them to flee or surrender in fear. The mistake was simple, the dead had no fear, and they were pouring into the line of advancing soldiers in wave upon wave by the thousands. The movement of the line had stalled, so overwhelming were the numbers of the dead; that the line simply couldn’t push forward. Every hole blasted into the waves of the dead was simply filled again almost immediately. Fighter jets screamed in from all directions dropping their payloads of ordinance, the concussion of napalm blast felt by Chris a mile away from the fighting. Smoke and flame was raging in the western sections of the city now, Baton Rouge was burning. Chris through the telescope, trying to find holes in the smoke and dust where he could see what was happening. He moved his gaze toward the port and the west back of the river and what he saw chilled him to the bone. Thousands of the dead were still just pouring into the river on the western bank and as unbelievably as it seemed, there on the rivers eastern bank, figures covered in silt and mud were beginning to break the surface and immerge from the river. Chris stepped away from the telescope, he couldn’t watch it anymore. Thousands would lose their lives today and join the dead. It was inevitable, there was never even the chance of safety of rescue. Already, it seemed as if the gunfire was getting more and more sporadic; he had not doubts that everywhere along the line, no matter how many of the dead were killed, the soldiers were simply being over whelmed and overrun. As the line began to fall back to the river it was met by the dead now pouring from the rivers waters, they were surrounded. Jets and attack helicopters were now pouring in rounds and ordinance danger close. Black hawk troop carrying helicopters were literally being pulled out of the sky as they attempted to land and rescue soldiers on the line. There was no escape. It would be over in a matter of hours.
Chris hung his head, whispering a hurried prayer. As he looked up, something right below the building suddenly caught his attention, in the heat of all that was happening he’d simply never noticed. Below the hotel, the streets were almost completely deserted. Only a few figures moved through the street, some shambling westward; others moving furtively from street to street away from the fighting. As westward, thousands of soldiers died, a horrible realization began to dawn on Chris, and the dead were distracted, this might be their only chance of escape. Where would they go? He looked and Sam.
“Sam, he said. I think it’s now or never. I and my sister are getting out of here, while maybe there’s a chance. What are you going to do, he asked?
Sam stood there, silent for a moment, the shock of everything happening showing on his face.
“Yeah, yeah I think you’re right, he said. It’s now or never. Look, I am going north I think, toward Ft. Polk, or maybe England AFB in Alexandria. Those are the places that any remaining soldiers will be headed. Those places have got to be safe zones, those are the closest places they could have evacuated as to. You and your sister are welcome to come with me; the way I see it, we all have to stick together now, watch one another’s backs. That might be the only way mankind survives this thing.”
Yeah Sam, we'll go with you. I think you're right we have to stick together.
Thank you Sam, but I'm sorry, I think we'll go our own way. Take care.
voting closed: Bianca will ask Randy if he's ok.
Yeah Sam, we'll go with you. I think you're right we have to stick together.
Yeah Sam, we'll go with you. I think you're right we have to stick together.
Yeah Sam, we'll go with you. I think you're right we have to stick together.
Yeah Sam, we'll go with you. I think you're right we have to stick together.
Yeah Sam, we'll go with you. I think you're right we have to stick together.
Obligatory we'll go with you.
Yeah Sam, we'll go with you. I think you're right we have to stick together.
Hey guys, just wanted to let ya'll know that I haven't forgotten about you. Work has me a little side tracked at the moment. Currently living out of a suitcase and working late nights (graveyard) next couple of days. I should be back on track by the weekend. Sorry to keep ya'll waiting, but I got to eat, keep a roof over my head, and keep the missus happy, cause when she ain't happy, nobody is happy.
anyway just wanted to let ya'll know why I was a little scarce all of a sudden. see ya'll again real soon, meantime, be good!!!
voting closed: yeah Sam we'll go together
I'm usually not the guy who cries for next part, but this fanfic is like an addiction. So, when can we expect next part? :-)
Crawfish, you there? :-(