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Scene Four: A Quake, A Quake
Topic Started: Oct 8 2009, 12:02 AM (1,217 Views)
Mr_Blonde3
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Shrimp Po'Boy
Sam walked down the tour bus passageway, frankly amazed at the size of the damn thing. He'd ridden on Greyhound buses in his gay, and none of them matched the size and style of the bus he was on. It was literally like being in a home on wheels. Everything you could think of having in a home was on the bus. A small kitchen, a nice bedroom....

Sam's mind wandered to the bedroom and the image filled his head and immediately his face went red again. He could feel his face flush. He shook the thought from his head, knowing that embarassing image would never be too far away even if he lived to be a hundred. He slid one of the bottles of scotch from the box and quickly doused some into a glass. He chased it down and continued on the trip to the rear of the bus where Cat had his radio equipment set-up.

Cat was a colorful character. Easily likeable on a shirt notice. One of those people that would be at home with any group of people and who would always have something to talk about. In short, everything Sam wasn't. He knew he was a borderline stick-in-the-mud, but at 53, he was too old to try and learn new tricks. He seemed to be accepted at face-value, which was infinitely better for him in the long run than trying to be someone he wasn't.

Sam opened the door and saw Cat bent over his equipment. Sam said, "Find anything?" Cat turned and flashed his award=winning smile. He said, "Hello, Mr. Barkley. Still working on gettin' my shit to send, rather than receive. I do got some bad news though. Preliminary radio broadcasts are sayin' everybody in the silos is dead."

Sam stared at him, and his mouth fell open involuntarily. Sam said, "Everyone...?" Cat nodded. He said, "All them people that were gonna be saved to bring the world back are gone." Sam said, "Obama....Everyone?" Cat said, "Rumor has it he wanted to stay at the White House, even though all the shit was hittin' the fan, but I assume he was made to go there. I dunno. All they really know for sure is that everyone in a silo is dead."

Sam leaned against the doorway, the full words of Cat sinking in. Sam said, "Keep us posted...." Cat said, "I'll be doing just that. Get yourself a drink, man. You look like you need it." Sam nodded and stepped out. He passed by Alex, who looked distracted. Sam said, "Alex?"

Alex stopped and turned. Sam said, "I heard you talking about which side you wer eon, which group you were with. Just wanted to stress to you, I'm a practicing catholic, and I'm certain that if you're worried about being on the good side, that you're on it." Alex smiled and said, "Thanks." Sam glanced over his shoulder at Domenica and Gareth. He said, "You doing okay?" She nodded, but looked a bit sad. Sam knew why, but thought it a bit presumptuous to wiggle his way in between a conversation with Her and Gareth.

Sam walked back to where he had left Adam and sat down on the couch opposite the t.v. Adam said, "Dad...." Sam held up a hand and said, "I know, Adam. You're a married man, and what you do is absolutely your business. If anyone needs to be apologizing, it's me. I should have knocked before I just walked in and I didn't and..."

Adam said, "That's not what I wanted to talk to you about." Sam stopped himself. He said, "Alright." Adam said, "I just wanted to say I'm glad we talked and I'm glad we're together. I never hated you, and neither did Willow. I know the circumstances are bad, but I'm glad that you're safe and that we're together." Sam looked at him, unable to stop the wetness that sprang into his eyes. He said, "I'm glad too, son. I'm glad too."
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bebeluv1
Nemesis
Tom and Ruben—Gotta Love Walgreens

They entered the Walgreens on N. Ankeny Boulevard, since it was the first pharmacy they ran across since raiding the Mercy North clinic. The building was in reasonable shape, unlike the the Bank of the West just up the street and the strip mall on the left side of the store. Still, there was quite a bit of rubble, and Ruben had to wrench the doors open. He’d insisted that Tom not do it, he could tell that after loading up the SUV at Mercy North, Tom’s back was in bad shape. He hadn’t missed Tom popping several little white pills, either.

“Are you sure you can do this?” Ruben asked, concerned.

“I have to, man,” Tom said, wincing as he turned his upper body to test the limits of his back. He saw Ruben’s disapproving look as he palmed another couple pills and ate them. “Listen, I had a couple blown discs repaired a few years ago, and a broken vertebrae. It cut my sciatic nerve in half. I was in a lot of pain. So I took the pain medication that was prescribed to me. My back feels almost like it did before the surgery. I need this. You’ve got no idea how this feels.”

“I’m not judging you for that, Tom, I just don’t want you so messed up that you can’t think straight. We have to be extra careful these days, right?”

Tom considered, then nodded, dropping his defensiveness. “Okay. I’m going back to the pharmacy, why don’t you look around for other stuff we might need?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Ruben said. He looked around him, taking mental inventory of what he saw. He grabbed a shopping cart and started putting in things he thought would come in handy. Food, for one thing. And personal hygiene items—soap, shampoo, deodorant….Ruben found that his cart filled up much faster than he anticipated. And they only had Tom’s back seat open. Shit.

Tom came back towards the front of the store, pale and wide eyed. Ruben was about to ask Tom what was wrong when he saw the man behind Tom, holding a handgun. The man was dirty, wild-eyed, obviously not in his right mind. He jammed the gun into Tom’s back, and Tom yelped and staggered to one knee. This seemed to anger the man, and he kicked Tom in the ass, sending Tom sprawling to the floor. He closed his eyes and sucked in air through clenched teeth. Ruben had to do something to turn the man’s attention from Tom.

“Hey, jackass, why don’t you pick on someone….” he was about to say ‘your own size’, but that would have been dumb, because this man was about 6’5” and Tom was 6’4”. Ruben wasn’t anywhere close. On the other hand, Tom probably weighed less than 200 lbs. This man….at least 300. There WAS nobody his size in this store.

Ruben gulped and decided to try reason rather than provoke the man to get him away from Tom. “My name is Ruben, that’s Tom.” He paused to see if the man was listening. He seemed to be. Good. “We just came in here to get some supplies, but if this is your store, we’ll leave. Ok?”

“My store,” the man growled menacingly. “That’s right. It’s MY store. “

There was something not mentally right upstairs with this guy. Ruben didn’t quite know what it was. He sure seemed to enjoy poking Tom in the ribs with his foot while he was still laying on the floor, afraid to move. So, this guy liked to kick a dog while it was down, huh? Super. That meant he wasn’t exactly going to respond to morality.

Tom pressed his cheek into the cold tile floor, scared out of his mind. He was afraid to move, because the man could either kick him in the back and break it, or shoot him. He didn’t think that the guy would have a problem doing either one. Christ, he thought people from the Midwest were supposed to be “normal”. This guy could give any crazy loon on the streets of LA a run for their money.

He willed Ruben to be careful. “Please, please, please” he repeated to himself over and over, his mantra put back to good use. He took the risk of moving his head ever so slightly so that he could see Ruben’s face. For some reason, he had to see Ruben’s face. Luckily, the crazy bastard behind him was too busy asserting his authority to Ruben that he didn’t notice Tom move his head, or he might have given him another kick to the ribs.

“Ok, it’s your store,” Ruben said, his voice soothing and calm. “Tom and I will leave, ok? We won’t take anything, we’ll just go and never come back, all right?”

The man’s eyes narrowed dangerously, as if he was suddenly aware that someone was trying to pull the wool over his eyes. “MY STORE!” he bellowed.

Ruben didn’t know what to make of this guy. Did he even understand him? Maybe a little sign language along with words would help. “Yes, YOUR store,” he said, pointing at the man. “And me and Tom,” he said calmly, pointing at himself and Tom, “will leave.” He pointed to the exit door. “Ok?” Ruben smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring manner and waited.

“What, do you think I’m retarded?” the man sneered, exposing his teeth in a snarl. “Is that what you think you fucking Spic motherfucker? Why don’t you go back to Mexico where you belong, WETBACK?”

Oh, shit, Tom thought. This isn’t good. This isn’t good at all. He remained frozen, sprawled out on the Walgreens floor, trying not to anger the man further by doing anything so insane as moving. He stretched his eyes to see as far as they could see in all directions around him, without moving his head. He saw Ruben ahead of him, slightly to the right, near the exit door with a cart full of goodies. He saw makeup and makeup supplies directly to his left, and face wash and sunscreens to his right. In other words, nothing useful.

“No,” he saw Ruben say, a little tremor detectable in his voice now. “No, of course not. I didn’t mean to imply that you were stupid, and if it came off that way….”

“FUCK YOU!” the man boomed. “You don’t get to talk to me like that, you fucking BEANER!” The man pulled the hammer back on the gun. “Do you have anything else to say, SPIC??”

Ruben was flabbergasted. Where had all this rage come from? He shook his head no to answer the man, then stood there silently with his hands up. His mind raced. What could he do? How could he get out of this alive, with Tom? For the first time since the encounter with Mr. Nutjob began, he started to feel the terror seep into himself. And that wasn’t good, because it meant he might do something dumb to get he and Tom killed.

“OH, not much to say now, huh?” the man cackled. He nudged Tom in the ribs again as he stood over him. “Your spic friend here thinks he’s smart, don’t he?”

Tom was silent, not knowing how he should respond to that question, or if he should respond at all. Tom hissed in his breath as the man nudged him in the back. Those fucking pointy cowboy boots HURT. “Hey, answer me, you faggot! You fucking faggot with your pierced lip and earring holes in your ears, and your faggy fucking haircut!”

“Please, man, just….let us go,” Tom pleaded, the tone of his own voice scaring him. He didn’t recognize his own voice, it was so tight and afraid.

“Is that what I should do? Let a couple of fucking thieves steal from me and then just let them go unpunished?” he bent over to yell in Tom’s face. “Especially a spic and a faggot?!?”

“Do you own this store,” Ruben heard himself ask, “or are you another fucking thief?” He said it, but he didn’t believe he had said it.

Tom stared at Ruben incredulously. What the fuck was he doing?? The shit was sure to hit the fan even worse now, and Tom took the chance to reach out for a pair of tweezers that he spied to his left on the bottom shelf. Not much of a weapon, but better than absolutely nothing. He carefully tore open the package and palmed the tweezers while the man was busy with his rage focused fully on Ruben. Tom’s hands bathed the tweezers in sweat as he waited. For just the right chance.

“What did you say to me, you greasy taco shitstain?” the man stepped over Tom now, so that he was directly in front of him. Apparently the man wasn’t thinking straight. Shocker.

Ruben took a deep breath and spoke. It was like someone else was controlling his vocal chords. “I asked you if you owned this store, ‘ESE, or if you were just another thief like Tom and I.”

The man’s finger tightened on the trigger as he took yet another step toward Ruben and away from Tom. Tom took his chance, and drove the tweezers up as hard as he could between the mans leg and into his testicles. The man screamed and the gun went off. Ruben felt the air next to his ear puff and the bullet whizzed by. The man grabbed between his legs and Ruben rushed him, driving the man to the floor. Tom kicked the man in the temple, knocking him out. They stared at each other, wild-eyed, and then they each kicked the man another couple times to make sure he’d stay down.

Tom and Ruben stood over the man silently for a moment, both a little shell shocked. Finally, Tom wandered back to the pharmacy and brought his cart filled with all sorts of pills to the front of the store.

“What are you doing, man?” Ruben asked, incredulous.

“What?” Tom shrugged. “We earned it, right? So let’s load up before this fucking redneck retard wakes up.”

Ruben smirked. Tom was right. They’d earned this one. So why not take the spoils?
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mdnjr70
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Shrimp Po'Boy
Ruben/Tom – Beener, Spic & Fag

They put the last of the items in the SUV and they both looked at each other and started laughing, “That was fucked up.” Tom said looking at Ruben as they got back in the car. “Think the guy will be ok?” Ruben asked looking back at the Walgreen’s. Tom shrugged and moved to the drivers seat. “They were only tweezers how much damage could they have done?” Ruben looked around, “I don’t know but I don’t want to hang out and see. I say we get the hell out of here.” Tom started the engine; “You get no argument from me.” They pulled out of the parking lot and back on the main road. As they reached the intersection they saw two military Jeeps. Ruben rolled down the window to get their attention and one stopped.

The young private from when Ruben went to talk to John was standing there, “Ah John’s brother-in-law right?” She said walking up to the SUV. Ruben nodded, “Yep, hey look there is a guy in the Walgreens, he’s um…” Ruben looked at Tom not sure how to say it, “He’s pretty messed up; nutty and hurt.” She looked at the SUV, “someone been shopping?’ Ruben frowned, “it’s stuff for the camp. I was there earlier you looked like you were running out of stuff.” She shook her head, “Right…we’ll check the guy out. In the future you might want to be a little more careful with your missions of mercy.” She said looking at them both and flagging them on having them clear the street.

Tom didn’t need to be told twice and quickly pulled away. “Next time we go on a raid, we need to have better weapons.” Tom said and Ruben looked at him rubbing the back of his head, “ya think?” Tom laughed again there was no doubt, he would be better prepared.

“You know I don’t think she believed us.” Ruben said. Looking over his shoulder back at where the Jeep would have been. Tom shrugged, “I think she did you’re a pretty trust worthy guy and tough for a…what he call us?” Ruben thought a moment, “Well I was the BEENER and the SPIC…I think you were the fag or faggot.” Tom turned the corner, “ah very true…funny that.” The two men were quiet as they moved slowly down the road. “So where’d you learn to fight?” Tom asked looking at Ruben, “school. I was in just about every physical sport there was. It’ll make a man out of you, or so I was told.”
Ruben frowned at the memories of his father’s beatings, it was long ago and his father was probably dead now, there was no point in the anger or hostility, but it was still there. He loved them and he was glad to finally be at peace with it, but it was still there. He figured it always would be part of him.

“Well I wouldn’t want to get on your bad side.” Tom said passing the street to Zeke’s townhouse his back was still tight but the brace and the pills were helping. “You missed the turn.” Ruben said looking out the window, “No. You said we were taking it to the medical tent and I don’t want to make a liar out of you, plus we can keep a few things back that the girls and we might need, plus we know where there is more.” Ruben smiled, “Thanks Tom.”

“Not a problemo, amigo.” Tom smirked as they reached the camp. There was a guard there and Tom rolled down the window, “We’ve got medical supplies.” The guard waved them through and they drove to the medical tent.

“Would you be willing to go out again?” Tom said looking at Ruben not thinking about how that may have sounded, “This wasn’t a date Tom, I’m spoken for.” Ruben quipped as Tom frowned, then smiled and finally starting to mock pout, “it wasn’t…here I was thinking I was special.” They both shared a laugh and got out of the SUV. Tom called over a couple people to help them with the supplies as Ruben went through what they had and moved it to the front seat, “We thought you might need a few things.” Tom said looking at one of the over worked nurses or doctors, who the hell could tell. “You have no idea.” The guy said as they got to the back of the SUV. Within a few minutes the back of the SUV was unloaded save for a few holdbacks from both Ruben and Tom. “Where’d you guys go? Des Moines?” The unnamed male nurse asked, “No here in town, but it’s still not safe out there we got attacked, but it was taken car of.” The nurse nodded, “That’s what the army guys have been saying. They have some military specialist in the command tent trying to figure out how to secure the town so we can get out there again. We are running low on everything, this is going to help a lot.”

“Well I would leave the raiding to the professionals, we can’t loose any medical staff.” Ruben said looking at he and Tom. “Not an issue there, we have so many to take care of. You guys just be careful yourselves.” The guy said heading back off to the tent.

Tom got back in his vehicle, “come on let’s get out of here. I need to take something for my back and they don’t need us in the way. We can go out for another raid tomorrow.” Ruben moved to the passenger seat and they started to drive back to the townhouse. “We need to plan a little better next time, I wonder if there’s a sporting goods store in town?” Ruben said with a frown, Zeke would not be happy with guns in the house. Tom smiled, “well I have mine.” Tom said showing Ruben the gun from the nut in the Walgreens. “When the hell did you get that?” Ruben said and Tom shrugged, “Well there was no way I was leaving him with the gun.” Ruben agreed, “Smart thinking glad you thought of it.” Tom pointed to his head, “not bad for a pierced, tattooed freak…or whatever the guy called me.”

They parked the car, “Listen don’t tell Zeke about the gun.” Tom nodded figuring as much, “He doesn’t strike me as the NRA type.” Ruben smiled, “you have no idea.”

Tom grabbed the lighter bags and Ruben pulled out two of the boxes, “Not bad, we helped the folks at the medical tents and we have a few needed things for the girls and us.”

“And we didn’t get killed.” Ruben said as they headed to the front door pulling out his key, “Thank Christ for that.” Tom said as Ruben opened the door and they walked in.
May it be said, when the sun sets on your life, you made a difference.
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WeBandOfBuggered
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Shrimp Po'Boy
Alex/Dom - Paradise By the Dashboard Light

The convoy had stopped for a short while, and everyone was recovering from the aftershock. Alex disembarked from the bus and looked around they town they were in. “If ever there was flyspeck town,” he muttered under his breath. Holy shit! I’m actually missing large cities. Never would’ve thought that’d happen.

They spent a few hours sifting through the rubble: looking for supplies, burning the dead and doing another small memorial service, Sam once again acting as preacher. Once the memorial was done, they continued searching for supplies. Alex found several bottles of water and Gatorade in the local Mom & Pop shop. He liberated them from the fridge and cracked open a bottle of orange Gatorade, draining it two long pulls. It was warm, but he didn’t care: it was something to drink. Using a few of the baskets, he took everything back to the tour bus and dumped it off. He went back down the steps and spotted Domenica nearby, he reached back in and pulled two bottles of Gatorade out and walked over to her.

“Thirsty?”

She started slightly, “um. Yeah, thanks.”

“Didn’t mean to scare you,” Alex said as he passed the bottle of Gatorade to her. “Little warm, but it’s better than a kick in the ass, right?”

Dom nodded as she opened the bottle and took a swig. “How you holding up?”

“Not bad, I guess. Migraine’s gone. Thank God for small favors. How ‘bout you?”

“Arm’s still bugging me.”

Alex faltered for a moment.

“What?”

“Sorry...I just had to resist making a joke there,” he kept his eyes on the ground, avoiding eye contact at all costs.

“Do I even want to know?”

“Nope...probably safer not to ask babe,” Alex smiled slightly.

Domenica glanced at him, somewhat confused; Alex seemed nice enough, but he was acting like a teenager around her. “So you really thought Wyoming didn’t exist?”

“Maybe,” Alex said, cheeks reddening a slight bit. “But hey, I’ve been proven wrong. First time for everything, I guess.” He chuckled awkwardly.

Fuck! Alex thought to himself, he stuck his hands in his pockets, feeling the comforting weight of his playing cards and pocket watch. I’m with a genuinely decent chick that isn’t a relative or my boss for the first time in God knows how long and I can’t even look her in the eye. The fuck is wrong with me? I need a fuckin’ drink. Calm my nerves. He shifted his weight briefly and looked out at the sunset. Jesus...she’s glowing. Fuck man...I’ve gotta say something.

“So....how ‘bout that local sports team?”

Sports team? SPORTS TEAM! Jesus Christ that’s fuckin’ lame. I might as well take my cues from some shitty-ass sitcom. Why can’t I act like a normal person around her? I’m like a twelve-year-old in the school yard.

Another voice surfaced in the back of his mind. It’s because you like her, jackass. Alex grinned a little. Ames was never one to pull punches. Maybe you could, you know, say something not stupid.

“You, um, you have pretty hair.”

DUMBASS! came both Ames’ voice and his own internal monologue.

Domenica smiled. “You don’t do this very often, do you?”

“What?” Alex’s eyes darted side to side briefly; he seemed to be looking at everything but her.

“Flirt, Alex.” Domenica replied, smiling.

“Generally? No. It shows, doesn’t it?”

“Just a little,” her voice was good natured. Mr. Dark and Sensitive is trying to flirt? Side of him I’d never thought I’d see...should I give him pointers? Why can’t he just be himself? I mean, yeah, the sarcasm gets kinda annoying, but he’s a lovable goof. And he’s got pretty eyes...

“Look. I’m just gonna level with ya. I’ve never been one to be flirty or anything like that. I pretty much always treat the girls I know like one of the guys. Of course most of the girls I knew before this all went down were my employee’s wives, my agent or related to me.”

“God..you really don’t talk to women very often, do you?”

Alex flushed an even deeper shade of red. “Nope...I’m usually too busy with work. I spend most of my days working for clients, then a beer or two with the boys and I go home and crash. Repeat the cycle...course some nights I plug away at a novel all day then crash and repeat either one of the cycles. My social life is literally limited to my job; my neighbours and the guys who work for me.”

“Ah.”

Alex looked at her; the sun was almost completely down, but they little bit of remaining light was directly behind her now. “Can I be totally honest with you?”

“Maybe...”

“Look, I just wanna say here and now: I like you. You’re nice and funny and pretty...” he trailed off and was a deep shade of crimson. “And to be perfectly honest, the best thing that happened in these last seventy-two hours...hell, last few months...years, maybe.” He faltered, brushing back a lock of Domenica’s hair and hooking it behind her ear. “The best thing has been meeting you.”

Rather direct approach there, Alex... Ames’ voice muttered.

Alex stood there, looking into her eyes. That’s it, he thought. The chips are down...now I’ve just gotta wait and see...
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LadyRahl
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Supreme Goddess Of All Things Bright And Shiny
Zeke - Strategy is more than just weapons and guards

“How much is left of Des Moines?” Zeke asked, taking a sip of the herbal tea, tossing the teabag into the trash.

“We’re not sure really,” John replied. “We can see fires burning, and I’ve been told that the skyline has changed, some of the taller buildings have collapsed, but I’m sure of the condition of the hospitals and that sort of thing.” He turned, picking up cent maps that had been updated. “We’re working on getting a chopper in the air so that we can take a look.”

Zeke nodded, looking at the map of the area. Reports had been coming back over the shortwave for the last few hours, updates from scouting parties that had been sent out to survey the land. There had, clearly, been drastic changes in the area. The Des Moines River had apparently changed course for the most part. Where the new banks were, they still weren’t totally sure but it almost seemed to be snaking around Ankeny in a wide berth, or at least that was Zeke’s guess.

It wouldn’t have surprised him really, depending on the radius. In effect, if he was guessing correctly, Ankeny could become its own little community, a little country of sorts, self sustaining for the most part. The more he looked at the map, the more reports that came in and the more updates that were made he was seeing more and more of what they were going to become in this new world in which they found themselves.

Of course at this point he wasn’t going to voice any of that, but he could see it forming…. See the beginnings and it honestly made him uncomfortable. He didn’t like the idea of what was potentially going to be asked of him.

“You okay?” John asked, cocking his head to the side, taking a sip of coffee.

He nodded and let out a long breath. “I’m fine,” he said picking up a pen and setting his cup down on the edge of the table. “Okay, here’s where we are,” he said pointing to the city, John watching him intently “and here’s the new course of the Des Moines River as far as we can tell, right?”

John nodded. “Yes, it appears as though the water flow is much more generous than it was before, and the course is now wrapping around most of this area.”

“Well this is what it’s going to be doing,” Zeke said drawing lines on the map circling a large chunk of area at least 50 miles in diameter around the town.

“But we don’t,” John sighed as Zeke looked at him “okay. Keep going.”

“Give or take,” he said shrugging, “right now this is just a guess.” He raked his hand through his hair. “I’m pretty sure that we’re going to be an island, a center point of the country.”

“A center point?”

“A capitol.” Zeke said with a heavy sigh looking at him. The room had grown quiet and everyone was looking at him now which made him very uncomfortable. “THE capitol… for the new… well I’m sure you get where I’m going. The government is gone, everyone that they thought most highly of are gone as well. It’s our job to start over, to recreate society in…” he shook his head “in the correct fashion I suppose.” He turned his neck to the side, stretching the muscles. “The world, the country, is in chaos, everything that we knew is gone. Society as we knew it,” he said looking at all of them “is gone. All of us were spared for a reason, good or ill. God spared his chosen, and the Devil saved his and all of us have free will to do as we please.”

“What are you saying,” a small woman said from where she was sitting at the radio “that this was,”

“This was the flood,” Zeke said looking at her. “The flood of Noah, only God doesn’t do reruns. This time instead of rain, it was an asteroid. The dice have been cast, the slate wiped clean.” He picked up his tea and took another drink surprised to find that his hands weren’t shaking and his voice oddly calm and steady. “There’s a reason we were spared. There’s a reason why you’re the highest ranking officer John. There’s a reason for all of this and we might not like the rolls that we’ve given, but,”

“God’s will be done?” John asked. “Zeke, I asked you here as a strategist, not as a religious,”

“But this is part of it,” Zeke said looking at him flatly. “I can tell you where to put your troops, I can tell you where the best defensive points are… that’s not an issue.” He said marking points on the map quickly, without thought. He just knew where to marked them knowing they were right, letting his hand be guided and he tossed the pen down on the table. “What’s an issue is us, as a society.”

“What do you mean?” Asked one of the lieutenants who had just come into the tent.

“As much as I would like to believe that the human is good and kind, we are not. We are violent, and self destructive, violent and greedy. As a species we want more and more and now, here we are face with the fact that we have no higher government, nothing to hold us in check anymore and there will be people who will want to take advantage of that.” He took another sip of tea. “First and foremost, what we need to do is stabilize out community into some working form of government. I’m not talking about extending over what’s left of the US or the world or anything like that, but right now, just us. We need to organize, order, give people a sense of normalcy. Ruben is right John, we need schools and structure so that people still feel a sense of purpose. If we leave people in those camps, waiting on them while things slowly settle down… we’ll never recover. By the time the quakes stop, there will be someone out there that will have gained enough power to easily overrun us.”

“So you’re saying that we need to elect what Zeke, another President?” He asked with a laugh.

“Maybe not a President per se,” he replied. “That was the old way of doing things. “Maybe just… a counsel. Five or six people that are chosen to… lead, speak for the people, hold court, lay the law… give us that sense of control and order over our lives. We need this John, as much as we need food and water and protection, we need this.” He licked his lips. “People will only accept Marshal Law for so long until they realize, really realize, that it’s never going to change and that the military is now in fact in control of the nation and when they realize that… they’ll revolt. This,” he said firmly “we cannot have. We cannot afford it.”

“Here,” he said pulling out a fresh map of the town that detailed the streets and buildings “is the Elementary School, and the High School. Focus on these and get the children back into class. Start a sign up for people who are willing to be on the council and hold an election, open stores and shops and give people a chance to be productive. Start clearing unused land to use as fields to grow food. These are all basic things that we need John.”

John nodded, as did several other people in the tent as he spoke all seeing where he was going with this.

“The sooner we get all this done, the safer we’ll be.” He said resting his hand on the map, looking at it. “You wanted my advice, and that’s it. The next step is up to you.” Not having anything else to say, he drank the last of his tea and threw the cup into the trash before slipping out of the tent and into the sun, heading up the road and back towards home dreading what he had a feeling was coming.
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Cat Hansen - The Bad Touch &c

“Hello, hello, fellow cockroaches of the world. This is Stray Cat Hansen of San Diego's K106.8 Jahmon Radio. We've moved venues and if you’re listening now, you are among the few who belong to Darwin’s ‘fittest’ category. Welcome to the beginning of the end.

Before I lose my signal, if I do at all, I’m letting you survivors know that Area 5, quite a few more people still walkin’ and breathin’, and I are stationed in Mountain View, Wyoming right now. We’ll be heading to Rock Springs via Highway 30, directions per Domenica, the sexiest mamacita I ever did seen with an ass tight as a drum. Dayum. Seriously, you should see this woman. The things I could do to her… Mmm-mmmmm.

Which reminds me, if you have children listening to the radio right now, you may want to place the earmuffs on, because I have ALWAYS wanted to do this:

In the words of the late, great George Carlin, ‘Shit, piss, cunt, fuck, cocksucker, motherfucker, tits, fart, turd, and twat.’ Thank you, thank y- ow! Willow, what was that for?”

(Willow in background) “There are children on board, stupid! Watch your mouth.”

*both are heard laughing*

“Ah, well. And I thought freedom of speech was an option now.”

(Willow) “Not in front of my kids, it’s not.”

(Adam in background) “Damn right!... Aw, crap. I’m sorry, honey.”

*more laughter*

“Well, thanks to my personal FCC, the Barkley’s, I suppose you guys can count on clean radio... while the kids are asleep. Insert wink here.

But anyway, find us. Please. Survival is essential now. We’d love to meet you guys. ‘Meet hot new singles after Armageddon here in Wyoming!’ You know you want to.

Too soon for that joke? Probably… well my bad, you guys. I don’t mean to offend. Just trying to lighten the mood. We all need it. And here’s something that just might do it.

I’ve got my iPod up and running for now so I’m giving you tunes! Enjoy them. Here’s a few songs headed your way, starting with The Bloodhound Gang singing The Bad Touch. I’m dedicating this string of songs to the finest woman I know, Domenica. Can’t ya tell I want you, baby? Insert wink. Peace, you guys.”





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When Misty and Bridgette emerged, what seemed like a long time later, they came into the living room, into total silence.

"Zeke? Ruben?" Misty called, chilled by the silence. Was it possible that someone had come into the house, killed the men off, and left, all while Misty and Bridgette had been...preoccupied?

"Were is everybody?" Bridgette asked, looking into all the rooms, "were did they go?"

"I'm not sure, maybe they stepped out real quick," Misty said, peering into the kitchen, "Zeke's jacket is gone, maybe he just...hello..." Misty said, looking at the refridgerator. There was a note attached to the door, stuck there by a magnet in the shape of Bugs Bunny. Misty pulled the note off, and read it aloud.

"Went to the camp with John, meet us there when you're ready, Zeke." Misty handed the note to Bridgette, who read it again.

"Does he mean when we're ready to leave?" Bridgette asked, placing the note on the table.

"I think so," Misty said, "which means we better get ready. Go find Marie, I'll get our things."

As Bridgette went off, Misty noticed Goliath, sitting by the table, looking at her. Misty had debated taking him along, but had decided against it. He was good with the puppies, and could help watch over them, and he was a measure of protection for Zeke, who Misty knew wouldn't raise a hand in violence if his life depended on it.

She knelt down next to Goliath, who nuzzled his head in her hands, whimpering. She stroked him gently, "I know, boy. But I need you to stay here, ok? Stay here and keep an eye on things for me."

Goliath licked her face, still whimpering softly, and Misty laughed, scratching his back, "Allright, enough of that." She felt like she might cry, leaving him behind, but she knew Zeke would take good care of Goliath. Misty grabbed hers and Bridgettes bags, and met Bridgette in the kitchen, who had a bleary eyed Marie next to her.

"Wait a minute," Misty said, grabbing a fresh sheet of pper out from the notebook Zeke had on the counter, and snatching a pen to write with. She quickly scribbled a note, explaining to Ruben and Tom where they had gone, and thanking Ruben in case they left before he got back.

Capping the pen, Misty left it on the kitchen table, were he'd be sure to find it. "Let's go," Misty said to the two other girls. They hefted their bags, and piled into Misty's car.

Misty drove them along the trail to camp, doing her best to avoid the numerous pot holes and rocks in the middle of what was once a road. She kept her eye on the fuel gauge, even though she had half a tank left. She normally would have walked the distance to the camp, but with all the luggae, she thought itd be better to drive.

Goliath had climbed into the back seat before Misty or Bridgette could restrain him,and no amount of caoxing could get him out. He seemed determined to see them off, at least.

"Hey, look over there," Bridgette pointed, and Misty squinted, to see a solitary figure walking along the terrain.

"It's Zeke," Misty said, recognizing the figure. She pulled up alongside him, and rolled down the window, "Hey stranger, can we give you a lift?" She joked.

Zeke smiled, "I take it your leaving?"

"Yea, now's as good a time as any," Misty replied, looking over the horizon, "The sooner we get these people, the better, right?"

"Indeed," Zeke responded, "Though you do realize the chances of you actually finding them are fairly slim?"

"I know," Misty said, "But we have to try. Besides, we may find other survivors, or supplies that we'll need. It wouldn't hurt to look, huh?"

"That is true," Zeke said, "Even so, I want you to be careful. The world has changed, and we don't know what else is coming."

Misty knew Zeke was being serious, and that he genuinley was concerned. She smiled, "We'll be careful, Zeke, thank you."

Zeke smiled, "You had better get going, then. Not sure how much longer John can hold on to your RV."

"Thanks." Misty said, "Here, you take my truck, we're not gonna need it for awhile." She stepped out of the truck, pulling her luggage with her. Bridgette and Marie followed suit.

"Thank you, Misty." Zeke said, giving her ahug, "And thank you, Bridgette, Marie. I hope to see you all safe and sound."

"Take care of yourself, Zeke," Misty said, hefting her bag. She turned her attention to Goliath, who had moved up to the front passenger seat, "You keep an eye on him, too, y'hear?"

Goliath blinked, staring at her, tongue lolling out.

"Good luck to you all." Zeke said, climbing into the truck, giving them one final slaute, before turning around, and heading back to his home.

Misty watched him go, until he faded out in the distance. "C'mon girls," Misty said, hefting her pack, "Lets get moving."

The three women turned, walking to the camp. They had a lot of ground to cover these coming days.


"Alright, I've been thinking. When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back! Get mad! I don't want your damn lemons, what am I supposed to do with these? Demand to see life's manager! Make life rue the day it thought it could give Cave Johnson lemons! Do you know who I am? I'm the man whose gonna burn your house down! With the lemons! I'm gonna get my engineers to invent a combustible lemon that burns your house down!"


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Domenica/Alex – You better Dance.

Alex stood there, looking at her. He was looking into her eyes he had just brushed her hair out of her face he looked liked a lost little puppy; he was actually very cute when he wasn’t being a dumbass. She smiled at him her heart beating a little faster, “I don’t think anyone has every said that too me. Thank you.” She said looking at him her skin flushed with pink. He gave her a look like, now is the time you’re suppose to run in the opposite direction. “Not the answer you were expecting.” she said, her voice chipper at all the flattery he had thrust on her. He suddenly got very self-conscious and looked away, “Alex.” She said grabbing his face and making him look at her, “When you’re not making a dork out of yourself you can be very charming, you know that right?”

“Ah crap.” He said looking at her, “Here is comes…the lets be friends bit.” Alex said sounding defeated all his amazing features falling off his face.

“No. I didn’t say that. Lighten up.” Domenica said looking at him he was of course taller then her, who wasn’t, so it was funny, in a way, to see him trying to not look at her by looking down to the ground or off to the side. “Alex, here’s the deal. You’re a really nice guy and everything you said was so sweet, but look around. We’re in the middle of Wyoming, a place I might add you didn’t believe in a few hours ago. Do you really think now is a good time to date someone?”

He looked at her, “how is this not a rejection exactly?” He said looking at her, his dark eyes getting sadder, but his face remaining flat. She shook her head, “It’s Gareth isn’t it?” Alex said suddenly looking around for that British pansy bastard. Domenica laughed seeing the look in his face and almost 100% sure she knew what he was thinking, “No Alex it isn’t Gareth. It’s no one. Look the long and short of it is this. I think you are cute and funny and sweet, but I don’t know you that well and the world just got hit by a meteor, if I had just met you or been introduced to you at a party and you asked me out I would have said yes, in a heart beat.” He looked at her and she smiled, “so I’m not saying no and I’m not saying yes. What kind of woman would I be if I jumped in the sack with any man right now?” She sighed and looked around she wasn’t a prude by any means, but she had self respect and really now was not the time. “If anything I would much rather take it nice and slow. Spend a little time with you and really get to know you. Get to where we are suppose to be once we are there who knows what we’ll find.”

“But I’m not asking you to jump in the sack.” Alex said a little defensive, “And if you were I would have knocked you on your butt and left you laying here with so much more then a bruised ego.” She said with a smile. “let’s just take it one step at a time. I promise the first chance we have at you taking me out to dinner or to a movie I’m there.” He nodded understanding what she meant, she wanted to take it slow, get to know him, the nice him, the one that just said all those really nice things, not the dorky one, “that seems fair.”

She looked at him seriously, “you know you have beautiful eyes, and I really dig eyes, and lips, and your hair.” She said leaning up and kissing his cheek softly. “Thank you for being honest with me Alex and I’ll do the same for you.”

He smiled, it wasn’t a rejection it was a lets play it by ear and get to know each other better, which really wasn’t bad, plus that meant he could spend more time with her and what wasn’t to enjoy about that.

“Can I walk you back to the bus?” Alex said sticking out his arm, offering it to her. She nodded, “Thank you. That would be very nice.” She slipped her arm through his and they started walking back to the bus. “It sounds like Cat is broadcasting.” Alex said, as they got closer. Domenica nodded smiling. “Sounds like it. That’s good it will help find more people and maybe they will be able to pick it up on Ankeny, Iowa. Plus Cat has a great broadcast presence. I used to hear him when I would go down to San Diego…good guy.” She said as they got closer and started to hear what he was saying.

“I’ve got my iPod up and running for now so I’m giving you tunes! Enjoy them. Here’s a few songs headed your way, starting with The Bloodhound Gang singing The Bad Touch. I’m dedicating this string of songs to the finest woman I know, Domenica. Can’t ya tell I want you, baby? Insert wink. Peace, you guys.” Cat said as the music started to play and Domenica turned white then bright red as she stopped several feet from the entrance to the bus, there were several people around and suddenly all eyes were on her.

Alex looked at her and saw the saucer like eyes as the song began. They both recognized it at once. “I…wow.” Alex said he was speechless. Domenica was blank for a moment and then a curl came to her lips and she started to smile and finally it opened up to a full-blown laugh. Alex stood there looking at her, “Are you alright?” She nodded, “I don’t believe this. I mean…” She started laughing he was blown away by her laugh it was contagious, “He’s such a doll.” Alex frowned she was impressed. How was that possible, I mean the guy picked out a really tacky song and dedicated it to her, a nice girl you don’t dedicated song’s like this to a nice girl, “are you serious? You have heard this song before right?” She nodded still laughing, “Of course. I know this girl Emily, she loved it, she made me watch the video on youtube a few dozen times.”

“You want me to kick his ass?” Alex smiled thinking how offended he was for her. She might not be bothered by it, but he was. This is not how you treat a lady, not a lady like Domenica.

“No…Alex, don’t you dare.” Domenica said with a smile her perky happy self back for a few minutes. “I want to dance…Cat is playing music and I want to dance. You better know how to dance Alex.” She said taking his hand and in the middle of a deserted town, after a killer meteor, killer earthquake she and he started to dance well several eyes watched them.
Edited by mdnjr70, Oct 12 2009, 08:53 PM.
May it be said, when the sun sets on your life, you made a difference.
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Ruben/Zeke/Tom – Tea Time

The front door opened and Zeke walked into the townhouse, seeing Tom and Ruben on the floor in the living room going over lists. Ruben looked up and saw the look on Zeke’s face, his mind was elsewhere and he was worried. “What? What happen?” Ruben said jumping up almost running to his side, “Is everything ok?” Tom said slowly standing seeing Zeke’s face his back was a little better now that he was relaxing but it was still pretty messed up. Zeke reach out and touched Ruben’s face, “everything is fine. I told John I agreed with your ideas.” Ruben looked at him, “my ideas, what are those?” Zeke smiled at him watching his reaction, “the ones you talked with him about, about the school, hospital, giving people hope, giving people a purpose and normalcy.” Ruben looked at Tom his face confused, then he looked back at Zeke who was standing there smiling, “But…I…wait. Zeke how did you know?” Zeke smiled at him ignoring the question when would Ruben learn. “I also told him we need to set up a civilian government now that the old government is gone and dead. We need to do this sooner rather then later.” Zeke took off his coat and went to hand it up talking the whole time, “He is going to ask for people to be on a council that will over see the government and military. Get a list of volunteers have a vote, get people to buy into it.”

Ruben and Tom looked at each other then to Zeke. “We have to be ready Ruben. People will only wait so long under military rule before they revolt” Ruben nodded, “well I’m sure they’ll get plenty of volunteers for that.” Zeke looked at him and smiled Ruben saw the look, Zeke was always thinking and at the moment, more then anything, Ruben would like to know what he was thinking, “I’m sure they will.”

“How did your mission go?” Zeke said looking at the two of them changing the subject, “I heard you brought in fresh supplies for the medics. I hope you were careful?” Tom nodded, “not a care in the world. It went perfectly.” Ruben frowned, “a local guy wasn’t too friendly, called us a few bad names but it all worked out.” Ruben saw the look on Zeke’s face, “don’t worry, the military came and it all worked out. I’m sure the guy is being taken care of as we speak.” Ruben said with a smile, it wasn’t a lie so he didn’t feel bad, plus he didn’t want to worry Zeke, Zeke had enough on his plate as it was, plus Tom and Ruben had already agreed the first place they were going to stop at was a sporting good store and pick up a few guns, they would keep them locked up and out of Zeke’s townhouse. “We were thinking about making other run’s as well. Zeke there is so much left in town and we want to go to the Hospital in Des Monies, people need supplies and medical equipment and all that. If we don’t get it, and people die because they don’t have it” Ruben stopped and looked at Zeke, “I couldn’t live with that.” Ruben said looking at him. Zeke walked into the kitchen and started to make a pot of tea, “I know. When you go just be really careful, maybe see if John will send a couple guys with you.” Zeke nodded at them, “It won’t be until morning. It’s getting too late and I think we need a bigger vehicle.” Ruben said as he followed him in.

Zeke was making quick work of the tea and Ruben stopped him wrapping his arms around Zeke from behind, “listen I’m worried are you alright?” Ruben said and Zeke turned around and smiled at him looking him in the eyes, “I’m fine, there is just so much to do.” Ruben understood, Zeke was caring the wait of the world on his shoulders and that had to be difficult, “You don’t have to do it alone, I’m here to help you know that right.” Zeke smiled. “I know.” He said kissing his cheek, “That’s why I love you.”

“Listen about that council thing, let them sort it all out, we can just hang back and help people your way. Let them all jocky for power and position who needs it. I’m really happy to just be here and be with you. Let them sort it all out. You told them what you could. You did your part, now just relax. You take care of Zeke, maybe let me help a little with that as well ok?” Zeke grinned a knowing grin at Ruben, “I’m really lucky I met you.”

Ruben smiled, “Not nearly as lucky as I am.” Ruben kissed his lips tenderly.

“Um hello…there is another person in the room.” Tom said as they both turned and looked at him they both flushed a little. “Oh sorry.” Ruben said stepping back away from Zeke pursing his lips feeling a little awkward.

“By the way, the girls left.” Ruben said handing Zeke the note that he left on the counter.

Zeke nodded, “I know I saw them, I have Misty’s truck.” Tom smiled, a truck could be helpful. He and Ruben could take both vehicles get double the supplies.

“I can’t believe they went out on this adventure. I know John is sending two of his men, but I’m still worried, plus people are making their way here, why go out after them?” Ruben said looking at the list, they were on the list, they were special and he knew it, they all did. The sooner they were found the better off they all would be, how he knew that he wasn’t sure, but he did. “They’re really tough they’ll be fine.” Tom said trying to move his back just a little to help lessen the pain and Zeke nodded, filling three cups with hot water, “I know they will.” He said watching the teabags float to the top.

“How did the military planning go, Zeke.” Tom asked taking the mug of tea he was handed. Zeke shook his head, “Fine. I think they know what to do. I think we’re going to be an island, given all the geographic changes in the area. I just hope.” Zeke shook his head taking a sip.

Neither Tom nor Ruben where surprised by the idea of them becoming an Island they had seen some of the changes to the geography and John had mentioned that there were major changes all around them. “Listen I’m sure your brother will be careful and that no one will cause trouble. Despite what’s happen, things seem really calm around here. I mean sure there are a few nuts and not so nice people, but they are greatly outnumbered by the nice and good people.” Ruben said sipping his tea, it was hotter then he thought and burned his tongue. “bugger.” He said putting the mug back down on the counter letting it cool a bit longer.

“Oh how are the puppies?” Zeke said looking around not hearing them and feeling them under foot.

“They are taking a nap, or they were a few minutes before you walked in the door. I think Goliath wore them out.” Ruben said as Zeke nodded sipping at his tea.

“Tomorrows going to be another busy day.” Tom said as he looked back at the living room to their plans and Ruben nodded, “well at least we know what to expect and it keeps us out of trouble.” Zeke looked at them, “kind of like the puppies.” He said laughing. “Thanks.” Tom and Ruben said in unison as they all walked back to the living room.
May it be said, when the sun sets on your life, you made a difference.
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Lt. Darren Johnson looked up at the bus group, and had to admire their end-of-the-world spirit. Where most would be crying and cowering, some were almost celebrating. He wished he could have that same kind of outlook on things. But he couldn't seem to wrap his mind around the end of existance idea. As extreme as end of existance sounded, when there was the kind of death toll that Earth suffered, the human existance was dying out.

"Lieutenant," A female voice sounded, slightly urgent, "We have a problem."

Johnson sighed. "What's the problem, Sergeant?"

"Sir, our contact to all bases in the area is fading out. Quickly." She said.

"Get a Private on the radio to re-establish a connection to anyone in the area. We were given our orders. Radio communication to base is no longer necessary."

"Sir, I urge you to reconsider..." She said, her eyes wide.

"Martinez, I think I gave a direct order." Johnson said with a slight smile. He thumbed toward the radio in the Humvee that was letting out loud static, with a panicked Private turning knobs and shouting into the reciever. "I need you to help me out here, ok? Everyone's still a little shaken up, and you being second in command here, you need to help me keep the them calm. Can I trust you with this?"

"Yes sir. I'll get on it. Anything else before we get going again?" She asked.

"Yeah, chill out a bit, ok? We all need to keep cool heads about this." He said motioning to the dancing members of the bus group. "We can learn a thing or two from the civvies."

Martinez nodded. "Yes sir."

The Sergeant was gone to attend the Private in the Humvee and Johnson looked up at the red tinted sky, seeing rubble and debris brushing against it. The sun was covered by the thick brown debris in the horizon, allowing almost no sunlight through. If it hasn't cost so many lives to make, it would have almost be beautiful in some strange, twisted way.

Lt. Johnson picked up his M16 rife from where it leaned and dusted off the butt stock before setting it on the hood of an abandoned car. He thought it was about time to get the bus group to trust him a little more, and to actually see him without a gun in his hands. Their trust for each other has been strained since he has been too busy to get to know any of them. He must have seemed like any mindless Army officer that knows nothing but his orders. But he was nothing like that. He was a independent human, who thought and felt without the Army giving him an ok.

Johnson strolled over casually to the group and leaned against the bus. Some of them went on as they were, but others looked at him strangely. A soldier, actually not piping out some kind of order at them?

"I like this song." He said and pulled out a beer from his vest's pocket, cracked it open and took a swig. In that short time, he felt like just a normal guy.


OOC: Short, I know, but I wanted to get something up before I go to sleep.
"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15
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Adam Sam Cat--the wheels on the bus go round and round...

Adam stood with his father in the kitchenette area. He noticed his dad watching Alex and Domenica talk a little ways down the aisle as he made himself a PB&J sandwich. Ugh—his dad still liked orange marmalade with his peanut butter. What a weirdo.

His dad looked wistful, if not downright upset as he watched the conversation between Alex and Domenica unfold. It occurred to Adam that maybe Sam liked Domenica more than he could admit even to himself. Adam smiled to himself. Cat, Alex, and now his dad; all of them vying for the same girl. He guessed that’s what happened when you were the only hot single chick in a cramped space—you became the resident lust object. Thank God Willow was all his!

He nudged his father with his elbow. “Hey, Dad, do you like her?”

Sam sniffed and turned his attention back to his sandwich, capping the peanut butter and putting the marmalade back in the fridge. “Like who?”

“Domenica,” Adam watched his father stiffen defensively. “You like her, don’t you?”

“Nonsense,” Sam scoffed, but didn’t sound too convincing.

“Right, ok, Dad, I’ll drop it.”

“There’s nothing to drop, Adam. Domenica is a nice young lady and if you were still single, I’d encourage you to date her.” Sam took a bite of his sandwich, a bit too aggressively. He wiped his mouth off with his sleeve and glared at Adam, as if daring him to say anything more.

Adam shook his head, musing. “All right, if you say so.”

“Besides, I wouldn’t stand a chance against those young studs,” he muttered.

“Well, no use worrying about that if you’re not interested anyway, Dad, right?”

Sam reddened slightly and took another huge bite of his sandwich, to shut himself up. Damn kid, trying to get inside my head. He swallowed noisily. “Don’t you have something else to do besides stand here like a lump?” he said sharply.

Adam sighed. His dad was better to be around since the disaster struck, but you still couldn’t make a leopard completely change his spots. His dad was, and always would be, a little acidic. “Sure, Dad. See ya later,” he said mildly, leaving his father in the kitchenette with his sandwich and his thoughts.

Adam passed by Alex and Domenica, excusing himself, and decided to see what Cat was up to. “Hey man, how’s the broadcast going?”

Cat grinned and gave Adam the thumbs up sign. “Fucking great, Barkley.” He unconsciously looked around for the Barkley kids, and seeing none, continued. “Fucking great.”

Adam grinned back and pressed his fist against Cat’s. “That’s good news, dude. I saw the sign for Ankeny a few miles back….wasn’t that one of the ‘safe havens’ or whatever?”

Cat nodded. “Yep, it was. I think that’s where the bus driver is headed. Fine by me. It would be nice to be amongst civilization again.”

“Definitely, man. I think the sign said we were like 50 miles away, so we should be there in a little over an hour, if we stick to the back roads.”

“Yeah, that’s a given,” Cat flipped a couple switches on his makeshift jocky station. “There, now we can talk uninterrupted, it’s in auto mode.”

“Cool, cool,” Adam said. “What do you think we’ll find when we get there?”

Cat shrugged. “Well, if I had to guess, which I am, I’d say there’s gonna be a lot of military folks around there. Hopefuly none of them are on a power trip, or things could get ugly amongst the civilians.”

Adam nodded in agreement. “Hell, yeah, I’d be one of them. I don’t like being ordered around.”

“Not many people do, Adam. At least not from assholes who think they’re kings of the world.”

“True that,” Adam commented. He grabbed a water from the cooler next to Cat’s feet. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all, my man,” Cat grinned. “By all means, quench that thirst, buddy.”

Adam laughed and unscrewed the cap to the water bottle. “I can’t wait to get the hell off this bus!” he took several long swallows of water. “I feel like I’ve been on this thing for WEEKS. Oh, yeah, I have.” He mused.

It was Cat’s turn to laugh. “Well, you’re the dumbass who went on tour in the wake of this natural disaster.”

“Yeah, I’m a real fuckin idiot,” Adam quipped, finishing off his water.

Willow came up behind him, startling him. “You fellas want to watch your ever-lovin mouths? The kids are within earshot!”

Adam cringed and locked eyes with Cat. They were busted. Cat just winked at Adam. “Sorry missus,” he said, eyes twinkling.
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Sam finished the sandwich, electing to wipe the residue with a paper towel rather than his sleeve. He didn't like what Adam was suggesting, mostly because he didn't want to admit it to himself. He did like Domenica more than he could admit, but pursuing the attraction would be the biggest folly that he could ever think of committing. Not only could he be her father, He was on a bus with not one, not two, but THREE people that were not only closer to her age group, they were better looking than he was.

He knew Adam was just trying to be helpful. He also knew that Adam, Helpful as he was, would push sam into a pursuit, and Sam just wasn't prepared to do that. Better to appear the sourpuss and kill that conversation befire it even started. At 53, Sam did not need to have his son playing wingman.

Besides, there were other things to worry about. Sam feared Cat's news about the silos going down. Once that story got out, The remaining population would be very aware that law and order were out. And what of the military? No longer acting on orders, would they retain the calm, or would they see themselves as the last vestige of power and start taking control? Johnson and his group showed that they could be trusted, but there were a lot more out there, and god knew what they were thinking at this moment.

Sam walked over to the table where Domenica had scrawled her map. Sam looked at it closely. Iowa. God's Country. What had spurred Domenica to write the map? She'd obviously, based on her reaction, never had a psychic episode before now. Something had pushed it out of her. Could it be what he thought it was? Sam frowned slightly, thinking for a moment of how unfair it was, if it HAD been caused by who he thought, that he, a dedicated follower of the bible....

Sam shook his head. Envy was a sin. The lord worked in mysterious ways. He was here for a reason. As a man of faith, he had to put it in better hands that he to determine what that reason was.

Sam frowned down at the track suit. He needed a change. The suit was getting worn. Sam knew that Adam and he were close in height. He stepped into the main bedroom, again quashing the image of Willow and Adam...

Sam quickly turned to the closet and looked inside. He settled on a pair of obviously designer jeans that probably cost hundreds of dollars, and, after looking through the collection of Adam's t-shirts, he settled on one advsertising Adam's band that DIDN'T include profanity. He slipped both clothing items on and stepped out the door and to where everyone else seemed to be congregating.

Adam gave him a once-over and said quietly, "Nice duds, dad. You would be trying to make yourself appear younger...."

Sam said, "No. I just needed to change my clothes. Hope you don't mind." Adam said, "Not at all. I know you probably didn't bring much. Good shirt choice." They both turned and watched the dancing.
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Alex/ Dom - May I Have This Dance?

The two danced through several songs, when Alex glanced at Domenica. “For the record, if he starts playing Dancing Queen, I will kick his ass.”

“Duly noted,” Domenica replied, shaking her head and laughing. Willow and Adam were nearby, having taken Dom’s lead. Roza and Johnson were also a few feet away, dancing next to Terry and Leo. Scattered around them were several other survivors Alex had not yet met; Leo’s nephew Dominic was dancing with a girl around his age. Sam came out of the tour bus with Callie and Lex halfway through Cat’s third song of the night and was still dancing with them. Cat put on a new song: Queen’s Somebody to Love.



The couples in the area continued dancing, the song ended and Cat came over the speakers. “Alright boys and girls. Seems we’ve got a dance off going on, so I’m just going to shift gears for the next song.”

After a brief lull, then Alex burst out laughing as a new song played:

Dom shrugged. “I’m gonna sit this one out. Not a fan.”

Everyone else smiled and formed a long line through the center of town, dancing to Time Warp. The song continued and paused after where Columbia normally did her tap dance bit.

“Come on guys...we can’t have the Time Warp without someone tap dancing. If no one does it, no more songs. Nut up or shut up.” Cat broadcasted, laughter in his voice. When no one else stepped forward, Alex sighed and stepped out of line, before Cat could start the song, Alex felt a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m gonna field this one.”

Alex turned, expecting to see Adam, but was shocked to see Sam standing there. Alex nodded, and grinned. “Better you than me.”

“My mom made me take tap dance lessons as a kid,” Sam said dismissively. He stepped out into the center of the street and Cat started the song again. He recreated the dance perfectly, including the spill at the end of the routine. As the song finished, no one danced, they were too busy laughing and applauding Sam.

“I had no idea he could do that,” Adam said, tears streaming down his face. He was near doubled over with laughter, leaning on a lamppost for support.

Cat’s voice came over the speaker system. “Now that, ladies and gents, was some YouTube worthy shit right there. And me with me out my camera.” The sun was almost completely set, but the military had set up an emergency generator to provide them with some light. “Alright guys. Grab that someone special ‘cause this dance is gonna be the last one for night.”

Cat changed the song, and Time of My Life began to play.



Domenica’s smile widened. “Oh God! I love this song.”

Alex smiled back and started to sing along before realizing he couldn’t sing to save his life, settling on mouthing the words to the song. A few yards away, Leo and Terry had taken it upon themselves to faithfully recreate the scene from the movie; the other couples paused to watch, but Alex ignored them for the most part, focusing mainly on Dom.

God, even under street lights she’s beautiful, he twirled her under his arm and then brought her in close, staring into her eyes. He smiled. “God I love your eyes.”

Domenica flushed, “and you said you didn’t know how to talk to women.”

“Well normally, I’d have gone and stuck my foot in my mouth by this point. But it doesn’t appear to have happened yet. The the Dear and Fluffy Lord for that.”

“Um...”

“What?”

“Well it kinda has,” Dom said with a grin.

“Really? How? When?”

She laughed and her grin widened. “The whole Wyoming doesn’t exist thing, dear. That was a bit of a foot-in-mouth situation.”

“Ah,” Alex said, his cheeks reddening. The song finished and the dancers dispersed, heading towards their vehicles and the bus to hunker down for the night. Soon, only Alex and Dom were out. They returned to the area they had stood earlier, staring at the lead gray sky.

“I think I see the Big Dipper,” Alex said.

Domenica laughed and punched his shoulder playfully. “You’re terrible.”

“I aim to please,” Alex replied with a grin. “And I also got us a first aid kit in the store.”

“Really?”

“Yup. WD-40 and duct tape.”

“Huh?”

“Well, if moves and it shouldn’t use the tape. If don’t move and it should, break out the WD-40. First thing I learned in trade school.”
Domenica laughed again, “you are literally the worst human on the planet.”

“Well ordinarily I’d say that’s unfair...but unless there really is a Randall Flagg out there...” he trailed off. “Let me guess: foot meet mouth?”

Dom grinned. “Big time.”

“How ‘bout we start over okay? Blank slate? Please?”

Domenica considered this, then looked up at the sky. A few minutes later, she looked at Alex. “Come here often?”

“Nope,” Alex grinned and played along. “First time, how ‘bout you?”

“I was here earlier with a real goof. But he’s got nothing on you, cutie.”

Alex flushed a deep crimson.

“Domenica Anderson,” she said, offering her hand.

“Charmed,” Alex said, taking her hand and kissing it. “Alex Castle.”

Domenica leaned her head against Alex’s shoulder and the two sat, staring at the cloud cover.

“Is that the Little Dipper?”

Dom laughed and punched Alex’s arm. “Quiet you.”
Edited by WeBandOfBuggered, Oct 13 2009, 10:16 PM.
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Zeke/Ruben - Politics and Passion


“I want you on the list,” John said looking at Zeke, folding his arms across his chest.

“John I told you,”

“I’m putting you on it,” he said “and I’ll rig it if I have to.”

“You wouldn’t,”

“I would,” his brother said matter of factly not willing to budge an inch.

“What’s going on?” Ruben asked, coming down the hallway from the living room to the front door where the two brothers were standing arguing softly between each other. “Is everything okay?” The lights were off in the house, Tom now sleeping on the sofa already snorring. Clearly he hadn’t slept in a real bed for a while, and he wasn’t even in a real bed, but a pull out sofa.

“It’s fine, Ruben. Nothing to worry about.” John replied with a smile.

“No, it’s not fine,” Zeke said. “I wont’ do it. I can’t.”

“You can and you will,” John said. “Zeke, I need someone I can trust, and people like you. I need at least one in on that councel.”

“So put Ruben on the list,” Zeke said. “Why does it have to be me?” He leaned back against the wall feeling a hopeless feeling of dread in his stomach. Hadn’t he done enough? Wasn’t enough being asked of him?

“Wait,” Ruben said “what are we talking about? What list? Is this about that thing that you,”

“Pretty much,” Zeke replied and let out a long sigh.

John looked at Zeke intently. “People are coming because of you. People that have been drawn to Ankeny, to you. You have to be on the counsel, if not for me then for them too." John looked at Ruben, "and as for him, there was no question...he was on the list before you left the tent."

“But,” Ruben said starting to object.

“I’ll think about it, okay? That’s all you’re going to get right now John.” He let out a heavy sigh once again. “But if I agree, it’s going to be a fair election.”

John held up his hands, resigning. “I’ll take it,” he said. “I’ll come by some time tomorrow, and I know Zeke. We’re going to rebuild, the right way.”

“Fine,” Zeke said as his brother left, closing and locking the door behind him. His hand rested flat on the cool metal for a minute before he turned and smiled at Ruben. “You ready for bed?”

“Zeke,”

“Can we just talk about it in the morning?” He asked, his eyes showing how tired he was. All of his defenses, all his walls of strength came down in that moment and his shoulders slumped. He didn’t fall into a panic, or curl up on the floor and cry like some people might have. It wasn’t that sort of thing, he was just tired… down to the core tired. He held out his hand to Ruben silently.

Ruben gave him a small smile, sliding his hand into Zeke’s and letting him lead him up the stairs to the bedroom. The house seemed oddly silent without Misty and Bridgette. It was funny how fast he’d gotten used to them being here. He climbed the stairs behind him and then followed him down the hall. For once the puppies weren’t swarming around their feet since they were curled up in the kitchen with Goliath. Zeke led Ruben back into the master bedroom, leaning heavily against the door as he shut it.

“Zeke,”

“Just, come here,” Zeke said turning and reaching out for him almost blindly. Ruben came forward into his arms and Zeke pulled him in tight. He pressed his face into Ruben’s neck, breathing in the scent of him, letting himself pour into him and he pulled his head back, looking into Ruben’s eyes for a moment before leaning forward, pressing his lips gently on Ruben’s. There was some hesitation there, resistance, shyness on Ruben’s part and Zeke’s lips curled up in a lopsided smile against his lips before pulling back.

“I, um…I…”

Zeke leaned forward again, kissing Ruben once more, one of his hands curling behind his head, fingers in his hair as his mouth opened, his tongue probing gently at Ruben’s lips. It was slow, uncertain, and he could feel Ruben practically trembling but his lips slowly parted. It was like a warm fire, spreading through Zeke’s body as their tongue’s touched. The kiss remained slow, gentle, loving… lingering. “I love you,” he whispered into Ruben’s mouth, his hands sliding over his chest, under his shirt. He felt Ruben’s hands, moving uncertainly, not sure what to do.

Zeke pulled back, his hands resting on Ruben’s waistband. “Do you trust me?” He said gently, meeting Ruben’s eyes.

Ruben looked at him, he could see the love there. See the sheer, unbridled honesty that laid there knowing that this man standing in front of him would never hurt him, never lie to him and he nodded, feeling tears sting in his eyes. It was as long here, at the end of the world, he’d found everything that he had ever wanted and for the first time in his life, he felt completely full. “More than anything,” he whispered.

Zeke smiled and pushed him back on the bed, sliding on top of him. “Then let me love you,” he said kissing the side of his neck and he heard Ruben let out a shuddering sigh, his pulse fluttering wildly in his neck and his hand slipped down, unbuttoning Ruben’s pants.
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Domenica/Willow et al – Morning Breakfast


(OOC: If it’s all right with everyone I’m moving us to the next day, in the morning)


Domenica heard a tap on the bathroom door as she finished tying her hair back into a perfect braided ponytail. She wanted to take a shower, but water was limited and freshening up was going to be as good as it was going to get. She washed her face, brushed her teeth and fixed her hair; the ponytail was the perfect fix to roughing it she thought looking in the mirror seeing her reflection and pleased with her appearance, it wasn’t bad considering. Her arm was still stiff and sore, Roza said that was to be expected but the stitches were still good and there was no sign of infection. Finally opening the door and looking who was there she had to look down, “I need to pee.” Lex said he was hopping from foot to foot. “Well then you go right ahead.” Domenica said grabbing her clothes and leaving the small bathroom on the bus so the little boy could take care of business. “Remember to sit on the toilet seat.” Adam called, “I don’t want you peeing on the seat again.” He added as Domenica smiled. “Alright Daddy.” Lex said closing the door. The morning sun wasn’t as bright as it should be, but it was better then the day before or so she hopped, she looked down the hall to the common area people were moving about busily going about their own morning routines.

They were all crammed into a such a tight space, she was lucky though Willow had insisted the three woman share the bedroom and let the men fight over the other sleeping accommodations on the bus. She slid passed double bunks and managed to get back into the bedroom where she, Roza and Willow slept, it was tight, but better then sleeping on the couch bed thing that was at the front of the bus. Domenica saw Willow combing through her hair, she wasn’t nearly as fussy as Domenica was, it had to do with how she grew up, Domenica was sure. “Feel better.” Willow said putting the brush down and buttoning up her top. Domenica nodded, “I just hope we’ll be able to take a real shower in Iowa.” Domenica said trying not to complain they were all in the same boat. Willow laughed, “that will be nice, in the mean time remember PiTA.” Domenica chuckled. “Pits, Tits and Ass.” Willow looked at her surprised. Domenica shrugged, putting her spent clothes in the designated dirty side of her pack-pack. “I watched the Doctors on TV. Great show, I learned a lot.” Willow smiled, Domenica didn’t seem that bad, a little prissy, but anyone was prissy next to her.

“We’re getting breakfast ready, any request?” Adam said peeking his head in through the open door.

Willow picked up Cali who was starting to stir to life, “Eggs Benedicts, Canadian Bacon, fresh orange juice, what about you Dom?” Domenica smiled, “oh yummy, but I want waffles, turkey apple sausage and fresh fruit.” Both women looked at Adam who smiled “and what does my baby want.” Cali looked at him through sleepy eyes, “Oatmeal Daddy.” Her voice was soft and sleepy, but it was clear, “oatmeal all around, great choice kiddo.” He laughed and walked away from the door as they started laughing. “Well we tried.” Willow said sitting on the bed holding Cali, “you’re vetoed us.” Cali laughed.

“Where’s Roza?” Domenica said noticing that Roza was missing. “Well you were getting cleaned up she went up front with the guys checking in with the Lieutenant about medical supplies and the status of some of the injured.” Domenica sat on the bed and started pulling on her trainers.

“So you and Alex?” Willow said matter of fact and Domenica looked at her, “What?” Domenica said tying her left shoe. Willow kicked the bedroom door with her foot so it would close giving the woman some privacy. “He’s really into you. I see how he looks at you.” Willow said with a smile. “He’s nice, funny, amazing eyes, good dancer and cute.” Domenica said slipping on her other shoe and tying it then added, “When he’s not been a total and complete goof.” Willow smiled, “he’s a goof cause you make him nervous…you make them all nervous.” Domenica looked at her, “Me…Oh come on.” Willow smiled checking Cali’s diaper, “you have no idea. There isn’t a man on this bus who doesn’t get all Dopey over you, well except for Adam. Even Sam is smitten with you.”

Domenica looked at her, “you’re putting me on. Look at me, I’m nothing special. I mean I’m ok, but really, I don’t warrant that kind of attention.” Willow raised her eyebrows smiling. “Gareth, Sam, Alex, Cat, who knows who else, you have them all wrapped around your little finger, I bet even Lt. Johnson would like a chance at you.”

Domenica frowned never giving it any thought until now. Willow couldn’t be right, that was just silly, “But I.” Willow looked at her, “It’s not a bad thing, there boys and you’re beautiful and intelligent, what’s not to like.”

Domenica rubbed her temples, “But they haven’t said anything, I mean well Alex did and Gareth has been nothing but kind to me.” She frowned, “I…I’m…look I.”

Willow smiled at her stopping her from rambling, “You didn’t do anything and you have nothing to worry about. Just be aware of it. Look I don’t think you’re the trashy type, at least from my impression, just be careful not to mislead any of them. No who you like and why and then be honest with the others and you don’t have to decide today it’s just something I noticed and thought I would share with you.”

Domenica shook her head, “this blows.” She said pursing her lips and looking out the tinted window.

“Why? You can have the pick of the litter Dom.” Willow said holing up Cali, “Mommas glad you don’t have to worry about any of this right now and I got the best one so we’re golden.” Cali smiled then rubbed her eyes.

“What should I do?” Domenica asked looking at Willow for some advice. Sure she had dated it was easy, but she was on a bus, it was Armageddon, and she had at least 4 people interested in her, according to Willow, which she wasn’t sure she believed, but why would Willow lie to her. “I don’t know, that’s your call. Who do you like?”

Domenica thought several long minutes, “Well Alex is smart, funny, and handsome and he did tell me he liked me.” Willow nodded, “Those are all pluses especially coming clean with you, shows he got…” She saw Cali and didn’t finish the statement instead she asked, “What about Cat?” Domenica shrugged, “He’s funny too, clearly he has a sense of humor a different sense of humor of course and he’s not movie star handsome, but he does have a look about him which is sexy I guess, but he keeps to himself, when he’s on air he’s on, but the rest of the time he’s quiet.” Willow nodded, “I can see that and I would tend to agree. Gareth?”

Domenica smiled thinking of there dinner, the fact that he had been in a relationship and it had ended recently, of course that all changed when the asteroid hit, “What’s not to like, I mean wow, again very quiet and polite kind of shy and English, how can you not love the accent.”

Willow chuckled, “Then there’s Sam.” Willow said with a hint of a smile, “Oh he’s a doll, I mean a real doll. Course there is that whole age thing and that he’s your father-in-law and Adam’s dad, not to mention a grandfather. But to be fair, the clothes he was in last night, the jeans and the shirt, he looked really cute and he’s a gentlemen and very charming and silly at times.” Willow laughed, “Hard to believe Sam is even in the running.” Domenica shrugged, “he’s stable and honest, sure he reminds of a grumpy old man, but he’s been so sweet to me.” Willow smiled and shook her head. “Moving on, so what are you going to do?”

Domenica thought a moment, “Well if they’re interested in me, they’ll have to let me know. I’m not going after them. I told Alex that I want to take things very slow and get to know him, that hasn’t changed, but there is no reason to not get to know the others. There is no point to rush into anything with any of them, plus I can’t do that…it’s kind of skanky. I’m just going to play it by ear, take it nice and slow. I’ll be open and honest and see what happens.”

“So like a competition?” Willow said putting Cali down she was being getting fussy, Cali was not a morning person.

“Well I don’t know about that, I’m not some sort of carnival prize to be had. I’m a person.” Domenica said looking out the window of the bus.

“To be fair Alex did make the first move and he is a great dancer and he was nice to talk to last night.” Domenica said thinking of dancing with him, it was a lot of fun and he had some really good moves, and at the same time, he knew how to talk to her. “You know I don’t even know why I’m worry about this. I think none of the others will say anything or do anything, I mean how vain am I to think that they would all be interested in me.” Willow smiled, “Breakfast.” Roza said peeking her head through the door.

Willow looked at Domenica, “We can chat more if you want.” Domenica was happy to be in denial right now over this she thought I mean come on; Cat, Sam and Gareth, that was a bit much, things like that never happened especially to her.

They walked down the small hall to the little table where everyone was sitting eating their oatmeal. Roza took a seat and Willow sat next to Adam kissing his cheek, he was holding Lex and Willow was holding Cali. “How’d you guys sleep?” Domenica asked as Alex looked at her and smiled as he shifted to allow her a spot to sit, next to him of course. She smiled as she casually looked at the group that was all sitting there, “Adam move your butt.” Willow said, “I’m not going to have her climb over all you filthy men to eat.” She added, Adam squished in closure to Alex, who frowned, but he was the only one; Sam, Gareth and Cat all smiled at the news that Domenica would be sitting next to Willow and not Alex.

As she picked up her bowl of oatmeal, Domenica suddenly wanted to be in Iowa it was going to be a long haul to get there and the bus was really small.
May it be said, when the sun sets on your life, you made a difference.
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