A New Breed

[Ricia]

(A 1x1 between Orinjambie and myself. Plot by Orinjambie.)


Year 2077 and technology is rather advanced. The government itself is run by one man and his hand picked council. For the most part the government doesn't give much care for the people except for as cattle and maybe cannon fodder unless you are of nobility.


A new weapon is being researched, but something goes wrong. The technology is stolen and released on the Black Market which happens to be what stabilizes that economy of the lower class. It of course sells for a lot, but what the buyer doesn't know is that they are the start of a global pandemic.


The weapon that was stolen was modified to be a contagious virus that first started as something in the blood. It evolved so not only is it in the blood, but it is also a parasite that grows inside the victim. Upon death it releases spores that die within a few hours of not finding a host body. The virus itself doesn't kill the victim, nor does it let them die. The easiest way to describe the victims is as zombies: only they're faster, stronger, smarter then those popularized by the media. They are also capable of adapting and evolving to overcome obstacles as they come.


The government has abandoned the people to protect the few, barricading themselves off for protection and security. Try as they may the civilians of the Undertown are left outside the protecting walls to fight for themselves.


Zombie we may face in our struggle for survival:


http://www.thezombiehunters.com/zombies.php

 

[Orinjambie]

Kat shifted stiffly from her niche in the wall. It had been a few weeks already since her group had been attacked. No doubt they all died, or at least that’s what Kat assumed. It was better to think that way, better to not let your hopes get up too high.


They had holed themselves up in a hospital. The top floors had been walled off, barricaded thoroughly to make sure nothing got in. Down in the basement they had expanded, making a decent living space for themselves. Even deeper they stored their food rations, medical supplies, traveling equipment, spare clothes, and even some bathing supplies. They had a pretty good setup with the hospital boarded up and walled off to keep everything out. But one of the barricades hadn’t been tended to properly and when a survivor had come to them looking for a safe place he attracted unwelcome company. The walkers found the weak point and tore in through the barricades. In an overwhelming force they swept through the hospital, killing all they could get a hold of.


Whether it was sheer luck or skill, it didn’t really matter which, Kat had made it out alive. As she broke free she ran and ran. For the past two weeks she kept on the move, always staying near the hospital. A shadow of hope kept her there, maybe there would be others who escaped. There was no one so far.


I have to move on and find food... poking her head out of her little niche she looked around. Finding that the coast was clear she slid out and moved down the hallway of the crumbled building. It was near impossible to tell exactly what it had been used for but one could only guess. Stepping out onto the street she looked around, seeing a few walkers she kept close to the building’s side and sidled into the alley way. Taking the fire escape up she settled for traveling across the shanty rooftops as she could and sticking to the shadows when she couldn’t. Eventually she reached the place she was looking for. An old general goods store that had once fronted for a section of the black market. The old skylight was broken, giving almost perfect access to the inside, the doors were kept closed though the windows lining the front could easily enough give her away.


Standing on the roof she tied off a long strip of makeshift rope and let it fall down through the skylight; it fell short of the ground by a few feet. With a final look around the inside, Kat eased herself down onto the rope. It held as she slid down slowly, to avoid burning her hands and when she touched down the silence seemed to echo.


It was dim enough inside the store that it would be harder for anything outside to take notice of her. All the same she kept to the farther back of the store as she checked the exits, making sure they were closed but unlocked in case she needed a quick escape. Satisfied that all was well she turned back to the store and smiled.


Let’s go shopping!

 

[Ricia]

A foot step.


Mia was sure she had just heard a foot step. It had reverberated off the walls in a strange a unnerving fashion. All she could do was hold her breath and try to decide what made such a food step. The possibility are currently endless.


She was sure that over the last few days she was being stalked. Mia had been a loner since she was torn away from her family some years ago. More like they were torn away from her, semantics. All that mattered was they were gone now and she was the remaining survivor.


Family is the only thing you an trust in a world so broken and left of dead as this one. Its kill or be killed out here. She bet there were tons of people fattened and drinking on the other side of the wall, all the aristocrats completely protected from people like her. Mia would consider herself a savage now, no better than the walking flesh bags that plague the area. This waste land could harshly be considered 'home'.


Reaching behind her, she grasped the feathery end of an arrow, pulling it from the quiver on her back. The finger guard on her right hand constricted the flex of her finger just lightly, but the pull was well worth the avoidance of blisters from the string. Mia turned her pelvis slightly to reach for her things. Sitting neatly in a pile was a backpack loaded with goods from her travels. Laying on the bag was a long bow. It was nice, metal, well taken care of, though just a tad on the older side. Silently, Mia notched the arrow into the string and lined the arrow up on the bend without looking.


Her gaze was elsewhere, just outside the office door she was in. The main store was an open place and she was looking for a temporary home for the night. She thought the office near the end of the store was a better option for being able to protect herself. One exit, one entrance. It was a bad idea as much as a good one. It was risky, but everything here was a risk now.


As quietly as Mia could muster, she used a boot to crack open the door to her room before pulling the string back on her bow, readying to fire at what ever flesh eater had wondered into the store.

 

[Orinjambie]

Shrugging off her bag, Kat made a beeline through the lonely aisles searching for the preserved foods. After so long it was doubtful that there would be anything left, but always one had to hold onto hope. Without hope, without the burning fire it would be all to easy to just slip away. To be swept off your feet by the raging storm that constantly tore at everything, throwing everything it has forth in hopes of dampening the flame, of snuffing it out. Even when you're alone you have to hold on to hope.


Please let there be food here! Kat thought as her stomach growled quietly, grumbling about the abuse it suffered. Patting it reassuringly she looked around, even jumping to look on top of the shelves. Suddenly she grinned. A dusty can had rolled to the back of the shelf where it had been knocked at an angle. And with a little food we can survive another day, see another sunrise, and maybe even meet someone new.


Stepping up on the bottom shelf the girl reached for the forgotten can of baked beans, grabbing it easily. The brand was older, not quite caught up with the times as to have an easy open tab. Plopping down onto the cracked linoleum floor, Kat pulled out her cooking knife and proceeded to stab the top with controlled jabs until she could pull the lid off. It wasn't long after before the contents were scarfed down and the can licked clean. Hunger satisfied for the time being Kat checked the remaining aisles for any forgotten food before moving on to find something to replace her worn out clothing.

 

[Ricia]

Mia made sure her steps were light and eyes were peeled. She had no intention to die today.


Rounding the corner to one of the isles, she followed the subtle noises that this person was making. Yes, she was sure it was a person now. Who ever it was moved around with purposes, though their stealth was something to be desired. She crept softly until she was back against the front of the isle she was sure the person was in. Will they be friendly? Doubtful... Bandits around these parts can be ruthless. Kill or be killed.


Peaking around the corner, Mia made sure that only the minimum amount of her peaked from the space. Her eyes quickly scanned the figure hunched over a can of food. It was a girl. Half starved like the rest of the world. That didn't make her any less dangerous though. Mia was a girl, Mia was half starved, but she was everything to be feared. At least she thought so.


She could watch, just for a little bit. See if she could learn anything about the girl. To determine if she should just shoot her now or actually try and approach her. Mia watched the girl move up and down the isles looking high and low for any other food. Mia had really cleaned what little was left here earlier and taken it for herself. She hadn't had the chance to sit down and eat today yet.


Mia probably stalked the girl around the store for a good 10 minutes before she deiced she could try and approach her. So far all she could see was that the girl had a knife on her. She had not seen any other guns.


Bending herself around the corner, Mia snuck closer to the girl, arrow notched and strings pulled back. "Don't move." Mia cooed in a low growl. She stopped herself about ten feet away from her, her weapon pointed right for her head. "Give me a really good reason why I shouldn't kill you."

 

[Orinjambie]

Kat stiffened, her heart leaping up into her throat, as she heard the voice behind her. A person! What were the chances of meeting another uninfected being in a general goods store?


And chances are there's a gun pointed at my head. And why not? Slowly she raised her hands, turning as she did. Kat's eyes feel upon the drawn bow and shivered. The infected seemed to be driven by hunger, not caring how many times you struck them down. People on the other hand were driven to survive and we're aware of what they were doing when they attacked.


"I..." Kat winced, her raspy voice barely audible, "I...d-didn't thi-nk any-" she stopped, her hand going to her throat as she shook her head.


Is this how I'm going to die? She must think I'm infected... or trying to steal her food. If I could just get my board out of my bag I could explain...

 

[Ricia]

She looked terrified. Mia was not expecting her to look like she was going to lose her mind. She looked pretty young too. She tried to speak but she couldn't seem to get the words out. Her hands wounder to her throat as if to help ring the words out.


Mia sighed and she felt herself soften a bit, the grip on her bow loosed a bit, "How old are you? Are you alone?"


It was a strange question to ask, but she couldn't let a girl so young die. How has she survive so long? She must be a tricky girl. She might be sneaker than she actually was earlier. If not, Mia has no idea how shes manage to stay alive or so long. Maybe she is a scavenger for a bigger group. Someone else might be close by, a supervisor.


Mia quickly glanced around her just to make sure no one else was sneaking up on her. She had been stalking the girl for a good 10 minutes, she would have seen someone else by now. She looked back at the girl again, waiting for an answer.

 

[Orinjambie]

Kat perked up as the woman lowered her bow, but kept her cautious air. Knowing she still wasn't in the clear she slid off her bag and set it down on the ground before sliding a white board out of it. After a little digging around she found a green dry erase marker that had seen better days. Straightening up she hastily wrote out in small letters,


I just turned 19 last month, but I'm alone now. I was part of a larger group, we were bunkered down in the hospital in Roseville. Infected broke through our fences and I don't know who got away. I'm sorry, I didn't think there was anyone here.


Setting the board on the floor Kat slid it over to the woman, it stopped a few feet away. The words were faded here and there and smelled faintly of marker. Screwing the cap back on the marker Kat watched the woman, trying to gauge her reaction. Would she think the girl was lying or would she believe her? What would she do next?

 

[Ricia]

Mia lifted her bow again when the girl took off her bag and started to rummage through it. Mia felt an immediate fear gnaw at her chest that she was about to pull out a gun. She watched her, her feet and shoulders tense, waiting for any moment that she might need to kill this girl.


Mia tilted her head when she pulled out the board however. Not what she was expecting. She waited and watched, her emotion running from fear almost to curiosity.


The girl slid the board to Mia's feet and she cautiously started to read it, glancing up at the girl every now and again to make sure she didn't try anything funny while she read. Her lips moved as if she was silently reading the words out loud. After she read it a few times to make sure she completely understood, she kicked the board back to the girl, "Why the board? You should always assume people are everywhere... How long have you been alone?" Mia asked again.

 

[Orinjambie]

Picking the board back up Kat erased what she had written with a closed fist and wrote out,


Two weeks about. It hurts to speak and I stutter.


The words were bigger this time so they could be read easily at a distance. When she was sure the woman had read the board she turned it back around and added,


What about you? Are you alone?


Kat looked up. She wouldn't be surprised if the woman was alone, she looked like she could handle her own in a fight. Assuming makes an ass out of everyone though and chances were the woman was waiting for her comrades. If that were the case then Kat would want to move on as quickly as possible. From past experience established groups weren't always the most welcoming.

 

[Ricia]

Hurts to speak? Mia wondered how or why, though her curiosity was strange. Maybe because she was a girl and younger than her. Mia had a natural hatred to men and a subtle distrust of the human race as a whole. Maybe not very subtle...


She erased the board before starting to write something more. Mia waited patiently for her to finish writing before she was presented with some questions or her own. Should she lie? Should she tell the girl to go. Mia wondered if she could even defend herself very well.


"I'm..." Mia paused in her speech, conflicted on the inside, "Alone. Always have been..." She said it a bit slowly, as if she couldn't trust herself or that the information was precious and should be treated as such. "I don't live here... so it's not like you were trespassing... I was just trying to get a safe place for the night.... Are you armed?"

 

[Orinjambie]

Kat nodded, reluctant to explain further about her speech impediment. Considering the times and current events it seemed almost pointless to share that story. Writing was easier and not many people, if any anymore would know how to speak sign language. So the board was really her only option.


I have my cooking knife. It's blunt, but it's good against a walker or two.


When she had ran she had managed to get a hold of a small pistol. With no more than a few bullets it had quickly become useless and with no idea where she'd find the bullets for it, she had left it behind in the streets somewhere. Since then though she had managed to stay well out of the way of walkers and had been lucky enough to avoid anything more dangerous than them. Hesitantly Kat turned her board around to show the woman,


Maybe we could stick together? Despite herself Kat looked at the other hopefully. Even if there was only the two of them they would be that much more likely to survive another day.

 

[Ricia]

(Lol, Mia actually does know sign. One of my three characters that do know.)


That... was a scary question. Stick together? Mia foreshadowed her taking care of the girl from now on. Was she willing to risk that, being trapped to help this girl? Share food and resources? Protect her? Trust her?


"I'll think about it..." Mia said slowly before pulling the arrow away from the strings and sliding the tip back into her quiver. "You can stay the night with me though." Mia offered.


She than turned around and started to walk back where she came from. She would stop to peer behind her shoulder every now and again to see if the girl was following. The girl. She should proububly asked for her name, calling her girl might get redundant quickly.


She led her to the office that she had quickly made her own home, opening the door she peered at her stuff, as if to check and make sure it was untouched. "What's your name? I'm Mia." She asked, before turning around to see the girls white boarded answer.

 

[Orinjambie]

Kat smiled despite the obvious uncertainty in the woman's eyes and picked up her bag, throwing it over her shoulder. Even if the woman didn't agree to them sticking together at least for a night Kat would be able to sleep in peace. For the past two weeks she had slept lightly, trying without much success to sleep with one eye open. Every little noise or imagined shadow had seemed like one of the infected when really it would be just a cat or the wind. It quickly occurred to her that she had taken the security and comfort of her group for granted.


You don't know what you have until you lose it. she thought, her smile beginning to fade, I'll have to show her that I can hold my own, that I can pull my own weight.


Kat slid her bag off her shoulder as they walked and began rummaging through it until she found what she wanted. A roll of twine and a stack can lids tied together. She looked up at Mia's question, tucking the twine and lids under her arm as she pulled out her board again.


I'm Kat, it's nice to meet you. If you don't mind I'm going to set up an alarm.


Gesturing to the twine and can lids she set her bag and board down and began setting them up. She put them a few feet away from the office door, tying the twine off to whatever was close at hand and strung the lids along it, keeping the close enough together that they would rattle if the twine was disturbed. Straightening up from where she knelt, Kat gave it an experimental tug, satisfied to hear the rattle of the lids. It would be loud enough to wake them should something happen to get in.

 

[Ricia]

"Um.... Sure, that's a good idea actually."


Mia sat down next to her bag while she watched Kat play with the sting and what looked like lids from containers. She pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her knees, her bow hanging lightly from her hands. When the rattle sounded, it made Mia flinch a bit. She didn't like loud sound, it startled her and made her on edge.


After Kat finished setting up the trap, Mia looked around the small office space, which had suddenly become smaller with Kat's presence. "You know... I was not done scavenging this store." She stated after she was sure the girl was done with the trap. "Sorry I should have said something before you set the trap. I was just curious."


(Sorry for the light short post. I've had a busy busy weekend.)