Episode 2

[Tori]

"That was one thing I was going to ask about Mac. I haven't got a CB in my truck. Since we evaced, it's just been Anna and me, and before the fall, if I needed any comms on the road, I had a mobile."

He turned to look at Patty. "Do you have a hand-held we could borrow? Also it might be judicious to come up with some call signs for the objective, the base and each other, just in case the wrong ears are listening in."

He looked thoughtful for a second and fumbled through his ruck sack, at the very bottom, he found a walkie, switched it on to test the battery and grinned, changing it to the specified frequency. "Check that. We're good to go. I almost forgot I had this thing."

Bernie looked over to Bryan. "We've got room for a couple more. I took out some of the medical equipment and the ammo figuring we'd need the room for riders and salvage. And what the fuck is that?" Bernie stared wide-eyed at the massive, magazine-fed shotgun Mac pulled out.

"We coulda taken Syria if we had some of those! That's some hardware."

Bernie cleared his throat. "Look, uh, I don't want to go acting the general here, but most of you have been on your own for a while. I think Anna and I have a few tips that might make us work together a bit better as a team, and maybe save some lives. Some of it is common sense, but it bears repeating, because we're all new to each other, and I want to do more drinking than doctoring.

"First, I recommend the buddy system. Going off alone is usually a good way to die. Four eyes are always better than two, and you can watch each other's back. It sounds kinda corny, but especially in buildings, a buddy may be the difference between life and death.

"Second, and here's one I learned in Israel: Pairs covering pairs is a good way to protect from multiple angles. Make sure you know where your team mates are at all times, and don't lose sight of people. In a dark house, a buddy looks just like a walker. Watch your asses and sides, because you'll see what's up front. Check corners closets and under everything before calling 'clear.'

"When we've found small bands, we've found it's best to take them with hand to hand weapons. Gunfire attracts more, and before you know it, you're low on ammo and surrounded by geeks. If you can take a few quietly, so much the better. Some of you with bows can cover those of us that like the close-quarters scrap.

"Before you go in, find at least three ways out of a building. Someone will need some breaching tools like a sledge and a prybar, just in case an exit is blocked. If all else fails, we probably ought to find a hook ladder to get onto a rooftop. Zekes usually don't climb, but I can't speak about Patti's smart walkers.

"Prioritize. Identify things you need first, and get them quickly. Cochise appears to need medicine, defensive fortification materials, chemicals and lab equipment, weapons, ammo, fuel, heavy equipment... Food is never a bad idea but not a priority. Look for schools, pharmacies, pawn shops, clinics, contractors, filling stations, vet hospitals, ambulances, cop cars, military vehicles, gunsmiths, police stations, and anything else that has what you need.

"Lastly, silence is your best buddy. Talk when needed, report contact at a conversational tone of voice, and stay close enough to hear each other's indoor voice. Few zombies are armed, so we need not worry about spacing. Don't shout. If attacked from multiple directions, the best bet is to circle up. If attacked by a herd, shoot away, all that moaning is going to bring them in anyhow.

"Anyone hurt, their buddy pulls them to safety. We should cut and run with what we've got and come back later. I think it would be better to come back later than have a hurt team mate slow everyone down."

He looked to everyone in the room and hoped he didn't piss anyone off. He was used to being a surgeon and in charge of an operating suite. He quickly realized he didn't know these people and they didn't know him, or acknowledge any operating room authority.

"Does anyone know of anything else they could share to keep our butts alive?"

[brianfenris]

GM POST

As everyone gathers in the Armory and starts suiting up, Patty gathers up a few items of equipment from the shelves, then pulls on a hard armor vest and arms herself with a Winchester 1300 shotgun and a CZ-75B 9mm pistol. She takes this extra gear and lays it out out on a table, indicating they can take what they need but needs to be turned back in when you return:

1 pair of bolt-cutters.
1 medium flashlight for each person.
1 large crowbar for each person.
1 walkie-talkie for each person.
1 Large tool kit, fully equipped

Patty listens attentively to Bernie as he goes over his game plan, nodding her agreement several times.

“Thanks to Sgt. Chapman, Cochise has it's own call sign. It's PATRIOT and that’s on channel 1. Well stay on that channel while we're out and about, although the walkies probably won't carry that far back. Sorry Bernie, this is the biggest radio I can offer at the moment. Maybe we'll get lucky and find something for you while we're house picking.”

She flashes Rob a small smile. “Since we partnering up, and if the resident jock doesn't mind to much teaming up with the goth girl, you can ride with me in the van. I'll follow behind Bernie and give you directions on where you need to go.” She pauses and her smile wilts when Bobbie Suarez enters the armory. He eyes the group with a disapproving frown, then goes over to counter mumbling a demand to the guard standing there to hand over his gun.

It's obvious Patty is trying to keep from rolling her eyes, instead saying to Bernie, “As far as keeping ourselves alive, my motto always been 'when in doubt, get the fuck out'.” She smiles sheepishly. “I mean, it's worked so far. But if you guys get a chance to kill one of those undead bastards and can do it without getting hurt or causing to much noise, go for it. I know that's not what we're going out there for, but one less zombie makes the world a safer place.”

Bobbie Suarez walks up to the table, tucking away in his waistband for all to see a bright pink lady's revolver. He turns to glare at the guard behind the corner, who you heard quietly laughing to himself after he handed Bobbie his piece, now looking thoughtfully in another direction away from his glower.

Patty rubs a hand over her mouth then says, “Anything else you guys want to add before we take off or anything you think we might need?”

[Tori]

"Mac, I know Anna has a tool-kit, and don't know what your situation is like. You might ought to take them because you look like you know your way around a wrench. Otherwise, maybe give them to Robbo, so each vehicle will have a set.

"Rob, you're the letterman, so that means you're probably the fastest and hardest hitting. If you don't mind, you'd make a damn good entryman. Shotguns work wonders on locks, but they're loud. If it's cool with everyone, you take the bolt cutters. We also probably need to find you a big sledge at some point. We'll consider that a priority.

"Of course, if you have a sledge, Patty, we could sure use it out there."

Bernie took a pry bar and slipped it into his backpack next to a rather odd item. Sticking out was what looked like a toy rifle with a wooden stock engraved with the word "Red Ryder" and showing a horseman. He replaced his radio in his pack and took the one Patty offered. He figured it offered better compatibility with the rest of the team.

The Suarez situation bothered him. The guy didn't strike Bernie as a team player. Better to keep him close. "Don't laugh. That will shoot a goon just as dead as a Sig. Besides, in these times, beggars can't be choosers."

He looked down at the ridiculous "Hello Kitty" stethoscope hanging around his neck and grinned.

"Suarez? Why don't you and Bryan ride with us?" Bernie figured a bartender might keep Suarez under control and give him someone to talk to.

"We're using the buddy system, and I am sure Bryan wouldn't mind buddying up with his favorite customer." He shot Bryan a loaded glance meaning, "Keep an eye on this guy."

"The main thing is, Suarez, keep that gun away until you absolutely have to shoot. If you can put a geek down with a hatchet, crowbar or a blade, use it before you pull your piece. Gunfire's just going to bring up more groaners. We'll see if we can find you some more ammo and speed loaders. Buddies cover each other's backs, and make sure you don't go off on your own. You could get mistaken for a biter if you do."

Bernie keyed the mic on his walkie and said, "Comm-check." Satisfied, he put his walkie on stand-by.

"That's a damn good motto, Patty. Anna and I have worked together for a while now, so why break up the band? I guess if Cochise command is 'Patriot' and we're on point, our truck will be 'Washington.' You're second, Mac, so for this milk run, you're going to be Adams. Patty? You're rearguard I guess, so as third, you be Jefferson. If the Country Store parking lot allows, we'll park herringbone, and dismount together, and form up as a team. On the ground, Patty, you take point, with Rob on your six. You all are scouts and entry. Mac, you and hey, who are you riding with? Alright, you get with Bryan and Bobbie for now. Annie Oakley and I will bring up the rear. Spread out if we have several, but try to take 'em down quietly.

"Take out any groaners near the vehicles, then cover at the cars. We'll plan our entry and exit there, and run like a clock. We'd better make sure there isn't a welcoming committee in the store, then we'll do the house sweep. Sound like a plan?"

Bernie figured his plan put the experienced scout and a good melee-fighter and entryman up front, the muscle to back them up and move supplies in the middle, and the two soldiers in the rear to ensure nothing came sneaking up behind them, and in position to cover the front elements. Goons would no doubt try to rush them in the store, so a nasty axe and a sniper sister-in-law could hold them at bay for a while.

Mac felt "service" to Bernie, and would be a good one to watch out for Suarez, and Bryan? Bernie felt like this wouldn't be the first asshole he'd talked out of doing something stupid.

[foxx]

Joe listens to Bernie lay out what they were going to do once they got to where they were going. It sounds good and solid, but rather it held up to real world application was still to be seen. No reason to be pessimistic about their chances on this run. He hope that it didn't get too bad.

"Only thing I can offer is if we need to run and get back ot the vehicles, let me go first. I can clear a path out faster. Other than that, keep it a steady pace and watch out for spots ya can't get around."

[achsaber]

Rob listens very closely to what Bernie is saying while checking over his sawed-off.
"No prob and it feels good to have a QB/coach again.One thing that I learned while fleeing LA is taking a zeds knees lets your partners get its head easier or at the lest slow it way down."
While looking at Pattie "I have no problem at all riding with the goth chick but do you mind grab one bright item just encase we split up for a second you know a piece of reflective tape or something just as a fail safe we I don't want to swing first and hurt you."
Rob grabs the bolt-cutters and looks at Bernie "I've been using my crowbar to get into doors but a sledge could be fun."
"I just need to get my pads on I'll meet up with you guys outside."and with that I dash out of the room to get in to my pads grab my ammo and then head to the vehicles.

[brianfenris]

GM POST

Patty says as she goes back to the shelves, “As a matter of fact, yeah here we go.” She grabs Bernie's requested sledge hammer and hands it off to Rob before he heads out to grab his football gear.

“Never had much use for one of those. Too noisy, but I guess if we needed to bash our way in, or bash a zombie, that would get the job done.”

Suarez tucks away a crowbar and radio from the table, quietly sizing up the resident bartender with a frown. After a moment, he says with a thick accent, “I can drive that monster rig of yours, man. How about you and me team up. In case something happens to you, I can jump in the drives seat and get us out of there. Just sayin'.”

“I'll let you and Mac work that one out, but seems we've got our team assignments for now. Unless we need something else, I'm gonna check in with Gil and let him know we're headed out. I'll see you at the outside.”

With a wave, Patty walks out of the room for the office, leaving you to make you way to the front parking lot where your vehicles are waiting for you.

[foxx]

Joe looks at Suarez, smiling lightly, cautiously, "Sure man. I'll be happy to have a fellow trucker along for the ride. I can use the help if we find a trailer we can salvage."

Joe was extending the olive branch to the hispanic male but he didn't trust him. One too many stories from friends and acquiantances about guys from the other side of the boarder who like to hijack big rigs and run off with them with their cargo; sometimes leaving the former driver dead or badly injured. Maybe he was one of those guys that got permission to drive into the states on a pass, Joe didn't know. The guy had a sour attitude but that was expected in a world where the dead walk.

"You can help me put the big gun up in the turrent." Joe suggests and heads for his truck, setting the radio to their designated signal. The Peterbuilt cab had seen better days, now that it was an armor hulk of a machine. Joe was happy that the thing was still running perfectly after all this time.

[achsaber]

I'll grab the sledge hammer before running out.Making it a six foot five inch tall teenager running down the hallways with a joker like smile and laughing creepily chanting "Hammer Hammer I got the Hammer."

[Tori]

Bernie was about to pipe up about Suarez staying put, but realized Mac was smart and strong enough to deal with any problems that arose. "No problems by me, but if you all need anything, hit us up on the radio. Suarez, can you handle any mounted weapons like a machinegun?" Not that he thought Mac would put him in the turret, but a second body in the truck could fire and free the driver to drive.

"Now that's a hammer. Feel pretty comfortable swinging that beast, Rob?" Bernie nodded in appreciation. "Chances are if we're swinging that, we'll need to be getting in or out in a hurry. It might be loud, but a little more subtle than a shotgun. It's a lot quicker than prying a door or picking a lock, too.

"I'd ask for silenced pistols, but I stopped believing in Santa when I realized he didn't visit Jewish homes. No, I guess I'm all set.

"Everyone make sure your canteens are full. Drink as needed. Other than that, let's get on the move."

Bernie walks out and climbs into his car, before pulling on a pair of Oakleys. He turned the diesel engine over and grinned. "Hey this is what we juiced ourselves up on before rolling onto the West Bank.

"Music, Hendrix, Watchtower."

[achsaber]

After getting my pads on I will run out and if everyone is already in a vehicle I will get into Patty's "Ready to go when everyone else is."

[sellsword]

As tempting as it was Bryan declined Macs offer to "ride high" his plan was to stay close to Bobbi.That plan came to screeching halt as the hispanic man offers to ride in the rig.As a result Bryan returns the mans shitty stare with one of his own accompanied by a weak smile."you sure you can handle yourself in that thing?"He lets the question hang in the air. As he grabs a crowbar and a walkie talkie.Throwing his pack in the Rover he looks to Bernie and shrugs knowing hes probably thinkingthe samething.On the lighter side Bryan smiles ear to ear when he sees Rob with the sledge "cmon Thor lets roll!"

[Tori]

Bernie took a glance back to Bryan. "Sorry to make Bobbie your problem, but I think he's going to be everyone's problem. I was hoping you could talk him out of doing anything stupid, as only a bartender can, but it seems we've got a mule-minded jerk. Keep an eye on him, and let me know if he does anything stupid or dangerous. I don't know what we'll do when he does, but let's hope for the best."

[sellsword]

"Yea i dont know whats up with him,but ill keep an eye on him no problem,definetly dont like it being just him and Joe in the rig."Taking his TB hat from his pack he bends the bill abit before donning it backwards."You know Joes thinking the same shit we are right now,hes got his 357 and im sure hes got a "truck gun" in there."Bryan turns to Bernie "If Suarez gets squirrly ill guess well just let circumstance judge our actions,besides dudes got a pink gun." With that same shit eatting grin Bryan bends and reties his boots,"but IF he did decide to book with the truck and all its ammenities i dont know how we'd stop him."

[brianfenris]

GM POST


Bobbie offers Big Mac a smile, genuinely pleased you excepted him. “Don't worry, Bro.”

He turns to Bernie and answers, “Ain't never seen a machine gun outside of the movies. I'm sure I can figure out how to use one if someone shows me how. Big Mac can later when he gets the chance.”

As Big Mac exits to the outside, his Hispanic partner follows after him, helping him fight the machine gun into place although do to his inexperience with the weapon Mac winds up doing most of the work.

Rob makes good time to his room and back to outside, as most residents are quick to get out of the way of the young football player since he's bearing both a maniacal grin and a sledge hammer. As he's getting in his Patty's van, she jogs up and hops into the driver's seat. She flashes him a small smile, then switches on her radio and calls to the others, “Okay, gang. We're all set. I gave Gil our call signs and he'll be sitting by the radio while we're out and about. If everyone's here, call out and lets get moving while the sun is shining.”

The time now is 11:09 A.M. The weather is clear and sunny, the desert heat already in the low nineties. You'll notice that you're vehicle have been fully gassed up courtesy of residents of Cochise.

“Okay, Washington. Ready when you are.”

[Tori]

"Washington copies you five-by-five, Jefferson. Solid coms here. We're underway." Bernie set his GPS for the store and shifted into first before rolling away from the school.

"Don't go selling him short because of that pink gun. It'll kill a zombie, or one of us just as dead as Dirty Harry's Smith. I just want to make sure he knows how and when to use it. We'll see how he handles himself. He might be a straight up guy. Besides, why would he bother stealing Mac's truck when he could just walk out to the road and take an abandoned vehicle? All the same, a little caution is warranted, and that goes for everyone. Two days is hardly enough time to be sure about anyone, and that includes our hosts."

He turned south on 191 and kept his speed a conservative 40 m.p.h. That would give him plenty of time to avoid a groaner or an abandoned car and to study the surroundings.