SUBPAR COMPILATION - CHAPTER 3 - DAY TWO - UWMRC
May 12, 2016 16:02:59 GMT -8
Post by ◊◊BLOODBEASTER◊◊ on May 12, 2016 16:02:59 GMT -8
LOCATION:
goo.gl/maps/7wByp
This campus takes up one smallish city blocks and is comprised of four buildings - one for each corner. Three buildings are new stainless steel and green glass super-flat-sided leviathans in the new mold, but one is a drab four story concrete thing, in some forgotten brutalist architectural mode from the mid-to-late twentieth century. Venetian blinds are turned down in every brown-tinted window.
Our path:
goo.gl/maps/RFctM
>>GM
Seth and Thierry took a radio and ran ahead, essentially sprinting to the UWMRC campus. They disappeared ahead of Dr. Vic's group (with Davin and Alex).
Dr. Vic (having previously received a rather dainty looking handgun from Patti, via Peg) went with Davin (who had the other radio) and Alex as they braved the streets, crushing the brains of anything stupid enough to get close. They set the pace as a jog...
>>GM
The men charged past zombies without trying to swing on a one. Thierry disappeared up Ninth and around the corner. Seth checked the main plaza side of the first building, ignoring the zombies that began to stagger toward him with interest.
Inside, he saw a great deal of blood stains and odd filth in the lobby, but no bodies and nobody. He went to the service side of the building, and had to hop a fence to round to the front.
With no entrances unlocked, he went on to the oldest building in the campus, on the northeast corner. The front was next to Mercer, which had hundreds of zombies close by.
Fortunately, the cars and a few trees slowed their reaction to him, and then... He was out of sight.
Behind the building, there was just one door left to check.
It held for a moment, then opened! A startled guy was inside, with scruffy hipster locks and blue hospital scrubs.
A zombie drew near, a delivery guy for a water company, with one less arm.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
The doctor kept pace with Davin remarkably well. The stumbling and sliding he knew was from not wearing appropriate footwear. He wished Alex would have stopped giving the doctor the look of the boyscout attempting to aid the old lady across the street. Find your stride, Dr. Victor. Just because you don't have Queen's "Bicycle Race" blaring in your ears does not mean you can slack! In, out, man!
"I could- have- totally- caught- up- with those- guys- if I- wanted to..." the doctor burst through his pavement pounding speed.
"Why- do all- these things- look- like- anorexic- teenage- boys- lately? Is it- just- me? That one is- totally- gooping- on you, Alex."
The good doctor snickered as a pasty lady wearing an over-sized moomoo drooled out of the slack-half torn side of her face. It's lurching was something like he expected the woman walked before changing, though she might have been using a walker or cane. Mental note, see what happens when a paraplegic victim succumbs to infection and death. Do they regain motor skills? Dr. Victor returned his attention to following Davin down the only passable, albeit meandering, trail down the roads.
>>ALEX
Between jogging and swinging at zombies, Alex kept a sharp eye on the doctor. He didn't know how well Dr. Victor could fight and jog. That guy had to be at least forty years old. Maybe even fifty! (Yeah, sorry Doctor, Alex thinks you're a Granny).
An undead woman startled him. "Hyah!" Alex swung at her face, and his metal pipe knocked out her teeth and sent her tumbling back. She looked familiar -had he seen her before? Was she a student? Did she work at his favorite McDonalds? Maybe Alex was just paranoid. He froze and stared at her bleeding face for a second too long; another undead lunged, and he barely knocked the man back in time.
He had to pay attention. Alex jogged closer to Davin and the doctor. Then, Dr. Victor spoke, and boy oh boy did he sound winded. "Gooping? What's gooping?" Alex asked. Did he have zombie guts on his shirt? "Uh, don't answer if it's too much trouble! Save your energy." His voice sounded a little more patronizing than he'd intended.
>>GM
If they so desired, the three could have just jogged past most of the zombies. Sometimes it was better to put them down quickly because it reduced the number following them, and they seemed drawn by larger groups. A person thinking clearly could see through the shitty AI the condition had left them, and manipulate their crowd dynamics easily. It was only in thicker crowds like the one on Denny that were especially dangerous, if you could move right.
Davin ran with a stiff arm and a knee into a mechanic-shirted zombie, dropping it and leaving the others to decide whether to kill it or just run past.
A voice came over his radio.
The three easily jogged the rest of the way up 9th, up the plaza. Davin hit the steps fast and ran to a door that was partially obscured by shrubs. He wheeled around and waved the others over.
A delivery man zombie with one less arm fell out from behind a shrub, lunging at Davin. Thierry came out of nowhere, hopping a railing from the plaza above and whacking the thing. It fell against Davin's back, messing up his clothes and giving him the willies.
GM NOTE: go ahead and get your guys over the last bit, and in the door if you want as well. You will end up in a back stairwell with Seth and a whiny little blondish dude.
>>ALEX
Alex skirted around the fallen man and wiped sweat from his brow. "Doctor's just using … those weird words again ... Mr. Davin," he huffed. "Looks like ... they're starving. May ... maybe this thing will end ... sooner than we ... expected. Doc, if you ... need it ... I could probably ... carry you." This last line was delivered with dubious sincerity. He also regretted it immediately. If he wanted to chill out in Micah's place, Dr. Victor would have to be somewhat party to the visits.
"Kidding!" Alex quickly amended. "Bet you could ... carry me!" Okay, tone it down a little.
He whooped enthusiastically when Thierry wiped out the one-armed zombie, and then he darted through the door: there stood Seth and a spazzy stranger. “Hey,” Alex greeted. "Made it."
>>GM
The rest entered, and Seth greeted them.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
The doctor kept his yap shut after being chastised by Davin, though the furrowed brow, pursed lips and mild sneer certainly spoke loudly enough. His nostrils flared as they gasped for air. It wasn't exactly easy to run in these shoes under these conditions; how had they not figured that out yet? The grunting of annoyance was masked with the grunting to keep pace.
The sights of the multitudes of necrotic reject society had him a little lost in thought. Being pulled, prodded and poked didn't help either. I wasn't exactly STANDING still gawking... sheesh. He forgave whoever touched him, it was most likely Alex trying to push forward, until he saw Alex ahead of him slightly. The doctor kept pace then, unwilling to turn around to see whom his marathon greeter was. He certainly didn't want to drink any of that water.
Alex's words seemed less helpful and more chilling by the moment. But, his silence prevailed, conserving his words for someone more deserving and not because he was running out of breath on such a short run.
The only saving grace with being a little behind was watching someone else become splattered with blood, gore, and infection.
"It's about time someone got that besides me AND not get paid for it."
The doctor panted before and after his sentence so Alex could keep up with the commonality of phrasing. Line after line of questions were rattled off by both the whiny guy and the leader. Taking a rest leaning against the wall, the doctor pulled out his UWMC business card, handing it to the man.
"Look, if you hadn't noticed, protocol has been slightly suspended... and I think you're smart enough to realize that now, hmm? If you have anything else to add, do it quickly. You are not the one we want to see anyways. And... smoking will most certainly get you killed these days."
>>GM
The man did a double take looking at the ID.
GM NOTE: Go to UWMRC THREAD.
>>GM
A scruffy, short blond man in drab blue hospital scrubs led a party of survivors through a few winding halls, from the back stair door into the main lobby. A powerful antiseptic smell almost completely masked the scent of early stage human decay. They looked toward a corner and saw rigid bodies stacked like cordwood under some tarps. The man noticed what they were looking at.
Dr. Victor hardly gave pause at the bodies under the tarp. His only concern was the lack of tags on their toes. And this guy keeps rambling on about protocols? What's next? A mountain made out of mashed potatoes? He extended a hand to Davin, placing it on the other man's shoulder as an afterthought.
The man led them up the stairs, mercifully a bit less of a climb than the six floor apartments they'd come from. The doctor mentally noted that the place was not swamped with riots of undead and madness like he'd guessed it would be... Perhaps traffic in the neighborhood, or the fact it was clearly labelled a research center, rather than a hospital. Indeed, this branch only had basic emergency facilities, and not in this building, mostly taking patients who were in clinical trials for various medicines. Most of the staff didn't even have medical degrees, being biochemists of various stripes. Nonetheless, he was confident they'd have ample supplies of the medicines he required.
They emerged into a very dark hallway and immediately had dimming flashlights and tasers pointed at them by security guards.
Guard One-
"What the fuck, Lee? Bring an army up here? Everyone lower your weapons!"
The group looked at each other in confusion. Their weapons were all pretty low. The doctor had the little gun in an outer pocket of his bag.
>>GM
Seth- put the head of his golf club on the ground.
"Hey, we're not hostile! We got one of your employees back at our place, got a doctor here. Just wanted to talk, maybe trade."
Guard Two-
"Not hostile?!" His face puffed with fear. "Then why'd you bring weapons?!"
Seth-
"..."
>>ALEX
Why'd they bring weapons? Alex decided to speak up before Dr. Victor verbally throttled the poor guard for his silly question. "Because the Lord's Prayer doesn't really stop the violent undead," he offered. "And we had to jog a short ways to get here." He put his pipe down and raised his hands peacefully. "Have you seen a good looking guy named Emiliano recently?"
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
As the officer spoke, the doctor sneered. Such callous attitude in this place should be reserved for the ones who bothered to learn something. And then Alex broke into him, and the doctor wondered if this was going to be less convoluted than whatever was raising the dead.
"Look. You can't be too careful these days. I doubt we have anyone who would disagree with that fact. I am Dr. Victor. We were sent by Marie, one of the receptionists, to check the status of people and also see what supplies we can bring back to help with the wounded. I hope you understand we would not have violated protocol just based on the whims of some fancy. If you would be so kind as to direct me and my escort to the resident physician or whomever else is coordinating efforts here? We are on a tight schedule."
Lee-
"Oh my god, Marie! I'm so glad she's alive. Sorry about the hassles, but the acting administration is serious."
Guard One-
"Don't apologize Lee! We gotta present strength!"
>>GM
Lee left the room, poofy blond curls bouncing.
People waited in awkward silence for a few minutes, all throat clearings and muffled seagull cries from the roof. Then Lee returned.
Inside Doc Vic and Seth met a group of doctors and scientists, a few of which the doctor recognized, and had a reasonable working relationship with - doctors Green, Franco, and Feingold.
Lee came in and closed the door behind them.
Dr. Victor stepped up, slowly acknowledging his place to speak.
Franco's own people looked a bit creeped out by the phrasing of his request.
>>ALEX
Alex knew he shouldn't feel disappointed that the guard hadn't seen Emiliano. Why would Emil be in a medical research facility? Still, he'd been hoping for a miracle.
They did happen. Alex was irrefutable proof of God's miracle-working powers. Irrefutable. According to science, he shouldn't exist. Twenty years ago, so-called doctory experts like Dr. Victor claimed that his father would never, well, be a father. But then his mother had a vision of the martyr Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and lo and behold, nine months later ...
Why would God miracle Alex into existence and then doom him to suffer during the End Times? Maybe he had a greater purpose. Or maybe God was just cruel. Alex was really confused.
He frowned as Dr. Victor and Seth left them. Alex hoped that the doctor didn't forget about his EpiPen.
"I bet the Mariners are like super heroes now," Alex remarked to Davin. "They've probably saved hundreds of people, and maybe they'll find us ... Vargas can be my other roomate! Ho-ly Mary. Do you think that's possible? We could hang a sign out the building. Mariners welcome." They weren't his favorite team, but Alex wouldn't admit that in Seattle, no way.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
Dr. Victor was, for once in his life, truly taken aback at the words of a fellow physician; well, aside from the time he heard Dr. Halpert make that rude 'tail wagging the dog' comment to one of the nurses as the elderly woman convulsed to death. His mind went into overdrive, calculating, weighing, and arguing against and for such a disruption. He knew the room's silence meant the situation was not expected; true, Dr. Franco had known not to reveal his own thoughts. As such, the good doctor had probably only a few more seconds of thought before-
"Ladies and gentlemen of the administration. Allow me to thank you once again for your hospitality. I am once again blessed to be among equals in intellect and undoubtedly superiors in terms of your fields. While the field of emergency medicine has been recently glamorized over the years, I know you all appreciate its vital role in medicine. I truly see the potential among you all, as well, to aid and assist many people who are under your care. You may also have the ability to help the afflicted individuals and other people with similarly compromised immune systems. For that, I am humbled.
"I will state the obvious, I cannot speak on behalf of Ms. Oshiro; I can only attest to her current state. She is physically unable to make the journey, and I will advice her against it in the immediate future for purely medical reasons. I will relay your wellness and safety to her upon our return."
The doctor stepped forward and placed a hand on Seth's chest.
"There is no need to continue the rouse any longer, Seth. I think they know exactly what kind of person it takes to do the near impossible especially considering the circumstances. There is definitely no fooling these people; and I appreciate your concern. I am sure you have me for my ability to heal in these circumstances. For that, I am flattered. However, being the one physician who is making a difference, I cannot abandon my friends and underlings.
"I am expected back to our secure facility shortly, as I have mentioned to your officers. I will be able to assist you in the interim for any immediate issues you or your loved ones or patients may have. I know that when we work together with our collective resources, we have the ability to help each other. I also know that we have nothing, especially not time, on our side for the present.
"I will consider the offer as well, because I believe it to be a fair offer. I know you would share information more freely if I come into your fold; what your combined efforts have all ready uncovered is most enticing indeed. Unfortunately, my own retinue would not understand the abdication so suddenly. I would appreciate the opportunity to deliver to my patients some show of good will. I know we, as sophisticated men and women of the medical field, are above any petty show of power. I humbly await your decision."
The doctor stepped back to Seth's side, giving him only one quick side-glance before resting his hands by lacing them together at his waist. He tried to forget how sweaty he was running by praying the sweat which formed on his forehead was too insignificant to be visible to the assembled panel.
>>GM
Seth raised an eyebrow at the doctor and shrugged. He pulled the bag on his back to one shoulder.
His eyes looked back and forth between the men slowly, trying to understand what exactly was happening. He addressed Dr. Victor first.
(Seth got the sense talking about 'ghosts' might be a bad idea, so he decided to couch it in vaguely scientific terms.)
(A few of the doctors and scientists looked a little ill at this description of violence. Dr. Melange, who showed no such reservation spoke next.)
She closed her eyes in reflection for a while, with a slight smile, and looked back at Seth.
(Some gasps and "Ohs!" from the crowd.)
Dr. Melange looked at Seth, smiling, looking a bit like Garfield due to her curvaceous proportions as well as the shape of her eyes and mouth.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
"Surely, Dr. Green, you understand the gravity of the situation better than anyone else; all bacon aside. Maybe we can get back out there and come up with a name for that charity run?"
" Dr. Feingold, you've been quiet. I know we don't exactly have similar interests, and I promise you I did not put you down as consult for the dead patient."
"Fellows, thank you for the opportunity to help our people."
With a heavy sigh, the doctor spoke once more.
"I do not want to cause tension, especially now that Mr. Clemans has given away out location. I would be delighted to have your assistance, Dr. Melange. I, too, have a desire to become more proactive in ending the pandemic. There are several who would appreciate your knowledge added to mine. Thank you very much.
"I understand the constraint this puts the rest of you on. Especially now, I wish there was a way I could devote my time between the two buildings, but I do not think at present it is possible. Maybe, in time, our efforts could be combined. In the meantime, I would like to propose weekly, or sooner, meetings to convey our findings in a joint venture. If we have the capability of communication, which we all took for granted not three days ago, we could keep in contact as the need arises."
Dr. Victor crossed his arms, placing his hands underneath his armpits. Shaking his head, he glanced at Dr. Franco with a small look of disinterest.
"Is this suitable for you, Dr. Franco?"
>>GM
Seth-
"Well, we got here this time, didn't we? I think we can handle that."
Dr. Franco-
*siiiiigh* "Well, you can't say it wasn't interesting. Dr. Green? Mr. Semple?"
Dr. Green-
"Let's get you gentlemen your supplies."
Dr. Melange-
"I'll go grab my purse and join you."
Seth-
"Sure, we'll wait outside."
Seth, Doc V, Doc Green, and Lee went out to where Alex and the others were waiting.
Officer One-
"Lee, what the- Oh, Dr. Green. What do you need?"
Dr. Green-
"I'm going to take these gentlemen to get some supplies. For the moment, we're waiting for one more person."
Officer One-
"If you say so."
Davin-
"Good work, guys."
Seth-
"Oh, we got another surprise for you..."
Davin-
"Huh?"
Dr. Melange-
"Hello boys. I'm ready for the road."
Dr. Melange was five foot eight, but slightly taller than Dr. Vic in her spike heels, and was bigger around than anyone present. She was dressed just a bit provocatively, enough to be off-putting to some and enticing to others. The low-cut shirt and high-waisted skirt were closely fitted and just professional enough to not cause a scene.
Seth-
"Everyone, this is Dr. Melange. She'll be helping Dr. Victor and lending us her scientific expertise. (He glanced at her) Oh that's a pretty necklace, Dr. Melange."
Bebe-
"Aww! Thank you Mr. Clemans, and thank you Dr. Green, I think we're ready."
Dr. Melange eagerly corralled the men into the stairwell following Dr. Green, leaving the security guards to fume on their own.
Bebe-
"I just wanted to say, that I am so glad to be joining a group where I can say 'ZOMBIE' and 'REANIMATED CORPSE.' Ugh. These people can't just call a spade a spade and it's all "the afflicted with signs of blah blah blah." We all know what they are, why pretend?"
Davin-
"Wow, so, uh, you're coming with us, Dr...?"
Bebe-
"...Melange, as the man said. Yes I am."
Davin-
"Interesting choice of footwear."
Bebe-
"You go to war with the shoes you have, not the shoes you might want..."
Thierry (quietly to Seth)-
"What's going on, Seth?"
Seth-
"Dr. Melange wanted to come with us and I thought y'know, we could use a lady doctor..."
Thierry-
"Oh yes... Women's health. Very important. Is that what she does?"
Dr. Green-
"She's a neurologist."
Thierry-
"Oh."
Seth (fell back a bit to talk to Dr. Melange)-
"Dr. Melange, what sort of services do you think you would be able to provide?"
Dr. Melange-
"Oh, any old thing. I have the same basic training as a general practicioner, just not much experience as such. One thing I want to grab on the next floor is a few reference books. The internet will be sorely missed. But most of what I need for the job is under these blond tresses."
Seth-
"..."
Davin-
"What kind of doctor are you?"
Dr. Melange-
"A neurologist, like Robin Williams in 'Awakenings'?"
Davin-
"Oh, good movie."
Dr. Melange-
"I know! We're so glamorous."
Seth-
"Oh, we were talking about maybe getting a counselor for the building! Would that be something a neurologist could do?"
Dr. Melange-
"Not exactly, but I can help you find out if aberrant behavior is related to subtle brain damage, or a textbook degenerative condition... But I'm a good listener!"
The party reached the second floor, and Dr. Green led them to a formerly refrigerated supply room. It was intensely dark, but he had a very bright flashlight.
Dr.Green-
"OK, Charles, let's look at the supplies... Might be a bit slow-going without the light, but you're familiar with our system, right? We'll make one more stop on the first for the gloves and other odd items."
Most people hung back in the hall, for the cold comfort of dim, filtered sunlight. Near the back of the crowd still, Seth and Dr. M. talked more.
Seth-
"So Dr. Melange, do you think-"
Dr. Melange-
"You can call me Bebe."
Seth-
"Oh really? Dr. Victor wants everyone to call him 'doctor'. I thought that would be something like calling someone 'mister'."
Bebe-
"Haha. I don't know him, but I guess I will soon... Some doctors are really sticklers for formality, but I prefer to be more personable."
Seth-
"Oh yeah, that's great. So, Bebe, you said you wanted to perform experiments. Do you think you could find out how to stop people from becoming zombies?"
Bebe-
"I don't want to make any promises, but yes, there are still possible experiments that don't require autoclaves and perfectly sterile conditions. It's time to think like the people who invented Science. I'm excited to begin."
Seth-
"I'm really glad to hear that. We're trying to set up a clinic in our building. maybe we could reserve part of it to be a lab, too. If there's anything I can do to help you, I can also make any special accomodations you might need..."
Bebe-
"Oh, no no, I don't need anything special. Just give me time and space when I need it. And I may be able to recruit an assistant of my own from your people. Medical expertise is less important than good work ethics and communication skills."
Seth-
"Oh sure, I bet you can find that. Well I'm excited for you to join us."
She smiled at him, like Garfield in an uncharacteristically good mood.
>>ALEX
Seth and Dr. Victor returned with a disheartening lack of candy or teddy bears. Maybe research centers weren't like other medicine places and did not keep a stock of child-pleasers. However, the pair did bring back a woman. She was plump and had a well-educated air; actually, she kinda resembled Alex's high school biology teacher, the one who was reprimanded for calling the Pope an idiot and had a reputation for wearing low-cut blouses over her voluminous chest. He'd gotten quite the eyeful once or twice during class.
As they entered the stairwell and moved to another part of the building, Alex amused himself by imagining his old high school overrun by zombies (one by one, the dead frogs in the bio lab rose to ...) and immediately felt guilty. What a cruel fantasy. He didn't get along with all his teachers, but they weren't evil. It occurred to Alex that, more likely than not, many people he once knew were dead. In fact, he was so social, it had to be a statistical certainty, right? His childhood friends, the cheerleaders who'd tease him, the congregation in his church, the nursing home residents who called him "Son", the folks down on the reservation ... how many survived the first brutal night? How many would survive this one?
Why couldn't everybody just be good to each other?
Alex idly worried that Ms. Bebe's high heels would trip her during the run home ... and since when did 403 become home? He shook his head.
He then noticed that the new doctor and Seth were having a discussion, and waited politely until they'd paused to casually join the pair. "I'm Alex, Doctor Bebe," he offered. "You're a neurologist? Do you think, uhm, do you think any of these undeads still have thoughts? Like pieces of their old selves? And I couldn't help but overhear that you are looking for an assistant. Ione is really good at communicating. Maybe you can talk to her."
She winked, looking rather like an overweight Alicia Silverstone.
Alex grinned and returned the wink. He didn't know what they were winking about, but he liked it.
>>GM
The doctors emerged from the dark cool room, rejoining the crowd.
The group proceeded.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
During the second stairwell descent, the good doctor made sure he checked his shoes, allowing everyone but Dr. Green to pass.
"Mike, give it to me straight. What do you think of Dr. Melange?"
He continued his descent slower, the thought of other people and their family now coming to the forefront.
"You know, Mike, I never thought about other people's families until I was surrounded by sound minds. Do you think I will ever get through this? I mean, do you think I will be able to keep some of these people from screwing up?"
"What the hell do you do in this place? Surely you're not still running on some secret grant money- that was years ago. How goes the research? And what the hell is Franco doing leading you all around? I thought Fickle Fine-Ghoul would have cried foul."
Dr. Victor saved a few words for Seth as well.
"We should be very well stocked. I just have to get more gloves, syringes and everything else non-pharm. You going to get us through this all right? I just wanted to say if I stepped on your toes by my little display, I meant well. Sometimes, people with bigger heads than even I have don't like to be told what the news is from some pretty slugger, if you know what I mean. Intellectual equals stand together as, uh, thick as thieves, so to speak. No harm, no foul."
>>ALEX
Alex, who'd been standing near Seth, laughed at the doctor's comment. "Oh, aha! You think of the best nicknames, Doctor Victor. I like Slugger better than Snake. You're not like a snake at all, Seth. They're too cold-blooded, you know, and they bite. If I had to choose an animal for you, uh, maybe a collie dog or something cool and friendly."
Alex blinked. "Hey, Doc, if you found Epinephrine around here, hand it over."
>>GM
The crew reached the first floor, just well lit enough by the sun through the lobby doors that it was a relief from stifling darkness upstairs. Still dimmer than all of the new buildings.
Dr. Green and Dr. Victor went into what looked like a broom closet to get more supplies, leaving the others to chat among themselves.
Thierry-
"In this crisis some people have responded with mortal terror and paranoia, which is dangerous but understandable. Others seem to be taking a more casual attitude that I find nearly as troubling. What do you think?"
Dr. Bebe-
"What ever are you implying, sir?"
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
"Tell me we have a portable defibrillator in here. Sheesh, I don't want to sit around attempting CPR, especially with that new fangled no rest bull. How the hell do they expect us to just keep having orderlies do that? They get so whiny you can't even get them to roll a patient onto their side doing an LP. I swear cardiologists think they are gods."
"Is it just me or does Dr. Melange look eleven? I mean, the extra pounds makes it hard to tell her age and you know how women get when you have to guess her age. You said inexperienced, so, considering she's a-" The good doctor broke protocol and actually formed the air quotes "'-brain doctor' I guess she can't be a day over 30. I know we are used to dealing with green all the time, but..."
"I'm not having second thoughts, Mike. You of all people know I truly have a lack of worry in terms of the roads I choose to travel. I just wonder when she finally breaks down. I have all ready broke down, so I should be good. Franco is going to sob, though. I almost wish I could be there to see it."
Dr. Victor let out a little sigh, frowning in the dark supply closet. His hands were slowed as he stuffed additional tubing next to the needles, gauze, and boxes of gloves.
"Mike, I will, for your sake, try to make it back here. I want you to know that. But I want you to promise me; I know you aren't exactly the fastest runner; but, if the proverbial shit hits the fan you'll run to the 403 building. I don't want to think about anything else ruining this world more than it has. Did I tell you I finally paid my debt off in full last month? I was debt free for about three weeks and as of two days ago, money is about as useful as a proctologist in an ENT clinic."
The doctor filled the bag with as many auxiliary supplies as possible. He was thankful for the darkness so his face was mostly masked. He hadn't exactly been crying, but he felt the additional saline mixing with the sweat.
"At least we can tell some cancer patients how long before their world is over. Why couldn't we get the same notice?"
Dr. Victor let out a heavy sigh, trying to make himself feel better. He thought of the spinal cord injury kid, the soap-suds enema death, and Dr. Gregson's horrible response time- Gregson! Why on earth would I even THINK about that mildly decent physician? He grumbled and tried to zip the bag up securely, only being met with slippery fingers. Spending more time than he anticipated, the doctor let loose a grunt as the final teeth clipped shut.
"Okay, I'm done being a desperate supply thief raiding all the mag-citrate in order to be a pretty, thin nurse. Let's get the rest of those guys out. Oh, have the tasers been useful on the infected? That would be interesting."
>>ALEX
Of course, Alex assumed that Thierry was referring to the meet and greet/birthday party when he said "casual attitude." His brow furrowed. Was he really being too casual about the whole thing? "That party's important, Mr. Thierry," he said. "We can't stop appreciating the good parts of life, like ... like Nat. He was born today, and that's worth celebrating. And I've killed a lot of undead, yeah, but Dr. Bebe's right. They're not people anymore. They don't got souls, and the souls are the important part." Alex lowered his voice. "Still ... if you see my friend, please don't kill him." With a smooth, well-practiced move, he took out his wallet and opened it to Emil's picture. He had better pictures on his cell phone. Why'd he throw that away, again? Idiot ghost.
>>ALEX
Alex nodded at Davin's suggestion. He didn't want to think about death anymore. Of course, Dr. Bebe (and Jackson, earlier) were right - reanimated bodies weren't human. They were devil puppets. Still ... "Uh, hey. If you guys find any presents for Nat," he said, "just pile them outside our apartment."
Alex will be content to chat about inconsequential things until the doctor finishes his scavenger mission and they're ready to leave.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
Dr. Victor nodded, picking out several pens and tossing them into his pocket.
"You know, Mike, I had Epi pens all along. I just didn't want to announce it to everyone earlier... I think some of the druggies would feel it would be okay to OD so I'd have to waste one. Desperate times. It's not adrenaline, but they wouldn't know what isn't true from the movies."
The doctor did one last check, shoving the bag over his shoulder with a mild grunt.
"I'm good. Let's get out of this closet, shall we?"
Dr. Victor offered up a small grin. It wasn't very reassuring, nor did it hold any confidence in his own abilities.
"Rationing isn't my department anymore. But, I did loosen up the script policy. At least, I am going to once everything gets back to normal."
Dr. Victor left the closet with a sheepish grin. He soaked in the atmosphere or a real clinic, even a stupid drug-trial building with the decor of a '70s hospital. Somehow, he knew this would be a nicer place to end up. In his element, he felt more appreciated and desired; at 403 everyone felt he was just some crazed nut-case. Maybe, in time, once everyone else breaks down emotionally, mentally, spiritually... maybe everyone will see how well he handled it by comparison to their own neurosis.
"Seth, I'm all set."
>>GM
As the doctor met with the rest of the group, Bebe shook Dr. Green's hand. After everyone said their goodbyes, they gathered in front of the back door.
(Respond here, and then go to the "way back" thread!)
>>GM
Seth opened the back door, thankfully clear due to the blocking shrubs. They took the trip down the stairs slowly since they were as yet invisible.
When they got out on to 9th, it was not the case. Seth and Thierry broke right, and tried to draw the zombies towards them, rather than the slower group. Davin cracked a Northface-Fleece wearing zombie in the face, and it spun around comically.
Her high heels sounded like horse hooves - KLOK KLOK. (Anyone with a good memory would recall any high-heels sounded this way, not just ones on Amazonian beauties.) She walked quickly, but could not manage a jog in the five inch spikes.
The slower group had to slow themselves considerably to stay near her. Zombies wouldn't have been able to keep pace, but some were coming from angles that let them get close. Too close!
Davin clonked the zombie on the head with the blunt end of the fire-ax until it fell. He rolled the body over with his foot as they passed.
Seth and Thierry fell back, meeting them at the end of 9th. A few corpses lined the sidewalks like sandbags.
Thierry and Seth had to run around madly now, this way and that, trying to get zombies before they got too close. People got to see Thierry's soccer skills on display, side tackles and the like. Seth had gotten on the wrong side of a juicy zombie and had blood dripping off his chin and running down the side of his head by the time they neared the building.
(PLAYERS-- describe your characters zombie-fu here, and any conversation you might like to have and we'll edit it in.)
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
"Mike, save me some of those delicious pudding cups, all right?"
The doctor gave a wave and headed outside, trying not to look back at the clinic. Of course, watching Dr. Melange jiggle wasn't pleasing either. (GM Note- Maybe for Dr. Vic, anyway. Hey-O!)
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
"Davin, stop insulting the doctor!"
Dr. Victor kept close to the larger physician, though not because he was slow himself weighted down with the precious cargo. Even though her youth was showing, and her doctorate was hanging on some wall somewhere, he decided against attempting to gently rap the unliving in the head. The flashlight cudgel wasn't exactly a soft-blow styled weapon. Besides, with everyone else, he hardly had to do more than utter a 'Oh my word' and someone else had taken the initiative.
"Come on, boys, don't fail us now. We're almost there!"
His attempts at encouragement was more in line with a drill sergeant than a cheerleader. Huffing and puffing occurred faster than the last time. He did manage to shove one hipster-esque man away, the sight of his beard covered in bodily fluids making the doctor mutter, "Clean thy face."
"You're- doing fine- Dr. Melange- Keep up- the pace, now- so we- don't have- time- shit..."
The doctor realized he couldn't formulate a decent quip and just began helping Dr. Melange across more treacherous terrain, and other debris in the road. He could feel his grip slipping on the bag. His hands ached, his mild arthritis suddenly flaring up; it always was at the most inopportune time with which he was reminded of his true age. He kept himself on his feet, however, fearing the view of Dr. Melange standing over him in such an inappropriate skirt.
The doctor wheezily laughed the remaining way back to the building.
>>ALEX
Alex never understood how women kept their balance in prodigiously high heels. Dr. Bebe was making better time than he'd predicted, though she still slowed them down. He found his gaze drawn to her legs, which really were something else. Yeesh, how tall was she? Alex looked away quickly, hopefully before she noticed his rude attention.
During the trip back, he moved between Dr. Melange and Dr. Victor as they traveled (an easy feat, since they stuck together like doctory birds of a feather), taking swings at any zombies that ventured too close. The act became somewhat routine, and this bothered him. He'd never played violent video games (unless Wii boxing could be considered "violent"). Why, then, didn't Alex cringe at the sight of his metal pipe connecting with heads? Best not to worry about it ...
Jeez, did Davin recognize somebody? Aw, he sure did. Alex considered murmuring rushed last rites over the young man's corpse, but last rites were for the living, and he wasn't qualified to do a priest's job, anyway. He realized that Doctor Victor was being encouraging, a pleasant surprise. As the man's breathing became labored, however, Alex frowned with concern. "Yeah, yeah, we're almost there, all right," he encouraged.
>>GM
They came in via the "tunnel of cars" Seth had devised. Anyone fit to climb over hoods and roofs did so (most zombies lacked the dexterity to follow), and others got into a car, closed the door behind them, left it locking the door behind them, did the same to the next car in sequence, and so on. The zombies could open doors, but couldn't figure out how to unlock them.
They entered the alley before Abdul's crew was finished working and before Micah's team returned with the booze and food, heading to their rooms or the comm center before the scene described in post 191 of the 6th floor thread.
Use the remainder of this thread to describe what your characters do in the time leading up to that part of the evening.
>>GM
After a short breather in the garage, people began to disperse to wherever they wished. Davin hadn't been enjoying the company and was quick to jet upstairs.
Seth kept a pace with Dr. Bebe as they went upstairs.
They finished walking upstairs and Seth took her to Marie's room. He dropped her off there, and went to Stevie's room to clean up.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
The doctor turned red from embarrassment, and also from being winded. That one mustachioued man shouting such an inappropriate and out of date phrase also made him feel even more sheepish; would Dr. Melange take the current company so close to heart as a pure representation of himself?
The cars were easy enough for him to climb over, though it took a couple tries to get onto the first vehicle. It was like an obstacle course built by the American Gladiators with far dire consequences of failure. Still, he was pleased not to have the roof become dented with his pressure as much as how Dr. Melange made the cars jostle with hers.
"Right. I'm..."
The doctor leaped from the last car with a heavy thud. He murmured an inappropriate word or two, dusting himself off as though he simply slipped.
"As I said, I'm going to head to my room. There- there is going to be a little bit of an inventory I suppose, but for the time being, I'll just lock them up somewhere safe. Alex, take this for your use, since you won't stop crooning over it. In any event, Dr. Melange, welcome... and... oh boy."
The good doctor leaned a little heavily on the car. He bent half-way down, his breath finally being as labored as he feared it would be. The sweat held his hair close like a cap. He felt a ton of bricks slammed into his chest, the air not being sweet enough. He held his breath and straightened, fighting the urge to pass out. His eyes felt warm, and were probably reddened. Why in front of everybody? Why can't it just be once I made it upstairs?
"I'm fine. Just... need to breathe for a moment. Excuse me. Alex, I will need... to talk to you later, please..."
After a few more moments, pushing away any physical contact or additional concern, the doctor moved to the building's stairwell. The red face was worn as a mask of shame; hadn't he been a runner years ago?
>>ALEX
"Any time, Doctor," Alex said, after Dr. V asked to speak to him. "Catch me during the party, maybe. Uhm, I'll probably hang out with everyone near the beginning, and then move to a secret place for Nat's celebration, so find me early. Hey, and thanks for this ..." He held up the EpiPen. Alex hoped Dr. Victor didn't feel bad about missing Nat's super secret party. Alex would have invited him, but the doctor obviously scared Nat and angered Sarah. Frankly, Alex was pretty spooked by Mr. Lector, too.
Alex will spend the day preparing for Nat's party. He will scour the apartment complex and their supply stockpile (with permission), looking for presents that a shy barista might like. He figures anything artsy or refined will do the trick like, uh, those French posters that cafes hang on their walls or books about photographers ... that kind of stuff ... why are guys so hard to shop for? He will also search for old newspaper and fold some three-cornered hats, because every party needs silly hats. His attempts to put hats on the dogs inevitably fail.
goo.gl/maps/7wByp
This campus takes up one smallish city blocks and is comprised of four buildings - one for each corner. Three buildings are new stainless steel and green glass super-flat-sided leviathans in the new mold, but one is a drab four story concrete thing, in some forgotten brutalist architectural mode from the mid-to-late twentieth century. Venetian blinds are turned down in every brown-tinted window.
Our path:
goo.gl/maps/RFctM
>>GM
Seth and Thierry took a radio and ran ahead, essentially sprinting to the UWMRC campus. They disappeared ahead of Dr. Vic's group (with Davin and Alex).
Dr. Vic (having previously received a rather dainty looking handgun from Patti, via Peg) went with Davin (who had the other radio) and Alex as they braved the streets, crushing the brains of anything stupid enough to get close. They set the pace as a jog...
Davin-
"Alright, let's make this part quick!" He ran a few yards out of the way to bash a zombie. They were thin and confused.
>>GM
Thierry-
"Four buildings. Um, I take west you take east, meet on the plaza?"
Seth-
"Let's do it!"
The men charged past zombies without trying to swing on a one. Thierry disappeared up Ninth and around the corner. Seth checked the main plaza side of the first building, ignoring the zombies that began to stagger toward him with interest.
Inside, he saw a great deal of blood stains and odd filth in the lobby, but no bodies and nobody. He went to the service side of the building, and had to hop a fence to round to the front.
With no entrances unlocked, he went on to the oldest building in the campus, on the northeast corner. The front was next to Mercer, which had hundreds of zombies close by.
Fortunately, the cars and a few trees slowed their reaction to him, and then... He was out of sight.
Behind the building, there was just one door left to check.
It held for a moment, then opened! A startled guy was inside, with scruffy hipster locks and blue hospital scrubs.
Scruffy Man-
"What? Who?! Don't!"
Seth-
"You worked here? There's still other people around?"
Man-
"Look, don't use this entrance! I was just gonna cop a smoke, man. You're supposed to knock on the lobby."
Seth- (paused to catch his breath)
"Right, uh, which door is that one?"
A zombie drew near, a delivery guy for a water company, with one less arm.
Man-
"Yipes!" He tried to close the door
Seth-
"Hey go ahead and smoke man, I won't tell anyone!"
Seth pulled the door open easily, keeping the short guy from closing it.
Man-
"Man! Just go! I'll walk back to the lobby and let you in there, like they said!"
Seth- (Slipped inside, letting the door close in the zombie's face.)
"On 9th between the buildings, just past garage and up stairs." The guy was flailing like a fish and whining. "Calm down!"
Man-
"I'm sooo busted, man!"
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
The doctor kept pace with Davin remarkably well. The stumbling and sliding he knew was from not wearing appropriate footwear. He wished Alex would have stopped giving the doctor the look of the boyscout attempting to aid the old lady across the street. Find your stride, Dr. Victor. Just because you don't have Queen's "Bicycle Race" blaring in your ears does not mean you can slack! In, out, man!
"I could- have- totally- caught- up- with those- guys- if I- wanted to..." the doctor burst through his pavement pounding speed.
"Why- do all- these things- look- like- anorexic- teenage- boys- lately? Is it- just- me? That one is- totally- gooping- on you, Alex."
The good doctor snickered as a pasty lady wearing an over-sized moomoo drooled out of the slack-half torn side of her face. It's lurching was something like he expected the woman walked before changing, though she might have been using a walker or cane. Mental note, see what happens when a paraplegic victim succumbs to infection and death. Do they regain motor skills? Dr. Victor returned his attention to following Davin down the only passable, albeit meandering, trail down the roads.
>>ALEX
Between jogging and swinging at zombies, Alex kept a sharp eye on the doctor. He didn't know how well Dr. Victor could fight and jog. That guy had to be at least forty years old. Maybe even fifty! (Yeah, sorry Doctor, Alex thinks you're a Granny).
An undead woman startled him. "Hyah!" Alex swung at her face, and his metal pipe knocked out her teeth and sent her tumbling back. She looked familiar -had he seen her before? Was she a student? Did she work at his favorite McDonalds? Maybe Alex was just paranoid. He froze and stared at her bleeding face for a second too long; another undead lunged, and he barely knocked the man back in time.
He had to pay attention. Alex jogged closer to Davin and the doctor. Then, Dr. Victor spoke, and boy oh boy did he sound winded. "Gooping? What's gooping?" Alex asked. Did he have zombie guts on his shirt? "Uh, don't answer if it's too much trouble! Save your energy." His voice sounded a little more patronizing than he'd intended.
>>GM
If they so desired, the three could have just jogged past most of the zombies. Sometimes it was better to put them down quickly because it reduced the number following them, and they seemed drawn by larger groups. A person thinking clearly could see through the shitty AI the condition had left them, and manipulate their crowd dynamics easily. It was only in thicker crowds like the one on Denny that were especially dangerous, if you could move right.
Davin ran with a stiff arm and a knee into a mechanic-shirted zombie, dropping it and leaving the others to decide whether to kill it or just run past.
Davin-
"What are you jokers yakking about?"
A voice came over his radio.
Seth, presumably -
"On 9th between the buildings, just past garage and up stairs. Calm down!"
Davin-
"Uh, Copy?"
The three easily jogged the rest of the way up 9th, up the plaza. Davin hit the steps fast and ran to a door that was partially obscured by shrubs. He wheeled around and waved the others over.
A delivery man zombie with one less arm fell out from behind a shrub, lunging at Davin. Thierry came out of nowhere, hopping a railing from the plaza above and whacking the thing. It fell against Davin's back, messing up his clothes and giving him the willies.
Davin-
"Come ON, man! There's no such thing as dry cleaners, or even laundry machines now! Son of a bitch."
GM NOTE: go ahead and get your guys over the last bit, and in the door if you want as well. You will end up in a back stairwell with Seth and a whiny little blondish dude.
>>ALEX
Alex skirted around the fallen man and wiped sweat from his brow. "Doctor's just using … those weird words again ... Mr. Davin," he huffed. "Looks like ... they're starving. May ... maybe this thing will end ... sooner than we ... expected. Doc, if you ... need it ... I could probably ... carry you." This last line was delivered with dubious sincerity. He also regretted it immediately. If he wanted to chill out in Micah's place, Dr. Victor would have to be somewhat party to the visits.
"Kidding!" Alex quickly amended. "Bet you could ... carry me!" Okay, tone it down a little.
He whooped enthusiastically when Thierry wiped out the one-armed zombie, and then he darted through the door: there stood Seth and a spazzy stranger. “Hey,” Alex greeted. "Made it."
>>GM
Whiny guy-
"God! You're the damned barbarian hordes! How many?! Do you have guns?"
Seth-
"Hey we're not gonna wreck up the joint, sheesh."
The rest entered, and Seth greeted them.
Whiny guy-
"Seriously? How many? Did you get that zombie out there?! Are you gonna let him in?!"
Thierry-
"Sir, calm down--"
Whiny guy-
"People keep telling me to do that! But this is against procedures! It's highly irregular!"
Seth-
"Seriously, we were just in the neighborhood and someone where we are, worked here too. We brought bacon. You like bacon?"
Whiny guy-
"Just! Stay back! How do I know that's bacon? Maybe it's poison! This would be so much easier if you just went through protocols!"
Seth-
"We didn't know the protocol.. and no one answered the lobby door anyway."
Whiny guy-
"I woulda been back in a few minutes! I was just getting a smoke."
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
The doctor kept his yap shut after being chastised by Davin, though the furrowed brow, pursed lips and mild sneer certainly spoke loudly enough. His nostrils flared as they gasped for air. It wasn't exactly easy to run in these shoes under these conditions; how had they not figured that out yet? The grunting of annoyance was masked with the grunting to keep pace.
The sights of the multitudes of necrotic reject society had him a little lost in thought. Being pulled, prodded and poked didn't help either. I wasn't exactly STANDING still gawking... sheesh. He forgave whoever touched him, it was most likely Alex trying to push forward, until he saw Alex ahead of him slightly. The doctor kept pace then, unwilling to turn around to see whom his marathon greeter was. He certainly didn't want to drink any of that water.
Alex's words seemed less helpful and more chilling by the moment. But, his silence prevailed, conserving his words for someone more deserving and not because he was running out of breath on such a short run.
The only saving grace with being a little behind was watching someone else become splattered with blood, gore, and infection.
"It's about time someone got that besides me AND not get paid for it."
The doctor panted before and after his sentence so Alex could keep up with the commonality of phrasing. Line after line of questions were rattled off by both the whiny guy and the leader. Taking a rest leaning against the wall, the doctor pulled out his UWMC business card, handing it to the man.
"Look, if you hadn't noticed, protocol has been slightly suspended... and I think you're smart enough to realize that now, hmm? If you have anything else to add, do it quickly. You are not the one we want to see anyways. And... smoking will most certainly get you killed these days."
>>GM
The man did a double take looking at the ID.
Man-
"Oh, doctor, I apologize! But yes, the acting administration has requested that we only admit people by the main entrance... I should insist, but... OK, we'll go up through the main lobby."
Davin-
"This looks like a stairwell to me, guy."
Man-
"Let's just go to the lobby and do the protocol from the top like I was supposed to, if you don't mind..."
Seth-
"As long as it doesn't involve going outside again, lead the way..."
GM NOTE: Go to UWMRC THREAD.
>>GM
A scruffy, short blond man in drab blue hospital scrubs led a party of survivors through a few winding halls, from the back stair door into the main lobby. A powerful antiseptic smell almost completely masked the scent of early stage human decay. They looked toward a corner and saw rigid bodies stacked like cordwood under some tarps. The man noticed what they were looking at.
Man-
"We are totally going to do something about that."
Seth-
"Ain't my house, but might be a good idea anyway."
Davin looked ill and held his hand over his face as if he had a migraine, while the man led them into another stairwell.
Dr. Victor hardly gave pause at the bodies under the tarp. His only concern was the lack of tags on their toes. And this guy keeps rambling on about protocols? What's next? A mountain made out of mashed potatoes? He extended a hand to Davin, placing it on the other man's shoulder as an afterthought.
The man led them up the stairs, mercifully a bit less of a climb than the six floor apartments they'd come from. The doctor mentally noted that the place was not swamped with riots of undead and madness like he'd guessed it would be... Perhaps traffic in the neighborhood, or the fact it was clearly labelled a research center, rather than a hospital. Indeed, this branch only had basic emergency facilities, and not in this building, mostly taking patients who were in clinical trials for various medicines. Most of the staff didn't even have medical degrees, being biochemists of various stripes. Nonetheless, he was confident they'd have ample supplies of the medicines he required.
They emerged into a very dark hallway and immediately had dimming flashlights and tasers pointed at them by security guards.
Guard One-
"What the fuck, Lee? Bring an army up here? Everyone lower your weapons!"
The group looked at each other in confusion. Their weapons were all pretty low. The doctor had the little gun in an outer pocket of his bag.
>>GM
Seth- put the head of his golf club on the ground.
"Hey, we're not hostile! We got one of your employees back at our place, got a doctor here. Just wanted to talk, maybe trade."
Guard Two-
"Not hostile?!" His face puffed with fear. "Then why'd you bring weapons?!"
Seth-
"..."
>>ALEX
Why'd they bring weapons? Alex decided to speak up before Dr. Victor verbally throttled the poor guard for his silly question. "Because the Lord's Prayer doesn't really stop the violent undead," he offered. "And we had to jog a short ways to get here." He put his pipe down and raised his hands peacefully. "Have you seen a good looking guy named Emiliano recently?"
Guard Two- He looked embarrassed for asking about the weapons.
"Uh, missing persons? Shame we don't have cops anymore. Or fuckin' anything."
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
As the officer spoke, the doctor sneered. Such callous attitude in this place should be reserved for the ones who bothered to learn something. And then Alex broke into him, and the doctor wondered if this was going to be less convoluted than whatever was raising the dead.
"Look. You can't be too careful these days. I doubt we have anyone who would disagree with that fact. I am Dr. Victor. We were sent by Marie, one of the receptionists, to check the status of people and also see what supplies we can bring back to help with the wounded. I hope you understand we would not have violated protocol just based on the whims of some fancy. If you would be so kind as to direct me and my escort to the resident physician or whomever else is coordinating efforts here? We are on a tight schedule."
Lee-
"Oh my god, Marie! I'm so glad she's alive. Sorry about the hassles, but the acting administration is serious."
Guard One-
"Don't apologize Lee! We gotta present strength!"
>>GM
Seth-
"Can we go in and talk to somebody?"
Officer One-
"Leave everything out here - no weapons. We'll let them know and then they'll let you in when they're ready. Lee?"
Lee left the room, poofy blond curls bouncing.
Davin-
"How's the job, fellows? Is the pay good?"
Officer Two-
"We have doctors and all their doctor shit. Feels pretty good with all the shit goin' on now."
Officer One-
"Shut up man, we don't have to explain anything to anyone."
Thierry-
"Seriously, gentlemen, this is nearly offensive. We aren't criminals."
Officer One-
"Everyone is a criminal. I'm a criminal. Shut up."
Seth-
"So you guys security before, or what? You got tasers, I see. That's cool."
Officer One-
"No small talk! We'll never have sports again and the weather sucks."
People waited in awkward silence for a few minutes, all throat clearings and muffled seagull cries from the roof. Then Lee returned.
Lee-
"The administration will only see two of you! Go in, I'll follow."
Seth- turned to the group
"Dr Victor and me?" The answer was obvious and the two went in, leaving the others standing with the security guards.
Davin-
"So how about those Mariners?"
Officer One-
"I said there ain't no damn sports!"
Davin-
"I meant, do you think they're alive? I bet Ichiro could dodge zombies all day long..."
Inside Doc Vic and Seth met a group of doctors and scientists, a few of which the doctor recognized, and had a reasonable working relationship with - doctors Green, Franco, and Feingold.
Lee came in and closed the door behind them.
Lee-
"That's the administration!"
Dr. Franco-
"Thank you, Mr. Semple. Doctor... Victor? An unexpected pleasure. Welcome to our office. And who are you?"
Seth-
"Hi, I'm Seth Clemans, the leader at the 403 building, where Marie Oshiro is now. She was telling us about this building."
Franco-
"And you had Dr. Victor as well. What brings you here, and why the group of heavies in the vestibule?"
Seth-
"We were interested in seeing if anyone was still here, maybe do a little trade or share information? Those guys are just what we needed to get here."
Franco-
"It's still bad out there? We'd hoped the military would have made some progress by now."
Seth- (nodded solemnly)
"We had some hope that their numbers will thin out over time, but not sure if anyone's going to come around to help."
Franco-
"By their numbers you mean the... afflicted?" Seth nodded. "Of course. Well, I'll introduce our people. This is Dr. O'Connor, neuropharmacology, Dr. Green, a lumbar nerve authority, Doctors Wallace and Feingold, endocrinology, Dr. Melange, neurology, Ms. Caldera, molecular biologist specializing in oncology, and Ms. Parson, virologist. I am Dr. Franco, head doctor on second shift, acting administrator. Dr. Victor, how did you come to be with Mr. Clemans and what would you like to accomplish here today?"
Dr. Victor stepped up, slowly acknowledging his place to speak.
Dr. Victor-
"Thank you very much, Dr. Franco. I am pleased to see you all well in this time of crisis. I, myself, had just made my way coming from the hospital and found myself stranded in the mall. After a harrowing few nights with many bright and resourceful people, we made it to a building not far from here. The decision was made to attempt to requisition supplies for any possible wounded. At that end, we would need, at minimum, levaquin, vancomycin, syringes, saline, tubing, and some gloves. Lots of gloves. I'd possibly be grateful for a few pairs of scrubs, too. It'd make the next few nights feel more productive."
Franco-
"That sounds like a sensible shopping list for the purposes you describe... I'm sorry for your ordeal, ... Charles was it? Yes. (He turned back to Seth.) I'd be more leery of you and your requests, but Ms. Oshiro and Dr. Victor are good support for you. In fact, we'd be very generous if we could have Ms. Oshiro herself in trade, and especially if we could have Dr. Victor."
Seth-
"... Uh, trade people?"
Franco's own people looked a bit creeped out by the phrasing of his request.
>>ALEX
Alex knew he shouldn't feel disappointed that the guard hadn't seen Emiliano. Why would Emil be in a medical research facility? Still, he'd been hoping for a miracle.
They did happen. Alex was irrefutable proof of God's miracle-working powers. Irrefutable. According to science, he shouldn't exist. Twenty years ago, so-called doctory experts like Dr. Victor claimed that his father would never, well, be a father. But then his mother had a vision of the martyr Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, and lo and behold, nine months later ...
Why would God miracle Alex into existence and then doom him to suffer during the End Times? Maybe he had a greater purpose. Or maybe God was just cruel. Alex was really confused.
He frowned as Dr. Victor and Seth left them. Alex hoped that the doctor didn't forget about his EpiPen.
"I bet the Mariners are like super heroes now," Alex remarked to Davin. "They've probably saved hundreds of people, and maybe they'll find us ... Vargas can be my other roomate! Ho-ly Mary. Do you think that's possible? We could hang a sign out the building. Mariners welcome." They weren't his favorite team, but Alex wouldn't admit that in Seattle, no way.
Davin-
"Haha, that's great. I'm sure it's true."
Officer One-
"THERE...ARE...NO....SPORTS."
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
Dr. Victor was, for once in his life, truly taken aback at the words of a fellow physician; well, aside from the time he heard Dr. Halpert make that rude 'tail wagging the dog' comment to one of the nurses as the elderly woman convulsed to death. His mind went into overdrive, calculating, weighing, and arguing against and for such a disruption. He knew the room's silence meant the situation was not expected; true, Dr. Franco had known not to reveal his own thoughts. As such, the good doctor had probably only a few more seconds of thought before-
"Ladies and gentlemen of the administration. Allow me to thank you once again for your hospitality. I am once again blessed to be among equals in intellect and undoubtedly superiors in terms of your fields. While the field of emergency medicine has been recently glamorized over the years, I know you all appreciate its vital role in medicine. I truly see the potential among you all, as well, to aid and assist many people who are under your care. You may also have the ability to help the afflicted individuals and other people with similarly compromised immune systems. For that, I am humbled.
"I will state the obvious, I cannot speak on behalf of Ms. Oshiro; I can only attest to her current state. She is physically unable to make the journey, and I will advice her against it in the immediate future for purely medical reasons. I will relay your wellness and safety to her upon our return."
The doctor stepped forward and placed a hand on Seth's chest.
"There is no need to continue the rouse any longer, Seth. I think they know exactly what kind of person it takes to do the near impossible especially considering the circumstances. There is definitely no fooling these people; and I appreciate your concern. I am sure you have me for my ability to heal in these circumstances. For that, I am flattered. However, being the one physician who is making a difference, I cannot abandon my friends and underlings.
"I am expected back to our secure facility shortly, as I have mentioned to your officers. I will be able to assist you in the interim for any immediate issues you or your loved ones or patients may have. I know that when we work together with our collective resources, we have the ability to help each other. I also know that we have nothing, especially not time, on our side for the present.
"I will consider the offer as well, because I believe it to be a fair offer. I know you would share information more freely if I come into your fold; what your combined efforts have all ready uncovered is most enticing indeed. Unfortunately, my own retinue would not understand the abdication so suddenly. I would appreciate the opportunity to deliver to my patients some show of good will. I know we, as sophisticated men and women of the medical field, are above any petty show of power. I humbly await your decision."
The doctor stepped back to Seth's side, giving him only one quick side-glance before resting his hands by lacing them together at his waist. He tried to forget how sweaty he was running by praying the sweat which formed on his forehead was too insignificant to be visible to the assembled panel.
>>GM
Seth raised an eyebrow at the doctor and shrugged. He pulled the bag on his back to one shoulder.
Seth-
"...We have some bacon and candy by the way. I heard it's all organic fare here, so that might be nice, huh? Haha..."
Dr. Franco-
"Hmm, interesting."
His eyes looked back and forth between the men slowly, trying to understand what exactly was happening. He addressed Dr. Victor first.
Dr. Franco-
"Thanks for letting us know that you'll talk to Ms. Oshiro and consider our offer. We hope to see more of you in the near future. I believe we could probably spare most of those supplies, within our limits. I'll have Dr. Green help portion a reasonable amount to you, because we will obviously need some of these things ourselves.
Perhaps in the spirit of generosity which you've come here today, we will share what we know in exchange for what you know, freely. We will accept all of the generous offerings you mentioned.
Dr. Green-
"Bacon." (he smiled deeply)
Dr. Franco-
"--as a payment for the medicine. Now, Mr. Clemans-- we only know what we were able to glean from various media sources before the power went out. Does your building, anyone that you know of know more information about what's going on?"
Seth-
"A lot of what we know is just from firsthand experience, unfortunately we've not heard anything from a broader viewpoint. Collectively we've seen several different types of enemies, and have some idea of how to defeat or avoid most of them. Would you like to know about that?"
Dr. Franco-
"By 'enemies' you mean the afflicted persons with diminished vitality and increased aggression? By types do you mean there are variants on this pathogen? Please let me know if I'm using too much jargon for you."
(Seth got the sense talking about 'ghosts' might be a bad idea, so he decided to couch it in vaguely scientific terms.)
Seth-
"Uh, in a sense. There are some other unexplained phenomena. I haven't seen it all myself, but we heard about some kind of black gas that can enter buildings through windows or other holes. It kills on contact, but it can be smelled before it is seen-- something like fungus and acetone or alcohol. Doctor Victor saw that, maybe he can explain it better.
Also, we saw a woman become... maniacal, maybe a variant of the 'pathogen' as you said. She had much greater strength, and could speak still. Very destructive and difficult. We've heard other reports of the same thing happening, usually with the religious. Talking about demons and the like, maybe some kind of psychosis caused by the disease? If you see that, it seems best to restrain the victim, but unfortunately in our case the woman was successfully self destructive.
A man at our building was bitten by one of the afflicted, and he seems to be suffering from no worse effects than if he was bitten by a human, so I guess the disease doesn't spread that way."
Dr. Franco-
"Hm, we can't rule it out completely, but the broad dispersal has suggested something to our virologists that may be of interest to you. Would the experts here care to enlighten the Doctor and Mr. Clemans about what we know?"
Ms. Parson-
"I specialize in viruses and as yet, since the power went out, we were unable to locate any known pathogen in samples from the victims. For all we know, it could be chemical, or bacterial... but the vector is the most mysterious element. I believe the disease was disseminated broadly, perhaps airborne, and that all of us have an infection. What causes it to manifest is the death of the host body. Unfortunately, these deaths have been spread by the violence inflicted by the earliest victims.
Dr. Green-
"Just lemme say, I'm pleased to see you again Charles, and I hope we can talk again under more pleasant circumstances. What I know, is that the victims are somehow capable of locomotion through unconventional means. It's like the nervous system itself is no longer necessary for muscle action. We can't make any sense of it. But usually, severe trauma to the cervical reason of the spinal cord will incapacitate a victim."
Seth-
"We've found anything that penetrates the skull works."
(A few of the doctors and scientists looked a little ill at this description of violence. Dr. Melange, who showed no such reservation spoke next.)
Dr. Melange-
"Yes, I believe any change of pressure within the cranial fluid is sufficient to cause incapacitating damage to these reanimate corpses, but there is the greater mystery! The victims become reanimated corpses. Nothing like this has ever been seen before outside of the province of science-fiction. We no longer have the ability to use ninety percent the equipment in this building. If there is a pathogen at root, we'll likely never know, but I have some theories that could be tested by different means, and arrive at a better understanding of the phenomenon.
She closed her eyes in reflection for a while, with a slight smile, and looked back at Seth.
"Is Dr. Victor going to function as the general practitioner of your building until such a time as he perhaps will decide to come over here?"
Seth-
"Yes, we had plans to build a clinic..."
Dr. Melange-
"I think that some people may feel more comfortable being treated by a female doctor, and would like to offer my services with such."
(Some gasps and "Ohs!" from the crowd.)
Dr. Franco-
"No. Dr. Melange, we've discussed this. We need everyone we can have! We need everybody on the team to keep this hospital running. How could you think that joining some collection of refugees with no clinical control would be a better course of action than staying in a medical facility?"
Dr. O'Connor-
"Bebe, don't go! We really need you!"
Dr. Wallace-
"What, you think you could get some kind of better deal?"
Dr. Franco-
"Let's not speak in such terms, Marcia. Dr. Melange, ...what can possibly lure you away from us? We're your coworkers!"
Dr. Melange-
"I'm sorry, I just don't think you're going to give me the license I need to conduct my experiments. If Mr. Clemans turns out to not be an ideal person to work with, I can find someone else. I'm not going to let myself be held back by your conservative methods."
Ms. Caldera-
"Bebe, I've almost gotten microscopes working again! I'm sure we can get these facilities in much better shape with a little more work. Think of what you'd be abandoning! I-I'd... miss you."
Dr. Melange-
"Aww. Tell me, Mr. Clemans, where is this building?"
Seth-
"Just a couple blocks away, on Westlake. 403, across from the pizza place."
Dr. Melange-
"See Maria? I'll be right next door. What do you say Mr. Clemans?"
Dr. Franco-
"I won't let you go! We were just talking about adding staff, and I'm not going to let this clinic get chopped to pieces!"
Dr. Melange looked at Seth, smiling, looking a bit like Garfield due to her curvaceous proportions as well as the shape of her eyes and mouth.
Seth-
"Dr. Victor, you said you could use some help before. What do you think?"
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
"Surely, Dr. Green, you understand the gravity of the situation better than anyone else; all bacon aside. Maybe we can get back out there and come up with a name for that charity run?"
Dr. Green-
"Sure thing, doctor. I'll help you sort out those supplies in just a bit. We can grab some Skittles on the way..."
" Dr. Feingold, you've been quiet. I know we don't exactly have similar interests, and I promise you I did not put you down as consult for the dead patient."
Dr. Feingold-
"I'm just amused by this whole crazy scene. Good luck with your patients, my man."
"Fellows, thank you for the opportunity to help our people."
Dr. Franco-
"Charles, I hope to see you again really soon. Melange... Dammit."
Dr. Melange-
"You know where to find me, Bob."
With a heavy sigh, the doctor spoke once more.
"I do not want to cause tension, especially now that Mr. Clemans has given away out location. I would be delighted to have your assistance, Dr. Melange. I, too, have a desire to become more proactive in ending the pandemic. There are several who would appreciate your knowledge added to mine. Thank you very much.
"I understand the constraint this puts the rest of you on. Especially now, I wish there was a way I could devote my time between the two buildings, but I do not think at present it is possible. Maybe, in time, our efforts could be combined. In the meantime, I would like to propose weekly, or sooner, meetings to convey our findings in a joint venture. If we have the capability of communication, which we all took for granted not three days ago, we could keep in contact as the need arises."
Dr. Victor crossed his arms, placing his hands underneath his armpits. Shaking his head, he glanced at Dr. Franco with a small look of disinterest.
"Is this suitable for you, Dr. Franco?"
Dr. Franco-
"I'm amenable to that, as long as you can muster a security team to get you here... Our human resources aren't what they used to be. Mr. Clemans?"
>>GM
Seth-
"Well, we got here this time, didn't we? I think we can handle that."
Dr. Franco-
*siiiiigh* "Well, you can't say it wasn't interesting. Dr. Green? Mr. Semple?"
Dr. Green-
"Let's get you gentlemen your supplies."
Dr. Melange-
"I'll go grab my purse and join you."
Seth-
"Sure, we'll wait outside."
Seth, Doc V, Doc Green, and Lee went out to where Alex and the others were waiting.
Officer One-
"Lee, what the- Oh, Dr. Green. What do you need?"
Dr. Green-
"I'm going to take these gentlemen to get some supplies. For the moment, we're waiting for one more person."
Officer One-
"If you say so."
Davin-
"Good work, guys."
Seth-
"Oh, we got another surprise for you..."
Davin-
"Huh?"
Dr. Melange-
"Hello boys. I'm ready for the road."
Dr. Melange was five foot eight, but slightly taller than Dr. Vic in her spike heels, and was bigger around than anyone present. She was dressed just a bit provocatively, enough to be off-putting to some and enticing to others. The low-cut shirt and high-waisted skirt were closely fitted and just professional enough to not cause a scene.
Seth-
"Everyone, this is Dr. Melange. She'll be helping Dr. Victor and lending us her scientific expertise. (He glanced at her) Oh that's a pretty necklace, Dr. Melange."
Bebe-
"Aww! Thank you Mr. Clemans, and thank you Dr. Green, I think we're ready."
Dr. Melange eagerly corralled the men into the stairwell following Dr. Green, leaving the security guards to fume on their own.
Bebe-
"I just wanted to say, that I am so glad to be joining a group where I can say 'ZOMBIE' and 'REANIMATED CORPSE.' Ugh. These people can't just call a spade a spade and it's all "the afflicted with signs of blah blah blah." We all know what they are, why pretend?"
Davin-
"Wow, so, uh, you're coming with us, Dr...?"
Bebe-
"...Melange, as the man said. Yes I am."
Davin-
"Interesting choice of footwear."
Bebe-
"You go to war with the shoes you have, not the shoes you might want..."
Thierry (quietly to Seth)-
"What's going on, Seth?"
Seth-
"Dr. Melange wanted to come with us and I thought y'know, we could use a lady doctor..."
Thierry-
"Oh yes... Women's health. Very important. Is that what she does?"
Dr. Green-
"She's a neurologist."
Thierry-
"Oh."
Seth (fell back a bit to talk to Dr. Melange)-
"Dr. Melange, what sort of services do you think you would be able to provide?"
Dr. Melange-
"Oh, any old thing. I have the same basic training as a general practicioner, just not much experience as such. One thing I want to grab on the next floor is a few reference books. The internet will be sorely missed. But most of what I need for the job is under these blond tresses."
Seth-
"..."
Davin-
"What kind of doctor are you?"
Dr. Melange-
"A neurologist, like Robin Williams in 'Awakenings'?"
Davin-
"Oh, good movie."
Dr. Melange-
"I know! We're so glamorous."
Seth-
"Oh, we were talking about maybe getting a counselor for the building! Would that be something a neurologist could do?"
Dr. Melange-
"Not exactly, but I can help you find out if aberrant behavior is related to subtle brain damage, or a textbook degenerative condition... But I'm a good listener!"
The party reached the second floor, and Dr. Green led them to a formerly refrigerated supply room. It was intensely dark, but he had a very bright flashlight.
Dr.Green-
"OK, Charles, let's look at the supplies... Might be a bit slow-going without the light, but you're familiar with our system, right? We'll make one more stop on the first for the gloves and other odd items."
Most people hung back in the hall, for the cold comfort of dim, filtered sunlight. Near the back of the crowd still, Seth and Dr. M. talked more.
Seth-
"So Dr. Melange, do you think-"
Dr. Melange-
"You can call me Bebe."
Seth-
"Oh really? Dr. Victor wants everyone to call him 'doctor'. I thought that would be something like calling someone 'mister'."
Bebe-
"Haha. I don't know him, but I guess I will soon... Some doctors are really sticklers for formality, but I prefer to be more personable."
Seth-
"Oh yeah, that's great. So, Bebe, you said you wanted to perform experiments. Do you think you could find out how to stop people from becoming zombies?"
Bebe-
"I don't want to make any promises, but yes, there are still possible experiments that don't require autoclaves and perfectly sterile conditions. It's time to think like the people who invented Science. I'm excited to begin."
Seth-
"I'm really glad to hear that. We're trying to set up a clinic in our building. maybe we could reserve part of it to be a lab, too. If there's anything I can do to help you, I can also make any special accomodations you might need..."
Bebe-
"Oh, no no, I don't need anything special. Just give me time and space when I need it. And I may be able to recruit an assistant of my own from your people. Medical expertise is less important than good work ethics and communication skills."
Seth-
"Oh sure, I bet you can find that. Well I'm excited for you to join us."
She smiled at him, like Garfield in an uncharacteristically good mood.
>>ALEX
Seth and Dr. Victor returned with a disheartening lack of candy or teddy bears. Maybe research centers weren't like other medicine places and did not keep a stock of child-pleasers. However, the pair did bring back a woman. She was plump and had a well-educated air; actually, she kinda resembled Alex's high school biology teacher, the one who was reprimanded for calling the Pope an idiot and had a reputation for wearing low-cut blouses over her voluminous chest. He'd gotten quite the eyeful once or twice during class.
As they entered the stairwell and moved to another part of the building, Alex amused himself by imagining his old high school overrun by zombies (one by one, the dead frogs in the bio lab rose to ...) and immediately felt guilty. What a cruel fantasy. He didn't get along with all his teachers, but they weren't evil. It occurred to Alex that, more likely than not, many people he once knew were dead. In fact, he was so social, it had to be a statistical certainty, right? His childhood friends, the cheerleaders who'd tease him, the congregation in his church, the nursing home residents who called him "Son", the folks down on the reservation ... how many survived the first brutal night? How many would survive this one?
Why couldn't everybody just be good to each other?
Alex idly worried that Ms. Bebe's high heels would trip her during the run home ... and since when did 403 become home? He shook his head.
He then noticed that the new doctor and Seth were having a discussion, and waited politely until they'd paused to casually join the pair. "I'm Alex, Doctor Bebe," he offered. "You're a neurologist? Do you think, uhm, do you think any of these undeads still have thoughts? Like pieces of their old selves? And I couldn't help but overhear that you are looking for an assistant. Ione is really good at communicating. Maybe you can talk to her."
Dr. Bebe-
"I wouldn't have thought these undead have thoughts, but Seth here tells me there are different types. It may be true of the others. But zombies? They are in a very sad state. Certainly the thoughts that endear you to a person are all gone. Don't think twice if you need to end one.
Ione, hm? Sounds lovely. But I think I'll just meet everyone and see if I click with anyone. Maybe I could click with you."
She winked, looking rather like an overweight Alicia Silverstone.
Alex grinned and returned the wink. He didn't know what they were winking about, but he liked it.
>>GM
The doctors emerged from the dark cool room, rejoining the crowd.
Dr. Green-
"First floor for a bit more, then off you go! Shall we?"
Dr. Thierry-
"Let's."
The group proceeded.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
During the second stairwell descent, the good doctor made sure he checked his shoes, allowing everyone but Dr. Green to pass.
"Mike, give it to me straight. What do you think of Dr. Melange?"
Mike-
"She's inexperienced, but she's twice the mind I am. I don't know what the hell she's getting at though, with these experiments."
He continued his descent slower, the thought of other people and their family now coming to the forefront.
"You know, Mike, I never thought about other people's families until I was surrounded by sound minds. Do you think I will ever get through this? I mean, do you think I will be able to keep some of these people from screwing up?"
Mike-
"Don't quite trust your team? I doubt it's as bad as all that. As long as they aren't acting out a Cormac McCarthy book yet, I'd say you found some winners."
"What the hell do you do in this place? Surely you're not still running on some secret grant money- that was years ago. How goes the research? And what the hell is Franco doing leading you all around? I thought Fickle Fine-Ghoul would have cried foul."
Mike-
"All my previous research is dead as dead now. As of yesterday, it's all finding out how to stop this madness. Bob actually was really helpful in managing the emergency situation. I had to get my hands real dirty too... Feingold knows better than to stick his neck out.
You know you're gonna be back. Haha."
Dr. Victor saved a few words for Seth as well.
"We should be very well stocked. I just have to get more gloves, syringes and everything else non-pharm. You going to get us through this all right? I just wanted to say if I stepped on your toes by my little display, I meant well. Sometimes, people with bigger heads than even I have don't like to be told what the news is from some pretty slugger, if you know what I mean. Intellectual equals stand together as, uh, thick as thieves, so to speak. No harm, no foul."
Seth-
"Honestly I wasn't even sure what you were going on about back there, but it looks like it all turned out as you say." He shot the doctor the finger gun.
>>ALEX
Alex, who'd been standing near Seth, laughed at the doctor's comment. "Oh, aha! You think of the best nicknames, Doctor Victor. I like Slugger better than Snake. You're not like a snake at all, Seth. They're too cold-blooded, you know, and they bite. If I had to choose an animal for you, uh, maybe a collie dog or something cool and friendly."
Seth-
Seth looked just slightly concerned as Alex started talking about nicknames, but then seemed to calm a bit. "Oh yeah, I like that one better too. Maybe you could try to get that one to spread around at home a bit. It's way more appropriate, yeah."
Dr. Bebe-
"Slugger? You play baseball as well as golf?"
Seth-
"Mm? Oh, hahaha! I only play zombie golf. But yes, it's an athletic team we've got here."
Dr. Bebe-
"I'll say... I don't normally go for the musclemen, but your crew looks like something out of a movie... It's a little perverse." Indeed, Seth's crew here were abnormally well endowed with biceps and such. She looked around at the players like they were race horses on parade.
Seth-
"Oh, well what is your type then, if you don't mind my asking?"
Dr. Bebe-
"Hm, I like variety. And I like people who like me. I'm funny like that."
Alex blinked. "Hey, Doc, if you found Epinephrine around here, hand it over."
>>GM
The crew reached the first floor, just well lit enough by the sun through the lobby doors that it was a relief from stifling darkness upstairs. Still dimmer than all of the new buildings.
Dr. Green and Dr. Victor went into what looked like a broom closet to get more supplies, leaving the others to chat among themselves.
Thierry-
"In this crisis some people have responded with mortal terror and paranoia, which is dangerous but understandable. Others seem to be taking a more casual attitude that I find nearly as troubling. What do you think?"
Dr. Bebe-
"What ever are you implying, sir?"
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
"Tell me we have a portable defibrillator in here. Sheesh, I don't want to sit around attempting CPR, especially with that new fangled no rest bull. How the hell do they expect us to just keep having orderlies do that? They get so whiny you can't even get them to roll a patient onto their side doing an LP. I swear cardiologists think they are gods."
Mike-
"We have more AEDs than we'll ever need between the lot of these buildings, especially with the newfound difficulty of charging them. Haha."
"Is it just me or does Dr. Melange look eleven? I mean, the extra pounds makes it hard to tell her age and you know how women get when you have to guess her age. You said inexperienced, so, considering she's a-" The good doctor broke protocol and actually formed the air quotes "'-brain doctor' I guess she can't be a day over 30. I know we are used to dealing with green all the time, but..."
Mike-
"I'm pretty sure she's in her 20s. Kids in medicine."
"I'm not having second thoughts, Mike. You of all people know I truly have a lack of worry in terms of the roads I choose to travel. I just wonder when she finally breaks down. I have all ready broke down, so I should be good. Franco is going to sob, though. I almost wish I could be there to see it."
Mike-
"I hope Franco is sobbing when that happens and not throwing punches at random. He's got a temper."
Dr. Victor let out a little sigh, frowning in the dark supply closet. His hands were slowed as he stuffed additional tubing next to the needles, gauze, and boxes of gloves.
"Mike, I will, for your sake, try to make it back here. I want you to know that. But I want you to promise me; I know you aren't exactly the fastest runner; but, if the proverbial shit hits the fan you'll run to the 403 building. I don't want to think about anything else ruining this world more than it has. Did I tell you I finally paid my debt off in full last month? I was debt free for about three weeks and as of two days ago, money is about as useful as a proctologist in an ENT clinic."
Mike-
"Your building does seem to have a lot of strong guys, but I imagine the crew you came with isn't just a random sampling.
Sorry about the loan thing. What would you have spent that money on if you could have known...?"
The doctor filled the bag with as many auxiliary supplies as possible. He was thankful for the darkness so his face was mostly masked. He hadn't exactly been crying, but he felt the additional saline mixing with the sweat.
"At least we can tell some cancer patients how long before their world is over. Why couldn't we get the same notice?"
Mike-
"Terrorists are like little assholes that suckerpunch you and then act self-righteous about it. At least until you get your strength back and pound their asses."
Dr. Victor let out a heavy sigh, trying to make himself feel better. He thought of the spinal cord injury kid, the soap-suds enema death, and Dr. Gregson's horrible response time- Gregson! Why on earth would I even THINK about that mildly decent physician? He grumbled and tried to zip the bag up securely, only being met with slippery fingers. Spending more time than he anticipated, the doctor let loose a grunt as the final teeth clipped shut.
"Okay, I'm done being a desperate supply thief raiding all the mag-citrate in order to be a pretty, thin nurse. Let's get the rest of those guys out. Oh, have the tasers been useful on the infected? That would be interesting."
Mike-
"People were really quick to figure out you needed lethal force, so I haven't seen tasers tested. But I did some tests later and found that a muscle with severed nerves is somehow still operable. At least, I'd anticipate a diminished efficacy - if they worked at all.
Oh, I think that kid was asking about an epi-pen. You should get a few, but it ain't gonna be like it used to, with everyone having one for a security blanket and a story to tell. If anyone can ration, you can.
We good, man?"
>>ALEX
Of course, Alex assumed that Thierry was referring to the meet and greet/birthday party when he said "casual attitude." His brow furrowed. Was he really being too casual about the whole thing? "That party's important, Mr. Thierry," he said. "We can't stop appreciating the good parts of life, like ... like Nat. He was born today, and that's worth celebrating. And I've killed a lot of undead, yeah, but Dr. Bebe's right. They're not people anymore. They don't got souls, and the souls are the important part." Alex lowered his voice. "Still ... if you see my friend, please don't kill him." With a smooth, well-practiced move, he took out his wallet and opened it to Emil's picture. He had better pictures on his cell phone. Why'd he throw that away, again? Idiot ghost.
Thierry-
"Oh, a party? I hadn't even heard of it. It does sound like a good idea... Oh... Young man, don't worry about that. What are the odds we'll run into anyone familiar? Pretty good for me because I worked in the neighborhood, but most of you came from elsewhere..."
Bebe-
"Oh, you. I told you, it's not him! They'll make the decision easy for you. This lovely Korean lady made me lunch every Thursday for a month until the other day, and when I saw her last, all the personality had fled her face and she was trying to eat people alive. I was grateful when they rendered her body inert with cudgels."
Davin-
"Yeesh, what a conversation. Can we talk about anything else?"
>>ALEX
Alex nodded at Davin's suggestion. He didn't want to think about death anymore. Of course, Dr. Bebe (and Jackson, earlier) were right - reanimated bodies weren't human. They were devil puppets. Still ... "Uh, hey. If you guys find any presents for Nat," he said, "just pile them outside our apartment."
Seth-
"Oh yeah... So Chantelle made a cake, and maybe you can go through some of the supplies and see if you see something he'd like. I figure he seems shy, so he won't like a big 'Surprise!!' from everyone in the world. There's an empty apartment on the 6th floor, I told Chantelle to set up a table with the cake and some decorations... When he shows up to the party, just take him in there with whoever you think he'd like to have a party with, and you can surprise him. Wish we had more time to wrangle him something nice, but I bet he's not expecting anything. That's a nice thing you're doing."
Alex will be content to chat about inconsequential things until the doctor finishes his scavenger mission and they're ready to leave.
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
Dr. Victor nodded, picking out several pens and tossing them into his pocket.
"You know, Mike, I had Epi pens all along. I just didn't want to announce it to everyone earlier... I think some of the druggies would feel it would be okay to OD so I'd have to waste one. Desperate times. It's not adrenaline, but they wouldn't know what isn't true from the movies."
Mike-
"I don't think anyone plans an OD, Victor, unless they want it to be the last one."
The doctor did one last check, shoving the bag over his shoulder with a mild grunt.
"I'm good. Let's get out of this closet, shall we?"
Dr. Victor offered up a small grin. It wasn't very reassuring, nor did it hold any confidence in his own abilities.
"Rationing isn't my department anymore. But, I did loosen up the script policy. At least, I am going to once everything gets back to normal."
Mike-
"You're the boss." He smiled.
Dr. Victor left the closet with a sheepish grin. He soaked in the atmosphere or a real clinic, even a stupid drug-trial building with the decor of a '70s hospital. Somehow, he knew this would be a nicer place to end up. In his element, he felt more appreciated and desired; at 403 everyone felt he was just some crazed nut-case. Maybe, in time, once everyone else breaks down emotionally, mentally, spiritually... maybe everyone will see how well he handled it by comparison to their own neurosis.
"Seth, I'm all set."
>>GM
As the doctor met with the rest of the group, Bebe shook Dr. Green's hand. After everyone said their goodbyes, they gathered in front of the back door.
Seth-
"Dr. Melange, on the way here we formed two groups: a faster small group and the slower group. I know with those shoes you won't be able to go too fast, so I think we'll do that again. Thierry and I will go ahead and try to clear the way a bit, and then fall back to join you again, repeat as necessary. What do you think, Thierry?"
Thierry-
"I suppose, it's what we can do. It would probably be better just to get you some different shoes..."
Dr. Bebe-
"Oh enough waiting around, it's not that far. Let's just do it, I have long legs."
Seth-
"Alright, here we go!"
(Respond here, and then go to the "way back" thread!)
>>GM
Seth opened the back door, thankfully clear due to the blocking shrubs. They took the trip down the stairs slowly since they were as yet invisible.
When they got out on to 9th, it was not the case. Seth and Thierry broke right, and tried to draw the zombies towards them, rather than the slower group. Davin cracked a Northface-Fleece wearing zombie in the face, and it spun around comically.
Dr. Bebe-
"Just the slightest change in cranial pressure."
Davin-
"What?!"
Dr. Bebe-
"It doesn't take much."
Her high heels sounded like horse hooves - KLOK KLOK. (Anyone with a good memory would recall any high-heels sounded this way, not just ones on Amazonian beauties.) She walked quickly, but could not manage a jog in the five inch spikes.
The slower group had to slow themselves considerably to stay near her. Zombies wouldn't have been able to keep pace, but some were coming from angles that let them get close. Too close!
Davin-
"Oh my god! It's Stewart from ops. Damn... You were always such a nice kid."
Bebe-
"Does that even look like Stewart any more? Just do it."
Davin-
"Shut up lady!"
Davin clonked the zombie on the head with the blunt end of the fire-ax until it fell. He rolled the body over with his foot as they passed.
Seth and Thierry fell back, meeting them at the end of 9th. A few corpses lined the sidewalks like sandbags.
Seth-
Just two more blocks!
Thierry and Seth had to run around madly now, this way and that, trying to get zombies before they got too close. People got to see Thierry's soccer skills on display, side tackles and the like. Seth had gotten on the wrong side of a juicy zombie and had blood dripping off his chin and running down the side of his head by the time they neared the building.
(PLAYERS-- describe your characters zombie-fu here, and any conversation you might like to have and we'll edit it in.)
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
"Mike, save me some of those delicious pudding cups, all right?"
The doctor gave a wave and headed outside, trying not to look back at the clinic. Of course, watching Dr. Melange jiggle wasn't pleasing either. (GM Note- Maybe for Dr. Vic, anyway. Hey-O!)
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
"Davin, stop insulting the doctor!"
Davin-
"So sorry to have spoken above my caste."
Dr. Victor kept close to the larger physician, though not because he was slow himself weighted down with the precious cargo. Even though her youth was showing, and her doctorate was hanging on some wall somewhere, he decided against attempting to gently rap the unliving in the head. The flashlight cudgel wasn't exactly a soft-blow styled weapon. Besides, with everyone else, he hardly had to do more than utter a 'Oh my word' and someone else had taken the initiative.
"Come on, boys, don't fail us now. We're almost there!"
His attempts at encouragement was more in line with a drill sergeant than a cheerleader. Huffing and puffing occurred faster than the last time. He did manage to shove one hipster-esque man away, the sight of his beard covered in bodily fluids making the doctor mutter, "Clean thy face."
"You're- doing fine- Dr. Melange- Keep up- the pace, now- so we- don't have- time- shit..."
Dr. Bebe-
"Dr. Victor, it's okay... I believe you gentlemen have it well in hand. Ooh, that's a nasty one. Watch out."
The doctor realized he couldn't formulate a decent quip and just began helping Dr. Melange across more treacherous terrain, and other debris in the road. He could feel his grip slipping on the bag. His hands ached, his mild arthritis suddenly flaring up; it always was at the most inopportune time with which he was reminded of his true age. He kept himself on his feet, however, fearing the view of Dr. Melange standing over him in such an inappropriate skirt.
The doctor wheezily laughed the remaining way back to the building.
>>ALEX
Alex never understood how women kept their balance in prodigiously high heels. Dr. Bebe was making better time than he'd predicted, though she still slowed them down. He found his gaze drawn to her legs, which really were something else. Yeesh, how tall was she? Alex looked away quickly, hopefully before she noticed his rude attention.
Too late! He got the wink again!
Dr. Bebe-
"Watch your back, big fella."
During the trip back, he moved between Dr. Melange and Dr. Victor as they traveled (an easy feat, since they stuck together like doctory birds of a feather), taking swings at any zombies that ventured too close. The act became somewhat routine, and this bothered him. He'd never played violent video games (unless Wii boxing could be considered "violent"). Why, then, didn't Alex cringe at the sight of his metal pipe connecting with heads? Best not to worry about it ...
Jeez, did Davin recognize somebody? Aw, he sure did. Alex considered murmuring rushed last rites over the young man's corpse, but last rites were for the living, and he wasn't qualified to do a priest's job, anyway. He realized that Doctor Victor was being encouraging, a pleasant surprise. As the man's breathing became labored, however, Alex frowned with concern. "Yeah, yeah, we're almost there, all right," he encouraged.
Kenny-
"Boo-YA!"
Kenny was outside for some reason! He helped distract and destroy zombies for the last leg of the journey, and then disappeared.
>>GM
They came in via the "tunnel of cars" Seth had devised. Anyone fit to climb over hoods and roofs did so (most zombies lacked the dexterity to follow), and others got into a car, closed the door behind them, left it locking the door behind them, did the same to the next car in sequence, and so on. The zombies could open doors, but couldn't figure out how to unlock them.
They entered the alley before Abdul's crew was finished working and before Micah's team returned with the booze and food, heading to their rooms or the comm center before the scene described in post 191 of the 6th floor thread.
Use the remainder of this thread to describe what your characters do in the time leading up to that part of the evening.
>>GM
After a short breather in the garage, people began to disperse to wherever they wished. Davin hadn't been enjoying the company and was quick to jet upstairs.
Thierry-
"You need any help, Dr. Victor? I can carry that bag for you."
Seth kept a pace with Dr. Bebe as they went upstairs.
Dr. Bebe-
"That was exciting. Good to be indoors, but oh for an elevator..."
Seth-
"Yeah, unfortunately most of our business is on the sixth floor. Once you're here, I don't think you'll have to do too many outdoor trips, though the clinic will be on the first floor. Sorry about that."
Dr. Bebe-
"First floor you say? No, that's actually ideal. Are there any abandoned apartments up here that still have furnishings, perhaps?"
Seth-
"Oh yes of course, we've been trying to arrange roommates for people because of the..." He paused for a moment. "Dr. Melange I hope you'll understand but I didn't want to say some things in front of the group, I thought they might take it the wrong way. We've seen some things that aren't explainable by science, at least as far as we can tell. We've heard of ghosts that can kill by touch. That's why we have the roommate situation."
Dr. Bebe-
"Now that is exciting. Has anyone here seen them?"
Seth-
Yes, actually, Dr, Victor and his group are the ones who told us about them. We haven't seen them in this building. We have a reason to believe that they have to enter the building physically like anything else, so if the building's secure, they won't get in. But we don't honestly know.
Dr. Bebe-
"So roommates to take turns sleeping or watching out for the grim reaper? Eerie! And if they can be seen then they are indeed a physical phenomenon. This is what I'm most excited about at the end of it all. In the last four centuries, scholarly people have tried in vain to find a way to measure the ineffable - the weight of the soul, that sort of thing. Now that it is appearing to us as a physical phenomenon, we finally can measure it. I intend to."
Seth-
"I'll have to give you the full briefing when we get a chance, give you all the information we have on different creatures. I'm sure, as you know, these special 'beings' are much more dangerous than your typical sluggish zombie out there, so do be careful."
Dr. Bebe-
"I will be."
They finished walking upstairs and Seth took her to Marie's room. He dropped her off there, and went to Stevie's room to clean up.
Dr. Bebe-
"Ms. Oshiro! How is your health?"
Marie-
"Dr. Melange, I'm surprised... I'm fine, but worried about my feet. I assume you've met Dr. Victor. He helped me with that. Now it's just a matter of sitting and waiting."
Dr. Bebe-
"Good, good ... Let's talk about rooms..."
>>DOCTOR VICTOR
The doctor turned red from embarrassment, and also from being winded. That one mustachioued man shouting such an inappropriate and out of date phrase also made him feel even more sheepish; would Dr. Melange take the current company so close to heart as a pure representation of himself?
The cars were easy enough for him to climb over, though it took a couple tries to get onto the first vehicle. It was like an obstacle course built by the American Gladiators with far dire consequences of failure. Still, he was pleased not to have the roof become dented with his pressure as much as how Dr. Melange made the cars jostle with hers.
"Right. I'm..."
The doctor leaped from the last car with a heavy thud. He murmured an inappropriate word or two, dusting himself off as though he simply slipped.
"As I said, I'm going to head to my room. There- there is going to be a little bit of an inventory I suppose, but for the time being, I'll just lock them up somewhere safe. Alex, take this for your use, since you won't stop crooning over it. In any event, Dr. Melange, welcome... and... oh boy."
The good doctor leaned a little heavily on the car. He bent half-way down, his breath finally being as labored as he feared it would be. The sweat held his hair close like a cap. He felt a ton of bricks slammed into his chest, the air not being sweet enough. He held his breath and straightened, fighting the urge to pass out. His eyes felt warm, and were probably reddened. Why in front of everybody? Why can't it just be once I made it upstairs?
"I'm fine. Just... need to breathe for a moment. Excuse me. Alex, I will need... to talk to you later, please..."
Thierry-
"You need any help, Dr. Victor? I can carry that bag for you."
After a few more moments, pushing away any physical contact or additional concern, the doctor moved to the building's stairwell. The red face was worn as a mask of shame; hadn't he been a runner years ago?
Thierry-
"He's OK..." Thierry let the doctor keep his dignity.
>>ALEX
"Any time, Doctor," Alex said, after Dr. V asked to speak to him. "Catch me during the party, maybe. Uhm, I'll probably hang out with everyone near the beginning, and then move to a secret place for Nat's celebration, so find me early. Hey, and thanks for this ..." He held up the EpiPen. Alex hoped Dr. Victor didn't feel bad about missing Nat's super secret party. Alex would have invited him, but the doctor obviously scared Nat and angered Sarah. Frankly, Alex was pretty spooked by Mr. Lector, too.
Alex will spend the day preparing for Nat's party. He will scour the apartment complex and their supply stockpile (with permission), looking for presents that a shy barista might like. He figures anything artsy or refined will do the trick like, uh, those French posters that cafes hang on their walls or books about photographers ... that kind of stuff ... why are guys so hard to shop for? He will also search for old newspaper and fold some three-cornered hats, because every party needs silly hats. His attempts to put hats on the dogs inevitably fail.