And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Urbanzorro on 19-10-2010, 22:11:41</h2>
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				Title: <strong>And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Urbanzorro</strong> on <strong>19-10-2010, 22:11:41</strong>
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				<br><strong><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="bbc_size">Chapter 1: Duck &amp; Cover</span></strong><br><br><br><br>It just was another day in the city of Ridgewood. The sun rose slowly in the east and the birds could be heard singing their songs in the trees that dotted the downtown sidewalks and suburban lawns. Public transit workers were up and about already moving their respective vehicles along their assigned routes. <br><br><hr><br><br>Fire Chief Winslow's morning was anything but relaxing. He'd been woken from bed by his phone at 4 a.m. only to receive word that the city needed every truck, firefighter, and EMT on standby alert asap. From there the day so far had been one long string of problems and headaches everything from trying to squeeze what was going on out of the mayor to dealing with unaccounted for personnel. He still didn't even know what was so big that such a fuss needed to be made. But if this was some sort of readiness drill from the state or the fed.....ohhhhh heads would roll!!<br><br><hr> <br><br><br>It was 7:45 a.m. and Richard Burns, local newsman, was sitting at the on set news desk. His notes were spread out on the news desk in front of him but he payed them no mind. He was too focused on the conversation he was having with his soon to be wife Jenny Alls. The were talking to each other via radio since she was already up above the city riding in the sunshine news chopper. Richard had gotten quite a few jibes from his friends about having a 'fling' with the city's newest 'air babe' but that didn't change the fact that he had real feelings for her and she for him.<br><br>As these thoughts passed through his head he saw one of the news runners practically sprinting down the hall towards the set and frowned a bit in confusion. Sure they we called runners but they never actually RAN anywhere most of them would probably have a heart attack if they ever moved at a faster speed than amble. "Alright" he said, to Jenny his tone growing a bit serious "I've got to let you go....it looks like something big is going on take care babe" <br><br><br>He didn't even hear her response as he focused on the runner trying to figure out what could be so urgent? Maybe the Gemini sank over at the docks?<br><br><br><hr><br><br>Even though they didn't know it Richard Burns, Jenny Alls, Chief Winslow, nearly 90 percent of the other men, women, and children in Ridgewood, and even the chirping birds all had something in common this morning..... They all had less than 2 hours left to live. <br><br><hr><br>Anyone paying any attention to their with a radio or television at 8:49 a.m. would find their normal program of choice interrupted by the nervous face and voice of Richard Burns. Normally Burns was a calm man, even when there had been bomb threat sent to the news station he had shown remarkable professionalism in broadcasting the city's request that everyone clear out the area around the station. But this time.....this time things were different. His face was sweaty and there was a tremor in his voice that those who made a habit of watching his news would know had never been their before. For the next 20 mins he half-stammered, half reported the events transpiring on the other side of the world. The Chinese and U.S. navies had clashed in Korean waters, reports that nuclear tipped weapons had been used in the final stages of the battle were unconfirmed but seemed highly likely to be true. All citizens were asked not to panic as they did their best to keep everyone updated as best as possible. <br><br><hr><br>It was 8:53 in the a.m. when the public warning sirens began to go off, they had been installed a few months ago when international relations had seemed to be at their worst and they were meant to warn the city's population of an incoming attack. When the bombs would hit wasn't known, but they were coming. And anyone who wanted to live would have to move fast!
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				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticSky</strong> on <strong>19-10-2010, 23:31:13</strong>
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				Kelly moaned and rolled over, buried in a small mountain of blankets as was her habit, and slapped at her alarm clock, then abruptly realized that the sound wasnt coming from her clock. She frowned groggily, for she had not been asleep for very long, and realized that the sound was coming from her windows, she extricated herself from her bed and rose, naked, and crossed her flat apartment, opening the window to yell at who or whatever was responceable... and instantly regretted it, the wailing blair had been murder through closed windows, with it open, the sound was almost unbearable, atleased, the source was readily obvious.... one of the shiny new bomb sirens, the damn thing barely 10 feet from her window. With a malevolent glare Kelly slipped back into her room, only to return a minute later with a brick, which she whipped at the siren, ending its deafening call with a warble as the speakerphone was smashed.<br><br>Finally, peace. With that basic requisite established, the once medical student pulled her hair, blonde, but dyed platinum, back into a ponytail, and began dressing in her usual attire, murring softly as she slipped on her special panties. When she pulled her jacket over her shoulders the meaning behind the siren finally clicked in her sleep addled head, and her jaw dropped, she hastily flicked the TV on, but she was a smart girl... and really didnt need to do more than look at the newsman's face to confirm her fears. She ran into her little kitchenette, yanking open the drawer, and throwing papers around as she desperately searched for the public service pamphlet that had been delivered months ago... with its now-precious list of public shelters. In the end she ended up holding a newspaper clipping, one shed cut out herself. When she saw it... the.... idealness of the shelter had appealed to her, ride out the end of the world in relative comfort, it was owned by a man... who would no doubt have sordid intentions towards whatever women he happened to snare... he was after all, a man. But this suited Kelly just fine, just fine indeed... infact, it was ideal, being stuck in a cramped public shelter with no way to... <em>work</em> did not appeal to her.<br><br>She pocketed the clipping, and took off, pausing only to put her boots on, then fled her apartment, not even bothering to close the door, after all, there was nothing valuable in there, and the notion of... inviolability was a foreign concept to her, as it was with all whores. She passed many of her neighbours, all busily trying to carry off their precious belongings... it was all she could do to keep the sneer from her face. Idiots. Down the stairs and out onto the street, she beelined straight for the Mitchum Bunker. On her arrival, she spotted a small group of people, all clealy having the same idea as her.... though without much luck, the door remained sealed, a security lens staring out impassively on the half-dozen or so people who felt entitled enough not to take No for a answer.<br><br>Kelly shoved her way to the front of the crowd, and turned, pulling her knives from her boots and swinging them at about eye-level, she was of course, careful to make sure she didnt actually hit anyone. Sure enough the crowd flinched back as shed hoped, and Kelly held the Knives out to keep the space open around her and the door, one face faced business man didnt take the hint and waddled back in, face flushed and mouth open to protest... Kelly opened his cheek with a flick of the blade in her right hand... and the crowd flinched back even more, they weren't desperate enough to push their luck with her.... yet.<br><br>Satisfied, she turned, and held her jacket open in the time honoured tradition of streetwalking whores, displaying herself for the camera “Hey! Whats the point of survival if your going to be bored and lonely? Let me in... I'll make it worth your while, I promise~” she said huskily, blowing a kiss.<br><br>&nbsp;
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				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sashira</strong> on <strong>20-10-2010, 09:26:50</strong>
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				Parker Mayes woke up to the sound of the disaster alarms. As she realized what was happening, a peaceful smile crossed her face. Finally, the end of the world was at hand. She had hardly dared to hope that the recent volatile world climate (which she had monitored through her friends at the news room) would lead to this.<br><br>She hurried about the routine she had established in her mind, the hundred times she had gone over this scenario. She grabbed a leather rucksack and started throwing in anything useful: a few clothes, her metal match, some bandages and first aid stuff from the bathroom. There was a bottle with a few pills of codeine on one of the shelves, which she threw in the bag with the rest. She had saved them from her recent dental surgery, taking the white pills only when absolutely necessary, hoarding them against some real emergency - like now.<br><br>A water bottle filled with purified water joined her supplies, and some food that would keep well: crackers, a few cans of fruit, tuna - plus of course her hand-operated can opener. It was only a small amount of weight for the convenience. She debated a few seconds, then tossed a bottle of vodka in as well. She could bury it somewhere if the weight got oppressive, and it had all kinds of uses. She stopped by her knife collection, realizing with a pang that she would have to leave most of it behind. But she grabbed a foot-long hunting knife to throw in her bag, wishing she had a small hatchet. And some water purification tablets. And a dozen other things she had meant to stockpile, but never had.<br><br>That reminded her of something else that she had put away, and Parker went to raid her junk drawer, where seed packets had started to accumulate. They were less than a dollar at the drug store, so she had quite a stock of them collected. Most of them were flowers for the window boxes she kept meaning to plant, which she threw to the floor cursing. She located half a dozen packets for edible vegetables, and added them to her bag. They would have to do. Maybe later she would have a chance to forage for more.<br><br>On her way out, she grabbed her leather jacket and her camera bag, which had a few small essentials plus her Swiss Army knife. She was prepared as well as she could be, and it hadn't taken very long. Parker hurried straight for David Mitchum's little piece of paradise. Plan A, as soon as she heard about the bunker, was to head for there. Plan B was the subway system. Neither was ideal, but this was the worst of it; later, when the bombs had settled, there would be more options available. If she survived.<br><br><div align="center">*****</div><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i51.tinypic.com/r8avm1.jpg)</div>Of course there were other people at the Mitchum Bunker. The news article had let everyone in on that tasty little secret. But she had an advantage over the other people gathered, which included, she noted, a tasty-looking streetwalker who was waving a pair of very nice knives. She had actually met David Mitchum. Well, not so much met as "been near" - she'd taken some photos of him for a few local pieces. Not the bunker article, but a few local color articles similar to that.<br><br>She fluffed her naturally blond hair, which she had combed with her fingers on the walk over, and refreshed her rose red lip gloss with a rub of her lips. She tugged the neckline of her grey dress (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wlWV3mQYlTg/SbQm4Xqh8bI/AAAAAAAAACs/KhOAGK2Ieek/s1600-h/grey+knit+dress.jpg) down to a more flattering depth, where it showed most of her cute shoulders and the upper swell of her breasts. She was still holding the black leather jacket, so only her rucksack and camera bag blocked the view; she shifted the straps so both lay across her back. Her heels (http://www.allchristianlouboutin.com/images/christian-louboutin/christian-louboutin-ankle-boots-3.jpg) were the kind she could walk in all day, padded as they were on the interior pressure points. She looked pretty damn good as she made her final approach.<br><br>She waved cheerily at the exposed eye of the camera. "David? David, it's me, it's Parker!" They hadn't actually traded names, so this was a gambit she was hoping gave them an artificial closeness. She walked a little closer, staying outside the striking range of the armed hooker, and smiled at him through the camera. "In case you were thinking of not letting me in, I'm your end-game. You and I know that this shelter of yours is only a temporary measure. The supplies will inevitably run out... and when it comes time to rebuild civilization, I'm the one who knows how to help you."<br><br>She smiled sexily at the camera, betting on him having audio feeds out here as well. She continued to talk in a normal tone. "I know how to build a fish trap. I'm familiar with field domestication. I know how to maintain the oxygen/nitrogen balance of a closed-system grow chamber. David... I'm here to help you." She was betting that the total package of looks and knowledge would open the door for her. And if it opened, she would do what she had to do to get through it.
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				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kevben Battleheart</strong> on <strong>20-10-2010, 19:07:38</strong>
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				The morning was just one problem after another. He had woken up late despite having about 2 alarm clocks set to wake him up so he could get cleaned and dressed up for another grueling day at the hospital he worked, his morning coffee would have to be forgotten as the coffee maker was now busted, and as icing to top off the cake of hell that was given to him, Auriok was listening to the news as he was getting dressed to see what had happened during the night, shot outs, stabbing, car collisions, when it was suddenly changed to a stammering Richard Burns, which was unusual since the fellow was always calm and collected before. Listening as the broadcast continued he soon learned why Richard was acting that way and cursed silently at the news. "So they finally gone and done it," he said with a sigh, throwing off his work clothes and getting dressed in blue jeans, a yellow dress shirt and slipping on his sneakers, "its only more pointless killing of innocents. Pathetic." he said as he went and grabbed some of his stuff, some extra clothes, some money and pens, and threw it all in a suitcase as he went and picked up his briefcase that held all of his instruments. He wouldn't doubt that someone of his skills was going to be needed as they waited for all of this to blow over.<br><br>Heading out of his house that he had paid a small fortune on, Auriok didn't give the place a second look as he moved out. He lived in the suburbs and was far from where some of the more ideal bomb shelters were at, but the city had built them all over the place and there was a couple close by that he could head to. As he headed east towards the nearest one, the panicked faces of some people as they ran only amused him, running and panicking wasn't going to do them any good. Only a cool and level head would prosper right now, he silently hoped as he carried everything in one hand while tossing a pen in the air and catching it with the other. <br><br>Soon he had reached the bomb shelter that he planned on, seeing a crowd already formed as they tried to get their way inside. Women and children were crying and holding each other close, men fought back and forth with words and ,when tempers flared, their fists. He found it all rather amusing to tell the truth. Humans, and he was no exclusion to this, were fickle things that would do anything for self preservation, even going so far as to kill hundreds just to preserve one little life. For awhile he just stood there and watched it all until he brought up his briefcase and opened it up, closing it a moment later and holding a scalpel, his knowledge of the human body about to become useful in another way.<br><br>Pushing his way through the crowd, he was glad to see that he was mostly ignored but a couple people saw him snaking his way through the crowd and tried to stop him, ending with their wrists cut several times as they tried to grab hold of him. Continuing this game of cut and run, Auriok had soon made it to the front of the crowd. He kept himself as close to the door as he possibly could with his things on the ground next to him as he kept back anyone who tried to push him out of the way or attack him, Auriok wasn't about to die just because some foolish sailor sunk a Japanese ship and started what would become a nuclear holocaust. He only hoped the doors would open soon.
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				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Urbanzorro</strong> on <strong>20-10-2010, 21:35:01</strong>
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				The sirens continued to blare their warnings, each wail seeming to almost sound forlorn and sorrowful as if the machines themselves knew that their purpose would soon be rendered moot.<br><br><hr><br>At David Mitchum's bunker the camera panned back and forth taking in the whole crowd. After it had scanned the entire mob of people a soft hiss could be heard as the wheel on the front of the door began to turn counter clockwise. A minute later it opened outwards. Standing in the door way was David Mitchum, he was dressed in a black bath robe, and didn't seem nervous at all. In his hands he held a Striker (http://members.shaw.ca/tmcveigh/Projects/GunRights/images/striker.jpg) 12 gauge shotgun, at his side stood a large, lean, German Shepard (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u84/Woliverjr/Dayna/Dayna111409.jpg). It's teeth were bared and it seemed the only thing keeping it from running out and locking its jaws around someone's neck was extremely good training. <br><br>Despite the obvious air of control and power that David had made a point of presenting, one man obviously wasn't too impressed. He pushed his way forward before anyone else could react. A tire iron in his hand held up threateningly as he began to speak "you better fuckin let us in you son of a bi...."&nbsp; <br><br>He was never able to finish his threat, before the last words had even left his mouth his sentence was cut off by the report of David's shotgun. Had this been another situation merely being caught possessing the striker would have been enough to see David facing quite a few charges. The weapon was a military shotgun and extremely deadly. But these were not normal times and the number of laws he had broken was the last thing on David's mind. The man who had attempted to 'storm' David's bunker was now flat on his back with a very large hole in his chest. "This magazine carries 20 rounds that I can fire on full auto if I want!" David shouted out "so no more hero stuff!" <br><br>He let his words sink in for a minute before continuing "I only have enough room for one or two more people" he said his eyes moving through the crowd as if trying to decide who "Any more than that and my bunker is just going to be a high tech grave." <br><br>He pointed first at Parker, then at Kelly. "How much to you weigh and what do you have with you?" he asked. His tone brisk and businesslike. Although no one knew it he had one more tool with him, a small wrist watch. He'd done his homework and he knew that there would be roughly thirty to fifty minutes between the warning sirens going off and the bombs hitting. He'd set his watch to go off in 20 minutes as soon as the sirens had started. He had to decide who he was going to take now....the clock was ticking.<br><br><hr><br>The first set of doors (http://mayang.com/textures/Architectural/images/Doors%20and%20Gates/metal_door_4161582.JPG) to the public shelter opened less than 2 minutes after Auriok had made it to the front of the crowd, it took them a few seconds to open fully but even as they were in the process of moving upwards people were squeezing through&nbsp; the ever growing gap between the doors and the floor. The room that these doors opened too was nothing more than a 10 yard long hallway which was divided into several smaller corridors by waist high metal racks similar to those used by the city for bike racks. At the end of each of these corridors stood a setup very similar to the security stations at an airport, complete with metal detectors for people an their bags. The main difference between these gateways and an actual airport was the fact that these were guarded by stern looking men and women wearing what seemed to be&nbsp; &nbsp;security guard uniforms &nbsp;(http://www.specopstactical.com/shop/catalog/images/30020_NAVYBLUE_SHORT_SLEEVE_GENUINE_POLICE_UNIFORM_SHIRT.jpg) and armed with M16s. "Please proceed forward in a calm fashion" one of the guards said into a megaphone "you will be processed and then admitted into the shelter as quickly as possible. "I repeat please proceed forward in a calm orderly fashion." Along the hallway's walls were several signs each one with what the designers of the shelter must have thought to be important information such as "No Animals" and "only one bag per person please!" Beyond the security station stood a large blast door (http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20090626/Thick_door_610x405.jpg) with the C.E.D.A. Logo (http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100831231629/left4dead/images/0/00/CEDA_1.jpg) on it. <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sashira</strong> on <strong>21-10-2010, 02:29:02</strong>
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				Parker answered David's question quickly and without hesitation. "Weight, 125 pounds. I have non-perishable food, water, some clothes, first aid supplies, a metal match, vegetable seed packets, and my camera. There's a telephoto lens that can be used for scouting. Also a couple of knives: a hunting knife and a Swiss Army knife." She glanced over at the hooker, who was probably being denied a place on account of her own knives. "I'll understand if you want to hold onto those while I'm in the bunker."<br><br>Parker didn't mention the vodka and the weed, or her emergency stash of codeine; if she didn't make it in, she didn't want anyone jumping her for them. Undoubtedly he would search her when she came through the door, so he'd know soon enough anyway. She also didn't bother mentioning her cell phone or the smaller items in her camera bag, since she assumed he wanted to know what survival gear she had, not what shade of lipstick she was carrying.<br><br>She walked up to David, trusting his shotgun to protect her from the others. "Oh, this must be Max! I love dogs." She smiled at the German Shepard. Actually she was kind of neutral on the subject, but a little exaggerating didn't hurt anything.
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				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticSky</strong> on <strong>21-10-2010, 14:26:36</strong>
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				Kelly arched a eyebrow at the third woman who had elected to answer the man's questions, but her only response was a lewd wink that could have been directed at either of them. Turning back to David, she answers his query “121, too much <em>exercise</em> to put on much weight... as for what i got-” she held up the knives, not trying to hide them, then pressed the two of them back into her boots, freeing her hands, which she put into her jacket pockets; the left hand pulled out a roll of condoms, a disk of birth control pills, and a wafer of a popular brand of morning-after pills, the right hand held out a vibrator and a sleek black remote. A moment later she returned the items to their pockets, “about what youd expect from someone of my profession, oh and these handcuffs, only one key though... i lost the spare.” she remarked, holding up her left hand which hand both cuffs linked on it. <br><br>Her gaze turned sultry and she posed a little “...and myself, of course. All at your disposal... utterly, im sure one such as yourself can appreciate a degree of personal loyalty... and im loyal to the highest bidder-”, a smirk, “-and that shelter makes you the highest bidder.”. She rolled her eyes at the first woman's disgustingly thin attempts to endear herself to David by appealing to his dog and looked to the man himself, catching his eyes, “Oh yes, I love dogs too” she drawled, “Next best thing to humans” she remarked with disturbing flirtatiousness.<br><br>A gauging glance back at the crowd, who were beginning to stirr again, sure the shotgun was a impressive threat, but when it finally worked its way into their heads that their choices were A)force their way in and maybe catch a shotgun blast or B) get locked out and die... they would prove far less reasonable....
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				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kevben Battleheart</strong> on <strong>22-10-2010, 03:30:38</strong>
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				The sound of the heavy metal doors slowly grinding their way open behind Auriok was a welcoming sound and thankfully he didn't have to use his knowledge of the main arteries and veins, like if he was to cut or somehow rupture the aorta, whoever was his victim would be 3 beats away from death, while severing the femoral artery or the Carotid artery in the neck then minutes would be spared. Already the mob that surrounded him pushed their way past him, forgetting that he had a scalpel and could cut any of them, and into the public shelter and he couldn't help but get dragged along with the rest of the mob as their sheer weight pulled him in but once he was inside he was able to pull of to the side and look everything over.<br><br>The security guards were intimidating enough with the m16's they were armed with but they also appeared friendly as they tried to get everyone to calm down and under control, although it failed miserably on a few trouble makers, who were knocked out instead of shot to keep the crowd from panicking. Watching everything for a moment, he then quickly cleaned the scalpel of what little blood that was on it before returning it to its carrier and taking it in his free hand. Looking at all of the make shift corridors, Auriok stepped into the one at the far left of the room and waited for when it would be his turn at the check points he was figuring they were that, and would willingly give up his bags for a short time but he wasn't going to lose his tools.
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				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Urbanzorro</strong> on <strong>22-10-2010, 20:42:26</strong>
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				It took David a few seconds to make his decision but he did. Pointing the barrel of the shotgun at the crowd in case anyone got any last second courage.&nbsp; "Max, inside!" David said firmly. For it's part the dog listened obediently and quickly turned around padding its way back into the bunker. "Follow Max, Parker, and you" David ordered, pointing the barrel of the shotgun at Kelly, he used very much the same tone on them as he had on the dog. As soon as they were past him and inside he quickly stepped back, the door closing automatically behind him.<br><br>As the door closed there were shouts and cries as the reality that they weren't going to get in hit several people in the crowd, some tried to rush forward and stop the door from closing but it was too late within moments David's bunker was sealed. With the door closed the interior of the bunker was pitch black for&nbsp; a split second before the inside lights turned on. <br><br><br>The florescent glow revealed a very small room with a single cot and what looked like shelves full of food. Max was seated in front of the back wall his tail wagging softly. David quickly checked his watch as he made his way to the back wall. He reached forward grabbing a can labeled 'prunes' and pulled on it. Revealing that the can itself was a lever attached to the wall. With the hiss of escaping air the shelf that the can had been on swung backwards revealing a small lift similar to those used in mine shafts. Max quickly walked onto the lift and sat down on his haunches again "Come on" David said as he got onto the lift and activated it. <br><br><br>The lift began to move downwards as the door that they had just come through closed behind them. David had never had an opportunity to really show off the lengths that he'd gone to in order to preserve his existence. That fool of a reporter had only ever seen the false room they had just exited. And so he couldn't help himself from explaining what was happening a bit. "That up there was a decoy room" he said calmly "It probably won't survive the attack unless by some stroke of luck there aren't any explosions near it. Right now we are moving towards the real shelter. It's 5 stories underground, it has it's own lead lined water reserves, several generators, and quite a few other little perks. "We will be safe from all but a direct hit on the bunker" <br><br>Once the lift reached the bottom of the shaft David led Parker and Kelly towards a regular sized steal door. He pulled it open and waved them inside, as the lights in this new room activated they unveiled something entirely different from the extremely small room that they had just been in.&nbsp; This new room was the size of a large dining room. Against the left wall there was a high quality bed, next to it sat a large dog house with "Max" stamped on it. In the far right corner a combination shower and bath tub was built into the wall. The right corner closest to the door was dominated by several advanced looking communication devices set up on a oak table. The center of the far wall sported an electric stove, and shelf upon self of canned and preserved foods. In the center of the room sat David's lazy chair which faced a plasma tv screen. David closed the door behind them and then in an almost amused voice said "Welcome to my humble abode....There are quite a few rules that go along with living in my house...." His small speech was interrupted by his wrist watch going off. It took him a second to turn it off before he continued "....But we can get to those in good time. Right now, why don't you both join me in watching the end of the world?" As he said this he walked towards his lazy chair, sat down and turned on his television. His shotgun was placed safely in his lap. <br><br>A microwave began to sound off from the direction of the rooms 'kitchen'&nbsp; "Ahh perfect timing." David said his tone sounding quite pleased with himself. "Would one of you two be a dear and fetch the popcorn from the microwave?" he asked. <br><br><hr><br><br><br>As the lines into the shelter continued to move forward, each person was checked by one of the security personnel who seemed to be checking for everything from weapons to terminal diseases. Several people were 'asked' to move from the line because they would not be allowed in, the first person who was asked to leave refused, and was quickly shot. There were no other refusals. <br><br>Soon it was Auriok's turn to be examined. The security guard didn't even look at him as he said "Place any weapons and bags you have on the table so my associate can inspect them. He then looked Auriok up and down "Occupation? Do you have any serious diseases?" he asked as another guard used a metal detector wand to check for any hidden weapons. A woman in nurse's scrubs approached Auriok and quickly pricked his hand with a needle to get a blood sample and then moved over to a small machine to check said sample. As she went about her work she silently thanked God that the war hadn't hit a few years earlier. Without the advancements in diagnostic machines they would never have been able to check people out as quickly as they were doing. <br><br>At the blast door to the shelter a single man (http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Mx8a4VhMxha2pM:http://www.johncastlegallery.com/JCimages/press/castle_robocop3_presskit.jpg&amp;t=1) stood beside a table. He was dressed in a uniform similar to the one worn by the guards administering the lines except his uniform included a trench coat and the bars on his solders seemed to indicate that he was of a higher rank then the other CEDA members in the room. His attention was focused on a laptop computer that was placed on the table.<br><br>Though no one else knew it the laptop was hooked up to all the entrances to the shelter spread around the city. each person who entered into the actual shelter was documented and the total count of people was constantly being updated on the laptop. As soon as the count reached maximum the shelter would be closed and no one else would be allowed in. The number was quickly rising, and for anyone who wasn't already inside a shelter...time was running out. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticSky</strong> on <strong>22-10-2010, 22:25:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kelly entered, happy as a lark, and couldnt help but grin over her shoulder at the mob, as the heavy door slammed shut behind her, knowing full well how inflammatory that might be, then looked around at the shelter, it wasnt much... but survival trumped comfort, always. When their gracious host revealed the secret elevator, Kelly's jaw dropped for a moment... then the expression shifted into a grin, and she laughed softly as she followed him in, “You have a Bat-Cave... thats awesome David....” she remarked as the elevator descended.<br><br>The sight that greeter her in the shelter proper was very more to her liking, and she made a small appreciative sound as she stepped inside, her attention was drawn around the room, as david gave his little introduction, there wasnt much privacy... but that didnt bother Kelly in the least. Her attention ended up on a small lack of cubbies beside the entrance, each one stuffed with gear, as one might epect from someone as well prepared as David seemed to be, one had what looked like a radiation suit, another had winter gear, and so on, the top-most cubby was empty, and Kelly drew out her knives, tossing them into the empty cubby, not like she would need them in here.<br><br>Around then the microwave dinged, and kelly shrugged, walking over to collect the popcorn, she opened the bag and sauntered over to the comfy chair, planting herself softly on the arm and leaning over David, the whore plucked a corn from the bag and held it up to David, smirking.... offering to feed him, if he wanted.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sashira</strong> on <strong>23-10-2010, 08:06:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Parker cast a regretful look at the stoic redhead with the walking stick before hurrying after David into the shelter. Her, and all of those other people, might die out there because of David Mitchum's choice. Oh well, at least Parker herself had made the cut. She would have to study the other woman carefully to decide whether she was just insane, or could be useful in the long run. Maybe her erratic behavior had just been a response to the extremity of the situation; after all, unlike David and Parker, this woman surely hadn't expected the world to end today.<br><br>Parker was, like David, a fanatic survivalist. Though she lacked his monetary and physical resources, she had the knowledge. A lot of it hadn't been tested (she hadn't made the time to go live in the wild for a few weeks and subsist on her trapping skills, though she had meant to.) But her bedside copy of the "Army Field Survival Manual" was as well-worn as a diary, and as full of notes, by the time she'd memorized its contents. The only thing she'd exaggerated about in her speech to him was her knowledge of hydroponic agriculture, which was limited - but at least she had a buddy who grew weed in his apartment, and thus knew the basic principles.<br><br>She couldn't wait to go through all of David's preparations, for the blast and for life after, and see how close they were to the ideal provisions she'd dreamed of having the wealth to stockpile. Would he have solar panels, or battery packs for power tools, or canning jars? Would his seed bank be both extensive and well-preserved? She would have to wait for a guided tour, or else she'd surely be mistaken for a thief.<br><br>As the lift deposited them into the underground room, which was as luxurious as her apartment, Parker was amazed. She had expected the bare minimum necessary to live, but this place looked like it would be downright pleasant to inhabit. "David, it's wonderful," she said sincerely. Unlike her compliment about the dog, for whom she had mixed feelings. On the one hand, Max was a handsome animal and obviously useful, but he was also large and frightening. She noticed the electric stove, and mentioned, "I know how to cook on one of those." Hm, whatever air system he was using, the stuff they were breathing must not be flammable.<br><br>At David's invitation she took a seat on the floor next to the armchair, leaning sideways against while she watched the monitor. She let the prostitute have her space to crawl all over David; obviously that's what the woman had to do to feel secure, so she wouldn't interfere. She asked the platinum blond, "What's your name, honey?" Parker's next objective was to strengthen her bonds with David and her other new roommate, and it would take some work. Being a serious and calculating person right beneath her normally carefree exterior, she sometimes found it hard to make friends.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kevben Battleheart</strong> on <strong>23-10-2010, 13:29:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the line advanced he gave those who were asked to step out only a passing glance, he didn't want to see who they were especially if they were mothers who couldn't enter the shelter with their children, and when the first gunshot was made he jumped a little as did everyone else but then things started to move along again. Once it was his turn he did as the officer instructed and placed everything that he had, the bags, watch, wallet, and just about everything else that he had on his person onto the table and then held his arms out as another one took a metal detector wand over his body and gladly not going off meaning that he had forgotten nothing when he placed everything on the table and he let his arms fall back down and addressed the questions.<br><br>"Neurosurgeon at Ridgewood General Hospital and as far as I'm sure I am as fit as a whistle, so no serious diseases. Blood type is O negative and you may find signs of diabetes. Runs in the family on my fathers side." he said as the nurse pricked his skin for a small blood sample, knowing what she was doing, as he waited patiently to see if he would get in or not. He didn't really pray but found himself silently doing that right now, hoping he wounldn't get pulled aside like the others.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-10-2010, 05:50:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It hadn’t been planned, but it was certainly fortunate that the small café Laney chose to study at before first class was fairly close to the public shelter. She’d been there this morning, as she was every weekday morning, her books spread before her, and a never ending cup of hot coffee in her hand. She picked at a plate of fruit and cottage cheese, more out of the need to appear to be eating than any real hunger. <br><br><br>This had been a morning like any other morning. She left the house early, anxious to get away from the pressure and stress at home. It was easier at the café, they knew her, but didn’t bother her. It was the kind of regulars could gather and trust they would be left alone. The older gentleman in the quilted plaid coat sat on the third stool from the left. He always had French toast and one bacon one sausage. The corner booth at the opposite end of the wall from the corner booth she claimed each morning was occupied by an admittedly attractive man in his thirties. He just stared out the window, his laptop on the table but ignored. Once she had walked by, and Monster jobs was open. “Careers in Engineering”. More than once she tried to summon the courage to tell him she was an engineering student, but it never felt right. She was just too shy. <br><br><br>The only conversation came from the newsman on TV, and the younger pretty waitress. Laney couldn’t help but return her smile each morning, though she never had the courage to speak more than a general greeting and discuss polite pleasantries concerning the weather. <br><br><br>In the middle of the very normal, very everyday routine, something different had happened. The newsman on TV was different, the news was different, and the actions of the people in the café were different. <br><br><br>It was happening. <br><br><br>At first Laney had been frozen, her delicate features frozen in shock, her bright blue eyes wide as she watched the drama unfold. It was incomprehensible. Surely it was a joke, like that old story “War of the Worlds.” But she was a smart girl, and beneath her frozen shock, beneath the hypnotism the news had her under, she knew it was no play, no performance, it was real. <br><br><br>It was the waitress who finally snapped her out of it, urging her to get to the shelter. Laney had hurriedly gathered up her books, textbooks that would probably do her no good, but they had cost too much money to leave behind. Along with her book bag she carried her purse and her dance bag, hooking the long handles of each other her shoulder, the straps crossing her chest and nestling between her breasts. <br><br>While the shelter was not far, it was still a fair trek on foot. And there was no hope at getting a cab. Luckily her clothing that day was comfortable, a soft knit mini dress http://www.gypsy05.com/images/products/women/Dresses/2008/5.15-6.30/W080504/P6280125.jpg (http://www.gypsy05.com/images/products/women/Dresses/2008/5.15-6.30/W080504/P6280125.jpg) worn over a pair of simple black leggings. Her over the knee soft leather black boots were flat heeled, her ankle couldn’t take the stress of anything higher, and kept her legs warm. Luckily she was in amazing shape, her ballet dancer’s body conditioned and full of endurance. Where many were gasping and having to rest, she was able to keep moving quickly. Her only hindrance was her heel. But she had worked through the pain before, and her strong will allowed her to work through the pain now. <br><br><br>Laney did not know what to expect, and wrapped her arms around herself tightly. Her long wavy blond hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, giving her large blue eyes and even larger appearance, especially with the confusion and fear that lived in them now. It had been knowledge to come here, but as to what to expect, she was clueless. She fell into line with the masses, trying to slink her way further up in the line, just wanting to be inside where she expected to find safety. <br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-10-2010, 17:49:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The crowd moved and swayed as one, a writhing body invading the entryway to the shelter. Laney slipped between slowler people, working her way to the front for as long as she could. But eventually the crowd congested to a tight mass as the sea of civillians all tried to trickle in through an entrance too small to accomadate them all at one. Laney was already finding it hard to breathe with the fear and panic that settled in her chest, and it was even more difficult with the throng around her. <br><br>It had been impossible to not get jostled about, especially with her slight frame. A shoulder here, an elbow there, and the general mass of moving flesh threatened to knock her from her feet. Most people in the city were overweight, products of a society additcted to technology and comfort. They were slower, but their movements carried momentum. The stories about concert goers being knocked from their feet and trampled by fellow enthusiastic fans popped in her head, and Laney knew it would be extremely important to stay on her feet. <br><br>She had just come to such a conclusion when she felt a smack land on her shoulder blades, right in the middle of her back. Her torso flew forward, her neck snapping back, and she fell against the back of a man dressed in coveralls and a sleeveless t-shirt, his skin leather from the sun. A construction worker maybe. He had been solid, and barely moved as she bounced off of his back like a fly hitting a wall. "Sorry, sorry..." she mumbled to him a she regained her footing. <br><br>Looking over her shoulder for the source of the hit her eyes fell on a young pretty woman who was apologizing for getting blood on her. Laney shook her head and smiled softly, intending to indicate it was okay, no big deal. When she realized the woman was injured, her brow furrowed in concern. Her voice was very soft among the din of the crowd. Laney was naturally a soft speaker, and even as she tried to raise her voice she knew she needed to lean closer to be heard by the young woman. "Are you okay?"<br><br>Laney scanned the young woman's face with her blue eyes, trying to evaluate her condition. The girl looked like she was maybe feeling sick. "Here, let me help you, if that is alright." Laney positioned herself beside the girl, ready to grab her if it looked like she were about to pass out or fall, ready to support her if needed. Her sense of self preservation was high, but she couldn't in good concious leave the injured girl to fend for herself.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>25-10-2010, 23:54:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laney smiled in as friendly matter as she could muster in the fear and chaos. The crimson haired girl was a little shorter than her and if you looked beyond the obvious layers of clothes, just as lean. And really quite pretty. The bright shocking hair might put a few people off at first, but Laney thought it was quite appealing; artistic. She parted her full lips to tell the cherry haired girl there was no need to apologize, when the smaller woman quite suddenly started giving her commands. <br><br>It had been drilled in her since she was young to follow orders, and to not question authority, and her companion sounded quite authoritative at the moment. Even if Laney was the rebellious type, she was completely out of her element, and any guidance was appreciated, especially as a large woman with a round butt swung around and pushed her with her hip. Laney almost fell into the girl, but the two of them next to each other proved to be more stable than she was on her own. <br><br>She nodded quickly, and immediately slipped her arm around the shorter girl’s waist. She followed the rest of the directions as best she could, bending her arms and keeping her knees flexible to absorb the impact of the crowd. She gripped the side of the girl’s pea coat, trying to ensure they would not be jostled about by the writhing throng of people. <br><br>“Single file! Only two bags!”<br><br>&nbsp;Laney had two bags, her purse tucked into one of them, and didn’t need to worry about meeting that criteria. Single file worried her, she was afraid the injured girl might get pulled from her. The girl seemed to have her facilities about her, but it was impossible to tell if it was only her hand that was bleeding, or if underneath the coat and clothing hid more serious injury. <br><br>She’d hoped that despite the order they might be able to stay side by side, given their slender frames. But as the line narrowed, people were forced into a single line, including mother’s having to place any child larger than a toddler down to walk in front of them. Laney let her hand slip from the girl’s coat, and grabbed her non injured hand tightly. Positioning her body in front of the girl, she let her arm swing behind her, not letting go. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>26-10-2010, 18:54:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laney wasn’t sure what all the motivation was behind her needing to stay connected to the girl, but it was very important to do so. In front of her was the construction worker again, and at least she didn’t have to worry about hurting him or knocking him over as the line pressed from behind. More than once she’d spoken and “I’m sorry” to him as they inched forward. At one point he had turned towards her with a scowl on his face, but seeing her and the girl’s hand she was holding, he’d softened his frustrated face and grinned at her in a manner she didn’t understand. She wondered briefly if he worked for her father.&nbsp; <br><br><br>What about her parents? They were all she had in the world. Mom would have been in the suburbs. Dad was working in the commercial district on a new warehouse for a chemical supply company. She wished they were here, but more than that, she wished they were together. They were hard on her, especially her father….cruelly so, but they loved each other very much. It saddened her that they would be at different shelters. <br><br><br><em>if they both made it to a shelter…</em><br><br><br>Laney’s were interrupted by the girl speaking into her ear. Jennifer. It was a nice name, not as common as it used to be. And it seemed to fit the fire engine haired young woman. Laney turned as far sideways as the crowded packed line would allow, her eyes angled down slightly so she meet the gaze of her companion. When she did, a soft smile curled her lips in response. Something about Jennifer was very…well, Laney wasn’t sure. But it was nice, pleasant, even a little bit exciting. She spoke as loud as she could force her gentle voice to be. “I’m Laney. I wish we could have met under better circumstances, but I am pleased to meet you."<br><br><br>Inwardly she cringed. It sounded so formal. She always sounded formal, but it was ridiculous, in a situation like this she still sounded like she was meeting a friend of her parents. <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>27-10-2010, 22:30:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laney couldn’t help but grin as she felt the friendly squeeze to her hand, and unconsciously returned it. It was nice to have someone to hold onto, especially someone as charming as the crimson haired girl behind her. <br><br>“I can’t believe this is really happening,” Jennifer said.<br><br>Laney nodded in agreement, she could hardly believe the situation they were in either, and beyond the knot of panic in worry in her stomach, she was mostly numb. “Me either. It’s just…surreal.”<br><br>&nbsp;At the sight of Jennifer’s grimy hand, Laney furrowed her brow in concern at the state of the across her fingers. The injury itself wasn’t as severe as the abundance of unwashed blood made her first suspect, but the dirt and grime were definite concerns.&nbsp; She shook her head and reached into the bag that held her purse. “We have to clean your hand. I don’t know how long it will be until we can get you any kind of medical attention, and there are probably people hurt worse that will get priority. But an infection could become very serious.”<br><br>Laney let go of Jennifer’s uninjured hand, and forced her svelte body to turn in the tight space so she was facing Jennifer, her back to the man in front of her. There was almost no space between her and the girl, and as the crowd pushed from behind they were momentarily pressed together before the line in front of them gave a little. A hot blush crawled up her neck and over her ears, and she had idea why. There had been plenty of contact with other dancers in ballet, but that had been part of the dance. This was...different. <br><br>Laney ducked her head, and then pulled out her water bottle from her book bag, and&nbsp; dug deeper into her purse for the bottle of hand sanitizer she obsessively carried. She looked Jennifer in the eyes, her expression serious. “Will you please let me clean your hand? The sanitizer will sting like crazy, but it really should be done.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Urbanzorro</strong> on <strong>28-10-2010, 06:07:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				David smiled contentedly as the tv screen turned on. And he began to explain the situation to his 'guests' "Thanks to some friends I have within the Chinese government I know that our city is on China's tertiary target list because of it's ports and ship bays. What this means is that we will have about 30 minutes between the time the first bombs strike Washington and when we will be hit." as he said this David moved one of his hands from his shotgun onto Kelly's thigh. He was curious to see just how willing to please she was. "That means that by tuning into the different news stations we should be able to watch the destruction of Washington, New York, and if we are lucky Chicago. Before I tune into the local news so we can watch Ridgewood's end....Exciting isn't it?" David's voice betrayed the fact that he wasn't in the least bet saddened or even phased by the colossal loss of life the events he was describing represented. <br><br><hr><br>After a moment the machine that the nurse who had taken Auriok's blood sample was working at gave a soft DING. Without turning around the nurse declared "Clean!" she was focused on her job, already getting ready to take a sample from the person behind Auriok once he was finished being processed. The guard who had asked him the question nodded as he answered "medical huh?" he asked "good we can use all the doctors we can get." as he said. As he did this he reached over to the table that the metal detector that Auriok's briefcase was being set through sat on. He quickly grabbed a single green laminated card. "You're a green card" he said firmly as he handed Auroik the card "Keep that with you at all times, now take your things and get in the shelter." <br><br>As soon as he handed Auriok his card he was waving the next person forward.<br><br><hr><br>It took a few minutes soon enough the man in front of Jennifer and Laney finished passing through the check in station "Next two" the female security guard who was overseeing their line said firmly. Time was running out and in a last ditch effort to fill the shelter before the lock down procedures had to begin the word was given to start admitting people two at a time into each line. The nurses and security guards were moving much faster now, obviously strained for time. Small mistakes were being made, and more importantly going unnoticed. The guard who told both Jennifer and Laney to place their bags on the metal detectors and asked both of them what their occupations were wore a look that betrayed she was much more nervous then her words and tone made her out to be. She knew that as long as she was in the shelter when the explosions started she'd be fine but she didn't want to get caught out here processing these losers... <br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticSky</strong> on <strong>02-11-2010, 15:37:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kelly continued to hand-feed David the popcorn, occasionally teasing him softly with it, she was more or less mute on the subject of watching the bombs go off, making small non-committal noises so he would know she was listening, after a moment she added “I've seen nukes go off on the History Channel before... seems like not so long ago we thought we were past that... and now here we are... about to put M.A.D. into practice. Seems ridiculous to me.... but then again, so are people, so i guess it makes sense.”<br><br>As far as the hand on her thigh went, her response was wholly positive, she was a whore after all, she made a small pleased sound, and shifted alittle, a motion that both hiked up her skirt, exposing more soft perfect thigh, and spread her legs just a touch invitingly. Her expression turned sultry as she leaned in, intimately close, her warm lips grazing his ear with the gentlest of touches. “Dont be shy sir... we both know why im here. Anything, any time you want it, after all... whats the point of survival if were doomed to boredom?” she whispered huskily then leaned back, resuming her previous position on the chair arm coyly and resumed offering him the popcorn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lyria</strong> on <strong>03-11-2010, 05:17:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laney was surprised at Jennifer’s harsh response regarding the water, and her eyebrows rose. If there had not been a meaty man behind her, she might have stepped back. Her mouth dropped open in surprised, her full lips suspended in a soft O shape. It never even occurred to her that water might be an issue. In her naiveté she trusted that since it was a public shelter, water and food and shelter would not be an issue. <br><br>She brought her lips together in a soft self-deprecating smile when Jennifer relented. She used more than a drop, deciding this one bottle of water would not mean life or death for either of them, but it could make the difference in infection of not. She cradled Jennifer’s hand in hers as she carefully directed the stream of water over the cuts. Her instinct was to use a lot of sanitzer, but stopped when Jennifer directed her to. Laney had an urge to gently rub it into Jennifer’s fingers, although she didn’t really understand why. There wasn’t time to contemplate it before it was their turn to be ushered inside. <br><br>Laney was careful to keep an eye on their bags and make sure neither one of them forgot one before they took off for the blast door. Her hand automatically sought out Jennifer’s, just as Jennifer’s sought out hers. It just seemed natural, and the second their palms and fingers wrapped around each other, Laney felt a little of the fear push back. She had no idea what to expect beyond the door. The stories of the chaos in the stadium in New Orleans during Katrina swam in her head, but she quickly pushed them away. Those were just stories, urban legend. Surely it would nothing like that, here. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: And the Clock Struck Midnight....(I.C.)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sashira</strong> on <strong>03-11-2010, 13:33:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, it's all very exciting," Parker said to David, watching the screen with a peaceful smile. She didn't mean the bombs; she had never been very interested in explosions. Fourth of July was just a boring day when she wore earplugs to work. But she meant what she said: what was interesting weren't the bombs, but what they meant.<br><br>The end was near. Humanity was about to be liberated from their old way of existence, and returned to a primal and meaningful world where death could come at any time. "That's interesting," she continued, "that the destruction will come East to West. Someone should write that down, as part of the story of what happened today." She would write it down herself if she had a pen and a journal. If that was all she'd forgotten in her rush to leave, she'd be lucky.<br><br>Parker wasn't offended that the hooker was ignoring her, though she did wish she knew the woman's name so she wouldn't have to keep thinking of her as "the hooker." Making herself intimate with the man in power made good survival sense, and Parker wasn't going to interfere with her. She'd be offering herself to David right now if there were only the two of them in the bunker. Though, come to think of it, they still hadn't heard David's "Rules" for their continued existence. She would probably be giving it up to David after all; she just hoped that would be the worst of his conditions.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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