Sloane: Mission Failure

This week was not a good week.

The compound leader, Esmeralda, had a mission for us. There’s a sporting goods store in town and they need weapons desperately here. I warned her there was a good chance it’d be cleaned out, but she seemed pretty certain there wouldn’t be any problems finding stuff to use.

We took a route she suggested, that had the hair on the back of my neck raised too damn much. It was a lot of narrow alley ways that could easily see us bottlenecked, followed by dashes across empty space. My nerves were just about shot by the time we made it to the rooftop we were supposed to use to find a route in.

As soon as we got to the roof, I could see precisely why Esmeralda was so sure there would be stuff inside. The outside was completely surrounded with zombies, just walking around in circles or standing there. I didn’t see any movement inside, but there was no telling what was in there.

“She said it’s been like this since the beginning- that a group of survivors tried to hole up in there,” Scat muttered. “Think they’re still alive?”

I doubted it. If they were, there would be a lot more interest on the inside.

“How’re we gonna get there?” Female Lucks asked curiously.

“We’ll either fight our way through or try to get up onto the roof via other roofs,” Scat decided. I exchanged glances with Lucks. She caught it and frowned. “Something the matter?”

I told her no, it was just near impossible to get to that roof, and also I didn’t like going into a place blind.

She hesitated at that. “We don’t have much of a choice,” she pointed out.

“We’ll be fine,” Lazarus said with a wide grin, standing up and levelling his rifle at the zombies. I slapped it out of his hands before he could fire.

“Are you stupid?!” Scat hissed, yanking him down to sit beside us. “You idiot, you could’ve gotten us swarmed!”

May’ve slapped his head for good measure. He’s stupid, he deserved it.

It took us maybe 15 minutes to come up with a plan. Once that was finalized, we put Lazarus on the roof and warned him if he shot before we gave him the signal, we’d be pissed. Then Scat, Lucks, the dogs, and I all crouched in an alleyway and waited.

Once we were in position, Scat gave Lazarus the signal. We waited for a minute and nothing happened. Scat scowled and went up the ladder to see what was going on. She came back down, steaming mad. Turns out he didn’t remember the signal.

Was about ready to ditch him right there, but Scat convinced me to calm down. She gave him the signal again; this time, we heard the rifle shot and then nothing. Then another rifle shot, and this time an explosion.

That attracted all the zombies in the parking lot, of course. Now, though, we could hear banging on the windows of the sporting goods store, from the inside. Scat cursed at that. I agreed with what she said.

We waited until the majority of the zombies had been lured away before sprinting across the parking lot towards the store. When we were close enough, I jabbed my staff at the glass of one of the windows. It wasn’t the shatterproof stuff you normally see. This stuff just kinda exploded, allowing a horde of zombies out of the shop.

The dogs and I stayed outside, keeping them occupied, while Scat and Lucks went in and raided it for stuff. Things were going well. It was too easy.

Everything went south so fast it’s hard to process. I’m not even completely sure what happened. I remember someone screaming inside- I think it was the female half of Lucks. The zombies started swarming at her scream, trying to overwhelm me and the dogs. I got out unscathed, thanks to crouching down and having the dogs surround me, but when they’d passed, I knew something had gone wrong inside.

There were probably thirty zombies inside. As good as the dogs are, I knew I couldn’t fight my way through. I signaled to Lazarus to wait and retreated back a bit.

The hardest part was just waiting and not knowing what was going on. Wanted so badly to go in and see what was wrong, but it was too dangerous.

Scat stumbled out after a few minutes, shoving through the zombies, the female half of Lucks right behind her. The male half of Lucks was in her arms, limp and covered with blood.

Don’t think I need to explain what happened. Don’t want to, but I will anyways.

We didn’t know the layout of the store. It was a mistake. Lucks got caught in a dead end. Zombies overwhelmed them. The male half got bit protecting the female half.

All of us raced back to the compound, but we all knew it was too late. Male Lucks… he got bit. Took a chunk out of his arm.

As soon as we got back, Scat told me to take female Lucks and get her away from male Lucks. I took her away to get her supply bag emptied out. Her bag was full, but it came at the price of her brother’s life.

Lazarus came and found us, told us Lucks wanted his sister to be there. She practically sprinted away towards the infirmary. I just kind of watched them go.

What can I say? I…

I can’t say any more.

Terron: Glad to hear you and your group’re doing ok.

Anonymous: Coward.

Sloane: Nicknamed

Scat has a nickname for me. I told her it seemed a little fast, but she just shrugged and said it was easy, once she watched me for a bit.

She says my nickname is now Alpha, since I’m the alpha female of my little pack.

I like it. I may be vain, but I think it suits me.

Everyone doing ok? ‘s awfully quiet.

Sloane: New Compound

I don’t know how many miles we could pull yet, because I found a compound yesterday. It’s in an apartment complex, kind of like the one with Mika and Magdalene. They’re a little wary with the dogs, especially Killer, but I ignore them and he ignores them, so we’re all good.

They have a mechanic that can fix my bike, and they need the coats, so we managed a trade. I’m staying in a guest room until they fix it and I can leave.

Mama and the puppies were welcomed with open arms. They’ve asked if I can leave them here- they think it could be an asset to have dogs. I don’t disagree, and I’ve told them as long as I get Stella, they’re welcome to them.

There’s a few more ‘scavengers’- that’s what they call people like me- staying here. Scat’s one- she used to be a long-distance runner, so she’s survived a long time out there. She’s nice, polite. She likes the dogs. Zetta is her favorite- she’s from up north, and she used to have a Husky. While Zetta, so far as I know, is an Alaskan Malamute, they’re close enough that Scat tries to love on her. I say “tries” because Zetta doesn’t really like anyone and ignores Scat. I had to let her know that it’s not her- Zetta barely tolerates me.

There’s also Lucks, which is funny, because it’s a brother and sister, collectively referred to as Lucks. They’re inseparable, so while it’s strange, it’s nothing too weird.

Then there’s ‘Lazarus’, who is a shady guy that looks about my age. He’s got black hair with gray hairs here and there, tall and lanky, and has the biggest ego I’ve ever seen. Evidently he thinks he’s hot stuff. Keeps trying to impress any woman over the age of about 18.

I didn’t realize it, but scavengers give each other nicknames. Scat got her nickname because she’s fast and can ‘scat’ away from trouble. Lucks have escaped from trouble so many times there’s no way they should still be alive. Think Lazarus gave himself his nickname. He wants people to think he’s impressive.

Scat wants to give me a nickname. I’m going to leave it up to her. I don’t care what anyone calls me, really. I’m part of the pack, and I’m a Ladner. Those are the two most important labels to me.

Morgan: Be careful. Stay low. Don’t get cocky, don’t get caught.

Sloane: Dogsledding

I’m an idiot.

I was watching Zetta ford the snow like a pro and realized something- we’re in snow. She’s an Alaskan Malamute (I think). Can’t they pull dogsleds?

Figured it was worth a try, so I hitched up a system out of some ropes I scavenged. Zetta, shockingly, loved it- she was prancing around as I got her into her harness, and I even managed to pet her head, which she barely ever allows. Ears seemed somewhat interested, and Killer looked a little resigned to the fact that he’d be stuck in this thing.

I put myself in the empty spot, put Moose and Priss in the trailer with the pups, and we started pulling.

Things were rocky at first. We had problems finding a decent pace, one that wouldn’t be too fast for me but too slow for the dogs. Eventually, we managed to find our pace, and from there, things went a lot better.

I think we managed to cover 15 miles today, instead of the 9 or 10 that’s normal, and we didn’t even dogsled the whole day. Thinking we may be able to pull a 20 mile day tomorrow.

Ingrid: At least you found a solution without bloodshed. Watch your people. If the bandits killed anyone, their families may be out for revenge.

Sloane: The Cold

We’re on the move. I’m heading south farther. Hopefully I’ll be able to pass through the desert in the dead of winter, when the heat will bother me far less.

Also hopeful I’ll find a place that will trade something for bike repair. Walking the bike through snow is getting old, fast.

The puppies are all huddled together in their nest. Mama sleeps with them most of the day. The other dogs like helping me ford the snow. Moose doesn’t, of course, and neither does Prissy, but they’re not big enough to be of any real help.

Everyone else all right? No one’s talked in a while.

Sloane: The Pack

Well, I didn’t get to make the decision on whether or not we were moving after all.

I was loading up my bike to leave and turned around to grab my last bag when I saw Mama, dropping Hansel onto the trailer. Of course, it’s ice-cold metal and set him squalling, but I hauled out the winter coats and made a nest of sorts for them. By the time I was finished, Baretta and Hansel were both huddled in the nest and Mama was bringing out Stella. I saved her the hassle and got Gretchen.

So now I have a pack of eleven dogs. Wonderful.

Sloane: Heading Out Again

I’ll be moving on tomorrow. Don’t know if I’ll take the puppies and Mama with me yet. I want to, but… it’s puppies. They’re helpless, for the most part, and it’d be too dangerous for me to be hauling them all around with me.

That being said, Stella has a spark in her that I like the look of… and she likes me too, which doesn’t hurt.

We’ll see.

Reno: Hm. A zombie on a horse. Would pay to see that.

Ingrid: Let your people choose the punishment. Suggest two options, wash your hands of it. ‘s my advice.

Sloane: Stella

I almost lost Stella today. Scared me half to death when I woke up and she was nowhere to be found.

I heard barking from outside and found the little shit nipping at a zombie’s ankles.

After I dispatched the zombie, I took her back inside for her mother to discipline and took a stroll around the perimeter to make sure that was a one-off.

Good thing I did- I found a plague house, with about 5 zombies all mulling around inside. That one Stella went after managed to find a broken window and got out.

I cleared out the house and spent the rest of the day checking the entire neighborhood for supplies and zombies. Found a smattering of zombies and a bunch of supplies.

Otherwise, I’ve been doing basically nothing.

Terron: Glad you’re hanging in there. You can do this. Sorry the water tower dumped on you. I’ve found sporting goods stores are good places to look for water bottles, by the way.

Anonymous Editor: No.

Sloane: A Year and A Day

Hansel, Liesel, and Mina? Hm. I like Hansel, but Liesel is too similar. Used to know a girl named Mina. She was a jerk.

So now we have Gretchen and Hansel. Very German theme going here. But I do think they’re German Shepherd/Lab mixes. I’m thinking Baretta may be good for the little runt- she’s the feisty one I mentioned.

Stella. Hm. Like Stellaluna. You remember that kids’ book about the bat? I always loved that book. That would suit the little one who keeps falling asleep on me- she’s currently resting her chin on my leg as she naps.

So… it’s settled. Gretchen, Hansel, Baretta, and Stella.

I like those names.

Morgan: Thanks for the ideas. I appreciate them. Maelie probably would love being here.

Reno: Time passes. I forget details. Sue me.

And it’s snowing here, yes. It’s f@^#ing freezing. Hate the cold.

It’s been just over a year since my first post on here. We’ve survived for a full year. Here’s to another, and another after that. May we live to see the end of this living hell.

Sloane: Naming the Pups

One of the puppies almost fell off the bed this morning. I think Mama and I had heart attacks at roughly the same time. I caught her just in time, thankfully.

They’re a handful, now that they’re getting more nourishment from Mama. She’s sweet as the little puppy that fell asleep in my lap yesterday- which, incidentally, happened again this morning while I was trying to put my own breakfast together.

I think Ears is jealous. He’s been guarding me all morning. I slept with him curled up against my back. He’s not done that in months.

Anyways, I’ve been trying to think up names for the puppies. I’ve basically already named their mother Mama, on accident. For whatever reason, I like Gretchen as a name for the little girl pup that almost took a tumble.

Any other ideas?

Terron: I didn’t realize Lewis and Isaac were still with you. Tell them hello from me. How’re you holding up?

Also, I have eleven dogs right now. Eleven. That’s not a herd, that’s a full pack.

Reno: Everything that you say I’m adding to our “What We Know” page up at the top. Thanks for the info.

Also, shame you didn’t get him. Think it’s probably bad of me to want another human dead when there’s so few of us left, but y’know what, can’t bring myself to care. Out of curiosity, what did he do to piss you off?

Of course Jet loves Noodles. It’s a dog. Bet he and Ears would get along.