A Beginning - Roleplay

[Ash]

CORIN:

Wendy passes me my notebook and I smile at her, mouthing the words “thank you”.

Genesis gives me that look, and I cough dramatically to get everyone’s attention.

“Hi everyone. We’re here to celebrate all that we’ve achieved together. We’ve pulled together and we’re surviving.”

I look around the room, noting the looks on people’s faces. Incredulous. Worried. Anxious.
I try to stay upbeat but I feel the weight of all their problems.
A line of prose rolls through my mind “heavy is the head that wears the crown” or something like that.

I project my voice so everyone hears what I have to say.
“We’ve done great considering what our world is now, but Winter is going to be our biggest challenge yet, and to be honest, I don’t think we’re ready for it…yet”.

I hold up both my hands to stall any questions or comments.

“I know that we’ve all chipped in and been mostly willing to share with one another, but that Mentality Must become our way of life. In the coming weeks and months we will face even bigger challenges. We have limited resources, we have no idea when the electricity will run out, and we’re not prepared for an outside attack if one comes.”

I look around with a dramatic pause, then go on to say “And now I hear that Claire is missing. This is cause for all of us to worry…we need to consider changing how we live through the cold months. I propose that we all move into the High School for the Winter. We can ration our food, protect each other better, and conserve the energy that we still have left. Also I think it’s time we account for all those people coming and going from town.”

I pause, glancing at Wendy and Genesis.
“Now I would like you all to seriously consider what I’m proposing. We need to talk about all of it, but let’s be civil, and not start a fight. Would anyone like to begin?”

@everyone in the teachers lounge

[Eagle]

Sabrina

Embarrassed I sit down as Corin is ushing everyone to come and sit down. Of course he ignored what I said. I can’t blame him. I don’t like his attitude and I don’t like how close he is to Genesis but I still shouldn’t have said that. I make my mind up to apologise to tune once this meeting is over but as soon as he starts getting into his agenda I’m not so certain I want to. For Christ sake. What does he think Is going to happen to the livestock. Everyone’s live stock can’t fit in the school. And it’s not like everyone can just travel to care for them everyday. At least I can’t. I have Fenella to think of. It wouldn’t be fair on her. I look down at her feeling myself get overwhelmed but I look back up in the hopes someone will say what I want to say.

[Prometheus]

Prometheus

I hear talking coming from around the corner. Not the teachers lounge. I walk away from Eve to investigate. It’s coming from outside. Luna went outside. It’s not the other girl with swollen feet. Damn it! The Drama Queen is talking to her. I start heading outside to tell her to piss off, when I look down to see what I stepped on. It’s one of the posters she had when talking to Sabrina. I pick it up and realize it’s a MISSING poster and WHO it is…

Claire! She was friends with Renee. Always nice. Then I remember that Sabrina snapped and said the Drama Queen’s sister was missing… "I do hope she’s alright.”

I see mine and Luna’s packs and grab them. I take an envelope out of Luna’s. It’s a letter to Gigi. She was going to leave it on the door to the school with her name on it but earlier we found Devon’s place instead. It’s a letter explaining to Gigi why she disappeared a year before the virus because of Renee and Lorcan’s deaths and then how she had the virus and barely survived it. I grab a piece of notebook paper and write directions and instructions on it. I sling my pack onto my back and Luna’s over my shoulder before I walk back up to Eve.

“Do me a favor?” I ask and hand her the envelope. “Give that to Genesis,” I request and then hold her hand and stick the paper in the pocket of her jacket and look into her eyes. "I’m sorry, Eve, but I’m leaving. I’m pretty sure Luna’s leaving with me. Today made me realize this was just a pit stop on our journey. That note in your pocket is directions and instructions to find us if you choose to follow. You’ll be with me, who can and will protect you and you’ll never have to worry about that attacker. If you decide to go, we leave tonight but you’ll know how to get there with that in your pocket. Share that with Genesis and Devon. If you don’t go but all ever want to get in touch with us, there’s a house three hours from Devon’s. If you walk. Ask for Archimedes. Then he’ll know I sent you and he’ll get in touch.”

I kiss her on the cheek. “Just know, I trust you and will think about you.” I reluctantly let go of her hand and walk away and out the door. Bo is standing there and Luna is walking away and flipping the bird.

I pass Bo and jog to catch up with Luna. Once we’re out of sight and the school is just an outline with light coming out of it, I look back with a slight tear in my eye. The place had potential and my friends were there. But I can’t stay. I’ll never be at peace with myself if I do because my heart is set on New Zealand. We were invited by a group of others.

“You sure about this, Luna? New Zealand is a long ways.” She says yes and I look back at the school. One more time and with my index finger I lift the brim of my top hat to the school and walk away.

Luna

I sling my pack on my shoulder while Pratt talks. I see Pratt look back at the school and I think there’s a tear in his eye. He asks if I’m sure.

“Yes,” I answer.

“There’s nothing here for us. Gigi still seems upset that I was gone. Did you leave my letter?” He nods. “Maybe she’ll forgive me after reading it. Let’s go with people who asked us to join them. Let’s go where people will actually WANT us there.”

I look back at the school and sigh. I’ll miss Sabrina but she didn’t want me and I’ll miss Gigi and Devon.

I see Pratt raise the brim of his top hat. I give one last look and whisper, “Good bye.”

Together

We set off on our expedition under the cover of night with the group of people who feel there’s something more, something better. How unfortunate that circumstances took the turn they did to remind us that sometimes you must be on the go to find, A New Beginning and start a new chapter.

Pratt

New Zealand, here we come!

@Catha

[Jack]

Bo

Luna flipped me like a bird. Okay…

Before I knew it her brother had joined her with rucksacks on their back’s. They disappeared into the distance.

Sometimes things just don’t work out…

I tried… I best get back into my Dyson and check on my new friend Jessi. I really must stop flittering around and get back inside and hope someone approaches me regarding something about Claire?

I felt tears forming in my eyes again. We all how it felt to lose loved ones, I was not ready to lose another.

Dyson

I was being a good boy waiting for my gorgeous amazing owner to reappear and then there she was heading back over to me. "Woof woof."

Bo & Dyson

I loved my dog. He began to bark when he saw me return. I gave him a good rub as I was back by him. Jessi was sat down with Devon who was tucking into the plate of food. I took Dyson’s lead.

"Thanks hun. I’m going to stretch my 4-legged friend for a bit around the hall. Someone might know something."

I give Jessi a little squeeze before Dyson and I shift away.

[Catha]

OOC: Since Prometheus is gone and i can’t let Eve respond right, i will send her staright away to the meeting, Hopefully everyone is fine with that

BIC:

Eve

Beofre i was able to react, Prometheus storms of and i stand in front of the door. Well, seems there is no more excuse now. I grab the doorknob as i hear steps behind me. I turn my head, seeing Prometheus coming back and placing a little letter in my jacket.I was about to stand back, but i had the wall in my back. I try to follow his orders as good as good as i could at the moment. Then he leaves and i grab the letter from my pocket, take a short look at it and palce it back, unread.
I turn arround, open the door and slip inside, The meeting has already started and sit down on the next chair i could find.

Devon

" We are here for each other." i answer her and as i see her smile i start to blush again." I mean… we all are… there for each other…" i add on and look at the floor.
She plac eher plate on the table and i notice that none of the others arround. Damn it!!! the meeting.
" Sorry, i will be back soon." i look at Jessi.

@everyone in the meeting
@Tribelover15

[Patch (Ann)]

Genesis
Teacher’s lounge

I think the bomb he just dropped of a long time member of our community disappearing has stunned everyone. When he opens the floor to questioning it takes a minute before a beefy looking guy stands up from the plate in his face. “That’s too bad about Claire,” he says, not really sounding too empathetic, I note. I get it. She was a sweet gal to everyone’s face, but I knew her, we were close once a long time ago, but the instant there was an opportunity to climb any ladder, she’d make you hold it, then take it away so you couldn’t follow.

The guy goes on, “Communal living is great and all for you people, but it ain’t gonna fly with us farmers. We got animals and they’re best taken care of in a farm setting, ya get it?”

I told Corin, a lot of people weren’t gonna be keen on this, but it was a good idea for those who didn’t have animals or even proper shelter.

“That’s a good point,” I pipe in, chancing a look at Sabrina. She has animals herself and I can imagine her anger is only increasing with this proposal.

“That means making the town safer and rationing our resources even more important, right? Because not everyone can live in the school but we need them to feel protected and also not to starve.”

[Eagle]

Sabrina

To my relief Thomas I think that’s his name spoke up about my concerns. I just hope Corin is sensible about this. I listen as Genesis follows on from what Thomas is saying I’m watching her but look fo Corin to see his reaction as to what she is saying.

[Tribelover15]

Jessi

I looked at Devon and my smile got a little wider, as well as my cheeks, getting more of a dark red color now. I glanced up at him still smiling and nodded my head. [B" Of course"[/B] I looked at Devon before eyeing the plate a little as I blushed. I then quickly looked up and nodded my head, " of course, you go ahead" I smiled softly.

I then heard Dyson begining to park and looked up to see Bo, I gave her a light smile as I gave her back the lead. “I’m just gonna finish eating up” I said to Bo. I really needed some food in my stomach I felt.

@Catha @Jack

[Catha]

Devon

I nod at her with a little smile before i turn arround. I walk over to the meeting room and feel how i finally catch some breathe. Did i talk with that girl the whole time, without breathing? At least it feels little… i skahe my head for a moment and open the door. People are already speaking and i slip next to Sabrina and Genesis. " What did i miss?" i whisper to them.

@Patch
@Eagle

[Eagle]

Sabrina

Awaiting Corin’s response I feel someone coming in behind. Devon sits next to Genesis and asks us what’s happening. I want Genesis to respond but I can see she’s preoccupied with Corin. ”Corin wants us to leave our farms to live in the school. He thinks it’ll be safer for us” I sigh.

@Ash @Patch @Catha

[Patch (Ann)]

Genesis

“I don’t think he wants you to leave your farms,” I say as I hear Sabrina explaining things to Devon who is slipping in, though I’m addressing the whole teacher’s lounge. “But he’s trying to come up with a solution that’ll help us more than hurt us.”

And oh my God, what has the virus done to me? A few weeks ago I wouldn’t have even spoken up in a crowd, despite being quite opinionated, let alone been speaking on Corin’s behalf. Sterling, especially, would be looking at me like my head had twisted around backwards, if he were here.

“Does anyone have any better solutions?” I question? “This isn’t a dictatorship, so speak up!”

[Catha]

Eve

I try to follow the Meeting but i am afraid i have missed the begiining and so the reason for the discuss. I spot Devon sneaking in and asking Genesis and Sabrina about what has happened yet. i lean in a bit to hear what he say. I stare as they told him that we all should stay in the School. No, everything but not this……

Devon

I swallow hard as i listen to the Girls? Leaving my farm? Genesis mentions, that Maybe i don’t have to leave, but how can i be sure about that. Without thinking much i stand up and look at Corin.
" What about us farmers? I can’ t stay at school and go to the farm everyday. I need to stay there, checking on everything and making sure we have enough food. "

[Eagle]

Sabrina

I know in theory it sounds like it’s a good idea. I scowl at Genesis even though Corin said he wants everyone living at the school but I just roll my eyes and dismiss it as she continues talking. While Genesis continues talking I turn to Devon but he starts talking to Corin.

@Patch @Catha

[Ash]

CORIN:

I’m trying to listen to anyone who’s interested in talking, and I’m grateful for Genesis, who’s trying to get more than hushed discussions from everyone.

Devon brings up a good point and I see that Sabrina is agreeing with him.

“I hear you, Devon. Maybe we could just need to get most of the town folk under one roof, and have those with farming experience move to the biggest of the farms?”

I look around, hoping they see the benefits of this idea.
“I mean, if all of us were in 3 or 4 locations instead of 60 different houses, it would still be way better than our current situation. I realize we need to protect the farm animals too…and keep the farms running…but maybe that won’t stop us from consolidating the living situations for everybody in town??”

I look around again, waiting for someone else to jump in with their thoughts

@everyone in teachers lounge

[Eagle]

Sabrina

I know at this point Corin just wants to keep us safe but I could not live with so many people. I wish he just wanted to keep to his original idea of having people move in with others. A FEW people. I look at him solemnly. I wish I could just say how I feel but I know I would not be heard of taken seriously. Definitely considering what I said before. At least Devon feels the same way. I look at him to he if he’s going to say something.

@Ash @Catha

[Catha]

Eve

A bit surpirsed it see Devon standing up to speak. He tells Corin, that he want to stay at the farm. Oh i want that too… i wait till he is back on his seat and i grab his shoulder " Can i stay at the farm too?"

Devon

Corin agrees with me and thats all i want at the moment. " I would like to have my helpers with me, i can make a list then or something, " i add on before i sit down. I feel a hand on my shoulder, Eve. She asks me, if she can stay at the farm." Sure, you knows you jobs, don’t you?" i joke at her and she nods with a smile. Ok, helper one is up then.

[Patch (Ann)]

Genesis

I know we’ve discussed this, Devon, Sabrina, and I, living together, but none of us ever concretely decided on where. Then I began working on the old grocery store and figured I’d just settle there in the small attic apartment, alone but still work closely with the others, now I don’t know of anything.

Luna was back and Pratt, they could take up space at Devon’s farm, Eve too, and while I can grow a garden, farm work is not natural to me. Sabrina had animals too, I could help her with Fenella while she did her work, but I’m not even sure about her right now…

I’m not sure about anything and sometimes I wonder if I should’ve just left with Sterling. This place is home though. I could never leave it, not willingly. We just needed to find a way to think like our parents had, in terms of keeping this town flourishing, everyone was like a part of one big machine.

“So the farmers will network, work together and look out for each other? And others who want can stay here for the Winter? Heck they could travel daily or once a week to the farms to help, I don’t see a problem with that,” I speak up. “But that’s only half of what needs to be covered. What about safety in general?” I look at Corin now.

I hadn’t thought this Harvest celebration would just be more squabbling and politics, but that’s what I get for hoping. “People are just wandering in and out of town and miss—” I stop myself short of calling her goody-two-shoes, “Claire, has disappeared without a trace. We care about rations, shelter, and stuff, but we need some security like yesterday.”

[Eagle]

Sabrina

I decide to say something. I wait until Genesis finishes. Poor Corin he’s barely getting a word in, but I want to say something and I’ll convince my way out of it. ”I think everyone should decide what they want to do. If they want to be set up and live here they can be, but if people don’t want to be they should decide what they want to do too. There must be a way to keep tabs on everyone like taking a role every few days. Some of us have phones and I know we don’t know what’s going to happen to the power but we can always call eachother for the time being”

I fear I’ve said too much so I stop and wait for a response

@Ash @Patch

[Jack]

Bo & Dyson

No one knew anything, and I was emotionally drained. I had fallen into a little daydream watching the big hall clock flick minute by minute. There were so many people in the hall laughing and talking but the only noise I could hear in my head was TICK TOCK TICK TOCK.

I wanted to try and switch off so I decided it was time to head home. I would swing by Genesis’s tomorrow to see what had been discussed at the meeting. At least I know there are some volunteers who will be patrolling tomorrow hoping to find Claire or at least a clue of where she could be.

I pull Dyson up who was happily relaxed on the wooden floor. “Sorry, but it’s time we left.” I do hope the bar is okay, I normally am always there at this time.

I grab Claire’s stuff from the table and catch Jessica’s eye and wave. I mouth "Let’s go! Meet you outside. Dyson and I head out so he can try and do a wee-wee.

@Tribelover15

[Eagle]

Three days later

A slow and sure process of moving is underway. The meeting finished with the agreement of the majority of the town’s people to start living in the school but people who chose to, still accommodated their preferred place. With some of the teenagers kindly lending resources such as vehicles the moving process is becoming achievable to be finished within the week.