Rock And A Hard Place 12 -The Wall

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GirlsDeadMonster

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Back again, let me premise by saying this one is a bit more technical as opposed to gory fan service. I'm thinking of turning this into a full out story, not just a short. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Rock and a Hard Place 12 “The Wall”

One

            Twenty-five years have passed since the initial outbreak that caused the deaths of more than two thirds the world’s population. The survivors were left to fend for themselves in a new world devoid of government and civilization but full of the infected. Those first few years were the hardest and it wasn’t clear if this was mankind’s imminent extinction event but by some miracle, small pockets of humanity managed to endure.

            Many small groups merged into bigger and bigger communities; eventually all left alive from Maine to Florida and just east of the Mississippi river migrated to the remains of Charleston, South Carolina and formed New Charleston, the only human city left on the Eastern US. This city was made possible by New Charleston’s location with two rivers to the east and west and the Charleston harbor to the south. Carving a path through the peninsula city is the most valuable line of defense against the infected and that is The Wall.

            The Wall took almost a decade to construct and is built from solid concrete with retaining walls, support structures, and abutments for strength. It soars at a neck breaking 10 stories tall; some may say 100 feet is overkill but it illustrates the panic and fear people had from walkers.

            “The Wall is here for our protection. If the Wall were to ever come down, New Charleston would soon follow.” The woman on the loud speaker spoke as if she were a tour guide. Inside the raised train car new arrivals to New Charleston were being escorted to Processing.

            “If you look to the top of the Wall, you’ll see the NCD or New Charleston Defense force. These men and women are charged with defending New Charleston against threats from the infected and others. Perhaps some of you will want to join the NCD in the future.” Tour Guide Betty spoke again. Jen McAdams just rolled her eyes and tried to read the tattered comic her dad gave her before entering the train. Hank McAdams sat in the window seat with a feeling of dread. For the past 10 years, Hank has avoided entering the city opting instead to make a life in the last remaining smaller settlements outside the Wall.

            His daughter, Jen, has become increasingly reckless when it comes to fighting off walkers. Hank felt they needed to be a part of a civilization again even if that is behind the great Wall. Life was different behind the Wall even the blonde woman on the loud speaker looked almost foreign to him in a dark blue skirt suit free from blood stains and dirt. Hank heard plenty of stories from other travelers who managed to escape the city.

            Here in New Charleston you trade your freedom for survival. Instead of having to forage for food you have a simple barter system, instead of fighting off walkers you have the NCD for protection, and instead of sleeping in shifts you have the Wall.

            “We’ve been on this train for a while, when are we gonna get there?” Jen asked her face still buried in the comic.

            “Processing should be the next stop. Remember, this is not the Redgate settlement, you can’t do what you want when you want here. There are rules, regulations…okay?” Hank asked. He looked at Jen, she didn’t look up from the comic. “Jen?”

            “Yeah yeah, I got it. It’s like the prisons you told me about.” Jen spoke still reading the comic. Hank didn’t tell her how close her observation was even though she meant it as a snarky remark.

            “Jen, you never got a chance to live in a city. We’ve always moved from place to place, never settling anywhere. That’s not a life to live forever.” He lean in and took the comic gently from her hand. He wanted to look in her eyes…her mom’s eyes.

            “Our life was fine, I don’t know why you dragged us here.” Flashing green eyes filled with anger before looking away.

            “Jen, I’m not young anymore. If something happens out there and I can’t protect you….I don’t even want to think about it. The point is its safer here…behind the Wall.” Hank was amazed at how quickly he began to parrot what was being drilled into the new arrivals.

            “I’m not a child anymore. You don’t have to protect me; I can protect you…and you’re not that old…dirt is still older than you are. Come on dad, you’re only…what 28?” Jen smiled.

“43 little smart ass.” Hank laughed. Jen loved her dad, without him she wouldn’t be alive. Jen doesn’t remember her mother she died when she was five years old. She turned and her dad had to put her down. He still misses her; Jen could see the sadness and regret in his eyes.

            “Welcome to Processing…” Tour guide interrupted Jen’s thoughts. “This is where you get your housing assignments as well as meet your city liaison. He or she will be your guide for the first few weeks here. I would advise you to listen to what they have to say as they are charged with showing you how New Charleston operates. Your life outside the Wall is completely different from your life within. It’s better behind the Wall.” The tour guide was going on but Jen wasn’t listening.

            She was thinking about what her dad had to say about not being able to protect her. Life in this city is extremely different and Jen didn’t want any part of it but she’ll stay if that’s what her father wants.

            Hank and Jen left the train in the flood of newcomers to New Charleston. The platform was tightly packed and everyone was pushing and shoving to get to Processing. Lines began to form in front of seated screeners. The screeners are officials that have hand held blood tests to make sure infected people don’t enter the city.

A young man stood in front of Hank and held out his forearm to be screened. The sample was taken and a red light began to blink. The screener motioned to someone behind Hank and a squad of NCD force swept in and took the man.

“No! I’m not infected! Please, I was screened at the Wall, I’m fine. This is a mistake! Please, please…” the man pleas faded as he was taken down an alleyway. No one even flinched as the man was hauled away. Maybe he was infected, maybe he was not but Hank was not about to rock the boat on their first day. He made a mental note to stay in line and don’t make waves.

“What the hell was that?” Jen asked shifting her backpack to one shoulder.

“Don’t ask.” Hank spoke in low tones.

“But we were already screened, how’d that guy get infected between then and now…”Jen inquired. Sometimes she was too smart for her own good.

“Just…drop it Jen. Please.”  Hank held out his arm with confidence and breathed a sigh of relief when the light turned green. He watched his daughter pass and they were moving through at a brisk pace away from the screeners.

It took months for the city to be emptied of corpses and walkers leaving it livable for people. There was no money in New Charleston; the world had reverted back to a simple barter system. If someone has what you want then you need to have something they want.

            A packet of papers was shoved into Hank’s arms by a petite brunette he didn’t notice before. She has mouse brown hair and a plain gray pant suit. She was slim but well fed and was looking down at a clipboard while she spoke.

            “Hank McAdams 43 and Jennifer McAdams 17, father daughter. These are your housing assignments and your classification application.” Her voice was light even though she seems rushed.

            “Classification application? I don’t understand...” Hank began to ask.

            “Everyone in New Charleston needs to have a purpose. Tomorrow you will be tested to determine your classification. Depending on your skills you’ll given your assignment.” The brunette still didn’t look up from writing.

            “You must be our handler. And you are…” Hank attempted to be polite.

            “Marla. Marla Goode. And I’m not a handler, I’m your liaison.” She looked up then and Hank noticed a healed wound on her right cheek. Even with the mar Marla had a pleasant face.

            “You done enough staring?” She asked with an attitude.

            “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…it’s just…” Hank tried to explain.

            “Just what? Yeah I know, I’m not pretty enough to classify as a glorified cheerleader and tourist guide like the train stewards but I do okay for myself.” Marla exclaimed. Sounds like she’s been defending herself for a long time.

            “Ms. Goode, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it, honestly.” That seemed to calm her down.

            “I’m sorry too. It’s just…I don’t know. You need to have a thick skin living behind the Wall. Most newcomers aren’t used to living with so many rules and regulations while those who’ve been here a long time don’t see any other way to live. Sometimes that causes conflict.” Marla began to write on her clipboard.

            “So you haven’t been here long?” Hank asked as Marla began to walk. He assumed she was showing them to their housing unit. Jen left the conversation long ago and began to trail behind them. To her right she watched as more newbies filed out of a train. Most were dirty with ripped clothes, like her and her father, but they were in sharp contrast with the people who have been living here.

            They were like Marla, clean and colorful clothes, plump faces, and purpose to their walk. They have not been scavenging for food or fighting off a horde of walkers. Maybe life here was not too bad if it means you know where your next meal is coming from. But these people were soft, outside the Wall they would probably be walker fodder.

            Jen had never seen buildings so high some even soared higher than the Wall. Growing up, her father taught her to stay clear of the cities, the places people use to live in great numbers, because those were filled with the dead. The cities were packed and that made it difficult to escape in needed. But here, the city is alive. Cars and bikes and people walking crowded the streets and sidewalks. There were no dead bodies lying in the ditch or burned out cars on the roadside.

            Jen watched as a dark blue van pulled up and parked. The back doors opened and Jen was stunned motionless.

            “Jen? Come on, Marla is showing us where we’re going to live? Have you been paying attention? Jen?” Hank looked in the direction Jen was staring and there in the middle of a busy street half a dozen walkers poured out of a parked van. There was a second of awkward silence as if no one could believe it before all hell broke loose.

            “Walkers! Jen run!” Hank grabbed his daughter by the shoulder and spurred her into action. People were screaming and running in all directions. Marla was right on Hank’s heels until she screamed. Hank turned to see a walker reaching for her. Instinct took over as Hank spun around and kicked the walker back. As the walker fell Hank reached for his gun in his waist band only to remember it was confiscated at the outer wall. A smiling woman told him he wouldn’t need that gun behind the Wall, that it will be collected and cataloged should he want to retrieve it when he left the city.

            “Fuck!” Hank yelled as he brought his booted heel down on the walkers head. Over and over he smashed until its head was just walker jelly. A group of armed men surrounded the intersection and made quick work of the remaining walkers. Several bystanders were taken into custody because they were bitten. Most likely they would be taken someplace to be killed as was the way in this world.

            “Dad?” Jen looked at him and handed him a small flyer that littered the area. A trail of paper lead from the van to the hands of the survivors. The flyer simply read “There is No Life Behind the Wall.”

            “What the hell is this?” Hank asked a recovering Marla.

            “The Dead Heads? I thought they were driven from the city.” She looked shocked.

            “Who are the Dead Heads?” Hank asked.

            “They want to destroy life behind the Wall. I never thought they would go this far.” Marla looked around at the devastation.

            “Something tells me this may have just started. I thought it was supposed to be safe here.” Hank crushed the ugly flyer in his fist thinking only of the safety of his daughter.

            “Well, that was some welcome.” Jen exclaimed. “Shit.”

To continue.


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the Walkin Dude

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GDM, as always great writing.  You have definitely caught my interest with this, definitely would be willing to read more if you want to start expanding on this.   Very Good.


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Xtracate

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Great start, I am looking forward to seeing what happens next, wonderful set up. 


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lone star walker

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This is very good! I like the different perspectives you created, like the time frame of further into the future of the ZA. And the Dead Heads! You have to continue so we can find out their reasoning for wanting to destroy life behine the Wall. The mention of being declared "clean" of the virus, yet upon the second scan declared infected. That is curious. Write some more please!
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Yep, I agree with eveyone else. Great start. Can't wait to read more from you.


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GirlsDeadMonster

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The Wall  Two

            “Here it is.” Marla exclaimed as Hank and Jen approached a small two story brick duplex. The shutters were falling off and the railings needed a coat of paint but the roof looked sound. They weren’t able to walk to the home, Marla took them on a bus to a neighborhood that was closer to the outer wall.

            “This is all ours?” Hank was waiting for Marla to tell them they would be sharing with another family or something. He was surprised when she confirmed that this home was only theirs. “How do we pay for this?” He asked.

            “With your assignment. But that’s tomorrow.” Marla unlocked the door and handed Hank the keys, he noticed she had a set for herself as well. The house was sparsely furnished but clean. No cockroaches or rats from what he can see.

            “Can’t wait to see my room.” Jen said sarcastically and walked upstairs with all the excitement of a prisoner going to solitary confinement.

            “Teenagers.” Hank half smiled at Marla.

            “Well, you two should rest for the remainder of the day. Explore the city of you like unfortunately you can’t requisition a car yet until you have more credits but the buses and trains are free. Here…” Marla handed Hank a card with her name, address, and phone number.

            “The phones work here?” Hank asked in amazement.

            “Yes they do but only inside the city grid. Just call me if you need anything and I’ll be here tomorrow to show you to classification. Ten o’clock. Also, thanks…for saving me.” Marla smiled, turned and walked away.

            “You’re welcome.” Hank said quietly closing the door. His hand was still on the knob when a knock sounded from the other side. Thinking Marla forgot something Hank opened the door and was surprised to see Chuck Wells.

            “Hank! Nice to see you.” Chuck smiled and let himself in.

            “Charles Wells? What the hell are you doing here?” Hank smiled and hugged the friend he thought was dead. “I thought you were dead. We were told your group of runners were cut off from Union settlement, that there were no survivors.”

            “There was just me. Nice place you got here.” Chuck walked into the living room to the kitchen and opened the fridge which was his habit every time Hank invited him to his home. “Of course no beer. When I first got here that was the first thing I did with my little bit of credits, I went to the bar and had an ice cold beer. One of the benefits of being behind the Wall.” Chuck instead grabbed a bottled water and sat on the couch placing his feet on the crates that served as a coffee table.

            “So how long have you been here? Union settlement was 5 years ago.” Hank asked taking a seat in a chair opposite of Chuck.

            “I wandered around a bit for a year and a half then came here. Mostly for the beer and women.” Chuck laughed.

            “How’d you know I was here?” Hank asked.

            “I go to Processing from time to time to scope out the lists of newbies coming in. Saw yours and Jen’s name so I waited for you. I would have come up to you sooner but you were with your handler. So I just followed you until she kicked rocks.”

            “So…how do you like it?” A loaded question and Hank wasn’t sure if he wanted to know the answer.

            “It’s….different. Let’s just say, I haven’t had to kill a Zeek in all this time but there are rules, curfews, and jobs. Remember jobs? The one thing I liked about the world going to hell, I didn’t have to work. Now, they give you ‘assignments’ they call it. Just slave labor if you ask me.” Chuck snickered.

            “So what is your assignment?” Hank was interested.

            “Waste disposal.” Chuck growled.

            “Sucks.” Hank had a big grin on his face because Chuck worked for waste disposal before the world changed and he always commented on how he hated his job. Hank had to chuckle which turned into a full blow laugh.

            “What the hell is going on down here?” Jen stomped downstairs and stopped short. “Chuck? Chuck!” She ran and hugged her dad’s friend who was like a second father to her.

            “Jen honey, shit look how tall you are.” Chuck smiled. They may not have been blood relatives but they were family.

            “Where’ve you been, you ass?” Jen asked. Hank told her he got away in Union and has been here. “Dad I’m gonna wander around, see what’s what. Okay? I already got our phone number off the receiver so if I need anything or something….” Jen was speaking fast as she walked to the door.

            “Hold on. Hold on. Marla said there’s a curfew for minors, you need to be in by 10pm; you got it? Jen?” Hank stood.

            “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ll be fine.” Jen slammed the door behind her and was gone. A part of Hank wanted to lock her in her new room until he figured this place out, but he brought her here for a new life so he had to trust that she’ll be safe.

            “Teenagers.” Chuck mirrored Hank’s earlier statement.

            “Chuck, what can you tell me about the Dead Heads?” Hank got serious sitting back down on the chair.

            “Dead Heads? So you must’ve saw their work outside of Processing. Shit, I didn’t think they would take it that far.” Chuck shook his head.

            “Yeah, that’s what Marla said. What’s their deal?”

            “Come on, we need a drink on me.” Chuck exclaimed and they walked down the street to a little corner dive bar. The sun was shining and the streets were full of people coming and going. Patrons sat in the bar and drank beer, there were old flat screen TVs over the bar where they sat.

            “Tommy, one for me and my friend here.” Chuck yelled to the lone bar tender who didn’t look old enough to shave let alone tend bar. They settled on stools as Chuck continued.

            “No one outside of the Dead Heads know for sure, but from their flyers and graffiti they think the New Charleston government is controlling people’s lives.”

            “’There is No Life Behind the Wall’ that’s what the flyer said.” Hank told him.

            “Yeah. Rebels some call them. They find any way to disrupt life here. One time they took out an entire power grid. Scared the hell out of the Stiffs. That was funny.”

            “Stiffs?” Hank asked.

            “The people who’ve been here too long. Anything like the power going out, they start crying like babies. I tell you, they wouldn’t last 5 minutes outside this damn Wall.”

            The bar tender with red hair placed two golden glasses in front of them. “Chuck, keep it down, remember what happened last time?” He walked away. Hank couldn’t wait to take a drink of that beer. Living on the road, you need to keep your wits about you which is why he hasn’t had a single drop of alcohol since the outbreak but there was nothing he loved more than a cold beer after a hard day. When the amber liquid touched his lips, he smiled.

            “Good huh?” Chuck laughed at him. He knows Hank is a good guy and would never jeopardize his daughter by drinking while they were out in the open.

            “What did he mean about last time?” Nothing was going to get past Hank, not in this place.

            “Shit, it was nothing really. Just a bar fight. I don’t like to be censored and some Stiffs don’t like to hear the truth. Hell Stiffs wouldn’t know the truth if it bit them on the ass. I mean, look where we are.” Chuck gestured with his arms held up.

            “Umm, a bar.” Hank stated sarcastically.

            “No I mean look where they put us. The newbies are always near the outer Wall. The poor and unimportant are always the furthest away from the inner wall.”

            “There’s an inner wall?” Hank was stunned. “I didn’t see one.”

            “Processing is not close enough but there is an inner wall, it’s not as big as the outer Wall but it’s there; closing off where the city officials and the rich live. They call it a second line of defense but that’s bullshit. That wall has nothing to do with defense….against Zeeks. Just against us. Once you’re rich and important enough, they may move you up to the big times.” Chuck took a deep gulp of his beer.

            “I don’t want to be rich, I want to be alive. I’m just gonna keep my head down and my daughter safe, that’s all I want.” Hank drank his beer contemplating an inner wall. Why would there be an inner wall except to keep the people apart. Hank would have to learn more about the ways of this city if he planned on raising his daughter here. He knew he was already going to get an earful from her when he tells her about going to school. Jen’s going to have a real shit-fit.

            “Screeners!” Someone yelled from the other side of the bar near the windows. Hank looked out to see two men dressed in white slacks and white button downs with white lab coats coming into the bar. They had a squad of NCD boots behind them. Some of the bar patrons got up calmly and walked out of the bar on the other side. Hank thought, what the hell is going on.

            “Good afternoon gentleman, this is a random screen. If you would all cooperate this will go quickly and smoothly.” Lab coat smiled and proceeded to begin screening. The room was tense as everyone left sit still waiting for their turn. Even Chuck kept his mouth shut and his eyes were vacant.

            The screen finished up without incident. “Thank you for your cooperation.” Lab coat smiled that same smile and the team walked out. There was a collective sigh of relief from the entire bar.

            “What the hell was that? You mean they can screen you whenever they want? Why if we passed the screens at the outer Wall and Processing?” Hank asked.

            “Because that doesn’t guarantee you won’t become infected while behind the wall. Remember if you die, you turn to.” Chuck responded.

            “But no one here is dying.” Hank pointed out.

            “You think so. How do you think those Dead Heads got Zeeks behind the wall?” Chuck lowered his tone to barely a whisper. “They didn’t, it’s impossible to pass the screeners with infected.  Dead Heads created those Zeeks. They found some poor slobs and killed them, let them turn, and the rest is history. I don’t think they will stop. I think they’re just getting started.” Chuck was no longer smiling and Hank was now afraid.

To continue.


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the Walkin Dude

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Good stuff, very good stuff. A whole new take on the ZA.   Great job.


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Xtracate

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Another great chapter looking forward to the next, very compelling story.
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lone star walker

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Really good. Like WalkinDude noted, it's a whole new take on the ZA. I could see this being an idea for the spin-off of Rick and Company.

You are known for your hard hitting short stories. Is this longer writing more difficult to create and plan?
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GirlsDeadMonster

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Really good. Like WalkinDude noted, it's a whole new take on the ZA. I could see this being an idea for the spin-off of Rick and Company.

You are known for your hard hitting short stories. Is this longer writing more difficult to create and plan?

Thanks, the short stories come easy to me because it's very organic. I write as ideas come. Longer stories take planning where I at least write out back stories for my characters. Most of the actually information don't make it in the story but it does dictate how the characters react.


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The Wall Three

            Marla, the handler, called Hank early the next morning to let him know she was caught up at classification. She was sending another liaison to show them to the testing facility and that she will meet them. A young man showed up at the door promptly at 10 o’clock to chaperone them.

            “You okay?” Hank asked as the three boarded the bus. Todd, as he introduced himself, seemed nervous.

            “Yeah. I just don’t come to this part of the city often. I’m still in training to become a liaison actually.” Todd spoke, his voice seemingly about to crack either by the anxiety or puberty or both. Hank smiled to ease him. Jen had not said a word since getting on the bus. When Hank asked her what she had done yesterday she simply responded with nothing.

            At their stop, Todd quickly told them to wait on the steps, that Marla will meet them to take them inside. He barely said goodbye before rushing off. The August day was hot and sticky, it almost seemed as air barely flowed in the crowded streets. Not many cars used the roads, most people were on foot or took the bus. High above them, the elevated train rumbled by and as Hank’s eyes followed he noticed a cemetery across the street.

            A woman in a blue blouse caught his attention and Hank realized that it was Marla. Telling Jen to stay and protect the stair she was sitting on, Hank walked over to the cemetery a little put out that Marla wasn’t here to show them where to go. She was kneeling down next to a plaque with her back to him. Standing over her, Hank read the epitaph out loud to announce his presence.

            “’Glenn Rhee & Maggie Greene, Husband and Wife, We didn’t just Survive, We Lived.’ That’s beautiful, who were they?” Hank asked.

            “Umm, they were…really good people.” Marla was a bit startled and seemed tense. “They fell in love after the world ended. They got married in an abandoned prison and managed to stay together even through the worse of it. I like to come here sometimes and just look at the plaque. It reminds me that life finds away.” Marla spoke softly.

            The engraved words showed the couple died together about two years prior, in Year 23 A. When the world ended, all sense of time passing was inconsequential so survivors simply called that first year, Year One After, as in after the world ended. And so this modest unit of measuring time became standard and today was August 15 Year 25 A.

            Hank and Erica did meet and get together before Year One and remember how life was before things changed. Jen was born March 19 Year 8 A, she wasn’t planned and in fact Hank was worried about how he would handle a newborn among the dead but he soon found that keeping Jen alive was his reason for breathing, his reason for waking up day after day after his wife died. Now she was 17 and more importantly…alive.

            “We should go, classification starts soon.” Marla didn’t hear Hank walk up behind her so absorbed in her thoughts. Marla would come to this gravesite once a week to pay her respects even though she was told not to. For her protection, she was told to stay away from the cemetery but she had cut all ties with the Dead Heads when her parents died. She even changed her name from Greene to Goode. Her parents were so involved with the Dead Heads, they put their cause over their safety and their cause got them killed.

            Marla left the McAdams pair to complete their testing, she felt that Hank would score well given his military and police background. He may even make the cut for the NCD if they looked past his age. There are not a lot older people left in the world and all that wisdom tends to die off with the aging generation.

            Marla sat a little café in the southern quadrant; she was a frequent patron here where you could almost get a glimpse of the Charleston Harbor beyond the inner wall. Marla has crossed behind the inner wall sporadically for work and it is such a major adjustment from where she lived.

            The streets were cleaner, cars were more frequent, the rich and powerful lived well behind that wall. A clean shaven man dressed in a white tee and jeans sat opposite of Marla. She wasn’t afraid, just annoyed that he would make contact now.

            “Hi Marla, you look good.” He said with a smile.

            “What do you want, Pete? I told you, I’m done with this. I just want to be left alone.” She said in low tones; luckily the café was mostly empty today.

            “He wants to see you. We need your help.” Pete sat forward his hands folded on the table.

            “I don’t want to see him, not after what he did in front of Processing. I was right there Pete, I was almost killed by a walker. If it wasn’t for a newbie I’d be dead right now. Tell him that for me, as the leader of the Dead Heads I don’t want anything to do with him.”

            “Why don’t you tell him yourself? He just wants to meet with you because we need help.” Pete pleaded.

            “To hell with this…”

            “Marla,” Pete grabbed her arm as she was getting up to leave. “We didn’t do that, Carl would never put innocent lives on the line like that. The Dead Heads are being set up.”

            “Are you sure?” Marla paused to consider it. Carl had always been passionate about the cause but he was never reckless. Marla knew he was getting desperate but maybe he wasn’t capable of this terrorist act. “Pete, tell Mr. Grimes I’ll meet him in our usual place.” Pete let go of her arm and Marla left her favorite café with apprehension. What did he have to say to her?

            This is a man she grew up with, traveled with, he was a part of her surrogate family of survivors. Carl at least deserved chance to defend himself but she was risking her life even speaking with him. The New Charleston government didn’t know who the leader of the Dead Heads is or what he looks like but he is public enemy number one and surveillance since the walker bomb has picked up significantly.

            Random screenings have increased, an earlier curfew has been put in place for all non-officials, and higher restrictions have been placed at both walls. Marla has to admit, she is interested in what the hell is really going on.

To Continue.


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lone star walker

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OH WOW! This is really gotten good. I wasn't expecting a TWD tie-in at all. Nicely done. Who knows where this is going!
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#13
Xtracate

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Wow did not see that coming terrific! I'm on pins and needles to know what happens
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#14
the Walkin Dude

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Very nice, liked the tie in also.   Good Job GDM...


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#15
Operational Security

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I agree with the others, awesome tie in. I look forward to finding out what these Dead Heads are really all about. I love the setup and the "safety" of the wall. The inner wall intrigues me as well, it reminds me of a show called Attack on Titan.
The characters are relatable. Your short stories have always been great and I'm a fan of those so I hope you continue to post more of this one.
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#16
GirlsDeadMonster

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Yes, OS you actually nailed it. I'm a big fan of Attack on Titan and how the wall symbolizes a divide in the classes of people. I like the idea that a wall is intended to keep things out but also keeps you in. Also I have to make an amendment, I want all my facts to match so in The Wall One Hank's age was stated as 43 but it was suppose to be 55 years old. I'll make a formal amendment in the next installment. Thanks all!


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#17
Serenity@sea

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I'm enjoying your stories as well, GDM. I was a little confused since you have self contained stories and this ongoing one all named Rock and a Hard Place. Would you mind if I merged all of "The Wall" stories together? I can "pin" this story as well so it can be easy to find, if you have plans on making it many chapters.


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#18
GirlsDeadMonster

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I'm enjoying your stories as well, GDM. I was a little confused since you have self contained stories and this ongoing one all named Rock and a Hard Place. Would you mind if I merged all of "The Wall" stories together? I can "pin" this story as well so it can be easy to find, if you will have plan on making it many chapters.

Sure. The Rock and a Hard Place stories are mostly short stories. Only this and another has more than one chapter only because I think this story line can go further than one chapter. Thanks a lot for all your support I really enjoy hearing what others think about my writing.


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#19
GirlsDeadMonster

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Hey all, remember you can read all my fanfiction and creative writing on my blog at http://lolitalynn.blogspot.com/ please enjoy.

The Wall Four

            A lone alley against the outer wall led to an abandoned warehouse where guards stood on watch at strategic locations. These were the Dead Heads, a moniker given by the self-appointed ruler of New Charleston and the Dead Heads liked it. The people thought the council of representatives elected this person but the Dead Heads knew he had taken power when the opportunity presented itself. He rules under the guise of a benevolent and unbiased leader but the tragic state of those who were consider poor and weak proved otherwise; this was true in the eyes of the Dead Heads leader, Carl Grimes.  

            Marla followed a familiar path through inconspicuous check points to reach a meeting place that was permanently etched in her mind. Here; in the middle of all this desolation of overgrown streets and empty buildings, stood a small indoor glade with a pond and sweet smelling flowers. Carl had meticulously restored this greenhouse to serve as a mediation area for him after having to make such harsh decisions. This was also the place her parents were transported to after being shot; this sanctuary was where they died together, holding hands.

            “Marla, I’m so glad to see you.” A woman’s voice echoed in against the foliage covered glass walls.

            “Judy, how’ve you been?” Marla embraced the woman with light brown hair that appeared red in direct sun. Judith Grimes is Carl’s little sister and was born about a year before her. Judy was her true childhood friend and Marla felt bad that by cutting ties with the Dead Heads, she also had to cut ties with her.

            “Can’t really complain. You know, taking it one day at a time. How’s life as a…umm…handler?” Judy seemed unsure.

            “Close enough, I’m a City Liaison but most newbies call us handlers…” Marla was interrupted.

            “That’s because you show the newbies all the benefits of living behind the Wall but none of the consequences.” A man’s voice spoke from the shadows.

            “Carl, that’s not true. Life behind the Wall is what we make it.” Marla had been having this argument with him since their group arrived in the city.

            “Of course, if you have the power and influence. What you sell the newbies is a lie, Marla. They come thinking they have a chance here, we know different.” Carl stepped closer. Marla marveled at how much he looks like his father. Brown hair and brown eyes with a strong jaw. He has the bearing of a leader and an air of confidence about him. Carl Grimes is the type of person that when he talks, people listen.

            “Look, I’m not having this argument with you again. You said you needed my help, first you need to explain to me what the hell is really going on.” Marla demanded and the three sat down for a talk.

            Elsewhere in the city, Hank McAdams asked his daughter something he never thought he would have to ask her; whether or not she’d done her homework. That world of schools and homework to Hank seemed so far away. Jen got angry and walked out the front door. He let her go to blow off steam; was this really the third day he thought.

            Jen McAdams walked down to the market, she just wanted to be out of the house. She watched as people walked to places, from places; everyone had something they had to do, somewhere they had to be. Living in camps and settlements, life revolved around the next meal, the next horde of walkers to put down. Jen had to admit, she kind of missed that.

            “Hey.” A male voice interrupted her thoughts. Next to her, leaning on a pole, was a young man in a tattered gray shirt and vest. His jeans were fitted and his shoes were mismatched but practical.

            “You talking to me?” Jen asked.

            “Yeah, my name is Kay.” He smiled.

            “Kay? Really?” Jen smirked.

            “Yeah, because my group found me at K-Mart when I was little. So they called me Kay.” He stepped closer.

            “Good thing you weren’t found at Wal-mart, Wally.” Jen’s smile spread. Kay and Jen sat on the curb and talked a little. He told her how he came to be in the city, she told him how much she missed the settlement but that her dad wanted them here.

            “I hear ya. At least it’s good you still have your dad. I don’t have anyone.” Kay paused. “You wanna go blow off some steam?” He asked.

            “What do you mean?” Jen asked, her interest piqued.

            “There’s this place some of us go to when we want to…kill something. It’s on the outskirts of town just by the outer Wall. Where we can get at some Zeeks and…you know.” Kay was talking about killing some walkers…for fun. Jen thought she should feel sicken; it’s what her dad would feel, but she had to admit, she missed killing walkers.

            “Let’s go.” Jen said without further hesitation. The pair walked to the nearest bus terminal and rode it towards the outer wall. More and more passengers got off until there was only Jen and Kay left. The last stop was in an empty neighborhood. The streets were bare save for a few burnt out cars. Once they got off, Jen followed Kay in silence beginning to second guess this little adventure.

            They arrived at an old high school, the signage called it M R Rivers. Inside the abandoned hallways and classrooms were a group of kids in the gym. Jen counted about nine of them with a walker in the center.

            “Come on man, hit him! Hit him!”

            “Aww you missed!”

            “It’s coming!” The kids laughed and squealed as a boy in the center fought the walker with a knife.

            “Come on Jiff, get ‘em!” Kay yelled as they entered the circle. The boy called Jiff dodged a lunge by the walker; it’s rotting flesh falling off from exertion. Jiff spun on his heels and buried the knife to the hilt into the walker’s head. Dark blood ran down to the floor as the group cheered. Their cried echoed in the huge room when the walker fell with a wet thud.

            “Hey Jiff, this is Jen.” Kay introduced them. Jiff was taller than Kay with dark black hair cut short and blue eyes. He wore jeans and a Ramone’s band tee.

            “Don’t you mean Jeff?” Jen asked.

            “No Jiff, I was found in a Jiffy Lube.”

            “Of course you were. So Jiff, what’s the deal here?” Jen asked.

            “Just what it looks like. A place to play. The people here are so soft. They lost touch with the fact that Zeeks are still a threat. We come here to….keep our skills sharp.”

            “Cool.” Jen looked around and felt a familiarity with these teens. They were like her, feeling trapped by rules and regulations. “I want in.” Jen smiled.

            Hours later Jen stumbled out of the school knowing they were going to meet up again next week. Jiff said it was getting harder and harder to get Zeeks from outside so they don’t meet as often as they once did. Jen felt anticipation for next week’s meeting and she was so absorbed in her thoughts that she ran right into an authority figure that could cause her trouble.

            “Jen? What are you doing here?” Marla asked the young McAdams girl knowing how far away she was from her home.

            “Marla…I…I was just exploring the city.” Jen lied.

            “You shouldn’t be this close to the outer wall. It’s not safe.” Marla spoke quickly worried that Jen may have followed her to the meeting. She didn’t want to put the child in danger. “I’ll make sure you get home. Come on, it’s late; curfew will start soon.” Marla led way back to the bus stop and they boarded the last transport.

            The summer sun just began to set turning the sky from bright blue to deep orange. Elsewhere in the city people were going about their daily lives not having to worry about how to save the city from itself like Marla. She was going to need help but there were few people she trusted. Maybe good help won’t be in old friends but new ones. Marla hated to bring innocent people into this conflict but if what Carl said was true, every life behind the Wall will be at stake. Luckily she was bringing Jen home, so she had an excuse to talk to Hank. Marla just hopes this is the right course of action.

To Continue…. 


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#20
lone star walker

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The plot thickens. Whatever Carl told Marla it certainly had her hooked. She's ready to take action on something!

I liked the tidbit about the names and their origins.... Jiff and Kay. Very original idea of getting a new name based on where you were "found". It seems to reflect the idea of civilization has to start over, so everyone involved gets to start over.

Another great chapter!
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#21
BitBrit

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Having recently read your short stories, I have just started this and am enjoying it even more than them.

You've got me looking out for the next chapter already. Keep up the good work!
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#22
GirlsDeadMonster

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Remember, all my fan fiction stories, original stories, and poems are available on my blog at http://lolitalynn.blogspot.com/ thanks so much for all your support. Please enjoy.

 

The Wall Five

            “What were you doing out so late, Jen? I was worrying my ass off waiting to hear from you. If you walk out like that again…I’ll…” Hank couldn’t finish; he was seething. Jen would go off on her own before when they lived in the settlement but that didn’t antagonize him more than here. There are so many people here, too many potential threats. Jen didn’t have an explanation and soon ran to her room to sulk, Hank let her go.

            “Marla, thank you for bringing her home. If anything were to happen to her…”

            “She’s being a teen; no one got hurt.” Marla spoke unsure of how to broach the subject. “So, you wanna tell me how you did on your placement test?” She smiled.

            “Oh, yeah. Come in, I’ll get you something to drink.” Hank came back with two room temperature beer bottles. “Compliments of a friend, a welcome to the neighborhood gift. Unfortunately, my fridge is being temperamental.” Hank explained.

            “It’s okay, I could use a drink. It’s been a rough day.” Marla sighed as she twisted the top off.

            “Well, I got Close Combat Trainer. I guess it’s exactly what it sounds.” Hank blurted out.

            “You made the NCD force, that’s impressive. I wasn’t sure because of your age that…I mean, not that you’re old, it’s just that you’re….well….old?” Marla smiled awkwardly unsure how to remove the foot she just inserted into her mouth without tearing anything.

            “Yeah, I know, I am older. Before the world changed, 55 wasn’t that old actually. Now…now it seems like the human life span has become increasingly shorter, so 55 is ancient to you young kids.” Hank smiled but inside it was a terrible thought to think that his daughter may not make it to 55.

            “I’m not that young, I’m 24. That’s practically middle aged.” Marla laughed. Her thoughts were in turmoil thinking that perhaps asking Hank for help wasn’t a good idea, not now that he’s made the NCD. However, if Marla was able to get him on their side, having someone inside the NCD may be more beneficial and worth the risk.

            “Hank, tell me what you know about the Dead Heads.” Marla thought it better not to wait any longer even though she almost laughed at the expression on Hank’s face.

            “Well, not much. I just heard that they’re dangerous, that they don’t approve of life behind the Wall; they caused that walker attack when we first arrived in the city.” Hank spoke as if he was giving a report.

            “Would it surprise you to know that I was once a Dead Head?” Marla tested him.

            “You? Well, no actually, it wouldn’t. But…”Marla interrupted him.

            “Hank, I need your help. The lives of my friends, your daughter, and the whole city could be in danger. Please, just hear me out. The Dead Heads are being set up.” Marla mirrored her earlier conversation with Pete. Hank leaned in to listen thinking perhaps it was a mistake to move to the city as Marla began to speak a polite knock sounded at the door.

            “Excuse me.” Hank stood to answer the caller and was greeted by a screener and his team.

            “Good evening citizen, we are here to conduct a random screen. Please have all occupants present for the screen.” The man wore a white lab coat over blue slacks and button down shirt. He spoke through a medical face mask that muffled his words.

            “What’s this all about?” Hank asked a little put out at having to submit to this.

            “Hank, just do as he says, please.” Marla was beside him, her hand on his elbow.

            “I’ll get Jen.” Hank left to walk upstairs. The team of four spread out throughout the lower floor sifting through articles of clothing, papers, and drawers. The screener tested blood from Marla first.

            “Marla Goode, says here your shift ended hours ago yet you’re still here at your newbie’s home?” He asked.

            “Yes, I’m finding out how he did on his classification exam.” Marla didn’t want to give him any more information. Hank reappeared at the bottom of the stairs.

            “Jen’s gone. Her window was open.” Hank said with worry.

            “That’s unfortunate, it’s curfew for minors. If she’s caught on the streets now, she’ll be arrested.” The screener smiled; Hank was nose to nose standing over him in two strides.

            “Hank,” Marla tried to diffuse the situation, “we’ll find her.”

           

 

            Judith Grimes rode the train from the outer wall; the late day chill caused her to pull her jacket tighter. She always gets anxious when she meets her brother, with so much going on in the city that most people don’t even know about, it could get very dangerous to continue these meetings. But Carl needed her, now more than ever, and she was going to stand by him.

            The train rambled from the outer wall through the various districts full of newbies and non-conformists. Judith viewed them from the window and wondered why they were here; why was anyone here. The train stopped at the last station before entering the inner wall. Judith sat still as screeners and guards entered to check the credentials of the remaining passengers.

            To enter the inner wall you have to either live or work there and carry the right identification issued by the Data Collection Agency with whom Judith worked as an employee.

            “Miss, your ID please.” The young guard spoke through a military grade mask. The guards wore them for protection against any biological threat civilians in the city may pose. She handed him her ID and she passed through the checkpoint without incident. The train continued on its route and Judith felt a sense of dread in her stomach. She always felt this way when she went to see the head of the council.

            Judith was the only one of the Dead Heads to be able to get behind the inner Wall but she also has access to the council chambers. As she left the train station and walked the clean streets, passing polite and happy people, she entered the Council Hall. The ornate columns and the capital with its graceful scroll brought to mind pictures of Greek Architecture she had seen in books.

            These were the last few remaining shadows of human engineering, a sign of a civilization long dead. Judith walked to the reception and asked to see the Head Council member.

            “He’s expecting you, Ms. Grimes. Go in please.” She spoke politely. Judith walked the familiar halls and entered the tall dark oak doors. There sitting behind an oversized wooded desk was the target of the Dead Heads and the supposed reason for suffering behind the Wall.

            “Hi, dad.” Judith spoke with a small smile.

            “Judy, I’m glad you’re back.” Rick Grimes stood to greet his daughter.

To Continue…


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#23
the Walkin Dude

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Wow, am really enjoying this. Like the tie ins to TWD.   Starting to wonder if this being set up for a Carl vs Rick type scenerio. Great job GDM.


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#24
lone star walker

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This is a really good story!  Keep the chapters coming.


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#25
Xtracate

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Fantastic another shocking turn, great story


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