This story begins after Charlie, Maggie and Aaron have found Myles and have gotten him on board to find Danny. They have also found Nora and are about to meet the Rebels. It's kind of my version of the story with the same characters and an extra addition to the mix.
"Just drop it, ok Charlie. I'm not in the mood or sharing". They had managed to find Nora and had been walking for over a day to reach this rebel camp, much to Myles' disgust. The Rebels were out of their minds trying to go up against Monroe and his Militia. In his mind they were all suicidal and he had almost keeled over when he found out Nora was one of them. They had bickered profusely about things and Charlie had managed to put two and two together. She just had to know everything about everyone, especially him and his history. Kids!
Thankfully she took the hint and shut her yapping so they were able to walk in silence for the next few hours. Myles found himself yet again debating about his decision to help the niece he hadn't seen since before the power went off. His life may not have been perfect but it was a hell of a lot more likeable than taking on group after group of killers. He had been content in his Chicago bar until four people walked in asking after him. They turned his world upside down and all he wanted to do was walk away. Unfortunately that damn girl had wiggled her way in.
He shook his head in frustration. "Hey, Nora, how much further"? Nora turned to him, glaring. "Why? You getting tired"? "You know that's not what I mean". He glanced at Charlie who was watching them curiously. He could imagine what was going through her head. "We're supposed to be finding her brother, remember". Nora rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know but I'm getting this gun to those men". She turned and walked off leaving Myles to get frustrated again at the female species and Charlie grinning cheekily.
"Oh yeah, this is a great rebel base". The old restaurant was like almost every other building they had passed but the rebels hadn't done much to it to fortify it. It could have been overrun in minutes. He sighed and followed the woman to the entrance, not surprised when several figures appeared with weapons raised. Instinctively he moved closer to Charlie in case the need arose to protect her. Introductions were quickly made, Myles making sure to keep his and Charlie's true names secret. It would be better if no one knew who they were. The rebels escorted them inside and they were confronted by pain and suffering. "We were trying to obtain guns from the Militia", Nicholas, the rebel leader explained. The operation had gone sideways, the group losing a dozen good soldiers.
Myles kept looking around the room, half listening to the conversation between Nora and Nicholas. Bloody and bandaged people littered the room with others attempting to tend to their wounds. In the far corner, a young man was getting his head wrapped by a girl. She was about Charlie's age but she had definitely seen more rough stuff than his niece. He didn't know her but for some reason he felt like he did. There was something about her that he couldn't put his finger on. Her face was half covered and she appeared overly focused on her work.
He dragged his attention away from the stranger when Charlie's voice broke his thoughts. Despite everything they had been through in the short time they had known each other, she was still shocked when faced with death. His brother had definitely sheltered her well. "Come on kid, we should get going". Nora was instantly at his side. "You can't! These people need all the help we can give. You can't go". Myles felt his frustration hit a high. "Don't tell me what I can't do Nora. We got your damned gun to your idiot rebels and now you want more. Besides, you just told us one of your people is unaccounted for. A hundred to one the Militia has him and they will be coming through that door, killing anyone they see. Everyone needs to leave. Now"!
"These people aren't able to move yet", Nicholas piped up. "We need time to tend to them and prepare". Myles sighed. "You don't have the time". He turned to leave and almost collided with the young woman from the corner. Before he could apologise, Nora grabbed his arm. "You can't go". "Yes I can". He paused. "I want a word with you". Nora never got the chance to respond as Myles dragged her to another part of the building for a quiet word. "Listen Nora, I get the big heart you suddenly have, wanting to help the little guys but to stay here is suicide, one thing that is not on my to do list". Nora's anger was clear. "All I'm asking for is time, Myles. Can't you give me that"? Myles was just about to say hell no when a familiar voice interrupted their argument.
"How much time do you need"? Charlie had managed to drag herself from her stunned state and was sticking her nose in. "No Charlie, we are not….". "Half an hour", Nora said quickly. "All we need is half and hour". "You got it". Myles couldn't help but stare open mouthed at the tenacity of the girl in front of him. All he could do was walk away, frustrated at folding so quickly.
Myles found himself pacing, not wanting to know how slow time seemed to be going. Charlie and Nora were helping the wounded and all he could do to stop his anger and frustration from boiling over was to find somewhere private to try and calm down. Just when he was almost completely relaxed, his instincts and training kicked in and her spun, his sword at the ready. The young girl from the makeshift hospital stood calmly, her own weapons still in their sheaths despite his aggressiveness. "I don't like being snuck up on", he said as he put his sword away.
For a moment she just stared. "Do you also not like to eat"? She offered him a small packet of rations. "Don't ask me what it is", she continued, stepping closer. "I don't know exactly but I do know it's edible". Myles stared at her for a moment, sizing her up and found himself accepting her offer. "Thanks". Silence followed, making him feel very awkward but before he could break it, she did. "Everyone is almost ready", she started, quietly watching him. "I think Nora and Padre Nick would want to see you". She quickly turned and left. Myles stared after her, unable to shake the feeling he knew her from somewhere.