Chapter Drei. The story still hasn't kicked off yet (and I haven't completely planned it out yet), and neither has the character development, but from here on out, expect the chapters to get longer and (hopefully) better. Next chapter may explore Andrew's backstory.

Oh, and you know the deal with copyright and stuff. I own nothing but my imagination.

"Who…who…who the fuck are you?" Mary, in a state of shock and paranoia, scrambled to her feet, using a nearby chair as support for her wounded leg. She aimed her gun, forgetting that it was devoid of ammunition, at the teenager. He chuckled, walked forward, brushed the gun aside and shook her hand, grinning like an ugly politician as he did so.

"Name's Ted McInnis. Survivor, much like yourself", he said, awkwardly yet like he'd rehearsed the lines before. He brushed a speck of dirt of his school blazer, and continued "Now, I think if you and your acquaintance" he pointed to Andrew, who was still lying concussed underneath a pile of crates, "were to join me in a partnership, it would be mutually beneficial for both parties." Judging by his proper way of speaking, Mary worked out he was probably a nerd at school.

"Why don't I just shoot you?" Mary said, aiming her gun straight at Ted's eye.

"A viable strategy" Ted replied "were it not for the fact that you are out of ammo and my timely interference saved your life. And I could probably kill you like that." He tried, and failed, to click his fingers. "Damn. Never knew how to do that….And…I also happen to have a horde of ADAM stashed away. I may be interested in sharing it if I feel it's in my best interest."

Mary stared at the ruined Sinclair Solutions poster. "Can I discuss it with my mate?"

"Of course."

Mary walked off, leaving the creepy kid to idly stare at an abandoned book on the table and tie his shoelaces back up. She approached Andrew, who was still lying in the middle of the pile of crates. Pulling him up, he began mumbling.

"Not now, mummy. I don't wanna get up today…"

Mary slapped him, and he finally woke up completely. "Woah, woah, woah! Calm down, you crazy woman! Seriously…"

Ignoring his dirty looks and aggravated mutters, Mary pulled him to his feet. "Long version or short version?" she asked him.

"Medium version."

Mary glared at him, then answered "Basically, after you were knocked out cold, the Big Daddy turned on me. Now, just before he killed me, that weird kid over there froze him and said that he thought he could join us."

"Don't you usually kill anyone you don't like the look of?"

"Yeah, and I'm planning on doing that, but we're not exactly in a position to fight back. And…he has a stash of ADAM."

Andrew licked his lips. He couldn't remember the last time he had a good fix of ADAM. Apparently withdrawal caused SERIOUS insanity and mutations. "Well," Andrew pondered aloud "I say we give the kid a chance. There's safety in numbers…and safety in ADAM."

"Good. We're agreed. Let's go along with the prick. Can I kill him though? You know, if the time comes."

Andrew sighed. "Fine. But we gotta do something about this bloodlust of yours."

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