Alrighty time for chapter five. I won't even apologize, seeing as half of you won't even read this section. Second story is still in the planning stages so hold tight as I get those facts together. BTW there will be several follow up Chapter Fives. You'll see why at the end. Anyway, on to Chapter five.

Chapter Five

They sat around the table, a dim light enveloping the room in homely warmth. Shauntell wiped the sweat from his forehead as he began to calm down. The older of the two girls brought out a tray of mugs, all filled with whiskey. The man named Geoffrey took the initiative and grabbed his mug.

"I'm sorry we couldn't have a more formal meeting. My Name is Geoffrey." He pointed his finger to the girl who just laid the mugs down.

"This is my sister, Ashley," She smiled, her blue eyes glistening in the fading sun, and Geoffrey directed his hand to the younger girl, "My niece, Missy,"

The other man stood up. He looked to be as tall as Monroe, or even larger. The only thing larger than his own body was his dark curly hair, which seemed to escalate an extra few inches above his head. He introduced himself as Garrett. They drank happily as Shauntell introduced all of those in his group.

"So Shauntell, what has brought you through this city?"

"I'm happy you asked. We talked to an army general who said that a quarantine was going into effect after 50 days. That was about a week ago. They are picking people up at Union City, once a week. We're about another two weeks away, but when you consider weather and other stoppages, it'll be about three." The athlete said.

"Hmmmm…. So I suppose you'll be on your way soon?" Geoffrey asked.

"Yes. As a matter of fact we didn't plan on stopping today." Hogan cut in.

"Well you wouldn't mind if we- you know- joined you, would you?" Geoffrey asked.

Shauntell looked at his group. Their numbers were already large for what they were trying to accomplish. Anything over 10 people was simply begging for bad things to happen. But, they had weapons and apparently experience using those same weapons.

Shauntell's eyes moved over to the younger girl, Missy. She was taking apart her weapon and cleaning it. She had each part placed in an organized pattern. She cleaned, oiled, and put back each piece with expert care. Soon, she had a fully functional M1 Carbine at her disposal. This was encouraging to Shauntell.

"Uhh you wouldn't mind if I talk to my friends about this, would you?"

"Of course take your time" Geoffrey said warmly. He stroked his goatee and sat down. Shauntell and his friends huddled together. He opened statements neutrally.

"I don't care either way. What are your opinions?"

"No. I don't like being in this city to begin with. You saw how many zombies followed us here. They'll find us within minutes" Tony said.

"I say yes. The more, the safer." Sydney said.

"Tony's got a point. I say no" Hogan said.

"Yes! Let them come!" Lauren pleaded. After this, Bailey chuckled, earning her some strange looks. Her face went tomato red as she continued in her small joke.

"Sure why not?" Abby said nonchalantly. Standing next to her was Anna, as the two had become inseparable friends over the last week. Anna spoke after her, in her loud voice.

"I agree with Abby!"

"Whatever gets us out of here faster" Nick said

"I'll go with whatever" Monroe said.

The whole group went with a feeling like that, so Tony's worries were ignored again, and they revealed the news to Geoffrey. They agreed to stay with Geoffrey for the rest of that day, and the day after that. After, they would leave the city, and head for Union City on the fastest path. All in acquiesced, they all found a place to sleep, with Nick and Missy alternating on guard.

Every now and again, the silent cough of Missy's Dragunov awoke Shauntell; however the stifling silence soon closed his tired eyes. But the silence was shattered by that hellish moaning. That noise would drive any man to insanity, and it lasted all night. No matter how hard he tried, it kept reverberating through his mind. It was unbearable. The night dragged on, and Shauntell never slept.

Finally, the sun crept over the skyscrapers and shone upon the city. The undead were not phased by the light, but it was psychologically lifting to see for Shauntell. His bloodshot eyes finally closed as his friends awoke and took care of what was left of their attackers. He slept for a few hours, and then awoke to a sweet, sweet voice, like honey. It was actually Anna, nearly screaming at him.

"Shauntell! Wake up you lazy ass! We've got work to do!" He awoke groggily, and questioned the ongoings of their last day in the city. Apparently, they would be gathering supplies for their journey. Because there was a large amount of necessities required, they divided into groups, and set out.