There was an old man from china he wasn't a very good climber he slipped on a rock and he broke his cock and now he has a vagina (2)

## Main Characters

### POV

* **Lance Taylor** - A teenage orphan who has built up a makeshift family unit with his girlfriend Maxine and her sister Rachel. Kind, thoughtful and outgoing; Lance will do anything to help people who need it. However, he will always put his family first; no matter the consequences for others or himself.

* **Lilly Mason** - A dysfunctional young girl who was subject to brutal fighting and endurance training for most of her childhood at the hands of her uncle, Eric Mason. Lilly is easily the most brash person in the group, speaking her mind and not caring what other people think about her. Adept at fighting, strategy and improvisation; she is easily on of the group's greatest assets. Her moods change easily, and her mental state is fragile at best. Though she might seem invincible at first glance, beneath that shell is a vulnerable child.

* **Carson Monroe** - A cocky young "player" with a sensitive side hidden under his seemingly arrogant exterior. Carson is a world class athlete, having won a silver medal at the Youth Olympics in the javelin event, and puts his skills to good use. He is very close to both Lance Taylor and Lilly Mason, as well as his coach Steve.

* **Anton Smith** - A grumpy middle-class teen, Anton isn't exactly the most likeable of people; however this is made up for keen eye - nothing ever gets past him. Anton is very secretive, mostly because of the incestuous relationship he has with his sister Caitlin. He loathes the idea of people judging him, but will do anything for his sister; opposing motives if their antics should ever be discovered.

* **Yazmin "Yaz" McDonald** - TBA

* **Bill Davison** - TBA

* **Lambert "Butch" Hartigan** - A former alcoholic who chose to live on the streets in order to sober up, Butch is the former leader of small homeless community, most of whom died at the start of the outbreak. He took Lilly Mason under his wing when she ran away from home, and looks at her like a second daughter. He is also a member of the Old Guard, and a dear friend of Samuel Carter. Jovial and friendly, Butch is one of the most likable people in the group; however he is ruthless and unforgiving towards anyone who wrongs the people he loves.

* **Terrence Brodmir** - A serious and somewhat grizzly man, Terrence is a veteran of the Metropolitan Police Force, with nearly forty years of service under his belt. He's a man who wears a 'brave face' for the people he loves; appearing tough and intimidating on the outside to cover for years worth of depression. In truth, under Terrence's hard shell lies a caring man and loving father.

* **Jim Bentley** - TBA

* **Brian Edwards (from later volume)** - A millionaire prepper formerly known as the "Lotto Loony", who spent his EuroMillions winnings on preparing for the end of the world. After losing his wife and almost all of his investment during the first days of the outbreak, Brian traveled the country trying to find safe-haven for him and his daughter. He puts family above all else, and feels a special kinship towards anyone who feels the same way.

* **Keith Vasey (from later volume)** - A retired librarian who is lumbered with his extremely bigoted father. Sarcastic, logical and stubborn; Keith leads the group that arrives halfway through the story. He suffers from Hemicrania Continua, and is often rendered immobile by exacerbations. He has an immense hatred for his father Warren, and keeps him under control by mocking his ludicrous beliefs.

### Non-POV

* **Maxine Crayton** - A victim of child abuse who clings to normality through her relationship with Lance. Well-liked and witty, Maxine looks like a stereotypical popular girl on the outside; yet on the inside lies a sharp mind. She's the unfortunate obsession of Jake Hughes, who seems to be incredibly fixated with her and jealous of her relationship.

* **Alan McVitie** - TBA

* **Desmond Carter** - TBA

* **Randall DeSantos** - Randall could be described as both smug and urbane. While usually quite courteous and even charming in demeanor, he can quickly become aggressive and particularly cold. He's an intelligent and calculating man, who always has a smile on his face, usually the result of his own jokes - likely at someone else's expense. When he worked with Terrence as Detective Chief Inspector; he was known to be unrelenting and callous, yet oddly beguiling at the same time. In truth, he's just as depressed as everyone else, he just does a good job of hiding it.

* **Hannah Walsh** - A copper in training, Hannah is without a doubt the most brash person in the group, and she's probably the only person who can top Lilly when it comes to carelessly inappropriate humour. Her sense of humour fluctuates between hilarious and terrible, and most of her jokes are hit-or-miss. She has a tendency to get carried away with things, to the point where she becomes single-minded.

* **Mindy Edwards (from later volume)** - TBA

* **Mai D'Angelo (from later volume)** - TBA

## Major Characters

* **Rachel Crayton** - TBA

* **Caitlin Smith** - TBA

* **Jake Hughes** - TBA

* **Claire Bentley** - TBA

* **Steve Taylor** - TBA

* **Paul Townsend** - A particularly emotional and inexperienced man, Paul makes up for his lack of sensibility with his resourcefulness and social skills. A Detective Sargent working under Terrence Brodmir, Paul picked up many of his traits; most notable is his perception. While not as serious, nor intelligent as his colleagues, he can come across as far more endearing and genuine. At his roots, Paul is a nice guy, and the end of the world would have little effect on that.

* **Brooke Rhodes** - TBA

* **Mohammed "Hammy" Bilal** - TBA

* **Kenneth MacArthur** - TBA

* **Mark Moore** - TBA

* **Samuel Carter** - TBA

* **Leanne Carter** - TBA

* **Monty Jacobs (from later volume)** - TBA

* **Liam Steele (from later volume)** - TBA

* **Warren Vasey (from later volume)** - TBA

* **Tiffany Hinton (from later volume)** - TBA

## Supporting Characters

* **Leo** - TBA

* **Molly McVitie** - TBA

* **Norman Cartwright** - TBA

* **Marina Cartwright** - TBA

* **Caroline Parker** - TBA

* **Lee Butcher** - TBA

## Trent's Group

* **Trenton Cooper** - The sadistic leader of a small group of survivors. Trent is notable for his strange fixation with fire, an obsession he's held since his days in the Gulf War - joined by his best friend; Andrew. He's a man with very few morals, caring little for human life. Overall, his main goal in the new world, is to have a good time, no matter the expense.

* **Andrew *"Murdoc* Toland** - Trent's right hand man. Murdoc is a towering giant of a man, who can easily intimidate anyone he comes acros- not by choice. In truth, Murdoc despises his leader, the man he once called a friend. Dreaming of breaking away from his group and living by himself. He's incredibly calm, witty and patient with a notable love for music. Murdoc suffers from Hypochromic anemia which gives him his distinguishing red eyes and greenish skin.

* **Jake** - TBA

* **Matt** - TBA

* **Heather** - TBA

* **Kiera** - TBA

* **Rich** - TBA

* **Oliver** - TBA

## Volume 01: TBA

### **Prologue**

#### Terrence POV

Randall is driving a police car with Terrence in the passenger seat and Paul and Hannah in the back. They stop suddenly when a pair of armed men appear in the road, and are forced to get out of the car. A further five men appear from a petrol station to their right, also armed, and they line Terrence's group up against the wall of station. One of them (Leo) grabs Hannah, and to Terrence's fury, starts to molest her. When Terrence tries to attack the man, he's restrained and forced to his knees by two others. The leader, Danny, asks him what the Colonel is planning; and when Terrence asks who the Colonel is, punches him. This is repeated two more times, at which point Randall insults Danny and tells him that they know nothing. Danny has Randall physically restrained and punches him in the gut; and then tells Terrence that if he tells everything he knows about the Colonel's plans and securities, he'll be spared the sight of Hannah being raped and his friends killed. Terrence lies that the Colonel is planning to clear this area in two days time, saying that his group is a scouting group. Danny laughs and thanks him, but then says that he knows Terrence is lying; because the Colonel cleared this area two weeks ago. However he also says that Terrence really did tell everything he knew, and therefore says that he'll keep his promise. He asks Leo to pass Hannah to another guy and get a spoon from the van (and put some music on while he's there). Leo returns with the spoon, and hands it to Danny. As Simple Minds plays in the background, Danny pulls out Terrence's eye.

### **Issue 01**

#### Lance POV

Lance dreams of the night his parents died, before waking in a sweat next to Maxine. She's already awake, and she asks if he's okay; at which point he tells her about the dream. She tells her that "these things" never go away, and it's better to get used to them. Lance almost tells her about Tiffany for the first time, but is interrupted by Rachel running into the room. She climbs into the bed between them and starts chattering about new people. Maxine asks Rachel what she means, at which point she runs out of the room and calls for Lance and Maxine to follow. They head into the kitchen of the house they've been staying in; and see a group in army uniforms talking to Bill, Steve, Anton, Caitlin, Jake and Carson. Another, who has his arm around Lilly, turns and smiles. The man, revealed to be Butch Hartigan, greets him; and Lance does the same back.

#### Bill POV

Bill notices Lance looking uneasy as he's introduced to Butch's companions: Samuel and Brooke. Butch asks if this is everyone, and when Bill says yes, he goes on to explain who he is. He tells the group of the community he comes from, run by a retired soldier named the Colonel and other people he calls "the old guard" (Butch, Samuel, the Colonel, Juan and the recently deceased Martin Bentley). Jake asks why they should trust him, saying that people have lied to them before (referencing Lawson); at which point Lilly stands up for Butch and vouches for his honesty, telling the group of her childhood with him. Jake insists that they still take a vote, much to Butch's annoyance; however he's completely outnumbered. Butch grins, says it settles, and asks if anyone's wants to see his car. Rachel begs to see it, so the whole group goes outside with her; and they see Butch's "car": an FV432 armoured personnel carrier.

#### Terrence POV

Terrence wakes up on the floor, his remaining eye slowly fluttering open. He hears Hannah tell the others that he's awake, and she runs to help him up. Danny tells Leo to let her do it, but as Terrence moves to his feet, he lunges forward and tackles Danny to the ground; gouging at his eyes. Danny yells for his men to get Terrence off of him but they don't move, and a girl's voice sounds out "don't fucking move, unless you want a bullet in the bollocks". The next thing Terrence hears is gunfire, and the sound of bodies thudding to the ground. A man pulls Terrence to his feet and introduces himself as Desmond Carter.

### **Issue 02**

#### Anton POV

Anton and Caitlin push together under a blanket as Butch drives them to the compound, groping eachother underneath it. Lilly clearly notices but says nothing, just raising an eyebrow.

#### Terrence POV

Desmond introduces himself, Claire and Yaz to Terrence's group; who do likewise. Des asks what happened, and when they tell him, he asks them to help round up the bodies to take to The Colonel's community; also offering them a place in the group. He asks Yaz to take Hannah to one side and check that she's okay while they do. As they go to move the bodies, it is revealed that Danny is still alive, and Terrence beats him before stabbing him in the eye with his own knife. Des realises who Terrence just killed, and thanks him. He tells them to forget the other bodies, because "they have their man".

#### Lance POV

Butch ushers the group out of the van, where they meet Hammy. Butch says that they'll be in House Fourteen, to keep Mark company. Butch asks if "he" will be happy with that (hint at Brian), but Hammy says that "he" will be glad to have more company. Lilly asks Butch if she can have her own house, and Butch agrees to let her have Fifteen. Lance also says that he won't have Jake around his family, and Bill agrees that it might be better for him to go elsewhere; so Butch tells him to go find Jim in the square, who has an extra bedroom in House Three. Hammy takes them on a tour, and just as they reach House Fourteen, a man and woman come out of the door. The man asks who they are, Hammy introduces them, and then the man introduces himself as The Colonel and the woman as his wife Molly. He asks them to come inside.

### **Issue 03**

#### Bill POV

The Colonel takes the group inside and introduces them to Mark, his daughter Emma and her friend Mindy; who they'll be sharing the house with. He explains how things are run around here, and asks who the group will nominate to sit on his council. Bill is nominated, and the Colonel asks Bill to accompany him to meet the others.

#### Yaz POV

Yaz talks to Hannah about what happened, and finds that she's alright. After chatting over cigars, they're approached by Paul, who says that everyone is ready to leave. They go with him.

#### Lilly POV

Lilly sits down with Butch in the kitchen of the new house, and they swap their stories of how they survived the outbreak. The conversation eventually arrives at Lexi, and Butch asks Lilly to wait where she is while he goes next door. He comes back with the guitar Lexi bought for him to use while busking, which Mark has been maintaining for him, and offers it to Lilly as a gift. Lilly hugs Butch, and offers to fetch them some cans from her case. Butch reminds her that he's a non-drinker, she calls him a pussy, and they both laugh.

### **Issue 04**

#### Carson POV

Carson is working out in the back garden of the house, with Steve helping him. They are soon joined by Mark; who gets to know the pair while they take a break. He asks if they want to see something cool, and when Carson says yes, he takes them up to the room he shares wih his daughter. There are several guitars lying around, and he asks if they play. When they say no, he tells them to sit down and starts to play American Pie. As he listens, Carson thinks of how he thought he had a chance with Lilly.

#### Bill POV

The Colonel takes Bill into the local pub, the Sherborne Arms. They into a private section of the pub, where a group are sitting around a table. They are: Samuel Carter, Juan Vasquez, Jim Bentley, Kenneth MacArthur, Brooke Rhodes, Norman Cartwright and Marina Cartwright; the council that they all refer to as simply "The Table". The Colonel mentions that some other members (Desmond, Butch, Mark, Caroline, Lee and another unnamed man) are not on hand, and then introduces Bill as their newest member. They all talk and drink, with Butch joining at one point and drinking orange juice rather than beer. Bill feels a bond forming with Jim and Kenneth, the two other non-military fellows currently in the meeting. They're interrupted by Hammy, who says "Des's back...good news..."

#### Terrence POV

Terrence's group walks through the gates, admiring what has been built. Desmond stands behind them with a sack over his shoulder and the girls at his side. Several people come running out of a pub, one of whom Claire runs forward to hug (Jim). Terrence recognises Butch, who says that it's a miracle to seem him again; and asks about his eye. The Colonel asks Butch who he is, and Desmond interrupts; emptying the sack and saying that he's the man who killed Danny Hinton at the cost of his own eye. Butch pulls him into a hug, thanks him, and asks the Colonel if he can be dismissed to show Terrence something. He's dismissed.

### **Issue 05**

#### Yaz POV

Yaz watches on as Paul volounteers to be his group's representative at the Table; because Randall is too argumentative, Terrence needs to recover, and Hannah too impulsive. The Colonel takes him off to a meeting along with everyone else who came out of the pub; and asks Hannah to catch up to Terrence and Butch, and send Butch to the pub. Yaz offers to take Randall on a tour, and once they're out of the way, starts flirting with him. She stops outside a door, he asks what stop this is, and she says it's her house.

#### Terrence POV

Butch tells Terrence that "she" is upstairs, as they can tell by the playing of a guitar, and then says he'll be leaving for a Table meeting at the Sherborne. Terrence wanders upstairs as Lilly plays the song on her guitar. He comes in, says hello, and compliments her playing; and she immediately hugs him. She backs off, gasps when she sees his face, and asks about his eye. He tells her it's not important, and they talk. They're interrupted by Hannah, who asks where Butch is, and Terrence says that he's in the meeting. Lilly asks what the meeting is, and Hannah explains that Danny was some sort of enemy of the community. Lilly says she can't be bothered with that sort of stuff, and offers them each a can. Terrence says that they'd better find where they're going to be placed first, at which point Lilly tells them to live in the house with her. Terrence agrees, on the condition that there will also be room for Paul and Randall, and then asks Lilly to pass him a can.

#### Butch POV

The full Table sits (The Colonel, Juan, Butch, Samuel, Desmond, Brooke, Norman, Marina, Mark, Lee, Caroline, Kenneth, Jim, Bill and Paul). They talk about the situation now that Danny is dead, and it's agreed that there will be retaliation. A man named Brian is mentioned as being out hunting for his daughter, and it's agree that two search parties will go out looking for him. Samuel, Norman and Lee will lead one; while The Colonel, Desmond and Brooke will lead the other. The Colonel pledges that as soon as Brian is safe, they'll hit Danny's remnants hard and fast.

### **Issue 06**

#### Yaz POV

Yaz and Randall sit in bed together, clearly having had exhausting sex. She reminds him that it was casual, nothing more; which he says is relieving. She says he's welcome to come by any time for a repeat, as long as he doesn't take the piss and do it every day, because she has other "friends". As Yaz gets out of bed nude, Hammy walks in and nonchalantly tells them that everyone's meeting in the square in an hour. Randall asks Yaz if Hammy is one of her "friends", but she explains that he's asexual. She tells Randall that she'll be going for a shower, but remarks that they still have an hour and asks him to join her.

#### Lance POV

Lance, Maxine, Rachel, Carson, Steve, Anton and Caitlin stand together as they await the Colonel's speech. Jake eyes them angrily from the other side of the square. They also notice Lilly standing with Terrence and Hannah, and she comes over to join them; introducing the pair to her old friends. The Colonel and his Table come out of the pub, and stand together outside the entrance. The Colonel formally announces the death of Danny Hinton, and says that Terrence will receive the first medal made fter the outbreak as soon as they find a decent goldsmith. He goes on to announce the search parties that will head out to find Brian: Party A will be lead by Colonel himself, Juan Vasquez, Brooke Rhodes and Butch Hartigan; while Party B will be lead by Samuel Carter, Norman and Marina Cartwright, and Lee Butcher. The Colonel asks for eight volunteers per group; and gets Claire, Lilly, Hannah, Yaz, Lance, Hammy, Carson and Caroline for his own. The volunteers for the other group are randoms except for Molly. The Colonel tries to persuade her not to go, but she shuts him up. He thanks everyone, tells them to feel free to take a seat on the kerbs and benches, and then says that it's time for the evening's entertainment.

#### Lilly POV

Lilly looks around to ask Mark what that means, but he's gone, so she sits. She notices Hannah being rather close to her, and tries to encourage her two new companions to interact with her old group. Their talk is interrupted by Mark, who hands Lilly her guitar. She feels embarassed to have it out in public, but Terrence reassures her. Mark shouts out for everyone to quiet down, and then announces that they have two new players in their company. He asks Paul and Lilly to stand up and give a wave, which they awkwardly do, to Terrence's humour. Mark says that he'll start off, and tells the other two to join in when they're ready; with the audience to join in singing when they choose. The issue ends with Lilly observing the people around her as the whole group sings *Fast Car*.

## Volume 02: Hide and Seek

### **Issue 07**

#### Carson POV

Carson is joking around with the rest of his house (bar Emma, Anton and Caitlin; who are all in bed); as well as Lilly, Terrence, Randall and Hannah. He decides to call it a night, and as he passes Anton and Caitlin's room, he hears noises. He looks in through the cracks and sees the two rolling around in bed together; obviously having sex. Gobsmacked, he heads out into the street for a walk; telling the others that he needs to clear his head. As he walks down an alleyway, someone grabs him from behind, covers his mouth, and pins him against a wall. It's revealed to be Yaz, and before he can speak, she kisses him. She convinces him to stay quiet, and then gives him a blowjob.

#### Jim POV

Jim walks back to House Three with Claire and Jake. Paul catches up to them and asks if he can stay with them, not knowing that Terrence has arranged for him to have a room at Lilly's house. As they walk, they see Carson and Yaz fucking against a wall; and Jake stops and watches. Jim tells him to look away, and Jake responds angrily. Paul grabs Jake by the collar and tells him to treat Jim with some respect, as he's given him a place to stay. Jake storms off towards the house, and Claire thanks Paul for sticking up for her grandad

#### Lance POV

Lance and Maxine lie in bed together, and just as they consider having sex; Rachel walks in and says that she can't sleep. Maxine lets her hop in between them, and she quickly nods off. Maxine tells Lance that he needs to come back, and he promises that he will.

#### Colonel POV

The Colonel and Molly stand talking in their kitchen, and he tries to convince her not to go. She says that everything will be fine, and that she has to do something for Brian, who saved her life at the start of the outbreak. The Colonel says that he understands, and kisses her; before giving her a butterfly knife to hide up her sleeves in case she's attacked. She tells him that he worries to much, and kisses him again.

### **Issue 08**

#### Samuel POV

Samuel and Desmond go into their house and immediately head upstairs. They enter a bedroom where a young woman is lying in bed. It's Desmond's daughter, Leanne. She asks what's going on, and they explain that Samuel is going out to look for Brian. She asks to go with him, but Samuel says it isn't possible, revealing that she's crippled. Desmond explains that Jim and Hammy will be checking in on her while Samuel's gone (as he'll be too busy running the community), which she doesn't mind. Samuel tells Desmond that they "should tell her", and Desmond loses his temper. Samuel argues back, but the argument is broken up by Leanne, who says she want to hear. Desmond sits on her bad and tells her that Danny Hinton is dead, revealing him to be the one who crippled her. She thanks them for telling her, and asks to see the man who did it; so she can thank him. Desmond says that its over, Samuel tries to argue again, and Desmond tells him to leave. As Samuel walks out, Leanne begs her father to see the man who killed Danny, revealing that he also raped her before he broke her legs. Desmond once again refuses, and when Leanne goes silent and ignores him, he walks out of the room. He sarcastically thanks Samuel, and then shuts himself in his bedroom.

#### Brooke POV

Desmond storms into the bedroom he shares with Brooke, and she asks him what the problem is. He explains that Samuel told Leanne about Danny being killed, and she says that it's probably for the best. Desmond tells her that she's right, but he doesn't want his daughter dwelling on death all the time. Brooke tells him that she'll dwell on anything and everything she can as long as he keeps her shut up in her room, but Desmond worries that she'll be mocked if she goes back out into the community in her wheelchair. Brooke tells him that Leanne is a hero, she stayed behind to help her squad escape; and that she'll be treated exactly how she deserves to be if she goes out there. She tells Desmond to relax and climb into bed, and when he does, pulls him into her arms and says that she loves him.

#### Terrence POV

Terrence, Lilly and Hannah are watching a DVD of The Lion King, one of the only films left in the house. Terrence notices Lilly and Hannah are starting to act affectionately, which he finds rather adorable. Terrence makes a comment about loving Elton John as the end credits play his version of The Circle of Life, and Lilly jokingly calls him gay. The three banter for a while, and they're interrupted by a knock at the door. Terrence opens it to reveal Samuel, who tells him about Leanne and asks if he'll come visit her while Desmond is in bed; because he doesn't like her to leave the house. Terrence looks back into the living room and sees Lilly resting her head on Hannah's shoulder, smiles, and says he'll just get his coat.

Terrence and Samuel arrive in Leanne's room, and she awakes and asks who he is. He sits on her bed and tells her that he killed Danny, and she asks if Danny took his eye. When Terrence explains what happened, Leanne leans forward to try and hug him, but can't reach without bending her legs (which hurts her, badly). Terrence looks at Samuel, who nods, and then he leans over and hugs her. She starts to cry and thanks him again, and Terrence says she doesn't need to thank him. They hear a door creak open and Samuel swears, telling Terrence that he should probably go. Terrence walks out onto the landing and comes face-to-face with Desmond, who grabs him by the collar and pins him against a wall. Samuel tells Desmond to get off of Terrence, at which point Des tells Samuel that he shouldn't be interfering with his family. Samuel argues that it's his family too, and Terrence stands up for him; saying that they wouldn't have to be sneaking around if Desmond would let Leanne leave the house. Desmond tries to punch Terrence, but Brooke (who has come out of the bedroom upon hearing the noise) grabs his arm. She tells him to stop, and he does; but then growls at Terrence and Samuel to get out of his house. Samuel argues that it's his house too, but before Desmond can reply, Terrence says he can use a spare room at Lilly's place. Samuel thanks him, and they leave.

#### Lilly POV

Lilly tells Hannah she's going up to bed, and Hannah says that she'll do the same. Lilly heads upstairs with Hannah behind her, and goes into her room. She pulls her shirt off and immediately feels Hannah grab her bra-covered breasts from behind. Lilly grins and asks Hannah why she hasn't gone to bed, and Hannah says that they're both "going to bed"; just not for sleep. She spins Lilly round and they kiss, starting to make out as Lilly jump up wraps her legs around Hannah's waist. Hannah puts Lilly down on the bed, crawls on top of her, and slips a hand into her jeans. Lilly moans and starts kissing down Hannah's neck, as Hannah starts to finger her. Hannah puts her hand inside Lilly shirt, and stops as she feels a scar. She moves her hand about quickly, and Lilly feels her slide over several more scars. Hannah tries to ask Lilly why she has the scars, but Lilly shuts her up with a kiss. Lilly then tells Hannah that the mystery is half the fun, and Hannah simply grins in response. She slides down Lilly's body, grabs the waistband of her jeans, and pulls them down. Lilly feels Hannah's tongue touch her, and moans.

### **Issue 09**

#### Carson POV

(Starts off similar to Issue 06, making a parallel between Randall and Carson). Carson wakes up in bed next to Yaz, and they chat. She starts to give him a handjob when they're interrupted by Hammy telling them that it's time to get ready for the search. Hammy jokes that Yaz is a paedo for shagging Carson, and she jokingly tells him to fuck off; at which point he says that at least Carson is an upgrade from "him you had yesterday afternoon" (Randall). Carson feels rather betrayed, having fallen for Yaz, and she clearly notices it on his face. She tells Hammy to bugger off while they get ready, and then apologises to carson, saying she thought he just wanted a quick shag. They get dressed in silence, and leave with Hammy.

#### Terrence POV

Terrence goes to wake Hannah, but finds her room empty. With a sneaking suspicion, he looks into Lilly's room, and finds the pair sleeping in an embrace. He knocks on the side of the doorframe and tells them that Butch is waiting downstairs, and that they need to be ready in half an hour. Hannah wakes quickly, realises he's there, and then starts tryin to explain why she's in bed with Lilly. Terrence tells her that she doesn't need to explain, just to wake Lilly up and get dressed. He then heads downstairs to the kitchen and joins Butch and Samuel, drinking tea as he talks with them. He tells them about Lilly and Hannah, and Butch smiles, saying that's how he used to find Lilly and Lexi in doorways and under bridges. Samuel asks what he means, and Butch explains that Lilly was on the streets with him. When Samuel asks who Lexi was, Terrence and Butch begin to tell him; but are interrupted when Lilly and Hannah come downstairs. As they all prepare to leave, Terrence says that he'll tell Samuel the whole story when he returns.

#### Bill POV

Bill watches on as the groups leave for the search, and says goodbye to Lance; to whom he promises that he'll look after Maxine and Rachel until the search parties come back. Carson approaches Steve, who's next to Bill; and they ask where he was the night before. He tries to explain, but Steve quickly figures out that he was with a girl. Without realising how emotional Carson is feeling, Steve tells him to head over and join the other searchers near the truck. As the pair watch their students board the trucks and leave, they're joined by Terrence; who introduces himself and explains how he knows Lilly. As the three make aquaintance, they're also joined by Paul and Randall. Terrence asks where they both were last night, and Randall jokes that Paul was sleeping with Claire. Paul tells the real version of the story, that he stayed with Jim and Claire because he didn't know where Terrence was. They then both ask where Randall was, and find that he passed out under a table in the pub. Terrence introduces them to Bill and Steve, and then asks them all if they fancy a pint.

### **Issue 10**

#### Jim POV

Jim walks into the Sherborne Arms; and sees Terrence, Paul, Randall, Bill and Steve having a drink in the corner. Paul sees Jim and invites him to join them, introducing him to the others as the man who gave him a room the night before; at which point Randall asks him if he takes in strays as a hobby, noting that he had Jake with him the previous night. Bill asks how Jake's doing, and Jim immediately confesses that he's a little git. Steve calls over the barman, Louis, to bring them another drink; which he does. Desmond enters the bar with Kenneth and they sit in the next room, at which point Terrence tells the others about his daughter and what happened with Samuel. Randall's quick to ask if she's good looking, but Terrence tells him to watch his mouth; lest Desmond hears him. Clearly trying to change the subject, Bill asks Terrence how Lilly's doing; and he tells them about finding her with Hannah. Randall jokes around some more, and then asks Terrence if he was tempted to climb in the middle of them. Jim tells Randall that he's probably said enough on that one, so he instead turns onto joking about Paul and Claire; to Jim's annoyance. When Paul tries to explain to Randall that he barely even spoke to Claire, Randall yawns and says that he's going for a smoke. As soon as he goes out the door, Steve asks if the others want to go back to the house he shares with Bill and their group for another drink, to save putting up with anymore of Randall's jokes.

#### Maxine POV

Maxine is pushing Rachel's swing for her when they're joined by Mark, with Mindy and Emma. Maxine and Mark talk while the girls play, with Mark saying that Lance did a brave thing by volunteering. Mindy comes over, upon overhearing them, and asks Maxine if Rachel's dad went to find hers. Maxine is almost dumbstruck, wondering how Mindy knows anything about her father, and then Mark whispers that she means Lance. Maxine crouches down and tells Mindy that Lance is her boyfriend not Rachel's dad; and Mindy tells her that she's got "the best fucking boyfriend" in the world. Maxine smiles, not knowing what else to say, and tells Mindy to go back to playing. She then asks Mark where Mindy learned that, and Mark tells her about Brian, who has raised her a "rather unorthodox" way.

#### Bill POV

Bill leads the others into the house, and they hear moaning upstairs. He initially thinks it's Maxine and Lance, and tells the others to ignore it, but then realise that Lance is out on the search. They head upstairs together, and Steve opens the door; revealing Anton and Caitlin having sex. The pair rush to cover up and explain themselves, while Bill tries to figure out what to say. They hear the door slam downstairs, and then someone climbing up tthe landing. It's Randall, who grins and asks them why they left the pub, and then he looks inside the door and sees Anton and Caitlin. His eyes widen, and then he smirks: "Well...aint that some Fifty Shades shit..."

### **Issue 11**

#### Lance POV

Lance, Carson and Juan are one of the splinter groups from Search Party A, looking for Brian in a toy shop in an abandoned shopping park. Juan starts whinging about being assigned the toy shop as they search for any hints of Brian being around, while Lance steals a cutesy looking teddy that he thinks Rachel might like. Juan starts to berate Lance for bringing another child (Rachel) into their midst, though admitting that he likes teenagers about their age because they're responsible but also follow orders. He then tells Lance and Carson to search the storeroom while he checks the manager's office. They start to search, and Carson talks about what happened with Yaz. Just as Lance tells him that there are plenty more fish in the sea, Juan calls them over to the manger's office. They think it's a hint of Brian, but Juan instead shows them a picture of the store manager with his kids. He drop kicks the photo frame at a wall, shattering it, and tells them they should report back to the Colonel.

#### Yaz POV

Yaz, Brooke and Hammy joke around as they search a sex shop, which has mostly been looted. At first they start to mess around with the remaining sex toys, and when Hammy sees a novelty blow up doll of a little boy, he tosses it to Yaz and asks if that's up to her tastes. She tells him to fuck off, and Brooke asks what the joke is. Yaz tries to palm it off as Hammy "being obsessed with things that blow up", but Hammy explains about Carson; which Brooke finds hilarious. Hammy takes a serious tone, saying that Carson seemed to like her, but Yaz says its just a textbook case of puppy love. Hammy say "I'll drink to that" and takes a swing from a bottle of vodka shapes like a penis, with makes the other two burst out laughing. Brooke tells them that they'd better start looking serious, because it's time to report back.

#### Butch POV

Butch and Hannah search the management building of the shopping park, Lilly searching the ground floor while they both handle the first. Butch mentions how Terrence found Lilly and Hannah in bed together and Hannah tries to cover-up for it, saying that it was an act of drunken impulse, but Butch says he's happy for the pair to be together if they want; saying that it reminds him of Lexi. Hannah asks who Lexi is, saying that she's heard the name before; and Butch tells her about Lexi and Lilly's relationship (and the murder, and how that relates to Terrence). Hannah expresses her condolences, especially when Butch mentions all his other homeless friends dying almost immediately when the outbreak happened. They're interrupted by Lilly, who says that they should be reporting back. As the three leave, Butch whispers to Lilly "I think this one's a keeper, darlin'".

#### Colonel POV

The splinter groups of Search Party A meet in front of a large M&S, having cleared one row of shops, and The Colonel gives them orders: they stick together, with him and Juan at the front, and Butch and Yaz at the back; until they reach the upstairs (where he thinks Brian might be). They enter, putting down every walker they see; and eventually make it upstairs. The Colonel leads the group over to a pincode locked door that is ajar, opens it, and comes face-to-face with Brian; who is pointing a gun at him. He asks "how did you find me, Alan?"

#### Samuel POV

Samuel's group arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh, on the search for Brian. They put down a few walkers surrounding the area, and then split up. Samuel, as per special orders from the Colonel, stays with Molly. Norman calls out that he's found something, and everyone goes over to him at the doors of the market hall, which are slightly ajar. They all head inside, and there are supplies and sleeping bags everywhere. Samuel says that they're not alone, and a female voice replies "you're right". Samuel grabs Molly and dives out of the way with her just as the rest of their group are mown down in a hail of bullets. Two heavy set men pull him to his feet, and then force him to his knees in front of a blonde woman; another doing the same to Molly. The woman grins and says that they're going to help her send a message to the Colonel. Samuel tells her that he "won't do jack shit" for her, and she tells him that the task isn't optional. She draws her machete.

### **Issue 12**

#### Lilly POV

Brian forces the Colonel's group to back up, and lets the door lock behind him. The Colonel tries to speak but Brian tells him to save it, and then asks why they came to find him. The Colonel explains that Danny is dead and there might be retribution, but Brian says he doesn't care, because his daughter is still out there. Juan gets arsey and says that they should just knock Brian out and take him with them, and tries to do so, but Brian floors him without effort; saying that he's serious about staying out here til he finds his daughter. He tells the group to leave, saying that they already know what he can do. The Colonel asks if that's a threat, and Brian says it is. The Colonel tells his group to back up, because they're leaving; but Lilly refuses. She steps up to Brian, and says that no one threatens her friends. Brian tells her to back away, because he doesn't want to hurt a little girl; at which point Lilly lunges and knocks his gun from his hand. He says that she's good for a kid, at which point Lilly tells the others to stay back. She fights Brian, and after a while, manages to get under his guard and knock him out with a headbutt. She swears, her head throbbing; at which point she's pulled into a hug by Hannah. The Colonel thanks her, and says that they'd better get Brian's guns from inside the offices. He kicks down the locked door, and the alarms start going off around the whole store. Hannah swears, and the Colonel tells them all to leave the supplies. He hoists Brian over his shoulder and tells the others to make for the exit.

#### Terrence POV

Terrence, Bill and Jim visit Desmond and Kenneth in the pub, with Anton and Caitlin in tow (having left Steve and Paul to keep Randall out of trouble). A rather drunk Desmond asks what Terrence wants, assuming that it's about Leanne; but Jim says otherwise. He checks over his shoulder to see if they're alone, then explains about Anton and Caitlin; which sends Kenneth pale. Desmond asks what the fuck they want him to do about it, and Jim says that the Colonel would've seperated them. Desmond says that he isn't the Colonel, and Terrence says he's right, because the Colonel would never keep his daughter prisoner in her own bedroom. Desmond swings for Terrence and punches him in the face, and the pair start to fight. Jim and Bill manage to restrain Terrence while Kenneth and the barman Louis manage to keep Desmond back. As Jim tries to calm things down, Mark comes running in with Rachel, Mindy and Emma (all crying); and asks Kenneth to watch them. He tells the others that they need to get to the playing fields, immediately.

#### Colonel POV

The Colonel's group runs outside of the store, but there are walkers swarming in from every direction due to the alarms. They try their best to fight the walkers off, with Carson saving Yaz from being bitten; but Caroline is overwhelmed. At this point, the group is ordered to switch to firearms; but before they can; another group rushes out of a nearby shop, and they too start to fight off the walkers. The Colonel ends up back to back with their apparent leader, who is heavily tattooed and pierced. The two groups manage to take down every walker in sight, and the Colonel thanks the leader, who introduces himself as Trent.

#### Bill POV

Terrence, Bill, Jim, Desmond, Louis and several others from the pub arrive with Mark. Maxine runs back and hugs Bill, and tries to tell him what they've found. Mark leads them all into an ajoining field, with Bill and Maxine at the back. Louis breaks down into tears, and Desmond falls to his kness. Mark comments that the girls found them while playing, and Bill finally sees what they're talking about. The heads of Samuel's group are all impaled on stakes; and tied to the stake bearing Molly's head is the message "you're next, Colonel".

## Volume 03: Best Laid Plans

### **Issue 13**

#### Colonel POV

The Colonel orders Yaz and Hammy to take Brian and lock him in the truck before he wakes up. Trent asks what's going on with him, and the Colonel explains that he's a friend who refused to come back to safety. The Colonel asks Trent to forgive his manners, and introduces himself and his group; to which Trent does the same. Trent invites the Colonel's group inside the shop where his group were hiding out: an independent music store. While the groups mingle, Trent talks to the Colonel and Butch about why they were in such a rush to get Brian home to their community, and is told about Danny. Trent offers to take Danny's group out in return for some weapons and a night with Yaz, but Butch quickly shuts him down, saying that their group aren't commodities. Trent apologises, and says that he'll try and work his charms "in the the ol' fashioned way".

#### Hannah POV

Hannah and Lilly are jokingly examining Elton John records and doing bad Terrence impersonations when Oliver approaches them and tries to hit on Hannah. He seems rather forceful, and leaves abruptly when she admits to being both lesbian and with Lilly. As they quietly comment on how weird he was, they're approached by Murdoc, who warns them to "be careful with that one". Before they can ask what he means, he asks what their community is like, a seeming emphasis on whether or not they take in new residents. Lilly comments on his guitar, and the pair talk about playing; and when Hannah complains that she has no idea what they're talking about, Lilly mockingly tells her that guitars are like big ukeleles. Hannah tells her to piss off, and they both burst out laughing.

#### Yaz POV

Yaz is making out with Trent in the manager's office of the store, and they start to undress eachother. Yaz pulls away, saying that her group is meant to be leaving in five minutes, but Trent calls himself "the master of the quickie". They kiss again, and Trent bends her over the desk. The scene ends with the pair having anal sex.

#### Terrence POV

Seeing that Maxine is getting emotional, Terrence takes her away from the heads. The pair walk along the side of the stream, talking. After they talk about the heads, Maxine reveals that she knows about Lexi, and says that Lilly told her about a detective who gave Butch the address of the murderers. Terrence, not seeing the point in hiding it in a world without police and law, admits it; and Maxine says he's just like her. Terrence asks what she means, and she makes him promise not to tell anyone, not even Lilly. When he promises, she explains that she killed her abusive older brother in his sleep to stop him from molesting Rachel. At first, Terrence is speechless, wondering why a girl he barely knows has just told him this; but he quickly realises that she has been wanting to tell someone about it for a long time. He comforts her and asks if anyone else knows, and she says that Lance does. Just as they reach the houses, Terrence tells Maxine to go inside and sleep, and says that he's around if she ever needs help. She thanks him and goes inside, and Terrence leans against the wall of his own house as he thinks of Nancy's own childhood abuse.

## Spinoff - Black Dawn: Sunset

Follows Randall DeSantos after he leaves Northleach, joining up with a group hiding out in a block of council flats. The story lasts for three volumes; and ends with Randall and the remaining group members returning to Northleach halfway through Tiffany's attack on Christmas Day.